Give Me Your Forever
CHAPTER ONE: Spencer Goes Home
Actual summary: With Barry Kryupt dead, Spencer and Derek try to move on with their lives. Spencer is recovering from being shot but very happy to be alive. Derek plans the perfect way to propose, thanking his lucky stars that Spencer seems to be completely oblivious. Planning an elaborate proposal, dealing with meddling family, and a possible wedding? What could go wrong?
Revamped 12/31/15
Derek hovers protectively over Spencer as an amused nurse pushes Spencer's wheelchair out of the hospital. Since the moment Spencer woke, Derek has been attentive and protective, overly so. Plain and simple, he's been hovering. Spencer knows it, so do the doctors, the nurses, and every person that has visited Spencer.
The days have been hard and painful for Spencer but Derek has been with him every step of the way. Without Fran's insistence, Derek would never have even left the hospital the entire time. The two times Fran was able to pull Derek away from Spencer's side, Derek was bombarded by the media. Not that Derek was surprised, too many elements for the media to devour: a man stalking an FBI agent, a faked death, murder, a gun fight, a dead perp, and an FBI agent shot. Despite the barrage of questions shouted at him, Derek kept silent and let the FBI's media liaisons deal with it. His family and friends took care of everything they could, including the destruction at the house.
What matters most is that Spencer is alive and Derek's alive. They all are. It is over, finally. It's truly over. And if Derek holds Spencer's hand desperately tight or kisses him like he fears it will be the last time, that's okay. He had come too close to losing Spencer to care if he is being intensely clingy. Derek feels he has the right. He loves Spencer and the thought of not having him in his life is terrifying.
Derek is thankful every day that Barry Kryupt has been stopped, permanently. Spencer is equally relieved and thankful that the ordeal is over and his stalker is gone. He knows Kryupt's demise won't make the nightmares disappear for either him or Derek but at least they can wake from them knowing he cannot hurt either of them or anyone else anymore.
Today is finally the day Spencer can go home. A part of him wonders how he'll feel the first time he sees the house he and Derek share again. After Kryupt's defilement of their home, Spencer hasn't been back. The house is filled with wonderful memories of their two plus years together. Yet, it is also the place where Kryupt had spied on him and Derek, where he invaded their sanctuary and sullied it. Spencer shakes off the thought and hopes for the best.
His co-workers are there to send him off as well as Desiree and Ryuu. The rest of the Morgan-Takada family had gone home, needing to get back to work or school. Fran is the only one that will be staying with them. Des and Ryuu are staying with Luc and Josh. The ride home is quiet but comfortable. Together the three of them walk into the house. Clooney is there waiting for them, excited to see them, yet seeming to realize Spencer is hurt. Derek settles Spencer on the couch, a stack of books waiting for him.
Fran flutters around him, covering him with a blanket. She dashes off to the kitchen, bringing back a glass of water and straw for Spencer.
He smiles gratefully before sipping water. Spencer looks around the cleaned house and asks, "Who cleaned the house?"
"Who do you think?" Derek offers with a smirk.
Spencer smiles, "Our friends and family?"
"Got it in one."
"Our pleasure, of course, Spencer. We are so thankful that you are okay."
"Thank you, Mama. I'm blessed to have so many people that love me."
Fran gives Spencer a careful hug. Spencer is a special boy and they are all blessed to know and love him. She kisses his soft cheek, "I love you, Spencer."
"I love you, too," Spencer echoes warmly. Fran is a wonderful woman and has become a second mother to him. One of these days, Fran and his mom will have a chance to meet. Mom will love her. Spencer has written and talked to his mom about Fran. His mom already likes her for the unconditional love Fran has shown him.
Fran kisses Derek's cheek, infinitely joyful that Derek has such a wonderful man in his life. "I'm going to get busy in the kitchen. I am leaving Spencer in your capable hands."
"Thanks, Mama."
After she leaves, Spencer pats the seat beside him. Derek sits down and takes Spencer's hand. Clooney jumps onto the remaining seat, resting his head on Derek's knee. Spencer's grip tightens; despite his hopes, he feels Kryupt's presence here. He wonders if Derek feels it too. "They did a great job, it looks like nothing happened."
Derek can tell from his tone that although Spencer cannot see Kryupt's presence, he can feel it. Unfortunately, Derek feels it too, as if Kryupt's evilness has tainted their home. Their family and friends could not have done more but it isn't something that can be simply cleansed. "Yeah." Derek had hoped that with the house cleaned, it would erase Kryupt. But it didn't.
"You feel it, too," Spencer pronounces sadly but confidently.
"Yeah, I do. I wish I didn't but—"
Spencer squeezes his hand, "I know. We've been together two years, the majority of it living in this house and I hate that Barry Kryupt—"
"—ruined our home," Derek finishes. They are silent, both wondering if their home will ever feel right again. Neither is sure it will.
Derek flicks on the TV as Spencer closes his eyes and falls asleep. Once he is sure that Spencer is sleeping, Derek takes out his phone and calls Josh.
"Go for Josh," he answers, sounding distracted.
"Hey Josh, are you busy?"
Josh stops painting, "Hey Derek, how's Spencer doing?"
"He's sleeping."
"That's good. How does it feel to be home?"
Derek sighs, "Not so much like home, for either of us. That's why I'm calling..."
CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM
The first day is quiet and spent together, just the four of them. Spencer sleeps most of the time and so does Clooney. Fran makes meals to freeze for the next week or so. She can only stay a few more days before she has to get back to Chicago. She doesn't want either of her boys to have to worry about food. Derek spends the day watching sports and movies in between trying to convince Fran to relax.
Eventually, she does quit making meals to sit down and watch a movie. Spencer is again sleeping.
Fran's eyes lovingly caress his sleeping features. She looks at her son, smiling at the gentle way he strokes Spencer's hair as he slumbers. In a low voice, she says, "Your pop would have loved him."
Derek meets his mama's eyes, asking, "You really think so?"
"He knew more than most how hard it can be to love someone society tells you that you shouldn't. We both did. His family and mine were afraid for us and for him. He could have been killed for 'sullying' me. I could have been raped by White men because they wanted to show me a real man."
Derek shudders at the thought. His mama has talked about it before, how hard it was and the hate and scorn they often encountered.
The world has come a long way but he isn't ignorant to the fact that they have a long way to go. It doesn't take much to realize that racism isn't gone. All he has to look at is crime sentencing. Traditionally 'White' illegal substances like cocaine have a much lower consequence than traditionally 'Black' ones like crack. Not only that but sexism is still very much alive and unfortunately, women of color have it even worse. Before he can continue along this depressing thread, Fran interrupts his thoughts.
"I cannot say for certain how he would have first reacted. He'd have been surprised for certain but then so was I. He may have even saw what I saw, how hopelessly Spencer loved you and how desperately he tried to hide it."
Smiling, Derek nods, "He was sharp; I don't doubt he would have seen it like you did."
"In the end, Derek, it wouldn't matter what he felt about you loving a man. Your pop would have put any misgivings aside once he saw how much you love Spencer and how much Spencer loves you. Your happiness and your sisters' happiness were always more important to him than his own."
Derek's heart squeezes. That is what he remembers about his pop most: his fervent love of his family. He loved them all with everything he had. Emotion nearly choking him, Derek declares, "He had so much love inside him."
"He truly did." Her husband had been a wonderful man. The only man for her. She'd loved him with everything she had, her heart full of him. It still is. Since he died, Fran has been alone and she is content to be. She cherishes the time she had with him and is happy to simple bide her time until they can be together again. "It was hard loving someone outside our race. Not because of how we felt or saw each other but because of the way society saw us. We both lost friends and family because of our relationship. And deciding to have children was a heavy decision to make. We knew our children would be biracial. We didn't want any of you to be ridiculed because of that. Yet, in the end, we couldn't deny that we wanted children and wouldn't let society tell us we shouldn't. Love would sustain our family and it has. Love made every bit of hardship worth it."
Derek beams with love, he could not ask for better parents. They loved him absolutely and while he wishes that his pop hadn't been killed, he cherishes the memories of him. Desiree never got to meet their pop but between the three of them, they made sure she knew how much he loved all of them and her.
"Just like you and Spencer. Love will sustain you both. Through the good times," Fran vows, turning her eyes to Spencer's sleeping form, "and the bad."
Derek hadn't thought of it like that before. He and Spencer are like his mama and pop. Both couples, abnormal at best and morally wrong at worst, in the eyes of society. Granted, he and Spencer have it easier as society's reaction to their relationship is less volatile, which he is thankful for. Although he doesn't doubt that if they'd found each other during a more judgmental time, he would have risked everything to be with Spencer, no matter the cost. Because as Mama said, their love would get them through anything.
"You are going to be wonderful parents."
"Mama," Derek responds warningly.
Fran attempts to look innocent, "What? You will."
Derek rubs his forehead with one hand while tenderly caressing Spencer's cheek with the other. "That's not a certainty."
"That you'll have children?"
"Yes," Derek admits. He and Spencer have talked about children in depth. Both want children but how they are going to do that is something they haven't decided.
Fran shakes her head, "I don't have a doubt in the world that you will. How doesn't matter, Derek. You both have so much love to give. Any child would be lucky to have the two of you as parents. You and Spencer will love any child that comes into your lives. And he or she will have tons of family to love them too."
Derek's chest tightens with emotion. He can see it, him and Spencer welcoming home a child with all their friends and family gushing over him or her. He can picture Spencer's tender loving care of their child as well as his own. Spencer's lonely childhood and his own experience with how eagerly children crave love at the community center have shaped them both. Mama is right; they do have a lot of love to give. And any child they have will have an abundance of love, not only from them but also from friends and family. He or she will have aunts, uncles, and cousins all over the place "Thank you, Mama. I want a family, we want a family so much."
"God will provide, Derek. He knows your hearts and he will give you the child or children right for you."
"I hope so," Derek whispers.
CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM
When it is time for bed, Derek takes one look at the bedroom and turns around. Spencer follows him back to the couch. "I can't sleep in there, Spencer. All I see is the words he spelled in blood red paint on our walls. They did a great job covering it but I can't stop seeing it." All Derek remembers is the fear he'd felt, the fear of losing Spencer, of Spencer losing him. It still makes his heart race. He needs Spencer as much as Spencer needs him. They are linked in heart and soul. The bedroom that had once been their sanctuary from the horrors they see every day isn't any longer. Derek isn't sure he can ever see it that way again.
Spencer carefully hugs Derek, "It is okay, Der. We'll figure it out together." He only saw the pictures of what happened to the house while Derek not only saw the destruction in person but Derek was the target. Kryupt destroyed Derek's possessions, all his rage, all his hate was directed at Derek. Kryupt wanted Derek dead and he had done everything he could to make that happen.
Fran appears suddenly, already dressed in her pajamas. "I forgot my book." She picks it up but then notices the anguish on Derek's face and the concern on Spencer's. "What's wrong?"
Derek averts his eyes, unable to even say what is bothering him.
Spencer meets Fran's eyes. "We hate to bother you, Mama, but is it possible for us to swap rooms? It is simply not possible for us to sleep in that room."
Fran looks at Spencer, taking note of the careful way he is speaking. Then she scans Derek and realizes that it is Derek that can't bear to sleep in their bedroom. Fran may not know all the details but knows that Spencer's stalker broke into their house and destroyed their bedroom. Her face softens and easily relents, "Of course we can. Give me a minute to move my suitcase and the room is all yours." She waves off Derek's attempt to get up and help her with her suitcase. Instinctively, Fran knows that stepping inside of that room is the last thing Derek wants to do.
Derek and Spencer's bedroom has no bad memories for her, not like it does for Derek and Spencer. She didn't see or know what they do and glad for it. All Fran sees are memories of walking past their door in the morning and seeing the adorable way the two men sleep snuggled together. She's happy to stay here, especially since Derek clearly would rather sleep on the floor than enter this room.
Without a word, Fran swaps pillows and then goes back to the living room. "I'm going to say goodnight."
In a small voice, Derek asks, "Are you sure? We could…" He trails off, knowing there really isn't anywhere else for them to sleep. Unless Spencer sleeps on the couch and he sleeps on the floor. But Spencer shouldn't sleep on the couch while he is recovering.
"Sweetheart, I am perfectly content to sleep in that big bed. I can sleep like a starfish and have plenty of extra room," Fran teases, winking at Spencer.
Spencer smiles gratefully. "It is rather large, isn't it? Perfect for starfish sleeping."
Derek's lips twitch into a reluctant smile. "Thanks, Mama."
"Have a good night's rest, boys." She kisses their cheeks and goes back into the Master.
Spencer nudges Derek. "Come on, Der. Let's go to bed."
Derek sags in relief, "Okay." The guest bedroom hadn't been touched. Kryupt's presence hasn't corrupted that room. Derek lies down and for the first time in too long, he feels the familiar warmth of Spencer next to him. Something in him eases, as if a piece of him hadn't been sure that Spencer would get better until now. It feels good for both of them to be able to sleep in each other's arms again. Derek and Spencer kiss slow and deep, drinking from each other with familiar heat. Derek strokes Spencer's hair reverently, "I love you, Pretty Boy."
Spencer smiles back, "I love you, Derek."
They sleep easily with the knowledge that they are both going to be okay. They will get through this together.
CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM
The next day, Fran cooks breakfast and they have an enjoyable meal, comfortable and quiet. No words are spoken of the previous night. Fran slept well and so did Derek and Spencer and that is what matters.
She takes a break to read and relax before returning to meal making when Desiree and Ry arrive.
Desiree and Ry practically shove Derek out the door. Derek makes an 'I'll be watching you' gesture at Desiree, which makes both Ry and Spencer snicker. Derek hasn't let Desiree forget the incident where she touched Spencer's butt and dove face first into his lap, not for a second despite it being two years later.
Desiree rolls her eyes, "Are you ever going to forget that? I've said I was sorry like a billion times!"
Derek smirks at her, "Never gonna happen—"
"Because you touched my Pretty Boy's ass and I'm never going to forget it," Desiree finishes sarcastically. She's been hearing the same thing for two long years.
"Damn straight!" Derek confirms.
Spencer watches in amusement and promises, "I will be fine, Derek. Desiree will behave herself."
Derek gives Desiree the stink eye and then winks at Spencer. "Love you, Pretty Boy."
Spencer grins, both Desiree and Derek enjoy this game. It is why they've kept it going for so long. "Love you too, Der."
Derek waves goodbye. He has to deal with the insurance people from the destruction of his possessions. Plus, he has to deal with all the issues from his faked death.
Desiree goes to the couch and sits next to Spencer. "Wow, Spencer, you look like shit!"
"Thanks, Des. It's almost like I was shot or something," Spencer jokes.
Ry shakes his head, "Twice! But worry not. Desi and I are here to keep your mind off it." Ryuu grins and announces, "Harry Potter marathon!"
Spencer smiles, "Okay." Derek will be happy to miss out on the Harry Potter marathon as he isn't much of a fan of the series.
As they watch Harry and the other first years get sorted, Ryuu wonders aloud, "What house do you think we would be sorted in?" Spencer's eyebrow rises. Ry gives him a look, "If Hogwarts was real. I know it's not but just for fun."
"Well, it is pretty obvious what house Desiree would be in," Spencer says with a grin.
Ryuu and Spencer look at each other and say together, "Slytherin!" Not only does Desiree possess the qualities of a true Slytherin, she also values them highly. She's Slytherin to the core.
Desiree shrugs, they aren't wrong. She would excel in Slytherin! "What about Ryuu, Spencer? Where do you think he'd be?"
Spencer considers Ryuu. He's a bit harder to place. Fun and mischievous, he reminds Spencer a bit of the Weasley twins. "It has to be between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff."
He surprises Desiree by saying, "Hufflepuff." Seeing his aunt's expression, he explains, "Sure, everyone wants to be in Harry's house…or Draco's. But I've always liked Hufflepuff, they are the most overlooked house. Loyalty, patience, hard work and fairness are all admirable qualities."
"Look at you getting all deep, Ryuu," Desiree teases.
Ry grins, drawling, "I have layers."
"Onions have layers!" Desiree squeals.
Ryuu rolls his eyes, retorting haughtily, "Parfaits have layers; everybody loves parfaits." The implication that everybody loves him is loud and clear.
Spencer shakes his head at the two, "Why am I not surprised that you both are quoting Shrek?"
Desiree smirks, "Because you've known us for two years?"
Spencer laughs. He really does love Desiree and Ryuu. Both of them accepted him immediately and they can always make him laugh.
"Now Spencer!" Desiree declares with unnerving glee. "I know everyone expects you'd be in Ravenclaw but I think you are a secret Slytherin."
Ryuu grins, "You just want Spencer in your house."
"Nu-uh, Spencer is absolutely Slytherin!" Desiree ticks off with her fingers, "Ambitious, cunning, resourceful."
Ry shakes his head, ticking off his own points. "Intelligence, hello, certified genius! Knowledge, Spencer knows everything! He reads anything and everything he can get in the search of what? Knowledge! Wit, I think we have all witnessed Spencer's snarky wit. Spencer is Ravenclaw through and through!"
"Slytherin!"
"Ravenclaw!"
Desiree and Ryuu glare at each other. Spencer watches with amusement, how they can get this worked up over which Harry Potter house he is in, he doesn't know. Before the situation escalates to blows, Spencer declares, "Would you like to know what I think?"
The glaring contest breaks and both look at Spencer with interest.
"Ravenclaw is the most obvious choice." Spencer spots Ry about to celebrate. He cautions, "I didn't say I chose that house, merely that it is an understandable choice. Slytherin is less apparent but I admit I do value the qualities of the Slytherin house." Desi looks smug. Spencer warns, "I didn't chose Slytherin either yet, Desiree." Desiree pouts slightly at being denied. "I know what my team would say," Spencer admits.
Des and Ry look at each other, both are remembering the stories they'd been told of Spencer's courage and bravery. "Gryffindor," they answer together, sounding resigned. How many times has Derek told them how foolishly reckless Spencer can be? How many times has he said that Spencer is bravest of them all? That Spencer is strong enough to go into a gunfight with his mind as his only weapon?
"Is there any house you don't fit into?" Ryuu grumbles.
Spencer laughs.
"I'm changing my vote to Gryffindor," Desiree declares. While Spencer is Slytherin, he's more Gryffindor. She can win this with Gryffindor.
It doesn't take long for Spencer to come to a decision. "Since I can't choose both…"
"No cheating!" Ry declares.
"Ravenclaw." The most important thing in his life has always been knowledge. His childhood, the only joy he truly found was in learning. He was the weird, skinny geek that was smarter than everyone. The foundation of not only who he is but what he values is knowledge and intelligence. And he doesn't truly consider himself brave. Others seem to think he's courageous but he only does what he needs to, even if that means facing a murderer without a weapon. "Plus, hiding in Ravenclaw, no one would expect or suspect me."
Desiree grins wickedly, "Who would believe a Ravenclaw of being as cunning as a snake and as brave as a lion? Imagine what you could get away with! Draco Malfoy would have nothing on you!" Desiree does a fist pump. "Secret Slytherin!"
Ryuu laughs, "And not so secret Gryffindor! You really are a genius, Spencer."
CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM
The next day, Dave comes over to check on Spencer. He gives a pointed look to Derek, who nods and announces he's going to go for a walk with his mama.
Spencer's brows rise, wondering what Dave wants to talk to him about alone.
"How are you feeling?"
Spencer answers lightly, "Okay." His body hurts and his craving for dilaudid is strong because of it. Although he hasn't said it out loud to Derek, he knows that Derek at least suspects. But Derek won't make Spencer talk about it unless he feels he needs to. Spencer also knows that Derek won't be leaving him alone. Someone will be with him every moment, for support, for distraction, and most of all to prevent Spencer from going out to buy dilaudid. Spencer is thankful for Derek's efforts to ensure his sobriety. He doesn't want to go back to using. Pulling back from those thoughts, Spencer looks at Dave and pronounces, "Happy to be alive."
Dave closes his eyes, his mind flashing back to being in the waiting room and his talk with Evelyn. "I'm really glad you're okay, Spencer."
Hearing the emotion in his voice, Spencer isn't sure how to respond. He hasn't had the best luck with the older men in his life; his father and Gideon are glaring examples. Dave's lone wolf mentality and his lack of respect toward Spencer because of his age certainly hadn't endeared him to Spencer when Rossi first joined the team. Spencer had been initially very hesitant to form any sort of bond with Rossi but eventually the man grew on him. Dave tends to do that; he's a charmer.
"When you were in surgery and all of us were waiting to hear, one thought kept going through my head," Dave says.
Spencer is curious. "Oh? What were you thinking?"
Dave smiles, one edge of his mouth slightly higher than the other. "I kept thinking: you are like a son to me and I never told you that."
Spencer's eyes fly to Dave's, mouth hanging open in shock. "Y-You—I'm—WHAT?"
His heart aches a little for how shocked this magnificent boy is that someone would think him worthy of being a son. Dave's hands cup Spencer's face and gently guide him closer. "You are an amazing, intelligent man, Spencer. Any man would be lucky to have you as a son." He watches tears form in Spencer's expressive eyes. Dave kisses Spencer's cheeks. "I would be proud to call you my son," he promises.
Tears spill over Spencer's cheeks. How long has he craved hearing those exact words from someone he respects? It isn't something he would ever hear from his father and even if he did, it wouldn't have the same meaning. His father abandoned him like a pet he no longer wanted to be responsible for.
Spencer doesn't resist when Dave pulls him into a careful hug, crying into his shoulder as the older man rubs his back soothingly and murmurs quiet reassurances. Spencer sniffles loudly as his tears finally slow to a stop.
Dave eases back. Taking out a hankie, he gently wipes Spencer's face clean and then his own tearstained face.
His eyes dart up to meet Dave's gaze. "Th—That means a lot to me. Truly."
Smiling, his brown eyes are shining with his own tears. "You mean a lot to me."
Spencer's answering smile is a tad shaky but absolutely genuine. He admits quietly, "You mean a lot to me as well, Dave. Like the f—father I never had and always wanted." Dave is supportive, loving, and kind. Most of all, he is present and can be relied on. His word is his bond. Dave doesn't lie. When he calls someone family that means something to him. Dave would never hurt him like his father had or even Gideon. He is not so callous or inconsiderate.
Dave knows exactly how hard it is for Spencer to admit that, knowing how both his biological father and once father figure, Gideon, had selfishly and cowardly abandoned the genius. "I know it is hard for you to believe, Spencer, and I do not blame you if you have doubts but I promise to always be there when you need me. No matter the time, the situation, you call and I'll be there. You have my word."
Spencer swallows around the lump in his throat. He wants to believe Dave, he does. But deep down a part of him is waiting for the moment Dave hurts him like the rest. For the moment Dave reveals that his love is conditional and he leaves Spencer behind without a care. Even knowing Dave's loyal nature, it is still difficult to temper that deep seated fear. As irrational as it may be, that fear isn't something that will change overnight. Spencer has been dealing with the damage done since his childhood and Gideon's cowardly abandonment only made it worse. While he might wish differently, it will take time to overcome and learn to trust another father figure. "Thank you, Dave. I do appreciate the offer." It has been a long time since he had a father figure to go to with his problems.
Dave lightens the emotional moment by joking, "Does this mean I get to have a heart to heart with Derek? Threatening his life if he hurts you and all that jazz?"
Shaking his head, Spencer giggles. "I bet Derek would be surprised considering we've been together for two years and you have known almost since the beginning."
"Never too late to put the fear of God into the boyfriend of a man's son. I do have a gun," Dave adds cheekily.
"So does Derek," Spencer advises. "Really, Dave, you don't have to do that. Derek does not need to be threatened...again. He's been sufficiently cowed, I assure you."
Dave laughs, "Been threatened before, has he?"
Spencer grins, "A few times. By JJ. And Aaron. And Emily. And surprisingly Penelope. My mom, Derek's mom, Josh, and Desiree. I think Derek understands perfectly that if he hurts me, a large number of our family and friends will be out for his blood. I believe he's also been threatened that if he loses me, everyone is choosing me over him, including his family."
"Good, because we would," Dave professes.
Sometimes, Spencer sits back and marvels at his life. He is loved, greatly and abundantly. He cherishes every moment of it.
Dave smiles, the moment between them is comfortable. "What are you planning for Christmas?"
Spencer has no idea despite Christmas nearly being here. He is still recovering and that means they won't be able to make their traditional trip to Chicago for Christmas this year. By some miracle, they have managed to make the trip to Chicago both prior years, although last year's occurred after the actual date. "I don't know. Nothing yet."
"The Morgan's aren't planning on coming back to D.C. for Christmas?" He knows most of the family had to go back home.
"No, they won't be able to make it," Spencer mourns with a shake of his head. "We won't get a family Christmas this year unfortunately. Mama will be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Who's driving her to the airport?"
"Derek."
Dave offers, "I could drive her."
"You'd do that?"
"Of course I would."
"That would be great, Dave. Thank you."
Dave asks, "What about Derek's sister and nephew? Have they left yet?"
"Yeah, Desiree and Ry had to leave last night. So they won't be here for Christmas either. Derek could go to Chicago himself, I suppose."
Dave chuckles, "As if he would leave you, especially when you are recovering."
Grinning, Spencer admits, "True. I'm a lucky guy."
"Derek is blessed to have you and your love in his life. I cannot imagine him without you." Dave remembers seeing that bleak desperation in Derek's eyes while they waited for news of Spencer. He doesn't know if Derek can face life without Spencer. He prays Derek won't be forced to find out until they are both old and gray. "And I cannot imagine you without him, either."
"Me neither," Spencer admits. Derek is the love of his life; he makes life worth living. "As long as Derek is with me, we can overcome anything."
"I believe it."
Getting back to Dave's earlier question, Spencer asks, "What are you doing for Christmas?"
"Well, that is what I was hoping to talk to you about. The team was talking and we had an idea. Because neither you nor your mom can travel and Derek's family is unable to make it, what about all us celebrate Christmas together?"
Spencer smiles, he'll miss Christmas with the Morgan's but Christmas with his second family sounds really nice. "I'd like that."
"Perfect. All you and Derek need to do is bring yourselves, we'll do the rest." After a beat, Dave adds, "And no presents. But donations to charities are always welcome. Eleven o'clock on Christmas Eve? And then, whoever wants to come Christmas day can as well. I know JJ will spend it with her family."
Smiling, Spencer proclaims, "That sounds like a great idea. I wish we could make it to Chicago for Christmas but spending it with my second family sounds truly great."
Maybe he and Derek can schedule a week or a couple of weekends to get Derek's family together. It won't be Christmas but spending time together is more important than gifts.
"Perfect, I'll start compiling the menu. It will be delizioso!" Dave vows. He's a true Italian; food is in his blood, his heritage. He loves to cook, loves to eat, and loves to feed the people he loves.
Spencer's smile turns a bit sly. "Will Evelyn be there?"
Dave chuckles, amused at Spencer's lack of subtlety. "I'll have to ask but I hope so."
"I like her."
Nodding his head, Dave admits, "I do too."
"You deserve to be happy," Spencer declares. Dave hasn't been lucky in love but he's a good man and deserves to be loved. Their job isn't easy for women to deal with but Evelyn seems strong enough to take Dave's absences with poise and understanding.
"Thank you, Spencer." Evelyn is a catch; Dave knows this. She is strong and independent. She doesn't need a man to be happy. He thinks Evie is the first woman that might be able to handle his lifestyle without feeling resentment for his dedication to the job. She is special and he hopes their relationship can develop further.
Some minutes later, Derek and Fran come back from their walk. They are deliberately noisy to make sure the two men know they are coming. Derek's eyes scan Spencer critically, trying to figure out what Dave wanted to talk to Spencer about alone. His love's genuine smile signals that whatever they talked about wasn't bad.
Dave says a quick goodbye, giving both men and Fran a hug and vowing to pick Fran up the next morning before leaving.
Derek's brow quirks, clearly asking what Dave wanted to talk about. His keen eyes spot the happiness in Spencer's expression. "He said that he had one thought going through his head while he was waiting for news during my surgery." Spencer pauses, smiling at the memory of what Dave said. "The thought was that I am like a son to him and he never told me."
"Oh, Baby." Derek hugs Spencer, thrilled for him. Spencer deserves it, to have a father figure who loves him. Over the years they've been together, Derek has wished his father was alive. His pop would have loved Spencer. But now Spencer has Dave, who loves Spencer as much as his pop would have. That makes him happy.
Fran holds her hands to her chest, her heart swelling in happiness. She wishes Derek's father was still alive. He would have loved Spencer but at least he has Dave now. The boy deserves to have a father figure. "I'm so happy for you, Spencer. You deserve to know the love of a father and now it seems you have that."
Spencer's eyes wet with tears, "Thank you." He pulls Fran into the hug, "Thank you for being a second mother to me."
"My honor and pleasure, Spencer."
When Spencer gets settled back onto the couch, he says, "Dave invited us to have Christmas at his house. Sounds like everyone will be there. I said we'd like that."
Derek smiles, "Of course, that sounds great."
Fran expression turns sad, she would stay for Christmas if she could but she can't. "I hope you both have a good Christmas. Although I wish the family could be with you to celebrate. We'll miss you."
"We will miss having Christmas with you too, Mama," Derek admits regretfully.
"Derek, could—"
Fran waves her hand, knowing what Spencer is about to offer. "No. He needs to stay with you, Son."
Derek grins at Fran's quick rejection.
"But—"
"No, Spencer. He would spend the whole time wondering about you. It's better this way."
Spencer reluctantly agrees.
Title is from a Ben Harper song called "Forever" as I thought this lyric fits Spencer and Derek perfectly: "So give me your forever/Please your forever/Not a day less will do/From you"
I do not own Spencer unfortunately nor Derek nor any of the CM people. The storyline is mine however, as are the OC's.