Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Spencer sat on the couch, a lamp beside him his only source of light while Ethan slept next to him. He strained to read the envelope, lack of light not helping his lack of glasses. He leaned over slightly, Ethan falling with him, to hold the paper next to the light. When he was able to make out the typed return address his throat tightened. 

"Holy shit," He said, and Ethan stirred in his sleep. "Holy shit!" He whispered again, tearing the envelope open. His eyes darted over the papers in a matter of seconds and this time he couldn't contain his excitement, jumping up and sending Ethan flying to the other side of the couch at the disturbance. 

"I got accepted!" Spencer yelled, ignoring Ethan's protest about his disturbed sleep. "Fuck yeah, I got accepted!"

Ethan stared at Spencer for a moment, trying to connect the dots in his head before his eyes widened and he jumped up, nearly stumbling over his own feet. "I knew it! I told you you would!" He launched across their small living room, enveloping Spencer in a hug that he couldn't escape if he wanted to. 

Spencer stood for a second, motionless, before reciprocating the hug, tucking his head into the crook of Ethan's neck. "I got in," He whispered. "I'm going to Quantico..."

"We are, Spencer. Don't think just because you got into some fancy FBI Academy you can get rid of me," Ethan smiled, pulling away so he could look Spencer in the eye. "Did you eat dinner?" Spencer shook his head no and Ethan tutted. "Of course not. Let me make you dinner and you can tell me all about the plan I know you've already made for our move and housing and employment?"

Spencer couldn't control the grin that appeared, nodding erratically and letting Ethan guide him to the kitchen. 

"So, I'm about to do my dissertation defense and you're about to earn your Masters, as soon as we do we'll head to..."

Ethan had lived in many places in his 22 years, yet he had never experienced snow. That was one thing he was looking forwards to when the time came, and even though Spencer frowned at the mention he knew that the genius was excited for the new experience as well. Ethan almost wished it was winter when he packed the last of their boxes into the back of his car, sweat dripping down his neck and marking the chest and underarms of his shirt. He'd have to shower before Spencer came anywhere near him. 

"Is that everything, Spence?" Ethan asked, and Spencer nodded, squeezing Ethan's hand before handing off the keys, letting Ethan drive. He glanced into the back of the car that was so filled with boxes it was near impossible to see through the rear window. Spencer had gone on about the dangers of blind driving, and Ethan had reminded him their tight budget to accomplish their move across the country didn't include a moving van. 

"Everything we need," Spencer said, clicking his seatbelt. Ethan did the same and started the car, the low rumble of the engine worrying them just enough to wonder if they'd make it all the way from California to Virginia. When Ethan turned over and saw the sunrise reflecting pink and orange onto Spencer's pale skin, he didn't think he even minded where they'd end up. As long as it was the two of them.

Spencer had lived the first thirteen years of his life without Ethan, but the first two weeks without him, while he had to stay on campus at the Academy, was almost worse than the Academy in and of itself. He was so excited at joining Ethan in their apartment, when he was finally allowed home over the weekend, that he forgot about the bruises that littered his body from sparring and a bit of unfortunate hazing. 

"Ethan!" Spencer yelled, running into their apartment with no warning. Ethan hadn't known he'd be coming home that weekend and he was sitting in the kitchen, pouring himself a bowl of cereal. He dropped the box of Fruity Pebbles, letting them spill onto the ground, and spun around, wrapping his arms around Spencer. 

"You're home! You're home, you didn't get kicked out, right?"

Spencer laughed a bit, then held his ribs. "No, jackass, after two weeks we're allowed to go home on the weekend. I wanted to surprise you!"

Ethan grinned, ear to ear, "Wait, does this mean you'll be home every weekend?" He pulled back and the smile fell off his face. "Jesus, Spence, what the hell happened?"

Spencer shrugged a bit. "Sparring plus a little hazing that got out of control. But I'm okay! I talked to Agent Gideon and we're working on letting me go through the physical aspects without completing them since I excel in other fields!"

"Spencer, this," He motioned at Spencer's discolored body. "Isn't okay! You look worse than that picture of you from high school that you showed me. God, come sit down."

"I'm fine, E," Spencer said, but let Ethan pull him to their couch. He ignored the unpacked boxes surrounding them even though Ethan had told him he finished unpacking when they got to have a call a few nights ago. "I got checked out at the infirmary and they don't even hurt anymore! They're just ugly."

Ethan sighed, taking a minute to accept that this was a fight he shouldn't start, there was no way he'd win it. Based on the look in Spencer's eyes, he knew it too. 

"Baby, nothing about you is ugly," Ethan whispered over a yellow bruise on his collarbone and Spencer felt a chill down his spine. "But I really think you should let me check you out better. You know, in the bedroom?"

Spencer smiled, squinty eyes and teeth barring, and raced Ethan to the room, already stripping their shirts. 

Ethan fell into a comfortable routine in the remaining month's Spencer spent at the academy. Monday through Friday was spent at a stuffy office building where he did naught but move files and schedule appointments. Friday nights he worked at a jazz club he found by accident, playing whatever the patrons desired. Then he'd come home to Spencer visiting on the weekends and stay in bed with him, occasionally venturing to the nearest bookstore or cafe, and press repeat. 

His hands were calloused from the night at the bar, patrons requesting a string instrument rather than his preferred piano. He walked home, counting down the hours until Spencer would be home the next morning and could equivocally Ethan's until Sunday night. There was only one more month till Spencer's graduation and his, hopefully, hiring at the BAU. 

Walking down the yellow-lit streets, looking at the puddles before purposely stepping in them, not much could catch his attention. He thought about what he'd make for a snack when he got home, probably settling for leftovers in the fridge or a bowl of cereal, before he stopped in his tracks. The streetlights reflected into an open window of a small business, their display glittering in the lights. White plastic hands were adorned in bracelets, velvet busts had necklaces hanging delicately. What really caught his attention was a plain silver band, a note underneath it detailing its material and that it's Available to customize! 

Continuing his journey home Ethan distantly wondered what Spencer's ring size was. 

The boys made eye contact as Spencer walked next to his peers, all clad in similar suits, an occasional skirt, and they both grinned as big as either had since they last saw each other, a week ago. Ethan hadn't noticed the gradual changes as they came, but now, looking at Spencer in a suit up there with all the other cadets, he was proud to see an air of confidence around his boyfriend. He stood a bit straighter, he filled out his suit a bit better. Ethan had a single flower in his hand, his desire to congratulate Spencer overriding the need to keep their relationship secretive. 

Ethan watched Spencer shake another man's hand without flinching, even though the older caught the younger clenching his jaw as he did so. He laughed quietly, trying to avoid alerting the attention of the families and spouses who surrounded him. One had asked him who he was here for earlier, and Ethan had noticed the look that passed over her face when he pointed at the scrawny, obviously younger than his peers, man in a suit that was just a hair too big for him. He ignored her and when the audience was permitted to clap Ethan stood, cheering as loud as anyone, much to Spencer's chagrin. 

None of that mattered when they all mingled and Ethan pulled Spencer into a private room, Spencer giggling protests when they kissed. 

"What part of sneaking away after my graduation to kiss me in Quantico sounds like a good idea?" He asked, still kissing Ethan nonetheless. 

"Well, I didn't think the Academy would turn you into an exhibitionist but we can certainly make it happen if you want to do this out there?"

Spencer glared with no heat and smiled at the flower Ethan brought for him. It wasn't a normal flower, the petals looked more like leaves and they descended on the stem, eerily like blood drops. "Salvia. Also known as scarlet sage, when it's red it means 'forever mine,' but when it's blue it means 'thinking of you.'"

"Yeah, I did some flower research before I picked it," Ethan said, kissing Spencer again. "I wanted something that wasn't too feminine but still showed how much I care about you."

Spencer blushed. "I love you," He whispered, as though the empty room would hear him and spread the word. 

"I love you too. And I'm so proud of you, Baby. But that first weekend you came home scared me, seeing you covered in bruises and cuts. And that was just the Academy, now you'll be an actual agent, potentially going in the field. And when you join the BAU-"

"If,"

"When you join the BAU, you'll be facing psychopaths head-on."

Spencer frowned. "Ethan, I love you, but we talked about this. This is what I want to do. Everything in my life has been leading me here. I thought you were okay with me joining the FBI?"

"No, no, I am! I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm just trying to get you to understand my thought process."

Now Spencer looked confused, not an expression that often graced his face. His nose scrunched up and he cocked his head to the side like a puppy. "Ethan, just tell me what you're trying to say so we can talk it out?"

"God, I planned what I was going to say so many times and now all the bits and pieces are just floating around my head like a mess!" Ethan laughed a bit, shaking his head as if to get the pieces back in a line. "Okay, Spencer, I have never spent so much time away from you since before I met you. And I hated it."

Spencer looked like he was going to protest, or maybe even agree, but Ethan continued. 

"Only seeing you on the weekends was torture, almost as bad as when we got in that argument during your second doctorate and didn't talk for a week."

"I was right! You were jealous of my professor!"

"I was also a dumb 18-year-old, shut up." He continued on. "But, as I was saying, having you away made me realize how much I need you. Every day, Spencer Reid, I want you. I want to wake up every morning to your godawful morning breath and listen to you grouch until you've finished your first pot of coffee. Every day I want to argue with you about the best philosopher and which ones would think you had mommy issues."

"Freud," Spencer frowned, but there was another look on his face that Ethan was afraid to identify. 

"Every day I want to see you and know that you're mine and I'm yours. Every day I want to be with you, for the rest of our lives."

"Ethan..."

"Agent Doctor Spencer Reid, will you marry me?"

There was a moment of silence where everything was still. Ethan wasn't sure his heart was beating and didn't think it would start again unless Spencer said what he wanted to hear. Spencer could feel his heart beating and if he looked down he would have seen it too. His hands felt sweaty and looking down at Ethan, though he wasn't sure when he had gotten down on one knee, he felt tears spring to his eyes. 

The moment passed when Spencer nodded his head slightly, so much so that Ethan thought he may have imagined it until Spencer was rushing to meet him on the floor and pulled him into a kiss that was more love than anything else. Neither of them thought about the fact that this was all for show, they couldn't legally be married and probably never would be able to. Spencer was in the FBI now and he'd be damned if he would ruin his chances with the BAU by coming out. To his team, he'd be the perpetually single guy who was still living with his college roommate. 

But when they pulled away and Ethan put the ring in Spencer's hand, leaving him the choice to wear it or not, they both knew they were okay with it. 

"I'm so in love with you," Ethan whispered, forehead pressed against Spencer's. 

"Every day, Ethan," Spencer promised. "I'll be with you every day."

Chapter Text

"Okay, but since it will just be us and our college friends, it's actually smarter to have doughnuts instead of cake at the wedding!" Spencer argued, a big smile on his face. He had chocolate frosting on the corner of his mouth and Ethan kissed it away. 

"You, my love, have an unhealthy obsession with doughnuts."

Spencer glared, biting his lip to hide a smile. Spencer was entirely moved into their apartment and they had less than a month to plan a wedding. They'd already invited their college friends, thirteen out of twenty of whom had RSVP'ed. Ethan's mother and father were coming as well as their professor of Ethics and Philosophy who was more of a mentor than a teacher. 

"Okay, I'm willing to give up the doughnuts if our first song can be Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young,' slowed version."

Ethan raised his brows, unamused, "I believe you said we could play jazz?"

"And we can! After our first song of Bob Dylan."

"How about 'What a Wonderful World'?

"What if I give up all my other choices for the wedding if we can play my choice?"

"Damn, Spence," Ethan laughed. "How about a compromise?"

"You know, if you loved me you'd listen to Bob Dylan."

Ethan furrowed his brow. Spencer was never so demanding, especially about something as simple as a song choice. Ethan pulled him over to the couch. "Alright, Baby, what's this really about?"

Spencer didn't look up from his hands. 

"C'mon, Spencer. This is obviously something that's bothering you so we need to talk about it. I can't help you if you won't let me."

"My mom won't be coming," Spencer started. Ethan nodded. "I asked her doctors what they thought but you know she hates flights. And she's only just forgiven me for institutionalizing her, but now she's upset I joined the FBI. Her doctors said they didn't think it was a good idea, but I'm fairly certain they suggested it to her and she said no."

"Oh, Spencer," Ethan pulled him closer. Spencer had originally only said she wasn't coming and Ethan thought it better to not pry. Spencer climbed onto his lap like an overgrown child, burrowing into his neck. "I'm sorry, love, I know how much she means to you."

"When I was little, on her good days, she'd play Bob Dylan. She loved his music. We'd dance and sing and it felt like we were a normal family. I thought that it'd be like she was there and if she ever watched the wedding video she'd like it."

Ethan pushed Spencer so they could make eye contact. "We can play 'Forever Young.' You don't have to forfeit your input on everything else, though I might fight you on the doughnuts," He winked. 

Spencer let out a wet laugh, wiping away at tears that had built but not fallen. 

"If you love me, you'll serve doughnuts."

Ethan pushed him off his lap.

Spencer was honestly in shock at how well it looked. Putting together a wedding in three weeks, trying to marry before he started his position at the BAU, was harder than anticipated. He was nearly beginning to understand Bridezillas.

They'd found a secluded park; nearly abandoned, but not rundown. Fairy lights were strung up on trees, sixteen white chairs were set up equally around a faux aisle for them to walk down. On the other side of the small park were small speakers, sitting on a table with drinks, food, and chocolate frosted doughnuts with sprinkles. 

They both wore white suits that they knew weren't fiscally responsible to buy. They'd never wear them again. But Spencer, seeing Ethan walk up the aisle to meet him in the pure white suit, couldn't find it in him to care. 

Their officiant, a random woman they'd found in an ad in the Daily's, stood at the apex of an enclave of trees, holding a pillow that contained two rings, two chains, and two watches. She smiled reassuringly at the two men when Ethan reached them and took Spencer's hands in his own. She nodded, encouraging them to speak. 

Spencer took a shuddering breath. His hands were clammy against Ethan's but all he could think about was how happy he was. He didn't think it was possible to feel fulfilled in this way nor did he think he'd feel it again. Ethan smiled encouragingly and Spencer knew he was wrong; He'd feel this eudaimonic every day if Ethan was there. 

"I'm not good with words, you know that better than anyone else, so forgive me if this isn't what you were expecting when I said we'd make our own vows. I don't fare well with things I'm not good at so I quickly began to question why I demanded we write our own vows," That drew a small ripple of laughter from their friends, and Ethan's smile grew. He squeezed Spencer's hands and they both nodded. "I remembered why when I realized that there are no words already on Earth that could be used to describe the way you enrapture me. 

"Ethan Hart, there is not another man like you. How someone like you, who creates and brings beauty into the world, can love someone like me is unfathomable. When I met you I was a scrawny, lonely 13-year-old. I'd never had a friend and I was being pushed into a world I wasn't ready to be in. Everyone told me that college would be different than high school; People would treat me like an equal and not a punching bag. I wasn't sure if that was true until I met you. I'll admit, I did develop a crush on you within the first week of knowing you."

Ethan smiled and someone in the tiny crowd called out, "We noticed!"

"Shut up!" Spencer yelled. He was grinning. 

"Keep going, baby," Ethan whispered. 

"Despite the, apparently obvious crush I had on you, you still stuck with me. Two and a half years your junior, which feels like a lifetime when you're thirteen, you dealt with the horrible flirting, the pining, the clinginess, my God, I was so clingy."

"Not much has changed,"

"And, somewhere along the lines," Spencer ignored the comment. "I managed to trick you into falling for me. I think that was my greatest trick yet.

"There is nothing in my life that has ever made me feel the way you do. Every day that I wake up next to you feels like another dream. Now, though we can't legally wed, I'm making sure you're stuck with me for the rest of our lives. And I want to thank you for that. For never telling me to shut up when I get sidetracked and ramble; For loving every part of me, even when it's easier not to; For understanding why as much as I want to tell the world that you're my husband, I can't."

Spencer threaded a chain through a gold band and put it around Ethan's neck. Ethan put out his arm and Spencer secured the watches of their choice; Roman numerals on a bronze face that was clasped on with a leather band. 

"I know these vows weren't concise, and you're about to show me up as soon as you speak, but I promise that every day we're together I will try to make you feel as much love as I feel from you. I will do everything I can to know that you are happy and content with the life we build together. I love you every day, Ethan, no matter the consequences."

Ethan leaned forwards and softly pressed his lips to Spencer's. "I'm sorry," He addressed the crowd with a grin. "I know I'm not supposed to do that yet, but you try resisting that face after he professes his love!"

Spencer ducked his head down, absolutely giddy. Ethan lifted his head so they could look each other in the eye. "That was perfect, Baby," He whispered. Then, louder, "I really wish you wouldn't have gone on about how I was going to show you up because I don't think anything can top that.

"Spencer Reid, our life together has never been simple. From the day that I met you, a 13-year-old caffeine addict who was smarter than me at nearly 16, I barely refrained from knocking your lights out." A laugh echoed out from the crowd. "I was glad we were in different dorm rooms because I didn't want to deal with you, but damn it, you showed up at every turn. Very quickly I realized that this annoying kid who was smarter than me - when I'd been the smartest kid in the room my whole life until that point - wasn't trying to show me up. He was trying to impress me. And hell, he did a damn good job. 

"We grew together, and at some point, along the way, I found that you didn't have to tell me how many words in the English language started with the letter 'B' to impress me-"

"14,359!"

"All you had to do was smile, or wear your stupid, ratty converse, or breathe. By the time you were finishing your second doctorate and I was earning my Master's, you had me wrapped around your finger, and we were the only ones who didn't know it. Even if it took a shove - Thank you, Marie - we figured it out. And every day since then has been a whirlwind. Nothing in the world makes sense unless I am with you. Every day I wake up to your god-awful morning breath,"

"Hey!"

"And I look forward to learning because every day with you is a new fact learned, a new emotion felt, a breath that I couldn't breathe if you weren't there."

Ethan mimicked Spencer's earlier motions, stringing a ring on the golden chain and hanging it around Spencer's neck. He clasped an identical watch around Spencer's wrist, smiling when their fingers met again. 

"You said that you didn't know how someone like me, who creates, could love someone like you. Spencer, you are everything good in the world. You are what I think of when I create. You are the inspiration that helps me forge ahead. I love you for your rambles, for every flawed part of you, for the fact that you can't tell the world you're my husband but you agree to be it anyways. I love you, no matter who knows, and I love you without consequence."

Their officiant said words that neither man heard. They surged forwards before she could finish, lips on lips and fingers in hair. It was unlike any kiss they had ever had, it tasted like a promise that neither man would break. They didn't want to pull away, willing to die if it meant they would do so like that, but eventually breath ran out. When they fell apart the crowd cheered much louder than thought possible of seventeen people.

"Well," The officiant said. "As I was saying, I have the great pleasure of pronouncing you, husbands!"

The cheers grew louder and the men ran down their faux aisle, straight to the doughnuts. 

Their friends and family crowded them, congratulating them and showering them in hugs and kisses. They oohed and ahhed at the watches, but the men kept the rings hidden for just the two of them. 

"We now ask that everyone clear the dance area," Their friend, Marie, shouted loud enough to be heard over the chatter. "May I introduce, for the very first time, Spencer and Ethan Reid!"

Ethan pulled Spencer to the middle of the crowd, the speakers sending out a tinny sound. They more hugged than danced and Spencer was distantly aware of the camcorder focused on them.

"I love you, Spencer Reid,"

May your heart always be joyful,

May your song always be sung,

And may you stay

Forever young

"I love you, Ethan Reid. Every day."

Chapter Text

"Come on, Doctor Reid," Ethan teased, tugging on Spencer's tie. "You don't want to be late for your first day, now would you?"

Spencer looked more like a professor than an agent. A brown tweed jacket covered his cream sweater vest. He was monochromatic, all brown until his ratty black converse. Even the leather band of the watch exchanged at their ceremony matched his outfit. The thin golden chain that held their rings was tucked underneath his sweater. Hidden from everyone. 

"I'm gonna get mistaken for an assistant," Spencer frowned. "Maybe I should change?"

"You're overthinking," Ethan said. He sipped Spencer's coffee and grimaced. He poured more sugar into it. Spencer glared. "Jason and Agent Hotchner know who you are already. Isn't there only two other members of the team?" Spencer nodded. "Well, they'll introduce you before you get stuck doing someone else's paperwork."

Spencer sipped his coffee and stuck out his tongue. "You made this too sweet!"

"Baby, you drank your coffee black when we met. I've spent the last eight years training you. Give it another two years and you'll be drinking it exactly like mine."

"You know, you could've just made your own cup?"

"You're my husband; You have to share."

"That wasn't in our vows," Spencer pointed out. 

"It was implied," Ethan pressed a quick kiss to Spencer's lips before he could protest. "Now go. The metro won't wait for you, neither will psychopaths."

Ethan gave him a proper kiss and shooed him out the door, coffee in hand and messenger bag slung over his shoulder. Ethan played the role of a housewife, packing Spencer a brown bag lunch. 

On the metro, Spencer tapped his finger nervously against his thigh. He was vaguely aware that his tweed jacket didn't fully succeed in concealing his gun. His badge was clearly visible though, alleviating fellow passengers' nerves when they saw him. As soon as the train came to a screeching stop he jumped off, nearly running the remaining distance to Quantico. 

It felt weird to use his badge to let himself on the sixth floor. His badge for the month of temporary duty before officially being assigned to the BAU didn't give him clearance to the sixth floor. Gideon had to let him on anytime he needed to be there. His new badge had a photo of him, bags under his eyes, and a large SSA underneath his name. 

He was greeted by Gideon, giving him an official tour of their space, leaving him in Agent Hotchner's office. 

"Agent Reid," Hotchner stuck his hand out to shake but Spencer just waved. 

"Agent Hotchner, it's nice to meet you."

"You as well. And, please call me Hotch. An unfortunate nickname that stuck from college," He smiled. 

Spencer trailed his eyes over Hotch's office. There was a picture of him and a blonde woman smiling, but that was the only personal effect. Everything else was degrees, books, and files. 

"Tell me about yourself," Hotch prompted. "This is a very close-knit team. We often spend days, sometimes weeks, together. It's important everyone gets along or at least tolerates one another."

"I'm sorry, is this an interview?" Spencer nearly reached to fidget with his ring but deflected to his watch instead. 

"No, of course not. You already have the position. Jason has the primary hiring abilities anyways, being the Unit Chief. This is just an informal way to get to know each other before a case. So, tell me about yourself."

"Well, I have three doctorates. Engineering, Chemistry, and Mathematics. I earned them all at CalTech along with three BAs in Psychology, Sociology, and Philosophy. I have an Eidetic memory-"

"Those are all things in your file, Spencer," Hotch interrupted. "We all know these things already. You have a coffee in your hand, how do you take it?"

Spencer looked at the travel mug like he hadn't realized it was there. "Oh. I used to take it black."

"And you don't anymore?"

"No, my-" He caught himself before he referred to Ethan as his husband. Hotch didn't flinch so Spencer assumed he didn't notice the trip. "My roommate got me to drink it with sugar. There's probably more sugar in here than coffee." Spencer knew it was an oxymoron, but figured he should be more conversational. 

"You have a roommate?"

"Yeah, Ethan. We roomed together for a year at CalTech as well."

Hotch looked confused. "And he followed you out to Virginia?"

Spencer took a sip of his coffee. "He likes to go new places. Besides that, we've known each other since we were young."

"'Young,'" Hotch smiled at that. "Agent Reid, you are aware you're younger than everyone in this building? The FBI has an age requirement of 23 simply to join The Academy. You are 21 joining the BAU. Our youngest agent before you was ten years your senior."

"Well, I've never been accused of wasting time."

Hotch laughed at that. "Let's go meet the rest of the team."

Spencer was introduced to two other agents, Morgan and Anderson, who didn't seem to hate him. He had his own desk and was allowed as many personal effects as desired, so long as they didn't take over. He wanted to put a picture of Ethan up but understood that most 'straight' guys didn't have pictures of their 'roommates' on their desks at work. He pressed a hand flat against his chest where the ring rested against his skin. 

Even so, he felt the stares when he moved on to piling books at his desk. No one said anything, they were even surprisingly nice to him. He had yet to avoid awkward questions about his dating life or talk about significant others. He didn't receive any odd glances when he stood up and brought his files up to Hotch before anyone else had made it halfway through the pile. No one even spoke to him until their lunch break came along. 

"Bring a lunch with you, Pretty Boy?" Derek asked. Spencer frowned at that. The phrase, typically derogatory, sounded more like an affectionate term coming out of the older agent's mouth. 

"Uh, yes, I did." Spencer patted his messenger bag. Anderson reached forwards and grabbed it, pulling him to a desk closer to the two of them. Spencer thought it better to not argue and pulled his lunch out. Ethan packed him what he recalled was a stereotypical grade school lunch. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chips, and an apple. He sipped on his lukewarm coffee to wash it down. 

"Your mom pack that lunch, kid?" Derek asked, laughing slightly. 

"No, but apparently my, uh, my roommate has a sense of humor. He made a big deal of packing me lunch and told me not to look until it was time to eat."

Anderson whistled lowly. "You have much greater trust in your roommate than I would. When I was twenty if I gave my friend food it was an energy drink and a half-eaten bag of chips."

"Well, I'm sure the genius has genius friends, yeah? Much too mature for your childish ass, Anderson." Morgan laughed. 

Spencer was about to throw away the bag when he found a note at the bottom of it. 

No matter how your day is going, isn't it great to know you'll come home to me in your bed? Love you every day! -Ethan

P.S. if you're lucky, I'll be naked ;)

Spencer fought hard to keep his grin at bay and shoved the note into his messenger bag. Ethan's script was nearly as messy as Spencer's but if either of the men saw it they would know how close he and his 'roommate' really were. 

"So," Anderson interrupted Spencer's thoughts. "Got a girlfriend? I figure you're too young to be married."

Nope, just too gay. 

"No, no girlfriend. I don't really know anyone here besides my roommate and Jason."

"Probably too busy," Morgan said. "He must work hard to effortlessly show us all up. He's had his files done since 11! What's Hotch having you do now?"

"Consults that he'll look over before sending off."

"I guess that means you aren't busy? What do you say we go to the bar tonight? Have a few drinks, maybe introduce you to a few ladies?"

Spencer thought about it. Going would strengthen his image as a straight man, not that it was in question yet. It would also be beneficial to building a rapport with his new coworkers. 

On the other hand... He couldn't stop thinking about going home to Ethan, naked in bed. 

"Maybe this weekend?" Spencer suggested. "My roommate insisted on getting dinner. You know, a celebration of a new job."

"God, your roommate seems so much better than any of mine ever were," Anderson said. "Still, trust me when I say it'll be the best thing when you get a place to yourself."

"I'm sure," Spencer gave them a tight-lipped smile and excused himself to go back to work. He glanced at his watch and smiled, thinking of Ethan. Five more hours and he'd be home with him. He knew he'd never get a place to himself. And he couldn't be happier.