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Title: Baby, It's Cold Outside (3/3)
Authors:
innerslytherin and
severity_softly
Pairing: Hotch/Reid
Rating: NC-17/FRAO
Word count: ~18,000
Summary: When Aaron invites Spencer to spend Christmas with him, things don't go as planned.
Notes: Self-beta'd; feel free to point out any mistakes. Written before The Instincts/Memoriam, so now it's mildly AU in regards to Spencer's backstory. Merry Christmas!
PART ONE, PART TWO
It was far too soon when Spencer stirred again, but somewhere in the back of his head he thought he heard a strange noise, and then there was light behind his eyelids. He sucked in a quick breath, then clamped his eyes shut for a moment, but he had already jerked a little in surprise, and Aaron groaned under him--Aaron was naked and Spencer was curled up at his side, the length of their bodies pressed together. The happiness bubbled up inside him again and he smiled, blinking his eyes open to see just about every light in the BAU had come back on.
"Spence--" Aaron mumbled, sounding like he just hadn't had the wakefulness to complete the rest of Spencer's name.
"Pow'r," Spencer explained, resting back against Aaron and closing his eyes again.
"Mnn."
"Mm-hmm."
Neither of them moved. Spencer's limbs felt too heavy, and he knew it had to be far too early to have been woken up. After a moment, he made another little wordless noise and Aaron returned it, and Spencer had no idea what exactly they were "talking" about, but it was early enough that it didn't really matter.
Aaron sighed and rolled so that he was half on top of Spencer, his breath deep and comfortable, and Spencer fumbled for the pillow and shoved it under his own head. Aaron made a noise of protest at the way Spencer was moving, but after a minute, Spencer felt warmth against his neck and realized Aaron was kissing him--slow, open-mouthed kisses that suddenly made Spencer feel warmer. He slid a hand down Aaron's back and rested it at the swell of his ass, which elicited a happy noise from Aaron.
It felt strange to be doing this with all the lights on, as if someone might walk in and find them here. For that matter, someone might; they hadn't actually ascertained that they were alone in the building. Spencer woke up a little more and squeezed Aaron's ass. "Aaron," he whispered.
"Nnnh," was Aaron's response, and then a gentle nip to Spencer's shoulder as Aaron's mouth moved lower.
Spencer gasped, and then let out the breath with a little whimper. He could feel that Aaron was slowly growing hard against him, and Spencer's sleepy body responded quickly with equal arousal. Aaron's hand slid down his stomach, then slid over the top of one thigh. No one had ever touched Spencer like this--he'd never been the first thing anyone wanted when they woke up, and he felt a flutter in his stomach that had nothing to do with the way Aaron's fingertips trailed slowly over the crease of his thigh.
"Aaron..."
"Shh," Aaron whispered, his eyes still closed, and pressed his arousal against Spencer's thigh as he licked lazily over one of Spencer's collarbones.
"Oh, God," Spencer murmured, feeling a little overwhelmed by how much Aaron desired him.
"Thought you didn't believe in God," Aaron mumbled, and pressed kisses against the hollow of Spencer's throat. As sleepy as he was, his movements were just slightly ungraceful, his words a tiny bit slurred. It was adorable and arousing, and the only response Spencer could formulate was, "Nnnh."
Aaron chuckled lazily and slid his hand down to cup against Spencer's ass. Another frisson of pleasure went through Spencer, and he buried his hand in Aaron's hair. This was incredible.
"Spence," Aaron murmured, and closed his lips over Spencer's nipple.
Spencer arched against the floor and pressed against Aaron's mouth, and then Aaron was shifting over him and biting gently at the same time, and Spencer let out a strangled noise. Aaron's knees slid between Spencer's and his hand moved. A moment later it was kneading almost clumsily against Spencer's ass, and a shock of want shot though Spencer when one of Aaron's finger's slid into the valley of his ass and pressed against his entrance. Spencer moaned, anticipation coiling up inside of him.
This was probably easier for Aaron, doing this the first time in a moment when he was already totally relaxed, totally peaceful. Aaron licked up Spencer's throat, kissed over his chin, and then covered Spencer's mouth with his own, letting out a low, wanting noise in the back of his throat.
"Spit," Spencer murmured when they broke apart, and Aaron nodded at him, looking down at him with eyes that were half-lidded and filled with a sleepy affection that made Spencer's breath hitch.
"Want you so much, Spence," Aaron breathed, and Spencer decided that nothing was sexier than Aaron in this moment.
All the same, he was suddenly worried Aaron wouldn't spend enough time preparing him, so he said again, "Spit."
Aaron turned his head and spit into his hand, then a finger was questing at Spencer's entrance again, pressing ever so gently. "You've done this?" he asked, his face pressed against Spencer's skin.
A little thrill of worry went through Spencer, but he nodded anyway.
"Good," Aaron mumbled. "Have to teach me."
Spencer felt relief wash through him that there wasn't a hint of judgment, or even disappointment, in Aaron's voice, and relief that Aaron at least aware enough to be cautious. Spencer's chest felt pleasantly tight. "I'm ready," he whispered, then added, "slowly," and Aaron obeyed and slid his finger inside, drawing a gasp of pleasure from Spencer. "Aaron, Aaron," he murmured, adjusting quickly to the stretch of Aaron's finger and pressing down when he was ready.
Aaron groaned when Spencer slid down, and his mouth was working over Spencer's Adam's apple when Spencer whispered, "Another one." Aaron didn't hesitate and slid a second finger into Spencer. Spencer made a strangled noise, and Aaron stopped his hand until Spencer panted encouragement and hitched a leg over Aaron's hip, opening himself up to Aaron more. Aaron was panting against Spencer's chest, completely focused on Spencer reactions. His fingers were slow and gentle, and after a few moments, they were an excruciating tease. "More!" Spencer panted.
"God, you're sexy." Aaron slid a third finger in, pressing as deeply as he could comfortably go. "I want to make love to you."
Spencer lost his breath for a moment, those word thrilling him, and when he managed to draw in a breath, all he could manage was a harsh whisper. "Have me!"
Aaron moaned and slid his fingers out, spitting again to slick his erection. He kissed Spencer's throat, then shifted so he could see what he was doing. "Spencer," he murmured, gazing heatedly at him. Then he started pressing inside, keeping his eyes on Spencer's face.
Spencer let out a whimper as Aaron breached him, desire shooting through him at the expression on Aaron's face. "God," he breathed, arching up against Aaron.
"All right?" Aaron asked, stroking a hand along Spencer's ribs.
"Mm-hmm," Spencer whimpered, and to prove his point, he pulled Aaron's hips forward a little, wanting all of Aaron's length inside him. When Aaron's hips settled against him, he wrapped his arms around Aaron's shoulders and pulled him down for a hungry kiss, slipping his hand down between them to grip his own cock. He'd really like for Aaron to suck him, but he thought what Aaron was doing was enough to ask, especially given Aaron's inexperience with men... and it was beautiful too, and Spencer wanted to come with Aaron inside of him. "So good," he breathed against Aaron's lips, and then nudged at Aaron's hips again to let him know he could move.
"God," Aaron gasped. His hips jerked, sending pleasure shooting through Spencer. "Ah, Spencer!" Aaron apparently thought he'd moved too much, because he went still, watching Spencer anxiously.
Spencer let out a quiet moan and pulled Aaron forward again, arching up against him. God, this was wonderful, and so much more than he'd ever dared to hope for. "Aaron," he breathed, stroking his hand up Aaron's back to hook behind his neck. "Take me." He pulled Aaron down for a hungry kiss.
Aaron groaned into the kiss and started to move, almost too slowly, but the pace was almost enough to send every nerve in Spencer's body into hyper drive. He moaned, and slid a hand down to cup Aaron's ass. "Yes," he panted.
"Okay?" Aaron murmured, his voice going a little shaky as his body slid against Spencer's.
"Aaron," Spencer breathed, kissing along Aaron's jaw. "You feel amazing. If you move more, you'll feel more amazing. I want you," he whispered, and slid his other leg up over Aaron's hip. "I want to feel you." Spencer nipped at Aaron's lips.
Aaron's answering laugh was shaky. "Oh, God," he managed, and kissed Spencer hard as he sped his thrusts. He slid a hand under Spencer's hips, changing the angle of his thrusts just enough to send pleasure like a lightning bolt up Spencer's spine. Spencer cried out and let his head fall back against the pillow, gasping encouragement.
Aaron must have realized how much this was affecting Spencer, because he didn't pause to ask how he was doing after that. His thrusts grew in strength and speed, rocking Spencer's body and flooding him with desire. Spencer could do little more than urge him on, though one part of his mind was thinking, Of course, what he's doing is not much different than what he's used to, anyway...
After a moment, Spencer remembered his fingers still curled around his cock and squeezed, letting out a long moan, then timed his strokes to Aaron's movements. "Nngh! God!" he gasped, and he couldn't stop making little noises of pleasure then, whimpering and moaning with each push of Aaron's hips, which were speeding the closer Aaron got to completion. Spencer sped his hand too, chasing Aaron toward it, wanting to finish with Aaron, even if he knew that sort of finish was more a romance novel cliche than a reality in sex.
"Spencer-- feel so good," Aaron murmured, and his lips were questing over Spencer's skin almost aimlessly. It was like Aaron was trying to drink up every bit of this feeling, every taste of Spencer he could have, and it was intoxicating.
Spencer's eyes fell closed, but he forced them open again immediately; he wanted to see Aaron like this, wanted to remember every heartbeat of this first time together. "Close--" he gasped, though he had a feeling Aaron was closer than he was.
Aaron groaned in acknowledgment or agreement and bit gently just under Spencer's jaw. He mumbled something that sounded like, "Need you," or might have been "Need to--" and then tensed, thrusting deep inside Spencer and freezing in place as he came. Spencer tightened one arm around Aaron' holding him through it and kissing along Aaron's jaw as he groaned against Spencer's skin. Then Spencer felt Aaron's back and shoulders relax again, and Aaron was pressing lazy opened mouth kisses against Spencer's neck. "So fucking beautiful, Spencer."
Hearing Aaron curse, sent another unexpected thrill through Spencer that went straight to his cock, though Spencer's hand had slowed when Aaron stilled. Aaron was still inside him, but softening--still it felt good to feel so connected with Aaron, so close, and Spencer's body was still humming. He whimpered and shifted, turning his head to kiss Aaron's cheek. "Mmm."
Aaron made a quiet noise and moved to kiss Spencer back, his tongue slow and languid against Spencer's. As they kissed, Spencer felt Aaron's hand sliding along his body to join Spencer's in circling his cock. Fingers laced together, Aaron guided Spencer back into a faster rhythm, an exciting counterpoint to their tender kisses.
When the kiss finally broke, Aaron pressed his face against Spencer's neck, his breath puffing raggedly against Spencer's skin. "Fuck," he breathed again, and squeezed Spencer's cock gently.
Spencer felt Aaron slip out of him as his hips jerked against their joined hands, and he arched against Aaron's body. "More," he panted, and Aaron sped his hand with Spencer, his thumb sliding over the head of Spencer's cock on the upstroke. "More!" he insisted. Aaron's hand tightened, and the need in Spencer's body started spiraling out of his control.
"God, Spencer, you're so sexy!" Aaron bit the spot just under Spencer's jaw again, harder this time, as he stroked him relentlessly. Spencer gasped at the spasm of lust it sent through his body. That's going to leave a mark, he thought, and then cried out Aaron's name as he came. Aaron's hand kept on when Spencer's faltered, wringing the last, almost too-intense vestiges of pleasure from Spencer's body. He was paying close attention to what they were doing; just as Spencer thought his overstimulated skin might begin translating touch to pain, Aaron's hand fell away, taking Spencer's with it.
As Spencer watched in sated surprise, Aaron lifted their joined hands to his face and sniffed delicately, then slid his tongue out to taste Spencer's release. "God," Spencer breathed, and Aaron's eyes flickered up to his face. After a moment a sly look flitted across Aaron's expression and he closed his lips around two of Spencer's fingers, licking them clean. Only then did he shift enough to pull a box of tissues off his desk and clean them both up.
"You always surprise me," Spencer murmured. It was almost always a good surprise, like this night had been.
Aaron gave him a sleepy smile and settled down next to him, wrapping his arms around Spencer, and for a time they just lay there, their chests rising and falling together. The tug of sleep was pulling at Spencer again, orgasm and the no doubt early hour of the morning making sure of that.
"What time is it?" Spencer murmured, after a long silence.
"Does it matter?" Aaron breathed. "Go back to sleep."
Spencer smiled, finding a hint of amusement in the fact that they'd gotten up, God knows when, just to make love--Aaron had said 'make love', he thought, with nothing less than wonder--and then go back to sleep. But after a few minutes, the smile slid of as Spencer's body drifted into peaceful oblivion.
***
Aaron woke with a crick in his back and a peaceful warmth in his chest. He opened his eyes. Muted light was filtering in through the venetian blinds. Smiling, Aaron glanced down to see Spencer's head resting on his shoulder, one slender arm wrapped over his chest. God, he hoped this hadn't been a mistake. He felt so utterly happy that he couldn't think it had been...but he couldn't ignore the slight guilt he felt at becoming romantically involved with a coworker--technically, a subordinate. He knew it wouldn't affect their job performance, but he also knew it wouldn't look that way from the outside, and he disliked the appearance of having double standards.
Stop thinking, Aaron, he told himself, and lifted a hand to run through Spencer's hair. I could love you so easily, he thought, and closed his eyes at the sudden surge of unexpected emotion. He shouldn't give too much of himself away, but he didn't know any other way to do this. And Spencer deserved no less than all Aaron could give.
Spencer stirred in his arms at that touch, and Aaron smiled. "Good morning," he whispered, opening his eyes. "Merry Christmas."
"M'rry Chr'mas," Spencer mumbled, and Aaron couldn't help but smile a little wider at Spencer's sleepy slurring. "Morn'ng. Feels good; don' stop."
Aaron chuckled softly. "Okay," he murmured, and felt Spencer draw a deep breath, seeming to try to wake up.
"This morning... fantastic," Spencer said, turning his head to kiss Aaron's neck clumsily. His hair fell in his face. Spencer didn't seem to care, and rested back without brushing it away, so Aaron reached down to brush it back, stroking his fingers through it again, which drew a contented sigh from Spencer.
"Yes," Aaron said. He couldn't seem to stop smiling, and he was afraid he looked like an idiot, but he felt at peace for the first time in a long time. "Spencer, you're wonderful."
Spencer made a quiet noise and tightened his arm around Aaron, pressing his face against Aaron's neck. Aaron loved the confusing swell of emotions that sent through him--the desire to protect, the urge to praise, along with joy at being wanted and pure physical desire.
"I...yes," Spencer said after a moment. Aaron smiled. It was so strange to see Spencer at a loss for words. Aaron turned to kiss Spencer's hair, and then Spencer mumbled again. "So happy. Cake for breakfast."
Aaron chuckled again. "Oh, is that why?"
"No, you." Spencer drew his nose along Aaron's neck. There was another long breath, and then a puff of air against Aaron's jaw. "Take me home with you when the snow melts."
That sent another jolt of happiness through Aaron, along with a little anxiety, and he wondered if Spencer would have said that if it was fully awake. "All this was just a ploy for wine and a fireplace wasn't it?"
Spencer laughed, then spoke through a yawn. "You always see right through my schemes."
Aaron hummed and tightened his arms around Spencer. "I want you to come home with me," he whispered, pressing his lips against Spencer's hair. He suddenly wished he'd bought a tree after all. His house didn't look like it was Christmas.
"I probably need a bath," Spencer murmured. He snuggled against Aaron, his lithe body sending shivers of desire through Aaron's. It had been so long since Aaron had had any outlet except his own right hand that he had a feeling his sex drive was going to kick into hyper drive.
"I have a tub," Aaron replied, stroking one hand down Spencer's back. "Big enough for two people."
"Bubblebath?" Spencer murmured.
Aaron hesitated, then said, "Haley might have left some."
"Nevermind," Spencer said quickly, and Aaron sighed, but didn't say anything about it. He understood how Spencer must feel about Haley--how all the team probably felt about her now. And he agreed, to an extent. But he couldn't let go of all the good years they'd had together, even if he didn't love Haley any more.
"Would you like your present?" Aaron asked after a while. He'd been afraid at the time that it was too much, that it assumed too close a relationship between them, but now he didn't think it was such a problem. He'd noticed a few weeks ago that Spencer was carrying his watch in his pocket, and when he'd asked, Spencer had said the band broke and he hadn't had time to get it fixed.
Aaron had found a watch--analog, as he'd discovered Spencer preferred--that had a dial with all the time zones of the world, as well as a push-button lighted dial. He'd spent more on it than he should have for anyone who was just his subordinate...but he'd hoped at the time that Spencer wouldn't realize how much Aaron had spent.
"You really didn't nee--"
"I know I didn't," Aaron said, cutting Spencer off. "But I did."
Spencer lifted his head to look at Aaron, looking sleepy and adorable with his hair messed up and creases from the blanket against one cheek.
Spencer drew a long breath, then touched Aaron's jaw with one finger, turning Aaron into a kiss, just a brief, chaste brush of lips that was oddly sweet and sexy at the same time.
"If you insist," Spencer said, and Aaron stood and went around to his desk drawer to get the box out of the drawer.
"Has anyone told you lately what a nice ass you have?" Spencer said, a smile in his voice.
Aaron's eyebrows went up and he grinned faintly, not turning. "Not recently, no," he said, trying to recall if anyone had ever told him he had a nice ass. Haley didn't, generally speaking, say things like that, and very few other people had had occasion to notice. He got Spencer's present and paused by the mini fridge to get bottles of water for them both, then settled back down in the blankets next to Spencer.
"Merry Christmas," he murmured. "Sorry about the store gift-wrapping job."
Spencer frowned. "Don't apologize for that," he said, and started to pull open the wrapping. When he opened it and pulled out the watch, his eyebrows lifted and his lips parted, then he glanced up at Aaron. There was surprise and appreciation in his gaze, mixed with a bit of apprehension. "You-- It's beautiful. You didn't need to spend so much."
Aaron glanced down, feeling a little embarrassed that Spencer had immediately mentioned the expense. "Given that it was before last night, maybe it was a bit much, but I hardly regret it now." He glanced up and gave Spencer a faint smile, and then Spencer surprised him by leaning forward and wrapping Aaron in his arms.
Spencer squeezed Aaron's chest and buried his face against Aaron's neck. "Thank you," Spencer said, his voice muffled, and Aaron had to wonder if anyone had ever given Spencer a present as nice as this one; he'd probably not had a normal Christmas since he was small. "But really, you didn't have--"
"I know. I wanted to," Aaron said, burying his fingers in Spencer's hair.
"Aaron, I..." Spencer trailed off. Aaron could feel Spencer breathing hard against his chest, and he hoped he hadn't misstepped. He just held Spencer securely and kept stroking his hair. Finally Spencer pulled back and smiled at Aaron, who pretended not to notice that Spencer's eyes were slightly shiny.
Aaron lifted a hand and brushed his thumb down Spencer's cheek, then cupped his face in his palm. "It has a lighted dial," he said quietly. "So even if you don't have your cell phone, you'll have some light."
Spencer let out a shuddery breath and looked down at the box in his lap. He leaned his face into Aaron's touch as he put the watch on his wrist. It was loose on his bare wrist, because Aaron knew Spencer preferred to wear it over his sleeve.
When Spencer looked up again, he was beaming at Aaron with that rare, brilliant smile that transformed his face and made him look his age. Spencer shifted off his knees to sit hip to hip with Aaron and kiss him, a slow, tender kiss that made Aaron shiver. Spencer's hand slid around Aaron's waist and the cool metal of the watch pressed against Aaron's skin.
"I feel bad," Spencer breathed when he pulled away.
"Don't." Aaron kissed Spencer again, then pulled him close. "Ready for cake?" he asked after a few long breaths, smiling.
Spencer laughed softly. "That would require getting dressed."
"Oh, not necessarily," Aaron said teasingly. He kissed Spencer again. "But we ought to, anyway. We haven't even looked outside to see what the weather's like. I know it's unlikely we'll be interrupted on Christmas morning, but you never know."
Spencer made a disappointed noise, but after a few more sweet, soft kisses, they pulled themselves apart and began dressing. Aaron left his shirt untucked and didn't put his shoes on, and Spencer didn't put on his tie. Aaron wondered if he could get away with giving Spencer a pair of jeans for a late Christmas present, just to see him wear them.
Aaron looked out the window while Spencer got out the cake and served it on plates from the kitchenette. The parking lot hadn't been plowed, but the snow had stopped and the sun was out. Already there was water running down the window from melting. "We might get home in time for wine and a fire after all," he murmured, and then went hot, hoping Spencer wouldn't realize he'd said 'home' as if they shared one.
Spencer smiled at that, though, a little too brightly. His mouth was full and it gave him the appearance of having chipmunk cheeks, and it just make Aaron want to kiss him again. Spencer swallowed after a moment and cleared his throat. "Good," he said softly. "And maybe you can cook for me tonight," he added, though his voice was teasing. "Unless I wear you out once we're alone again."
Aaron lifted an eyebrow, though he couldn't help being amused. "Are you implying I'm old?"
"Nnn," Spencer said around a mouthful. "But technically, even I'm past my sexual peak."
Aaron snorted and shook his head, then took another bite of his cake, and he could see Spencer grinning out of the corner of his eye.
"This might be the best Christmas morning I've ever had," Spencer breathed after a moment, but he didn't look up from his plate, almost seeming a little shy about saying that.
Aaron hummed and stretched his legs out to brush one ankle against Spencer's. "It's definitely right up there for me," he said quietly. Jack's first Christmas had been a good one, too, but this was a different sort of happiness, so Aaron didn't think they could be properly compared.
Spencer did look up then, his expression torn between surprised and pleased. Aaron hoped Spencer believed him. He hadn't felt this happy in a very long time, and it seemed like an incredibly precious gift. "Really?" Spencer's voice gave away how much he must hope Aaron wasn't just being nice, and it made Aaron's heart kick in a funny way.
"Really." Aaron leaned over and kissed him softly. "You've made me very happy."
"Mmm," Spencer hummed, sounding happy, and his smile broadened. After a moment, he leaned over and kissed Aaron again. He tasted like chocolate, but Aaron supposed they both did. "Good," Spencer breathed when the broke apart. "You need to let yourself be happy more often than you do."
"Pot, kettle," Aaron replied, and took another bite of cake.
Spencer laughed quietly. "I suppose eating cake for breakfast on Christmas morning is a good start," he said, glancing at Aaron. "Maybe we can show each other how this being happy thing is done."
***
It was actually late in the afternoon by the time the snow emergency was lifted and they were able to get to Aaron's house. Aaron commandeered one of the Bureau all-wheel-drive vehicles and drove slowly through snow-covered streets. He still had time to make the promised roast and mashed potatoes, though, and they drank the entire bottle of red while sitting in front of the fire. Spencer let himself be convinced to stay the night, and the next morning they left Aaron's house early, despite getting little sleep, to try to get to work ahead of the team.
As it turned out, JJ's car was in the parking lot already, but her office door was shut, so Spencer generally felt they'd done a good job of 'sneaking in' together. He gave Aaron a conspiratorial smile as Aaron headed for his office.
Morgan and Prentiss came in later, Morgan looking like he hadn't shaved and might have just rolled off the plane from Chicago and Prentiss giving him grief about it. They stopped when they got to Spencer's desk, though, and Prentiss leaned over his shoulder to see what he was looking at.
Spencer glanced up at her, then back to the Greeson file on his desk. There is nothing different. Nothing has changed, he told himself. Actually, everything had changed, but it hadn't changed with either of his team mates standing in front of him. He smiled, and found it pretty easy, in spite of his underlying worry that they would see right through him. He was happy enough with how his Christmas had gone, after all. "How was your Christmas?" he asked, glancing between the two of them. He suddenly had the urge to tell them both what had happened like a little kid showing off all his gifts, but bit down on the urge.
Morgan glanced at him, grinning, and then his eyes widened. "Well, well, pretty boy. It was good, but obviously not as good as yours."
Prentiss looked at Morgan in confusion, but he just kept grinning and staring at Spencer. Prentiss turned to look at Spencer, too. "Reid?" she said, smiling. "Did you do anything fun over the holidays?"
Spencer blinked at them in confusion for a moment, wondering how Morgan knew...and then remembering the bite. Oh, God. His lips parted as he looked at them, and then he brought his hand up to cover it, but stopped before he got there and just pressed his knuckles to his lips, which effectively hid it without being too obvious. Well, if they weren't both grinning at him like that, it might not have been so obvious. "I-- ah... I worked on the-- ah..." He knew telling them he'd worked on the case wasn't going to fly, but he had no idea what else to say.
"Oh, come on," Prentiss said, actually sitting on Spencer's desk now, and she almost looked excited for Spencer. Spencer wasn't sure whether to be thankful she wanted him to be happy, or if he should be resentful that maybe she thought getting some was such a huge accomplishment for him.
"Spit it out, genius," Morgan said.
Both of them looked entirely too pleased.
"I got a very nice watch for Christmas," Spencer said, and held out his wrist. "And I spent most of my time here." Both statements were true, though they wouldn't believe it. He had to fight not to look toward Hotch's office, since they would be all too quick to make the connection.
"Spencerrrrr," Prentiss whined, which would have been annoying from anyone but her. She was the one who darted a glance toward Hotch's office and back at Spencer's face. Fortunately the way she was sitting blocked Morgan from seeing it. "Tell us!" she wheedled.
"You spent most of your time here," Morgan said, "but obviously not all of it. Come on, Spencer, please tell me you didn't go get some strange loving on Christmas Eve."
"No!" Spencer exclaimed. "I-- no."
Prentiss' eyebrows lifted.
"You did not give that to yourself," Morgan said, patting Spencer's cheek teasingly--and just hard enough to sting a little. "Come on, who is she? You put in a little phone call to Miss Lila Archer, or is she last year's news?"
Prentiss shot Morgan a look, then said, "You know, if Garcia could find my high school pictures, she could totally find out where you were for the holiday." She gave Spencer a toothy grin that did not bode well for his and Aaron's secret.
"Oh, I like the way Miss Emily is thinkin'," Morgan said, pulling out his cell phone. "Let me see if Baby Girl is in her office yet."
"Don't do that!" Spencer blurted, and then wished he'd kept his mouth shut as JJ walked into the bullpen.
"Hey, everyone, round table in ten minutes," she said.
"JJ!" Spencer said, seizing the moment. "Did you have a good Christmas?"
JJ's brows lifted, seeming a little surprised by his enthusiasm. "It was fine, Reid. My parents spoiled Henry rotten. You know how grandparents are," she said, as Emily gave her a hug.
Spencer nodded, though he honestly didn't really know how grandparents were.
Emily kept one arm around JJ's shoulders and turned back to face Spencer. She carefully moved JJ with her, and Spencer shifted a little as he realized Emily was trying to show off the mark on his neck.
"Spencer had a very good Christmas," Emily told JJ.
Morgan grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "Yeah, and he was just about to tell us aaaall about it," he said.
Spencer's brows snapped together and he glared at Morgan. "I was not! It's none of your business."
JJ was still smiling, though she looked confused. "Reid--" she began, and then Emily turned her a little more and she exclaimed, "Oh!" Her smile widened and she exchanged a look with Emily. "Come on, Spence, tell us," she said, going to sit on Spencer's desk. Emily, taking a cue from JJ, sat on the other side of him.
Spencer swallowed, and now he was starting to get a little irritated. "There's nothing to tell," he said, and just at that moment, Aaron walked over.
"Hey, everyone. How goes it?" he said mildly, looking around the group. His gaze was a little discerning; he obviously noticed the way everyone was gathered around Spencer's desk.
Morgan turned his grin on Hotch. "Reid here had a very merry Christmas." It occurred to Spencer that Morgan obviously hadn't realized who was the likeliest candidate for being Spencer's Christmas present. Prentiss, on the other hand, obviously had. She straightened up and smiled at Aaron.
"Did you have a nice Christmas, sir?" she asked. "My mother said to tell you hello."
Aaron gave Morgan a sharp glance, then nodded mildly at Prentiss. "I hope she's doing well."
"Yes, thanks," Prentiss said.
JJ had slipped off Spencer's desk as well. "I was just telling them we should be ready for the round table in five minutes."
Aaron nodded, and Spencer breathed in slowly, hoping Morgan would let it drop the way the girls were.
"Five minutes is plenty of time," Morgan said, and Spencer's heart sank again.
Spencer drew a deep breath, and then shifted to face Morgan fully, giving him a look that was somewhere between irritation and defiance. It didn't always work. It was the same look he'd used the day Morgan wrapped a whistle around his neck, after all. "Yes, I had a wonderful Christmas. Yes, I..."--got some, was implied--"Yes. And now, we have a case to focus on, so if you'll excuse me..."
He stood and started to walk towards the round table room.
Morgan's eyebrows went up, but he just shook his head, grinning. "Well, whoever she is, she's lucky," he said, his voice only half teasing. A half second later he yelped, and Spencer struggled with his curiosity for a moment before giving in and looking back. It was obvious from the betrayed look on Morgan's face and the amusement on everyone else's that Emily had just kicked Morgan's shin. Aaron lifted a hand to hide his smile and looked away.
"Why don't we focus on the case?" JJ said, glancing at Aaron and then back at Spencer. She started walking towads the round table room as well.
"Has anyone seen Dave?" Aaron asked, following her.
"His flight's delayed," JJ said. "He should be here in an hour or so; we can brief him on the jet."
As they settled into their accustomed spots around the table, Spencer had to fight back another urge to tell everyone, to brag about his wonderful presents and make Morgan realize that not only did someone want Spencer, but that someone was Aaron Hotchner. Fortunately he bit down on the urge and managed to sit mostly still while JJ outlined the case for them. He walked to the elevator with Morgan, JJ and Prentiss, resolving not to let anything slip. At the last minute, though, he realized Aaron hadn't followed them.
"Go on without me, guys, I forgot something at my desk."
"Oh? What?" Emily teased, but she let him go without comment. A minute later he heard the elevator doors and glanced over his shoulder to see they were all gone.
He hesitated a moment, then went back to his desk, knowing Aaron would have to pass him on the way out. When Aaron walked through the bullpen, Spencer cleared his throat. Aaron paused, and then headed over.
"Are you all right?" Aaron asked.
"I don't know," Spencer murmured.
Aaron nodded slowly. "Prentiss knows. Possibly JJ."
"Morgan's an idiot," Spencer said, but after a moment he laughed softly, because they both knew that was far from the truth, even if Morgan hadn't quite caught on yet.
"Come on," Aaron said, inclining his head towards the elevator, and then heading that way. Spencer followed.
As they waited for the elevator to arrive, Aaron lifted a hand and brushed his fingertips against the bite mark that had caused this morning's problem. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that alone," he murmured. Spencer found himself absurdly grateful that Aaron hadn't apologized for the mark itself. He shrugged.
"You said they were probably expecting it," he said. The elevator doors opened and he stepped forward, knowing Aaron would follow. "I suppose it would have been nice if they'd waited until we figured out...what this is. But we both knew they would."
Aaron nodded, looking thoughtful, and Spencer waited for the elevator door to close behind them to press Aaron against the wall of the elevator for a lingering kiss.
"Spencer," Aaron murmured, brushing a hand through Spencer's hair. "We shouldn't do this here."
"We had sex on the floor of your office yesterday. This is relatively tame," Spencer replied.
"We shouldn't have done that either," Aaron said, but he was smiling faintly. "Not that I'm complaining." He kissed Spencer again. "But we're working now."
Spencer held his gaze for a moment, and then nodded. He brushed his lips to Aaron's one more time, and then stepped back, watching with a smile as Aaron straightened his suit jacket.
Aaron looked back at Spencer, his gaze growing warmer. "Would you, uh..." He paused, and Spencer found himself charmed by the odd hesitance in his expression. "Would you like me to say something to Morgan?"
Spencer looked at Aaron thoughtfully. Was this about getting Morgan to leave Spencer alone, or was it more than that? A declaration of their relationship? "I imagine Emily and JJ will have clued him in by now."
Aaron nodded.
"They don't... seem to mind. JJ and Emily." Spencer shifted and watched the numbers change above the elevator door. The girls had actually seemed more amused than anything else. Morgan, on the other hand, had seemed threatened by David when he first joined the team. Spencer hoped that wouldn't happen over Spencer's relationship with Aaron--Morgan had to know Spencer wouldn't do this for any sort of professional gain--but it was a possibility.
"Did you think they would?" Aaron murmured. "Spencer, everyone on this team cares about you. They want you to be happy." After a moment, he lifted a hand to stroke Spencer's cheek gently. "I hope I can make you happy," he breathed.
Spencer smiled feeling warmed by the touch, and turned his cheek into Aaron's hand. "You already have."
Authors:
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Pairing: Hotch/Reid
Rating: NC-17/FRAO
Word count: ~18,000
Summary: When Aaron invites Spencer to spend Christmas with him, things don't go as planned.
Notes: Self-beta'd; feel free to point out any mistakes. Written before The Instincts/Memoriam, so now it's mildly AU in regards to Spencer's backstory. Merry Christmas!
PART ONE, PART TWO
It was far too soon when Spencer stirred again, but somewhere in the back of his head he thought he heard a strange noise, and then there was light behind his eyelids. He sucked in a quick breath, then clamped his eyes shut for a moment, but he had already jerked a little in surprise, and Aaron groaned under him--Aaron was naked and Spencer was curled up at his side, the length of their bodies pressed together. The happiness bubbled up inside him again and he smiled, blinking his eyes open to see just about every light in the BAU had come back on.
"Spence--" Aaron mumbled, sounding like he just hadn't had the wakefulness to complete the rest of Spencer's name.
"Pow'r," Spencer explained, resting back against Aaron and closing his eyes again.
"Mnn."
"Mm-hmm."
Neither of them moved. Spencer's limbs felt too heavy, and he knew it had to be far too early to have been woken up. After a moment, he made another little wordless noise and Aaron returned it, and Spencer had no idea what exactly they were "talking" about, but it was early enough that it didn't really matter.
Aaron sighed and rolled so that he was half on top of Spencer, his breath deep and comfortable, and Spencer fumbled for the pillow and shoved it under his own head. Aaron made a noise of protest at the way Spencer was moving, but after a minute, Spencer felt warmth against his neck and realized Aaron was kissing him--slow, open-mouthed kisses that suddenly made Spencer feel warmer. He slid a hand down Aaron's back and rested it at the swell of his ass, which elicited a happy noise from Aaron.
It felt strange to be doing this with all the lights on, as if someone might walk in and find them here. For that matter, someone might; they hadn't actually ascertained that they were alone in the building. Spencer woke up a little more and squeezed Aaron's ass. "Aaron," he whispered.
"Nnnh," was Aaron's response, and then a gentle nip to Spencer's shoulder as Aaron's mouth moved lower.
Spencer gasped, and then let out the breath with a little whimper. He could feel that Aaron was slowly growing hard against him, and Spencer's sleepy body responded quickly with equal arousal. Aaron's hand slid down his stomach, then slid over the top of one thigh. No one had ever touched Spencer like this--he'd never been the first thing anyone wanted when they woke up, and he felt a flutter in his stomach that had nothing to do with the way Aaron's fingertips trailed slowly over the crease of his thigh.
"Aaron..."
"Shh," Aaron whispered, his eyes still closed, and pressed his arousal against Spencer's thigh as he licked lazily over one of Spencer's collarbones.
"Oh, God," Spencer murmured, feeling a little overwhelmed by how much Aaron desired him.
"Thought you didn't believe in God," Aaron mumbled, and pressed kisses against the hollow of Spencer's throat. As sleepy as he was, his movements were just slightly ungraceful, his words a tiny bit slurred. It was adorable and arousing, and the only response Spencer could formulate was, "Nnnh."
Aaron chuckled lazily and slid his hand down to cup against Spencer's ass. Another frisson of pleasure went through Spencer, and he buried his hand in Aaron's hair. This was incredible.
"Spence," Aaron murmured, and closed his lips over Spencer's nipple.
Spencer arched against the floor and pressed against Aaron's mouth, and then Aaron was shifting over him and biting gently at the same time, and Spencer let out a strangled noise. Aaron's knees slid between Spencer's and his hand moved. A moment later it was kneading almost clumsily against Spencer's ass, and a shock of want shot though Spencer when one of Aaron's finger's slid into the valley of his ass and pressed against his entrance. Spencer moaned, anticipation coiling up inside of him.
This was probably easier for Aaron, doing this the first time in a moment when he was already totally relaxed, totally peaceful. Aaron licked up Spencer's throat, kissed over his chin, and then covered Spencer's mouth with his own, letting out a low, wanting noise in the back of his throat.
"Spit," Spencer murmured when they broke apart, and Aaron nodded at him, looking down at him with eyes that were half-lidded and filled with a sleepy affection that made Spencer's breath hitch.
"Want you so much, Spence," Aaron breathed, and Spencer decided that nothing was sexier than Aaron in this moment.
All the same, he was suddenly worried Aaron wouldn't spend enough time preparing him, so he said again, "Spit."
Aaron turned his head and spit into his hand, then a finger was questing at Spencer's entrance again, pressing ever so gently. "You've done this?" he asked, his face pressed against Spencer's skin.
A little thrill of worry went through Spencer, but he nodded anyway.
"Good," Aaron mumbled. "Have to teach me."
Spencer felt relief wash through him that there wasn't a hint of judgment, or even disappointment, in Aaron's voice, and relief that Aaron at least aware enough to be cautious. Spencer's chest felt pleasantly tight. "I'm ready," he whispered, then added, "slowly," and Aaron obeyed and slid his finger inside, drawing a gasp of pleasure from Spencer. "Aaron, Aaron," he murmured, adjusting quickly to the stretch of Aaron's finger and pressing down when he was ready.
Aaron groaned when Spencer slid down, and his mouth was working over Spencer's Adam's apple when Spencer whispered, "Another one." Aaron didn't hesitate and slid a second finger into Spencer. Spencer made a strangled noise, and Aaron stopped his hand until Spencer panted encouragement and hitched a leg over Aaron's hip, opening himself up to Aaron more. Aaron was panting against Spencer's chest, completely focused on Spencer reactions. His fingers were slow and gentle, and after a few moments, they were an excruciating tease. "More!" Spencer panted.
"God, you're sexy." Aaron slid a third finger in, pressing as deeply as he could comfortably go. "I want to make love to you."
Spencer lost his breath for a moment, those word thrilling him, and when he managed to draw in a breath, all he could manage was a harsh whisper. "Have me!"
Aaron moaned and slid his fingers out, spitting again to slick his erection. He kissed Spencer's throat, then shifted so he could see what he was doing. "Spencer," he murmured, gazing heatedly at him. Then he started pressing inside, keeping his eyes on Spencer's face.
Spencer let out a whimper as Aaron breached him, desire shooting through him at the expression on Aaron's face. "God," he breathed, arching up against Aaron.
"All right?" Aaron asked, stroking a hand along Spencer's ribs.
"Mm-hmm," Spencer whimpered, and to prove his point, he pulled Aaron's hips forward a little, wanting all of Aaron's length inside him. When Aaron's hips settled against him, he wrapped his arms around Aaron's shoulders and pulled him down for a hungry kiss, slipping his hand down between them to grip his own cock. He'd really like for Aaron to suck him, but he thought what Aaron was doing was enough to ask, especially given Aaron's inexperience with men... and it was beautiful too, and Spencer wanted to come with Aaron inside of him. "So good," he breathed against Aaron's lips, and then nudged at Aaron's hips again to let him know he could move.
"God," Aaron gasped. His hips jerked, sending pleasure shooting through Spencer. "Ah, Spencer!" Aaron apparently thought he'd moved too much, because he went still, watching Spencer anxiously.
Spencer let out a quiet moan and pulled Aaron forward again, arching up against him. God, this was wonderful, and so much more than he'd ever dared to hope for. "Aaron," he breathed, stroking his hand up Aaron's back to hook behind his neck. "Take me." He pulled Aaron down for a hungry kiss.
Aaron groaned into the kiss and started to move, almost too slowly, but the pace was almost enough to send every nerve in Spencer's body into hyper drive. He moaned, and slid a hand down to cup Aaron's ass. "Yes," he panted.
"Okay?" Aaron murmured, his voice going a little shaky as his body slid against Spencer's.
"Aaron," Spencer breathed, kissing along Aaron's jaw. "You feel amazing. If you move more, you'll feel more amazing. I want you," he whispered, and slid his other leg up over Aaron's hip. "I want to feel you." Spencer nipped at Aaron's lips.
Aaron's answering laugh was shaky. "Oh, God," he managed, and kissed Spencer hard as he sped his thrusts. He slid a hand under Spencer's hips, changing the angle of his thrusts just enough to send pleasure like a lightning bolt up Spencer's spine. Spencer cried out and let his head fall back against the pillow, gasping encouragement.
Aaron must have realized how much this was affecting Spencer, because he didn't pause to ask how he was doing after that. His thrusts grew in strength and speed, rocking Spencer's body and flooding him with desire. Spencer could do little more than urge him on, though one part of his mind was thinking, Of course, what he's doing is not much different than what he's used to, anyway...
After a moment, Spencer remembered his fingers still curled around his cock and squeezed, letting out a long moan, then timed his strokes to Aaron's movements. "Nngh! God!" he gasped, and he couldn't stop making little noises of pleasure then, whimpering and moaning with each push of Aaron's hips, which were speeding the closer Aaron got to completion. Spencer sped his hand too, chasing Aaron toward it, wanting to finish with Aaron, even if he knew that sort of finish was more a romance novel cliche than a reality in sex.
"Spencer-- feel so good," Aaron murmured, and his lips were questing over Spencer's skin almost aimlessly. It was like Aaron was trying to drink up every bit of this feeling, every taste of Spencer he could have, and it was intoxicating.
Spencer's eyes fell closed, but he forced them open again immediately; he wanted to see Aaron like this, wanted to remember every heartbeat of this first time together. "Close--" he gasped, though he had a feeling Aaron was closer than he was.
Aaron groaned in acknowledgment or agreement and bit gently just under Spencer's jaw. He mumbled something that sounded like, "Need you," or might have been "Need to--" and then tensed, thrusting deep inside Spencer and freezing in place as he came. Spencer tightened one arm around Aaron' holding him through it and kissing along Aaron's jaw as he groaned against Spencer's skin. Then Spencer felt Aaron's back and shoulders relax again, and Aaron was pressing lazy opened mouth kisses against Spencer's neck. "So fucking beautiful, Spencer."
Hearing Aaron curse, sent another unexpected thrill through Spencer that went straight to his cock, though Spencer's hand had slowed when Aaron stilled. Aaron was still inside him, but softening--still it felt good to feel so connected with Aaron, so close, and Spencer's body was still humming. He whimpered and shifted, turning his head to kiss Aaron's cheek. "Mmm."
Aaron made a quiet noise and moved to kiss Spencer back, his tongue slow and languid against Spencer's. As they kissed, Spencer felt Aaron's hand sliding along his body to join Spencer's in circling his cock. Fingers laced together, Aaron guided Spencer back into a faster rhythm, an exciting counterpoint to their tender kisses.
When the kiss finally broke, Aaron pressed his face against Spencer's neck, his breath puffing raggedly against Spencer's skin. "Fuck," he breathed again, and squeezed Spencer's cock gently.
Spencer felt Aaron slip out of him as his hips jerked against their joined hands, and he arched against Aaron's body. "More," he panted, and Aaron sped his hand with Spencer, his thumb sliding over the head of Spencer's cock on the upstroke. "More!" he insisted. Aaron's hand tightened, and the need in Spencer's body started spiraling out of his control.
"God, Spencer, you're so sexy!" Aaron bit the spot just under Spencer's jaw again, harder this time, as he stroked him relentlessly. Spencer gasped at the spasm of lust it sent through his body. That's going to leave a mark, he thought, and then cried out Aaron's name as he came. Aaron's hand kept on when Spencer's faltered, wringing the last, almost too-intense vestiges of pleasure from Spencer's body. He was paying close attention to what they were doing; just as Spencer thought his overstimulated skin might begin translating touch to pain, Aaron's hand fell away, taking Spencer's with it.
As Spencer watched in sated surprise, Aaron lifted their joined hands to his face and sniffed delicately, then slid his tongue out to taste Spencer's release. "God," Spencer breathed, and Aaron's eyes flickered up to his face. After a moment a sly look flitted across Aaron's expression and he closed his lips around two of Spencer's fingers, licking them clean. Only then did he shift enough to pull a box of tissues off his desk and clean them both up.
"You always surprise me," Spencer murmured. It was almost always a good surprise, like this night had been.
Aaron gave him a sleepy smile and settled down next to him, wrapping his arms around Spencer, and for a time they just lay there, their chests rising and falling together. The tug of sleep was pulling at Spencer again, orgasm and the no doubt early hour of the morning making sure of that.
"What time is it?" Spencer murmured, after a long silence.
"Does it matter?" Aaron breathed. "Go back to sleep."
Spencer smiled, finding a hint of amusement in the fact that they'd gotten up, God knows when, just to make love--Aaron had said 'make love', he thought, with nothing less than wonder--and then go back to sleep. But after a few minutes, the smile slid of as Spencer's body drifted into peaceful oblivion.
***
Aaron woke with a crick in his back and a peaceful warmth in his chest. He opened his eyes. Muted light was filtering in through the venetian blinds. Smiling, Aaron glanced down to see Spencer's head resting on his shoulder, one slender arm wrapped over his chest. God, he hoped this hadn't been a mistake. He felt so utterly happy that he couldn't think it had been...but he couldn't ignore the slight guilt he felt at becoming romantically involved with a coworker--technically, a subordinate. He knew it wouldn't affect their job performance, but he also knew it wouldn't look that way from the outside, and he disliked the appearance of having double standards.
Stop thinking, Aaron, he told himself, and lifted a hand to run through Spencer's hair. I could love you so easily, he thought, and closed his eyes at the sudden surge of unexpected emotion. He shouldn't give too much of himself away, but he didn't know any other way to do this. And Spencer deserved no less than all Aaron could give.
Spencer stirred in his arms at that touch, and Aaron smiled. "Good morning," he whispered, opening his eyes. "Merry Christmas."
"M'rry Chr'mas," Spencer mumbled, and Aaron couldn't help but smile a little wider at Spencer's sleepy slurring. "Morn'ng. Feels good; don' stop."
Aaron chuckled softly. "Okay," he murmured, and felt Spencer draw a deep breath, seeming to try to wake up.
"This morning... fantastic," Spencer said, turning his head to kiss Aaron's neck clumsily. His hair fell in his face. Spencer didn't seem to care, and rested back without brushing it away, so Aaron reached down to brush it back, stroking his fingers through it again, which drew a contented sigh from Spencer.
"Yes," Aaron said. He couldn't seem to stop smiling, and he was afraid he looked like an idiot, but he felt at peace for the first time in a long time. "Spencer, you're wonderful."
Spencer made a quiet noise and tightened his arm around Aaron, pressing his face against Aaron's neck. Aaron loved the confusing swell of emotions that sent through him--the desire to protect, the urge to praise, along with joy at being wanted and pure physical desire.
"I...yes," Spencer said after a moment. Aaron smiled. It was so strange to see Spencer at a loss for words. Aaron turned to kiss Spencer's hair, and then Spencer mumbled again. "So happy. Cake for breakfast."
Aaron chuckled again. "Oh, is that why?"
"No, you." Spencer drew his nose along Aaron's neck. There was another long breath, and then a puff of air against Aaron's jaw. "Take me home with you when the snow melts."
That sent another jolt of happiness through Aaron, along with a little anxiety, and he wondered if Spencer would have said that if it was fully awake. "All this was just a ploy for wine and a fireplace wasn't it?"
Spencer laughed, then spoke through a yawn. "You always see right through my schemes."
Aaron hummed and tightened his arms around Spencer. "I want you to come home with me," he whispered, pressing his lips against Spencer's hair. He suddenly wished he'd bought a tree after all. His house didn't look like it was Christmas.
"I probably need a bath," Spencer murmured. He snuggled against Aaron, his lithe body sending shivers of desire through Aaron's. It had been so long since Aaron had had any outlet except his own right hand that he had a feeling his sex drive was going to kick into hyper drive.
"I have a tub," Aaron replied, stroking one hand down Spencer's back. "Big enough for two people."
"Bubblebath?" Spencer murmured.
Aaron hesitated, then said, "Haley might have left some."
"Nevermind," Spencer said quickly, and Aaron sighed, but didn't say anything about it. He understood how Spencer must feel about Haley--how all the team probably felt about her now. And he agreed, to an extent. But he couldn't let go of all the good years they'd had together, even if he didn't love Haley any more.
"Would you like your present?" Aaron asked after a while. He'd been afraid at the time that it was too much, that it assumed too close a relationship between them, but now he didn't think it was such a problem. He'd noticed a few weeks ago that Spencer was carrying his watch in his pocket, and when he'd asked, Spencer had said the band broke and he hadn't had time to get it fixed.
Aaron had found a watch--analog, as he'd discovered Spencer preferred--that had a dial with all the time zones of the world, as well as a push-button lighted dial. He'd spent more on it than he should have for anyone who was just his subordinate...but he'd hoped at the time that Spencer wouldn't realize how much Aaron had spent.
"You really didn't nee--"
"I know I didn't," Aaron said, cutting Spencer off. "But I did."
Spencer lifted his head to look at Aaron, looking sleepy and adorable with his hair messed up and creases from the blanket against one cheek.
Spencer drew a long breath, then touched Aaron's jaw with one finger, turning Aaron into a kiss, just a brief, chaste brush of lips that was oddly sweet and sexy at the same time.
"If you insist," Spencer said, and Aaron stood and went around to his desk drawer to get the box out of the drawer.
"Has anyone told you lately what a nice ass you have?" Spencer said, a smile in his voice.
Aaron's eyebrows went up and he grinned faintly, not turning. "Not recently, no," he said, trying to recall if anyone had ever told him he had a nice ass. Haley didn't, generally speaking, say things like that, and very few other people had had occasion to notice. He got Spencer's present and paused by the mini fridge to get bottles of water for them both, then settled back down in the blankets next to Spencer.
"Merry Christmas," he murmured. "Sorry about the store gift-wrapping job."
Spencer frowned. "Don't apologize for that," he said, and started to pull open the wrapping. When he opened it and pulled out the watch, his eyebrows lifted and his lips parted, then he glanced up at Aaron. There was surprise and appreciation in his gaze, mixed with a bit of apprehension. "You-- It's beautiful. You didn't need to spend so much."
Aaron glanced down, feeling a little embarrassed that Spencer had immediately mentioned the expense. "Given that it was before last night, maybe it was a bit much, but I hardly regret it now." He glanced up and gave Spencer a faint smile, and then Spencer surprised him by leaning forward and wrapping Aaron in his arms.
Spencer squeezed Aaron's chest and buried his face against Aaron's neck. "Thank you," Spencer said, his voice muffled, and Aaron had to wonder if anyone had ever given Spencer a present as nice as this one; he'd probably not had a normal Christmas since he was small. "But really, you didn't have--"
"I know. I wanted to," Aaron said, burying his fingers in Spencer's hair.
"Aaron, I..." Spencer trailed off. Aaron could feel Spencer breathing hard against his chest, and he hoped he hadn't misstepped. He just held Spencer securely and kept stroking his hair. Finally Spencer pulled back and smiled at Aaron, who pretended not to notice that Spencer's eyes were slightly shiny.
Aaron lifted a hand and brushed his thumb down Spencer's cheek, then cupped his face in his palm. "It has a lighted dial," he said quietly. "So even if you don't have your cell phone, you'll have some light."
Spencer let out a shuddery breath and looked down at the box in his lap. He leaned his face into Aaron's touch as he put the watch on his wrist. It was loose on his bare wrist, because Aaron knew Spencer preferred to wear it over his sleeve.
When Spencer looked up again, he was beaming at Aaron with that rare, brilliant smile that transformed his face and made him look his age. Spencer shifted off his knees to sit hip to hip with Aaron and kiss him, a slow, tender kiss that made Aaron shiver. Spencer's hand slid around Aaron's waist and the cool metal of the watch pressed against Aaron's skin.
"I feel bad," Spencer breathed when he pulled away.
"Don't." Aaron kissed Spencer again, then pulled him close. "Ready for cake?" he asked after a few long breaths, smiling.
Spencer laughed softly. "That would require getting dressed."
"Oh, not necessarily," Aaron said teasingly. He kissed Spencer again. "But we ought to, anyway. We haven't even looked outside to see what the weather's like. I know it's unlikely we'll be interrupted on Christmas morning, but you never know."
Spencer made a disappointed noise, but after a few more sweet, soft kisses, they pulled themselves apart and began dressing. Aaron left his shirt untucked and didn't put his shoes on, and Spencer didn't put on his tie. Aaron wondered if he could get away with giving Spencer a pair of jeans for a late Christmas present, just to see him wear them.
Aaron looked out the window while Spencer got out the cake and served it on plates from the kitchenette. The parking lot hadn't been plowed, but the snow had stopped and the sun was out. Already there was water running down the window from melting. "We might get home in time for wine and a fire after all," he murmured, and then went hot, hoping Spencer wouldn't realize he'd said 'home' as if they shared one.
Spencer smiled at that, though, a little too brightly. His mouth was full and it gave him the appearance of having chipmunk cheeks, and it just make Aaron want to kiss him again. Spencer swallowed after a moment and cleared his throat. "Good," he said softly. "And maybe you can cook for me tonight," he added, though his voice was teasing. "Unless I wear you out once we're alone again."
Aaron lifted an eyebrow, though he couldn't help being amused. "Are you implying I'm old?"
"Nnn," Spencer said around a mouthful. "But technically, even I'm past my sexual peak."
Aaron snorted and shook his head, then took another bite of his cake, and he could see Spencer grinning out of the corner of his eye.
"This might be the best Christmas morning I've ever had," Spencer breathed after a moment, but he didn't look up from his plate, almost seeming a little shy about saying that.
Aaron hummed and stretched his legs out to brush one ankle against Spencer's. "It's definitely right up there for me," he said quietly. Jack's first Christmas had been a good one, too, but this was a different sort of happiness, so Aaron didn't think they could be properly compared.
Spencer did look up then, his expression torn between surprised and pleased. Aaron hoped Spencer believed him. He hadn't felt this happy in a very long time, and it seemed like an incredibly precious gift. "Really?" Spencer's voice gave away how much he must hope Aaron wasn't just being nice, and it made Aaron's heart kick in a funny way.
"Really." Aaron leaned over and kissed him softly. "You've made me very happy."
"Mmm," Spencer hummed, sounding happy, and his smile broadened. After a moment, he leaned over and kissed Aaron again. He tasted like chocolate, but Aaron supposed they both did. "Good," Spencer breathed when the broke apart. "You need to let yourself be happy more often than you do."
"Pot, kettle," Aaron replied, and took another bite of cake.
Spencer laughed quietly. "I suppose eating cake for breakfast on Christmas morning is a good start," he said, glancing at Aaron. "Maybe we can show each other how this being happy thing is done."
***
It was actually late in the afternoon by the time the snow emergency was lifted and they were able to get to Aaron's house. Aaron commandeered one of the Bureau all-wheel-drive vehicles and drove slowly through snow-covered streets. He still had time to make the promised roast and mashed potatoes, though, and they drank the entire bottle of red while sitting in front of the fire. Spencer let himself be convinced to stay the night, and the next morning they left Aaron's house early, despite getting little sleep, to try to get to work ahead of the team.
As it turned out, JJ's car was in the parking lot already, but her office door was shut, so Spencer generally felt they'd done a good job of 'sneaking in' together. He gave Aaron a conspiratorial smile as Aaron headed for his office.
Morgan and Prentiss came in later, Morgan looking like he hadn't shaved and might have just rolled off the plane from Chicago and Prentiss giving him grief about it. They stopped when they got to Spencer's desk, though, and Prentiss leaned over his shoulder to see what he was looking at.
Spencer glanced up at her, then back to the Greeson file on his desk. There is nothing different. Nothing has changed, he told himself. Actually, everything had changed, but it hadn't changed with either of his team mates standing in front of him. He smiled, and found it pretty easy, in spite of his underlying worry that they would see right through him. He was happy enough with how his Christmas had gone, after all. "How was your Christmas?" he asked, glancing between the two of them. He suddenly had the urge to tell them both what had happened like a little kid showing off all his gifts, but bit down on the urge.
Morgan glanced at him, grinning, and then his eyes widened. "Well, well, pretty boy. It was good, but obviously not as good as yours."
Prentiss looked at Morgan in confusion, but he just kept grinning and staring at Spencer. Prentiss turned to look at Spencer, too. "Reid?" she said, smiling. "Did you do anything fun over the holidays?"
Spencer blinked at them in confusion for a moment, wondering how Morgan knew...and then remembering the bite. Oh, God. His lips parted as he looked at them, and then he brought his hand up to cover it, but stopped before he got there and just pressed his knuckles to his lips, which effectively hid it without being too obvious. Well, if they weren't both grinning at him like that, it might not have been so obvious. "I-- ah... I worked on the-- ah..." He knew telling them he'd worked on the case wasn't going to fly, but he had no idea what else to say.
"Oh, come on," Prentiss said, actually sitting on Spencer's desk now, and she almost looked excited for Spencer. Spencer wasn't sure whether to be thankful she wanted him to be happy, or if he should be resentful that maybe she thought getting some was such a huge accomplishment for him.
"Spit it out, genius," Morgan said.
Both of them looked entirely too pleased.
"I got a very nice watch for Christmas," Spencer said, and held out his wrist. "And I spent most of my time here." Both statements were true, though they wouldn't believe it. He had to fight not to look toward Hotch's office, since they would be all too quick to make the connection.
"Spencerrrrr," Prentiss whined, which would have been annoying from anyone but her. She was the one who darted a glance toward Hotch's office and back at Spencer's face. Fortunately the way she was sitting blocked Morgan from seeing it. "Tell us!" she wheedled.
"You spent most of your time here," Morgan said, "but obviously not all of it. Come on, Spencer, please tell me you didn't go get some strange loving on Christmas Eve."
"No!" Spencer exclaimed. "I-- no."
Prentiss' eyebrows lifted.
"You did not give that to yourself," Morgan said, patting Spencer's cheek teasingly--and just hard enough to sting a little. "Come on, who is she? You put in a little phone call to Miss Lila Archer, or is she last year's news?"
Prentiss shot Morgan a look, then said, "You know, if Garcia could find my high school pictures, she could totally find out where you were for the holiday." She gave Spencer a toothy grin that did not bode well for his and Aaron's secret.
"Oh, I like the way Miss Emily is thinkin'," Morgan said, pulling out his cell phone. "Let me see if Baby Girl is in her office yet."
"Don't do that!" Spencer blurted, and then wished he'd kept his mouth shut as JJ walked into the bullpen.
"Hey, everyone, round table in ten minutes," she said.
"JJ!" Spencer said, seizing the moment. "Did you have a good Christmas?"
JJ's brows lifted, seeming a little surprised by his enthusiasm. "It was fine, Reid. My parents spoiled Henry rotten. You know how grandparents are," she said, as Emily gave her a hug.
Spencer nodded, though he honestly didn't really know how grandparents were.
Emily kept one arm around JJ's shoulders and turned back to face Spencer. She carefully moved JJ with her, and Spencer shifted a little as he realized Emily was trying to show off the mark on his neck.
"Spencer had a very good Christmas," Emily told JJ.
Morgan grinned and waggled his eyebrows. "Yeah, and he was just about to tell us aaaall about it," he said.
Spencer's brows snapped together and he glared at Morgan. "I was not! It's none of your business."
JJ was still smiling, though she looked confused. "Reid--" she began, and then Emily turned her a little more and she exclaimed, "Oh!" Her smile widened and she exchanged a look with Emily. "Come on, Spence, tell us," she said, going to sit on Spencer's desk. Emily, taking a cue from JJ, sat on the other side of him.
Spencer swallowed, and now he was starting to get a little irritated. "There's nothing to tell," he said, and just at that moment, Aaron walked over.
"Hey, everyone. How goes it?" he said mildly, looking around the group. His gaze was a little discerning; he obviously noticed the way everyone was gathered around Spencer's desk.
Morgan turned his grin on Hotch. "Reid here had a very merry Christmas." It occurred to Spencer that Morgan obviously hadn't realized who was the likeliest candidate for being Spencer's Christmas present. Prentiss, on the other hand, obviously had. She straightened up and smiled at Aaron.
"Did you have a nice Christmas, sir?" she asked. "My mother said to tell you hello."
Aaron gave Morgan a sharp glance, then nodded mildly at Prentiss. "I hope she's doing well."
"Yes, thanks," Prentiss said.
JJ had slipped off Spencer's desk as well. "I was just telling them we should be ready for the round table in five minutes."
Aaron nodded, and Spencer breathed in slowly, hoping Morgan would let it drop the way the girls were.
"Five minutes is plenty of time," Morgan said, and Spencer's heart sank again.
Spencer drew a deep breath, and then shifted to face Morgan fully, giving him a look that was somewhere between irritation and defiance. It didn't always work. It was the same look he'd used the day Morgan wrapped a whistle around his neck, after all. "Yes, I had a wonderful Christmas. Yes, I..."--got some, was implied--"Yes. And now, we have a case to focus on, so if you'll excuse me..."
He stood and started to walk towards the round table room.
Morgan's eyebrows went up, but he just shook his head, grinning. "Well, whoever she is, she's lucky," he said, his voice only half teasing. A half second later he yelped, and Spencer struggled with his curiosity for a moment before giving in and looking back. It was obvious from the betrayed look on Morgan's face and the amusement on everyone else's that Emily had just kicked Morgan's shin. Aaron lifted a hand to hide his smile and looked away.
"Why don't we focus on the case?" JJ said, glancing at Aaron and then back at Spencer. She started walking towads the round table room as well.
"Has anyone seen Dave?" Aaron asked, following her.
"His flight's delayed," JJ said. "He should be here in an hour or so; we can brief him on the jet."
As they settled into their accustomed spots around the table, Spencer had to fight back another urge to tell everyone, to brag about his wonderful presents and make Morgan realize that not only did someone want Spencer, but that someone was Aaron Hotchner. Fortunately he bit down on the urge and managed to sit mostly still while JJ outlined the case for them. He walked to the elevator with Morgan, JJ and Prentiss, resolving not to let anything slip. At the last minute, though, he realized Aaron hadn't followed them.
"Go on without me, guys, I forgot something at my desk."
"Oh? What?" Emily teased, but she let him go without comment. A minute later he heard the elevator doors and glanced over his shoulder to see they were all gone.
He hesitated a moment, then went back to his desk, knowing Aaron would have to pass him on the way out. When Aaron walked through the bullpen, Spencer cleared his throat. Aaron paused, and then headed over.
"Are you all right?" Aaron asked.
"I don't know," Spencer murmured.
Aaron nodded slowly. "Prentiss knows. Possibly JJ."
"Morgan's an idiot," Spencer said, but after a moment he laughed softly, because they both knew that was far from the truth, even if Morgan hadn't quite caught on yet.
"Come on," Aaron said, inclining his head towards the elevator, and then heading that way. Spencer followed.
As they waited for the elevator to arrive, Aaron lifted a hand and brushed his fingertips against the bite mark that had caused this morning's problem. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that alone," he murmured. Spencer found himself absurdly grateful that Aaron hadn't apologized for the mark itself. He shrugged.
"You said they were probably expecting it," he said. The elevator doors opened and he stepped forward, knowing Aaron would follow. "I suppose it would have been nice if they'd waited until we figured out...what this is. But we both knew they would."
Aaron nodded, looking thoughtful, and Spencer waited for the elevator door to close behind them to press Aaron against the wall of the elevator for a lingering kiss.
"Spencer," Aaron murmured, brushing a hand through Spencer's hair. "We shouldn't do this here."
"We had sex on the floor of your office yesterday. This is relatively tame," Spencer replied.
"We shouldn't have done that either," Aaron said, but he was smiling faintly. "Not that I'm complaining." He kissed Spencer again. "But we're working now."
Spencer held his gaze for a moment, and then nodded. He brushed his lips to Aaron's one more time, and then stepped back, watching with a smile as Aaron straightened his suit jacket.
Aaron looked back at Spencer, his gaze growing warmer. "Would you, uh..." He paused, and Spencer found himself charmed by the odd hesitance in his expression. "Would you like me to say something to Morgan?"
Spencer looked at Aaron thoughtfully. Was this about getting Morgan to leave Spencer alone, or was it more than that? A declaration of their relationship? "I imagine Emily and JJ will have clued him in by now."
Aaron nodded.
"They don't... seem to mind. JJ and Emily." Spencer shifted and watched the numbers change above the elevator door. The girls had actually seemed more amused than anything else. Morgan, on the other hand, had seemed threatened by David when he first joined the team. Spencer hoped that wouldn't happen over Spencer's relationship with Aaron--Morgan had to know Spencer wouldn't do this for any sort of professional gain--but it was a possibility.
"Did you think they would?" Aaron murmured. "Spencer, everyone on this team cares about you. They want you to be happy." After a moment, he lifted a hand to stroke Spencer's cheek gently. "I hope I can make you happy," he breathed.
Spencer smiled feeling warmed by the touch, and turned his cheek into Aaron's hand. "You already have."
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Date: 2008-12-20 01:40 am (UTC)