Chapter Text
Luke Alvez was returning home from a walk with his dog Roxy one Saturday morning, when he climbs the flight of stairs to his apartment and finds the hallway extremely busy. There was boxes scattered, some chairs from a dining table stacked and a sofa spilled out of his neighbours place.
Luke lived in a relatively small apartment block not at all far from the FBI offices. They were a couple of stories high, two apartments on each level. Luke lived on the first floor, so he always took the stairs, instead of the lift.
He had moved in there as soon as he had got the job two years ago at the BAU. Before that, he had been on the fugitive task force so he had never settled down for long.
Luke had enjoyed being on the task force, being on the move had suited him at that time in his life, but when he took on the job at the BAU he had been ready to settle down. He had no one to settle down with yet, but he made peace that he would find his person soon.
So Luke threw himself into his work. He studied so hard to be a good, contributing member of the BAU. He worked long days, most of the time over-caffeinated and tired. But this was his job, his life. And he loved it.
His thoughts were distracted by his neighbour bustling out of her door.
“Elle!” Luke exclaimed, in a joking tone. “Are you leaving me?”
Elle Greenaway’s eyes widened in surprise, then she let out a big laugh once she saw Luke.
“Howdy there, Alvez! Yeah, I made the decision to move on, this place has served me well, but I’m onto bigger and better things now.” Luke stepped around her stuff to get closer to her, and she leaned in for a hug. “I was going to tell you earlier in the week, but I haven’t seen you. You’ve obviously been out and about saving the world.”
Luke chuckles. “Good on you, Elle. I know you’ll kill it with whatever you’re moving onto. It’s nice to see you off.”
“Thanks for being a great neighbour these last couple of years. It’s been great, Luke.”
“You’ve been a good neighbour too. Thanks for looking after this one all those times,” Luke said, gently raising Roxy’s leash.
“Anything for my girl,” Elle coos, bending down to give Roxy a cuddle.
“Is someone else moving in?” Luke asked, curiously.
“Yeah, my lease was transferred over to someone else. I think they move in in like a week? I’m not too sure.”
Luke nodded.
“Hey, do you need some help getting this all out?” Luke asked, indicating to all of Elle’s stuff.
“Thanks for the offer, but the movers should be here any second.”
As if on cue, two men came up the stairs and greeted Elle.
Luke thought he’d get out of the way so they said their final goodbyes and just before Luke entered his own apartment, Elle yelled out, “You have my number, Alvez! Don’t be a stranger.”
Luke lets out a laugh, “Likewise, Elle!”
Luke was a bit apprehensive of having a new neighbour. It had worked well between him and Elle.
What if his new neighbour was grumpy all the time? Elle and Luke consistently had coffee at each others place, they weren’t just neighbours, but also friends.
What if his new neighbour didn’t like Roxy? Elle looked after Roxy all the time. Luke wasn’t expecting his neighbour to be his dog sitter, he already had one of those plus Elle always offered and was enthusiastic to look after Roxy. But he didn’t want someone who was a dog hater.
Luke put all thoughts aside as he got ready for the day, his first Saturday off in weeks.
—————
Luke didn’t think again about his potential new neighbour for twelve days, until the day they officially met.
The building had been quiet without Elle, and Luke didn’t really revel in the silence. He missed her, but he didn’t have time to dawn on it because after a couple of days, they were called on a case.
It had been another tough, long one. It had taken losing several victims for them to get their breakthrough, which Luke hated. People had to die for the unsub to be caught, and that was always one of the hardest things.
When they finally landed, Hotch had them finish up their paperwork so they could take a long weekend off. Luke had no plans, but he honestly just wanted to rest. A proper nights sleep was looking more and more ideal.
Luke sped through his paperwork, and by 5.30pm, he was finished and ready to go. He had spoken to his dog sitter, and he would collect Roxy in the morning. So he left the office, picked up his favourite Thai takeout, and made his way to his home.
As Luke climbed the stairs, and he almost dropped his bag when he saw a young man unlocking the door opposite to Luke’s.
He had long, luscious looking hair, which he tucked behind his ear when he got his door open and realised he wasn’t alone.
“Oh, hello!” The stranger said, in a soft and shy voice.
“Hey there,” Luke grinned, walking towards his own door, getting his keys ready. “I’m Luke Alvez.”
The stranger cleared his throat. “I’m Doctor Spencer Reid.”
“Nice to meet you, Doctor Reid,” Luke said, moving his keys to the hand with his bag, stepping forward with an outstretched hand.
“Just Spencer is fine, please.” Spencer quickly says. “I- sorry, I’m not a hand shaker. It would actually be safer to kiss.”
Luke drops his hand and quirks his eyebrow. Interesting. “When did you move in?”
“Five days ago, so I’m still getting settled,” Spencer replied. “I was wondering when I’d meet my new neighbour.”
“Ah yes. Well, I travel for work, I just got back today from my latest trip,” Luke raised his shoulder, where his go bag was slung over it.
Spencer nodded in understanding. “I can see you have dinner there, so I’ll leave you to it. It was nice to meet you, Luke.”
“See you around,” Luke smiled big and entered his own home.
As Luke prepared his dinner and got comfortable on the couch, he thought about his new neighbour. The apprehension was lifted. Luke didn’t know Spencer yet, but he didn’t seem like a miserable, grumpy person.
He definitely seemed like someone Luke would be able to get along with.
And he was cute. God, he was so cute.
—————
Luke saw Spencer here and there over the next week. They mostly saw each other as they were coming and going to and from work.
Their next major interaction was about a week after they met.
Luke had just gone around the block to pick up Roxy, who had been at the sitter for two days. After a small reunion and a trip to the park, Luke was walking her up the stairs to go back home.
As he was walking up the stairs, the opposing door opened and Spencer came bustling out. He hadn’t even seen Luke or Roxy, too busy trying to juggle his bag, a couple of thick books, a thermos and his keys.
Perfect! Luke thought. He hadn’t yet had the chance to introduce Roxy to Spencer, and now seemed to be a good opportunity.
Not.
Spencer eventually got the door shut and was in the midst of trying to lock the door when Luke decided to speak up. “Do you need a hand there?”
“Oh!” Spencer exclaimed, spinning around and dropping his keys.
“Sorry, sorry!” Luke held his hands up in innocence. “I didn’t mean to give you a fright.”
“No, it’s okay!” Spencer said, bending down to put the books and thermos down, picking his keys up, slinging the bag over his shoulder and he quickly turned to lock the door. “I’m running so late.”
Then, he picked up all of his belongings in quick succession and made a beeline for the stairs.
“Sorry, Luke! I have to get to work, it was nice to see you again,” Spencer said, tucking his hair behind his ears and smiling sweetly before taking the stairs in rapid speed.
“Bye,” Luke said to no-one, as Spencer had already left.
“Hmm,” he thought aloud and made his way to his apartment.
Luke didn’t like to profile people outside of the job, but it was second nature now. He couldn’t help it.
Spencer was young enough to be a college student, and he wore these adorable sweater vests that usually Luke wouldn’t care for, but they were so cute on his neighbour. However, he wasn’t running late for college as he said he was running late for work. But he didn’t have a normal 9-5 job, considering he was leaving approximately 11.15am. and when Luke had met him after he presumed it was work, it was well after 6pm. He was also carrying two thick books and Luke suspected he had a third in his satchel, and they looked like textbooks. Plus, he was a doctor.
Luke deduced that he was a teacher or professor of some sort.
They had spoken every time they saw each other, just polite greetings here and there, but they hadn’t really gotten to know each other, as they both seemed to live busy lives. Luke wanted to ask Spencer over for coffee, with no intentions behind it but to purely welcome him properly to the neighbourhood, but he hadn’t had a chance.
Luke had no plans for the day, he spent the early afternoon cuddling with Roxy on the couch. He had missed her a lot as he had been gone the night before, so he made sure to shower her with lots of attention.
By the time dinner time rolled around, Luke made a simple pasta dish and vegged out on the couch.
God, he was so boring.
He was halfway through a random action movie Derek had told him about, when there was a tentative knock on his door.
Luke frowned. He wasn’t expecting anyone.
He moved to the door and looked through the peephole, and saw Spencer of all people.
Luke swung open the door.
“Spencer! What brings you by?” Luke asks, leaning against the doorway, a smile on his face.
“Hi Luke!” Spencer seemed nervous. “I just wanted to pop by and apologise for my abrupt behaviour this morning.”
Luke lets out a chuckle. “There's no need to apologise, Doc. Life happens.”
“Well, I felt bad.” Luke noticed Spencer was holding something as he thrust it out for Luke to grab. “And I noticed you have a dog. So I uh, baked some dog treats for you. Well, for your dog.”
Luke gently grabbed the container Spencer was holding out, and he honestly felt a bit shocked.
“Spencer, you didn’t have to do that. Thank you,” Luke says sincerely.
Spencer is blushing slightly and Luke is officially endeared.
He gives a soft whistle, and Roxy comes running from the couch.
Spencer steps back and looks nervous as Roxy trots down the hallway.
She sits obediently at Luke’s feet, and Luke notices that Spencer looks a little bit uncomfortable.
“Her name is Roxy,” Luke says slowly. “Would you like to come in and meet her?”
“I, uh, I don’t have the best track record with dogs.” Spencer says, scratching the back of his neck, eyeing off Roxy carefully.
“That’s okay. She’s a trained therapy dog, but if you’re not comfortable it’s not a problem.”
“I- I’ll give it a go,” Spencer says, and takes a hesitant step in.
Luke ushers him in and shuts the door, then opens the container that Spencer gave him. “Want to give her one of your homemade treats?”
Spencer nods and plucks a biscuit out of the container.
Luke crouches down to Roxy’s level and pats her head.
“Girl, this is our new neighbour, Doctor Reid. Be gentle,” Luke introduces then warns her. “He’s shy.”
Luke looks back up to Spencer who’s already looking at him, and he quirks his head towards Roxy and raises his eyebrows as if to signal ‘its time to say hi.’
Spencer kneels so he’s at the same height as Luke.
“Hello Roxy,” Spencer says tentatively, holding out the treat in his palm.
Roxy sniffs Spencer’s hand, then gently bites the biscuit and munches it down.
After she finishes eating, she moves her head to Spencer’s hand which is still outstretched, indicating she wants her head scratched. Spencer complies, with a wary but steady hand.
“She likes you,” Luke murmurs, quietly enjoying the interaction between the two.
“Humans and dogs have developed a symbiotic relationship, as dogs have been domesticated to the point where they can’t survive without the human species. Dogs thrive off attention and affection, which is why they have been labelled what they call ‘mans best friend.’” Spencer spouts off.
Luke grins. “Here that, Rox? I told you that you love attention, don’t ya girl?”
Spencer looks at Luke from where he’s absent-mindedly petting Roxy and smiles at Luke.
“I’ve never had a dog like me before,” Spencer said, turning his head back to where Roxy has her eyes closed, enjoying the scratches.
“Roxy is a terrific judge of character,” Luke simply states, feeling unhappy at the information Spencer provides. “I’ll trust anyone she does.”
“You two are pretty close then?” Spencer half teases.
“She got me through a lot of hard times,” Luke said carefully, then deciding to just be vulnerable. “I’m an ex army ranger.”
Spencer raises his eyebrows and stands up so he’s facing Luke.
Spencer seems like he doesn’t know what to say, so Luke jokes. “Sorry in advance if you hear my nightmares through these thin walls.” He then winces when the joke doesn’t really have the intended effect.
“I’m sorry,” Spencer says quietly. “If it makes you feel any better, I get nightmares too.”
Luke smiles sadly in understanding.
Spencer’s phone then receives a text, breaking the moment between them.
He checks his watch then says, “I better get back to grading these pesky college papers.”
Professor, Luke was right.
“Thank you for dropping around, and for baking the biscuits. That was really very lovely of you to do,” Luke says. “I’ll return the container when she’s done with them.”
Spencer smiles bright. “Thank you for having me briefly.”
Then he turns back to Roxy. “Nice to meet you, Roxy.”
Luke lets out a chuckle and gets the door for Spencer. “Come around anytime. She’ll be stoked to have a new friend.”
“Okay,” Spencer smiles shyly, walking over to his own front door. “Goodnight, Luke.”
“Goodnight!” Luke calls back, looking down and finding Roxy at his feet. “Say goodnight, Rox.”
Roxy lets out a little whine as her goodbye, and Spencer waves before opening then closing the door behind him.
After Luke shuts his door, Roxy looks up at him.
“He’s cute, isn’t he?” Luke asks her. She doesn’t answer, just looks at the container of treats.
Traitor.
—————
Luke’s walking home from his boxing class, full of energy, when he decides he needs to do something that weekend for a change. They’d spent the week at home, doing paperwork and consulting on cases from the office.
As much as he enjoyed traveling, he did like having a routine too. Being able to go to the gym each morning, and attend the boxing classes every second day, made him feel productive.
As he is approaching his building, he sees the lithe figure of his neighbour walking towards the building too, coming from the opposite direction.
Luke reaches their building a couple of minutes before Spencer, so he waits patiently on the steps for him.
“Morning!” Luke greets when Spencer approaches, turning to lead him into the building.
“Good morning Luke,” Spencer replies. “You’re out and about early.”
“So are you,” Luke grins. “I had boxing at gym this morning. What’s your excuse?”
“I needed caffeine,” grumbled Spencer, gesturing to his thermos. “My coffee machine broke, and I wanted to get an early start on grading assignments.”
“That sucks,” Luke replies sympathetically. “Can’t be without caffeine.”
“No,” Spencer agreed. “What are you up to this weekend?”
“Not much I don’t think. I’m meeting a friend for lunch, but apart from that, no plans yet.”
“Nice,” Spencer smiled and gestured to his place. “Well, I better get back to it.”
“Have fun,” Luke smiled back and went into his own home.
Luke was meeting Penelope for lunch, so he put on Roxy’s lead and took her for a quick walk, then he went home and showered to get ready.
Penelope and Luke had lunch together, and Luke put his desires to the test.
“Do you think you could organise an outing tonight? We haven’t had a team night out in a while,” Luke asked, knowing organising get togethers was Penelope’s forte.
“Oh my gosh, yes!” Penelope gushed. “Honestly, I’ve been dying to go out. Leave it with me.”
She sent some texts and by the end of their lunch, they had Emily, JJ, Derek and Matt on board. Hotch was spending the weekend with Jack, deservedly so.
Luke went home and got ready, they were meeting at a bar they all liked near the FBI building, so he didn’t have to go far at all. He put some effort into his appearance, wanting to dress up for the occasion.
As he was locking up, ready to leave, who does he see coming up the stairs but Spencer.
Spencer is carrying a pizza and he has what looks to be a DVD case and a book in his other hand.
“Oh, hi Luke. You look nice,” Spencer says sweetly.
“Good evening, Doc!” Luke replies, big grin on his face. “Settling in for the night?”
“Yeah, just having a quiet night in tonight. How about you?”
“I’m meeting some work friends for some drinks. I’m starving, that pizza smells delicious.”
“Did you know pizza was first invented in Naples, Italy as a means for a fast and affordable meal for people on the go? It, however, didn’t gain much popularity around the world until the 1940’s.” Spencer explained, then shyly asked, “would you like a slice?”
“Oh, that’s very nice of you to offer, thank you. But I’ll pass, only because I’m meant to be eating dinner with my workmates. I'll leave you to it, have a good night.”
Spencer nods, a slight blush tinging his cheeks. “I hope you have a good night, too.”
And Luke does. Penelope forces them all to have shots, JJ and Emily hustle Luke and Derek at pool whilst Matt laughs at them before they all tear up the dance floor.
It's a genuinely fun night. Luke doesn’t really get to see a lot of happiness around these people, so nights like this are just a great stress reliever and a good opportunity for them to just bond and chill out.
By the time they’re ready to go home, they’re all very drunk. Penelope had pushed one too many shots on all of them, and Luke was regretting everything.
“I don’t think I should go home,” JJ practically slurs. “I’ll wake up my Will and Henry.”
Emily laughs out loud at JJ, even though it wasn’t intended to be funny.
“You,” Penelope points accusingly at Luke. “Live the closest. Can I come crash with you? Please, Luke?”
“Oooh, me too!” JJ pleads.
“Well, I don’t want to be the only one left out,” Emily states, facing Luke.
Luke looks to Matt and Derek for assistance, but they’re hiding their smirks.
Luke sighs. “How am I supposed to get the three of you back to my place in one piece?”
Matt laughs and finally comes to Luke’s aid. “I’ll walk them with you and continue on.”
Derek lives the opposite direction, so he says his goodbyes to everyone and goes on his way.
Luke and Matt manage to get the three drunk girls home safely, walking the block with Luke in the front and Matt in the back.
Matt helps Luke guide them upstairs, and then he bids his goodnight and leaves Luke with JJ, Emily and Penelope.
Great.
“Roxy!” Penelope sing-songs, greeting Luke’s dog.
The girls gush over Roxy, showering her with lots of pats and affection.
Luke isn’t sober himself, so he struggles to get himself, let alone the girls, ready for bed.
He forces all three girls to sit on at the dining table and drink a glass of water each, then he ushers them to the bathroom and puts a bit of toothpaste on their fingers so they can brush their teeth.
All three of them groan at not having a toothbrush, but Luke reminds them that they’re the ones who wanted to stay there.
He goes back to his bedroom and pulls out three t shirts, makes his way back to the bathroom to give them a shirt each and then leaves them to change.
Whilst they’re doing so, Luke quickly changes into his sleeping clothes, then he turns down the bed for the three girls to share. He figures they’re too drunk to care.
He grabs a spare pillow and blanket for himself and puts it on the couch, then when the girls spill out of the bathroom he orders them to bed.
He grabs them a bottle of water each and puts them on the bedside tables, along with some Advil, ready for when they wake up hungover.
“Thanks for looking after us Lukey,” JJ mumbles sweetly from in the middle, with her eyes closed, ready for sleep to take her.
“Night, Luke!” Emily says similarly.
They’re all tucked in, cuddly with each other and Luke smiles at them. “Night night, girls. Sleep tight,” he chuckles as he turns the light off and shuts the door to prevent Roxy from jumping on the bed, knowing very well that she would.
Luke took some Advil himself, and it didn’t take long for him to pass out on the couch.
The next morning, he woke up early and checked his watch. Even after a late night, Luke was still an early riser.
It was a Sunday, so Luke wanted to get ready for the work week ahead.
He’s making a coffee for himself when Penelope and Emily both slip out of his bedroom.
Luke grins at their state, then pours them each a cup of coffee. “How are you both feeling?”
They both gratefully take a mug. “I feel as good as I look,” Emily groans.
“You look great,” Luke supplies, smiling at her.
“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm this early in the morning, Luke,” she retorts.
Luke throws his palms up in defence. “Not being sarcastic, I promise.”
They laugh and joke with each other for a while.
“I’m going to head out,” Penelope says eventually. “I’ve got stuff to do at home.”
“Same here,” Emily agreed. “I was going to wait for Jayje but let’s be real, she was so drunk last night. She will probably sleep all day."
“You can’t talk,” Luke teased. “You were all as bad as each other.”
The girls laugh and then bid their goodbyes and leave Luke to it.
JJ eventually emerges about an hour after the others leave.
Luke gets the coffee started and laughs at her disgruntled demeanour.
“Good morning JJ!” Luke chirps.
“Morning, I feel like shit.” she says grumpily. Then she remembers her manners and brightens. “Thanks for having us last night, Luke. That was very nice of you.”
“It’s not like I had much of a choice,” he jokes. “Nah, it was my pleasure. Just glad you guys got home safely.”
They chat for a bit before JJ sighs. “I better get home. I told Will I wouldn’t be too long.”
“If you wait a second, I’ll get dressed and walk you out. I need to head to the grocery store.”
JJ nods in appreciation and sneaks another cup of coffee whilst Luke gets ready.
As they’re leaving, they’re mucking around and laughing.
“Thanks again for last night, Luke. Even though I have to do the walk of shame now, I really appreciate it,” JJ says as they’re going down the stairs, and they come face to face with Spencer, carrying his thermos.
“Oh, hey Spencer!” Luke says. “Coffee machine still broken?”
“Hey Luke, yeah it’s still broken” he says, giving a small smile. He then notices JJ, who was slightly behind Luke, and his smile falters slightly. He looks like he’s about to say something else, then he decided against it.
“JJ, this is my neighbour, Doctor Spencer Reid. Doc, this is my friend, JJ.”
“Hi there!” JJ says, chirpy as ever despite the hangover. ‘It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Spencer says softly. “Anyway, I better get going. Have a nice day.”
He brushes past them and heads upstairs, and Luke watches him go. JJ is watching him, and he quickly moves on once he realises. JJ might be the communications liaison, but she spends her days surrounded by profilers, so she knows what she’s looking for.
Luke guides them out to the street, and JJ doesn’t bring anything up. Her uber is waiting, so she waves goodbye to Luke and hops in.
Luke decided to drive to the store, as he needed more groceries than he would be able to easily carry back.
He does a full shop, preparing him for the week.
When he gets home, he starts his meal prep for the upcoming days.
He makes several dinners, ready to freeze for convenience, so he wouldn’t have to cook during the upcoming long hours he knew he’d have to endure.
Once he had prepared a few dishes and cleaned up, he was waiting for the lasagna to cook in the oven, his mind wandered to Spencer.
His neighbour hadn’t been his usual fact-telling self. Usually when they saw each other, Spencer had a different fun fact for him, and it honestly endeared Luke.
It’s the one thing that stood out about Spencer; he was incredibly smart.
Like, super smart.
He knew every fact under the sun, he knew dates and places of everything there possibly was to know. Luke looked forward to having conversations with him, which is why he decided, there and then, that Spencer had been off that morning.
So, he decided to investigate.
He washed out the container Spencer had bought over containing Roxy’s treats, and made his way across the hall.
He knocked twice, tentatively, and waited patiently.
It only took a couple of seconds for Spencer to open the door, and he gave Luke a small smile when he did.
“Luke, how are you?” Spencer asks politely. “How was your night?”
“It was good, yeah. I’m feeling it today though. I’m not the same party animal I was back in college,” Luke jokes, holding out the container for Spencer to grab. “I did want to return this to you though.”
“Oh, thank you!” Spencer gushed. “Did Roxy enjoy the biscuits?”
“Every time she saw the container, she would bark at me in anticipation,” Luke laughed. “Safe to say she loved them so, thanks again.”
“Well, I’m glad.” Spencer smiles.
“Hey, listen, I’ve just got some lasagna cooking in the oven, do you want to come over for an early dinner tonight?” Luke asked, suddenly feeling nervous. “A proper ‘welcome to the neighbourhood’, if you will.”
Spencer looks slightly shocked then he smiles brighter. “I’d like that, thanks Luke. What time would you like me to come around?”
Luke checked his watch, it was 4.30. “Come around in half an hour to an hour? Whenever you want, really.”
“Sounds good, I’ll finish up my work and make my way over.”
“Great, I’ll leave the door unlocked so just let yourself in. I’ll see you shortly.” Luke smiled a dazzling smile then went back to his apartment.
He had a quick shower, put on some nice jeans and got ready to prepare their dinner.
Spencer knocks twice before popping his head in and announcing his arrival.
“Hey, Spencer! Come on in,” Luke greets, placing garlic bread in the oven.
Roxy rushes to the door to greet their guest, wagging her tail and panting her tongue.
Spencer doesn’t look as uncomfortable as he did the first time, as he crouches down to give her her obligatory pats.
He rises and wanders over to properly greet the host, who’s tossing together a side salad.
“Would you like something to drink?” Luke asks as he’s plating up their food. “I have water, beer and wine.”
“Ahh, wine sounds nice,” Spencer decides shyly.
Luke pulls out two wine glasses and opens his fridge finding the wine.
He pulls out two varieties and questions, “Merlot or Riesling?”
Spencer thinks for a second, then replies, “Riesling, please.”
“Good choice,” Luke nods, and pours them each a glass, and they take their seats at the dining table to begin their meal.
“Did you know that even though Riesling is a German varietal, it’s a natural derivative of gouais blanc, which is a French grape?”
Luke takes a sip and raises his eyebrows. “I did not know that, that is interesting. Hey, how do you just know all these facts?”
Spencer flushes, Luke guesses due to the wine. “I have an eidetic memory, which means that I have the ability to recall any images or pages that I’ve read before.”
Luke’s eyebrows go even higher. “So basically, everything you read, you won’t forget?”
Spencer nods. “Basically, yes. I suppose it helps that I can also read 20,000 words per minute?”
Luke almost chokes on a piece of lettuce. Luke knows most other people would use a bragging tone, but Spencer almost sounds sheepish.
“20,000 words per minute? That’s like, a lot.”
Spencer nods and supplies helpfully, “the unconscious mind can process eleven million pieces of information per second. On the contrary, the conscious mind can process sixteen pieces of information.”
“You’re very smart, then.” Luke states the obvious.
“I do have an IQ of 187, three pHDs and three BAs.”
Luke raises his eyebrows. “How come you chose to be a teacher?”
Spencer looks like he wasn’t expecting that question.
He took a sip of wine before answering.
“I’m not entirely sure. There are a lot of things I could have gone on to do. But I really enjoy learning, and I find it very honourable that someone may learn something from me, and they may carry it on with them in their careers.”
“That’s sweet,” Luke murmurs.
Conversation continues to flow easily between the two men between bites of food and shy smiles. Luke properly learns about his neighbour, and it’s nice. It’s nice to have a friend, it’s nice to be able to talk and joke and have that reciprocated.
Spencer is fascinated that Luke is in the FBI, and asks him all about his job and his life.
Luke’s a bit skeptic to talk about it, but Spencer doesn’t pry, he’s just genuinely interested. So Luke tells him little titbits, without getting too much into detail.
They talk until their plates have well and truly been finished, the bottle of wine long gone.
Luke doesn’t want Spencer to leave, so he delays the clean up for as long as possible. Eventually, he supposes he needs to tidy everything up, so he hops up and begins clearing the plates.
He’s still listening intently to Spencer who happened to be rambling. Once he stops, he realises that Luke has begun cleaning, so he gets up to help.
“Uh, uh, uh,” Luke tuts. “You’re a guest. No cleaning for you.”
“Luke, please. You invited me over for a dinner that you cooked. The least I can do is help clean.”
“Nope, I’m not having it.”
“I feel like I’ve already overstayed my welcome.”
The statement is full of uncertainty and insecurity.
“That’s not true,” Luke says slowly, indicating Spencer to sit down on a stool at the counter, which he did. “I invited you here because I wanted you here. I could sit at that table all day and night talking with you. ”
Spencer still isn’t convinced.
“Spencer,” Luke laughs, exasperated. “I promise you that you have not overstayed your welcome. If anything, I hope you haven’t felt obliged to stay when you could be home doing something better, like reading.”
Spencer smiles at Luke’s gentle teasing, then schools his features into a frown. “Obliged? Like you said, I could have sat at that table all day and night talking with you.”
Luke smiles easily as he’s finishing up in the kitchen.
“Yeah? Let’s make it a regular thing then.”
“Really?” Spencer asks.
“Of course. My old neighbour Elle, and I tried to do dinners regularly. I’d love for us to keep the tradition going.”
“Okay, that sounds good,” Spencer smiles. “Next time can be at my place.”
“Deal,” Luke says easily, flinging a tea towel over this shoulder and placing his hands flat on the counter. “Shall we set a day, or just play it by ear?”
“What do you think?”
“I think that I have a gruelling and unpredictable schedule, but I want to ensure we can make this work. Elle and I only had dinners a couple of times a month, but I wished it was more. It’s nice to have sort of a sense of community.”
Spencer nods along in understanding. “There was a survey done recently that showed that 66% of Americans aren’t friends with their neighbours.”
Luke grins. “Let’s be in the minority then, shall we?”
Spencer nods faster in anticipation.
“Great. You want me to give you my number, and you can text me when you want me over for dinner then? That’s assuming we don’t run into each other in the hallway.”
Spencer nods and pulls out his phone, unlocks it then hands it over for Luke to enter in his number. Luke then does the same thing, and Spencer enters his number in Luke’s phone.
Eventually, they bid their goodnights and Luke watches Spencer cross the hallway into his own home, with his arm above this head leaning in the doorframe. They wave goodbye as Spencer slips inside his door.
Luke grins goofily. They had an amazing night, and Luke is glad they are finally proper friends.
—————
Luke is determined to make sure him and Spencer do become good friends, which is why when it’s games night, Luke decides to invite Spencer along.
Luke and Spencer had been hanging out a lot recently; doing dinners twice a week and regularly taking Roxy on walks.
Games night was invented by one Derek Morgan, who had been bored one Friday night, and he had convinced Luke and Matt to get around it.
It resulted with the three of them having a games night once a month, always alternating whose apartment, always playing poker.
This time it was Luke’s turn to host, and he had a secret weapon; Doctor Spencer Reid.
Luke and Spencer played poker a couple of times, and Spencer demolished Luke every single time.
Luke didn’t really have a competitive streak, not like Derek and JJ and Spencer did.
So when Spencer repetitively beat him, Luke couldn’t help but just feel endeared at Spencer’s bluffing and cheers when he won.
He knew that Spencer would torment Derek and Matt, so without letting it slip that Spencer was a genius, Luke knew he had to get him invited.
Luke Alvez: Mind if I invite a friend tonight?
Matt Simmons: Cool with me.
Derek Morgan: As long as it’s not JJ…
Luke laughed and confirmed that it was indeed not JJ, then sent his friend a message.
Luke Alvez: You home, Doc?
Spencer Reid: Yes I am.
Luke Alvez: Up for a visit?
Spencer Reid: Sure.
Luke wanders over and knocks on his neighbours door.
“It’s open!” Spencer yells out, and Luke lets himself in.
“Hey Luke!” Spencer shouts from his bedroom. “I’ll be out in a sec. How are you?”
“Good, how are you? Don’t rush!” Luke shouted back.
When Spencer emerged from his bedroom, his hair was fluffy and a mess on top of his head. He wasn’t wearing his usual attire, but his casual attire, which Luke had never really seen before.
Luke gulped from afar.
His crush was growing more and more. Every time he saw the genius, Luke felt himself falling a little bit more in love.
And after all this time, coming to know Spencer, Luke knew that it took a lot of trust for Spencer to be fully comfortable around people. So Luke thought he was doing something right.
“So listen,” Luke began as they flopped on the couch together. “My work friends, Derek and Matt, we do a poker night once a month. This month it’s at mine, and it’s tomorrow night. I was wondering if you’d like to join us?”
Spencer looked shocked. “You want me to come?”
“Of course. I had to cancel our dinner on Tuesday because of the case that came up, and I’d like to make it up to you. I know it’s not really your thing, hanging out with people you haven’t met before, but I also know poker is your thing. No pressure though, of course. But the offers there if you’d like.”
Spencer thought about it for a minute, cocking his head to the side.
“That sounds fun. I’d love to join,” Spencer decided. “Thanks, Luke.”
“Yes!” Luke rejoiced, punching his fist into the air. “I’m glad.”
“Why?” Spencer teased. “So I can beat you at poker again?”
“Nope.”
“So I can beat your friends at poker?”
“Maybe a little, but no.”
Spencer frowns. “Then why?”
“Because then I get to hang out with you more, silly.”
Spencer let out a happy laugh, not quite expecting Luke to be so forward. “You want to hang out with me more?”
“I do,” Luke confirms. “I like spending time with you. But hey, if you ever get sick of me, please tell me if you want me to leave you alone.”
“What?” Spencer squeaked, starting to blush. “Luke, I hope it’s okay that I say that I don’t have many friends, so the fact that you do want to be mine, well, it means a lot.”
Luke tuts and shakes his head. “I like hanging out with you a lot, Spence.”
Spencer nods at him and gives him a small smile.
They chat idly for a bit longer before Luke checks his watch and sighs.
“Guess I better get back to mine. I need to get ready for work tomorrow.”
Spencer doesn’t contain his disappointment well.
“I do need to take Roxy for a short walk though, care to join me?”
Spencer grins at him.
—————
Luke is keen to get out of the office that Friday afternoon.
He loved work, but they had a guaranteed weekend off due to Hotch taking them off the roster for the weekend, giving them a well deserved break.
And he was hanging out with three of his favourite people that night.
He said bye the the team, a see you later to Matt and Derek, and left the office at the conclusion of the day.
He dropped by the store on the way home, picking up some snacks, some beer for Matt and Derek and wine for Spencer.
He went home and got the place ready, then took Roxy for a quick walk.
Once they returned, he sent a message to Spencer telling him that the others were coming around at 7pm, but he could come over whenever he wanted.
Twenty minutes later, there was a quick knock on his door and Spencer entered, not feeling shy in that aspect anymore
He brought over two containers, one full of cupcakes and the other full of caramel slice.
“I made these,” Spencer said shyly, handing over the containers to Luke.
Luke raised his eyebrows. “I told you that you didn’t have to bring anything!”
“I know, I know! I just felt rude if I didn’t bring anything.”
“Well, thank you. These look delicious,” Luke said, pinching a small piece of slice and popping it in his mouth.
His eyes widened as he bit into the treat.
“Spence!” Luke exclaimed. “These are so good!”
Spencer flushed. “Thank you.”
They mucked around and had fun with each other, almost forgetting what Spencer was there for when there was a knock at the door.
Luke jumped up and went to answer it, greeting his workmates with hugs.
“Derek and Matt, this is my friend and neighbour, Doctor Spencer Reid.”
Spencer waved to them from behind Luke.
“Nice to meet you, Spencer,” Matt greeted warmly, waving back.
“It’s a pleasure,” Derek nodded at him.
“It’s nice to meet you guys too,” Spencer replied.
They mingled a bit before getting situated.
Luke got their drinks without them asking, handing Matt and Derek their beers whilst giving Spencer and himself a glass of wine.
And if it just so happened to be Spencer’s favourite wine, well then, so be it.
Spencer noticed though, and gave Luke one of his rare smiles (with his teeth!). Luke felt giddy.
When Luke joined the others at the table, Derek was shuffling the cards so Luke opened a bag of gummy bears and divided them into four piles.
“We use these as chips,” Luke explained to Spencer, looking pointedly at Derek. “Since we only play for a bit of fun.”
“You just know you’d go broke, Alvez.” Derek laughs and winks at Spencer. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you, pretty boy.”
They all banter easily, and the first round is one of the funniest things Luke has ever witnessed.
Seeing Spencer wipe the floor with all three of them will never not make Luke laugh.
Derek huffs and puffs, not used to having competition this tough.
“Jesus, usually JJ puts up a pretty good fight, but she never beats me like this,” Derek complained when Spencer won again.
Luke notices that Spencer goes quiet all of a sudden, not egging them on like he was earlier.
“JJ has the most competitive streak out of everyone,” Luke replies. “Even more than you, Derek.”
“I know, I know. I don’t know how Will puts up with her. She competes for everything,” Derek jokes.
“JJ is the one I met that morning?” Spencer asks Luke in his soft voice.
“Oh yeah! You did,” Luke says then turns back to Matt and Derek. “Spencer met JJ after our last night out.”
“Ahhh,” Matt chimes in, recognition in his voice. “The one where JJ, Emily and Penelope slept here because they were too drunk to be taken home?”
Luke laughs. “That’s the one.”
Luke turns back to Spencer. “You didn’t meet Emily or Penelope that morning, but they stayed here too. We work with the three of them.”
“Good thing too,” Matt said, further explaining. “JJ’s husband, Will, wouldn’t have been happy being woken up by them in the state they were in.”
The boys laugh, and something dawns in Spencer’s eyes. Luke isn’t sure what it is, but Spencer relaxes significantly.
They keep the game going, and Spencer is about to finish it up by claiming all of the gummy bears.
“How did you get so good at Poker, pretty boy?” Derek asks, still in disbelief.
“I grew up in Las Vegas,” Spencer grins.
“He’s banned from casinos in Vegas, Laughlin and Pahrump because of his card counting abilities,” Luke laughs. “We never stood a chance.”
“You’re coming with us on our next night out, Spencer,” Matt declares. “Maybe this time we’ll actually win something."
—————
Luke was on his way home from the gym when he saw Spencer walking home too, and he ran to catch up with him.
Spencer was in a daze, and didn’t even notice Luke approach.
“Spencer!”
Spencer spun around, and Luke waved.
“Are you okay? I was calling out for you,” Luke laughed.
“Oh, sorry I couldn’t hear you,” Spencer replied.
“Are you okay?” Luke repeated.
“I uh, yeah? I think. I got asked out on a date.”
Luke felt like he had been sucker punched in the gut. He couldn’t show those emotions on his face though, so he had to dust off his acting skills and hide what he was really feeling.
“Oh, you did?” Luke started. “Are you going to go?”
Spencer looked nervous. “I’m not sure. He just approached me in the bookstore I was in. He was, um, very charming.”
Luke frowns. “You’re unsure about something though.”
“Damn profilers,” he groaned. Luke laughed. “People don’t ask me out on dates.”
Luke’s laugh turned back into a frown. “Why not?”
“People have told me my whole life; I’m annoying, I’m a nerd, I’m a loser. Why would someone ask me out?”
“You’re a real catch, Spence. You’re funny, you’re kind, you’re a terrific person and I’m so happy you’re my friend,” Luke replies in shock. “You’re incredibly intelligent, but you couldn’t figure that out?”
Spencer lets out a breath. “Oh.”
“Yeah, so if you want to go out with this person, who clearly likes you, then I think you should. You should always chase after what you want, because you deserve to be happy.”
Luke wasn’t lying when he said these things. He just wishes he wasn’t pushing Spencer towards someone else.
“Okay,” Spencer breathes. “Okay, I’ll uh, I’ll call him.”
“Congrats, Doc,” Luke gives him a sad smile.
At least it was confirmed that Spencer was interested in men. Luke wasn’t sure before, but now he knows, and it does soften the blow a little bit.
Maybe one day, Luke did have a chance.
—————
Spencer’s date was the next night. He had told Luke all about it, and he was so excited. It was nice seeing him so happy.
As Luke left his apartment to take Roxy out to go to the bathroom (after watching sad movies and eating ice cream all night), Spencer was unlocking the door to his apartment.
“Spencer! How did it go?” Luke exclaims.
Spencer spun around, and he had a tear streaming down his face. His eyes were red like he had been crying for a while.
“Spencer?” Luke whispered, approaching him. He dropped Roxy’s leash, but she stayed at Luke’s feet, not daring to leave his side. “What happened?”
Spencer took a deep breath. “He didn’t come.”
“Wait, but weren’t you meant to meet up hours ago?”
“I waited in the restaurant for three hours and eight minutes.”
Luke swore under his breath, and reached up to hug Spencer.
Taking liberty in Luke’s arms, Spencer let out a sob.
“Hey, you’re okay,” Luke comforted, patting his hair. “What an asshole.”
“He blocked me too. I tried to call him, but I couldn’t get through. I feel like an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot,” Luke said fiercely. “He’s the idiot. Look, I have a tub of ice cream and a heap of sad films calling our name. Want to join me?”
Luke thought he would say no, because he looked like he just wanted to curl up by himself and cry, but he surprisingly agreed.
He wanted to change into pyjamas first, so Luke quickly took Roxy out and then waited for Spencer.
During their movie marathon and tub of ice cream, Spencer revealed himself to Luke.
“People always played these tricks on me growing up. I was too young to know any better, but I thought by now I could recognise when someone is making fun of me.”
“It’s not your fault, Spence. Someone charmed you, and made you believe that they were going to meet you. It’s on him completely.”
“We spoke on the phone just yesterday. He was probably annoyed by my rambling.”
“Maybe he was intimidated. Men don’t typically like when they’re outsmarted, and you are the smartest person in the world.”
“M’not the smartest person in the world,” Spencer said bashfully.
“Yes you are, and you’re in my house so what I say goes.”
Spencer smiles, and it’s not quite the laugh he’s used to coaxing out of Spencer, but a smile is better than nothing.
“My ex-boyfriend Ethan was like that. He didn’t like me being smarter than him, and he didn’t like my rambles,” Spencer whispered, after a minute. “I couldn’t help it. He wore me down and he would tell me that no-one else would ever love me. After a while I started to believe him. After three years, we broke up, and I thought that he was right. Because no-one was asking me out, no-one wanted me. I thought I was broken.”
“That’s not true, Spence,” Luke whispered, his voice tainted with sadness. “You’re not broken. You’re perfectly loveable. And he is a manipulative asshole for saying those things to you. There is nothing wrong with who you are, okay?”
Spencer nods, looking at Luke in awe, as if no-one had ever reassured him like that.
They’ll get through this.
And maybe, just maybe, the feelings Luke tried to push down weren’t for nothing.
Maybe this was now his chance.
—————
It’s a few weeks later when Luke gets home at an ungodly hour. They had gotten off the jet at 1.45am, so he couldn’t even imagine what time it was. Luke was thinking about Spencer.
As usual.
His thoughts had been plagued by the genius these days.
Something had changed between Luke and Spencer on that poker night, then on the night after the failed date.
They had been getting on well, but after those nights, it was just different.
They regularly went for walks together, they had dinners and coffee as often as they could. It felt like they were dating. Luke had to keep reminding himself that they weren’t, but it felt like they were.
And it was good. It was so nice having a friend who wasn’t from work, and they just got on so so so well.
Luke parks his car on the street and makes his way into his apartment, climbing the stairs two at a time, his bed so close.
He gets the shock of his life when he sees Spencer sitting in front of his own door, staring straight ahead.
Luke senses something is wrong, and is gentle in his approach.
“Spencer?” Luke says wearily, slowly stepping towards him. “Are you alright?”
Luke drops his go bag behind him then squats down next to Spencer, not touching him because he knows that Spencer doesn’t like touch.
“Spence?” Luke repeats.
Spencer finally looks up at him, and his eyes are glassy and full of unshed tears.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Luke reassures. “Shall we get you inside?”
Spencer lets out a breath he had been holding, and it sounds very shaky.
He tries to speak, but he struggles to get the words out, and his breathing is laboured.
Spencer was having an anxiety attack.
“It’s okay. Take your time.”
Luke moved himself to sit beside Spencer, neither of them saying anything.
Luke’s tiredness is quickly forgotten when tries to decide what to do.
It’s cold and late, and Luke does not want to leave his friend sitting outside his apartment. He studies the area, and Spencer has nothing on him except two books, which are placed on the floor to his side.
He decides he needs to be patient and wait it out.
So they sit and wait. Luke talks Spencer through his breathing, and it finally stabilises.
They’ve been sitting in silence for approximately 25 minutes before Spencer turns to Luke. “I’ve misplaced my keys. That’s why I’ve been sitting out there for three hours and twelve minutes. I panicked, and didn’t know what to do.”
“Do you think maybe you left them somewhere? Or are they locked in your apartment?”
Spencer shrugs. “I’m not too sure. Some genius I am.”
His voice is soft, and so vulnerable.
“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. You’re going to stay with me tonight. In the morning, we will retrace your steps to try and find your keys. If we can’t find them, we’ll call a locksmith to get into your place. Does that sound okay?”
Spencer nods, content at having a plan.
Luke gets to his feet and picks up his bag, then picks up Spencer’s books.
He reaches a hand out for Spencer to grab. “I know you don’t particularly like contact, but if you need a hand.”
Spencer accepts it and Luke pulls him up. He leads Spencer over to his door, and opens it up.
Spencer is ushered inside, and Luke locks the door behind them before turning on some lights.
“Where’s Roxy?” Spencer asked, looking around for his canine friend.
“She’s at the dog sitters,” Luke explained. “I just got back from a case, so I’ll pick her up tomorrow.”
Spencer pales. “Oh my god, Luke. I’m so sorry!”
Luke frowns as he’s getting Spencer a glass of water. “For what?”
“You’ve been away, it's well past the middle of the night. You’re probably exhausted and you probably just want to go to bed. Instead, you’ve been babysitting me.”
Luke hands Spencer the glass. “I wasn’t babysitting you. I think you were having some sort of panic or anxiety attack.”
Spencer nods. “I used to get them a lot. They are more scarce now, but when I realised I didn’t have my keys, I guess it just came over me.”
Luke nods in understanding. “No matter how tired I am, I couldn’t leave my friend sitting out there like that.”
Spencer smiles at him, and they’re in comfortable silence, smiling shyly at each other for a second before Luke’s brain kicks into gear.
“Would you like to have a shower?” Luke asks.
Spencer splutters on his water and Luke realises the implication of his question. He feels himself blush before he explains.
“I need to have a shower, but you can go first if you’d like.”
Spencer nods, and Luke leads him to the bathroom and grabs him a spare towel.
“I’ll get you some pyjamas?” Luke questions, holding out the towel for Spencer to take.
Spencer nods. “Yes please,” he croaks. “Usually I’m fine to sleep in my clothes, but after my, um, anxiety attack, I’m really quite sweaty.”
“On it, doc. Give me a sec.”
Luke didn’t really have any pyjamas, as he didn’t sleep in them himself, so he picked an oversized shirt that said FBI on the front. He had a long pair of old pants that didn’t fit him anymore, so he grabbed those too. Then he grabbed a pair of socks and he wrinkled his nose as he grabbed Spencer a pair of boxers.
“I promise all the clothes are clean!” He exclaimed as he handed Spencer the pile. “Even the boxers. Are you hungry? I can prepare something whilst we wind down.”
Spencer shakes his head, face going red from the boxers comment.
Luke nods back at him. “I’ll leave you to shower then. Feel free to use anything in here.”
Spencer nods. “Thank you Luke, really. You don’t u- I appreciate it.”
“Of course, Spence,” Luke smiles warmly. “This is what friends are for.”
He shuts the door behind him as he leaves Spencer in the bathroom, then he goes to boil some water to make them both a cup of tea.
Whilst waiting for the water to boil, he quickly tidied his room. He turned down the bed, and once again got a pillow and blanket for the couch.
He’s going to take the couch, but he knows Spencer will put up a fight, unlike the girls who happily took his bed.
Once Spencer was out of the shower, Luke’s mouth went dry at Spencer in his clothes. He scolded himself to letting his thoughts wander to the domesticity of it all, knowing Spencer was having a hard time.
Luke sat him on the couch with his cup of tea, and gave him the remote so he could choose what he was going to watch.
“I’m going to go have my own shower now, okay? Will you be alright for a little bit?”
Spencer nods, putting on a documentary and settling himself in.
“Are you warm enough? Do you want a hoodie?”
Spencer thinks about it, then shakes his head. “The heater is fine for the moment.”
Luke has a hot shower. He avoids thinking of the endearing genius sitting not that far away from him, whilst he’s naked and soaped up.
He washes the previous case off him, and when he finally feels clean, he turns off the shower, gets dried and throws on his own sleepwear.
He puts a hoodie on, knowing he’ll get cold on the couch, and then pads out into the living room, where Spencer just looks precious.
“C’mon, up you get,” Luke says gently, as the genius looks like he’s about to dose off. “Time for bed.”
Spencer looks confused and god he’s so cute.
“I’m in bed,” he gestures toward the couch he’s sitting on.
“I’m not letting you sleep on the couch.”
Spencer gapes at him. “Yes you are! If I’m going to overstay my welcome, I’m sleeping on the couch.”
“You most certainly are not, Doctor Reid, and didn’t we already have a discussion about you ‘overstaying your welcome’?” Luke questions, cocking his hip. “Bed. Now.”
Spencer holds his gaze before nodding and letting Luke lead the way.
Luke tucks him into bed, and Spencer smiles up at him. “Night, Luke.”
“Goodnight, Spence. See you in the morning."
Luke sprawled out on the couch, and thinking of the sleepy genius in the next room over, cuddled up in Luke’s own bed.
Could you fall in love with someone you weren’t even dating?
These days, Spencer was initiating touch, gentle hugs or grasps of Luke’s arm when Spencer was rambling about something particularly exciting. Spencer was inviting him over for dinners as often as he could, he was baking treats for Roxy.
Luke could’ve profiled that Spencer may be falling in love with Luke right back, but he didn’t. He knew Spencer didn’t have many friends, he was shunned by people his whole life because of his mind. So when Luke paid attention to him, and wanted to hang out with him, Spencer grasped onto that sense of friendship.
Luke wouldn’t let his crush get in the way. He wouldn’t be the one to spoil it for Spencer.
Luke lets out a sigh and doses off, dreaming of a soft voice and tender touches.
—————
Their sleepovers became a thing.
Luke had come home from a bad case one Monday night. It wasn’t too late, only 9.30pm but Luke knew he wasn’t getting any sleep that night. Hotch had given them Tuesday off, so he wasn’t worried about being tired the next day.
He just couldn’t shut his brain off. He couldn’t stop thinking about the case, and has they been half an hour quicker, they would have saved the victim.
When Luke got home, he greeted Roxy. She had been staying with the sitter, who Luke called when they were on the way back, which she then dropped Roxy off at Luke’s.
It bought him a sense of comfort, having her waiting for him.
Luke had a shower and made himself some two minute noodles. He didn’t really have an appetite, but he knew he needed to eat.
He sat himself on the couch. He had the TV up loud, making his way through the list of Marvel movies Derek suggested to him.
Eventually, he felt too restless and the apartment just seemed so small.
He pulled out Roxy’s leash and decided to take her for a walk. At 1.49am.
They went for a solid walk, the streets nice and quiet at that time of night.
When they got back home, he still wasn’t tired, so he plopped back down on the couch.
Five minutes later, there was a tentative knock at the door.
Cautious, even though he had his suspicions on who it was, he approached the door, peered through the peephole, then opened it.
“Hey Spence,” Luke sighed, moving to the side to let his friend in.
“Hi Luke,” Spencer said, coming to a halt right next to Luke, arms full.
Luke closed the door and locked it, just in case.
“I noticed your TV was on, and I heard you just take Roxy for a walk, and I know you just got back from a case, and well, I was wondering if you wanted some company? I bought board games and puzzles.”
Luke felt his insides just melt.
Spencer was making it hard to not fall even more in love with him.
“That sounds great,” Luke smiled for the first time in a long time, probably since he was with Spencer last. “I can’t really sleep.”
“I haven’t been sleeping well, either,” Spencer nearly whispered. “Not since that night where I stayed here.”
That stopped Luke in his tracks.
It kind of sounded like flirting, but Luke wasn’t sure.
Spencer just sounded so vulnerable and like he appreciated Luke’s friendship, and Luke didn’t want to jeopardise that.
“You’re welcome to stay here tonight if you want,” Luke says, then adds reassuringly. “I’d like that, you’re great company.”
“Okay,” Spencer whispers. “Only if you take your own bed tonight. I’m not letting you sleep on the couch."
Luke grins. “So, what have you got there?”
Spencer showed Luke his pile of games, and Luke put his hand to his chin in thought.
“I’m not really in the mood to be beaten by you in any of these games,” Luke said. “But I will work with you to do one of these puzzles.”
Spencer’s smile is so wide.
They end up setting up on the coffee table, Luke’s movie still playing but long forgotten in the background.
It was a 2000 piece puzzle, so they barely made a dent on it before they both fell asleep on the couch together.
And if they woke up the next morning curled around each other, well, that was nobody’s business but theirs.
—————
The puzzle became an activity that they looked forward to almost each day.
Whenever Luke was home, they would both be hunched over the puzzle, competitively trying to complete it.
They did work together too, but it was mostly them fighting over which pieces went where.
“Spence, I am telling you that that piece fits with this piece!”
“I swear to god, Luke, stop hogging the side pieces, I need to do this side too!”
Eventually they realised that Luke’s coffee table wasn’t going to fit the big puzzle, so they moved the table to the corner of the living room and it sat there permanently as they worked through the puzzle on the floor.
And Luke was well and truly fucked.
Spending every night with Spencer, pressed up against him, was certainly not doing anything for his crush.
Sometimes Spencer slept over, sometimes he went home.
The first time they shared a bed though, wasn’t even a puzzle night.
It was meant to be a puzzle night, but Spencer hadn’t texted Luke all day, which was unusual.
By 8pm, Luke still hadn’t heard from his neighbour, so he went and knocked on his door.
He didn’t really have a reason to be so worried, but he just felt like something was off.
Maybe their codependency was becoming unhealthy, but Luke couldn’t stop himself from wanting to be with Spencer.
When he knocked on the door, there wasn’t an answer for a long time.
He hadn’t heard any activity in the hallway since getting home, but it was a Thursday night, and Spencer was normally home.
“Spencer?” Luke called wearily. “I just wanted to check you’re okay? You don’t have to let me in, but a text or something just so I know?”
He heard some movement behind the door, and then Spencer opened it a crack.
“You don’t want to see me like this,” Spencer croaked out.
“Are you alright?” Luke frowned. “Is there something I can do?”
“I’m fine,” Spencer said. Luke wasn’t believing him for a second.
“Is there something I can do to help?” Luke repeated, holding out his hand.
Spencer looked at it for a long minute. “I don’t know,” he settled on eventually.
“Can I come in?” Luke asked. “Be honest. If you don’t want me here, I will leave. But if you do…”
Spencer didn’t say anything, just opened the door to let Luke slip in.
“Hey there,” Luke said. “Can I give you a hug?”
Spencer nodded, and Luke wrapped his arms around Spencer and just held him.
It took him a minute to realise that Spencer was crying. It started softly, but gradually the sobs became so loud that they wracked his entire body.
Luke held him the whole time, petting his hair and running his hands down Spencer’s back, trying to soothe some of the pain.
Eventually the sobs stopped, and Luke guided Spencer to his couch.
He sat him down, wrapped him up in one of his blankets and got him a glass of water.
They sat like that, in silence for a long time.
“Do you mind if I stay here tonight?” Luke asked.
Spencer looked at him in shock. Luke knew Spencer felt like he was being a burden.
“Only if you want,” Spencer shrugs.
“I’m just going to feed Rox and take her to the bathroom, then I’ll be back, okay?” Luke asked.
Spencer nodded, staring into space.
Luke was as quick as he could be. He didn’t like leaving Spencer when he was like this.
“Are you tired?” Luke asked when he returned.
Spencer let out a cute little yawn. “Kinda.”
“Let’s get you to bed.”
Spencer was kind of a dead weight, so Luke helped him brush his teeth and get him into bed.
Before leaving the room, Luke sat on the edge of the bed.
“Would you like to talk about it? It doesn’t have to be now, or tomorrow. Just whenever you feel like it, I will listen.”
Spence nods. “Thank you Luke.”
“Anytime. I’ll be on the couch, okay?”
Spencer nodded again, already dozing off.
It was the middle of the night when Luke awoke to Spencer crying out.
Luke rushed into Spencer’s room, to see him curled up yet tangled in the sheets.
He was having a nightmare.
“Spencer!” Luke called, keeping his distance. “Spence, wake up.”
He must’ve spoke loud enough, because Spencer’s eyes opened suddenly, looking around the room.
“Hey Spencer, it’s just me, it’s Luke.”
“Luke,” Spencer gasped, reaching for him.
Spencer grasped Luke’s arm, breathing hard.
“Will you stay with me, please?” Spencer asked.
“Of course,” Luke replied, pausing before getting into the bed with him.
Spencer latched onto Luke’s side, and Luke put his arms around Spencer, holding him close.
“Is this okay?” Luke asked, knowing how he was with touch.
Spencer nodded. “Yes, please. Thank you.”
Spencer fell back to sleep straight away.
It took Luke a little bit longer, distracted by the one he was now holding.
Even though Spencer had been so distressed not five minutes ago, he now looked peaceful and content and safe now.
Luke held in a breath and let out a long, silent sigh.
—————
“Hey Luke, are you dating anyone?”
The question nearly made Luke swallow his tongue.
Spencer would tell him that, ‘no Luke, it’s not possible to swallow your tongue due to the bodily tissue that connects the tongue to the mouth.’ But Luke swears that he almost did swallow it.
The question came out of the middle of nowhere, Luke sitting at a lunch outing with Emily, JJ, Matt and Derek.
They had ventured out on their lunch break to a restaurant right near the office.
Emily at least had the decency to look sheepish when Luke glared at her.
“No, I’m not. Thanks for reminding me.”
“You just seem.. different. Happier, these days. I don’t really know how to explain it,” she replies.
“What happened to the profiling your teammates rule?” Luke asked with a laugh.
“Don’t try and change the subject, Alvez,” Derek teased. “Em’s right. You have been giddy lately.”
Luke rolled his eyes, and took a sip from his water. “Have not.”
They poke and prod for the rest of the lunch, and Luke’s just glad Penelope’s not there. He could only imagine her reaction.
“I’m being serious! I swear I’m not dating anyone,” Luke exclaimed for what felt like the twentieth time.
“We’ll get to the bottom of it, Luke,” JJ played along.
Luke rolled his eyes playfully.
Truthfully, he loved the banter. What he didn’t love, however, was constantly reminding them that he wasn’t dating anyone. He couldn’t tell them that he secretly wanted to date someone, because then he would get their pity looks, which would be a hundred times worse.
Luke spent the rest of the day thinking about it.
He was different these days. He didn’t just seem happier, he felt happier too.
And it was all thanks to the nerdy genius who lived across the hall from him.
—————
The very next day, Luke is awoken at 1.23 am with his phone ringing loudly.
“Alvez,” he says groggily.
“Luke, sorry to wake you. We have a kidnapping case. Can you get here ASAP?” Penelope asks, skipping the pleasantries.
Luke immediately switches into work mode. He gets changed and brushed his teeth, whilst debating what to do with Roxy.
He didn’t want to call his sitter. She was great, but calling her past midnight was past her pay grade.
As much as he didn’t want to bother Spencer, Luke knew he’d be awake.
He would always send Luke random articles and text messages at silly times.
He dials Spencer’s number.
“Luke? Is everything okay?” Spencer answers on the second ring.
“I’m so sorry to call at this time, Spence.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I need a favour.”
“Anything.”
“I have to head into work for a case right now. Would you mind looking after Roxy until I’m back?”
“Of course. Bring her over now.”
“Thanks, Doc. I owe you.”
Luke gathers Roxy’s stuff; her bed, water bowl and some of her food.
He slings his go bag around his shoulder and carries his stuff over to Spencer’s, who opens his door straight away.
Spencer takes Roxy’s leash off of him, and Luke dumps the stuff down.
“Thanks so much, Spence. Here’s my spare house key, in case she needs more food, or you want to grab some of her toys. Feel free to, or you know, if you just wanna hang there that’s fine too. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone for, hopefully 24 hours max. I’ll call you as soon as I can. Do you have any questions?” Luke asked, giving Roxy one last cuddle.
“No, I think we’ll be fine. I’ll call you if I have any questions.”
“You’ll be a good girl, won’t ya Rox?”
“She’ll be perfect,” Spencer coos. “Off you go.”
“Call me if you need me. Thanks again!” Luke leaned over to give Spencer a hug in thanks.
Spencer was a bit shocked, but he hugged him back before waving goodbye and locking the door behind Luke’s retreating figure.
The case was a tough one. They all knew the odds of a kidnapping case, and that pressure made it that much harder.
Derek, Matt and Luke were bouncing theories off each other seventeen hours later when another child is reported missing.
“What? That doesn’t fit the profile at all,” Derek questioned, confused.
They had to rethink their profile, and they didn’t necessarily think the kids were being killed, but being taken for another purpose.
Hotch sent them each on a small break, as none of them had slept or even stopped really since they left home that early morning.
Luke went to the store next to the police precinct, and grabbed himself a granola bar, a banana and a water bottle.
Then, he called Spencer.
“Hello Luke,” Spencer greeted. “Roxy, say hi to your dad!”
Luke let out a big laugh. Trust it to be Spencer to be the one to make him smile for the first time all day.
“Hello to my two favourites,” Luke replied. “How are you both?”
“I’m good, Roxy is good. How are you?”
“I’m okay,” he lets out a deep breath. “It’s a tough one. At this stage, I’m not sure when we’ll be home.”
“That’s okay, Roxy is in good hands. She might even want to live with me permanently,” Spencer replies boldly.
“Cheeky,” Luke murmured. “I miss you. Both. I miss you both.”
He didn’t mean for the ‘I miss you’ to slip out. He quickly covered himself, but anyone listening would have heard the underlining meaning.
“I miss you too,” Spencer replies. “We miss you too.”
Luke knows Spencer does this on purpose, to make Luke feel better for his slip.
“I’d better get back to it,” Luke sighs. “I'll keep you updated.”
“Stay safe, Luke. Roxy and I will see you when you’re back.”
They said their goodbyes and as soon as they hung up, Spencer sent him a text message containing a selfie of himself smiling big with his arms wrapped around Roxy.
He was so cute, and him and Roxy got along so well.
And it was official, he was in love with his best friend.
God, what was Luke going to do?
—————
Luke thought he had decided on what he was going to do, but before he could act on it, he was shot.
It was the next case after the kidnapping. That case had ended with the discovery that the unsub was trying to build a perfect family by abducting children he deemed perfect. They rescued both of the kids, and it ended up being a happy ending.
This case however, was a whole other kettle of fish. It ended in a standoff with the unsub, who had gotten off two shots, both which happened to get Luke in the vest.
Derek and JJ managed to take the unsub down, whilst Matt tended to Luke, who was in so much fucking pain.
He’s lucky he had the vest on, because it could’ve been a lot worse.
Still, the pain, whilst being bearable, fucking sucked.
Luke knew he was going to bruise, and it would be bad.
He didn’t go to the hospital, but he struggled to get back onto the jet at the end of the case.
“I’ll take you home, big boy,” Matt offered once they landed back home. “Make sure you get home safely.”
Luke nodded his thanks.
Luke, not really in the mood to take the stairs, took the lift for the first time since living there.
Matt was carrying Luke’s go bag, and he had one arm wrapped around Luke’s shoulder, keeping him steady.
As they were coming out of the lift, Spencer was coming up the stairs.
When he looked up and saw Luke’s state, he paled.
“Oh god, Luke!” Spencer exclaimed. “What happened?”
“I’m fine, Spence. It’s not as bad as it looks.”
“He was shot, twice.” Matt said, betraying Luke.
“Oh my god,” Spencer replied, coming to stand at Luke’s other side.
“In the vest!” Luke added, to reassure his friend. “I am honestly fine. A little sore, sure, but nothing a good nights sleep won’t fix.”
Spencer was frowning deeply.
“Spence, stop frowning like that,” Luke said, putting his other arm around Spencer shoulder. “Can you two get me inside, I’m exhausted.”
Luke saw Matt roll his eyes at Luke’s dramatics, but Spencer was more than happy to help.
They got him sitting on the couch, and Matt placed his bag on the ground.
“Do you need me to get you anything?” Matt asked, pottering around looking for something to do. “Roxy?”
“Nah, I’m good, and she’s at the sitters. I’ll get her tomorrow.” Luke replied, cringing at a burst of pain.
“I can pick her up tomorrow if you need me to?” Matt asked.
“I should be right, but I’ll let you know if anything changes. Thanks, Matt. I appreciate your help.”
“Rest up, buddy. I’ll see you after the weekend.”
“Thanks Matt. See ya,” Luke nodded as Matt made his way to the door.
“Spencer,” Matt waved. “Nice to see you again.”
“Bye Matt,” Spencer replied, still with a frown on his face.
As soon as Matt left, Spencer’s face turned from a frown to a look of determination.
He gathered Luke’s bag and made his way to Luke’s laundry.
“What are you doing?” Luke called out, trying to turn to face the direction in which the other man went.
“I’m washing your clothes.” Spencer called back.
“What? Why?”
“Luke, you’re injured. I’ve seen you get home from a case plenty of times before. I know what to do.” Spencer replied, coming back into view.
“Spencer, that’s really kind of you, but you don’t need to do that.”
To prove his point, Luke tried to stand up. Spencer was having none of it.
“Uh, uh, uh. Sit down. I’ve got this.”
“This is really not necessary, Spence.”
“Yes it is.” Spencer took a deep breath. “You always help me. Like that time I had the panic attack, and the time you came over and hugged me whilst I was crying. Please. Let me help you.”
Knowing he was not winning this fight, Luke just nodded.
Spencer did know Luke’s routine eerily well.
His clothes were being cleaned in the washing machine, so Spencer moved onto his next task: feeding Luke.
Luke wasn’t that hungry, but to keep the peace, he asked for one of the frozen meals he’d meal prepped the week prior to be heated up.
Spencer served it to him with a bottle of water and a cup of tea.
Next, he went off into Luke’s room. After a little while, he returned and he had a one worded question. “Shower?”
Luke debated it internally and Spencer saw it play out on his face.
“I know you like to have a shower after your cases. I can, uh, I can help you if you need it?” Spencer was shy, and blushing. “Or you can just yell out if you need me.”
Fuck, Luke thought. There’s no way he can be partially naked around Spencer. He wouldn’t be able to keep himself in check. He did really want a shower though.
“Yeah, I’ll um, have a shower,” Luke replied, making up his mind. “If you can just help me in there, I should be okay. I’ll call out if I need you.”
Spencer nods, and helps Luke into the bathroom.
Spencer gets the shower to a nice temperature whilst Luke slowly begins the chore of taking his shirt off.
Spencer doesn’t even miss a beat.
He turns away from Luke, giving him privacy.
“I’m going to leave the door open a crack okay? So I can hear you if you need any help,” Spencer said, determined. “I’ll put some fresh clothes on the vanity for you.”
“Thank you,” Luke croaks out.
He has a hot shower, and it’s just what he needed.
He gets changed and leave the bathroom, exhausted and ready to let sleep take him.
Spencer helps him take some pain killers, which Luke is grateful for, because getting shot fucking hurts.
“C’mon, let’s get you to bed,” Spencer leads the way, his arm hooked up Luke’s, helping him.
Once he’s tucked in, Spencer turns to leave.
“Can you stay?” Luke asks, groggily.
“I’ll be right out there on the couch, if you need me.”
“No, uh, can you stay in here? With me?” His eyes were closing, he was succumbing to sleep.
“Are you sure?” Spencer asked. Luke could hear the nerves in his voice.
“Please stay.”
Luke stayed awake with his eyes closed, long enough to hear Spencer shut all the lights off and return back to Luke’s room.
He got into the bed with Luke, and curled around him.
“Mmm, thanks Spence. You’re the best.”
“Goodnight, Luke.”
—————
In the non-weirdest way possible, it was so nice to have someone dote on him. Luke had always been an independent person, always did things himself and rarely ever relied on others. But having Spencer look after him, made him yearn for what he was missing.
It was nice to be coddled over occasionally.
It was nice to be able to rest and recover properly.
It was nice to love, and to feel love in return.
All day on Saturday, Spencer fussed over Luke. He made him breakfast in bed, he collected Roxy on Luke’s behalf, he did chores around Luke’s house.
Luke insisted that he was fine, and that everything was fine, but Spencer wouldn’t listen.
They slept much like they did the night before, cuddled up together.
On Sunday, Spencer apologised profusely as he had to leave for the morning and go and see his mother.
“It’s fine, Spence! She’s your mom!” Luke laughed at Spencer’s stress. “Come over when you get back, if you like. Or we’ll see each other during the week.”
“I’ll come back as soon as I’m done.” Spencer firmly replied.
As soon as he left, Luke had just fallen into a nap on the couch when there was a knock at the door.
Frowning, he went to answer it, thinking it was Spencer forgetting something.
Wrong.
Luke opened the door to JJ and Emily.
“Oh, hey guys!” Luke said half-enthusiastically, half weakly.
Seeing his state, Emily winced. “We should have called ahead, sorry.”
She helped Luke to sit back down on the couch.
“We wanted to surprise you!” JJ added, then gesturing to the puzzle on the floor. “What’s all this?”
“Ahh,” Luke replied. “My neighbour, you met Spence that time Jayje, and I are trying to complete this 2000 piece puzzle. It’s slowly coming together.”
They sat and chatted for a while, the girls just wanting to check on and catch up with their friend.
An hour after their arrival, Spencer comes bustling through the door.
“Hey, I’m back,” Spencer calls out, faltering when he realises Luke has company.
“Hey Spence, I had some surprise visitors,” Luke replied. “You’ve met JJ once before, and this is Emily.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Emily smiles.
“Nice to see you again!” JJ exclaims. “We’ve heard you’ve been keeping Luke busy with this puzzle.”
Spencer smiles. “It’s definitely kept us busy. We’ve only had thirteen fights whilst trying to complete it.”
The girls grin back, and they fall into easy chatter, before the girls say their goodbyes and head off on their way.
After hugging the girls, JJ gives him a knowing look, and Luke cringes.
If she’s looking at him like that, he knows he’s being obvious.
—————
“You got a haircut?!” Luke asks, as Spencer is trying to open the lock into his house.
Spencer spins around to face him, and his face turned into a smile.
“Yeah,” he replied shyly running his fingers through his much shorter hair. “I don’t know how I feel about it.”
“I didn’t recognise you. I thought someone was trying to break into your apartment,” Luke grins, walking over and leaning over to gently ruffle his hair. “I like it. It suits you.”
“Really?” Spencer asks, flushing a pretty pink colour.
“I think any hairstyle would suit you, to be honest. You just have nice hair.”
“I’ve gone through a lot of hairstyles over the years. I think its too short now, but it was far too long before. I like it in the middle.”
“Can’t wait to see it grow out a bit then,” Luke smiled.
“It grows quickly, so it won’t take a long.”
Luke just keeps smiling, so smitten with the man in front of him.
“Do you want to come with me to the bookstore? I’m just dropping my stuff off then I’ll walk there. We could get dinner or something?”
“Cool, sounds fun,” Luke replied, already locking his door. “Let’s go.”
They have a nice evening, Spencer picking up a stack of books and Luke picking a few too, some that Spencer recommends and some that he finds himself.
They get dinner at a restaurant not far from their place, and the waitress, who’s a nice little old lady, thinks they’re on a date.
“You guys make a cute couple,” she says.
Luke eyes Spencer, gaging his reaction. He’s smiling awkwardly and blushing again, but he doesn’t look uncomfortable. He doesn’t want to point out to the waitress that they’re not actually dating, so Luke just settles on a genuine, “thank you.”
After she leaves, Spencer’s quiet.
“I hope it's okay that I didn’t correct her,” Luke says. “I just didn’t want to make her feel awkward.”
“It’s okay,” Spencer says quickly. “I hope it’s okay that she thought that.”
“If people think I’m dating you, then I must be doing something right.” Luke plants the seed, and watches Spencer for his reaction.
Spencer looks like he’s about to say something, but the waitress comes back with their check, and the moment is gone.
—————
JJ and Luke are on a stakeout when she brings it up.
“Soooo,” she drawls. “Spencer?”
Luke lets out a cough at the sudden topic change.
They had just been idly chatting about nothing in particular. Stakeouts were not fun, and they had already been out here for two hours with no signs of their suspect.
“What, uh, what about him?”
“You two seem like good friends,” she answered, not really delving any further.
“We are,” Luke replies, not giving much back.
“Is there a possibility that you could be more than friends?”
“JJ-.”
“The looks you gave each other, the way you hang out and I know it must be a lot by the amount of that puzzle you did, the way that you-.”
“Jayje, I’m serious, please drop it. We are just friends. I don’t know if anything more is in the realm of possibility but for now I’m happy and I don’t want to ruin anything.”
“How could you ruin anything? He looks at you the same way you look at him.”
Luke felt his heart lurch. She noticed Spencer looking at Luke too?
They were silent for a long while.
“I respect you JJ, not just as a colleague but also as my friend. But I don’t know if I’m really ready to talk about it.”
“Well, I’m here if you want to,” JJ awkwardly finished the conversation.
Luke was pretty private. The team were his friends, but he didn’t want to tell them anything about a relationship that didn’t yet exist.
He just hoped that JJ would at least stop prodding around, looking for answers to something that wasn’t really there.
—————
“Alvez,” Luke answered his phone professionally, even though he saw Spencer’s name flashing.
“Hey Luke,” Spencer answered.
“Doc! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Luke replied, keeping his voice down in the case of nosy coworkers.
“Well, we uh, haven’t seen each other much for the last week, so I was wondering if you were around today, if you wanted to grab lunch together or something?”
The FBI offices were very close to Spencer’s campus, and they had spoken about meeting up for lunch, but they never really had the chance.
“Sure! That sounds great,” Luke replied.
They discussed details, and said their goodbyes.
Luke smashed out his paperwork and before he knew it, it was time for lunch.
He ducked out unnoticed, and walked the short walk to the campus where he was meeting Spencer.
“Hi,” Spencer approached Luke, who was waiting on his phone.
“Hey! How was your class?” Luke asked as they began walking to get their lunch.
“It was good. My students are so engaged in the class and are learning the content well. It seems like they’re enjoying it.”
“Well, that’s because they have you for their teacher.” Luke smiles.
Spencer gives him a dazzling smile in return.
They sat at a cute place on campus and idly chit chat about both of their days and their jobs.
Luke feels like a giddy schoolgirl, sitting in the restaurant, chin in his hand, heart eyes directed to the genius who’s rambling about his latest science breakthrough.
Luke could listen to him talk forever, and he knows he’s not being subtle, but he just adores the genius.
He almost misses the subject change, and what Spencer says next.
“That new Marvel film comes out tomorrow, and since I’m now up to date thanks to your marathons, I was thinking we could go together.”
“You want to see the new Marvel movie?” Luke questions.
“Ah well, only because I know you want to see it.”
Luke knows Spencer must feel the same. Not many people that he’s dated has taken his interests as their own, yet Spencer has, and they’re not even dating!
Luke decides to try something.
“I’d love to go to the cinema with you. We don’t have to see that film though, we can see something you like.”
“Well, we can see this one tomorrow, and maybe next week we can go see one that I’ll choose.”
Luke smiles. “That sounds good to me, Doc.”
When Luke returns to the office, he can’t wipe the smile off his face.
—————
Spencer knocks on his door when it’s time to leave for their movie.
They grab dinner first, and then when it’s time for the film, they sit pressed up against each other since it’s a sold out theatre.
Luke had to refrain himself from grabbing Spencer’s hand and forces himself to concentrate on the movie.
As the credits start to roll, they chat about what they liked and didn’t like, and Luke likes that Spencer is so into it, even though its not his typical preference of a film.
As they’re walking out the the cinema towards Luke’s car, they hear a “well, well, well.”
Both Luke and Spencer turn around, and they’re faced with someone Luke’s never seen before.
“Doctor Spencer Reid, seeing a Marvel film? Is he finally good enough for us commoners?” The man laughed.
“Ethan,” Spencer nodded politely, and realisation clicked in Luke’s mind. Spencer’s ex-boyfriend. The one who made him feel horribly about himself.
Luke knew that Spencer would be internally panicking right now. He had spoken to Luke in great lengths about how much a toll this relationship took on him, and how frightened he became of Ethan in the end.
Luke didn’t know how Spencer wanted him to react, but he knew he had to remain calm for Spencer’s sake.
“So Spence, you finally found yourself a boyfriend?” Ethan said whilst giving Luke a once over.
Spencer’s eyes dart towards Luke nervously, his head lowered in shame.
Luke cut in before Spencer could answer.
“Spencer’s my favourite person in the world. It’s a shame you couldn’t see what I can.”
“Ohh,” Ethan says, delighted at Luke’s snark. “It’s okay. Give it a couple of years and you’ll be able to see what I did. You’ll get bored of him, and leave. Isn’t that what everyone does to you, Spence?”
“Don’t speak to him like that,” Luke snarls, stepping forward.
Spencer puts his hand on Luke’s bicep. “Luke, come on.”
“Yeah Luke, come on,” Ethan imitates.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Luke asks, gently putting his hand on top of Spencer’s. “You’re so jealous of him and his intellect that you have to mock him? Spencer showed you nothing but love, and you treated him like garbage. You could live a thousand lifetimes and never deserve him or his love.”
“Is that what he told you?” Ethan asks in disbelief. “That I was jealous of him?”
“He said nothing of the sort. I made my own deductions from the way you treated him. You don’t treat someone you love like that without envy or insecurity coming into play.”
Ethan scoffs at that, and Luke turns to Spencer. “Let’s get out of here?”
Spencer nods and they turn and walk away, and Ethan lets them.
They walk to the car and drive home in silence. As they reach their apartments, they both go to say something at the same time.
Luke laughs. “Do you want to come in? We should have a chat.”
Spencer nods and they make their way in, greeting Roxy before sitting on the couch.
“Thank you for saying those things to him,” Spencer began after clearing his throat. “I never expected to see him again, and I just froze up.”
“You don’t need to thank me, Spence. He’s a nasty piece of work. Who says those things to someone?”
Spencer shrugs, and then keeps going in a very soft voice. “He makes me feel scared, but you make me feel safe.”
They’re staring intensely at each other, and Luke knows he has to spill the beans tonight.
“Sometimes I feel like you can see right through me, but you still like me. You still choose to hang out with me. You want to be around me. I don’t get it,” Spencer whispers.
“I don’t want to scare you away,” Luke started. “But I do like you. A lot.”
Luke watched as the cogs turned in Spencer’s brain.
“You- you do?”
“I thought I made it pretty obvious, Doc. I want to be with you all the time. We call and text more than I did with any of my exes.”
“I didn’t know if you liked men. I also thought you were so nice to me, that it couldn’t be just platonic. But then I realised you’re this kind and patient with everyone.”
“Spencer, let me say this. I have been a little bit in love with you for a long time now. I wasn’t sure if you felt the same, or if you even wanted a relationship with me. But I think we both started to cling to each other, and I think what we have is beautiful. I would ask you out on a date, but to be honest, I think we’ve been dating for a while already.”
Spencer just stares at him in shock. “You know I had a crush on you from the minute I first met you? And it broke my heart seeing JJ leave your apartment that time. I thought you were together. I felt a bit silly when I discovered she really was just a friend. Usually I’m more level headed than making silly assumptions like that. But you were just so incredibly nice to me. Like I said, you make me feel safe. I’ve never felt like that around anyone before.”
Luke laughs. “I thought you were a bit funny around JJ that first time. She’s the only one who knows my feelings for you, I think. I wasn’t very subtle around her, and I think she thinks we’ve been dating this whole time.”
“Maybe we have been.”
They look at each other for a while, before Luke puts his hand out and cups Spencer’s jaw. Spencer leans in to the touch, and they both shuffle closer together.
“Hi,” Spencer whispers.
“Hi you,” Luke whispers back, using his other hand to run his fingers through Spencer’s hair.
They’re both leaning closer, and Luke stops just before they’re about to kiss. “Is this okay?”
“Yes,” Spencer whispers against Luke’s mouth, then he leans forward to finally connect their lips.
It’s everything Luke imagined and a million times more.
It’s a delicate kiss, both getting a feel for each other. When they both pull back, Spencer is gripping Luke’s biceps.
They are both breathing heavily, then Spencer surges back in and kisses him again.
Luke caresses his face, then gently pulls Spencer into his lap, all without breaking their kiss.
It’s a few minutes later when they pull away, now panting heavily.
Luke places kisses on Spencer’s cheek, from his jaw towards his ear.
Spencer lets out a shudder. “Is this what it’s supposed to feel like?”
Luke pauses. “What does is feel like?”
“Safe. Warm. Euphoric.”
“I promise you Spence, I’ll spend the rest of our lives proving that you deserve nothing but the best. Well, if you’ll have me that long.”
“I’ve wanted you for so long, and I can’t believe you want me back.”
“Baby,” Luke breathes out. “How could I not? You looked after me when I was shot. You kept me company when I couldn’t sleep. You watched Roxy when I had to work. You give the best hugs. You tell me the coolest facts.”
Spencer had tears in his eyes and Luke just wanted to hold him.
“C’mon, you want to stay here tonight?”
Spencer nods enthusiastically and Luke chuckles, leading them to the bathroom.
They performed their night routines, like normal, however this time Luke could reach out and squeeze Spencer’s hand, or Spencer could lean in a press a soft kiss to Luke’s lips, and it just felt so right.
As they lay in Luke’s bed, Spencer the little spoon, Luke playing with Spencer’s hair, neither of them could be happier.