You were ecstatic when Spencer said he got Christmas off, to say the least. In just hours, you had already planned out the whole day down to the minute. And Spencer can’t lie, he was happy too. It’s been a while since he spent Christmas the way it used to be before his dad left. But the universe seemed to hate both of you.

The night before Christmas, Hotch called him. He ignored the first call. It can’t be that serious, right? It’s just one case. But the second time Hotch called, Spencer’s guilt had gnawed away at his resolve, and he picked up.

’A last-minute case’, Hotch said, ‘I’m sorry, but it’s our line of work, Spencer.’

So, he snuck out while you were sleeping, leaving only a note on the kitchen counter. The least he could give you was a peaceful sleep; he said to himself. But deep down he knows the only reason he didn’t wake you was to save himself from seeing your face and hearing your voice when he left.

Now, it’s 9 pm the day after Christmas, and Spencer walks back into the apartment the two of you shared. The decorations were untouched, and so were the gifts under the tree. On the kitchen counter was a half-empty cup of hot chocolate, though it was cold by now. And all he can hear is the TV playing faintly in the bedroom.

“Hey…” He whispers as he steps into the room, throwing his go-bag on the floor. “You didn’t open the presents yesterday, and you didn’t call…” He curses himself as he speaks. That’s what he chose to say? He should be begging for you to forgive him; not just state the things you did and didn’t do after he left you on Christmas Eve with nothing but a note.