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The first time Aaron invited Spencer out to dinner with him, just as a casual dinner, Spencer told him he’d have to sit and think about it. He wanted to, hell, he’d love to, but he panicked. And while he was sure Aaron picked up on that, he allowed Spencer the time to ‘think’ about it.
The next day Spencer accepted the invite.
And now he’s stuck on what to wear. Aaron had reassured him it’d be a nice place, specifically the Le Petit Pearl, a nice French restaurant with a semi-formal dress code, and honestly one of Spencer’s personal favorites(for take out.) He knew the code, but wearing something that looked nice for Aaron was his struggle. He didn’t want to go full suit, that’s too easy and frankly uncomfortable. His sweater vest and brown pants-usual wouldn’t work.
His hands found a grasp on the silk purple button down. This, with his pair of black slacks and dress shoes, would work he supposed. He really didn’t like the feeling of the shirt, though, so he put one of his nice black shirt’s underneath. Once fully dressed, he was thankful the shirt wasn’t visible from the button down, so he went to the bathroom to try and tame his hair.
He wasn’t very successful, but it looked better with a bit of gel and brush, and at the perfect time. He had plenty of time to walk to the restaurant, it was a block or so from his house, and on the way out, he grabbed a black jacket and his keys, jogging down to his car (which he hardly used, he wasn’t quite sure why he was taking it now), and once safely inside, started on his way to the restaurant.
Something about a fancy restaurant for a ‘casual’ dinner did not feel so casual. But hey, Spencer wasn’t gonna think about that as he pulled up and into a surprisingly close parking spot. He was right on time, because of course he was, and he smiled at the hostess as he walked in.
“Spencer! Nice to see you!” Allie, the hostess, smiled. “You look nice! Are you picking something up?”
“No, I-um, I’m part of the reservation-“
“Under Hotchner,” Aaron’s voice made him jump, and he flipped around to see the man, in that suit of course (surprisingly without the tie).
“Hotchner…” she hummed, reading the list. “Gotcha! You’re up in the VIP, if you’d follow me.”
“VIP?” Spencer whispered as he followed Aaron and Allie to their seats.
They went through the dining room, up two steps and into an area covered with beautiful booths, a wooden half wall with small glass decorations, like wind chimes, dangling down. She sat their menus and silverware down at the circular booth in the back corner, which wasn’t a surprise to Spencer.
“Alrighty, so because, Agent Hotchner, as this is the VIP section you get a complimentary appetizer and with that you’ll get two wine tastings,” She smiled. “Here’s the appetizer menu and the wine menu, I’ll send Quinten in and he’ll be your server.”
“Thank you Allie,” Spencer said softly , and she smiled, nodding and letting her heels click as she walked away.
“You look,” Aaron started, and Spencer raised an eyebrow. “Amazing…”
Spencer smiled, almost sheepishly, as he slipped off his jacket and let it rest behind him. “Thanks, I was going for a debonair look. Though I don’t think I have the confidence for it,” Spencer chuckled.
“Debonair? Interesting word,” Aaron chuckled.
“Yeah… it is, isn’t it?” Spencer chuckled, looking down at the appetizers.
“Well, what would you like to start?” Aaron asked, and Spencer glanced back up at him.
“You can get the appetizer, I’m not picky,” Spencer chuckled.
“Mm, you can be very picky,” Aaron disagreed. “Pick something, I don’t mind.”
“Hotch-“ Spencer mumbled.
“Aaron is fine,” Aaron cut him off. “And, to make it easy, let’s just start easy with the cheese plate. They’re very good here, and with a Cabernet, it’s a good start.”
Spencer smiled, “Perfect,” he agreed. He liked this. Aaron already knew what was good, and Spencer did too but he got overwhelmed easily (Aaron knew that).
“Hey! My two favorite guys!” A heavy English accent caught Spencer’s attention. Quinten; a tall, dark-skinned man with long box-braided hair, no beard, his black shirt buttoned down, and sleeves rolled up to his elbows with black slacks and an apron, strolled up to them.
“Hey, Quinn,” Spencer smiled, and Aaron also looked up with a smile.
“Wow, I wasn’t aware you two knew each other,” Quinten said with a soft chuckle.
“We’re coworkers,” Aaron smiled.
“Beautiful, beautiful,” Quinten chuckled. “What can I get started for you two? Appetizers are complementary and we have free wine tasting, and I’m sure Allie has told you.”
“The cheese plate is fine, and don’t worry about the tastings… I think we’ll just do a Cabernet Sauvignon,” Aaron said, and Quinten nodded.
“Awesome, I’ll put that right in for you, and I’ll get you a chance to relook over the menu, Spencer I know you already have it all memorized, and I will be back shortly.”
Spencer chuckled, and Aaron smiled as they both thanked and said their temporary goodbyes to Quinten as he left.
“No tie?” Spencer commented.
“Semi-formal,” Aaron shrugged, and Spencer chuckled softly, nodding.
Somehow, the chatter wasn’t awkward, they found easy topics to talk about, staying away from work for the most part. Aaron asked about the plant, Spencer asked about Jack’s schooling, and somehow that got into the topic of favorite animals. By the time their main courses were ordered and brought out, they’d had two, playful, debates over dog breeds and whether or not the T-Rex had feathers.
And Spencer was absolutely having the time of his life.
For a moment, they ate a couple bites of their respective foods, Spencer got a steak and potatoes and Aaron got a roasted lamb, Spencer caught Aaron staring at him with a fond-like look.
“What?” Spencer asked softly after swallowing a bite and sipping the wine.
“Nothing,” Aaron said, soft and gentle. “I was just… I dunno.”
Spencer studied him for a moment, “Aaron,” he said, almost just as softly.
“I was just… thinking,” Aaron chuckled, and Spencer whistled playful. Aaron glared at him, and Spencer chuckled gently. “You’re great company, Spencer. And I’d love to do this more often.”
Spencer stared at Aaron in slight surprise. “You think I’m good company?” He whispered.
“Of course I do,” Aaron said, setting his fork down. “I wouldn’t have invited you out if I didn’t. After the… McDonald’s early breakfast or late dinner, seeing you with Jack… Spencer, you're amazing. In more ways than one.”
Spencer smiled, “Thanks. I really like Jack. I know small… infants aren’t really my thing, but I like kids. And Jack’s really fun, especially when he and Henry get together.”
“Your magic shows are something else,” Aaron said in agreement, and Spencer chucked. “You’re welcome to see Jack anytime, Spencer. Just shoot me a text or call.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Spencer promised.
After dinner, Spencer wasn’t shocked to hear Aaron already had a card on file, and their food was already paid for. However, that doesn’t mean he was ecstatic about it.
“I could’ve leave a tip,” Spencer tried, and Aaron laughed.
“I already did, that’s why they had my card,” Aaron said as he accepted it from Quinten.
“He’s gotcha covered, Spence,” Quinten smiled. “Have a good rest of your night.”
“Thank you,” Aaron smiled, watching Spencer go through his jacket to find his wallet. “Spencer, what’re you doing?”
“Leaving a 50,” Spencer whispered. “I know them! They’re my friends! I’ve known Quinn since he moved here!”
“I already covered it,” Aaron whispered, again, and Spencer put the money down anyway, underneath a napkin that was under a cup to keep it in place.
“Humor me,” Spencer whispered.
“Since when do you carry cash?” Aaron asked.
“I got it out for this,” Spencer explained. “And I always keep at least a 20, 5 and three 1’s on me.”
“28 in cash? Why?” Aaron asked as they both stood to gather their things (Spencer grabbing his coat).
“20’s to pay for anything over 8 bucks I can’t use my card for, so like food stands or something, 5’s for the food stands or a vending machine, one’s are definitely for vending machines or if I need 6 dollars for literally anything else. Always keep 2 dollars for vending machines, some don’t have card slots.”
Aaron chuckled as he led Spencer out of the restaurant, waving at Allie as she said goodbye to them.
“And I used to gamble, so the twenty would win me at least $2,000 back in Vegas,” Spencer said as they walked out into the cool air.
“At least ?” Spencer asked.
“How else did you think I was paying for my Mom’s hospital care before joining the BAU?” Spencer asked. “Or paying for my college after my first degree?”
“To be honest, I hadn’t thought about it,” Aaron said, walking Spencer to his card. “Didn’t you ever lose?”
“I’m a cheater, Aaron,” Spencer chuckled. “Helps when you have my intellect, too, counting cards, basic estimates, knowing body languages and tells. Why do you think I was banned from pretty much every casino in Vegas?”
“That’s how you get a gambling addiction,” Aaron playfully chided.
“But I didn’t,” Spencer smiled as they reached his car. “And now money isn’t something I struggle with. So,” he shrugged.
“Can’t say I’m struggling with either,” Aaron chuckled.
“Clearly,” Spencer said, motioning to the restaurant.
“Yes, well,” Aaron smiled, dimples showing (though it seemed like a shy one). “We should do this again.”
“I’d like that. And I will research my knowledge of t-Rex’s. They had feathers, Aaron.”
“You’re so ridiculous,” Aaron chuckled, a wider, more genuine smile on his lips, deeper dimples.
Spencer returned it, “You have dimples,” he commented.
“I do,” Aaron nodded, almost surprised Spencer mentioned it.
“I like them. I like your smile… I wish to see it more soon,” Spencer said softly. “You should get home to Jack. Goodnight, Aaron.”
Aaron blinked, but his smile only grew wider as Spencer pulled out his keys and walked to the driver's side of the vehicle.
“Goodnight, Spencer,” He called, and Spencer waved at him as he got into the car.
-7-
The next time Aaron invited Spencer to dinner, it was at his place. Spencer showed up to Aaron’s house, significantly less dressed down than he had been for the restaurant(just in a hoodie a bit too big and some regular pants), and Aaron let him in with a warm smile.
“Spencer!” Jack shouted, excited, and running over to Spencer to give him a hug.
“Hi buddy!” Spencer laughed, accepting the affection from the boy. “I missed you!”
“I missed you too!” Jack giggled, looking up at him. “Are you going to be making pizzas with us?”
“ Making pizzas?” Spencer asked, and Aaron smiled at him, sheepishly. “Mmm, I gusss so!”
“Yay!” Jack exclaimed, letting go of Spencer to run into the kitchen.
“ Making… Hotch?” Spencer asked softly, walking over to him.
“What’s more fun? Making a pizza or ordering it?” Aaron asked.
“What’s more work and clean up?” Spencer shot back.
“Fun is messy,” Aaron shrugged. “C’mon, you’re a man of science, remember? You can bake a pizza.”
“We’ll see,” Spencer chuckled, slipping his hoodie off. “Hey-“ He was startled as Aaron snagged it from him and tossed it on the couch.
“C’mon!” He chuckled, pulling Spencer into the kitchen.
“Don’t we have to let the dough rise and everything, for like, hours?” Spencer asked.
“Eh, depends on the yeast,” Aaron said, “and you know that.”
“I do,” Spencer chuckled. “Alright, let’s get started.”
Making the dough for the pizza was both fun and tedious. They made two different doughs, Spencer’s and then Jack teamed up with his Dad. That’s when it became a competition. Once the doughs were left to rise, they moved on to sauces, what toppings they wanted, they even had a flour fight.
Was the kitchen destroyed? Absolutely. Were the three of them having the time of their lives? Absolutely. Once the pizzas were in the oven, however, Spencer and Aaron sent Jack out to set up a movie in the living room while the adults cleaned up a bit.
“Thanks,” Aaron said after Spencer rinsed off a cloth.
“For what? Wiping the counter?”
“For playing along, he’s been wanting to do this since you made breakfast with him,” Aaron explained.
“And yet he teamed with you,” Spencer hummed.
“I’m Dad,” Aaron said, and Spencer chuckled, nodding.
“Yes, and you're a great one,” Spencer said softly, happy to see that more bashful smile back on Aaron’s face.
“Yeah, well… I try,” Aaron chuckled. “It’s not easy.”
“Life never is,” Spencer hummed, and Aaron nodded in agreement as they finished up cleaning.
Once the pizzas were out, Spencer was deemed the winner by taste and presentation, but Jacks and Aaron’s was still pretty good. The three of them ate both, with glasses of soda, juice for Jack, as they watched the Fox and the Hound, Jack’s personal favorite.
The boy was knocked out by the end of the movie, and Aaron carried him into his room, returning to Spencer to see the genius curled back up in his hoodie.
“Are you wanting to spend the night?” Aaron asked, sitting back down next to him. “Because, if you are… I could crack open some wine, we can watch another movie.”
“Sounds like you’re trying to coerce me,” Spencer said with a small smile.
“Is that a no?” Aaron asked.
“Do I have to sleep on the couch?” Spencer asked.
“I’ve got a spare room, of course not,” Aaron chuckled.
“I guess I could have some wine,” Spencer said with a small smile. Aaron returned it as he stood, tossing the remote to Spencer.
“Oh, bad idea,” Spencer teased, and Aaron chuckled as he went into the kitchen to get the wine as Spencer started the movie.
It was a good night.