TIES THAT BIND, Jay Halstead

005.

The hum of the BAU office was different today. The usual buzz of phones ringing, agents rushing in and out, and urgent case files piling up was absent. Instead, there was a rare quietness, as if the office itself was taking a collective breath. Jay Halstead sat at his desk, his third week at the BAU stretching before him like a long, winding road. He had been busy trying to adjust to the team dynamics, learning the ropes, and familiarizing himself with the routine of the office. Today, however, was different. Today was paperwork day.

As he sifted through the mountain of reports on his desk, Spencer walked into the office, his usual energy radiating off him. Jay noticed immediately that Spencer had a spring in his step, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. It wasn’t typical for Spencer to be this animated about something that wasn’t related to an intellectual challenge or a new case, so Jay couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

“Happy birthday, Spence!” Derek called out from his desk, standing up and giving Spencer a playful slap on the back. “How does it feel to officially be old enough to have gray hairs?”

Spencer, who was still in his late twenties, gave Derek an exaggerated frown, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. “I’m not that old, Derek,” he replied, adjusting his glasses. “And I don’t have gray hairs. That’s just… stress. Or maybe it’s because of all the time I spend around you.”

The office erupted in laughter, with Emily adding, “You know, Spencer, you’re only as old as you feel. But judging by the way you’re already reaching for the ibuprofen, I’d say you’re pushing fifty.”

Spencer groaned, rubbing his temples. “I don’t feel that old,” he muttered, but the smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.

Jay chuckled, leaning back in his chair. He was still getting used to this kind of teasing. Back in Chicago, his days had been filled with high-stakes cases and intense situations. The BAU, though equally serious, had a different dynamic—a family dynamic. And, as much as he tried to keep his distance, he found himself slowly being drawn into it.

The teasing continued, and Jay joined in, but his laughter was quieter, more reserved. He was still the new guy, after all. Still figuring out where he fit in. But just as he was about to return to his paperwork, the door to the office opened again, and Alba Rodrigo walked in.

Her presence immediately shifted the mood in the room. Alba was the kind of person who commanded attention without saying a word. Alba didn’t play games—and she certainly didn’t partake in the lighthearted banter that often filled the office.

Today, however, was different.

Without a word, she walked over to Spencer’s desk, her heels clicking sharply on the floor. Jay watched as she placed a small, neatly wrapped box on Spencer’s desk. It was a simple gesture, but it was enough to make everyone pause.

“Happy birthday, Reid,” Alba said, her voice low and controlled, as always. There was no warmth in her tone, but there was something about the way she spoke that made it clear this wasn’t just a formality. It was something… personal.

Spencer blinked, clearly surprised. His eyes widened slightly as he looked up at Alba. “You… got me something?” he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and genuine gratitude.

Alba nodded once, her expression unreadable. “It’s not much,” she said, her tone still cool, but there was a faint hint of something softer beneath the surface. “Just a little something I thought you might appreciate.”