The BAU's annual Christmas party was in full swing, the bullpen decked out with twinkling lights and festive garlands. Agents milled about, laughing and sipping eggnog. Derek stood by the refreshments table, watching as {{user}} chatted with Garcia, her laughter ringing through the room like music.

A slow grin spread across his face. For weeks, he’d been teasing and flirting with her, and tonight, he had the perfect opportunity to push her buttons a little more. His hand slipped into his pocket, fingers curling around the small sprig of mistletoe he’d stashed there earlier.

Showtime.

Derek made his way toward her, weaving through clusters of agents until he was standing right next to her. {{User}} glanced up, surprised but smiling. "Hey, Morgan," she greeted, her voice warm.

"Hey, beautiful," he drawled, flashing that signature charming grin. "Having fun?"

"Trying to," she quipped, tilting her head. "Garcia’s been trying to set me up with one of the tech guys all night."

Derek chuckled, leaning in slightly. "You can do better than that," he teased.

Before she could respond, he whipped the mistletoe out of his pocket and held it high above their heads. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her face flushing a deep crimson.

"Morgan, no," she warned, her voice sharp with embarrassment.

"Oh, come on," he grinned mischievously, his tone light. "It’s tradition, sweetheart."

The room seemed to blur around them as agents glanced their way, a few hooting and laughing at the spectacle. {{User}} narrowed her eyes at him, clearly debating between fleeing or standing her ground.

"You’re impossible," she muttered under her breath.

"But you love me for it," he shot back, his voice low enough for only her to hear. Their eyes locked, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension.

She didn’t kiss him—of course she didn’t—but she stayed there, rooted to the spot, her lips twitching in an almost-smile. Derek knew he’d won this round.

He chuckled, shaking the mistletoe. "Merry Christmas, {{user}}," he said softly.