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This was the third time in just a little over a week that Jack had convinced Aaron to go to the local ice skating rink. He would have said no; it was freezing in there, he couldn’t skate very well and he had a cold case that required all of his attention. If it wasn’t for Jack’s puppy dog eyes and the cute, lanky man that worked the little hot chocolate booth he wouldn’t have agreed to it. Aaron hadn’t gotten to talk to him much aside from ordering their usual order of hot chocolate with a mountain of marshmallows for Jack and his simple, probably boring, black coffee and some horrific small talk, but he found himself wanting to.
“Be careful,” Aaron called out as Jack stepped onto the ice, skates properly fitted around his feet and wrapped in a thick jacket, paddings snugly wrapped around his knees and elbows. Aaron would feel better if the kid wore a helmet, but Jack refused and he couldn’t fully blame him for that.
“Are you not joining him on the ice today?” A soft voice came from behind him.
Aaron turned around, only to be met with the sparkling, brown eyes of the man working the hot chocolate booth. “I would rather not. I don’t think I have a hidden ice skating talent. I barely made it off the ice in one piece last time.”
The man let out a soft laugh. “You did better than most people. Believe me, it can get messy out there. It’s quite entertaining to watch. As long as no one gets seriously hurt of course.”
“Do you skate?” Aaron glanced over towards the ice again, but Jack was perfectly fine. He was skating around with a boy his age, laughing about something. It was nice to see Jack so happy and open again after what had happened to his mother.
“Me? Oh, no- definitely not. I am already clumsy enough on land let alone on frozen water.” The man seemed to shudder at the idea alone. “Coffee? Or are you finally brave enough to try my hot chocolate? I promise it won’t disrupt the intimidating, alpha male vibe you’ve got going on.” The man gave him just a hint of a smile, but it caused his whole face to lit up.
Aaron chuckled before nodding. “Coffee is fine, thank you,” he said before he laughed. “It’s nothing personal, hot chocolate is usually far too sweet for my taste.”
“You wound me sir,” the man sighed in response as he prepared Aaron’s coffee.
Aaron smiled, “maybe next time. Jack really loves it and please, call me Aaron.”
The man hummed in response. “Good to know. I was beginning to worry that he only liked the marshmallows,” he laughed as he handed the man his coffee. “It’s on the house Aaron, for making a slow day a little more entertaining.”
“Thank you,” Aaron took a grateful sip of the coffee. He hesitated for a second. “What is your name?” He asked, “if I am allowed to be so blunt.”
“My name’s Spencer,” the man in question responded.
Aaron smiled at that. The name was fitting. “Well, it is nice to officially meet you Spencer.”
Spencer returned the smile. “Likewise. Seems like we might see a lot of each other this Christmas season.”
“Hopefully so,” Aaron heard himself saying. Was that a blush? Cute.
Aaron knew that he was a little rusty when it came to flirting, but it was nice to know that he still had it in him. Morgan would never let him hear the end of it if he found out that Aaron thought that this was flirting, but luckily for him, the rest of his team wasn’t there to embarrass him.
Before Spencer could respond a woman came up to the stand, ordering five cups of hot chocolate for her family and Aaron was forced to focus his attention back on Jack, keeping an eye on him as he enjoyed his coffee.
—
Aaron was called into an urgent case the next day, ruining any plans of going back to the ice skating rink to be able to talk to the intriguing man a little more.
It was almost five days later when he finally found himself watching Jack walk onto the ice again. He watched as the boy skated around, smiling. A few minutes later he turned towards the booth. He didn’t want to appear too eager, but he was excited to see Spencer again. God, when was the last time he had felt like this about someone?
“Oh, hi Aaron!” Spencer practically beamed. “The same as usual?”
Aaron laughed. “Yes please, you know that I need that after a long day at the office.”
“And you still find time to bring your son here? That’s sweet. Been busy at work?” Spencer asked, pouring the man a cup of coffee.
“You could say that,” Aaron said, grateful for the coffee. “Yes, Jack loves this place. He wants to go here every winter. I can’t remember ever seeing you here before though.”
“Here, try this,” Spencer said as he placed a freshly baked oatmeal and white chocolate cookie onto a paper plate and handed it to Aaron. “First time doing this here. I just got transferred to a new university to teach some classes and work on a research paper, but I always like bringing some holiday cheer to the neighborhood. I never enjoyed the holidays much as a child so, if I can brighten someone else’s then I gladly do so. It helps that I only give like four lectures a week,” he smiled at him.
Aaron bit into the cookie. “That is delicious,” he said, licking his lips. “You seem quite young to be a professor,” he commented.
Spencer nodded. “I am, but I have an above average IQ and an eidetic memory, graduated both high school and college early.”
“I would say that classifies you as a genius,” Aaron said, a brow raised as he watched Spencer.
Spencer blushed at that, “I guess so. Most people don’t see it that way though.”
“If they are intimidated by your intelligence, that is on them,” Aaron said.
“Thanks,” Spencer looked around, noticed that there weren’t any other customers coming and took a moment to pour himself a coffee.
“Now I definitely know that your hot chocolate will be too sweet for me,” Aaron laughed as he watched Spencer pour in three packets of sugar.
“Hey!” Spencer pouted at that. “You should give it a try. You might be surprised.”
“Is that so?” Aaron grinned. Before he could continue they were interrupted by a young, blonde boy walking up, skates already off.
“Spencer’s hot chocolate is great,” Jack said. “Can I have some dad?”
“Of course,” Aaron said, “are you done skating?”
Spencer busied himself by preparing a hot chocolate for Jack, adding the mountain of marshmallows he always asked for with precision.
“Think so! Aunt Jessica took me here a couple of days ago and my legs are still sore.” Jack sat down on one of the benches, swinging his legs.
“She mentioned that,” Aaron said with a smile.
“Here you go Jack,” Spencer handed Jack the hot chocolate and the boy smiled up at him.
“Thanks Spencer.”
Aaron paid before glancing over at Jack. “How did you two learn each other’s names?” He asked curiously.
“Spencer seemed a bit sad last time I was here so I went to talk to him with Aunt Jessica. He gave me free cookies,” Jack grinned. “I wanted to save some for you, but I ate all of them because they were so good.”
Spencer blushed, busying himself with cleaning up the counter. “Hope that’s alright. Jessica said that it was fine,” he said.
Aaron smiled, “of course. Maybe just not every time we come by.”
Jack pouted at that. “But Spencer’s cookies are great! Almost as good as Penelope’s cookies,” he said, “and did you know that Spencer knows magic?” He grinned.
“Don’t let Penelope hear you, she doesn’t like baking competition.” Aaron looked between Spencer and Jack, smiling lightly. He couldn’t help, but notice that Jack seemed to try to hype Spencer up a little. Interesting.
“You give me too much credit,” Spencer chuckled as he took a sip of his own coffee. “I can teach you a magic trick some other time,” he said.
Jack smiled at that, “that would be cool!”
Aaron glanced at his watch. “We should go. Jack has some homework to do, but I am sure we will come back another evening,” he said.
Jack nodded with a grin. “Yes! I want to skate more and then you can talk to Spencer more,” he said with the directness that could only be so effortlessly produced by a young child.
Aaron cleared his throat, smiling at a shy looking Spencer. “Well, you heard him. I hope I am not taking up too much of your time.”
Spencer sent him a smile, face flushed. “You aren’t. I don’t mind the company.”
“Good to know,” Aaron winked at him, “enjoy the rest of your evening Spencer.”
“You too.”
Aaron and Jack made their way towards the parking lot. Aaron rubbed his cold hands together. “So, what makes you think I want to talk to Spencer more?” He asked curiously once they were both situated in the car.
Jack shrugged. “He makes you smile a lot,” he stated, “and he’s really kind. No one who’s unkind would spend their free time selling hot chocolate and cookies in December and January!”
Aaron hummed non committedly at that. His job had taught him that any kind of person could be capable of horrendous things, but he didn’t want to instill that fear into Jack. The boy knew to be careful and that was enough.
“That he does,” Aaron admitted with a smile of his own.
“And I like seeing you happy,” Jack said, “but I also really want to skate!”
—
The next time Jack successfully managed to convince Aaron to go to the ice skating rink, it hadn’t actually taken that much convincing, was just a few days later. Work had thankfully been a little bit slower than usual and Aaron hoped it stayed that way. The holidays were nearing and Aaron didn’t want to miss out on spending the holidays with Jack. The team would celebrate together regardless with partners and kids, but it wasn’t the same as waking up on Christmas morning to a happy Jack.
“Good evening Aaron,” a cheerful voice greeted him with a smile. “The same as usual?”
“Yes please,” Aaron turned to face Spencer. “Jack’s becoming really good at skating.” He grabbed his cup of coffee from the man. “Quiet evening?”
“Yes, from my understanding it will most likely pick up once winter break starts. Can’t believe time is going so fast,” Spencer hummed. “We’re closed on Christmas and New Years however.”
“That must be nice,” Aaron said, “I can’t believe you find the time to work on a research paper and run this little booth almost every evening and weekends.”
Spencer shrugged his shoulders. “I wouldn’t have minded working the holidays. I don’t have any plans,” he admitted before smiling at that. “It’s only three days a week and every Saturday, it’s not so bad. I also write it while working, just up here,” he tapped the side of his head. “I just type it out whenever I can.”
Aaron nodded at that, “no family in the area?” The question was casual enough to hopefully not come off as prying. “I am jealous and also more than a little impressed. It takes me months to even find all the resources to write a proper research paper and I am sure most people would classify me as a workaholic.”
“No, my mom lives in Vegas,” Spencer said and cleared his throat. “Well, I am sure that your job asks a lot more of you than mine does. Jack told me that you are a real life superhero ,” he grinned, “I doubt a professor would ever be called a superhero.”
Aaron laughed at that. “Maybe not, but who knows? Jack seems to be pretty smitten with you. It usually takes him a while to warm up to people.”
“Really?” Spencer cocked his head to the side, “he didn’t strike me as the shy type, but I am glad he likes me. It’s nice to see some familiar faces every once in a while.”
“I am convinced it’s because you know magic. That’s hard to beat,” Aaron smiled, leaning against the counter as he sipped from his coffee.
“He gives me too much credit,” Spencer chuckled.
“I don’t think so,” Aaron said, smiling at him. “I don’t know you that well yet, but you seem very genuine and kind and that counts for a lot.”
“Oh;” Spencer’s cheeks flushed (Aaron thought that it was really cute), “thank you Aaron.”
Aaron glanced over towards the ice and saw Jack heading over towards the exit, seemingly ready to head home for the evening. He took a deep breath. He was a grown man, he could do this. The worst case Spencer rejected him and a potential friendship would be ruined.
“Spencer?” Aaron asked and the other man looked up.
“Yes?”
“Can I maybe take you out to dinner sometime?” Aaron asked, his own cheeks flushing just a little.
Spencer’s eyes widened. “As a date?” He asked uncertainty.
Aaron couldn’t help, but smile at the blush that crept onto the other man’s cheeks as he nodded. “As a date,” he confirmed.
The man’s face brightened at that. “I would like that a lot.”
Aaron smiled at that. “Are you free this Sunday?” He asked.
Spencer nodded. “I am!” He scribbled something on a piece of paper before handing it over to Aaron. “Text me?” He asked with a shy smile.
“I will,” Aaron smiled as he pocketed the piece of paper. “Have a good rest of your evening Spencer.”
“You too,” Spencer grinned widely.
–
Aaron had a hard time not smiling his entire way through his Friday at the office. He and Spencer had been texting a bit back and forth all day. Every new text caused the corners of his lips to tuck up just a little. Sadly, it didn’t go unnoticed by the rest of his team.
“You are in an awfully good mood today,” Rossi said as he approached Aaron by the coffee machine in their break room. “Who got you smiling like that?”
Aaron almost choked on the sip of coffee he had just taken. “Don’t know what you are on about Dave.”
“You think that being a profiler would make you a better liar than that,” Rossi grinned. “Who’s the lucky lady?”
At that Aaron rolled his eyes. “There’s no lucky lady,” he said, which technically wasn’t a lie. “I am just happy that the budget meeting with the board got canceled,” he said, “those can drag on for hours.” He followed Rossi back into the bullpen.
Morgan raised a brow as he watched the two come in. “I bet Hotch is finally getting laid again. I haven’t seen him smile at his phone this much in months.”
“Scratch that, it has been years,” Prentiss said with a knowing smirk.
“Who’s getting laid?” Garcia walked by, dropping some new files onto everyone’s desk.
Aaron cleared his throat. “You are wrong Morgan and also, don’t you guys have work to do? You can gossip once the clock hits five and preferably not about my personal life.”
He took the steps up to his office two at a time, failing to hide a smile when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He knew it was silly, he barely knew the man, but he already couldn’t get him out of his head.
If he had looked over his shoulder he would have noticed the others exchanging a knowing smile, but even if he would have he wouldn’t have been able to bring himself to care.
—
Sunday evening rolled around quicker than Aaron had anticipated. Jessica had been so gracious to look after Jack, after a healthy amount of teasing. He had tried to play it down for Jack’s sake, but the boy was too smart for his own good. He counted himself lucky though, that Jack seemed to like Spencer and to not even blink at the fact that his dad was interested in another man.
Aaron and Spencer had decided to drive separately to the restaurant, both preferring it that way and wanting to take things slow, or at least try too. He didn’t know the man that well yet, but he didn’t get the feeling that the man was someone who messed around a lot which Aaron preferred. A lot of people had told him to just enjoy the dating process and to enjoy meeting new people after he divorced Haley, but he had never been one to do so and before he had laid his eyes on Spencer no one had seriously caught his attention.
When Aaron stepped into the restaurant Spencer was already seated at a table, looking as gorgeous as ever. He walked over and smiled, sitting down across from him. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long.”
Spencer looked up with a smile, placing the book he had been reading to the side. “Oh no, you are perfectly on time. I was a little early. Nervous I guess,” he admitted.
“Nervous?” Aaron asked. “You don’t have to be.”
“I don’t do first dates very often,” Spencer admitted, busying himself by looking over the menu. “And I was kind of surprised you asked me out in the first place. I’m not always the best at picking up social cues and I wasn’t sure if you were actually flirting with me or being kind.”
“Neither do I,” Aaron said.
The waiter stopped their conversation for a few seconds. Both men ordered their choice of drink and appetizers before giving each other their full attention again.
“That might have been on me. I am not very good at the whole flirting thing. It’s been a while,” Aaron laughed.
“I have a hard time believing that,” Spencer admitted. “I am sure all the mom’s ogle you when you drop Jack off at school,” he said, a hint of playfulness in his voice.
The comment caused Aaron to laugh; “I can’t say I have ever paid enough attention to notice.”
They both thanked the waiter when they came back with their drinks. Aaron took a measured sip of his drink, wanting to savor it. Considering that he was going to have to drive back home he couldn’t be going around getting wasted even though the idea of some liquid courage sounded nice. Despite the fact that he told Spencer he didn’t have to be nervous, he was still rather nervous himself.
Conversation began to flow smoothly after that. Aaron found himself intrigued by Spencer’s intelligence and cleverly placed jokes. His voice was mesmerizing. He was convinced that he could listen to him reading the dictionary from start to finish without getting bored. He was also convinced that he must look like a love sick puppy. He couldn’t remember the last time someone new had caught his attention like this. Maybe he just didn’t fall for people very often, but when he did find someone it always hit him hard and fast and while it was scary Aaron found himself enjoying the new feelings that came with it; the excitement and the nerves and the giddiness that came from noticing that Spencer seemed to enjoy their date as much as he was.
Dessert was served, a piece of raspberry cheesecake for them to split.
“This looks amazing,” Spencer said with a pleased sigh, scooping some of the cake onto his fork and taking a bite. The satisfied hum that escaped his lips caused Aaron’s cheeks to heat up just a little. “Mm,” Spencer hummed, licking his lips.
Aaron took a bite and nodded in confirmation. “Okay, that is really good,” he said with a satisfied sigh.
“This might have been the best meal I’ve had in months or years. I hate cooking,” Spencer chuckled, “it’s not that I can’t cook, but cooking for one person gets kind of tedious.”
“I can imagine,” Aaron said,” not that I have had many culinary adventures. Jack is not a picky eater, but he still prefers the safety of mac and cheese and chicken nuggets, especially if they are shaped like dinosaurs.”
Spencer laughed. “I can’t criticize him. That sounds like my diet,” he grinned, “with the addition of coffee.”
Aaron chuckled, “I can cook a proper meal for you once, if you want? I’m really enjoying our evening together.”
Spencer blushed and Aaron was quickly learning that making the younger man blush like that was becoming one of his favorite things. “I would like that a lot. Like a second date?” The man asked with a little uncertainty.
Aaron nodded, “if you would like that. I really like getting to know you better.”
“I would like that. I would like that a lot,” Spencer smiled.
“Good. My work schedule can be a bit hectic, but maybe next week, if I am not out of town?” Aaron’s hand reached over, carefully brushing his fingers over Spencer’s who blushed.
“Sounds perfect, you know my schedule,” Spencer smiled at him, reaching out and grabbing Aaron’s hand in his own.
Aaron nodded, unable to stop a grin from spreading across his face.
They finished their dessert with comfortable conversations and shy smiles. Aaron paid for their dinner, ignoring Spencer’s shy protests. After all, he had asked the man out and old-fashioned as it may be, it felt right to be the one paying.
The two men left the restaurant, hands brushing against each other occasionally.
Aaron walked Spencer to his car. “I had a really good time,” he said, cocking his head to the side as he met the man’s eyes, “Spencer?”
Spencer’s cheeks flushed that lovely shade of red yet again as he blinked up at Aaron, “yes?”
“Is it too early for me to ask you if I can kiss you goodnight?” Aaron asked.
The younger man grinned at that. “Well, we did say we would try to take it slow..” he teased, “but I would much rather kiss you right now than worry about relationship timelines and their statistics.”
Aaron smiled at that, shaking his head. “I bet you could ramble them from the top of your head.” His hand moved up to cup Spencer’s jaw.
“I could,” Spencer said with a shrug. “But I am much more interested in kissing you.”
Aaron closed the small distance and pressed his lips against Spencer’s. The kiss was soft and didn’t last very long, but it still caused his heart to race faster and his mind to wander to the topic of all the other things he wanted to do to Spencer.
The man tasted like coffee and cinnamon and a hint of raspberries and all Aaron wanted was to press the man against the car and kiss him until they were both breathless.
He didn’t do that however. He kept the kiss soft and gentle and pulled away after a few seconds, meeting the eyes of an equally as giddy and blushing Spencer.
“Text me when you made it home safely?” Aaron asked to which Spencer nodded.
“I will. Thank you for tonight Aaron, I had a great time,” he said
Aaron gave him one last, soft kiss before taking a few steps backwards, smiling. “Goodnight Spencer.”
“Goodnight Aaron.”
—
The next day they were called in to look into an urgent case in a small town in Texas, but even that couldn’t put a damper on Aaron’s good mood. He knew how to reel it in of course. He took his skill to have a good poker face and to not show when things affected him in stride. After all, it was a rather impressive skill to have.
The skill was worth a lot less around a group of profilers who could read him better than anyone else. It wasn’t as if he wanted to keep this a secret, all though he wasn’t quite ready for the relentless teasing that would ensue and the fact that no one had ever questioned his sexuality did make him a little nervous, but he wanted to keep Spencer to himself, if just for a little bit.
The case was rounded up rather quickly and only four days later they were back on their way to Virginia. They had texted back and forth a bit, but Aaron had been busy and Spencer seemed to respect that, which he was grateful for. While Spencer’s texts brought a smile to his face they were also a little distracting.
Aaron’s urge to keep Spencer to himself wasn’t strong enough to resist the urge to call him while on the jet and ask for that second date they had been talking about. So while he sorted through his paperwork and made sure that most of his team was distracted he reached for his phone and called Spencer.
The sound of his voice made him smile instantly. “Hi,” he said, keeping his voice rather neutral so as to not raise suspicion from the rest of the team, but it was still impossible to ignore the looks he got almost instantly. “How have you been?”
“Good,” Spencer said, “I have been busy working on my research paper. Nothing exciting has been going on if I am completely honest. How have you been?”
Aaron smiled. “It’s been a busy few days, but I am doing well. We are on our way back home now,” he said, raising a brow as he met Prentiss’ curious eyes and he tried to give her a warning glance, but it didn’t quite work.
Spencer hummed in response. “I am glad to hear that. I know it’s not my place to worry, but I am happy to know that you’re coming back home in one piece.”
“That’s sweet,” Aaron said, “but you don’t have to worry. I don’t have that much time right now, but I was wondering if you wanted to have that dinner we talked about tomorrow?”
Aaron could practically hear the smile in the other man’s voice. “I would like that! Do you want me to bring anything?” Spencer asked.
Aaron shook his head. “No, I will take care of it,” he promised. “Is seven alright with you?”
“Seven is perfect,” Spencer confirmed.
Aaron smiled as he could hear the other man yawn on the other side of the line. “Tired?” He asked. “You should try to get some sleep.”
“I was just about to hop into the shower when you called,” Spencer said.
“I won’t keep you for much longer then. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight."
The phone call ended. Aaron pocketed his phone and reached for the stack of paperwork.
“Did my ears betray me? Aaron Hotchner has a date,” Prentiss grinned.
“Your ears work just fine,” Aaron said, his brows furrowed as he went to look through the stack of files.
“So, when will we get to meet this mystery lady?” JJ asked. You haven’t dated in years.”
“She must be very special since you rejected all of the women I tried to introduce to you,” Rossi said.
Aaron resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he looked up at them. “I am sure that you will meet them eventually. Now if you don’t mind I have to finish the case work. Unless you guys want a heavier load.”
“No thanks,” Rossi raised his glass at him with a grin.
“You should invite her to Rossi’s new years party,” JJ suggested, “it will be perfect! I know more people who are bringing a date.”
Aaron nodded non-committedly at that, but he would think about it. All though he couldn’t help but be a little nervous about the team finding out that he was dating a man.
–
Aaron opened the door for Spencer, smiling at him. “Come on in,” he said, stepping to the side. He waited until the man was inside before leaning in to give him an almost shy peck on the lips.
“I brought something anyway. It isn’t anything big, but showing up empty handed just felt wrong.. since well, you are cooking me a whole meal and all I had to do was show up-” Spencer cut himself off and he blushed as he handed Aaron a box of expensive looking coffee chocolate truffles and a bottle of wine.
“These look amazing,” Aaron said, “thank you Spencer.” He led the man into the kitchen.
The table was already set. It smelled rather delicious if Aaron said so himself. He had made an array of food with the help of some recipes he had gotten from Rossi and Garcia. He had prepared Rossi’s famous carbonara recipe (he wasn’t sure if it was as good as Dave’s, but he had tasted it and decided that it was a pretty good attempt) along with a mini parmesan and pickled chili pan pizza and a side salad. For dessert he had gratefully accepted Garcia’s recipe for her very popular almond and apple crumble.
“This all smells amazing,” Spencer said, “I can’t believe you actually made all of this yourself.”
“I can find cooking relaxing from time to time,” Aaron said, “and I am rather active which increases the need for healthy and delicious meals… and now I sound like an infomercial,” he said, causing Spencer to laugh.
The younger man said at the table. “I can’t relate. I used to cook a lot when I was younger for my mum and I, but nowadays I can’t find the motivation to do so. So I just opt for quick and easy things,” he admitted.
Aaron poured them both a glass of wine before he began to plate their food. “It’s definitely easier when it isn’t just you. ”
He remembered when he had been freshly divorced from Haley and Jack wasn’t living with him anymore, it had been hard to even find the motivation to leave the office most nights. Being wrapped up in his work had been the easiest way to deal with the newfound loneliness. That didn’t seem like a good conversation topic for a second date though.
“This looks amazing,” Spencer said, smiling up at Aaron.
Once Aaron sat down across from Spencer the two dug into the meal.
“How has your research paper been coming together?” Aaron asked curiously, smiling at Spencer encouragingly.
“Oh, it’s been going well! I think I am finished with my first draft now;” Spencer said. “They have expressed some interest in giving me a contract for a more permanent research and teasing position and I’ve been thinking about accepting the offer. I think I would like to stay here for a while,” he smiled at Aaron, “now that I have something that might be worth staying for.”
That caused Aaron to smile. “Well, I wouldn’t be opposed to you sticking around,” he said. The blush on Spencer’s cheeks only caused his smile to widen even more. “Did you always want to be a professor?”
“Oh no, for the longest time I had no clue what I wanted to do,” Spencer admitted, “but I love learning and I love teaching people new things especially when they are interested. Younger me wouldn’t have believed it though. I hated talking in front of big groups. I never even liked meeting new people. What about you? Did you always want to work for the FBI?” He asked curiously.
Aaron shook his head. “I used to be a lawyer, but it was getting harder and harder to deal with always being one step behind the people committing the crimes. I wanted to be able to actually help people before it was too late.”
Spencer nodded in response. “That makes a lot of sense,” he said, smiling up at Aaron. “That can’t be an easy job. It’s very admirable.”
Aaron felt himself blush at that. “Oh, thank you-” he said, but he still changed the subject. While enjoying their dinner they ended up talking about anything and everything; chatting away about their favorite movies, the latest books they had read, places they wanted to travel to and exchanging stories from their childhoods.
He loved talking to Spencer. Conversation just seemed to flow so easily between them. He hadn’t felt this at ease with someone new in months, maybe even years. Not that he had given himself much of a chance to go out and meet new people.
After they had both eaten their fair share of dinner and dessert they had moved their conversation to the couch. Aaron’s arm was lazily wrapped around Spencer’s shoulders, fingers trailing up and down his arm. Spencer was resting against Aaron’s side, long legs stretched out onto the couch.
Spencer leaned over to place the empty wine glass onto the table before nuzzling back into Aaron’s side. “I never want to move again;” he sighed contently.
Aaron laughed at that. “You are more than welcome to stay,” he admitted.
“I am thinking about it.”
Aaron smiled as he watched Spencer’s eyes flutter shut. His fingers began to cart through his hair. “Only if you are comfortable,” he said, “”nothing has to happen. I am more than happy just holding you like this.”
Spencer smiled at that, “mm- fine. I don’t think it would be good for me to drive home right now. I think I’ve had too much wine for it to be considered safe.”
Before Aaron could respond, Spencer leaned in to press their lips together, deepening the kiss and who was he to protest? .
–
The next morning Aaron had invited Spencer to Rossi’s New Years eve party. It seemed rather fast, but it felt right. It wasn’t a big holiday. It was one that was often celebrated with friends and he knew that more people would be taking dates. Spencer had agreed and Aaron had been so relieved.
Spencer had to leave after that. Aaron had told him that Jack probably wouldn’t have minded him being there but they both agreed that it might be a bit too fast for the boy to know that Spencer had slept over.
So they parted after a quick breakfast of toast and yogurts. with long kisses and sweet smiles and it had been hard to watch Spencer walk away. Aaron definitely fell too hard and too fast and he knew he could be setting himself up for getting hurt, but he had a feeling that Spencer might be the one for him.
The risk of getting hurt was worth it if it meant that he got to have someone like Spencer in his life.
–
“The David Rossi lives here? Oh, wow. This place is amazing,” Spencer said as he followed Aaron and Jack towards the front door. “I promise I will keep the fangirling to a minimum.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it,” Aaron smiled, wrapping his arm around Spencer’s waist, “he loves to talk about his books.”
“Good to know,” Spencer said. He took a deep breath as they stopped at the door.
“Nervous?” Aaron asked. “So am I,” he admitted.
“Do they still think that you are bringing a woman?” Spencer asked and Aaron chuckled in response.
“I assume so, but I promise, they are all really nice,” Aaron said, “you don’t have anything to worry about and neither do I.”
Spencer nodded. “I trust your judgment. From what you’ve told me they are good people. I just hope they will like me.”
“They would be crazy not to.”
After taking one last, deep breath Aaron knocked on the door. He had been pleasantly surprised when Spencer had agreed to join him to the new year’s party Dave was hosting. It would be their third date, if they were still counting, and he knew it was rather fast to be introducing him to the team, but he really wanted to spend the evening with both Jack and Spencer and his friends.
Dave opened the door and Jack dartled into the house with a grin, rushing towards the back yard instantly while calling for someone named ‘Henry.’ “Well, Jack’s excited,” Dave chuckled. “Evening Aaron and who’s this?” Dave’s eyes lingered on Aaron’s arm around Spencer’s waist for a few seconds too long, easily putting two and two together.
“This is Spencer,” Aaron introduced the man, meeting Dave’s eyes as to almost dare him to say anything. “Sorry we are a little late. There was lots of traffic.”
“Come on in, come on in. It’s nice to meet you Spencer,” Dave said, stepping to the side.
Spencer smiled at him, giving him a small wave as a way of greeting instead of shaking his hand. “It’s nice to meet you too. I love your books. I have read all of them, more than once,” he said, unable to hide the enthusiasm in his voice and Aaron had a hard time hiding his own smile.
“Good taste I see. Everyone’s out in the yard,” Dave said, handing them both a glass of wine before leading them out into the backyard.
Dave had outdone himself. The garden was nicely decorated with fairy lights. Snacks were widely spread out on two long tables and there was music being played. Most of the team and some other members of the bureau were seated around a large, round table chatting away. Aaron spotted Jack by Henry’s side near the table, eating cookies he was positive were Garcia’s.
“Look who’s finally arrived,” Prentiss said, “I thought it was pretty much impossible for you to be late. I am glad you proved me wrong,” she teased, raising her glass of wine at him.
“Where’s your date?” Morgan asked with a grin.
Aaron resisted the urge to grin. “Guys, this is Spencer. Please don’t overdo it with all the questions. I would prefer to not have my date undergo a formal interrogation,” he said.
Morgan’s eyes widened a little before smiling. “You could have told us,” he said, but Aaron just shrugged with a knowing smile.
“It didn’t seem that important and I did say that there wasn’t a lucky lady,” he said. He introduced the other guests to Spencer who gave them a wave instead of shaking their hands.
“It’s really nice to meet all of you,” he said as he sat down next to Aaron at the table, taking a sip of his wine.
“Oh my god! Look at you,” Garcia gushed. “You are so handsome. No wonder Hotch has been in such a good mood lately!”
Spencer’s eyes widened just a little. “Oh- uhm thank you,” he said, his cheeks flushing.
“Don’t worry,” Prentiss promised, “we won’t give you a hard time, but we will definitely use this new information to make fun of Hotch.”
Aaron took a desperate sip of wine. “It’s not too late to leave,” he joked and Spencer laughed. He reached under the table to grab Spencer’s hand and he gave it a squeeze. Spencer squeezed back, melting into Aaron’s side as the conversation around them picked up again.
–
“He is really nice,” JJ said as Aaron joined her by the makeshift bar, pouring himself a drink. He glanced over his shoulder at Spencer and Garcia who were chatting away. Aaron wasn’t sure about what.
“That he is. He’s a good person,” Aaron agreed. “I haven’t felt about someone like this since well.. Haley I guess.”
JJ nodded. “I am happy for you,” she said.
Aaron returned her smile, “thank you.”
Aaron was more than relieved that his team hadn’t commented on the fact that he was dating a man. A part of him had known that he didn’t have to worry. They had never given him any reason to think otherwise. He knew that the thing he had to worry about the most was the hurt that would come from him not thrusting them enough to tell them, but he knew that it would be alright in the end. That was a conversation for another time, but not tonight.
–
“I don’t think I have ever had someone to kiss on New Year’s eve,” Spencer admitted as he leaned into Aaron’s side.
Both men were quite intoxicated. They would definitely have to take a cab home because neither would be cleared to drive unless they sobered up for a few hours.
“Never?” Aaron repeated, his arms moving to wrap around Spencer’s waist. “I will never be able to understand how people didn’t show you how much of a catch you are. Honestly? I am still kind of surprised you agreed to date me,” he grinned.
“Turns out that you are just my type,” Spencer teased.
“What? Too serious and grumpy?” Aaron joked.
Spencer laughed in response. “Handsome and intelligent, funny and caring.. ambitious,” he hummed, “and I don’t think I have ever seen you properly grumpy, but I am sure that when I do I will be able to handle it just fine.”
“It’s time, it’s time!” Garcia rushed by, pushing champagne into everyone’s hands.
Aaron guided them closer to Jack. “Excited to see the fireworks buddy?” He asked.
Jack nodded instantly. “Yes dad,” he grinned. “It’s always my favorite part. Dave said that the fireworks this time will be even better than last!”
“I don’t doubt it,” Aaron said with a smile, “he went all out this year.”
When time rolled around they all began to count down. Spencer’s head rested on Aaron’s shoulder and the older man was unable to stop from smiling. He knew that what he and Spencer had was still new. Too new to make any promises of forever and I love you’s, but he was excited for what the future would bring.
“Three. Two. One!”
Aaron carefully captured Spencer’s lips into a long kiss.
“Happy new year Spencer,” he murmured after they pulled apart, smiling down at the younger man.
“Happy new year Aaron.”