#spencer and naomi itav

[anniebeemine]

Thank you again to @i-live-in-spite for the inspiration for this sister series!!

Spencer never imagined he'd end up where he was now. Dating had never been high on his list of priorities, not because he didn’t want companionship, but because his life was so full of books to be read, killers to be caught, and coffees to be drank that he couldn’t fathom making room for anything else. The thought of balancing a relationship on top of the demands of his job seemed impossible, and, truthfully, he didn't think he was any good at it. His few attempts had always been awkward at best, disastrous at worst.

And then Naomi came into his life.

He hadn’t planned for her—no, she was a surprise, a beautiful, unexpected surprise that turned his world upside down. Naomi was unlike anyone he had ever known. With her came responsibilities and joys he had never imagined he could handle. Suddenly, his priorities shifted. Dating, which had once been a distant thought, became even less of a consideration. How could he possibly think about going on dates or forming a relationship when he had someone as precious as Naomi to care for?

Spencer poured his energy into her, every waking moment spent ensuring she had everything she needed. He was meticulous in his efforts, seeking out the perfect books to nurture her curiosity, often losing himself in the shelves of libraries and bookstores. It was in one of those libraries that everything changed. He had been so focused on finding just the right book for Naomi, his legs burning from hours of squatting to reach the lower shelves, that he didn’t notice when she quietly wandered off, her tiny fingers brushing along the spines of books as if mimicking what she'd seen in movies.

Naomi’s tiny fingers danced along the spines of the books, her touch gentle but purposeful, as if she were an old soul lost in her own world. She wandered between the shelves, her bright eyes recognizing the occasional word. It was a small library, but to her, it felt like a kingdom of endless possibilities.

She spotted a thick book on a lower shelf, something about the cover drawing her in. She reached for it with determination, and after a bit of a struggle, she finally had it in her hands. Remembering what they had taught her at school, she fished a little wooden paint stick from her pocket—something she had picked up at a craft store with Spencer—and carefully slid it between the pages to hold her place. She was so engrossed in her task that she didn’t notice you watching her until you spoke.

“How old are you?” your voice was gentle, curious.

Naomi looked up, startled, finding you towering over her. She narrowed her eyes slightly, as if assessing whether you were friend or foe, then confidently replied, “Five. Names Naomi.”

You smiled, gently plucking the book from her hand before she could protest. You couldn’t help but chuckle when you saw the title. “I think ‘Twilight’ might be a little out of your age range.”

Naomi crossed her arms and pouted, her bottom lip jutting out defiantly. “Nuh uh.”

“Yuh huh,” you retorted, the words slipping out before you could stop them. You immediately felt a little silly, realizing you had just argued with a five-year-old. But Naomi seemed undeterred, her expression only growing more determined.

“It’s about vampires,” you added, trying to justify your point.

Naomi didn’t miss a beat. “I watch Vampirina on Disney Junior,” she countered, her voice full of the confidence only a child could muster.

You couldn’t help but laugh, charmed by her spunk. “Touché,” you conceded, handing the book back to her.

Naomi accepted it with a triumphant smile, her eyes sparkling with victory. She turned on her heel and walked back toward the shelves, clutching the book to her chest like a prized possession. It was at that moment that Spencer finally caught up to her, his breath a little ragged from searching.

“She’s a handful, isn’t she?” you said, smiling as you watched Naomi carefully place the book on what you assumed to be their pile.

Spencer sighed with a mix of exasperation and relief, his eyes softening as they landed on Naomi. “You have no idea.”

But as he turned to you, his expression changed, something in your presence grounding him, making him feel like maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t in this alone. And in that moment, something shifted in him—a spark of connection, a flicker of hope that he hadn’t felt in years.

Spencer adjusted his glasses, a nervous habit that only seemed to kick in when he was truly flustered. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks as he stood there, searching for the right words to say. You were still smiling at him, that same kind smile that had sent his heart into a flutter moments earlier. He wasn’t used to this, to feeling so tongue-tied.

“So, um…” he began, shifting on his feet, “I, uh, I really appreciate you finding Naomi. She, uh, she can be quite adventurous.”

You waved off his thanks, your own cheeks flushing slightly. “Oh, it was nothing, really. She’s a sweetheart—very independent, I can tell.”

Spencer nodded quickly, eager to agree. “Yes, she’s… she’s definitely independent. A little too much sometimes,” he added with a soft chuckle.

The two of you stood there for a moment, each of you wanting to say something more but unsure of how to begin. The silence stretched on just long enough to make it awkward.

“So—” you both started at the same time, then stopped, laughing as you realized it.

“You first,” Spencer said quickly, gesturing for you to go ahead.

“No, no, you first,” you insisted, waving your hand as if to shoo his words toward you.

He shook his head, still smiling. “I insist, really, you—”

“Please,” you cut in, “I’m sure what you have to say is much more interesting.”

Spencer’s smile grew wider, his nerves melting away a little as he realized you were just as flustered as he was. “I highly doubt that,” he said, his tone playful. “But, okay, um… I just wanted to say that I think it’s really great how you… how you, uh, inter-“

Naomi’s groan cut him off, loud and dramatic, as she flopped onto the floor and rolled into a somersault. “Can we go now?” she whined, clearly unimpressed by the adult conversation.

You both turned to look at her, and then back at each other, trying not to laugh. Spencer, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment, was the first to break the silence. “Right, of course… I should probably get her home.”

As you hurriedly scribbled your number on the back of a blank coloring sheet, you felt a rush of nervous excitement. You weren’t usually the type to make such bold moves, but something about Spencer—and maybe a little about Naomi—made you want to take a chance. You folded the paper carefully and called out to him just as he and Naomi were starting to walk away.

“Hey!” you said, catching his attention.

He turned, surprised, and you stepped closer, holding out the paper. “In case Naomi needs any more book recommendations,” you said with a smile that hinted at something more.

Spencer hesitated for a second, then took the paper from your hand, his fingers brushing yours in the process. “Thank you,” he said softly, his eyes meeting yours with a mix of gratitude and something else he wasn’t quite ready to name.

With a final nod, he and Naomi headed toward the checkout counter. As Spencer helped her place her chosen books on the counter, Naomi chattered away, completely unaware of the significance of the small piece of paper tucked into Spencer’s pocket.

The librarian rang up their books, and they were soon on their way, stepping out into the warm afternoon sun. Spencer’s mind was still buzzing from the encounter, the folded paper feeling like it weighed a ton in his pocket, even though it was light as air.

Naomi skipped beside him, her usual curiosity bubbling up as they walked. After a few moments of silence, she glanced up at him, her big eyes full of mischief. “Dad?”

He looked down at her. “Yes, Omi?”

“Are you in love?” she asked suddenly, her voice matter-of-fact, as if she were asking about the weather.

Spencer nearly tripped over his own feet, startled by the bluntness of the question. “W-what?” he stammered, his cheeks instantly flushing a deep shade of pink.

Naomi giggled, delighted by his reaction. “You’re blushing! That means yes!”

Spencer tried to regain his composure, shaking his head. “No, Naomi, it’s… it’s not like that. I’m just—” He paused, searching for the right words. “I’m just—uh, it’s complicated.”

Naomi tilted her head, clearly unconvinced. “You like her,” she stated with the certainty of a child who had seen more than she let on.

Spencer opened his mouth to protest, but the words caught in his throat. He sighed, knowing there was no point in trying to deny it. “Maybe,” he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Naomi grinned, pleased with herself. “I knew it! You were looking at her all funny, like in the movies.”

Spencer sighed, a mix of amusement and exasperation in his voice. “Naomi, remember when we talked about inside thoughts?”

She groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes. “You’re no fun. Uncle Derek would find me funny.”

Spencer chuckled, shaking his head. “Uncle Derek would have you running laps around the block if you kept that up.”

Naomi giggled at the thought, clearly imagining herself sprinting in circles while Derek cheered her on. “But then he’d take me for ice cream after.”

“Only if you promised not to spill the beans about his top-secret missions,” Spencer teased, knowing how Derek always framed his workouts as undercover ops to make them more exciting for Naomi.

Naomi stayed quiet for just a moment, thinking it over. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she looked up at Spencer. “So… are you gonna take me for ice cream?”

He laughed, shaking his head in disbelief at how quickly she’d turned the tables on him. “Nice try, Naomi. We’re going home.”

“Rats,” she muttered, kicking at a loose pebble on the sidewalk. But her disappointment didn’t last long. Naomi looked up at Spencer with a sly smile. “But maybe next time?”

Spencer chuckled, giving her a gentle nudge. “Maybe. But only if you promise to keep all inside thoughts to yourself.”

Naomi grinned, a twinkle of mischief still in her eyes. “Deal.”

Spencer finally looked down at the stack of books in his hands, his brow furrowing as he noticed one of the titles. “Did we just check out Twilight?”

Naomi beamed up at him, completely unfazed. “Yup! You were too busy being in love to notice.”

Spencer groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Naomi, this is definitely not age-appropriate.”

“But I told you, I like vampires!” she protested, her eyes wide and pleading.

Spencer sighed, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. “Fine, but we’re reading it together, and I’m going to skip anything that isn’t suitable, okay?”

Naomi nodded eagerly, already imagining how much fun it would be to read with Spencer, even if he did skip the “good” parts.

[anniebeemine]

the proposal- s.r. x reader

Part of ITAV. Can be read as a standalone, but doesn't have to be :)

As Spencer watched you glide effortlessly across the ice rink with Naomi, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of appreciation and admiration. Naomi was beaming with joy, her laughter ringing out as she skated beside you. She wore the purple gloves you had made for her, her tiny hands barely visible as they gripped the sides of the rink for balance. Her beanie, a thoughtful gift from Penelope, added a touch of playful charm to her outfit, and had her name embroidered on the front.

Spencer’s heart warmed as he took in the scene. You had a natural way with Naomi, a patience and kindness that went beyond anything he’d experienced before. He could see how much Naomi adored you, how she looked up to you with a sparkle in her eyes that he had rarely seen. You had become a part of her world in a way that made him rethink everything he thought he knew about relationships and parenting.

The way you interacted with Naomi, your gentle encouragement as she wobbled on the ice, your easy laughter, and the way you seemed to instinctively know how to make her feel special—Spencer realized just how right you were for both of them. He’d never brought someone into his life who fit so seamlessly into it, someone who was not only good for him but exceptional for Naomi. It was in these moments, watching you with her, that he felt a profound shift in his understanding of what he wanted for his future.

Meanwhile, as you skated hand-in-hand with Naomi, you found yourself reflecting on your own feelings. You had never imagined yourself as a parent. The idea of having a child seemed like an anchor, something that would tie you down and limit your freedom. You had always viewed children as a responsibility that came with constraints—an endless list of needs and demands that would prevent you from living a carefree, spontaneous life.

But Naomi was different. From the moment you met her, she had subtly changed your perspective. She had a way of drawing out a side of you that you hadn’t known existed—a nurturing, caring part of you that was willing to embrace the responsibilities of parenthood. The joy you felt in making her smile, in watching her grow and experience new things, was something you had never anticipated. Naomi had transformed your view of what it meant to be tied down. She made you see that being there for someone, supporting them, and sharing in their happiness could be profoundly fulfilling.

As you skated with Naomi, her playful call of “Buttercup!” echoed through the rink, a new nickname she had given you with a beaming smile. It was a reminder of how deeply she had come to care for you and how much you had come to care for her. The nickname, though simple, was a sign of the bond you had formed—a bond that was growing stronger with each passing day.

Spencer watched from the sidelines, his mind racing as he considered the future. He knew that you were not just a passing part of his life but a significant presence who had brought an unexpected joy and stability into both his and Naomi's lives. The love and care you showed Naomi made him realize that this relationship was something more than he had ever anticipated. It was something worth holding onto, something that made him think about a future where you, Naomi, and he were a family in the truest sense of the word.

And for you, as you skated with Naomi and felt the warmth of her hand in yours, you began to understand that perhaps the life you had once viewed as restrictive was now filled with a new kind of freedom—one that came from love, connection, and the joy of sharing your life with someone who meant everything to you.

-

In the stillness of the night, Naomi woke up feeling restless. She sipped her water and turned over in her bed, only to notice a faint light coming from the living room. Curiosity got the better of her, and she tiptoed out of her room, her small feet padding softly on the floor. As she approached the living room, she saw you and Spencer, both asleep on the couch. 

The movie was still playing, casting flickering shadows across the room. You and Spencer were asleep on the couch, leaning into each other, the blanket draped over you both in a comforting tangle. Her gaze drifted to the bowl of popcorn resting on Spencer’s lap. The popcorn looked too tempting to resist, so she carefully approached, trying her best not to wake either of you, knowing she’d be sent back to bed. Gently, she slid the bowl from Spencer’s lap, her small hands gripping it securely. As she turned to head back to her room, she accidentally stepped on something hard and small.

Naomi glanced down and saw the little red box, now slightly askew on the floor. She knelt to pick it up, her curiosity getting the better of her. She set the popcorn down and opened the little box. 

Inside was a beautiful ring. A thin gold band with a sizable rock on it. She rubbed the velvet lining, moving the entire box so she could see the light bounce off of the diamond. Naomi reached out, taking the ring between her fingers, and slipped it onto her own finger, though it was still too big and slid right off. She giggled softly, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

Naomi decided right then and there that she liked the ring too much to leave it behind. She stood up, cradling the ring in her hand, and made her way back to her room. Quietly, she pulled open the drawer of her little pink jewelry box, a cherished gift from you, and placed the ring inside. It sat there among her collection of plastic rings from vending machines and toy necklaces, a new treasure added to her stash.

Feeling a sense of satisfaction, Naomi climbed back into her bed, hugging her stuffed animal close. She drifted off to sleep, the ring now safely hidden away in her room, where it would remain her little secret. As she closed her eyes, she thought about how she’d tell you about it tomorrow.

-

Naomi stirred from her sleep, feeling the gentle touch of a hand softly caressing her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light of her room, and she saw you standing over her, a tender smile on your face. The warmth of your hand on her skin was comforting, but there was something different about the way you were looking at her.

"Hey, sweetheart," you whispered, your voice soft and soothing. "I'm sorry I woke you up. I just wanted to say goodbye before I left for the day."

Naomi blinked, still groggy from sleep, and pushed herself up slightly in bed. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice small and curious. She rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the sleepiness.

You brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "I have to go run some errands, just a few things to take care of," you replied, your tone gentle. "I'll be back later, okay?"

Naomi nodded, but she wasn't quite ready to let you go. "Can I come with you?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of hope.

You smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Not today, sweetie. But how about we do something special when I get back? We could go to the park or watch a movie, whatever you want."

Naomi nodded again, though she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She watched as you stood up and made your way to the door, your footsteps quiet on the carpeted floor. She slipped out of bed, her tiny feet padding softly as she followed you down the hallway.

As you reached the front door, Naomi tugged at your hand, looking up at you with wide, sleepy eyes. "What are you going to do?" she asked again, her curiosity not yet satisfied.

You knelt down to her level, taking her hands in yours. "Just some things I need to get done. I have to find some new shoes, return some things, nothing too exciting. But I promise I'll be back soon, and then we can spend the rest of the day together, okay?"

Naomi nodded, feeling reassured by your words. She wrapped her arms around you, hugging you tightly. "Okay. I love you," she murmured.

"I love you too, Naomi," you whispered back, holding her close for a moment before finally letting go. You gave her one last smile before you opened the door and stepped outside.

As the door closed behind you, Naomi stood there for a moment, feeling a strange sense of unease. She turned around to head back to her room, but then she heard a noise coming from the living room. It was the sound of something being moved, followed by a muffled curse.

Curiosity piqued, Naomi tiptoed toward the living room, peeking around the corner. She saw her dad in the middle of the room, tearing through the cushions on the couch, his movements frantic and desperate. He was searching for something, his usually calm demeanor replaced by a sense of urgency.

"Dad?" Naomi called out, her voice small and unsure.

Spencer looked up, his eyes wide with surprise as if he hadn't noticed her standing there. "Naomi, hey," he said, trying to keep his voice steady, though she could see the worry in his eyes. "What are you doing up, sweetheart?"

“Buttercup woke me up on accident,” Naomi yawned, plopping down on the couch and rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She glanced at the mess around her dad, her curiosity piqued. “What are you looking for?”

Spencer hesitated, his gaze flicking to the floor as if searching for the right words. "I'm looking for a very important ring, Naomi," he finally said, his voice soft but filled with a weight that Naomi didn't fully understand.

Naomi's eyes widened, a pang of guilt tugging at her heart. She thought back to the little red box she had found the night before, the ring she had slipped into her own jewelry box, thinking it was just another pretty trinket. "Who’s it for?" she asked, trying to sound casual as she shifted on the couch.

"It’s Y/N's," Spencer replied, his voice barely above a whisper, as if saying the words out loud made the situation all the more real.

Naomi’s heart sank even further. She didn’t want to get in trouble or see her dad upset, so she bit her lip and shook her head. "I haven’t seen it," she mumbled, avoiding his eyes.

Spencer let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, sweetheart," he said, though the tension in his voice was unmistakable. He gave her a small, tight smile before returning to his search, his movements now more methodical but no less urgent.

Throughout the day, Naomi noticed how tense her dad was. He seemed distracted, constantly checking drawers, opening and closing cabinets, and even going through the laundry, all in a futile effort to find the missing ring. The worry lines on his face deepened with each passing hour, and the lightness that usually filled their home seemed to have vanished.

When you returned home later that evening, the atmosphere was noticeably heavy. But as soon as you walked through the door, Naomi felt a small surge of relief. You greeted her with a warm smile, and she couldn’t help but feel comforted by your presence. After catching up on your day, you and Naomi settled down on the living room floor to work on a new puzzle you had surprised her with earlier, the colorful pieces scattered around you.

You noticed that Naomi seemed quieter than usual, her little brows furrowed in concentration as she carefully placed each piece. "You okay, Naomi?" you asked gently, glancing over at her.

Naomi nodded quickly, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something that told you she had something on her mind. You decided not to press her, instead focusing on the puzzle and enjoying the quiet moment together.

Naomi suddenly stood up. "I’ll be right back," she said, her voice soft as she darted off to her room.

You watched her go, curious about what had sparked her sudden departure. Moments later, she returned, clutching something small in her hand. She walked over to you, her steps hesitant, and then slowly held out her hand.

“I found your ring,” Naomi said quietly, her voice laced with guilt as she opened her palm to reveal the delicate piece of jewelry. 

You felt your breath hitch. “Naomi, where did you find this?” 

She bit her lip, her eyes welling up with tears. "I… I found it last night in the living room, in a little red box. I didn’t know it was important, so I put it in my jewelry box. Daddy said it's yours. I’m sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear of what your reaction might be.

You smiled softly, wrapping your arms around her in a comforting hug. "It’s okay, Naomi," you reassured her, stroking her hair. "I’m just glad you told me. You did the right thing by bringing it to me."

Naomi sniffled, burying her face in your shoulder. "I didn’t want to get in trouble," she mumbled, her small voice muffled against you.

You pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "You’re not in trouble, I promise. I know it can be confusing sometimes, but it’s always better to tell the truth. Thank you for being honest with me, okay?"

Naomi nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She glanced at the ring again, her curiosity returning. "Is it really for you?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder.

You nodded, smiling as you held the ring between your fingers. "Yes, it is. And it means a lot to me—and to your dad, too."

As if on cue, Spencer appeared in the doorway, his eyes widening in disbelief when he saw the ring in your hand. "You found it?" he asked, his voice thick with relief as he rushed over to you both.

"Naomi found it," you explained, smiling as Spencer knelt down beside you.

Spencer looked at Naomi, his eyes softening as he pulled her into a hug. He looked at you, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "I’m so sorry, Y/N," he began, his voice soft but earnest. "This isn’t how I planned any of this. I had a whole evening planned—a special dinner, maybe even a picnic under the stars—but then I couldn’t find the ring, and everything just fell apart."

You held out the ring to him. “Then we can wait.” 

Spencer let out a soft chuckle, his tension finally easing as he looked at you with a mixture of relief and love. He gently took the ring from your hand, his fingers brushing against yours as he slid it onto your finger. The simple yet profound act felt like the culmination of everything you had been through together.

As the ring settled onto your finger, something clicked in Naomi’s mind. Her eyes widened as she looked between the two of you, her mouth forming a small “O” of realization. "Did you just… propose?" she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and excitement.

You and Spencer exchanged a quick glance before turning back to her with matching smiles. "Yes, sweetheart," Spencer said, his voice warm and full of affection. "I just proposed."

Naomi squealed with delight, her little feet kicking excitedly as she launched herself into your lap. "Can I be a flower girl? Please, please, please?" she begged, her eyes shining with hope and happiness.

You laughed, wrapping your arms around her as you shared a joyful look with Spencer. "Of course, you can be the flower girl," you assured her, ruffling her hair playfully. "We wouldn’t have it any other way."

Naomi’s squeal of excitement filled the room again as she hugged you tightly, her arms around your neck. Spencer reached over, wrapping both of you in his embrace, and for a moment, everything else melted away. The three of you were wrapped in a cocoon of love and happiness, the promise of a future together solidified in that one small, unexpected moment.

The grand plans didn’t matter, nor did the perfect setting. What mattered was that you were together, ready to take on whatever came next as a family. And as you held Naomi close, Spencer’s arms around both of you, you knew that this was just the beginning of a new and beautiful chapter in your lives.