#Luke Tara and Matt or the love of my lives

[lizzyk137]

Misunderstandings and Realizations- A Spencer Reid Fanfiction (Spencer X Reader)

Summary: You and Spencer started to drift apart after JJ's confession, you can handle it for only so long before leaving him. Warnings: Mentions of miscarriage, angst, fluff, brief mentions of sex, brief mention of serial killer, brief mention of seizure, talk of pregnancy, brief moments of being in a hospital Based on Season 14 episode 16 all throughout Season 15

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Something went down.

Not in the bad way, well you guess you could say it was bad because there was a hostage situation with an Unsub, but something certainly happened.

You felt it when he came back home to you that night. Curling himself around you, kissing your neck all over before finally making passionate love to you, like the world would end if he didn't. Usually, you cuddle and fall asleep after you both clean up, but he left you in bed as he went out to the living room, his face masked of any emotion.

His face often did that now when you were around. You had asked the other team member's partners during your weekly get together at the park, but none of them knew what went down that night, not even Will. All he knew was that the Unsub played a game with JJ and Spencer, and JJ didn't tell him anything but that.

You saw the looks at Rossi's wedding, you tried to ignore them. Will seem oblivious to them, but you caught every single one. Spencer didn't ask you to dance either that night, something he loved to do with you since it gave him the excuse to hold you close, look into your eyes and give you kiss after kiss all while you giggled. He loved the feeling of your heart beating in sync with his, he had told you and since then he would randomly dance with you at home and especially when you both went out.

The looks continued throughout the night, the random hush conversations. They didn't stop even when Will got JJ to dance or Alvez came over to ask you to dance. Spencer didn't even seem to care when you said yes, and you spent the rest of the night dancing with Alvez and Pennelope. He just sat alone at the table, his gaze always finding JJ's.

--

Kristy watched you, her hand on her growing bump, as you ran around the playground with her youngest daughters. "Are you sure he isn't just stressed?" She had asked, her voice almost lost in the mixture of the kid's giggled and screams.

You peaked your head from behind one of the slide's. "He's been going to therapy and taking his medicine regularly. It could be but he's never been like this before."

You slid down the slide, the plastic being a little slicker than you thought causing you to fall off and onto the ground.

A pain in your stomach appeared, causing you to gasp, but you quickly brush it away as Henry and Michael came running up to you with a disheveled Will running to catch up with them. You played with the kids for a while, the pain growing more intense, before you slugged your way over to the bench where Kristy and Will sat.

"You should sit down. The kids are pushing you hard today." Kristy laughed. You sat down next to her, a cry escaping your lips as your body touched the cool bench beneath you. "Are you okay?"

You shook your head as the pain increased, your vision going blurry as you felt Will's hands grab your body before it hit the bench.

--

Spencer watched as Matt and Kristy laughed at what Luke said, Matt's arms circling his wife's very pregnant belly. He wondered if he would get to do that one day, but he shook the thought from his mind before going back to his conversation with Tara.

"How's Y/N, doing? She's been quiet the past couple of meet ups."

Spencer nodded his head before lying, "She's been okay, work has her stressed out. She spends most days reading or with the kids." He knew it wasn't the truth but every member of his team that has asked how you've been, he just gave the same reply. Because in all honesty, he didn't know the truth. One day you were just quiet.

He saw the cracks in your usual smiley self. You were a ray of sunshine, always what was needed to brighten up his usual gloomy self. He knew things have been different, he didn't want to admit it. His brain always confused on what he wanted and possibly who he wanted, though he would never tell you that. He always made himself busy, usually taking on more cases from police departments that needed help or booking more classes to teach. The only intimacy you both had was when he came home after cases. He would kiss you like your lips was the air he needed and then made love to you for hours before watching you drift off to sleep before moving to the couch which had become his bed every night because it wasn't right of him to lay next to you while he had been tossing around the idea of a life with another women.

Spencer knew you were lonely, but you stayed, he was thankful for that, he didn't know what he would do without you in his life. But he couldn't shake what was going through his head.

Somewhere in the midst of overthinking, his feet brought him to Kristy. She stood there glowing as she smiled, her hand still rubbing on her belly. "Come to say congratulations again, Dr. Reid?" Her eyes playful as she teased him.

"Um, do you know where Y/N is?" He asked. He hadn't been able to find you for the past hour, which shouldn't have been hard since the house only had so many hiding places.

"She didn't tell you, did she? She had an appointment this afternoon, but she should be here soon." Spencer nodded, trying to remember if you had told him, which you didn't because his brain wouldn't allow him to forget things. "This must be super hard on her though, so make sure you show her some extra love."

Spencer looked at her puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"You know, with the miscarriage. It has to be hard on her to go to this type of celebration." Spencer's puzzled expression only grew as she spoke, so she decided to continue on. "Did she not tell you? She told us she was going to tell you."

"Everyone knew?" His voice barely a whisper.

"No, no. Just Will, Penelope, Luke along with Matt and me. It happened about eight months ago. She fell down playing with the kids and passed out. Will brought her to the hospital, they said it was because she was so stressed."

"Because of work?" Spencer voice was squeaky as worry clouded his face even more.

Kristy's voice was soft but also annoyed. "No, because of what has been going on with you and JJ. She hasn't been herself since then."

--

You finally made it to the party, your nerves getting to you. Your doctor had confirmed the baby was fine and growing healthy. But you were worried, so worried. What if this ended up like before? Your worrying hadn't died down and Spencer hadn't down anything to change that.

Opening up the front door, you made your way into the house, the house filled with laughter and noise. Your eyes scanned for Spencer, but you couldn't find him. You eventually found Kristy; a smile plastered your face as you hugged her tight. She was one of the few people who could make you naturally smile.

"Oh, Y/N, I'm so sorry. I didn't know that you hadn't told Spencer, and I may have told him what happened." Her words fast and covered in worry.

"It's okay," you told her, your hands rubbing her arms. "I just haven't had the heart to do it."

"I didn't tell him what was going on now though." Kristy eyed your too big sweatshirt that had covered your bump before squealing. "How did it go?"

You laughed at her enthusiasm. "It went well, the doctor reassured me that everything was okay. They're healthy and happy. And no, I did not find out the sex either, so don't ask." Her face turned into a pout, and you couldn't help the laugh that slipped out. "Where is Spencer? I think we should definitely talk."

You made your way over to the back patio that Kristy said she had last seen him. You were going to come clean with everything that has happened the last eight months, but your determination faltered when you saw Spencer hugging JJ close to him, her hand rubbing circles on his back.

--

Diana was calling you. Which was strange since she hasn't called you in months. You answered and made your way to a quiet place in the house. You were happy she remembered you, the conversation flowing nicely before she told you about Spencer's visit. What he said and how he felt. She was worried about him, and as his childhood best friend she wanted to let you know what was said and what she had replied with.

You ended the call with the promise to call her back tomorrow. You sank down to the floor, your growing belly blocking you from curling up the way you wanted too.

What had you been expecting? Spencer finally coming clean to his mom that you were together. You doubted he would now that you had moved out without a word a month ago with no communication since. And Diana had proven you right. He made no mention of your relationship.

You took a deep breath and got up. Fixing your hair, you walked out of Matt's office and made your way to Kristy to tell her that you had finally made up your mind.

--

Months had gone by with silence.

No word from him.

No word from you.

You only heard what was going on via the team when they checked up on you. You told them that they didn't have to do that, but Emily said you were a part of the family, you had been for years, and not even Spencer's shitty attitude would change that.

Alvez had taken you in after you told Kristy that you were moving on from Spencer and going forth into motherhood alone. Alvez was someone you trusted, and your friendship grew these past few months. He watched out for you, and you watched out for any girl that you could set him up with. He said it was a win-win situation for him.

You didn't see each other anymore than friends, brother and sister if you really thought about it. But you were grateful for that. You needed it and Alvez enjoyed your company and having someone to watch Roxy while he was on cases. He helped you every time you cried about Spencer especially when you went to your baby appointments and your hormones would make it hard to concentrate on anything but the fact that you were doing this alone. Spencer had already moved on, and you were having his baby alone.

But this perfect set up wouldn't last. The baby was coming soon, and you had to find a place that you could have a proper nursery or at least more space than Alvez's tiny apartment. Plus, the chance that Luke would wind up in a relationship was high, any girl would fall in love with his great personality, and you didn't want to ruin what he could have.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked, setting up the baby's car seat. "We would all feel better with having you here with the Chameleon running around still."

"I think it would be better to move out, I don't want to get in the way."

Alvez chuckled then sighed. "Y/N, you're not in the way. I know you felt that way for a bit, but you aren't. The team want you safe. So, stay here until we've caught the guy, alright?"

"Alright, but after that I'm moving out."

Weeks have gone by, the team on the lookout for the serial killer that had haunted Rossi. During that time, you had given birth to an adorable baby boy, the spitting image of Spencer. He was perfect and the sweetest baby, sleeping through the night, all the cuddles he gave you. He was just perfect.

Your phone rang, and you quickly got up to grab it before it awoke your sleeping son. "Hello?" You whispered.

"Oh, Y/N, Spencer..." You heard Penelope crying. "He.. he was shaking so badly... Oh my god, Spencer..."

"Penelope, slow down. Take a deep breath. Tell me what's going on."

Her words were rushed and mumbled, but from what you gathered, you were already packing your baby's stuff up and heading to the car before you got off the phone with her.

--

You rushed into the waiting room to find Penelope and he his mom sitting together. "Oh, Y/N." Diana got up and crushed you into a hug. "I'm so glad you're here."

"How is he?"

Penelope grabbed the baby bag from you. "He's awake now, they ran tests and he'll be okay. They're cleaning him up right now so we stepped out but should be able to see him soon."

You nodded and sat down. It wasn't long before they called you in, you lingered in the back. You hadn't spoken to Spencer for months and you didn't know how he would feel seeing you, especially with the state he was in currently. Plus, you didn't want to make his new girlfriend uncomfortable.

You watched him hug his mom and Penelope, a smile on his face, you could tell he was trying to calm both women's nerves. He chatted with them for a bit until his eyes landed on you in the doorway. He gave you a small smile, his eyes traveling down to the baby carrier in your hands.

His 100-watt smile returned as he looked to his mom and Penelope. "Do you mind if I have a minute with Y/N?" They both nodded and headed out. You lingered in the back of the room, Spencer just watching you.

"How are you feeling?" The silence was deafening, and you wanted to fill the space with something.

"I'll be okay. Is that-?" He nodded towards the carrier. You nodded to his question.

"Did you want to meet him?" You stepped closer when he gave you a small nod. You unhooked the still sleeping baby from his car seat and brought him over to meet Spencer. Spencer reached his arms out and your heart tightened a bit at the sight of your baby being held by his father for the first time. You gently laid your son in his arms, his face brightening with a big smile.

You sat there for a few minutes watching him make faces at your baby, cooing occasionally. You didn't even realize you had started crying until Spencer called your name, worry on his face.

"I'm sorry..." You quickly wiped the tears away.

"It's okay. Thank you for letting me meet him. What's his name?"

"Oh, um, he doesn't have one yet. Every time I think something may sound right; it just doesn't fit." You reached over to fix the blanket that was near your son's face. "The deadline is coming up, so I'll have to settle on something."

Spencer nodded; his one hand came up to stroke his son's face. "You'll find the right name, I know you will, Y/N."

Something in the way he said your name, made you break down. You couldn't stop the tears from flowing or how weak your legs felt. Spencer moved the baby and grabbed your hand, pulling you down to sit on the bed and held you close to him as you sobbed.

Your baby's cough stopped your sobs instantly and you whipped around to look at you sleeping sons face. You rubbed your hand over your face. "Have you been doing this alone?"

You nodded in reply. "I don't want to bother Alvez. He barely comes home with the Chameleon on the loose."

His hand found your face and cupped it gently, your tears still flowing. "I'm sorry I haven't been there. You've done it all alone. I should've been there."

You shook your head quickly. "It was me. I decided this. I didn't tell you." A sob escaped your lips. "It was just so hard without you there." Spencer opened his arm wide, inviting you to cuddle in and you did. You sat like that for a long time, Spencer's arm rubbing circles on your back as you held your arm over his other arm that was holding your son, your head on his chest.

You lifted your head up and looked at Spencer, his eyes on locking onto yours. The draw was powerful and neither of you realized what was happening until your lips touched. After that, you couldn't keep your lips off of him. Both of you pressing your bodies as close as you physically could with a baby in your arms, the need for each other growing with every second. You pulled away for air, guilt instantly hitting you.

"Spence... we shouldn't do this..." You mumbled between Spencer's kisses.

"Why?"

"Because... You have a girlfriend..." The assault on your lips continuing and you were trying not to enjoy it.

Spencer pulled away; his eyes still locked onto yours. "I don't have a girlfriend. I mean I did but I don't anymore. It- it was a fling to try to get over you, but I just couldn't, especially when I found out about our baby. I just want you, Y/N."

"But JJ...?"

"I was confused over what she said, that was wrong of me, but I knew I always needed you with me. I may be smart but I'm dumb when it comes to my feelings. When I found out you lost our baby, I lost it at the shower and JJ encouraged me to talk to you but when I came home you were gone." His eyes started to water, and he pulled you and your baby closer to him. "I've been a mess, barely sleeping, barely eating. I'm not trying to make you feel guilty, I know what I've done is not excusable and you have every right to not want me in your life, but I need you."

--

"Y/N!" Spencer whisper yelled at you to get your attention. You looked up at him to find him pointing at the sleepy baby he was holding. You walked over, a smile on your face to see your baby sleeping with his tongue slightly sticking out through his smile.

You giggled, wondering how you got so lucky to have such an adorable baby. "Are you almost ready to go?"

Spencer nodded, before reluctantly putting his sleeping son in his car seat. "Do we have to leave him?"

You giggled again at the silly pout on his face. "As much as I want to stay with him, I think we both need to mentally get out of this house." He nodded as he picked up his son's car seat and diaper bag before making his way out of the house with you locking up behind him.

After dropping your son off at your mother's, Spencer and you made your way to Penelope's sendoff party. Spencer placed his hand on your thigh, rubbing circles against your skin. He knew how anxious you were to be away from your child, hell he was just as anxious, but he knew you needed to see your friend off or you wouldn't forgive yourself.

He felt you relax after a minute, and he gave you a smile when you looked over at him. You sighed and continued to look at Spencer, taking in his features and how attractive it was watching him drive with one hand on your thigh.

The first few weeks after your reunion with Spencer was awkward. You didn't know how to react to everything going around you. The case was wrapped up, Penelope announced she was leaving, and Spencer wanting to get back together. Spencer and you took it slow, not wanting to rush into things, just learning what you both had miss, you decided on being friends and he had suggested in both of you getting a place together so it was easier to raise your son and Alvez could have his place back.

You declined at first but after some thought and Spencer showing you pictures of a few houses on the market, you caved in after seeing a two-story house with its wrap around porch and lilac bushes covering the front yard. All you could picture was your son running around the house playing as you sat on the porch in the early mornings, a book in hand. Since then, the next month and a half was getting the house turned into your home.

The friendship thing worked at first, but somehow you would end up staying up waiting on Spencer to come home from cases, him carrying you to bed when your body couldn't keep yourself awake. The early mornings where you cradled your son as you sat on the couch, Spencer's arms wrapped around you from behind, his face next to yours as he cooed at your little one. The random make out sessions in the kitchen when the tension became too strong.

And one night he gave you such a scare.

You sat waiting up for him, he had sent you a text that he was on his way home, but he wasn't answering your calls, and you feared the worse when he wasn't home hours later. When you heard the front door open, you stomped your way from the kitchen to see his smiling face, arms full of groceries and a bouquet of flowers. His smile faltered when he saw how angry you were, tears streaming down your face.

You yelled at him, careful not to walk the sleeping child upstairs, but enough for him to realize how angry you were with him. You angrily put away the groceries, telling him that he should've brought a charger to plug in his dead phone, or let her know that he was going to the store instead of saying he would be right home. He didn't understand why you were so upset with him, his brain too tired to figure it out until you blurted out that you loved him. He looked at you with an apologetic smile before pulling you into his arms, apologizing for worrying you.

Sighing in his arms, you looked up at him, the joke you were about to say escaping your mind when you saw the hunger in his eyes. He took your face in his hands and brought his lips to yours. The kiss was full of passion and love and when you pulled away for air, he told you he loved you. After that, the night was filled with passionate kisses and love making.

You smiled thinking back on the memory. Spencer still took things slow with you; he told you he didn't want to mess up his second chance. He slipped his hand on the small of your back as you made your way into Rossi's backyard.

All night Spencer seemed nervous, but you played it off on his dislike for change and Penelope leaving was a big change for him. You squeezed his hand that was on his chest as you slow danced to the music that was wafting around you. You nuzzled your head in his chest as you swayed even when the music stopped playing.

"Y/N." You looked up at Spencer's face, his dark eyes on yours. He kissed the back of your intwined hand and pulled away from you. He reached into his pocket and kneeled down as he pulled out a box. He opened the box to reveal a tear shaped diamond ring, your right hand covering the gasp that came from your lips.

"I know I said I would take it slow, but I can't imagine my life without you. I want to wake up beside you every morning, go to bed with you in my arms, play with our son in the backyard and watch him grow up and continue growing our family." A few stray tears fell down both of your cheeks, a smile stretching across your face at the mention of expanding your family. "I want you and your love, the gentle smiles you give, your contagious laugh. I don't ever want to let those go. You are my home, you are the only one I think of all day, the one who can calm me down with just one look, word or touch. I need you in order to be me. So, Y/N Y/L/N, will you please be my wife?"

"Yes!"

[snailsandpuppy-dogtails]

I Do, Do You chapter 5 In Lieu of a Honeymoon

WC: 4,709 AO3

~Back in the real world, our couples have to figure out how to work, and live, together; clashing personalities must compromise, cooperate, and coexist.~

Between increasing victims, grieving family members, a mysteriously speeding up count down, and an uncooperative local unit, Luke finds a convenient excuse in letting himself get caught up in other things, avoiding focusing on the thing he’s gotten himself into, the newest part of his life left in the background in the drown of work. There’s only so much guilt he can lash himself with…Because of this, he hasn’t called her, he hasn’t texted her…He hasn’t spoken to Penelope in five days.

Still, every unguarded moment has him drifting back to her and the feel of her in his arms, how unexplainably right it was. If he’s being truthful with himself, he’s absolutely trying not to think about her, to not be distracted on the job, but he’s underestimated just how interested his friends are.

“I still can’t get over it…five days. It’s been five days! You’re somebody’s husband.”

Luke brushes off the remark not wanting to make it the big deal Tara clearly does, trying to keep focused on the work in front of them, the warehouse they’re sweeping for clues, “It’s not that weird…I mean, I am your work husband.”

Tara exchanges looks with Matt before a loud laugh bursts in echos through the empty room, her flashlight sweeping away. “Not even close. Prentiss is my work husband, you’re Matt’s work wife.”

“What?!” Luke scoffs, laughing. This ground had better footing, was more familiar. Feigning insult, he looks to Matt behind him who doesn’t say anything, but smiles and shrugs, holding out his arms welcoming Luke into a hug.

Luke, embracing Matt, turns back to glare at Tara, spitting out a petulant sounding “He treats me better anyway,” before they go back to combing the dark.

But letting go, Luke concedes to her original point, “Jokes aside, I know. It’s…surreal. And…I feel awful admitting it, but I'm terrified to talk to her. I don’t know what to say. I mean, she’s…incredible- funny, smart, beautiful, witty-” he stops short, feeling the looks they were giving him, at his reaction to the stranger he’d just jumped into a legally binding marriage with. But they’d been at the wedding, they’d seen, if only very briefly, his reaction to her, none of this came as much of a surprise except for him admitting to it so openly.

He whips his head down, embarrassed, grinning, then looks up at Matt. It doesn’t matter if they don’t get it, he doesn’t really either. “So, any advice for a recently married man from our resident Marriage Expert?”

“Oooo good thing Rossi retired, he might be offended-”

“Pft, that old man knows his score-”

They laugh before Matt comes back around to question, “Look, Kirsty is a saint. She makes our whole relationship look easy, but it takes work. Remembering the little things, knowing what she feels is important, making those a priority, making her feel loved and cared for, desired. Making her feel important. Sometimes I slip up, but she lets me know.”

He pauses, thinking for a moment, then continues, “Remember back when you were still with that doctor-”

“Lisa.”

“When you were with Lisa, you asked how I knew and I told you I just did? It’s kind of like that…you do things because you’re thinking about them. I mean, have you thought about her since flying out here? Texted? Called? Or have you shoved your head so far in the case you can’t see out when you go back to the hotel at night? Go to bed alone and tired?” He knows the answer before asking, they both do, after all, Matt knows how his relationship ended. “She doesn’t know you, you don’t have that history built up…you should at least be calling her, checking in.”

“Mmmm” Tara hums in agreement, “If I were her and my new husband ran off and didn’t contact me for days on end, I’d be checking out.”

—-

That night in the hotel room he calls her, not sure what he should say, not sure how she’ll react. With each ring his heart thuds, but it rings…and rings…and rings… and then finally, goes to voicemail. Sitting on the edge of the bed, fingers combing through his hair, a mix of disappointment and relief churn and meld until disappointment takes over completely. He considers again if it would be better for both of them if he asked for an early out, if Matt’s ability for a healthy relationship was an anomaly amongst the BAU and it was futile to even try… Glancing at the red blinking “11:00”, remembering the three hour time difference, he waits for the beep. “Hey, Chica, sorry for calling so late.. and so…late at night. I- I wanted to call before. But I didn’t have the chance.” It’s a lie, he knows he’s had plenty of chances like this one over the past few days. “I’ll keep it short and just tell you…I’ve been thinking about you. Every day. See you soon, hopefully.” He hangs up and gets into bed, at least if they asked tomorrow, he could say he tried.

Two hours in the past, Penelope sits in her bed updating code for SOAR, a search for Luke running in the background and Sergio asleep at her side. She watches as her phone rings next to her until it hits voicemail, then reads the message he’s leaving in real time. Four days without so much as a text. If it weren’t for the ring on her finger it’d have started to feel like a fever dream. She thinks about picking up…about calling him back. She doesn’t think about why she doesn’t, why she didn’t call or text him first. Though if she did it likely would have been something about him being the one to leave, so him needing to be the one to reach out, that and she didn’t want to disturb him while he was working.

She reads the transcript again, his words, sweet. Sweet like that hug…like that kiss to her cheek…chica. But it’s been four days, and she still doesn’t know anything about him.

Despite all her digging, all her tricks, she hasn’t found a single shred of him online. No trace of a digital footprint- no mentions in articles of apprehension, nothing from ex-girlfriends or spurned loves, no photos from relatives, not even a card purchase- and no dating profiles. She’s married to a ghost, or possibly worse- a luddite.

Penelope lays down, thinking about how four days into marriage, her shadow husband, despite now having a face, is still just that- a shadow of a dream.

—-

It’s three days more before they wrap up the case, he calls her to let her know he’s back in town, this time she answers.

“We just landed at Quantico, I’m gonna pick up Roxy, go home, take a shower. Maybe tom-” He sighs, exhausted, Penelope cutting him off, saying it’s been a week, she doesn’t feel married at all, it wasn’t fair to sign up for this if he wasn’t willing to- did he even still want to-?

“I do!... I do…" ‘Do you?’, and, ‘Why should you…' following in his mind, "You’re right. I’m sorry. I - I just don’t think it’d be a good idea for you to come over tonight, it’s late, I won’t be good company.” His voice is soft, hollow.

The case was awful. One of the worst of his career. They weren’t able to save a single victim, and on top of that the monster killed himself.

Luke tries to take solace in knowing his reign of terror is over. At least he’s gone. But he’s left with the images of what happened to those poor girls in his head, left with the words of their families- grieving mothers and fathers- in his ears, the guilt in his soul.

This is what broke Lisa and he up, his inability to be present, to share, to be comforted…to open up. He knows, as much as someone may ask, they never really want the actual details, sharing something like what he deals with would never be a good thing, but he doesn’t know how to only give part, so he keeps things boxed up, keeps away.

Reluctantly he gives her his address, Penelope’s there waiting at his door when he and Roxy drive up, pajamas, robe, and fluffy slippers. He musters half a smile for the woman dressed like a cartoon, giving him that cartoon mother look, but it softens when he lets go of the leash, and Roxy heels at her feet, Penelope automatically stooping at hers, the pair of them like long lost friends. She coos and pets, Roxy happily rolling on her back. “Rox-” he half heartedly admonishes, but the reprimand dies on his lips watching them together, a soft smile spreading at their shared joy. Eventually Penelope stands, and without a word wraps her hands around his waist, tucking her face into his chest.

She doesn’t know if it’s a good idea, if her touch is welcome, she just knows how nice that last hug had felt, and how beat up he looks. Everyone could use a hug.

He drops his bags, arms wrapping around her back, his head falls to the top of hers, and for a moment, he just stands there, for a moment it feels like it did a week ago. Her soft hair on his cheek, that sweet smell, the fullness of her. His tired hands drift up and down holding her closer, feeling more of her, and his head lifts up tilting down, nose brushing nose, vision much to close.

She feels him hug her tighter, his cheek on hers turning her face up to meet his, the zing in her body as the tip of his nose brushes once, twice, a strong hand on her lower back bracing, pressing them together, her lips parting-

And the jerk at their knees as they’re shoved apart.

Like a bucket of ice, the moment is gone, Luke letting go. Looking down there’s now a dog shaped mass between them, Roxy whining and barking, pawing at the doorknob.

Luke scoffs and it’s almost a laugh, “Alright, we’re going in.” bumped out of the moment, out of the bad decision he was about to make, he silently thanks his girl for saving him the trouble of complicating things. He isn’t in the right headspace, she…he didn’t even know how she was, but it wouldn’t be the right move, their first kiss driven by sorrow, a tainted kind of comfort.

He fumbles finding his keys and unlocks the door, letting it swing open into his dark apartment. Roxy trots in and Luke leans past Penelope flipping on the switch, motioning for her to go in, then, grabbing his bags, follows behind.

“The…bedding’s fresh,” he stilts out, making a plan as he leads her to his bedroom. “I just changed it before the wedding, you can sleep there, I’ll sleep in the living room-” but just as quickly as she had before she shuts him down.

“We’re married, we can sleep in the same bed, we’ve slept in the same bed already, well, I mean, I slept in the bed, you did some weirdo on the bed thing- my point is it’s not a big deal. Plus, I'm not kicking you out of your own room when you’ve been sleeping on god knows what for a week.”

He doesn’t have the fight in him or the energy to explain himself, and his bed is much more inviting than the two armchairs he was planning to push together in the front. Silently he concedes, “I still need to shower, take whichever side you want”

Penelope looks back to where he’s standing in the door and sees the exhaustion, the fraying behind his eyes that match his tone from earlier. Her stomach sinks at having pushed him, but they’d already wasted a week…What was the vow? ‘For better or worse?’… At least now they were sharing the same air.

She nods turning back to the flat linen in the dim room, hoping it’s softer than it looks, and heads towards the left side, taking off the robe she’d worn mostly out of insecurity.

Luke, stepping into the bathroom, turns back, bright light glowing behind him, “-Ah, Don’t be surprised if Rox jumps up there with you, she’s usually allowed, I hope you don’t mind-” but even as he’s saying the words she’s patting the bed and cooing at his dog. Taking in the scene his heart aches and he can feel the edges of his mouth rising when she glances up grinning, hands ruffling ears, Penelope the happiest he’d seen her since he stepped out of his truck.

Behind the closed door scalding water pummels his skin, sharp pelting stings too hot to sooth, an act of self-flagellation, of washing away the thoughts. Thoughts of Penelope, the woman in his bed, the person he feels so oddly connected to, so desperate for, touch at the corners, but the other images shut her out, scold him. How dare he think about her, about his own bit of happiness when all those people died at his slow hand? Bracing the cold tile wall, steam clouds around him, the steam clouding out the images and voices. By the time he gets out she’s asleep, and gently he climbs into bed, feet nudging Roxy, who moves a paw in response. He turns on his side facing her, studying her before closing his eyes, inhaling the stale, clean cotton and traces of Penelope, the newest part of his life, the part that could become dear if he let it, and drifts off to sleep.

—-

When she wakes up there’s no embrace like before, or if there had been, she wasn’t aware of it. When she wakes up, she’s alone. There’s a note on the pillow next to her. He tells her he’s gone to work, and that ‘Janie’ (dog sitter) has picked up Roxy, he says he’ll try to be back by 4, and they can get dinner and talk then. He tells her there’s food in the kitchen and towels in the bathroom if she wants to shower. There’s a key under the note, presumably for her. He signs it, “Your Husband,” and it almost quiets the hurt, quiets the frustration of thoughtlessly being left again.

It had been an in the moment decision, not sure what to write; nothing feeling cold, x’s and o’s not him, just his name bland, your husband he thought she’d like, would say, if just a little bit, he meant it…

He didn’t need to go in this early, but it’s hard to break routine when your whole life’s been spent regimented to the job. He knows if he waits she’ll want to talk, he will too, he can feel himself getting wrapped in her, lost to her, last night was dangerous enough,...he doesn’t want to see her face when he has to leave again…doesn’t want to hurt her, so he heads out without waking her...sneaking away.

Last night minimal lights had been turned on, they’d gone right to his room, right to bed, not much being taken in, but in the light of day, walking through his home- if you could call it that- she’s horrified. It’s like she’s walked into gray-scale hell or a 40s sepia film, and the place is sparse, like a display house left intentionally blank for prospective buyers so they can superimpose their own identity into the space- she’s easily the most colorful thing in the house, easily the most personality that’s ever graced these floorboards.

His bedroom is beige and flat like the bedding, the kitchen and living room aren’t much better. There’s a small bookshelf and some kind of faux-wood patriotic flag art protruding from the wall by the back patio door. On the wall across from the kitchen, next to the front door, is a taller metal shelving unit with a small corded stereo, two framed pictures, and some cds. To the left of that, a flatscreen tv sits on a low glass tv stand/table, and above that, in a small frame is a miniature metal rifle on oxblood matting- one of the only things here giving clues to who he is. For seating there are a pair of stools at the kitchen island and two burnt-orange hotel-style armchairs. She hates it.

While her toast is toasting, she sips her coffee and goes to examine the bookshelf more closely- at least he reads. A place this empty wouldn’t have books just for the look…nothing here appears to be for ‘the look’.

There’s FBI training guides and exam booklets, some Tom Clancy, the ever popular Pirsig’s “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” and then, to her surprise, she spies there’s a book of poetry. Emily Dickinson. She picks it up, noticing its age in comparison to the others, it’s old, and worn, something about it erasing her initial assumption that it was the forgotten property of a girlfriend past.

She holds it, feeling weird- something private about this particular item- but wanting, needing, to know more. Was there a favored passage or poem? A page the book would fall open to if cracked? Where had it come from and what made him keep it… What could it tell her about who he is…

Her fingers ache tracing the robin's egg canvas along the breaking edge of the cover, hovering, the silence of the apartment filling her ears, her heart picking up, it’s just a book, curling her fingers, --shik-- the toast pops and Penelope jumps, dropping it.

“Shoot!” she darts to the ground, snatching it up, checking to make sure it hadn’t been injured in the fall and sheepishly replaces it on the shelf thinking to herself, the universe really doesn’t want her cheating.

After toast and coffee she leaves to go home, feed Serg, and start work for the day. On her drive she thinks about how to bring up the book in a way that doesn’t make it sound like she’d been snooping through his things while he was gone.

She can’t think of one.

—-

She spends the day in a mood, shifting between being angry that he left this morning without a word, and curiously searching up and reading Dickinson poems online. She assumes the note means he wants to meet up at his place, another thing that adds to the mood-  that she’s left to assume anything- still, she sets an alarm, and drives back.

Roxy alerts Luke to Penelope’s arrival. Opening the door, he comes face first with a fist. Jerking back, “Heey!” he says, about to make some joke, but the sight of her sends his thoughts spinning in a different direction.

So far he’d seen his wife in just three outfits; a (completely unreal) wedding dress, leggings and a tee (with those very cute bird glasses) the morning after, and pajamas last night, which is why this outfit has him stopping in his tracks.

Glaring eyes pop wide in surprise behind candy-red glasses, unlike last night, she’s once again eye-level with him. Looking down, Luke finds the change in height is due to road-cone orange velvet strappy platforms, all other thoughts having gone *poof* at their sight, he lets his eyes wander up from there.

White fishnet stockings climb like vines up her curving legs, legs his mind helpfully imagines curving around him, his fingers tangling through stretching netted holes, feeling up and under the skirt of her thigh skimming dress- a dress which was cobalt blue. Tempering the mental intrusion, he notices the orange tiger striped cardigan she’s wearing is placed just so over her cleavage bearing neckline. As his eye drift further, he sees the slim red bandanna tied around her neck and notices the contrasting blue lipstick donning her full, succulent lips, lips he very much wants on his own despite the color…and finally he sees, clipped in her hair, a pair of tiger cat ears, her pièce de résistance. Laughing, all lustful thoughts wain, the collection of items bringing an altogether different image to his mind “-Wow. Uh. you look…Grrrrrrreat!”

Penelope wants to laugh too, it’s so dumb, and his very appreciative, slow, eyeing hadn’t escaped her notice, but she glowers instead, still miffed. “What can I say, my husband ran out on me this morning and it really frosted my flakes.”

Immediately his expression changes to one of remorse, “If he said you were so deep in sleep he didn’t want to wake you, would you forgive him?”

“I’d say it was a shame, if he’d woken me up, I could have given him a real breakfast of champions.” It’s bold, given the lack of, and aborted, physical affection, but she is who she is and she can’t help flirting now and then…and given the very thorough eye fucking he’d just given her it seemed fair play.

His brain snags at the entendre, the curl of her tongue sticking to her lip. Penelope, moving past Luke, enters, “So what did you have in mind for dinner, husband?”

They order Thai, while waiting for it to be delivered she watches him prepare Roxy’s dinner, Luke getting lost in the task of chopping and steaming fresh vegetables, carefully layering raw meat on apples and topping it off with a scattering handful of blueberries.

“If you cook like that for her, I can’t wait to see what else you cook” The compliment is an opening; tell me something, anything…

“Ha! Uh, lasagna,” he replies, somewhat flustered by the expression of awe on her face. But the doorbell rings and the subject is lost as they arrange cartons and plates, eating on the marble bar between his kitchen and living room.

While eating, Penelope makes a show of looking around, taking in the simple decor of his place, they were supposed to be making a decision, right? His place, her place, or some other place… “So…how long have you lived here?”

Thinking for a moment, he stretches out his reply, thinking about how long he’s been with the BAU, “Fouuuur years?”

Penelope balks, eyes going wide and mouth dropping, “Four years in Virginia, but, you just moved houses, right?” There’s no way someone could live like this, no way she can live like this. This is the house of someone ready to leave at the drop of a hat, someone who has no intention of settling down…

Luke chuckles, “No, I’ve lived here pretty much the whole time. What? What does your place look like?” His eyes dance around her and he suspects he already knows.

“Oh, I will show you. Finnish up, we’ll go,” she states, wiping her hands on her napkin and hopping off the stool, adding excitedly, “We’ll bring Roxy, you two can meet Sergio!”

—-

Luke laughs sudden and loud and this time the glitter of his eyes and little teasing smirk irritate her. “What?”

Painting on a look of innocence, he shrugs, “I just…I thought we were going to your house, not the storage unit of a thrift store-”

It’s vibrant and cluttered, there’s framed art on all the walls and framed photos and magazines on all the tables, there’s a beaded curtain in the doorway of what he assumes is a room that holds a bed, and the floor is covered in a lime green rug which clashes with the purple and yellow walls, there are weird lamps on every surface, and a collection of action figures fill three tears of a shelf, the bottom housing an old film projector with a film strip primed in it.

She glares at the mock, “Oh, and your utilitarian patriotic cardboard box is better?”

Luke throws his hands up grinning, “I didn’t say one’s better than the other, this is very clearly ‘you’.” Instinctually he lowers a hand to the small of her back, pulling both her and himself closer, leaning down, and kisses the side of her head, but just as suddenly he steps away, hand releasing, and apologizes.

“Sorry- I uh. Sorry.” The action had felt so natural in the moment, but after, he wasn’t so sure, a little voice telling him not yet. Not ever, if he still didn’t know.

“No! It’s fine, that’s- that’s fine.” The twisting little act of affection throws her. Her hands come up in front of her stomach, twisting her keys, “We should. Here, I’ll show you the rest while Roxy and Sergio do their thing, then we can talk about it- the place.” Roxy was patiently making herself look as small as possible from a spot low on the floor in front of Sergio who was experimentally batting at the dog’s nose.

Behind the beaded curtain there is indeed a bed, a massive, vaulting, marshmallow mound of a bed in a dark and heavy carved wood frame with puffing, plum silk pillows and an enormous sage duvet. It looks like a thing of dreams, like what children imagine the perfect bed to be, and truthfully, it does look pretty inviting.

When the short tour is over, she makes them tea and they sit on opposite sides of her couch comparing pros and cons, logistics. He drives to work most days, she works from home, both places are equally distant from Quantico, and she can come back here if need be for dependable internet access. His bathroom is larger, the apartment larger overall with outdoor space for Roxy, which ends up being the deciding factor. She can’t deprive his good girl for the sake of her own small comfort. He tells her to bring anything that will make her feel most at home, they can start to collect things tonight and take over whatever she wants with his truck tomorrow.

After they’ve packed up various clothing and shoes, accessories, and toiletries, five stuffies, two pillows, three blankets, and the figurines she’s deemed ‘totally and completely, without a doubt absolutely are you out of your mind?! necessary’, he still can’t get his mind off the projector, “So I’ve gotta ask, what’s with the film? I thought you were all high-tech, Ms. queen of the night.”

The dig makes her glower, but his tone is playful, rolling her eyes, she decides to tell him, “It was Gideon’s; after my parents died he found the only thing that would cheer us up were his old collection of Charlie Chaplin and Abbott and Costello films. He gave me the projector when I went off to college, hoping it would comfort me if I was feeling homesick… I still watch them when I need cheering up.”

He didn’t expect something so emotionally tied, but he should have, if he’d been thinking he would have known it didn’t fit for a reason. Quickly he thought of a peace offering, something to reciprocate, “My grandpa loved Abbott and Costello. Every Halloween he’d pick me up from school and take me to this little theater to watch their monster movies…I’ve never seen a single Chaplin though.” It’s small, but a connection regardless.

“Oh. Oh! That changes To. Night. I mean, right now. Go, sit. Get comfy, I couldn’t possibly let you leave without having seen at least one.” He watches, delighted as her energy shifts, Penelope excitedly taking charge and ordering him around, Luke finding he’s every bit willing to let it happen.

She puts on a collection of Charlie Chaplin shorts, the film that had been primed in the projector when they first got there. He sits on the couch and she sits next to him, eventually curling into him, and as the films play, as Penelope leans into his arms, the longer he’s there, Luke thinks about how he doesn’t actually dislike her apartment. He likes that it’s cozy, and lived in, and very much her. He likes that she’s so unapologetically and confidently herself in every facet, and he can’t help but think how she’s nothing like her secret moniker, nothing like her online persona… The Black Queen  was soft, and playful, and she was his. For now.

[bacchicly]

BIG TROUBLE IN RIVER CITY: A GARVEZ CASE FIC (PART 7) 

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5 | PART 6 | PART 7

Paring: Penelope Garcia x Luke Alvez

Summary: The team makes a plan to trap the unsub and delivers the profile. This is a “happier” (i.e. there is no talk of Luke and Pen breaking up) / stand alone version of the case fic which suddenly appeared in the middle of my lovers to friends fic (Deep and Crisp and Even). 

Words: 4000ish

Content This Chapter: Mentions / examples of fat hate. Sweraring. Mentions of CM type violence / themes. Luke thinking about how much he loves Penelope - while trying to keep their relationship a secret.

Content Overall Story: CM type violence / themes; unsub; sex (but can be skipped to or away from as I will put it in stand alone chapters - like PART 2); mentions/examples of fat hate.

✈✈✈

The ballroom is thick with tired wired cops.

The BAU Team take their seats in their own corner - no one looks particularly chipper but everyone is alert.  J.J. empties a big bag of M&M's into the ice bucket she brought down from her room and plunks it in the middle of the table.  Tara has snagged a handful before the plastic container has stopped shuddering from the mini impact - her hand bumping against Emily's on exit.

"So?" asks Luke as he pulls out a chair for Penelope since her hands are full with the laptop she picked up from the tech nerve centre on the way, "What's happened. Matt says there's been another victim?  It seems fast."

Penelope is typing even before her butt hits her chair -  which Luke is now pushing in for her.  The team exchanges a hidden smile but Luke and Penelope are oblivious. Spencer catches a few of the uniformed cops smirking at his solicitous colleague; so he serves up a first rate Paddington / Prison Yard worthy "hard stare" on their behalf and is somewhat chuffed when the cops turn away and are suddenly pressingly busy with some investigative odd or end.

Rossi catches the exchange and pays tribute to Reid's chivalrous defence with a smiling nod. Spencer catches the unspoken praise from the elder agent with a blithe crook of his lips and a raised eyebrow.  The exchange is brief and further covered by the attention going to Prentiss' response to Luke's question.  

"We're not completely sure if this death is not due to natural causes - let alone connected to our unsub - although there are some similariti-"

Penelope's fingers keep flying across her keyboard even as she cuts off her boss. "Fat-ish. Thomas Green, age 34, was heavy for his height. But as far as I can tell he was unlikely to be someone targeted by our unsub - firstly not that the world does a good job of parsing these things - fat is fat in a lot of people's eyes - but Mr. Green was nowhere near as heavy as the other victims. Also, no significant other. No history of confidently dating around. No children.  Mother lives in Connecticut.  Lives alone. Good student. Participates in an intramural Ultimate Frisby league.  A member of several online gaming communities.  Enrolled in… his 1st year of an online Master's program…in…ahhh… Biomimicry?! Interesting. I am not saying Mr. Green is definitely not a victim but I wouldn't have flagged him as one based on what I am seeing."

Tara's question is directed at their Unit Chief but her eyes are glued worriedly on Penelope, "So - who did flag this death as a potential victim and why?"

Penelope growls.  “No idea. The ambulance report certainly didn’t set off any of the digital alarms I set.  Although one thing did rise to the surface with my collating program about 45 minutes ago - it seems like all the victims are at least tangentially connected to a municipal boxing program for under-priviledged youth.  Which - again as far as I can tell - is not the case with Mr. Green.”

Prentiss lets her breath out in a soft whoosh.  She hates that her agents may have gotten called out of bed for a false alarm - she would normally have been more circumspect but the local police chief had just been so adamant.  But now that they are up…

“That is a great lead, Garcia. To answer Luke’s question first.  As Rossi pointed out on the jet - this unsub is devolving so we have no way to estimate how quickly soon they will reoffend - but what we do know is there is something about the 6th of the month that is important to the unsub and that the shortest times between victims - without counting what we now realise were a couple who were killed on the same day - was just over 24 hours-”

“Which happened in November and was most likely an attempt to get back ‘on schedule’ ”, Spencer adds air quotes to the words in a way he would never do if not so tired, “after the first round of deaths that he didn’t manage to execute on the 6th of the month. But since the 6th of January isn’t pending, I do not think that duration is a solid predictor of the unsub’s current timeline.  I think looking at the more recent breaks is likely a better predictor - and that pattern suggests that - while devolving - the unsub will wait at least 4 to 6 days have past - my guess is as long as the unsub feels that their message was heard that will meet their needs enough for now and if - they are not able to hold on to January 6th - they will at least try to time the next death on the 26th as a stand in.  So I would agree with Penelope - I don’t think this death is a victim of the unsub - but since we are coming up on the 4th day without a death and the pressure of the holiday could accelerate the timeline in ways that are hard to account for…it might…” Spencer gives a meaningful look at the Agent who, once upon a time, was their press liaison.

J.J.’s starts to nod. “So far we haven’t talked very much about the press strategy - beyond agreeing to not take any precautions against the story being picked up and coaching the local PD’s press liaison to stick to the release - but maybe we should do a bit more to make sure the case is hitting the news in a way that could buy us some time?”

“Can you and Rossi go and-?” J.J. nods smartly as Rossi stands, his head cocked in a question that a defeated sounding Prentiss answers without him having to ask. 

“Yes.  It’s a go.  Can you brief J.J.? It needs to be part of the new press strategy and if we can catch the morning news cycle... The team and I will take exactly 15 minutes to sketch out a preliminary plan and then I will brief the Police Chief while everyone else will be ordered to sleep - we only have four hours until I’ve promised the profile.  Rossi - JJ find me here or swing by my room after you’ve dealt with the release - knock hard if you need to - we’ll need to swap details and it will be faster in person. Now - go!”

Emily Prentiss scans the room one last time and then sits with purpose pulling a pad of paper towards herself - her one concession to her own fatigue - and looks hard at her agents.

“Ok someone set a timer. Based on what we have profiled so far, we have 15 minutes to agree on how to best tempt our unsub into targeting Penelope as their next victim. We, ladies and gentlemen, are setting up a sting.”

✈✈✈

It’s Christmas Eve, 7 am, and the team stands in their usual semi-circle but the mood of the muttering cops is darker than even the BAU Agents are used to. Emily and the Chief of Police better arrive soon - this gang is antsy.

Lines are being drawn between those who think this case should be a priority and those who think it's a waste of police time. Both the pro and anti factions' beliefs seemed to have become more entrenched since the Chief of Police got off the phone and announced that the coroner suggests that, while not releasing any official cause of death yet, last night’s fatality is likely due to complications from a head injury incurred during a recent Ultimate Frisby match and not the result of poison. 

Luke resists glancing past Tara and Dave to check on Penelope for what feels like the 5 billionth time since they took their places.  

Instead, he glares down at the taupe industrial carpet and tries to discern what the muttering is actually about… but his brain won't cooperate. It just keeps gnawing on whether the red and white dress was the right choice after all…maybe he should have insisted she wear the black one…what if these fuc-…officers… don't take her safety seriously enough? What if because she looks too much like a candy cane… and those shoes? What if…instead of listening to the briefing… they all just stare at her amazing legs and chest and cherry red lips and fantasize about how she looks good enough to…

Luke mentally gives himself a kick in the groin and forces himself to relax his hands which have balled back into fists. 

FOCUS, ALVEZ.

The plan makes sense.  It’s a good tactical plan. He could…WOULD…protect her.  They all would.  But wouldn't it be better to have the local cops giving their all too? 

Damn.  They should have chosen the black dress…. 

No. The red and white one makes sense for the plan.  …the damn fucking deadass…

At dinner last night, Prentiss had asked Luke to tackle the job of adding to the profile in a way that will reach the cops like J.J.'s assigned partner - but when things shifted and it became clear that this would not only be the delivery of the profile but also an outline of the planned sting …the role had not exactly taken away from him. Matt and Rossi had made it clear that they had that side of it covered - so his job was now to introduce the details of the plan in a way that would win over even the most cowboy cop and introduce the key elements tactical language that will be understood and instinctively taken as orders by the majority of those in the room.  He had also tagged on an extra personal mission to the task he had been given - he had to win them over but do it all without revealing the true nature of his current relationship with Pe- the principle. 

It had taken a couple hours but they had finally settled on two possible approaches and he was ready to go with either depending on how the Chief of Police wanted to play it.  Emily was briefing him now.  He had to be ready to wing it.  He wished they would-

It’s not often wishes are granted in this job - but Luke’s is when his boss strides angrily into the room almost herded by the Chief of Police who is sauntering smugly behind.  Luke watches closely as Emily crosses to them.  Her manner is professional and serious… brusque… tense…almost defeated… but then in a moment when her back is to the crowd and her face is to the team just for a second she cracks - smiling at them - beaming - almost bouncing? Like she just got told that Santa is real and he's bringing her tequila and scantily clad lovers to find under herChristmas tree.  The look hits Luke hard - like a slap of sleet in the face. He is suddenly reeling in a new unexpected direction and he doesn't know what to make of it.  Should he dance or puke?

The Police Chief's demeanour is not opposite from their boss' slip but the look he is giving his officers is pure "I'm in charge and you better not give these people shit or I am going to be very disappointed - not because they don’t deserve it - but because it’s a privilege of my rank."

Apparently it’s a go.  

Puke.  Definitely puke. 

Curse it all to hell and back on a pink unicycle. 

Fuck.  Even her elaborate cursing has rubbed off on him! 

“Alright!  Listen up!”

The Chief of Police’s strong goading voice cuts off Luke’s thought and he pushes everything but the moment away.  Game time.  

“You may not know, but I - despite my open and cooperative nature - was less than pleased when the Commissioner decided to call in the FBI.”  The cops laugh. Their Chief amiably shushes them with his hand and carries on,  “but, despite my objections, I have been ordered to let Ms Prentiss here and her FBI Behavioral Specialists to present the findings of their profiling exercise to all of you. Now I am not sure if I believe any of it - I leave it to you to judge for yourselves - but the one bit of credit they deserve is that while they were rambling on during the preview for the brass…I came up with plan to catch this bastard - some real Texan style “don’t mess with us” policing which I know y’all will like. Now, I may not believe in all the wishy washy stuff - but I will say that they know a good idea when they hear it - and I hate to admit it - but they’ve even added one or two improvements - so stay quiet for their little presentation - then we can get to the action.”

Emily's face is somehow both hard and soft in its determination.  Her hair falls sharp against her cheek as she lets space come between the words just spoken and those she will say next…then…like a flip switches..with a swift jutt of her chin and a tightly bowed smile - she breaks the silence she created. Heads whip in her direction.

“Despite your Chief’s somewhat lacklustre introduction - you should listen to what we have to say. We’ve done this a lot. A lot a lot.  And I can tell you that the information we can share can save lives. Those of potential victims - yes.  But cops’ too. We don’t want anyone missing Christmas dinner because they didn’t listen today… and since your boss has a plan…” 

Luke purposely turns away from his boss and steps away from his spot with the team - clenching his fists and jaw and then a bit too purposely relaxing them. He is not quite standing with the cops now - but almost… Matt throws an angry look his way that is so brief it is likely missed by most, then jumps into the frey without missing a beat:

“Your boss plays by a different playbook than us - but the two outlooks can work very well together and the plan is a good one - but it will work better if you understand a few things about the target.”

Rossi jumps in now.

“Like many of you here, we believe the target is physically fit and has taken great interest in improving his physique over the years.  We believe he is likely caucasian - between 6’1 and 6’3; potentially with a slim but strong build. Although - physical characteristics may differ so don’t rule out stockier or more sickly individuals.”

The cop who had been J.J. 's interviewing partner calls out from the back of the room “Isn’t poison usually a woman’s or weakling’s weapon?  What makes you think that this person is male and fit?  I mean - if this is really murder and not some huge hoax or lab jumping to conclusions  - wouldn’t it make sense for a woman to be killing these people - like that nurse? An ‘angel of mercy’ type thing - putting people out of their misery?”

A ripple goes through the crowd.  It’s one thing for the Chief to be rude to the FBI - but an officer doing the same is not amusing anyone.  Firing up some? Yes. Raising the ire of others? Sure. But amusing? No one. 

Spencer fixes the cop with a stare he perfected in the prison laundry room. 

“There’s no hoax or lab error here, Officer.  There is someone out there who has tragically cut short the lives of - by all reports - and you were at the interviews, Officer - we have a lot of reports - cut the lives short of twelve very happy people who just also happened to be fat.  None of them needed to be ‘put out of their misery’.  There is someone out there who has killed twelve people - that is already two more than the BTK Killer and six more than the Son of Sam - and we are all here to work together to stop them. None of us are going to let this person get away with it.  We’re all better than that - all better than him.  But, you know what?? You’re right, statistically, women do choose poison as a weapon more frequently than males. According to the imperfect but apropos 2012 Federal Bureau of Investigation Supplemental Homicide Report, while guns are technically the weapon of choice for both genders in the US - even though quantitatively way more men murder using poison than women - one way of looking at the numbers lets us state that women are 7 times more likely to choose poison as a weapon than a male offender. However, Officer, there are several elements of these murders and the letter that was sent to the Coroner’s office that tip the scales towards not only a male - but one who will appear physically fit,” Spencer leans back - his face finally dropping the fury and animating as he settles into his explanation - the thrill of explaining the profile apparent even though his countenance is still as tough as nails, “In the letter, the unsub presents the murders as part of a mission fueled by-”

Penelope cuts him off: “Hatred. Hatred of Fat People. People like me.” 

Penelope’s voice rings across the room.  She is suddenly so much more than just herself - she is mother, sister, favourite aunt, beloved fat-friend, their grandmother, their third-grade teacher, the bullied fat kid from their gym class - she is the prompter of half hidden derisive smiles and a reflection of some people’s biggest fear - some of the cops start to phrase the denial “You’re not-”... 

The look Spencer gives Penelope is inscrutable as he picks back up the thread of his explanation. “Yes.  Although I was going to say ‘a mission fueled by a desire to serve society by ridding it of those he sees as harmful’ - which on its own is not enough to deduce gender but it is the way the mission is phrased “The health of our city deserves better.  We are at war and you are either on the side of science or against us.” 

Prentiss takes her turn now - her arch voice steeped with confidence in her team and her own professional expertise: “It may be stereotypical but evoking the language of conflict instead of care - the attempt to appear detached and scientific - the lack of reference to children and families - even the use of “nay nay” which alludes to the late great John Pinette’s standup all point towards a male voice; but it is a detail from the crimes themselves that point most directly to the gender of our unsub.” 

Tara takes the floor now - arm sweeping in an arc to a photo of one of the marks found on a victim’s belly - her expression wide and open: “Serial killers fall into several broad categories when it comes the motive - which differs from the organised vs disorganised types most of the public are familiar with.  At first, the note and the targeting of fat people seemed to suggest that our killer fell into what we would call a ‘mission oriented killer’ - someone motivated to kill by their beliefs and a desire to ‘purify’ the human race of those they see as harmful or lesser.”

J.J. chimes in “You have all heard of this type of person - people moved to violence by hate and fear.  White supremacists - anti-semites - rival gangs.  The public and the unsub are familiar with these types of criminals and while hatred is part of the reason why these killings are happening; we believe the ‘war on the obese’ alluded to in the letter is being evoked primarily as a cover to hide the true motivations of the unsub; likely even from himself-”

“And,” says Tara still pointing at the photo, “it is this mark - this hickey - that we know the unsub left on the bellies of at least three of the victims that suggests most strongly that not only is the unsub male, fairly tall, and fit - but that the motivation for these crimes is much more personal than a hatred fueled mission to rid the world of people because they are fat.”

1 - 2 - 3…Luke waits for the penny to drop and then speaks up…turning his back on his team…stepping further into the midst of the cops… positioning himself as one of them… they rarely rehearse the giving of the profile ahead of time - but last night Emily had drilled him and Penelope on this next crucial bit…

“Our target has not killed these mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers and husbands and wives and boyfriends and girlfriends because they were fat - no.  He is killing them because they are fat and happy and loved.  Many of the victims were not just in happy relationships - but in happy relationships with someone that society might say they didn’t deserve because they were fat and their partner was conventionally attractive. This has lead us to believe the unsub killed not because he hates fat people - but because he finds at least one fat person attractive but can’t be with them - maybe because he is afraid to admit it or because the person rejected him - but for whatever reason hates himself for wanting them - and hates every fat person who has what he wishes for.”

He looks across at his woman then. Even if they hadn’t been ordered to... Hadn’t rehearsed it… Luke doesn’t think he could not look at his Penelope in that moment; he struggles to keep his expression as neutral as possible - setting his jaw in a way that Emily had promised just hinted at a hidden longing - not his real feelings of loving this woman so much he can hardly stand being this far away from her. His heart asks to pound but he controls his breathing and genuine response as best he can; wildly hoping that the love he feels isn’t as nakedly apparent to the cops as he is sure it must be to his colleagues. 

Penelope is in her element and follows the script exactly.  Badly hiding a cheeky ‘you wish Newbie’ laugh and then turning to smile at everyone gathered wide and bright - her face radiating light and hope and her own secret sauce of knowing cheeky innocence - they are in the palm of her hand. 

“Sounds crazy doesn’t it? But as someone who is somewhat fat and has been labelled as very fat throughout my life - I can tell you that men see and treat fat women differently. There are men who are genuinely attracted to me - probably some of you here are - and some might not even feel shame for it… but that is not as common as you think.  I have been treated as though any attention shown to me was a favour - and…you know what men can be like when they think you owe them. But those men are players and reasonably easy to spot - and they are often not particularly worried about their genuine attraction or lack thereof - I’m a piece of ‘easy ass’ - nothing more - nothing less.”  

Just for a flash, Luke sees a ripple of memory wash across Penelope.  Is she thinking of how the man who shot her used her surprise at being found attractive by someone many would think was ‘out of her league’? He feels the familiar cocktail of relief that he is dead and the wish that he had been the one to pull the trigger. 

“Nothing worse than what most women deal with.  No, the worst are those that genuinely are attracted to me…may even date me happily for awhile…until..”, Penelope takes a sharp breath - sucking in oxygen like she’s drowning - but then comes back her voice hard and true - with the line they crafted and practised,   “Contempt.  Disgust. Shame. Ugly ugly feelings towards their own genuine attraction to my fat body… and you better believe that many of them found it more comfortable to blame me - punish me - than to confront their own reactions that they wouldn’t think twice about if only I was a size 2.  Cowards.”

Rossi speaks up then - his voice an echo of so many fathers telling their kids that the bully is far more afraid than they are - he directs his words directly to the cop who asked about poison being used by women. 

“The observation from earlier does apply - because while we believe that the unsub is of a certain height-”

Spencer pipes up -  “to be able to kneel before his victim and place his mouth to their belly and give them a so-called last ‘love-bite’-”

Rossi gives him an indulgent look but takes back the floor “-and is possibly physically pleasing…but don’t doubt for a moment that he isn’t a coward and a weakling… and between your Chief and our team… we have a plan to use his desire and his fear to trap him..and SSA - Ex-Army Ranger - Alvez is now going to tell you all about it.”

✈✈✈

So, while Luke outlines the plan which will see Penelope and himself reprise their act of being a happy couple visiting a boxing gym -across town, a man is filling syringes.

To be continued…

Master List | List of One Shots & Happy Versions  | Micro-Garvez

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[the-invisible-queer]

I had a weird Criminal Minds dream. It's super fucking long.

Somehow me, JJ, Matt and Luke get kidnapped together. We're all still wearing our bullet proof vests and being kept in this room.

The unsub keeps somehow drugging us to feel weak so we don't fight back.

The unsub only keeps taking Luke and Matt out of the room for a chunk of time but when they come back they don't tell us wtf is going on.

And JJ and I don't ask, but we know they always come back looking a little more upset every fucking time.

Me and Matt are married and have kids. Whether they are the Simmons 5 or not idfk. I just remember talking to Matt and grabbing his face like "we are going to be okay. We'll get out of here and get back to the kids before we know it" and he snaps and says "you don't know that. We might die here".

So next time Matt and Luke leave me and JJ talk about what the fuck is going on. And we're like we gotta just ask them wtf. We don't get a chance because then the unsub takes us out of the room. We're in an abandoned building that's falling apart.

The unsub ties us up. We have no fucking clue where Matt and Luke are.

JJ and my chairs are facing each other. To the left of us is this giant window we can't see through until a light turns on and we see Matt and Luke.

The unsub tells us over some intercom if we answer a few questions correctly we'll all live. But if we lie we die. We have three strikes.

Their voice is distorted like a voice changer.

Me and JJ agree there is no fucking lie worth dying for. Unsub asks us first our relationships with Matt and Luke. JJ says friends. I say husband and good friend.

Unsub said I've got my first strike and I'm like wtf? Then the unsub asks me if I've ever lied to Matt. And I'm like yeah it's happened but nothing major.

Get my second strike.

Unsub says my third strike puts a bullet in Matt's head and I don't fucking understand because I've been telling the truth.

Unsub asks JJ some questions. She doesn't get a single strike.

Then it's my turn again.

Unsub asks me if I've ever cheated on Matt. And I look at Matt and he's trying to say something to me through the glass but I cannot hear him or read his lips.

And JJ asks "is that what this is about?" trying to buy me more time to try to understand what Matt is saying. And JJ lies through her teeth about cheating on Will.

That gets her, her first strike.

Realizing that I cannot fucking understand him, I read his lips saying "I love you". I return it.

The unsub repeats the question.

Being that I've gotten the strikes while I've told the truth I figure I'd try lying this time.

And I say yes I have cheated on Matt. I lie about having an affair with Luke because I'm starting to realize the unsub is convinced that's a thing based on the first question.

The unsub comes into the room and points a gun at my head, telling Matt that they're doing him a favor. And he's clearly upset, trying to get out of the chair he's tied to.

Desperate I say "killing me won't undo the pain your wife caused". I buy myself time by explaining the bullshit profile I have just in time for the team to come to our rescue.

Emily starts talking over the intercom that they found the unsub's daughter and if they want to see her they cannot harm me. The unsub says that ridding the world of people like me is their purpose and their daughter will understand.

And I'm just like why is this how I die? I keep telling Matt I love him and to tell our kids I love them. I'm crying because I don't want to die because someone else is convinced I'm guilty of something I didn't fucking do.

A little girl's voice comes over the intercom begging their mom (the unsub) to let them (us) go. Apparently wherever the intercom mic is there are cameras into our room so Emily says "don't let the last thing your daughter sees of you be this".

The unsub lowers her gun from my head and Spence, Dave and Tara bust into the room to save us.

I'm still like wtf freaking out. JJ is trying to calm me down. Spence arrests the unsub and Tara begins untying me from the chair, asking if I'm okay.

I'm obviously not. I don't see Matt until we're outside the building. He hugs me and I break down again. I keep telling him it was a lie. I'd never cheat on him. And he's like "I know. That's what I was trying to tell you to do". And he just holds me for a few minutes as I get it all out of my system. Finally once I calm down, he says "let's go home".

And that was that.

Anyway CM hire me as a writer.

[wikiangela]

soooo, what was that last scene?? 😂

as much as I liked that Sicarius storyline, I really hope it doesn't continue next season (I hope I read correctly that we're getting one - and omg I cannot believe I'm caught up and now I need to wait 😂)

I feel like with 10 episode focusing solely on that, that's enough lol

overall, I really liked this season

all my thoughts are already out there in other posts so I'm not gonna repeat myself too much, but the story was compelling, though I feel like it'd be more satisfying and it'd feel more earned if it was spread out more, with unrelated cases in between haha

and I loved seeing more JJ and Will, and the team dynamics, tho I still miss Matt sm - and, if I'm being honest with how short this season is and with focus on just this one case, it kinda feels like most of the team was very underutilized, and I feel like we're not seeing them enough 😂

like, both in the case and in their personal lives - like, in this case obvi Rossi has the biggest role, and also Garcia I guess, but Emily is only dealing with the higher-ups, and the rest has just those few moments here and there tbh

and when it comes to their personal lives, this season we basically only see JJ, a little bit of Garcia at the beginning of the season, and obviously a little bit of Dave dealing with grief

and I love that we're getting JJ and Will, but what is happening in Emily's life, what's Luke up to (like, it feels like he was just... there), why haven't we seen more of Tara and Rebecca's relationship before they broke them up and expected us to care 😂

like, obviously, the show is about their work, but we usually get some glimpses of their lives outside of it, and this season is too short for that and I miss that haha - and we didn't get a lot of them while working either

and I still enjoyed the season, it was fun, and seeing some of their dynamics again was great, but, I'm gonna repeat this again, the 10-episode format just doesn't work for a show like this, and my only complaints boil down to the fact that it's too short sns 😂

[the-invisible-queer]

YES!

My ride or die is Spencer but my love for him has fully evolved from when I started watching the show to now

Derek and Penelope I've got the softest spots for

And with the newer additions I would die for Luke, Matt and Tara

But Will LaMontagne lives rent free in my head

Favorite Criminal Minds character? If you've got more than one that is totally fair because so do I.

Omg I have several!! Honestly I love some of the Unsubs as well ngl...

But of the main cast I adore Hotch, Reid and Garcia.

I also really liked Blake though she was short-lived.

[boldlyvoid]

Wheels Up

Characters: Spencer Reid, Reader (Y/N), Aaron Hotchner, David Rossi, Derek Morgan, Savannah Hayes, Emily Prentiss, Elle Greenaway, Tara Lewis, Jennifer Jareau, Matt Simmons, Luke Alvez

Summary: JJ goes on maternity leave, Spencer falls in love with her replacement that he's supposed to be mentoring, Emily Prentiss and Elle Greenaway work a case together that brings Simmons and Alvez in for help...

Warnings: Genius!Reader, mutual pining, idiots in love, drinking, star gazing, lots of fluff, mentions of past assault, grooming, drug addiction, spencer's trauma, Abductions, Rape, Murder (typical canon violence)

word count: 9.4K

a/n: this is for @starry-eyed-spence and @simmonsmilf CM fanfiction week, Day One: Favorite Character... only I couldn't pick just one.

To say Spencer fell in love at the least opportune time was a bit of an understatement. Everyone he’s ever come close to admitting his love to has either left him or died. Now he’s stuck with loving someone in secret, keeping it to himself and hoping that one day she’ll love him back.

He fell in love with a co-worker once again… which wasn’t the worst thing, office romances happen and it’s quite frankly all Rossi’s fault that they even had to worry about fraternization policies. The part that makes liking Y/N so difficult is that he’s supposed to be her mentor, he’s 5 years older than her, and if he was to ever make a move she would feel inclined to reciprocate in order to keep her job because that’s the unfortunate truth behind office relationships with significant differences in positions.

And worst of all… she doesn’t like him that way at all. She’s called him the brother she always needed, a best friend, the best mentor ever. She wasn’t interested in him in the slightest.

“And why would she be?” He’s said this to everyone who knew about his crush on her. “I’m old and boring and she’s so cool?”

But he didn’t get it. He didn’t understand that every time she asked him to hang back to help her file something, or when they would buddy up in hotel rooms to discuss cases all night and end up down some star trek rabbit hole instead, every time he talked to her she was falling in love with him right back.

It once again all circles back to Rossi, if it wasn’t for him, Spencer wouldn’t even know her. She wouldn’t have ever been introduced to the unit, he wouldn’t be attached to her at the hip and he probably wouldn’t be as happy as he is with her in his life. Even if she wasn’t his girlfriend.

He’ll never forget the day Rossi asked him to meet her, to help her settle in…

“Spencer, can I talk to you for a minute?” Rossi called him into his office.

He sighed, putting his book down and walking up the stairs to his office. He closed the door behind himself and smiled awkwardly, “what’s up?”

“Sit,” he gestures to the chairs in front of his desk, where Spencer pulls one out and proceeds to sit down, anxiously. “As you know, both Kate and JJ will be out of the field in the next few months to have their babies and we need to bring someone in to fill the void until they return, so I reached out to the academy to see if they have any up and coming Dr. Reid like agents that they could loan us.”

“Why?” Spencer laughs at the choice of words.

“Well, honestly, why get new 2 agents when we could have two Reid’s? JJ will be back after a month or 2, it’s better to have more brains than brawn.”

“So they found someone and you want me to be their chaperone?” Spencer clues in. “Who are they?”

“Y/N Y/L/N, she’s a wonderful agent, but she’s pretty quiet, I don’t know much about her personally.” Rossi prefaces. “She’s a genius, high IQ like yours and just a plethora of knowledge inside that mind of hers. You’ll like her.”

“Alright,” he nods. “When do they start?”

“When JJ’s water breaks, but I’d like you to meet them and maybe even have them shadow you for a day?” Rossi asks, “I’ve actually arranged for you both to get dinner at a friend's restaurant?”

“Is this an arranged date or purely business? Don’t send me in there blind,” he worries. “I need at least a week's prep before I go on a date again.”

“It’s not a date, kid,” Rossi laughs. “She's just a lot like you were when I met you, and I know from watching you all these years that it’s not easy to do it alone, so can you just walk them through it?”

“Of course.”

That first dinner Rossi set up for them was more exquisite than either of them prepared for.

They spent the whole night discussing dissertations and their independent journeys through becoming a genius. He understood perfectly why Rossi and the Academy would think she was a lot like him, she was a genius, but she was awkward. It took a while for her to break out of her shell and open up, but by the end of the night, he already knew they were going to be friends.

“So,” she smirks, “would you mind telling me honestly how hard this job is?”

“Why?”

She sighs, “I’ve heard a lot about Thee Doctor Reid and how you were the youngest hired to the BAU and all the shit you’ve been through.”

“What are the rumours these days?” He awkwardly smiles back, rolling his eyes slightly.

“That you were brain dead in a cemetery from an overdose and yet you’re so smart you came back from the dead to kill the unsub and escape…” she looks more and more disappointed in the rumour as she tells it.

His tongue hits the roof of his mouth as he opens it to speak, making a tsk noise as he shakes his head. “Well, I did OD but it was the unsubs main personality that resuscitated me.”

“Holy shit,” she whispers.

He nods, “what about you? I’m sure you have a reputation based on a rumour?”

She presses her lips together the way he always did, just as awkward. She sighs, huffing the air out of her nose and looking fed up. “I was groomed and assaulted by an older boy who then told kids I had a stalkerish crush on him so if I was to ever tell anyone what happened, then no one would believe me.”

“I’m so sorry,” Spencer knows the words don’t make up for what happened. “I’m guessing that’s why you wanted to get into profiling?”

She nods, “I got away with some PTSD and trust issues, most girls go through much worse… they deserve someone who gets it to look into their cases.”

Spencer nods. “That’s how I felt after my kidnapping too. It took a while for me to look at crime scene photos and not think about how they felt, and wonder why I lived when so many die?”

“I’ve never been a religious person,” she prefaces. “But I do believe we are here for a reason. Whether you choseto be here after your last life or this is some learning opportunity, or God is actually real? And you’re supposed to do good.”

“In narcotics anonymous, they reference god a lot, it’s helpful for the addicts, but I never get into it,” he opens up with her more than he’s ever opened up with any friend. “If my Devine purpose is to suffer in order to relate to those I’m supposed to help that’s a load of bullshit… honestly, I can get pretty angry thinking about why I’ve gone through what I’ve gone through doing this job, but it’s not as bad as what happened to me growing up, and it leads me to believe that I probably wouldn’t have had an easy time no matter how I live.”

She nods, “I know, I get that.”

“Sorry,” he snaps out of it. “I didn’t mean to trauma dump on you.”

“It’s exactly what I asked for actually,” she reminds him with a soft smile. “If you can still come to work every day, after all that, you must be incredibly strong— and if I’m anything like you the way people say I am, I guess I can do it too.”

He had no idea she would end up being his best friend.

She shadowed him just once in the office, picked up everything right off the bat and immediately made a name for herself in the unit. Derek tried multiple names on her before one stuck, and they knew it stuck when even Hotch called her Baby Genius.

She brought a different knowledge base to the team, similar to Spencers but visibly younger. She fit in with the crowds of kids they had to interview, she understood why kids reacted the way they did to trauma and abuse, and she was still a kid at heart. It was the reason Spencer fell for her.

She allowed him to feel free again. They went out together outside of work, going to events he always wanted to go to with a partner but never had a chance. She loved all the same things as him, and she takes him to places he’d never imagine enjoying before her.

Like laser tag… that was an afternoon he’ll never forget with her.

When JJ went into labour, that’s when Y/N started full time and Hotch hired Tara Lewis in the same week. The team barely had time to adjust to being undermanned before they were restocked.

Joining Spencer every morning for every case, she waited out front of her apartment for him to pick her up most mornings, sticking to his side throughout the long days and nights until he drove her home again. Even at work, they were partnered up for everything: heading to the M.E. together, bouncing facts back and forth at the precinct, playing good cop bad cop with perverts, and her personal favourite… Making the geoprofile.

And Spencer liked doing that part with her as well. Because it typically meant they were completely alone in a room, spreading out a map and leaning in close to each other as they placed every sticker and marker. Brushing hands, bumping shoulders, longing glances as they made connections… he also just liked to watch her hands move.

She was delicate and careful and precise… and he was falling in love with everything about her as the days went by.

Everyone on the team had noticed. It was really hard not to when they’ve all known Spencer for almost 11 years now. He was so different with her in his life, he was happy and giddy and dressing even better than before. His hair was perfect and he was glued to Y/N’s side. Or she was glued to his.

Even though they were mentally similar, physically they were polar opposites. Y/N wore all black and was a lot more outgoing than they expected. Rossi thought she’d be quiet… But she was constantly talking. To Spencer, to other officers, to witnesses, she never stopped talking and starting conversations, and thank god she did because she’s cracked 4 cases that way.

The biggest surprise the team learned about her happened on a case in Florida, a shooting in a local park in broad daylight with lots of witnesses meant the whole team was on the boardwalk asking questions. She went out to do her thing, talking to the local skaters, asking them if they knew anything but they didn’t want to cooperate.

They were too cool for the feds.

“Can I see your board?” She asks, “if I do some tricks will you answer some questions for me and Doctor Reid?”

“Knock yourself out,” one of the boys laughs as he hands her his board.

She hands Spencer her gun and shoots him a wink before taking off to do a few tricks. The whole team watches in awe then as Y/N showed off. Cruising along the halfpipe effortlessly like she was a professional.

“Okay Tony Hawk,” Morgan teases her, “where did that come from?”

“Skateboarding is easy, it’s just physics,” she shrugs. “I can figure skate too…”

“What do you want to know?” The boy takes his board back. “We always see some sketchy guys around here.”

Morgan pats Y/N on the back with a smile, applauding her ability to get anyone to open up before leaving her to take the statement.

“Agent?” One of the girls pulls her aside just before they are about to leave, “how did you do that kickflip? I’ve been trying to learn and the boys won't help me.”

“Sure thing,” she takes the girl's board and demonstrates a kickflip first.

“So, you see as I start the kickflip I bend my knees?” She shows her another kickflip all while explaining it. “Much like the with an ollie, I’m building pressure so I can apply it to the tail, making the board pop. The one thing that makes this trick different from the ollie is that instead of sliding my foot up, I just flick my toe out to the right of the board, by doing this, the board flips in a 360-degree motion.

She demonstrates again and it’s another flawless kickflip, and a huge smile on her face as Spencer watches her.

“How fast the board spins depends on how much force I put into it when I flick it out. As soon as the board flips in a full 360, your feet should connect and drive the board back to the ground.”

She hands the board back to the girl, “your turn.”

She takes a deep breath and shakes her nerves out before taking off on her board, looping around and carefully bending her knees, she follows every step and it’s a flawless kickflip.

“Flawless!!” Y/N claps. “Those boys better watch out, you’re a natural.”

“Thank you,” she wraps her arms around Y/N and gives her a hug, “it’s taken me so long to be able to do that, you’re so cool.”

“You’re welcome,” she smiles. “Good luck out there.”

She waves as she takes off on her board, leaving Y/N with a smile as she turns to Spencer. “I miss being that age and thinking everything is so cool.”

“You are really cool,” he agrees. Smiling softly as a blush fills his cheeks. “You’re always surprising me. Is there anything you can’t do?”

She laughs, “yeah the one thing I want to do the most.”

“Which is?”

She sighs, “maybe I’ll tell you someday.”

—

He’s sitting beside Penelope and Savannah, watching Derek and Y/N get drinks for what’s left of the group as the night drags on.

“When are you going to tell her?” Savannah asks.

“What?” Spencer pretends he doesn’t know what she’s talking about.

“You have a crush on the new girl…” she pokes his cheek as he blushes and gives it away. “Tell her, what’s the worst that can happen?”

“She could feel forced to say yes because I’m a supervisory special agent and she isn’t and she wants to keep her job so she feels like she needs to,” Spencer worries. “I want her to like me back because she fell for me and I want her to initiate it because then I’ll know it’s not just a power dynamic issue.”

“Have you tried asking her, genius?” Penelope teases. “Because if you asked her then you’d know she has a crush on you and she’s afraid you’ll turn her down because you’re an SSA and she isn’t.”

“When did you hear that?”

Penelope pretends to lock up her lips and throw away the key, making Savannah laugh loud enough to get Derek's attention at the bar. When he and Y/N return, that’s when the questions start.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” Spencer gets up and leaves the booth, walking out towards the smokers' exit at the back of the bar, getting a moment of semi-fresh air to think about what Penelope said.

“Spence?” She calls to him from the door, “are you okay? Can I come out here?”

“Yeah,” he nods. “Sorry, I needed some air, it’s nothing.”

“Do you need a hug? I read it helps the most when people are stressed out,” she plays it off with a shrug.

“So you do have a crush on me?”

“She told you?” Her face lights with fury, “what the fuck, Penelope?”

“She didn’t mean to,” he tries to cover it up. “It was only brought up because I have feelings for you as well.”

Her eyes widen, her brows raise and her mouth slowly opens as she freezes.

“Y/N?”

She blinks a few times and shakes her head, “impossible. There’s no way.”

He laughs, “I’ll take that hug now?”

She lunges for him and wraps her arms around him so tight. Breathing him in, her hands wander his back as she takes in every second if it and he does the same. He can’t believe she’s that close to him, her hair smells nice and she’s so soft in his arms.

It’s quiet outside, they can hear the music behind the door, the people in the ally talking and the crickets in the night. It’s just them outside, holding each other in the smoking section with smiles on their faces, amazed that it’s finally happening.

“Can we keep this between us?” She whispers into his ear. “Just for a bit? I don’t want to go through all the paperwork and have to separate in the field if it doesn’t work out?”

“Wait,” Spencer pulls back. “Are you asking me to be your boyfriend?”

She nods, “well yeah isn’t that what happens when two people have a mutual crush? They date?”

“Okay,” he smiles, staring at her lips and then flicking his gaze back to hers with a blush. “I have more than a crush on you, I really, really like you.”

“Prove it,” she teases, “let's go on a real date soon?”

“You know what, let’s get out of here. I have something I want to show you,” he takes her hand and waits for her to nod.

“Take my lead okay? You don’t feel good and you’re going to wait outside while I say goodbye,” she has a plan right away

“After you,” he holds the door open for her and lets her inside first.

—

“I’m taking Spencer home, he’s not doing well,” she’s a much better actress than Spencer expected, patting his back and watching him leave the bar before her like she asked him to do. “He’s really anxious?”

Penelope looks worried, “oh no, I fucked up. I told him you like him.”

She just shrugs, “if he didn’t know that already then I guess he’s not as smart as he pretends to be.”

“See,” Derek looks at Savannah. “I told you everyone else also thinks he’s faking being that smart.”

“Shut up,” she shoves him and turns her attention back to Y/N. “Go make him feel better, he’ll like your company.”

“I’ll see you guys at work on Monday,” she waves them goodbye, surprised they bought it as she rushes her way back outside to Spencer.

He’s already in his car, engine running and waiting for her with a smile. “Come on,” he hurries her inside and is taking off down the road before she even has her seatbelt on yet.

“What’s the rush, Spence? It’s only 1 in the morning I’m sure tones of places are open still?” She teases.

“You’re going to like this, I used to go here all the time when I started with the bureau,” he explains, leaving the main road to take a back root, and eventually they’re driving on gravel.

“If you’re taking me here to murder me this is a dumb way to do it because they all know I left with you,” she teases. “At least when you go to get rid of me, do yourself a favour and dig 6 one-foot holes instead of one 6 foot hole…”

He laughs, “would you really give your murderer tips?”

She nods, “my goal would be to piss him off so much he either lets me go or murders me quickly. I don’t want to go through all the pain.”

“It’s not fun, that’s for sure,” he shrugs it off but she knows it hits too hard.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, reaching her hand out for his to hold by the gear shift. “I think you’re like the strongest guy in the world, you know that, right?”

“Why?” He asks as if that's a preposterous thing to say.

“I think if I got kidnapped and tortured at 24 I wouldn’t still be working in the FBI,” she admits. “I barely made it through the academy, I know this job is intense but I don’t think I could handle being in that situation.”

“If it’s up to me,” Spencer squeezes her hand tighter and brings it to his lips for a kiss. “You’ll never experience anything like that.”

He’s so good at making her feel safe that she almost believes he has the power to do that. He would do anything and everything to move fate for her safety.

He turns down another back road then, around the edge of a lake and towards a clearing. He follows old tire tracks and parks by the dock. “I found this spot one night on a random drive to clear my head.”

“I thought you hated driving?” She quizzes him.

He shrugs, “I like to drive at night when no one else is on the road because then I don’t really have to worry about anyone else. I hate driving because I can’t always anticipate other drivers' movements. If I could read minds, then I’d drive more.”

“Valid,” she nods, “now why is this such a special spot that you needed to show me right away?”

“Well, I have a telescope and it’s been in my trunk for the last 13 years so that every time I come here, I can look up at the moon…”

“You brought me here to look at the moon with you?” She swoons, “that’s so cute.”

“You think?” He looks like his heart is doing the same swelling as hers.

She gets out of the car before she can lean over and kiss him the way she wants to. In his trunk, he does have a telescope, and a blanket, which they set out on the dock and sit upon.

The sound of the lake, the loons in the distance, frogs and crickets and music travelling from somewhere down the lake. The moon was big, the stars were amazing, and this was the closest she has ever seen them. It's amazing, and of course, it was Spencer showing her everything.

He was everything to her.

And it didn’t take long for him to become everything to her either.

Joining the BAU was a dream to many at the academy, but Y/N never thought that she would get the job, overjoyed that she did. They were a family unit; they got the job done, they protected each other, and it was a wonderful environment to be a part of. She obviously liked Spencer the most out of everyone. He took her in, he made her feel comfortable and safe and she opened up more with him than she has with anyone she’s labelled a “best friend” in the past.

She liked everything about him. The way he talked with his hands, how his sweater, vest, shirt and tie always match, his gun looks a little out of place on his belt, like it’s too big for him, but it’s cute. His hair’s been getting longer too, sometimes he wears glasses and sometimes if she’s lucky, he doesn’t shave every day.

She can’t take her eyes off him when he’s busy and won't notice, just to then move her focus away when he stared at her. She only wishes she could see the way he stares at her in awe, because if it’s anything like how she looks at him, he must love her.

She keeps her hand in his, trading the telescope back and forth in turns, her face was close to his every time they switched and she kept getting bolder with each exchange. Letting Spencer look, she kept her face close to his, kissing his cheek softly as soon as he was busy peering up at the moon.

He turned to her with a gasp, “what was that for?”

“You’re cute,” she shrugs. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a while.”

“How long?” He teases, leaning in closer and kissing her nose to make her laugh.

“Since you dropped me off at my house after that first dinner…”

“So this is me,” she nods out the window, “thank you for the ride, I appreciate not having to be in an Uber all by myself.”

“Anytime you need a ride, you can give me a call?” He asks. “Seeing as we’ll be going to the same place anyway.”

She nods with a smile, “I’d love that, do you live close to here?”

“Just up the street,” he nods. “So we could carpool?”

“I can drive some days if you want?” She asks, “I know you mostly take the subway, and I know that because I’ve seen you reading on there before.”

He can’t help but smile, “so you never thought to say hello?”

“No,” she shakes her head, “you looked peaceful, and I’m sure you don’t get many moments like that in your line of work.”

He sighed, knowing she was right. “If it ever gets to be too much for you, please never feel like you have to pretend to be okay? None of us expect you to be stone cold, none of us are either. The job gets to us, just tell me if it gets to be too much?”

She looks from his lips back to his eyes and over again, “thanks, Spencer.”

He does the same to her, “anytime. Should I walk you to your door?”

She shakes her head, “that’s okay you’ve done enough for me tonight.”

“Fair enough,” he laughs. “Have a good night Y/N.”

“You too, Spencer,” she smiles before she exits his car, smiling at him from her porch before he drives away.

“So it’s been mutual this whole time?” He shakes his head at the absurdity. “I’ve been so lonely for so long and then I found you and you make me feel like I don’t need to be alone anymore.”

“You complete me too,” she makes one more comment before connecting their lips.

It’s like the world stops then. It’s silent and serene and everything she thought kissing Spencer Reid would be.

She pulls back with a smirk, “oh no.”

“What?” He worries.

“I’m going to want to kiss you all the time now…”

“Good,” he mumbles the words against her lips before reconnecting them.

—

At work on Monday, it’s very hard for them to look at each other without remembering that they’ve kissed. Spencer’s practically glowing with admiration for her that he gives it all away. He’s overly happy, offering to do things for others, standing way too close to her and bringing her coffee all morning.

“Okay, pretty boy,” Derek takes him by the scruff of the neck and redirects him into his office. “What’s going on with you today, I know you’re not this happy for JJ’s return?”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you get laid or something?”

Spencer laughs, “no, you know I don’t get laid. You actually remind me of that fact quite often.”

“You’re so happy I’m worried you’ve moved to crack,” he says it. “Okay, you were acting weird on Friday, you missed brunch on Sunday and now you’re waaay too happy.”

“I’m not on drugs again,” Spencer assures him. “I’m just letting myself enjoy my time with Y/N, if she falls in love with me in the meantime that would also be nice.”

“Oh, so you’re doing this to get laid,” Derek teases him again. “That’s good, I’m sorry if I triggered you by asking, but I had to make sure you’re okay.”

“No, no,” he places his hands on Derek's shoulders, “thank you for caring.”

“Always—“

“Guys!” They hear Hotch yelling from the bullpen, cutting the tender moment short, saving Spencer from spilling the truth.

Rushing back, he sits beside Y/N at the briefing room table. “We have a bad one,” Emily Prentiss of all people walks in the door, followed by Elle Greenaway.

“We’ll have time to mingle in a minute, right now there is a woman who needs our help,” he announces.

Spencer quickly reads over the case files, recognizing Elles handwritten notes, she was a private investigator now. “With Penelope’s help, I’ve been able to set up alerts in College chatrooms in the area so that I can help to missing and assaulted women right away.”

“She’s alerted when someone reports a missing woman and she has advertisements for people to reach out to her for help,” Penelope explained.

“I’ve been working on these cases for the last 9 years,” Elle announces. “This morning Aasia Desai called me saying her sister Bahni never showed up for lunch and it’s not like her, we know she went clubbing last night and so far Penelope’s tracked her down an ally and then she’s gone.”

“Her parents are British diplomats so Interpol has asked me to join, luckily I was just in Ontario so it was a short trip over,” Emily adds. “JJ will be here in half an hour for her first day back, and we will celebrate when we can, but I see we have some new faces here?”

“Special Agent Y/N Y/L/N,” she waves, still glued to Spencer’s side. “I’ve heard a lot about you both from Doctor Reid.”

“Doctor Tara Lewis,” she stands and shakes Emily’s hand, and then Elles.

“So it says here that the first missing case was in 2006 just after you left the BAU?” Spencer changes the subject before anyone can pry into why he would be telling her about the women who worked there before her.

“I did,” Elle nods. “I was too late for her, by the time her parents realized she was missing and called me in the case was cold. I started this as a way to get ahead of it.”

“How long has she been missing?” Tara asks.

“She was last seen at 1:07 this morning,” Elle confirms. “We have 25 hours, maybe, to beat the odds.”

“Reid,” Hotch cuts in, “I would like you and Elle to go check out the street she was last seen on, find any private cameras or anyone who might have seen something.”

He turns to Y/N who just shrugs in silence; “it’s fine.”

“Tara and Derek, I’d like you to interview Aasia when she and JJ get here, Garcia can you do a deep dive into Bahni’s spending and academic records?”

“Sure thing,” she starts clicking away on her computer immediately.

“And Y/N,” Elle looks at her. “I need you to go over the footage of the man who followed her to the alley and get familiar with his face. We’re using you as the face of the investigation to hopefully draw the unsub out.”

“How would she be able to do that alone?” Spencer gets defensive, a way he used to with JJ when she was the media liaison.

“If she goes on the news and makes Bahni seem like a person while describing the unsub as someone who can help solve the case, it will draw him out,” Emily explains for Hotch, who is glaring at Spencer for second-guessing the plan already.

“And she’s college-age,” Elle adds. “If that’s who he’s been going after all this time he will want to come in and talk IF he can talk to her.”

She places her hand on his leg under the table, “it’s a good plan.”

“It is,” Hotch agrees.

“What do you not have a saying to replace wheels up when they stay in town?” Elle teases him.

“Wheels away?” Emily joins her, “that works?”

“just get to work,” Hotch tries not to smirk at them.

Spencer stands up to leave with Elle, “can I just talk to Spencer before he leaves?” She carefully asks Hotch.

“Make it quick,” he agrees reluctantly and lets her follow him down to his desk.

Spencer rests his hands on the back of his desk chair, holding it tightly in an attempt to calm himself down.

“I’m going to be fine,” she assures him. “I don’t think the guy on the tape took her, we’d see him leave if he did.”

“Unless he lives in the alley,” Spencer combats. “Can you ask Penelope to do a background check on all the cars coming in and out of the campus and that street between midnight at 2 am?”

She nods, placing her hand on his gently. “Good luck out there, okay?”

He nods, “it’s been 2 days they’re going to know by the end of the week.”

She laughs, “so be it.”

He says fuck it right then and there, wrapping her up in a hug and kissing the top of her head as the team watches in the briefing room. “I’ll see you later.”

“Yes you will,” she smacks his side as he lets her go. “If you’re going to make a scene at least give me a real kiss.”

“Hmm,” he teases. “No cause then I’d have to sign some paperwork and I’ve got to go…” he starts to back away.

“Coward,” she teases.

He just shrugs, meeting Elle by the door and heading towards the elevators in silence.

She doesn’t ask, not even when they get to the garage or inside the SUV. They’re driving down the road for maybe 2 minutes when Elle finally brings it up. “So—”

“What do you want to know?”

“It's that easy now? What happened to you?” She teases. “You’re so different from the baby Spence I left.”

“Well you missed my drug problem, my dad being a possible child molester, getting shot in the knee, getting shot in the neck, my girlfriend dying, and now my mom might have Alzheimer's so you know… I had to grow up a bit,” he lays it all out for her to ask any question she wants.

“Why don’t you ever call me? I would have been there for you through anything,” she reminds him.

“I know that,” he reaches over for her hand, “thank you. But I was a big fan of suffering in silence… and now I have Y/N and she makes me feel normal?”

“That’s good, you deserve some fraction of normal in your life and she’s really cute,” Elle smiles back at him before returning her focus to the road. “How old is she?”

“27,” he smiles. “She’s the best.”

“You love her,” Elle notices it.

He presses his lips together to fend off a smile as he nods, “I think I do.”

“Tell her, you deserve to hear that someone loves you back.”

—

She’s anxiously tapping her foot as she waits for the elevator to arrive with the suspect, Rossi standing just behind her. Only 15 minutes after being on the news, the man that was in the security footage contacted them. Making his way over for a voluntary interview.

He looks Y/N up and down with a smile, “I heard you were looking for me.”

“I sure was,” she plays along with it, smiling and making him think she’s interested as well. “I knew you’d get the message, we just need all the help we can get right now.”

“Of course,” he has his ego stroked so well that they can roll with it.

“Would you mind coming with me and Agent Rossi to talk about everything you saw?” She batts her lashes at him, really selling it.

“Sure,” he follows them down the hall.

Rossi opens the door and lets them in first, letting her get him settled and a glass of water. “So you can tell me everything from that night?”

“Sure,” he nods, explaining his taxi job, his run for the night and his alibi.

“So why did you step back into the doorway?” She asks as she sits in front of him. Straight-faced as she catches him off guard.

“Excuse me?”

“You stepped out of the way to let her pass and then followed her, she made no motion to say she wanted your services, so I’m just wondering why you would follow her before she disappeared?”

“Huh,” he suddenly feels played and his personality switches. “I thought this was just a chat?”

“I’m simply asking you questions? If you don’t have answers that makes you suspicious. An innocent person would have given me an answer,” she fights back.

“She’s right, you got very defensive very fast,” Rossi finally speaks up.

He shakes his head with a huff. “I was going to ask if she needed a ride, she looked pretty messed up. And then some guy came over and wrapped his arm around her and they walked off. They seemed to know one another. I thought she was safe in his hands.”

Only his tone doesn’t match the words. He sounds jealous— It’s not like she would have been a large tab, he wasn’t jealous because he lost a customer. No, he’s jealous like someone stepped in and prevented him from snatching an easy victim.

“Fair enough,” she pretends to believe him. “Thank you for your cooperation.”

“I can go now?” He changes right back to confused.

She nods, “I’ll escort you down if you’d like?”

“Thanks,” he stands and follows her to the door where Rossi stops her.

“Are you sure?”

She nods, “I’ll be back up shortly.”

She catches up with him by the elevators, “did you have to drive far to get here?” She makes small talk.

“Not really,” he shakes it off. “I like your necklace.”

She touches her necklace and her face drops, “thanks.”

“Necklaces are my favourite.”

“You don’t wear any?” She notices in the form of a question.

He shakes his head as the elevator opens at the ground level. “I think they’re nice gifts.”

She nods along, pretending that didn’t set off every ret alert and alarm in her mind, “well here you are. Thanks again for all the help.”

“No problem,” he goes to leave, turning to stop and block the doors from closing. “If you want, later tonight I can show you everything I saw at the alley?”

“Yeah, sure,” she agrees with no plan to go.

“8 pm? At Cafe Linda?”

“See you then,” she agrees and he steps back letting the door close and then she loses her cool.

Feverishly smashing the floor 6 button, and begging to make it back up to Hotch to tell him everything. But she also just wants to cry but she holds it in as she makes it to their floor matching past Rossi and right into the briefing room.

“He may not be our unsub but that man is a creep,” she announces. “He not only complimented my necklace but he asked me to come to the alley tonight so he can walk me through what he saw.”

“You’re not going,” Hotch announces.

“I didn’t plan to,” she snaps. “I think we need to look into him because he’s either giving little girls necklaces to keep them quiet or he’s taking necklaces after he kills women.”

“Kathy’s parents said she was in a necklace when she went missing,” Emily adds. “His connection to this case and being at NYU right before she went missing gives us enough probable cause for a search warrant.”

Hotch sighs, “fine. I’ll call a judge, you and Y/N can go and search his place.”

“So shouldn’t we arrest him before he leaves the building?” Morgan asks.

“He’s still in the garage, I’ve let the security know to stop him and arrest him at the gate,” Garcia adds, listening in and planning in advance.

“Thank you,” Hotch smiles at her, “you’re always reading my mind.”

Garcia smiles back at him, “always, sir.”

“Okay, let’s go,” she looks at Emily and waiting for her to turn to leave the room.

“Let’s,” she motions for Y/N to take the lead and follows.

The drive to his house is so weird… she doesn’t quite know how to talk to Emily, knowing only slightly about her and her knowing nothing about Y/N.

“So how long have you and Spencer been dating?” Her first question just gets right to the point.

She laughs awkwardly, “3 days…”

“Oh…”

She hums as she nods along, looking out the window and avoiding Emily’s eye contact. “It’s new, we’re both pretty infatuated with each other but we’re taking it slower than most people because I’m afraid to let my feelings change how I do the job.”

“Makes sense,” Emily replies. Her voice is so sweet, she has an aura of calm that follows her and lets Y/N feel safe. She gets why Spencer said she was his best friend on the team before her.

“The necklace comment… why did it make you so wary of this guy?”

“When I was in middle school a guy gave me a necklace while he was grooming me,” she whispers. Looking out the window and pretending it doesn’t bother her now. “It’s fine, I don’t have it anymore, but I knew this guy had that same vibe.”

Emily put her hand out, letting Y/N interlock their fingers and hold it. “I know I just met you, but you’re family now. I’m here if you’re ever suddenly not fine with it anymore…”

“Thanks,” she smiles. “Let’s get this fucker.”

—

By the time the warrant went through, Spencer and Elle had joined them to search the first suspect's house while Emily left to help the rest of the team with suspect two. Tracking all the license plates in the area like Spencer suggested lead them to a Chinese food delivery driver in the area.

That didn’t stop Y/N from destroying her suspect's house. They tore the house apart, searching every nook and cranny for any answer that would make sense. She was tempted to lift the floorboards up, call in SCSI to run ground-penetrating radar and search the fucking walls if they had to.

But then she found it.

A small metal box in the laundry room contained some tools and when she lifted up the fake bottom, she found 5 necklaces.

“Elle!!” She yelled through the house.

They both came running down the hall to her, “is this Kathy’s necklace?”

“Oh my god,” she whispered with a nod.

“I want to kill this guy,” she mumbles under her breath as she places the necklaces back in the box and closes it up.

“Spencer doesn’t need another girl he has a crush on to murder someone and get kicked out of the bureau,” Elle teases.

“What?” Y/N asks.

“Way to go,” Spencer nudges her.

Y/N stands up with the box and slides it into a large evidence bag before taping it up. “I guess he has a type then.”

“I don’t,” Spencer tries to cover up. “I mean, if I do then it’s people who are nice to me…”

She smiles at him, unable to even pretend to be jealous or mad. “It’s hard to be mean to you when you’re so cute.”

“Ew,” Elle announces her disgust as she leaves the room.

“Let’s get out of here before I end up kissing you in a murderer's laundry room,” Spencer teases, taking her hand and leading her out of the house as the rest of the forensics team takes over the bagging of evidence.

“Guys,” Elle rushes back to them with her phone pressed to her ear. “We have a bigger problem than we thought with Bahni.”

They rush into the SUV, putting the team on the speaker to hear the most unthinkable. “So I did what Y/N suggested and searched every single driver coming in and off-campus and the last street she was seen on,” Penelope explains back. “And I came across a man who was delivering Chinese food under the name Tom Larson… and it’s ironic his name is tom because he has a plethora of peeping offences and general creepiness alongside a metric shit-ton of abuse from his dad and dead mother.”

“Okay?” Elle follows.

“Tom Larson lives near Bahni,” Emily explains, “I was just at his house where I found him and his father had been murdered.”

“So we have not 1 but 3 creeps in this case, and none of them are who took Bahni?” Spencer rubs his eyes. “Please tell me we know who was in Tom’s car last night.”

“That’s where it gets tricky,” Penelope says with the doles tones of keys clicking behind her words. “We were just contacted by the fugitive Taskforce because they believe one of the murderers they’ve been tracking took Bahni… but he has ties to a much larger scale global sex trafficking ring.”

Elle flies through the streets with their lights on, pulling back into headquarters and right up to the security check. “So who is this guy?”

“Once you get back up here, Agent Simmons and Alvez will explain everything,” Hotch confirms. “I’m taking Derek to see Cruze, we need to tell him what’s going on.”

“Sounds good,” Elle hangs up and throws the SUV in park.

Y/N hesitates, staying put and taking a few breaths as Spencer watches. Elle’s left the car and is already on her way to the elevator. “What’s wrong?”

“Can I just have a hug real quick?”

“Yeah,” he wraps his arms around her and holds her close. “Are you okay?”

She nods against him, “yeah it’s just good to have at least 8 hugs a day.”

“Hug me whenever you need to,” he whispers against her hair, kissing the side of her head before she pulls back.

“Kisses are helpful too?”

He smiles, leaning in and pressing his lips to hers, mumbling against them, “how many?”

She hums, “10?”

He pecks her lips 10 times and counts each one, making her giggle, it takes so much effort to hold her smile back to keep kissing him but she feels much better.

“Thank you,” she beams and she can swear Spencer's eyes sparkle as he smiles back.

She pulls him into another hug, “I hate that we have to go catch a killer right now.”

“Come on then, as soon as we get him we can go on another date somewhere?”

She shakes her head, “after this case I think we should take a nap together… I’m exhausted and I don’t want to let you go.”

Spencer shakes his head in amazement, “you really like me?”

“Yeah, maybe I do,” she teases him. “You should get used to it because it’s only going to get more intense and I will smother you with love.”

He just shrugs, “it’s about time—“

They’re startled with a knock on the window, “we get it you’re in love, can we go now?”

“Sorry!” Y/N calls back with a giggle, pulling him in for one last kiss before getting out. Spencer follows with a deep blush that everyone will see when they get back upstairs, but it looks cute on him.

Luke Alvez has been trying to catch one criminal for the last 2 years. Simon Garrett has been a pain in the ass for the FBI, the CIA and DEA. He first showed up on their radar when his DNA was found on 14 women’s remains, all of who had been missing for at least 5 years.

His DNA was then traced to his son in the foster system, who’s been off the radar for the last 10 years. Everette Garrett.

“Now he’s interesting because I’ve been investigating his sex trafficking ring between Canada and the United States,” Matt adds. “All 14 women his father's DNA was found on were thought to be in his ring, which means when they get too old he hands them to his father to take care of.”

Y/N shakes her head as she listens, “so if you’ve been looking for them for this long what makes you think we can find them in time to save Bahni?”

“We’ve been tracking him for a while, we knew that he had a new girl on his radar and when we heard it was Bahni Desai we knew it was time to get you guys,” Matt explains.

“So far we know that she has to be taken to this warehouse in Alexandria before she goes any further, we’re going to intercept them before they make it to the warehouse and then use their car to gain access to take the whole thing down,” Luke rolls out a map of the facility then.

“We need to have the place surrounded for any runners, SWAT is getting prepped, we’re going tonight at 3 am,” Matt adds. “Morgan, Hotch, Prentiss, Alvez and Myself will be running a team at each of the 5 exits. Once inside, each team's swat unit will deploy gas to carefully knock everyone out, from there we need someone to cuff everyone at least until we know who is a victim and who is working there.”

“We’re taking everyone alive?” Spencer makes sure he hears them right.

“We need to know what the step after this warehouse is if we want to rescue more victims,” Luke’s voice is gentle yet stern as he explains. “I’ve seen this man take too many women from good homes and ruin their lives, I’m not letting him slip out of my fingers.”

“We’ve had this planned for months, we just needed to wait for the next confirmed drop-off.”

“Who’s driving?” Y/N asks, having a feeling it was her and Spencer.

“He’s Reids age,” Hotch announces from the door as he walks in with Cruze, “so we’ll replace Everette with Reid and Bahni with Y/L/N.”

“Rossi and Elle will be there to apprehend Everette, we’re setting up a fake traffic spot to irritate him and inhibit him from running. You two will be in a duplicate car arriving at the warehouse at the arranged time,” Emily confirms. “We just have to prep SWAT and then we can leave.”

“Alright, let’s get ready.”

—

Pretending to be kidnapped in the back of a car driven by her boyfriend was possibly the weirdest way to spend a Tuesday morning. Driving the exact make and model as their unsub, her heartbeat was loud enough to cover the sound of the engine and distract her from the long drive. She was overly anxious, and rightly so, it was her first sting.

And she was doing it all without coffee. Tired but full of adrenaline, she wanted to close her eyes and drift off but she knew she needed to be ready to apprehend the men at the gate with Spencer.

She feels the large bump, indicating they just went over a speed bump and she knows what that means. The car slows and she can hear the muffled talking before swat steps in, soon enough Spencer is cracking the trunk open and reaching in for her.

“Are you okay?” He helps her to her feet and makes sure her bulletproof vest is on right before handing her, her gun and watching her clip it on.

“Yeah, what happened?”

“The guards are down, Swat moved in as soon as we arrived, now we have to stand here and wait for them to clear the building,” Spencer explains as they walk to the front of her car.

She draws her gun and keeps it pointed low, guarded as they watch the front entrance for anyone to escape. “Do you know if Bahni is okay?” She whispers towards him.

He nods, “they radioed in that they got her, she’s being airlifted to the hospital with JJ right now.”

She nods with a deep breath, “okay good.”

“It’s going to be fine, we have enough SWAT here to take the government,” he tries to joke, getting a laugh from one of the officers… very strange to see someone laugh while holding an assault rifle.

One of the swat side steps towards Spencer, “I’m hearing on the line that they’ve cleared every room. They’re cuffing everyone, you’re free to enter.”

“Thanks,” Spencer replies.

The high-pitched screech rubber gripping asphalt in an attempt to stop draws their attention backwards. Elle and Rossi jumping out with their guns drawn, ready to join even though the exciting part is long over.

“No runners?” Elle asks, holstering her weapon. “Aw man, I was excited.”

“Not a one,” Y/N adds, watching the front entrance for the rest of the team to start funnelling out with the unsubs.

Luke exits first with a big smile on his face, Simon Garrett cuffed and barely stumbling out the door in front of him. He finally got him.

“well done,” Elle congratulates him. “Let me help you get him in SWAT van.”

“I think she has a thing for Luke,” Rossi leans into Y/N to gossip. “she wouldn’t stop asking about him on the drive…”

“Ooo,” Y/N teases, getting more and more tired as her adrenaline drops. Her eyes are heavy and Rossi can tell.

“Why don’t I bring you and the good doctor home, I don’t think they need all of us for the wrap-up,” Rossi pats her back. “You’ve had a long night, kid.”

“Thank you,” she smiles, holstering her gun and turning with him towards the SUV. “I’m so exhausted.”

“Well you’ve been on the job for almost 24 hours now, you’ve officially made it through your first overnight sting op,” Rossi congratulates her like he’s her grandpa.

She turns back when she doesn’t hear Spencer following her, “Spence? Are you coming?”

“Um,” he has something to ask as he follows then but he doesn’t say it. “Yeah, sorry.”

“It’s okay, come sit with me in the back?” She asks, sliding in beside him and resting her head on his shoulder as soon as their seatbelts are on.

“Did you still want to have a nap together?” He whispers, feeling her nod against his shoulder before she pulls back.

“Come here,” she tugs him in against her chest, snuggling in as best as she could in their sitting position. Holding him close and feeling him drift off in her arms. She has no problem following suit.

When she wakes, Rossi is parked outside of her apartment, “here you go, Y/N.”

She hums as she comes to, shaking Spencer awake too, “Spence, come on, let’s get to bed.”

“He’s going with you?”

She nods, “don’t tell Penelope. She’ll have a field day, I just want a nap.”

“You better get more than a nap,” Rossi orders. “You guys need to actually rest before you come back to work on Wednesday.”

“Thanks, Dad,” she teases him. “We will.”

“Bye Dave,” Spencer whispers as he gets out of the car. “Thank you for the ride.”

“Anytime kid,” Rossi waves them off, waiting for them to enter the building before driving away.

“Finally,” she sighs, dragging Spencer down the hall and towards her apartment. “I’m so fucking tired.”

“me too,” he barely says.

He follows her inside like a lost puppy, taking off his vest and shirt, slipping out of his pants until he’s in an undershirt, boxers and his mismatched socks. She’s amazed by how comfortable he is with her, but she has known him for 3 months, it’s enough time to fall in love with someone… right?

She’s loved him since she started working with him. When she realized he valued her opinions, he looked at her as a person and he genuinely loved her company. She felt a real connection with him, not just childish infatuation. He was everything to her.

She slides into bed beside him and snuggles in, wrapping an arm around his middle and resting her head on his chest.

“I guess I really can do everything,” she smirks.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

She pokes his chest and giggles away the awkwardness, “the thing I wanted to do most, the thing that I couldn’t do… that was to fall in love with you, but I did it anyway.”

“Well, then I guess I can do everything too.”

She pulls away to look at him, “I love you, Spencer. I don’t know if it’s too soon, but I’ve loved you for a while.”

He pulls her in for a kiss, shocking her as he breathes her in and holds her there. “I love you, more Y/N.”

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[eddies-puppet]

𝙇𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙚 | 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙚𝙞𝙙

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 2: The Bar

Warnings: Drinking alcohol

Word count: 872

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3

———————————————————————————-

"Dr Harding, you're here!" Garcia cheered as Becca walked through the bar towards them.

"Sorry I'm late. This jetlag is kicking my ass," Becca laughed. "Also, less of the 'Dr'. Call me Becca," she smiled, running her hand through her long dark hair.

"Becca it is," Garcia beamed. "This round is on me. What's your poison?"

"Vodka, lime and lemonade would be great, thank you," Becca said as she sat on an empty stool at the team's table.

"So, Becca, have you been to the States before?" Luke asked loudly above the music.

"Just for a few days. My sister's thirtieth birthday, we went to Vegas," Becca grimaced. "It was messy."

"Vegas usually is," Matt laughed.

"Emily said you work in London. Did you grow up there?" Spencer asked, taking a sip of his water. Her breath caught in her throat, her skin flushing unexpectedly as she noticed his eyes move slowly down her body to the hem of her short dress, his teeth biting down gently on his bottom lip.

"So, I actually live and work most of the time in Oxford, I'm only usually in London if Interpol need me. I grew up in the country, in an area called the Cotswolds," Becca explained.

"Oh, it's beautiful there," Spencer smiled.

"You've been?"

"No, not physically. I've seen it in books though," he explained shyly.

"Well, if you ever visit England, you should go, it's really lovely," Becca smiled. She was startled as a tray of glasses landed heavily on the table in front of her.

"Shots!" Garcia chuckled as she picked up a glass, wrinkling her nose as she swallowed her first tequila.

"Oh, so you guys go in hard," Becca laughed.

"Some of us do," Dave laughed. "And the shots starting are always my cue to go home. Becca, it's been a pleasure. I will see you all, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, in the morning. Have fun," he laughed, gently touching Becca's shoulder as he passed.  As Garcia took another shot from the tray, she gestured for everyone to do the same and they all did, with the exception of Spencer.

"You don't drink?" Becca asked quietly.

"Not often," he said, his lips pressing together in a tight smile.

"Sensible," she laughed before throwing the shot back, feeling the burning liquid sliding down her throat.

"Time to dance! Join me, mi amor?" Garcia smiled to Luke, who took her hand and followed her to the dancefloor, along with most of the team.

"So, those two..." Becca giggled, looking at Spencer, who had stayed at the table with her.

"Yeah. They're under strict instructions to keep it family-friendly during work time, but as soon as the drinks start..." he smiled, nodding towards them on the dancefloor, Luke nuzzling into Penelope's neck as they danced.

"They're cute together," Becca smiled. Tara caught her eye, beckoning her over, but she shook her head, raising her glass into the air, indicating that she was far too sober to join them on the dancefloor.

"Not a dancer?" Spencer asked.

"Not without a lot more alcohol," she laughed. She glanced at Spencer, who was looking down at his hands, fiddling together on the table. "So, tell me, what's your PHD?"

"Um, I actually have three," he blushed. "In mathematics, chemistry and engineering." Becca nodded slowly, her eyebrows raised in amazement.

"Wow! That's impressive," she said, smiling as Spencer shrugged.

"How about you?"

"Just the one," she smiled. "Psychology. What do you do outside of work?" She asked, pushing her hair behind her ear.

"Read mostly. Or watch movies."

"Ah, a man after my own heart," she smiled. "What sort of thing do you like?"

"Horror mainly, and some sci-fi."

"Ah, so you'll be another Halloween fan!" She laughed gently as his hazel eyes lit up, the corners of his lips turning into a broad smile.

"Halloween is my favourite holiday," he grinned. "Despite its obvious origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian All Saints' Day, it's really a melting pot of various immigrants' traditions and beliefs. It's a uniquely American holiday." He hesitated as Becca giggled. "Sorry, I was rambling, wasn't I? They all get irritated when I ramble," he said quietly, nodding his head towards the rest of the team.

"There's nothing wrong with being excited about something," Becca smiled kindly as Spencer looked down at his hands again. "At least now I know how to get you talking," she laughed. He looked up at her, his soft curls falling in front of his eyes as he bit gently on the inner corner of his lower lip.

"So, you like Halloween too?" He asked.

"I love it! We do celebrate it in England, but not like you do here, especially once you get too old to trick-or-treat. I just tend to sit and watch scary movies all night these days," she told him. "In one way, I kind of hope I'll still be here for Halloween so I can see how you guys do it! It's not far away, so who knows."

"If you are still here, maybe I could show you one of the local Haunted Hayrides," Spencer smiled.

"That sounds fun, count me in!"

[mossgh0st]

In my head the end of Criminal Minds went more like an apartment opening up across the hallway in the complex where Spencer lives, that Penelope promptly moves into with Luke, because, you know they need the space for Roxy, and also how could Garcia ever go a day without hugging Reid? I mean she waited with bated breath for the mouth of that steel prison to spit him out so she could be there to catch him before he stumbled, with Luke by his side because of course the love of her life is also going to bat for Spencer alongside of her. Even though she is leaving the BAU, she is not leaving him for the rest of their lives. And with JJ as the new unit chief, Matt, Tara, and Luke know they’ll be in the best hands possible. They’re not scared of what’s next because they have each other.

With Prentiss as the FBI’s director, they never have to worry about another Barnes-gate. Reid splits his time between teaching at Georgetown and providing consultation on cases. He teaches advanced criminology for folks who are serious about the subject (no audits here) and some fun electives in the natural sciences/biology departments on fungi and whatever else makes him happy. Spencer audits some art classes and thinks about getting another degree in poetry. He doesn’t step foot in the field again, and while he has a license to carry, the worn Smith & Wesson sits in the bottom drawer of his bedside table. It makes him feel safe. He meets many good people, mentors many shy students, and for the first time, he is not afraid of the future. Derek is proud of his little brother.

Tara and Emily slowly come together over time. Prentiss has seen what life is like alone, and she never wants to live without love again. Tara learned a lot from her divorce, and more than anything she wants someone who will fight as hard as she will. After learning the full truth behind Emily’s death, return, departure, and final return, Tara is sure she’s made the right choice. Sergio is happiest squished between them at night. They buy a restored townhouse and think about having a child. Emily’s wedding ring sits on a thin gold chain around her neck, Tara wears hers proudly on her finger and never once considers taking it off. Every year the team celebrates Pride together at the Prentiss-Lewis’.

Matt and Kristy pop out their sixth kid, realize they need an even bigger house, and move right next door to the Morgan’s. Savannah and Kristy are fast friends, Derek is both impressed and terrified by the Simmons kids, and Hank grows up surrounded by kids who’ll be his friends for life. Luke and Penelope are frequent visitors and while the duo have thought about a family, they’re happy with each other and Roxy for the time being, but plan to try adoption a few years down the road. JJ, Kristy, and Savannah are close friends and parent each other’s kids flawlessly. Will, Matt, and Derek bond over basketball and Will shows them how to relax Louisiana style.

Scratch is sentenced to death. While the team have decided to spend time at Rossi’s instead of attending the execution, there is one attendee. Hotch makes the decision to come out of witsec. Scratch realizes that Aaron, sitting front and center, ever the picture of justice and authority, has won. He smiles at Scratch, knowing his own time in law enforcement is over. He sues the FBI for emotional damages, and the higher ups who believed Scratch and arrested him in front of his son are fired. Aaron wins and puts the money away for Jack. Emily gives Aaron his retirement. Aaron buys a house across the street from JJ and Will. He wants to make sure Jack grows up with his LaMontagne brothers, and that he himself never leaves his found family again. He writes a letter for Gideon, leaves it at his gravesite, and in it promises to never leave Reid the way he did. Spencer finds it and forgives Aaron for not saying goodbye.

For orchestrating crimes while in prison, Catherine Adams is also sentenced to death. Reid attends her execution, his partner with him. She teaches in the MFA program at Georgetown, taught Spencer how to paint, and reads to Diana on the weekends. She is everything, and Cat realizes she is nothing when she sees them for the last time. Spencer’s eyes pierce her confident veil, and for the first time she shows fear in her expression. The Reid’s leave to pick up Diana for a trip to the Smithsonian, hand in hand, Spencer feels no weight on his shoulders.

Everyone is happy and healthy and loved. They all realize that the BAU brought them together, but it is not what will keep them together. The love they share will.

[darcyfangirlsfrequently]

We Fell in Love in October, Chapter one - October 1st: The Deal

Shout-out to @gaelic-symphony for beta reading for me

Summary: It's October, and Emily Prentiss doesn't feel like being single for unofficial "lesbian month." What happens when she asks her friend, Tara Lewis, to be her girlfriend for the month? Will it last longer, or will a beautiful friendship meet its bitter end?

Word count: 1266

Can also be read here on Ao3

"Happy lesbian month," Emily Prentiss muttered as she slid down the wall to sit next to her friend, Tara Lewis, as they ate lunch.

Tara looked up from her psychology textbook questioningly. "It's October? Not June?"

"Exactly. We Fell in Love in October. Girl in Red."

"Oh, right. You know, for a lesbian, you don't seem too thrilled about it being 'lesbian month.'"

"I'm single, Tara. A-fucking-gain. I want someone to fall in love with me during October!"

"Okay, felt," Tara admitted.

That was when Emily got an idea. A terrible idea. A wonderful idea. A dangerous idea. This described most of her ideas. "Okay, hear me out…"

Tara groaned. "Emily, you are my friend, and you know I love you, but nothing good ever comes of you saying 'hear me out.' Ever."

"No, this isn't that bad, I promise!"

"Okay," Tara relented. She had never been good at stopping herself from being roped into Emily's shenanigans. It was something about the other girl's charm. "Let me hear it."

"So, you know how we dated for August first so that neither of us would be single for National Girlfriend Day?"

"Yes…" Tara said, unsure as to where Emily was going with this.

"So what if we dated for October so neither of us are single for lesbian month?"

Tara's eyes went wide. "Emily… you do realize that there is a huge difference between a day and a month, right?"

"Yeah, so? It'll be fun!"

"You have been reading way too much fanfiction."

"There is no such thing. Catradora and Tardarcy are my everything."

Tara shook her head, laughing. "You are insane. Seriously. This is not a good idea. Dating for a month? The chances of actual feelings coming out of that are high, that's basic psychology. What do we do if that happens? I don't want to lose my friend because we were both lonely touch-starved gays who wanted to live out a lesbian fanfiction."

"If that happens then at the end of the month we'll have an actual discussion on if we want this to continue like the mature almost-adults we are."

As sudden as this was, Emily seemed to have thought through the consequences, at least briefly. Tara didn't really have another argument other than I'm already in love with you, and this will absolutely destroy me if you don't end up feeling the same way, but she didn't exactly feel like saying that at the moment. With a sigh, she gave in. "Fine. Yes. Okay. Let's do it. I will be your girlfriend for October."

Emily's face lit up. "Really?"

"Yes," Tara replied, reaching over to take one of Emily's fries. 

Emily slapped her hand away. "Hey, what?"

"A good girlfriend would share her fries, Emily," Tara teased, shoving a handful of fries into her mouth.

"Oh fuck you," Emily teased back.

"That's very forward of you, Emily Prentiss. I didn't realize you were that kind of girl."

Emily's face went bright red. "I– that's not what I– can we just agree that for the purposes of maintaining our friendship… that won't happen?"

"Oh no, obviously it won't," Tara agreed. "I was just teasing."

"Okay." Emily stole one of Tara's chicken nuggets.

Tara's jaw dropped. "Oh you did not."

"A good girlfriend would share her chicken nuggets, Tara."

***

"Tara," Luke admonished.

"I know," Tara groaned into her hands. As soon as she had gotten to class she had spilled the details of her deal with Emily and their new relationship to Luke Alvez and Matt Simmons, her best friends. "I know, it was stupid, but I just…"

"Couldn't say no?"

"I couldn't say no."

"Tell me why I'm not surprised," Matt said. 

"Because you've known me for years and know I am in fact a useless lesbian who becomes absolutely stupid when a pretty girl even smiles at her?"

He laughed. "Yeah, that's about it."

"It's okay," Luke said, shoving her playfully. "We still love you."

"Oh you're one to talk," Tara said.

"What do you mean?" 

"You think you're much better when a certain captain of the coding club even breathes in your direction?"

His face went noticeably darker by a few shades. "Shut up," he whispered.

It was at that moment that said captain of the coding club, Penelope Garcia, walked into the room. "Hey, Matt. Tara." She faux-sneered at Luke. "Newbie." He hadn't even been the new kid for years, but she called him that and it stuck, and he secretly loved that she had a special nickname for him.

"Chica," he returned with a smirk.

Penelope rolled her eyes and kept walking.

Matt had to stop himself from bashing his head on the table. "I need new friends."

***

"Oh, Emily, you didn't," Derek Morgan laughed.

"I did."

"I'm impressed. I didn't realize you had it in you. Hey, Pretty Boy," Derek called to Spencer Reid as he sat down beside the pair. "Want to fall in love with me this October?"

He laughed. "Derek, we've been dating for three years now. You can stop using pick-up lines on me." Spencer was a year younger than the rest of them, but wicked smart, so he'd been bumped up a grade.

"Never," Derek said, with a kiss on his boy's cheek. 

"Gay people disgust me," Emily said, averting her eyes.

"Emily, babes, we've talked about the self-loathing," Jennifer "Call me JJ" Jareau said as she sat down behind her best friend.

"Derek and Spencer are being gross again."

"You're just saying that because you're sad you're single," JJ told her.

"Actually…" Derek said, a cheeky grin on his face. 

JJ gasped. "Emily! Do you have something to tell me?"

Emily relayed the whole story back to JJ, who sat there shaking her head the whole time.

"When I told you to do something about your crush on Tara, I did not mean propose the plot of a rom-com," the blonde said. "I meant ask to get coffee or something over lunch break. Jesus, Emily. Are you always this extra?"

"JJ, do you know me at all?"

JJ let out a small snort of a laugh. "Fair enough. So what are you going to do?"

"Well I can't exactly back out now. I'll just take it one day at a time. See where it goes. Enjoy the time I have with her, even if it's temporary."

"Simp, " Derek teased.

"Says the man who sat through the entirety of Star Trek with me while I added my own commentary because someone picked on me in the cafeteria one day," Spencer pointed out.

"Boy, shut your mouth."

Spencer grinned, cheekily. "Hmm, no, I'm good."

Emily groaned. She loved her friends, but sometimes their flirting could get a little much. "Get a room or shut up. Please."

"Technically," Spencer said. "A classroom is a room."

Emily glared at him. "I am giving you three seconds to rescind that comment."

"Comment rescinded."

"Yeah, that's what I thought."

***

"So, as your girlfriend for the next month, at least," Tara said when she showed up at Emily's locker at the end of the day. "Is it my job to walk you home at the end of the day?"

"Well you don't have to, but I certainly wouldn't complain," Emily replied.

Tara extended her hand. "Well then, shall we go, m'lady?"

Emily placed her hand in Tara's. "We shall."

When Tara dropped Emily off at her house, she also dropped a kiss on the back of Emily's hand. "See you tomorrow, girlfriend." Emily grinned and fought to keep herself standing. "See you tomorrow." Oh she was so incredibly fucked.

[snailsandpuppy-dogtails]

I Do, Do You? chapter 7: Helping

WC: 6,875 Ao3

Another week passes with Luke going in to work, but also coming home in the evenings, no active away cases. They take Roxy on morning walks through the park and around the neighborhood at night. He holds her hand and he holds her waist, he holds her when they sleep, and when he forgets himself, he kisses her fingers and her cheeks…but he always stops short of kissing her, much too much loaded behind it now.

As much as she tries not to think about it, not let it bother her, she can’t help but wonder why he hasn’t...and if he will before their time is up. She’s been quite patient and they’ve had much less time than other couples on the show, but even by regular relationship standards she would have jumped some bones by now.

Still, she believes him when he’d said he finds her attractive, that he has “lots of feelings” for her… she holds on to that, holds on to the bits of himself he gives.

It’s a Thursday afternoon, Penelope’s getting dressed and ready in the bedroom for a late park walk when she hears Luke talking on the phone in the living room.

“What about Alvez’ new wife?”

He had mentioned off-hand to Tara and Matt that Penelope was highly skilled with computers, he’d told them about her expertise (he might have been bragging), and alluded to her past, but he made sure to leave out her identity.

She left that life behind, he wanted to respect her privacy, that was for her alone to tell. He knew they’d still want her if they knew, knew the bureau could dream up charges to get her to agree...

“Ha. Tar, I know you’d love nothing more than a chance to see her again, and if things keep going the way they are, maybe I’ll have her meet me for lunch so you all can gawk from that fishbowl before we vanish into the elevator, but I am not bringing a civilian into what we do. Definitely not her.”

He’s on a group call, the team in the office, Luke at home, day four of testing out his ‘working from home unless absolutely needed’ routine, a new compromise from Prentiss to make up for all the away cases they’d had since the wedding now that things have gone into a lull.

When he told Penelope about the offer she jokingly declared she was going to write thank you notes to the whole of the BAU and the director of the FBI and send them along with a batch of each of their favorite cookies, he chose to ignore exactly how she was going to get that information.

Penelope thinks it’s nice having him around, someone to talk to and banter with, a chance for them to get closer. She’s enjoyed showing off her work with SOAR, and baking for them (he especially likes her chocolate chip cookies, and her dog cookies for Roxy). She’s hopeful the temporary arrangement will help more with the needed work/home mindset adjustment he’s had such trouble with, that it’ll continue to ease him into a better balance, maybe even make him realize other things can be important too… maybe even more important sometimes…

Luke, however, doesn’t think blending work and home have been a good idea, he’s felt on edge running background on cases remotely, choosing his words carefully so that other ears don’t overhear, always keeping the cursor primed to minimize a screen should something be up and she walk by. This phone call, what his unit is now trying to goad him into agreeing to has only added to the “bad idea” camp. To him this phone call is the start of the end.

“Luke, she does sound like an excellent resource-”

“My WIFE is not a resource,” The comment is sudden, and volatile, and about her? Piquing her interest, her head angles up and her body leans towards the door from in front of his dresser mirror. What follows is quiet, but can only be compared to a roar in intensity, “she is a person who did not ask to be around what we see everyday!”

“Luke, no one is saying-”

“No, no one is thinking,” he counters angrily, “She volunteers at an animal rescue! She runs a support group for grieving families. She doesn’t even eat meat! Prentiss- She’s. No. I, I get it, she has very valuable skills, ones that would-”

“That could break this for us.” Prentiss finishes in her maddeningly even voice. “She’s compassionate, right? Then Luke, we’ll shield her… but if she’d be willing to do some deep digging…Help us nail this guy…We can protect her, Luke. But if she’s really that good, think about the victims that could be saved, the ones that could be prevented… Aren’t they worth it?”

Penelope tiptoes on her stockinged feet to the door, positioning herself in a better spot to eavesdrop on the fractured conversation.

“Absolutely not. No. I already told you I will not ask her. She will not do it.”

Balancing work and his personal life was already proving to be a battle, combining the two in this way was a sure-fire recipe for disaster, he just didn’t know which would blow up first.

“Luke, you know we’re down, you know this could help. We’ve been after this guy for months-”

“Don’t- don’t do this to me Lewis, don’t push that line- Find another way. Find. Another. Person.”

The words are chillingly cold. Penelope bites her lower lip, peeking out from the crack in the door and jerks back, swallowing a squeak as he erupts in a furious growl, pitching his phone at the armchair across from himself.

She’s never seen him so mad, seen this side of him. Knowing it had something to do with her, that he was being protective over her, ignites a part of her she’d just as well not acknowledge and makes her all the more curious as to what exactly was being asked on the other end.

Timidly, she opens the door and comes out sittings on the edge of the couch closest to where he now slumps in the other orange chair. “Another case?”

There’s an intake of breath before he answers, “-Sort of,” he sighs, defeated, unable to look at her, not wanting to fall back into how things were, knowing that eventually he’d have to anyway, and preparing for the disappointment she’s about to unload and the disappointment of letting down his team.

She had gotten him to open up a few days ago while making dinner, maybe if she prodded gently, he’d be willing to do it again. Taking a page out of his book, Penelope reaches out, covering his hand with hers, then positions herself, kneeling in front of him, settling back on her heels, “…Can I ask who won’t do what, or is that top secret?”

Luke looks down at her with a wry smile, this magical woman, this genius funny sexy talented woman he didn’t deserve sinking to her knees in front of him, looking up at him like that; wide eyed, innocent, trusting, glossy lips and blushing round cheeks and blushing round...

His eyes zip back to hers, pleading, entreating. There was a god, and he was evil, “You.” he says after a struggle that feels like millennia, “The team… they want me to ask you to help us. Tara remembered what I said about how good you are, your specific talent-”

“You talk about me?”

“Penelope-” The genuine perplexity of it is a knife digging neatly into his chest, the fact that she thought she could be so easily out of sight, out of mind. Was it everyone before him, or was it just him who had made her feel that way?

She kneels up, wiggling as she waves a hand dismissively, “Nevermind, it doesn’t matter. Go on.”

Despite the situation he smirks in response. “My boss feels someone with your skills could really help us. But I told them no. I don’t want to put you in that position. -It’s too much of a ris-”

“I’ll do it.” The words are out before he has a chance to finish his sentence.

“No, I’m not-”

Kneeling up again she places a single polished finger against his lips, “Luke. SHH. If it’ll help, I’ll do it.”

He hesitates, he doesn’t want to make her aware- more aware of that world, of his world, he doesn’t want to put her in that position, but even he had mentioned how they scout for individuals who specialize in doing what she can do and she’d be the first to tell you, she is the best. He knows if she’s willing, it isn’t up to him, still he wants to make his position clear, "Penelope, I am not asking you to do this, don’t feel like you need to-"

Removing her finger, she caresses his cheek, thumb stroking and smoothing the concern at the corners of his eyes. He brings a large hand up to cup her own, holding it to his face, eyes closing. Luke nuzzles into the warmth of her, holding her to him he turns his head, she holds her breath, stomach knotting as he places a soft kiss to her palm.

Penelope’s tongue unsticks her lips, “You’re not asking me, I’m volunteering. This isn’t for you,” she lies, “You told me before, I’m like a superhero…well, superheroes work together. I want to help.”

Working together on something he deemed important would bring them together, they were still trying to connect, to catch up… they needed to take opportunities as they came, and this would let them learn more about each other. “I want to do this. Luke, I like helping people and I know I'm the best.”

“You don’t even know what it is yet-”

She shrugs, feigning indifference, “Like I said, I’m the best. We can both be superheroes.”

—

What had started out as Penelope tracking and compiling everything they needed with unparalleled speed, quickly morphed into the situation Luke had predicted.

They were already exposing her to the dark and sordid imagery of Congressman Whitt’s digital footprint -not shielding her from it like Prentiss suggested was possible- And they still needed to make sure their case was solid, prove without a doubt he’d abducted, restrained, drugged, and raped those women- all on a live-streaming platform with “customers” paying for the privilege of assault by proxy… But the only way to take down someone so well connected would be to catch him in the act.

“Sorry to be the bearer of awful news to all you very beautiful, very in need of therapy people, but it looks like he’s planning on snatching someone tonight.” Penelope stood in their small conference room in front of a flatscreen tv frowning over her findings. On the screen she displayed the decoded message she found that had been sent out this morning to creeps in the know. The group of agents watched in awe at the depth and detail of what she’d been able to discover and how quickly she’d been able to do it.

“Alvez, you weren’t kidding” Tara hums.

“Ms. Garcia, you have been an invaluable help, thank you.” Prentiss says, gesturing for her to join them at the table.

Penelope responds with a quickly vanishing pleased look and passes off the remote, sitting in the chair next to Luke. He snatches her hand, catching her eyes when she meets him, “Hey,” he whispers low, “are you ok? I’m sorry you had to see that-” he’d noticed her shudder and blanch at the new countdown she’d popped up for them to see.

His thumb caresses the back of her hand, she notices he hasn’t stopped petting and stroking her, keeping in contact with her, since they entered the building. Even in the office they’d set up for her he came in, hands on the top of her chair finding their way to her neck, her shoulders- it reminds her of their wedding day- small brushes of finger tips, his gaze never leaving her. “It’s fine, we’ve all seen the ID channel,” she says, brushing it off. She could be strong, she doesn’t want them to think she can’t handle it.

Luke frowns giving her a look, Penelope smiles back, insisting, “I’m fine-”

“Alright, we knew he was going to be at tonight’s gala, and now thanks to Ms. Garcia’s skilled work, we know he’s teased another stream, which means he’s planning on finding another victim tonight, likely at or around the dinner.”

“-It would be great if we knew who the target was,” Matt says.

“Well, we do know he’s an opportunist and likes to have a few options to offer up, so he won’t have a victim picked out, which we could use to our advantage if we had someone on the inside. But on such short notice and with all the additional security being distributed around the city, we definitely won’t be approved for that, you all know the director isn’t especially supportive of this-”

Penelope watches as they continue to talk through their options, talk through a plan, ignoring what she feels is an obvious solution sitting in the room with them, until finally offering, “…I can do it-”

“Not a chance.” Luke shuts the idea down so fast she can only assume it had been on his mind as well, maybe even quietly hoping it wouldn’t get brought up.

Prentiss, hesitant about using a civilian with no prior experience on such a dire case, looks between the two of them, “Iiiii don’t know…”

“I’m his type, right? Blonde, bubbly, and I have been told- entirely sexy-”

“Penelope-” He was definitely hoping no one would bring up the similarities between Penelope and the victims, suggest…

What he got instead was his wife using his -private- admissions as ammo against him in some bullheaded effort to prove… he didn’t even know what she could be trying to prove.

“Luke! It’s not up to you, it’s up to her,” Penelope says, nodding to Prentiss standing hunched over the table, “and you need someone-”

“But not you” he grits through clenched teeth, a hand moving to her knee as he turns to her, the other still covering her hand on the table. He could give two fucks about anyone else in the room right now, it was only her he was having this conversation with.

“Why not? You trust them, don’t you? I trust you. Plus, I do theater, so I can keep up a front-” this she says to the team at large.

Penelope doesn’t say the other part that she’s thinking, that she’s already had experience being a victim of attempted murder once, so a second time with supervision shouldn’t be that bad.

The…experience was something she still hadn’t told him about.

She had thought about telling him a few nights ago, telling him she understood why his job was so important, and not just because she had JJ and Derek in her life, but because of what she’d gone through…what she wouldn’t have survived without them. She knows if she had told him then, there’s absolutely no way he’d allow her to do this, he’d make sure, so secretly she’s thankful it hasn’t felt like the right time.

The team watches the exchange play out, Luke dead set against her involvement, Penelope insistent she’s capable.

Despite Luke’s protest, Emily can’t help but weigh the offer; she was right here willing to do it, knew about the unsub, had helped them endlessly…but she was also a civilian they’d just met who had a history of circumventing the law in accordance with her own morals, she had no formal training, they didn’t know how well she’d be able to play this off…and Alvez would clearly be compromised during the operation.

But if it worked, they could catch Whitt tonight.

Mind not yet made up, she breaks in, “Even if I said yes, we still couldn’t get approval… or tickets-”

Penelope looks away from Luke, grinning up at his boss, “Of all the tricks I’ve pulled today, those are going to be the easiest…and the most fun”

He can tell Penelope has no intention of listening to him, her mind already made up. Relenting, he changes tactics, “I’m not letting you go alone. If you go, I go.” Luke turns his attention to Prentiss, finishing, “-every step of the way.”

If she insisted on doing this, if Prentiss approved, there was no way he was letting her out of his sight. Just the idea of her talking with the congressman, being in the same room with him, on that cam footage for all those creeps to see, made Luke broil. She was serving herself up on a platter after seeing what he’d done to women who looked like herself. He would be sure it didn’t go that far.

Penelope strokes his cheek like she had this morning, gazing at him, “You’re the only one I know, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

There’s little time, but Penelope manages to secure a group of suites in the city near the gala, forge tickets, and change the guest list to include two agents and herself, all while being coached by Luke’s boss and his teammate Tara on what to do and how to respond. The day goes by quickly leaving no time to process, dwell, and allow nerves to build.

Stings, she gets the impression, don’t normally come together so fast or out of the blue. On tv she knows it’s either months of planning every detail, or quickly throwing someone in in the moment. Maybe that last type isn’t quite true for them.

She also gets the feeling that his boss, Prentiss, is worried about the subject of their sting. He’s a big deal in DC, a man with deep pockets and friends in high places, someone who doesn’t need to be paid to do these horrible things, a defense they’d no doubt rely on. She already wanted to show Luke she could handle what his world was, that she could take on some of his burden and he could open up to her, but watching those videos, reading what those men wrote, hearing those girls…she wanted to help them, and if that meant dressing up, she was more than willing to do it.

The dress they gave her to “up” however was….hideous.

It would need much much “upping” if she were to be irresistible enough to inspire a chatroom full of subhuman cowards to….want her. Unfortunately, the bureau wouldn’t let her wear her own clothing (maybe for her that was a good thing?), something about rules, and there was no time to go shopping with all the sleuthing and forging and convincing and prepping and practicing. So instead she’s left with this.

Penelope examines the shapeless reflection in the mirror impressed there is a garment capable of so wholly camouflaging her more prominent features. She considers one last appeal to the bureau to let her wear something from her own wardrobe…something more flattering.

She’d insisted that her closet was chock full of goodies for every occasion, but she would have to agree, her closet certainly didn’t (and never would) have a dress like this.

Black-tie indeed. The floor length, black dress had all the appeal of a graduation robe. She’s matronly and generic and if she were going to be the prime choice tonight, this dress would not do.

Twisting left and right, pinching at fabric and checking seams, she quirks her mouth thoughtfully, glad she’s up to the task of dressing it up. All those years transforming her own things finally had a use beyond personal esthetic.

Hacking off the high round collar, she winces and hopes this doesn’t constitute destroying federal property as she morphs the neckline into a perfectly cleavage framing low V (modeled after one of her tried and true f-me dresses). She lifts and brings in the waist, fitting the skirt through her middle in gathers, softly draping at the narrowest part of her, and finally she takes the elbow-length bell sleeves and carefully pleats and folds them like origami rings at the high point of her shoulder, leaving her arms bare. She’s wearing her best push-up bra to help push all that cleavage right to eye level, and she thinks about stockings, but ultimately decides against them, the dress covered her legs anyway…though she was very tempted to add a thigh high slit.

Looking at the transformation, she should be uncomfortable. This moody, vampy thing reminds her of her past, of someone she no longer is…someone naive and angry and desperate to fit in…someone trying to find their place. Their peace. She should be uncomfortable in that Penelope’s skin, but she isn’t, and maybe it’s because that person was the right one to be tonight…Maybe that’s how she can get through this undetected. The changes she’s made to the matte black silk, she’s sure are more than enough to make her stand out in a sea of predictable sparkling navy and red DC housewives, but if they aren’t she’s sure she will be.

Penelope curls her hair and removes the large white cube necklace she’d been wearing earlier, exchanges the alien earrings and mahjong tile bracelet for a cleavage dusting lariat and a malachite point tipped gold horseshoe bangle, and lastly, takes the 8-ball ring off her pinky leaving only her wedding ring.

Twisting the emerald, flicking the band left and right, she knows she can’t leave it there if she plans on being desirable bait (a missing married woman would be too quickly noticed), but she’s struggling with the thought of taking it off.

Like ripping off a bandaid, she quickly plucks it from her finger placing it on the dresser, but just as quickly she snatches it back up. Penelope frowns thinking about how stupid it is to feel so attached to a piece of jewelry, feel so wrong. Old Penelope, The Black Queen, certainly wouldn’t have, and after all, she doubts he wears his all the time, he’s only known her, been married, for almost six weeks.

But not wearing it feels…like betrayal…like a slap.

Instead she places it on her right hand. At least this way it’s still with her. If he notices when he comes to get her, she’ll just explain, though if she’s being honest, she’s hoping for some visual confirmation that her handiwork has made her as distraction-worthy as she feels.

Thinking back to every one of his slow outfit appraisals, the quickly averted, heated looks that set her skin on fire, she’s looking forward to tonight’s reaction the most. How he would feel about this side of her, this part that was so much of her for so long. Would he be put off? Would he laugh when he saw her, be mad she altered the dress? That she was revealing so much of herself…for them. Would he be so overcome with passion and possessiveness that he’d take her in his arms, unable to control himself any longer and pin her to the door, crush his lips, his body, to hers?  Immobilizing, determined to show her she was his, his bulletproof vest firm against her under his tux, his thigh pressing her legs to spread…kissing her furiously, roughly kissing down her throat, toothy hands hiking up her skirt…up her thigh….

Focused on the fantasy playing out in her head, Penelope shrieks in surprise at the ring of the door bell and quickly applies the finishing touches of makeup- some pink blush and candy red sheer lipstick before hurriedly snatching her clutch and scurrying to her waiting husband.

But opening the door she’s only met with disappointment. Behind the door there is no ego boosting, jealously wandering eyes from the mouth watering husband she’d so well imagined, in fact, there’s no mouth-watering husband at all.

What she finds on the other side of her door is instead a different unfairly beautiful person.

Tara, now dressed to the nines, is waiting to escort her to the SUV that will drive them into DC. She can’t help but notice how, unlike what Penelope was first given, Tara’s dress doesn’t make her look like an 80s schoolmarm.

Tara, narrowing her eyes, inspects Penelope, “That’s the bureau’s dress?”

Smoothing her hands down the sides of her skirt, Penelope responds as evenly as possible, “Yes.” It wasn’t a lie, she wasn’t lying to a federal agent. This was the dress, she just improved it is all. Improved their chances of her being picked. And anyway, they gave her that one.

“Right.” Tara smirks, “We should get going. Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Penelope closes and locks the door behind her, she’ll just have to settle for hot husband glances on the way there.

In the vehicle however, there is no Luke either.

He had said every step of the way, didn’t that include picking her up and going to the city?

She doesn’t admit that she’d fantasized anticipated him drinking her in, his expression turning parched, eyes wide and tracking like she’d caught him doing so many times before…but finding only Matt, Penelope, can’t stop herself from asking, “Not that the two of you aren’t gorgeous and delightful and I’m sure very great company, but…where’s my- Where’s Luke?”

She doesn’t want them to think she’s not brave enough for this, she is, or that she’s clingy and needs him around- she’s not some sad husband reliant trad-wife. She’s independent, she has her own life, she had a very full life before he was matched with her and she’d have one after- She didn’t need him to protect her, she had volunteered, insisted because she knew she could do this- She would be fine…she just…wanted to know.

Matt looks back at her in the rearview, smiling, “You don’t look too bad there yourself, Garcia, sorry Luke couldn’t be the one to see it-“ Tara jumps in explaining the last minute change of plans. Matt, looking more the part of a gala attendee, swapped roles with Luke, Luke and Prentiss went on ahead to set everything up at the hotel and gala.

It’s then that the scope and specifics of the situation really click. Her life is in the hands of strangers, their success is in hers, things can change at a moment's notice and her being the odd-man out, not an FBI agent, they are under no obligation to consult or inform her. Luke was possibly even instructed not to inform her. She isn’t familiar with how they operate, how they handle things on the fly, and the person she’s the most familiar with, she’s only known for a few weeks at best. Penelope flexes and stretches her fingers, willing the needles forming to vaporize. She’s capable of handling herself, she’s been in worse situations alone before and come out fine, she could do this, just like she’d told them.

“It was a pretty big blow-up actually,” Tara goes on, “He was insistent on being here with you.” She doesn’t want Alvez’s new wife thinking this was on him, that he’d lied, “…It’s just…not always up to us. Prentiss felt he wasn’t going to be able to keep himself in check, and he kind of proved her right with how he reacted… But looking at you, I don’t know that making him play catering staff will make a difference.”

The rest of the way to DC is filled with review, last minute prepping, and cues, Penelope watching the landscape and sky change from the passenger window as Tara continues to test and prime her.

At the hotel, Tara shows her an ear piece and small camera she’ll be outfitted with, Penelope distracts herself by setting up a laptop with a fake account, joining the congressman’s watch party, and adding a backdoor server to record everything undetected. There’s still no Luke and no Prentiss, they’re at the event space double checking physical layouts to Penelope’s found blueprints and giving as few people in charge a heads up as possible, but there is that Anderson guy. She shows him how the chats and servers work and what to do if certain tech-related scenarios come up, and writes it all down for him just in case on some turquoise sticky notes floating in her bag.

“What happened to the Bureau’s dress, Ms. Garcia?” She hears it in her ear. This is the sound check Tara told her about, Prentiss must have seen what she did to the dress when Tara was showing her the camera pin. Thankfully, she hears what she thinks is a hint of amusement in the question and decides to use that opening.

“Funny thing, I put it in the wash, and wouldn’t you know, it shrunk!” Tara, Matt, and Anderson snicker from around the room.

“Let’s be sure it doesn’t happen again, we want you to be picked, not picked apart”

“Ma’am.”

“-Don’t- call me ma’am.”

Two agents and one former hacker pack up and head out to an extravagant evening none of them are bound to enjoy. The nerves start to creep in.

~~

From one of the rooms Penelope secured, Prentiss runs laptop surveillance along with Anderson, keeping track of the feed that’s streaming through a lens in Whitt’s boutonniere. “So far he’s signaled between the caterer near the north end of the patio, the musician who just excused herself to the lady’s, and Ms. Garcia” she gives a rundown of the targeted options to the four at the Gala through their earpieces.

A muscle turning feeling crawls beneath Penelope’s skin at the information that she’s made his notice, a shudder jerking her from the shoulders down hearing the confirmation. Three hours into the night, three hours. Was that all it took? Even the knowledge that Tara and Matt were triangulating the room with her, keeping an eye on Whitt and the possible would-be victims, that Luke was here too, ready should anything happen, didn’t feel like enough.

“He can’t do anything, I'm right here,” comes in cooly, seemingly right next to her. His voice like a string lacing and constricting her chest.

Luke’s been tracking her since their arrival, though the woman he sees walk in looks more like the devil on a shoulder version of his wife than the living jawbreaker- tough ball of rainbows- he’s used to seeing. He’s not complaining though, the inky black dress contrasts her pale skin and makes her blonde hair glow gold, and the shape, the cut, how she fills it out- she looks devious and sultry and perfectly wicked in just the right way. But he wonders how much of this is some shield or wall, something to just get through tonight, and if it is, is he wrong being this enamored with a side that isn’t a side at all?

“Penelope, remember, we want them to pick you, you need to make yourself more present” this time it’s Prentiss breaking through the space in her ear.

She doesn’t speak but she slowly nods her head. Duh, that’s why I chopped up the dress...

She knows from the recordings it’s not that easy, if she approaches him, they won’t like it, won’t like her. She needs to be aloof, but confident, a little brash, and flirty. She needs to make them want her, want to punish her, to have a powerful man put her in her place. Closing her eyes, she channels her other persona, the one who’s smart and sassy- a bolder, more forward version of herself. The person she used to be…but that’s not who she is any more and she’s not sure she can muster it fully… remember her intricacies. What if they see through her? Worse yet, what if one of them knows her? Would they recognize her after all these years? Was she dooming the sting before ever entering his orbit? This was so stupid, she should have thought this through, created a better disguise. What if they were using her?

Entirely worked up and filling with self-doubt, Penelope drifts across the room, mentally repeating that she’s safe, that no one recognizes her, and even if they did, she’s in a well-lit place in a crowded room and there are agents and security all around, Luke, though she’s only heard him...

Looking around, she spots a group of younger, strong jawed men adjacent to the congressman. They look the type to have been on Crew at Yale or Harvard, the type to drink too much, and get too handsy- politicians sons, the perfect group to be noticed with.

She drains her champagne, joining them, flirting. It’s a tactic that works like a charm, no sooner had she joined the group of men, laughing and touching, squeezing biceps and brushing lapels aside, did Whitt approach.

“Champagne?”

The voice isn’t the congressman’s though, it’s the one in her ear, but it isn’t from the piece, this time it’s behind her. Penelope turns, feeling the wash of relief at his warm eyes finally where she can see them.

Luke had positioned himself between Penelope and the congressman, creating a physical barrier. If any man was approaching his wife tonight, he would be the first.

Irritated at being cut off from his target, Congressman Whitt picks up two flutes from the proffered tray and with a slick sleight of hand drops sedatives into one. Sidestepping, he reaches past Luke, ignoring his presence, and offers it to Penelope.

She grins wide, placing her empty glass on the tray, one hand sliding out to slip around the slim crystal stem, the other sliding down Luke’s hip, not so discreetly squeezing his ass. Luke’s eyebrows jump in surprise, but quick reactions allows him to catch himself before his arm and tray swoop.

Her eyes never leave the congressman as she delivers a coy smile, “What a gentleman, I do like to keep my hands full,” Penelope purrs, taking the spiked champaign.

“Nice job, Garcia- they really did not like that, the comment section is lighting up,”

Luke’s free hand slips down covering her own, giving it a brief, reassuring squeeze back before removing it.

She hears the buzz and watches Whitt check his phone, his eyes careful not to fall on her as he reads, careful to keep his expression neutral.

“You’re on, Penelope.”

From that point on it’s a waiting game filled with tension, everything seemingly pulling back before the slingshot forward.

After some small talk, Whitt politely excuses himself. The less time he’s around her, the less outward interest he takes in her, the less likely he is to be suspected when her dead body’s found in the park tomorrow morning.

With the congressman now making himself noticed schmoozing across the room, Tara reminds Penelope to keep her head in the game, timing is crucial. He’ll wait for the drugs to kick in, wait until his victim is weak, wait for them to seclude themselves, wait for everyone else to become suitably drunk and high and otherwise distracted, then when they’re too incapacitated to put up a fight, he’ll strike. If she succumbs too soon he could get suspicious, if she takes too long, he could change his mind. Waiting for the timed signal, Penelope continues to make sure she’s seen flirting and flitting with every man in the room, at one point even feeling up the delectable Matt Simmons, coining him ‘Biceps’ as she batted her eyes and teased him, much to Luke’s displeasure.

Pantomiming working the room, Whitt watches from a distance incrementally simmering with rage until Penelope, given the direction, feigns going under. Swooning and swaying, fanning herself, she stumbles to the patio, alone.

She holds onto the gritty cement balustrade, eyes closed, cold of the night hitting her, sucking down air, stomach knotting with the knowledge that this was the plan, but the plan put her in direct physical contact with a tortuous murderer. Her body swoops, -the act just a little too good- knees going weak from the anticipated attack. Before she can regain any kind of composure she feels a thick clammy hand on her back and hears his drawling voice, “Hey there Cinderella, had a little too much to drink?”

She swallows, not wanting to look at him, not wanting to think about where he plans on this going, but thinking about the women before her she forces her eyes open, forces the lazy slipping grin of an easier, unperturbed seductress unaware of the horrors that await her. She shrugs, slowly batting her lashes and sways again.

Luke keeps eyes on her from the far side of the ballroom, Tara and Matt from a point in the garden, the act is good, too good. The trio start to worry, had she slipped up and accidentally ingested the spiked champagne?

How much control did she really have? Was she this good of an actress? He shouldn’t have ever allowed Prentiss to approve her, he shouldn’t have told Penelope at all.

Whitt’s hand moves holding her more firmly as he braces around her side, “Why don’t you come with me, I can help-” Penelope tries to get it out, but the words won’t come, fear stuck in her throat, she resists, but he’s quick. All of a sudden she feels the tip of a knife pointing into her other side, “You can fill your hands with something real-” is hissed into her ear. She tries to push away, but freeze takes over, hyperventilating, panic. She’s alone and she can’t move, she whimpers at the sharp pull, Whitt grabbing her by the hair, the hand with the knife wrapping around her. She feels the zhhht- zhhht- zhhht of the blade zig-zaging up her dress, feels the sharp tip find and press to flesh, “I said let’s go you fucking whore-” He pulls her against himself, her back to his chest, she struggles against his grip. He’s taking her and they’re not here, no one is doing anything to stop him, there’s no Prentiss in her ear, no Luke-

The moment he sees Whitt touch her his hand flinches, reaching for his gun.

“Alvez, stand down, we don’t have anything yet-” she’s disconnected Penelope’s radio, not willing to risk Whitt overhearing them through it.

“Prentiss he has her-”

“I said, wait!”

His stomach churns watching the blade slide up her chest, Penelope’s head jerking back and her mouth dropping in a cry.

Every muscle in his body compresses, tenses, braces, “Prentiss, god damn it, he’s taking her!”

There’s urgency in his voice, a thread of distress, Whitt’s actions are alarmingly bold given the setting, but obediently Luke holds back- for a breath-

Whitt’s arm tightening around her.

Then two-

Penelope’s heels dragging back on the flagstone.

Waits until it feels too long

waits until-

“-Fuck this-” shatters. In one fell swoop the silver tray is replaced with a handgun, Luke rushing in a crouch to the patio doors, peaking around the curtain, lining up his shot, “Cover me-”

He steps out into the dark terrace, gun trained, stance even, level, voice ringing out against the din of the party, “Congressman Whitt, FBI, let her go-,” a clear command.

There’s a glimpse of Luke before her head is snapped back, vision pulling to the dark sky above, her body propelling forward. The sharp sound of a knife clattering to stone is like a gunshot, the second she hears it Penelope’s stumble turns into a run and in no time flat she’s colliding heavily into Luke’s chest, his open arm, their bodies rocking with the force, the commotion behind her unintelligible, the others apprehending and arresting Whitt.

Matt steps in front of the congressman, kicking the knife away and reading his rights as Tara roughly takes him by the arms, clicking the cuffs into place. "This is all a misunderstanding, I don’t know what you think you saw- This poor young lady is clearly unstable- She was trying to kill herself! I was trying to stop her! Maybe she was drugged! Put up to it- She was with some young men earlier, I bet they slipped her something-" He bellows and blusters the revisionist story ignorant to the fact that he’d been set up, that they have the whole thing on tape- his own feed.

Tara and an officer escort the protesting congressman to a waiting patrol car. The whole time Luke keeps one arm secure around Penelope’s back holding her to him and the other with his gun trained on the congressman being led away, ready should he make a single move.

“Prentiss, Anderson, you get everything?” Luke feels her arms constrict around his waist when he asks.

“We’ve got it. Unless Ms. Garcia thinks anything needs to be done with this tonight, she can get some rest- Alvez, we’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Fine.” He hears the finality, the awaiting reprimand in her voice, he can’t bring himself to care.

Holstering his gun, he pulls out the ear piece, bringing both arms to circle Penelope tightly. His chin hooks over her shoulder as his hands run up and down her back, “Penelope” it's a prayer on her neck, tangling in her hair.  

[brywrites]

BAU Secret Santa

I love Secret Santa exchanges around this time of year and adore reading holiday fics where the office does some kind of gift swap! Here’s my scientific ranking of each BAU member based on the gifts they would give in a team Secret Santa exchange:

Garcia: The unequivocal gifting queen. Gives flawless, extravagant, and niche gifts. It’s almost shocking how perfect they are until you remember she can easily hack your browsing history, social media, and text messages to find that totally obscure thing you’ve secretly been yearning for.

JJ: Gives a great gift every year. She’s a good listener so picking something out is fairly easy, and if needed she knows to look through your Pinterest boards to find something you genuinely want.

Morgan: Tries his best to pick something solid based on past conversations, but leans towards useful/physical things like toolsets. When all else fails, he’ll give a handmade “coupon” good for free renovation project.

Emily: Exclusively gifts expensive alcohol, and will happily help drink it if invited over. The few times she’s gifting to someone who doesn’t drink, she usually chooses something that would be relaxing for them, like a spa voucher or aromatherapy set.

Hotch: Goes with something that is almost universally practical and straightforward. A new go-bag, socks in your favorite color, or a travel set of toiletries. It’s a little boring, but his gifts do always end up being useful. He throws in a card from Jack to make it a little fun.

Reid: Either gets an incredible gift based on something he remembers you mentioning exactly one time, or something odd and practical that he can back up with statistics (“Actually, with 5.2 million automobile accidents each year, that window hammer/seatbelt cutter tool could be the difference between life and death”) and there is no in-between. 

Matt: With 5 kids to take care of, Matt doesn’t have much time to spare with holiday shopping. His giftee will usually receive something secondhand, regifted, or found leftover from the Simmons household present stash. Fortunately, all of Matt’s international travels means whatever grab bag item you end up with is pretty neat.

Rossi: Oscillates between giving fancy autographed copies of his book (”that’ll get you $150 on E-Bay”), or just straight up cash.

Tara: Queen of the gag gift - specifically gag gifts based on things that the group can roast you on. If you make an infamous blunder or do something embarrassing, Tara will make sure you never live it down if you’re her giftee. It’s the highlight gift of the night for everyone except the giftee, but she always adds $20 cash to soften the blow.

Luke: An incredibly sincere gift giver who is so close to the perfect gift, but never quite gets it right. It’s always just a little off or a little to the left. That actor you adore? He got you a signed poster but it’s for the one movie of theirs you hate. You love taking care of your betta fish? He got you a second betta fish so he can have a friend in the tank! How fun!

[isthisthingeven0n]

brightest lies : s.r

waking up in an unfamiliar place, you quickly learn you’re the next victim in the twisted game of truth or dare. (3k)

darkest truths / brightest lies 

(thank you so much for all the love on the first part of this two part series! tags for mini series: @haylaansmi) 

all my links

(everything on my blog is my own writing. if it is shared on another page or website know it hasn’t been approved me unless specified. all rights reserved. - i have to start doing this as I had some shit on my other blog with plagiarism)

DO NOT STEAL MY WORK - IT IS ALL MY OWN WRITING

The first thing you’re aware of is the restriction to your hands, the lack of blood flow to them and your feet. You’re no longer bound to the seat in the car, instead, you’re tied to a chair.

Opening your eyes, you wince at the bright light shining directly onto your face and the pulsing of your left temple. Slowly, your last memories piece themselves together. “Luke,” You call out, hearing his name echo in the space around you as your eyes avert to the droplets of crimson on your top, soaking through your trousers.

“You’re awake.” Someone states from behind you, watching you tense up as you lock your eyes with a doorway, covered in ivy made from metal, coated in gold. “I was worried you weren’t ever going to open your eyes again, Agent.” The voice becomes clearer as the unsub bends down, and you can feel their breath on your neck.

“Am I alone here?” You ask, taking in all the details of the space you’re in.

The unsub shuffles behind you, and you shudder as they glide their gun along your neck before facing you. “Just me and you, Agent.” Bending down in front of you, the unsub positions his gun to your chest, a smile forming on his lips. “So, I’ve got a question for you, Agent Y/l/n, truth or dare?”

*

Spencer had barely moved since he received the phone call.

Luke was in the hospital with Ms Jakings, and you were missing. He had just gotten you back, and you’ve slipped through his fingertips once more.

“Spence,” JJ speaks up, entering the empty room as Spencer sits on the edge of a table, lost in thought. “there’s something you ought to see, Penelope’s receiving a live broadcast.”

Lifting his head up, JJ can only see anger lining her friend's gaze as he marches past her and into the conference room set up by the police department.

“What’s going on?” Spencer asks as the rest of the team turn their heads, Rossi frowning deeply. “Garcia?”

Sniffing to herself, Penelope takes a deep breath as she presses the enter button, sending the broadcast to the team as it plays on the TV.

“Oh my god,” JJ mutters, covering her mouth as you’re sat in the middle of what seems to be a warehouse, tied up as blood coats your face. “is she?”

“She’s alive.” Spencer states, knowing you have to be, he wouldn’t know what he’d do if you weren’t.

The team watch closely as the unsub comes into frame, ignoring the camera wherever it is as you remain oblivious.

“I asked you a question, agent,” The unsub repeats himself as he grabs your face, lifting it up so you meet his gaze. “truth, or dare?”

You sigh quietly, your breathing becoming raspy as you stare back at the unsub. “Truth.” You spit out.

Chuckling to himself, the unsub releases your face and paces around the space, spinning his gun on his index finger as he nods to the camera behind his shoulder, out of your eyeline.

“Tell me something you’re afraid of?” He asks, raising a brow to you as he awaits your response.

“I, I’m afraid my family will never know what happened to me,” You start, looking up to the unsub as you lock onto his green eyes. “that my death will never be something that can be explained as you’ll escape after this, won’t you? I don’t want to die knowing my family will be left with questions.” You explain.

From the station, Spencer remains stoic. JJ and Emily share a look whilst Rossi stands besides Matt, hoping you can buy yourself some time whilst Garcia tries to locate the signal.

“You sound sure of that.” The unsub responds.

“I’ve been in enough situations to know.” You try to shrug your shoulder, but the ropes are too tight for any attempt at movement. “So, truth or dare?”

“Excuse me?” The unsub retorts.

“That’s how the game works. You take it in turns, otherwise, what’s the fun in that?” You ask, trying to keep it together as you force a small smile.

Moving closer toward you, the unsub kneels down. “Okay, agent. Truth.”

“What was your involvement in the Beavers game of truth or dare?” As soon as the question has left your lips, you watch as something changes in the unsubs expression.

His eyes darken, and you barely register the knife he pulls from his back pocket as he sinks it into your thigh.

You yell out in pain, looking down as the handle sticks out from your trousers, but he laughs giddily like a child.

“How much longer, Garcia?” Spencer’s voice is cold as he tears his eyes from the screen whilst your cries ring throughout the room.

Penelope carries on typing, working through various layers of coding. “I’m almost there, but the signal is being bounced across the state.” Penelope reasons as she holds back tears, knowing she needs to keep it together for your sake.

“That wasn’t the answer I was looking for.” You tell the unsub through gritted teeth as you focus on your breathing whilst he shakes his head. “I won’t carry on playing until you tell me.”

“I didn’t play,” The unsub begins as he walks away from you. “my brother, Charlie did. He, he let me sit in on one of the games as I wasn’t old enough to join in so I sat in the background whilst he played.”

Listening closely, you wish the rest of the team could hear this, help in some way. But you’re all alone, it’s down to you to get out of here, or die trying.

“And they dared Charlie to do something stupid, reckless. Charlie sent me out from his room that night, and I wasn’t allowed to see what the dare was.” The unsub pauses before marching back to you and grips the knife from your thigh. “You know what they made him do?” His eyes fill with tears as he stares at you whilst you shake your head. “They made him overdose, on camera.”

Ripping the knife from your thigh, another scream leaves your lips as you hear it clatter against the ground.

“So you, you want revenge?” You breathe out. “For, for Charlie’s sake?”

“This is what Charlie would’ve wanted! Revenge for what those sick teenagers made him do. I saw the recording, they convinced him to take more pills, that he’d be a pussy if he didn’t.” The unsub scoffs as he wipes his eyes before his attention returns to you.

Back in the station, Garcia’s attention is sidetracked as she finds out who the unsub is. “His name is Grayson Taylor. He’s 21, an undergrad at Ohio University, and he did lose his brother Charlie when he was 12. Charlie was 16 at the time when he,” Garcia trails off.

“Is there anything on him? Any bank transactions or work history in the area?” Emily asks, leaning over the table as you manage to stall sometime with Grayson.

“Nothing of late, he, he’s been off the grid.” Penelope sighs as she returns to trying to locate the signal. “I’ve almost got the pinpoint for the broadcast, it’ll be less than two minutes until I’ve got a location.”

You can feel your vision beginning to fade, yet all you can think about is one thing. “I’m sorry,” You mutter under your breath. “I’m sorry, Spence.” You manage to speak coherently, wishing Spencer could hear you.

“Truth or dare, Agent?” Grayson demands, now holding his gun directly to your chest. “And this time, no more games.”

With all your might, you lift your head up and look at the young man as swallow back your tears. “Truth.” You tell him.

“What is your darkest secret? And for your sake, you better make it a good one.” He spits at you, knowing your team are watching from the station.

Everyone in the conference room pauses as they watch intently as tears fall from your eyes. “Come on, Y/n.” Rossi mutters as Tara stands beside him, taking his arm as Spencer tries not to crumble into himself.

“I,” Your lip quivers as you look down to your stomach. “Nearly six weeks ago, I, I found out that I,” A shaky sigh leaves your lips.

“Spit it out, agent!” Grayson yells as he cocks the gun at you, quickly losing his patience.

“I found out that I’m pregnant.” You tell him clearly, and silence falls around the members of the BAU as they look to Spencer. “And I was waiting for the right moment to tell the Dad.” You admit. “But I guess he’ll never know, I, he’ll never get to be the father of our child.” Tears fall from your eyes whilst Grayson claps.

“Oh that is certainly something,” He bluntly laughs. “don’t you think so, agents?” He adds, now catching your attention as you shoot your head up, looking across the room to where Grayson stands with a camera in hand.

“No, no!” You mutter as Grayson zooms in on your face. “Please, please, don’t.”

“Spence,” JJ walks over as Spencer stumbles over his feet and collapses into a chair.

“I’ve got the signal!” Penelope yells through the line. “Technically there are three locations that the signals bouncing from. But all three are warehouses just outside of Beavercreek.”

Not wasting any time, the team exit the station with back up on route whilst your broadcast remains live.

“I can’t do this,” You whimper, and Grayson sighs loudly. “please, can I at least say goodbye?”

Sitting in the SUV with JJ, Emily and Matt, Spencer clenches his fists as they listen to your broadcast.

Grayson rolls his eyes as he nods. “If you must.” He props the camera back up before standing behind you, patting your shoulders as you flinch.

“My name is Y/n Ingot Y/l/n, I know I won’t leave this place alive, but to my family, tell my Mom I went with pride, that I’ll always be her golden child.” You try to compose yourself as you focus on the lens.

“Ingot isn’t Y/n’s middle name.” JJ speaks up, and Spencer snaps out from hearing your last words.

“Ingot is a piece of relatively pure metal, it’s used in steel making.” Spencer explains. “Penelope, are any of the warehouses used in steelmaking or any metalwork?”

“Erm, yes! I’ve sent the directions to you, you’re the closest.” Penelope responds as Emily slams on the gas, heading straight to you.

“Please be okay.” She mutters under her breath as she watches the monitor seeing the team are minutes away, still listening to you on the broadcast.

“And to my other family, the BAU, I’ll never forget a moment of what you did for me. The laughs we’ve had, the heartache and suffering we’ve witnessed, but even in those dark moments, there has always been a triumph. No matter how big or small, there’s been something.” You pause as tears continue to fall from your eyes as the dried blood from your cheek drips with your tears. “I know you’ll think of this as a loss, but please think of the small triumph you’ll have. Save the other students, stop there being more unnecessary death.”

“Anything else?” Grayson nudges you with the gun. “Times running out.” He motions to the blinking light on the camera turning red.

“Spence, Spencer Reid,” A watery chuckle leaves your lips. “I, I love you, Spencer. I think I always have but I was too afraid to admit it before we started dating. You will always be the best person I ever had the pleasure of knowing, and loving. I, I’m sorry we never got to say goodbye, and that we never got to meet our child.” You can’t hold back the sob anymore as your head falls forward. “I love you, goodbye.”

The broadcast ends abruptly after that, and Spencer remains too silent beside JJ. “Spence,” JJ starts, but Spencer shakes his head as tears fall from his eyes, rippling down his cheeks as Emily pulls up to the warehouse.

Without waiting for any orders, Spencer storms ahead to the warehouse. He hovers by the doorway, hearing Grayson taunting you inside.

“Reid.” Emily snaps quietly as Spencer turns his head, eyes filled with rage.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Spencer questions under his breath, watching closely as Emily lowers her gaze. “Don’t you dare tell me how to act right now, Emily.” Spencer adds as he turns around, positioning himself ready to shoot Grayson the second he has the opportunity.

“Thank you for the show, Y/n,” Grayson whistles as he moves to stand in front of you, his back turned to the entrance of the warehouse. “I think you know what happens next, don’t you?”

You nod weakly. “Just, make it quick.” You mutter as you close your eyes, awaiting the inevitable.

Yet, the sound of a gun fires, but you don’t feel any pain course through your body.

Opening your eyes, you look down to see Grayson in front of your feet, lifeless and the faint sound of footsteps rushing toward you.

“Sp, Spence?” You call out as your vision gives in, and you can faintly feel a pair of hands on your cheeks.

“Y/n, come on, stay awake for me!” Spencer pleads as Emily and JJ work on undoing the ties around your wrists and ankles. “Come on, don’t close your eyes, please!” He cries out as he watches your eyes droop. “Please, baby, don’t close your eyes.”

“Medics, in here!” Emily yells as the medics enter the warehouse, assisting you immediately and Spencer is forced to one side.

“Stand down, Reid.” Emily tells him firmly as he watches you being lifted onto a stretcher, breezing in and out of consciousness. “I’m sorry, Spencer.” Emily speaks softly now, resting her hand on Spencer’s arm. “Y/n wanted to tell you herself, I, I couldn’t.”

Spencer nods to Emily before heading out behind your stretcher and into the ambulance.

“She’s stable for now,” One of the medics reports.

“What about,” Spencer trails off, barely having time to comprehend there is a ball of cells inside of you. and knows this level of trauma so early on could result in a miscarriage. “is it?”

“We’ll know more once we get to the hospital, sir.” The other medic answers as the doors close and Spencer sits with you, holding your hand with all his might, never wanting to let go.

*

Three months later:

“Today’s the day, huh?” Penelope grins like a Cheshire cat as she perches on the edge of your desk whilst you grasp onto your mug.

“Why do I feel the strangest sense of De Ja Vu?” You ask, raising a brow as you place your mug down and wheel back in your chair, resting your hands on your small, but growing bump.

“How is my godchild doing? Better not be keeping you up too late.” Penelope chuckles as you roll your eyes before reaching for your crutch.

“Ah, let me help.” Luke calls out as he rushes over, smiling softly to you as he helps you to your feet and with the crutch. “You steady?” He asks, his hands outstretched as he glances to Penelope.

“I’m good, thanks, Luke.” You assure him as Emily exits her office. “You guys have got to stop hovering, I’m fine!” You add as your back remains turned to the entrance to the bullpen. “I know my way around a crutch, thanks to a certain genius who got shot in the knee a few years back.”

“And now look at you,” Spencer pipes in, and you turn around, seeing your goofy boyfriend stood there with his satchel in hand. “quite the pair we make.” He adds.

“Welcome back, Reid.” Luke shakes Spencer’s hand.

“Thanks, it’s good to be back.” Spencer comments as Emily steps closer.

“Come on,” Emily motions to Spencer as he follows behind her. “let’s have a chat about the rules from now on.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Spencer smiles to you before closing the door to Emily’s office. “Looks like someone’s grounded for a while.” Rossi tuts.

“Makes two of us.” You add, motioning to your leg and growing bump.

“Wait, does that mean I can’t have you all to myself anymore?” Penelope frowns.

“Oh, Pen,” Wrapping your arm around her, you kiss her cheek. “you’ve got me for another few months, don’t you worry ‘bout that.”

After a good hour, Spencer exits Emily’s office, looking like his tail is hanging between his legs.

“Hey,” You call Spencer over as you wander to the kitchen whilst it remains empty. “you okay?” You ask, resting your hand on his hip.

Spencer nods as he steps closer, wrapping his arms around your waist, pulling you close against him. He closes his eyes as he feels you laugh against him.

“What’s this for?” You question as Spencer pulls away, but his hands remain cemented on your waist.

“For being you.” He mutters. “For surviving, fighting, being a genius, my best friend and a future Mom, and I love you for it all.” Spencer adds.

“Hold on,” You pause, resting your hand against his chest as a smile forms on your lips. “did you just call me a genius?” You revel in the moment as Spencer shakes his head in disbelief.

“That was the takeaway from that?” He laughs through his words whilst you lean forward and kiss him softly.

Before Spencer has a chance to fully react, you pull away. “I love you too, Spence.” You whisper into his lips. “So, you grounded too for a while?”

Nodding in response, Spencer steps left as he reaches for a mug and pours sugar directly into it, knowing you’re giving him a disapproving look. “For the next two months.”

“Huh,” You mutter as you lean against the counter. “looks like you’re stuck with me then, Doctor Reid.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Y/l/n.” He nudges you playfully. “Come on,” He holds his hand out for you to take. “I promised I wouldn’t let go, and I don’t intend on breaking that promise any time soon.”

Taking Spencer’s hand, you both exit the kitchen and return to your desks as paperwork piles up. But every now and then, you catch a glance from your best friend, your love and father of your child. And in that glance, you know that everything will be alright.

[matthew-gray-gubler-lover]

(spencer reid) weekend at the cabin

*WARNING* this story has major spoilers for all 15 seasons.

somewhat smutty.

sad spencer.

spencer feeling bad about himself.

happy ending.

i started writing this story and i couldn’t stop, so it’s very long.

this story takes place is season 15, you and spencer have been together for 15 years, you were a couple when spencer joined the B.A.U and you have been there for him for all of it, the up's and downs, the drug addition, the kid napping's, the times he was shot, the time JJ told spencer she always loved him, the time he spent in prison after being framed for murder, the loss of team members who were more like family then co works, all of the long cases, when he tried taking care of his mom.

spencer is coming home, and you both hope it's for more than a few hours, over the past 2 months that is all you have seen of each other, one day you had 4 hours with him, you had lunch because you were there waiting for the jet to come in, you ate lunch with the team at the round table, you brought pizza for everyone, the 2ed time you had 30 mins with him, you just made it to the bedroom, the 3 time you and spencer had 4 hours, and you spent it making love and cuddling.

on the jet spencer is talking to Luke and Rossi.

spencer: "i feel so bad, i mean she is the love of my life, and i am missing so much time with her, i really thought we would have a baby by now, a bigger place to live"

luke: "hey if you want a baby you should talk to the king of babies over there" he laughs looking at matt.

matt: " i may have one or two" he smiles.

rossi: "one or two? you have 5 kids matt"

spencer sighs: "and rossi you have one, and hotch had one, JJ has two, morgan has one, kate had one"

luke: "i don't have any"

prentiss: "i don't ether"

tara: "or me"

spencer: "no you don't, it's just it's been 15 years, and i haven't had that much time with y/n, i feel like i have let her down, we still live in the same apartment "

rossi: "because you don't have kids, and you still live in the same place?" he looks sad asking.

spencer:" not just that, but like we had a honeymoon, but after that i have been working so much, we did have time together, but it's not enough, i have put her through so much, and she still loves me"

matt: "of course she loves you, she is your wife"

JJ: "and you are a wonderful man and a wonderful husband"

rossi: "has y/n ever said she wanted kids?"

spencer: "we really never talked about it"

rossi: " well if she hasn't shown any desire to have kids, then how did you let her down?"

spencer: "because she is so wonderful, and she should have everything her heart desires"

matt: "may she doesn't want any children?"

spencer: "maybe" he says looking down sadly.

rossi:" what's wrong kid?"

spencer: " do you think it's because of me why she doesn't want kids? because they could have schizophrenia?" he asks sadly almost crying.

rossi: "no, i don't think that is it reid, i think maybe she doesn't want to bring a bay in to a world where it may not have a father, the job we have is very dangerous you know that"

spencer: "i know, i just....i want to make her happy"

luke: "i bet she is happy with you, i have met her and she looked so happy as she ran to you and started kissing you"

spencer: "i want to do something really romantic for y/n, so i am looking at cabins, i am going to rent one, and we are going to have a weekend getaway"

rossi: "i know a great place"

so spencer and rossi plan the whole thing.

the jet landed and spencer got in his car and raced home to you.

you have been making the apartment and yourself ready for spencer to return.

you just washed your hair, and have an outfit picked out, and now you are putting freshly washed sheets on the bed, playing the radio as you do so.

spencer puts his key in the lock, he can't believe he is finely home, he can't wait to see you, and kiss you, his heart is beating so fast as he turns the key.

he opens the door, and hears the music coming from the bedroom, and you singing along with the song.

he puts his bag down and makes his way to the bedroom, he walks to the door and there you are wearing one of his t-shirts and a pair of red underwear, that he can see when you bend over to pull the pale blue sheet up over the bed, he smiles because you look so beautiful to him, he stands there just looking at you, it's taking all he has not to just run in and kiss you, but you look like you are having fun so he waits.

you turn around to pick up a pillowcase and see spencer standing there with a big smile on his face.

y/n: "SPENCER!!!!"

you throw the pillowcase down and run to him jumping and wrapping your legs around him, he catches you and holds you in his arms finely kissing you, just like he has been dreaming of doing ever since he had to Leave you 6 days ago.

spencer whispers in your ear: "i missed you baby" then kisses your ear.

y/n: "oh god how i have missed you spence.

spencer: "you look great" he tells you looking in your eyes.

y/n: " spence i'm only wearing one of your t-shirts" you giggle now starting to run your fingers through his hair.

spencer: "i know" he smiles " and some sexy red underwear".

y/n giggles: "they are just regular underwear honey"

spencer: "i know but everything is sexy when it's on you" he says then kisses you.

y/n giggles.

spencer: "i feel bad"

y/n: "about what?"

spencer: "about the bed, you worked hard on making it, and i am going to mess it all up"

and tells you before throwing both of you on to the bed, you are still in his arms, he never let go of you, as you both tumble on the bed, both of you giggling.

spencer kisses you as he starts taking you shirt off, and you are working on taking his off.

spencer panting: "i missed you so much y/n"

y/n panting: "i missed you too spence"

a bit later you are both naked and under the sheets.

spencer: "god i missed this (kiss) i missed you baby"

y/n: "i hope you can stay" (kiss)

spencer: "mmm, i'm not going to leave baby" (kiss)

later.

spencer is holding you and kisses the top of your head.

spencer: "i am taking you some were to make up for all of the time i have been away"

you look up at him: "you are?" you smile.

spencer: "yes i am"

y/n: "and you won't get called away?"

spencer smiles and laughs: "no i won't get called away, Prentiss knows i am doing something for you, and she said she will not call me"

y/n: "really?!"

spencer: "mmhmm"

y/n: "oh my god, i have you all to myself?"

spencer: "yep, just you and me in a cabin, for the whole weekend"

y/n: "a cabin?!"

spencer smiles: "yes baby, i rented a cabin for the weekend, rossi helped me"

y/n: "really?"

spencer: "mmhmm"

y/n: "a whole weekend?"

spencer: "yep, just you and me"

y/n: "a dream come true"

spencer holds you tighter: "you know how much i love you right? he asks rubbing his hands up and down your arm, looking sad.

y/n: "yes honey, i know you love me, and i love you so much spencer"

spencer: "good" he smiles.

the next morning you and spencer pack your suitcases.

y/n: "i can't wait to get there"

spencer: "you are going to love it, rossi told me it's the best cabin they have there"

y/n: "wow, you really love me don't you spencer reid?"

spencer: "more than anything in this world Mrs. reid" he kisses you.

y/n: "when do we lieve?"

spencer: "anytime you want'

y/n: "now!, i want to go now, i want to start our romantic weekend getaway"

spencer kisses you: "ok baby, lets go"

spencer puts the suitcases in the trunk of the car, then gets in the drivers seat.

spencer: "off we go!"

spencer holds your hand, kissing it here and there along the way to the cabin, after driving for an hour, spencer pulls up to the cabin.

spencer: "here we are baby"

y/n: "oh my gosh it's beautiful"

the cabin is dark wood logs, with a wraparound Portch.

spencer: "are you ready to see the inside?"

y/n: "yes!"

spencer picks you up and carries you to the door of the cabin, putting you down only to grab the key and unlock the door, before picking you back up and carrying you inside.

spencer: "here we are"

y/n: "wow, it's so pretty!"

the walls are a light green, the carpet is white, the sofas are tan, there is a big kitchen has a  chandelier with five bulbs, there is a hot tub just outside, the bathroom has a huge bathtub and a large shower with a glass door, and there are two large bedrooms with king size beds.

spencer: "do you like it?" he asks looking down smiling at you.

y/n: "i love it, and i love you"

spencer smiles even bigger: "i love you too" leans down and kisses you.

y/n: "so what do you want to do first?" you ask looking at him with love in your eyes.

spencer: "i want to do you baby, this whole weekend is all about us being together, and not getting bothered"

y/n: "all weekend!, i am so happy"

specner carries you into the bedroom and you make love.

later as spencer is holding you.

spencer: "do you want to take a bath?"

y/n: "with you?" you smile.

spencer: "mmhmm"

y/n: "yes i would love to"

spencer gets up and walks to the bathroom, he fills the tube up with some complimentary vanilla bubble bath, and hot water letting the bubbles start, the whole room smells like vanilla.

spencer: "the bath is ready baby"

you walk in with a whit sheet wrapped around you: "oh honey, this is going to be wonderful" spencer puts his hand out for you to take, you take his hand, and he walks you to the tub, then takes the sheet off of you.

as he does, he looks at you: "you are so beautiful"

you get in the tub together, and spencer wraps his arms around your body, the water and spencer's arms feel wonderful, he kisses you ear lobe, neck, shoulders, then when you true your head he kisses your lips.

spencer: "i am so lucky" he smiles.

y/n: "no spence, i am the lucky one"

you two stay in the tub for almost an hour.

when you get out spencer helps you dry off.

y/n:"spencer?"

spencer: "yes baby?"

y/n: "can you get the suitcases?"

 spencer wraps a towel around his lower half and gets the suitcases for you.

spencer: "here you are my dear, your suitcases, i don't know why you need them, we aren't going to be wearing anything this weekend" he giggles and smiles before kissing you, then he whispers in your ear, "we don't need to wear anything for what i have planned for this weekend" kisses you again and smiles.

y/n: "well i have something i want to wear for you spencer"

spencer: "oh?!, ok"

you go into the bedroom and open the suitcase and look for the sexy lace light pink lingerie set and matching silk robe you bought to wear for spencer, you tie the robe, and you call him to the bedroom, he walks in and sees you wearing this for him.

spencer: "oh my god y/n, you bought this for me?"

y/n: "yes baby, only for you, only you"

spencer: "you look so beautiful, how did i get so lucky?"

y/n: "no i am the lucky one" you tell him as you walk to him.

spencer: "i love you" he puts his hand on your hip as you stand over him, he is on the edge of the bed.

y/n: " untie it honey" you whisper in his ear.

spencer grabs the tie and pulls it slowly, when it opens, he sees the sexy bra and underwear you have on, and his eyes widen.

spencer: "WOW!"

y/n: "do you like it doctor reid?" you ask with a sexy voice.

spencer: "i love it, i love you, can i show you how much i love you?"

y/n: "yes baby, show me"

spencer takes off your robe, and kisses you with so much passion.

spencer: "i love you"

y/n: "i love you to spencer"

you untie his robe as he kisses you, and his lays you on the bed, then gets on top of you.

spencer whispers in your ear: "i am going to make up for all of the time i was away"

you moan as he slides inside of you with just one push.

spencer makes love to you like he is putting all of his love into every movement.

now he is holding you in his arms, you are both panting.

spencer: "i am sorry"

y/n: "for what?"

spencer running his hand up and down your arm: "for still living in the same place and for not giving you a baby" he starts to cry.

you sit up a little.

y/n: "what are you talking about? i never said i did like where we live, and as far as babys, houny i don't need a baby, i need you"

spencer: "you don't want to have my child?"

y/n: "i would love to have your child, but i don't need to have your child, i love you and i want you, if we have a baby one day that would be great, but i don't feel like my life is empty with out that"

spencer: "you would have my baby" he smiles.

y/n: "yes, i would"

the rest of the weekend you and spencer make love in both bedrooms, the hot tub, and in front of the fireplace.

spencer: "it's sad we have to go"

y/n: "i know, i could stay here forever"

spencer: "me too" he kisses you.

spencer and you go back home, he go's back to work you miss him so much.

9 mouths later you and spencer welcome your first baby, a little girl named gabriela holly reid

holly is short for halloween spencer favorite holiday.

spencer quits the B.A.U and teaches full time still working for the FBI but never at the field.

[boldlyvoid]

Million Dollar Man | Chapter Five

18+

summary: Spencer's therapist recommended he branch out and meet new people who don't want to talk about his work... she didn't expect him to sign up for a Sugar Daddy website.

Content warnings: sugar daddy!spencer, age gaps (14 years), daddy kink, blow jobs, handcuffs, thigh fucking, public sex, exhibitionism, edging, vibrators, dirty talk, dom spencer

word count: 4.6K

a/n: updates on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Chapter Five | Masterlist

He’s ripped from a peaceful slumber by his work phone ringing on the night table. Y/N asleep on his chest, he tries to reach for it without waking her, successfully he answers with a groggy whisper, “hello?”

“Morning sleepy head?” Emily laughs, “it’s 10 am, Reid, why are you whispering?”

“I’m with my girlfriend, she’s still asleep,” he realizes he’s never told the team flat out that he was seeing someone, they all guessed but none of them had really asked.

“Oh,” Emily seems just as shocked that he said it. “We have a local case, I need you here for the geo profile and then you can go back to your mandated break.”

“I’ll be in, in 30,” he replies before hanging up.

“Can I come?” She whispers against him, obviously awake from all the commotion.

“Sure,” he shrugs, “if you don’t mind seeing and hearing about whatever horrific thing happened this time.”

“I don’t,” she sits up and stretches, “come on Mulder, we’ve got a case to crack.”

He laughs, “sure thing Scully.”

—

He’s nervous in the elevator on the way up to the BAU, Y/N on the other hand is so excited she’s practically vibrating. She’s dressed for the part, with her little visitor's badge and Spencer’s hand held tightly in her own, she basically drags him towards the bullpen when the doors open.

“Spence!” Luke calls for him, Tara and Matt turn around with big smiles to see him. “Who’s this?”

“Uh,” Spencer swallows sharply, “this is my girlfriend, Y/N this is Luke, Matt and Tara.”

She lets go of his hand to shake theirs, he watches as they all smile and introduce themselves to her, causing the rest of the team to notice the new person in the room and rush over. They have a lot of questions, they’re all very surprised she’s as young as he was when he started at the bureau and that he’s actually bringing her around.

When he finds out what’s going on, he’s really glad he brought her in. There’s been a few bomb threats in D.C, one of which is the building across from Y/N’s apartment. They’re trying to keep hysteria to a minimum, he knows he wouldn’t have been able to tell her if he didn’t bring her, he also knows he would have broken protocol to get her out of there.

She sits at his desk while he works, looking through all his things for a while before Spencer hears a familiar voice in the bullpen. Penelope was called in for backup, making eye contact with Y/N as soon as she walked in and cheering. “Oh! You’re here!”

Spencer leaves the briefing room, abandoning the geo-profile to introduce Penelope to the girl she helped him find, he runs down the stairs and wraps his arms around her.

“Spencer,” she relaxes into his embrace and holds him close, “I’ve missed you so much.”

When Spencer pulls away, the smile on his face is remarkable, “Penelope, this is Y/N,” he says her name and Penelope automatically knows who she is.

He told her right after he bought her whole Wishlist, Penelope has known about her the longest and yet she’s never been able to meet her. She turns to Y/N with a smile, “are you a hugger?”

Y/N stands and wraps her arms around her, “I think I owe you a very big thank you,” she whispers in Penelope’s ear.

“For what?”

“Teaching grandpa over here how to use the internet,” she teases him, “and for your helpful tips, he was the nicest one I met on there.”

“You’re very welcome,” Penelope pulls back with another smile, holding Y/N’s face in her hands, “and thank you.”

Y/N pulls her into another hug and now everyone is watching, Spencer knows he’s going to be bombarded with questions eventually but for now, Y/N is going with Penelope to her office and Spencer has a map to look at while he stresses himself out.

Matt, Tara and Emily head to the scene to join JJ, Rossi and Will, leaving Luke with Spencer in the briefing room.

“Can I ask?”

Spencer nods, “go ahead.”

“How did you meet her? Was she one of your students?”

He doesn’t know how to answer, not because he’s ashamed of it or of her, rather because he doesn’t know if she’ll want people to really know. “Penelope helped me get online to meet people, I made an account on a sugar daddy website thinking it would be easier to pay someone who doesn’t know me to hang out rather than try and make a new friend.”

“That’s smart,” Luke nods along as he listens. “She seems really cool.”

“She’s the best,” he smiles. “She’s really smart and talented, she’s an author actually, her books coming out in January.”

“I’ll have to get a copy,” Luke smiles right back.

“Her publisher and I have actually planned a big birthday party slash final draft party, if you and the team want to come and have drinks and get to know her more, that would be really nice,” Spencer offers, knowing it’s about time they all celebrated something together.

“I’d love to come, and I’ll bring Penelope,” Luke’s just as excited as he is.

“I’m a little surprised you didn’t know already, being with Penelope and everything?”

He shrugs, “we don’t talk about work or really gossip about the team now that she’s not working here, it makes her a little sad that she left but she’s doing a lot better just coming in occasionally.”

“I didn’t think I’d like my months off at first, either, but now I’m also debating leaving,” he knows it's a lie. He’s already written his letter of recognition, he’s just waiting for the go-ahead from Y/N that they’re moving to California.

“16 years is a really long time to be doing this job,” he agrees, “I’m sure if you wanted to leave the bureau would offer you your full retirement package early, given everything you’ve been through for this country.”

Spencer nods, “don’t let this job take your spark, you’re very wonderful, Luke, and I’d hate to see you lose it for the greater good.”

“My greater good is just down the hall,” he smirks, “I make the world a better place for the woman I love, she’s the reason I get up every day and come to work because I can’t wait to get home to her safely.”

Luke has always loved Penelope, it’s been very obvious, and yet she didn’t want really anything to do with him until Derek advised her to be nice. She was so busy thinking about all her other babies leaving the nest after Derek that she didn’t take the time to consider bringing in Luke to the nest for warmth and love as well.

“When are you asking her to marry you?”

Luke turns bashful, a slight blush on his cheeks as he stares at the table, “Christmas, it’s her favourite time of the year.”

“Have you talked to Derek?” Spencer only worries slightly, after what happened with Kevin he doesn’t want to see it happen to Luke.

“Nope, I’ve talked to her brothers though, we’re going to California again this year for Christmas and they all said they’d love to have me in the family,” Luke smiles, “the Garcias are my favourite.”

Spencer isn’t normally a hugger but he walks around the table and wraps Luke up, “I’m asking Y/N in a week.”

“No way?”

He nods, “she’s the greatest good I’m ever going to get.”

“Amen, brother.”

—

Penelope’s job was incredible, she was in awe as she watched her tap away at her keyboard and answer a million and one questions. She reminded her of Ned from Kim Possible and she knew if she said that to anyone she’d give away just how young she is.

She’s gotten a lot of looks, she knows people are talking about it and yet she doesn’t really care. There isn’t any malice behind the stares and the whispers, they all seem genuinely surprised that Spencer has a girlfriend over the fact she’s in her 20’s.

There’s a single dull moment and she turns to Y/N, “can I please have the juicy details, please,” she begs and it makes her feel giddy.

She’s never really had any girlfriends like this, and she certainly didn’t have anyone to tell about Spencer. “He’s the love of my life, I’m completely serious.”

Penelope squealed, “that’s all I’ve ever wanted for him, ugh this is so exciting! Are you guys serious? How long has it been?”

She nods, “not long, uh he got me this necklace a week or two ago and we’ve been moving pretty slow for his sake. In the last 10 months he’s become my bestie and I’ve convinced him to move in and he sleeps in my bed now and I love waking up beside him… he’s a real gentleman.”

“That’s good, he’s never been able to take the scenic route in life… I know you’re only here cause he trusts you and if he trusts you that means you know everything and if you know ever—“

“Yeah,” she cuts her off, “I know about all of it and everyone who’s hurt him and how he’s hurt himself but what’s more important is that it doesn’t phase me, he’s just a person trying to deal with the life he’s been given, we all are.”

Penelope wraps her up in a gentle hug, “he’s always needed someone like you.”

It makes her heartbreak just a tiny bit thinking about how as long he didn’t have anyone. Sure, he was surrounded by his friends at work and loved enough that they all brought him back home but he was never cared for the way she would have done it. There’s a weird maternal instinct that comes over her with Spencer and she knows exactly why, all she knows is she wants to love him and care for him for the rest of his life.

If she lives to be 100, she hopes he lives to be 116, because there isn’t a day she wants to spend on this earth where Spencer Reid isn’t alive and beside her.

She’s not going to cry in Penelope’s arms after just meeting her so she pulls back with a smile, “but what kind of juicy details are we talking? Cause I can’t embarrass him too bad…”

Penelope’s laugh is evil as she rubs her hands together, “a little birdie whose name rhymes with shmerek said he knows how to use that mouth for more than just talking…”

It makes her laugh almost a little too hard and she starts to feel her face heat up, she simply nods, “yeah, we haven’t gone all the way but from what’s happened so far, I can agree.”

Penelope turns in her rolling chair and laughs, “ugh that’s so great, I’m glad you’re having a good time— I mean I always thought Spencer would be good in bed after all the chats we’ve had about kinks and shit, he’s really educated, obviously, but I always knew that it would translate from paper to real-life very easily.”

“Oh totally,” she nods feverishly, “we talked about that before actually, virginity is simply a construct used to control women and make them feel pure or dirty, to feel like they can take something from a woman and yet virgins are so sexual and in tune with their needs and wants that they typically are good or at least know what to do from whatever porn they’ve consumed when it comes down to it. How the more in tune with someone's sexuality that they are the better they are in bed because they apply what they want to their partner and almost get off more on the fact someone is enjoying them than the fact they’re being pleasured.”

Penelope shakes her head with a loving smile, “you listen when he talks, you love every part of him and you’re beautiful… he really hit the jackpot.”

She brushes it off with a laugh, “I got pretty lucky with him too.”

Her phone rings before she can agree, answering with a cheerful tone, Spencer is on the other end, “do you have my beautiful girlfriend with you still?”

“Present,” she answers for herself, “are you still here, dad-Spence?”

She bites her lip and closes her eyes, fuck.

“Yeah, uh, I am, we think we got the actual building with the bomb, they’ve sent the team down there to clear it and check it out.”

“I’ll head back to the bullpen, then,” she stands and heads to the door, not wanting to face Penelope after almost calling him daddy right in front of her.

“Hey,” she calls to Y/N, “don’t be embarrassed. I get it, believe me, I’ve answered some calls in here with the dirtiest remarks to the completely wrong people. But, I’ll see you later?”

She smiles, “yeah, I’d love to see you again.”

In the bullpen, Spencer’s by his desk all alone. His teams cleared out and now it was just the office staff wandering around. She wraps her arms around his waist and rests her head on his back, “ready to go home?”

“Uh, not yet…” he turns to look at her, “I don’t want to bring you back to D.C unless the case is closed.” He looks nervous and she understands it perfectly.

“Okie Dokie, she smiles, leaning in for a hug to get close to his ear, “can we fuck in a storage closet to pass the time?”

He laughs but he takes her hand and he pretends to take her on a tour, he leads her down the hall and towards the filing room where he knows no one will be. “No one has really used this room in ages, since we went digital, and Penelope had all this stuff put online anyway.”

“So you can bend me over that table and rail me next time we come back?”

“Or?” She hears his playful tone and smirks to herself, letting him manhandle her hands behind her back as he bends her over a table, “I could fuck these big beautiful thighs of yours?”

“So only you can get off? Please,” She scoffs at him, wanting to piss him off to see where it gets her, wiggling her ass back against him as she does so.

He unbuttons her pants and drags them down her legs to leave her in just her thong, taking a handful of her ass and squeezing before laying a hard slap against her, she gasps at the feeling but also at the fact it was so loud.

“They’re going to hear you?!” She whispers with a disappointed tone.

“Isn’t that what you said you wanted? You wanted everyone to know only daddy can take care of you?” He uses her own words against her and she whines. “That’s what I thought.”

“No, but seriously,” she turns her head to look at him, “check my pocket.”

He does exactly that, finding one of her little bullet vibes in the front pocket of her jeans, “you planned this?”

“I knew we’d be having some kind of sex somewhere in this building,” she smirks. “Also my safe word is red but keep going.”

“Alrighty, then,” she can hear the smirk on his face as he thinks it over.

He takes his handcuffs out of his back pocket and cuffs her, “you know, it’s public indecency looking like this in here, technically it’s a federal offence and it’s my duty as a federal officer to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

She swallows sharply, pushing back against his groin and gasping when her bare asscheek meets the cold metal of his gun in his holster. Sometimes she forgot he was a real FBI agent, sometimes it didn’t feel real to her because he was just her nerdy boyfriend and he never had any of his "cop props" with him… suddenly they weren’t just accessories to her anymore, he was actually a cop who just bent her over a table and cuffed her and now he’s going to fuck her "big beautiful thighs" as he called them.

“What’s the sentence, agent?” She plays along because damn he’s hot like this.

He presses his chest to her back as he leans in close to her ear, “It’s doctor, and you know that.”

He turns on the vibrator and rests it inside her underwear, right against her clit at the lowest setting, her thighs twitch at the feeling and all she wishes is that she had something to hold on to.

She whines again when she hears his belt buckle dangle and his zipper open, he grips his cock at the base and drags the head between her cheeks before slipping between her things with a sigh, “and it’s taking my time, you’re just going to have to, rather impatiently, deal with it.”

“Yes, doctor,” she closes her eyes and waits for the feeling of his cock between her legs but he doesn’t push in.

He places his feet on either side of hers so that she can't open her legs any further and finally, finally breaches her thighs. He groans at the drag of his cock against her skin as the vibrations from her panties continue to make her legs quake. She lets out a shaky breath and reaches for his shirt as he presses against her once more. Grabbing his tie instead, she pulls on it and he gasps for air.

“Sorry,” she mumbles with a smirk, not sorry at all for slightly choking him as she continues to hold his tie.

He swats her hands away from his tie and grips the cuffs to separate her hands, pushing them further up her back until it’s almost uncomfortable. The most uncomfortable thing about this was the fact he wasn’t inside of her, she felt so empty as she clenched around nothing. The stimulation on her clit was nice, the feeling of him taking her from behind is ungodly and yet he’s not in her. It’s the worst punishment in the whole world.

It was nowhere near enough to get her off and he knew that she wanted so much more that she wasn’t going to get, whining as he kept his thrusts at the same slow pace. It was agonizing, she squeezed her legs together more to tease him but he ended up liking it. There was nothing she could do for more, she was just going to have to let him take her, and that thought was what brought her closer.

“Please?” She begged, sounding just as desperate as she thought she would and not giving a single fuck.

“Please what?” He snaps his hips against her just a bit harder with each thrust.

She gasps again before biting her lip to hold back a moan, “finish in my mouth?” She begs once more, “please?”

He pulls off of her and yanks her off the table, turning her around, she drops to her knees without being told and opens her mouth immediately. He grips her by her hair and guides her towards his cock, slipping it past her lips and right down her throat.

He groans at the feeling, she closes her eyes for a moment to enjoy the feeling of his heavy cock in her mouth. Taking him more forcefully than ever before, he’s too caught up in the moment to realize he might be a little too rough but she also doesn’t mind. Breathing through her nose to stay calm she takes him as far as she can, pressing her nose to his pubes he can feel how hot her breath is as she struggles to breathe.

“Such a good girl,” he pulls her off so she can breathe for a moment, “you want my cum so bad don’t you?”

“Yes please, daddy,” she replies with a rasp in her voice that makes it obvious where he’s been.

She takes him in her mouth once more, sucking earnestly to get him closer and closer to the edge. He’s whining, pulling her hair and doing everything in his power not to thrust against her face, even though she’s okay with it.

She knows when he’s close because his cock always twitches in the same spot, it’s a tell-tale sign that he’s going to cum in a second. She applies more suction, running her tongue along the underside before taking him all the way once more just in time for him to cum right down her throat with each swallow.

He’s not quiet, anyone walking past the door will hear him panting and gasping, muttering good girl under his breath, he’s more fucked out by this blow job than she’s ever made him before. She can’t help but smirk as he pulls away and leaves her there on her knees, covered in spit and drool and unable to wipe her own mouth due to the fact she’s still fucking handcuffed.

She rests against his shoe, pressing the vibrator against her clit a little more, she twitches at how good it feels but it’s still not enough to get her off, and a part of her doesn’t want to.

He pulls her up to her feet and sits her down on the table he was just pretending to fuck her against. He attempts to spread her legs and get between them but she stops him, “leave the vibe where it is and let’s just go home?”

“You want to walk out of this building with a vibrator in your panties, and say goodbye to my co-workers and friends knowing you could cum anytime?”

She smirks, “yes, but I won't cum cause this pathetic toy isn’t as good at you.”

He clicks the button to turn it up a speed and she gasps, pushing against the feeling and moaning into it, “I’d like to see you try that.”

—

He takes her on the rest of the “tour” with that vibrator in her panties, she’s getting more and more flustered the more they look around. Eventually, he shows her the library, getting her alone in the back corner where he can talk to her without the risk of people knowing what’s going on.

“I can’t,” she whines as he presses her against the shelves, “please?”

“Please what?”

“Turn it off, daddy, I can’t take it anymore,” she grips his suit jacket tightly as she looks up at him with the eyes he can’t say no to.

“Mmm,” he hums, reaching into her pants to free her from the stimulation, she relaxes finally. “What do you think you deserve now?”

“Don’t wanna cum till we’re at home,” she whispers, “but you’ll have to make it quick because we have a flight to catch at 8.”

“Fuck,” he whispers like he forgot. “I hope we can get back into the apartment in time.”

“Why?”

“The bomb was in the basement of the building beside yours,” he admits and the whole facade fades, “that’s why I’m not taking you home yet.”

“That’s why you wanted to fuck me,” she whispers with a giggle. “You could have at least told me this was a ‘you almost died’ rush for you.”

“I didn’t want to say it like that,” he admits and a depression washes through his blood, he feels the low settle as he drops, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” she takes his face in her hands and makes him look her in the eyes, “I love you, I’m glad we’re both safe. Everything in there is replaceable, you and me aren’t. This is a really good thing, Spencer.”

He nods, doing what she’s told him so many times she wants him to do, telling her his thoughts so that he’s no longer haunted alone, “when I told my friend Derek about you, he said dating a younger woman means I’ll never have to worry about you dying of old age before me. That’s one of his fears being the same age as Savannah, but I’ve lost so many people I never even thought about getting old with you I’ve just wanted to keep this version of you safe and with me forever.”

“Penelope said she always wished you’d find someone like me, and my only thought was If I live to be 100, I hope you live to be 116 because there isn’t a day I want to spend on this earth where Spencer Reid isn’t alive and beside me,” he whispers with a smile, “but now I’m thinking if you live to be 100, I don’t want to go past 84.”

“You can’t say that,” he whispers, tears bubbling in his eyes, “what if I die tomorrow? I need to know you’re going to be fine and not end your wonderful existence because I’m not here anymore. You’re too wonderful to put all your worth on me.”

She doesn’t want to cry, she already looks like she’s been fucked and now she’s a mess, she pulls him into a kiss so he’ll stop talking and they can just be together, it was hard enough for her thinking he was going to die eventually, let alone him hypothesizing dying tomorrow.

She rests her forehead against his, “we always do this.”

“What?”

“It’s like orgasms open the emotions or something,” she snuffles which turns into a laugh, “do you think our kids are going to find it weird that you’re so much older than me?”

Everything takes him for a loop, “uh,” he struggles to find the words, pulling back and looking at her as her face drops, “I um—

“You don’t want kids anymore?” She looks genuinely saddened and he doesn’t know how to answer.

“I do,” he nods, “just—“

“Not with me?” She puts the words in his mouth.

“With you, just not yet,” he holds her by the shoulders, “I need more time with you before we have a kid, I need to love life and be in a good place and somewhere where I can focus all my attention on them, and I can’t yet.”

“I want a baby by 30,” she whispers before pressing her lips together awkwardly, “46 isn’t too old to be a dad, I’ve seen men become fathers at 80.”

He laughs as the anxiety leaves him, “a little California surfer baby wouldn’t be too bad.”

“Well, we fuck like rabbits, we might get there sooner than you planned,” she nudges him, “you’re a wonderful boyfriend, and if you don’t mind, I’d like for you to stay my boyfriend for a little longer? I’m not ready to be a wife or a mom and change my name when I just got it put on a published book.”

“I’ll change mine to yours,” he replies like it's nothing, “or keep yours and we’ll hyphenate the kid's names.”

“It’s plural now?” She teases him once more.

“Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you,” he assures her, “forever.”

“You’d pluck a star from the sky for me wouldn’t you, Doctor Y/L/N?”

He laughs at how it sounds but he kinda likes it. Her word choice is even funnier to him, however, because he’s actually gone out of his way to pluck a star for her. She has no idea, but her last present is a big one.

She struggled to get her own name on a book for so long, now there’s a star named after her, in the sky for everyone to see for the rest of time.

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Sugar daddy fic

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[libraryofloveletters]

This is for humor, not wet Wednesday, or to be used as a fic. You and Matt are best friends and joke around a lot. When you find out he is expecting his 5th child you give him a box of condoms. LOL

Team Simmons

Platonic!Matt Simmons x Reader 

Warnings: mentions of pregnancy, alcohol and mild consumption of, pregnancy jokes 

Category: Fluff

Word Count: 1.5k

Author’s Note: I lovedddd writing this :) 

----

Jake ran over to you as you walked through the door. “y/n!” he shouted as he hugged you. 

“Hey buddy! happy birthday!” you hugged him back and handed him a huge gift bag that had his birthday gifts in. 

“Someone went overboard with the gifts again, didn't they ?” Kristy smiled at you from the living room. “Hey pretty lady” you made your way over to give her a hug. 

“How’s the bean?” your hand rested on her belly, “good” she smiled. 

The rest of the team had already arrived, JJ and Emily were outside with the kids as Luke showed them the tricks Roxy could do. Penelope took this moment as her chance to take some pictures, ones you were sure would be sent out to everyone in the morning. Tara, Spencer and Rossi were having a conversation about something you couldn’t hear at the moment. You and Kristy had made your way to the kitchen when Matt came down with the girls, one in each arm. 

You took Chloe from him, holding her on your hip. “Not even here for 5 minutes and already stealing my kids ?” Matt asked you 

“Haha Simmons, very funny. You’re just mad cause she loves me more, isn't that right kiddo ?” you tickled her side, she let out a loud giggle before you put her down. 

Everyone made their way to the backyard. The kids ran around as Roxy chased them through the yard, JJ yelling for them to slow down before they fell over or trample the girls. Rossi stood by the BBQ because he refused to let anyone else cook, although Spencer told him using the BBQ doesn’t exactly count as “cooking” 

Emily had found Matt’s wine stash and opened a bottle which her, Penelope and Tara were working on. You were sitting beside Luke as you looked around the yard. 

You really did find a family with each other. 

David chased his brother to the pool, the boys jumped in which only further caused commotion, as Micheal and Henry jumped in after them. Kristy and JJ both looked like they were about to lose their patience, there were now 4 very hyper boys splashing in the pool.

The noise and laughed had caught Roxy’s attention. Her head perked up from beside Luke’s leg and before he could grab her collar, she made a run straight into the pool. 

“Boys! Get out of there!” Kristy told them, all of them laughing and ignoring her. 

“If you don’t get out, we’re gonna go home right now” JJ gave her boys a stern look, hoping if they got out, so would Jake and David but again, they just ignored the two woman. 

“Matt, will you come get your children ?” Kristy looked over at Matt who could barely move with two very comfortable looking girls sitting on his lap. 

“Babe, I can’t” he gave her an apologetic look. 

“I got it” you got up and walked over to the pool, Luke followed you. “Rox, c’mon girl” Luke whistled, Roxy too, ignored him. You chuckled as you watched the boys and Roxy in the pool, they all looked so happy. 

“Boys, c’mon” you crouched down in front of them, the 4 of them swam up to the edge of the pool. 

“Kristy worked hard to put together this party and it’s only fair that we be good for her, right ?” 

The boys looked at each other and smiled. “Okay” Jake said, smiling at you. You stuck your hands out to help them get out of the pool, Jake grabbed one hand and Henry grabbed the other and they both tugged. 

You fell right into the pool, you swam back up to the top, “are you kidding me?!” you laughed, wiping the water from your face. 

Kristy sighed, walking about from the pool, leaving you and the boys in the pool. JJ shook her head, “you’re all in trouble, you too y/n” you laughed as she walked away. 

“Rox, come here girl, come on” Luke was still trying to get her out of the pool. “Alvez, come here. I’ll push her to you, you help her out” he crouched down and you did get Roxy to the edge of the pool, and out of the pool. Luke was still crouched down as Roxy shook the water off and all over Luke. 

“Hey, help me out” you stuck your arm out to Matt, who made his way over to the pool after giving the girls to Kristy. He grabbed your hand only to be pulled into the pool. 

“Y/n are you serious?!” Matt shouted as he splashed the water towards you. You laughed, the boys clung onto their father as JJ’s boys clung onto you. One by one, you helped the kids out of the pool and then got out yourself. You and Matt had a close relationship, he was your best friend, basically like your older brother. 

Once everyone had dried off, the boys got their fair share of yelling from their mothers, you got yelled at from Rossi after he saw you encouraging the boys and their nonsense rather than getting them to listen to their mothers. Everyone had settled down and had dinner, Kristy and Matt wrangled the kids together to cut Jake’s birthday cake and attempt to get one decent picture before they all ran off to do their own thing. 

Jake and David were in the other room with Henry and Michael while the girls were upstairs. “Y/n, you gotta stop buying so much for the kids. They have a million and one things already. Between you and Penelope, we can stop buying stuff for them” Matt chuckled, you smiled at him as Penelope let out a gasp. 

“Matt, I'll have you know that’s my job as the cool aunt! I must- it’s my duty to spoil them” she stated, taking a sip of her drink. You nodded in agreement, “what she said” 

It was always nice to have the team together outside of work. Matt and Kristy sat together, her legs rested on his lap. Tara, Spencer and Penelope sat on the other couch, Luke sat on the armrest of that couch beside Penelope. JJ and Emily were on the two seater and Rossi was on the recliner, you sat on the floor beside him. 

“Oh!” you looked around for your bag. Rossi looked down at you, “what’s wrong kid ?” 

“I have something for Matt” you pulled your bag over to you, digging through the contents of the bag and finding what you were looking for. Everyone was now looking at you, you pulled out a little wrapped box with a bow on it. Tossing it to Matt, he catches it. 

“What’s this?” he shook the package

“Open it” you smiled, your head resting on the chair behind you. 

Matt ripped the paper off the box, Kristy let out a ridiculously loud laugh when she saw what you had given Matt. 

“Are you serious ?” Matt asked you, holding back a laugh. 

The wrapping paper on his lap had covered what you had given him. “What is it ?” Luke asked him, Matt held up the box of condoms you had just gifted him. The whole room erupted in laughter. 

“As much as I love you guys, and I really do. My wallet can't handle all the birthday and Christmas gifts.” you laughed. 

“You're telling me” Matt laughed as he tossed the box to the other side of the couch. 

“But seriously, it would be nice to give your wife here a break. She's literally always pregnant Matt, I don't even understand where you find the time” 

“I know right!” Luke piped up, Penelope smacking his side “be respectful!” 

“Yeah, thanks for these” Matt laughed as he tossed the gift paper at you, making you laugh. 

“You’re welcome” 

David had wandered into the living room after getting a glass of water, he picked up the box as he sat beside his father. 

“Dad?” 

“Yeah bud?” 

“What are these?” 

Matt looked over at him to see what he was referring too, you held back a laugh. Matt took the box from him, “nothing bud, grown up stuff” Matt told him, giving you a look after you let out a stifled laugh. 

David shrugged as he made his way back over to the other room. 

“I’m gonna kill you l/n” he stood up as did you. 

“Only if you can catch me Simmons” 

----- 

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