CHAPTER TWO: The House

Revamped 12/31/15


The next morning comes too fast for them. Fran is soon packed and ready to go, although she wishes she could stay longer. Fran hugs both her sons tight and kisses their cheeks. "I love you both so much. Take care of each other, okay?"

"Of course, Mama," Spencer and Derek answer together. Another round of hugs and love you's later and Dave arrives.

"Thanks for doing this, Dave."

Dave smiles crookedly, "My pleasure, Derek."

Getting into Dave's SUV, Fran keeps silent for a mile or so. "It was nice of you to offer to drive me."

"I figured it would be easier for both Derek and Spencer, that way Spencer wouldn't feel left out when he can't leave the house and Derek wouldn't feel guilty about leaving him behind."

"Insightful."

Dave chuckles softly, "Well, I am a profiler."

"Yes, you are and from what my boys have said you are a very good one."

Dave acknowledges the compliment with a brief nod.

"There is something I would like to discuss, however."

He glances over quickly before returning to the road, noting the serious expression on her face. "I'm listening."

"What you said to Spencer was nice. He is a special boy and deserves a father figure."

"I agree, he is very special young man. I'm honored to know and love him."

Fran scans his face, noticing the soft fondness. She can see he truly does care for Spencer. "As you should be."

Dave smiles, not at all minding Fran's almost haughty tone.

"You know his history, yes?"

Nodding slowly, Dave confirms, "Yes, I do."

"Then you know what would happen should you decide to renege on your promise."

Dave isn't surprised at Fran's warning. "I do." He pauses briefly before continuing, "I promise I thought a lot about this before I even considered telling Spencer. His attack may have sped up the process but I wouldn't have said anything unless I was certain. I took the time to ensure I was doing this for the right reason, to make certain I decided to do what was best for Spencer and not just for me. He has been hurt badly by his father and Gideon. I do not want to add to his burden." Dave admits, "I don't have children of my own. I was never blessed with any and the thought that one day Spencer could see me as a father is my greatest wish. I know Spencer isn't a child and that I cannot erase the scars of his childhood. But I can be there for him when he needs me and even when he doesn't. I can love him like I raised him."

The sincerity and emotion in his voice reassures her. Dave didn't take this decision lightly.

"I do not want to hurt Spencer. That is the last thing I want to do. I only want to show him love and that he can trust me to be the man I vow to be."

Fran touches Dave's arm. "That is what I needed to hear." They share a smile.

"Don't worry, Fran. I know what I am getting into. If it makes you feel better, I am fully aware that if I hurt Spencer, I will have a mob of loved ones out for my blood," Dave offers.

Fran laughs, "Yes, you certainly would." She'd be one of them. Nobody hurts her babies.

CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM

An hour later, Josh comes over, announcing an all day Doctor Who marathon. Spencer smiles and agrees without hesitation. He loves Doctor Who. "Enjoy, guys." Derek looks to Josh, "Take care of him."

Josh nods absentmindedly as he sets up the show. "Of course. I'll let you know if he needs anything."

Derek looks at Clooney, who seems to be able to read his mind and lies down protectively at Spencer's feet. With that, Derek leaves the house. In his truck, he quickly calls Lucas. "Hey Luc, you busy?"

"Nah, what do you need?"

"Can you meet me at the house? I want it ready as soon as possible." Derek considered taking his mama to see it but thought it best that Spencer see it first. Luc and Josh are the only ones who have seen the house. Both helped out in the remodel.

"Sure, meet you there."

Arriving at the house, Derek takes the time to look at all the changes he made on the outside. Come spring the lawn will be healthy, nothing like the patchy mess it was when he bought the property. The flower beds he added will be filled with flowers that he and Spencer will pick out. The siding and roof were replaced. The house looks significantly better; it no longer has that neglected aura. It looks like a home again. The house is a light gray with a blue roof. Derek has no doubts that he could sell this property for a hefty profit but he remodeled this house with him and Spencer in mind. Smiling to himself, Derek goes inside.

The entryway is open and the table Derek had built that matches the wood floors sits just inside the door. It is perfect for Spencer's messenger bag and their keys. Underneath is an ideal spot for their go bags. Derek loves the open plan of the house. He walks to the large and open living room. He can picture their couch and chairs, their entertainment system in the space. But most importantly Derek can see them here, cuddling on the couch together or him watching football while combing his fingers through Spencer's hair, his love's head in his lap while he reads. He can see Spencer curled up in a comfy chair by the window, absorbed in a book, with Clooney at his feet. Derek can see his nieces and nephews here, and any children he and Spencer have. He can picture their lives here.

Next, he goes to the kitchen, which had to be completely redone. Nice sized with sleek, new appliances, including the double oven that Spencer not so secretly desires. Derek can see Spencer bouncing to the music as he cooks in this kitchen. He trails a finger across the new countertops. He chose quartz, a good durable stone that looks good and does not take much to maintain. The quartz he selected is a bold blue that draws the eye. The lights are the same blue while the cabinets are white. Derek hopes that Spencer will like the clean look he chose for the kitchen.

Moving on, he briefly scans the half bath on his way to the room he chose for his office. It is not a large room but will have enough space for all that he'll need for his office. He painted the room a warm brown and knows he will feel at ease in this room. He ignores the laundry room and medium sized bedroom and stops at the most important room in the house for Spencer: the library. The room is floor to ceiling bookshelves, which Spencer will no doubt be able to fill in no time. There is a reading nook that he knows Spencer will love. Derek added a couple of comfy chairs that fit nicely in the room. They could even add a small desk, should Spencer want one. Spencer will never want to leave.

Then Derek goes upstairs to check out the two extra bedrooms and the full bathroom. Derek smiles to himself, seeing in his mind his mother coming for a visit and staying in the guest bedroom. He can also see him and Spencer decorating for the child or children they have in the future. Josh could paint a mural for the kids as well. With a smile on his lips, Derek goes to the spacious master suite. Their king-sized bed will fit in here with no difficulty. There's room for a nice chair and all their bedroom furniture: nightstands and dressers. Josh painted the room in shades of violet, which Spencer should love as it is his favorite color. Derek wasn't entirely confident that he would like the color but it has turned out nice. Different from their current Master, a new and fresh start. No reminders of their invaded sanctuary here. Derek examines the master bath; it has a huge bathtub and spacious shower that can easily fit both of them at the same time. No doubt they will enjoy both sharing a bath or a shower together. His fantasies are interrupted when he hears the doorbell ring.

Derek goes downstairs and lets Lucas in. They waste no time going from room to room and deciding what finishing touches need to be done. They head down to the basement, working on the family room that Derek set up. They break for lunch and then start on the finishing touches for the rest of the house. Since they hadn't had much left to do, the house is completely done by the end of the day. It is finally ready for Spencer to see.

"I hope he likes it," Derek says, looking around.

Luc laughs at him; it could not be more obvious that Derek remodeled the house for Spencer. Every little detail is a declaration of Derek's love for Spencer. "Spencer is going to absolutely love it. He will see that you built this house for him, for you both."

"You think so?"

"I know it, Derek. This house was built with your love in every corner of it. Spencer will feel that."

Derek smiles faintly. "I hope so."

Luc adds, "Plus, it is the clean slate you both need."

Derek nods absentmindedly. "Yeah, I can't go into our bedroom anymore. I tried but—" he shudders, "it simply feels—tainted. It doesn't feel like home for either of us after what happened."

Lucas slaps Derek's back. "I get it." He is not surprised by Derek and Spencer's reaction to the violation of their home. It is understandable to feel like Kryupt's presence had contaminated their sanctuary. The memories of not only the destruction Kryupt made in the house but the knowledge that he had watched Spencer and Derek in their refuge, is unsurprisingly difficult for Spencer and Derek to live with. "You both will be happy here."

Smiling, Derek nods in agreement. "I think so."

"So how go the proposal plans?"

"I'm getting there. I want it to be perfect, especially after what happened."

Lucas smiles, vowing, "Spencer doesn't need perfect. He just needs you."

"I know. He deserves perfection though."

"Nervous?"

Derek laughs a little uneasily. "Yeah."

"Spencer is going to say yes, Derek."

"But—what if he doesn't?"

Lucas gives Derek an 'are you kidding me' look and answers firmly, "He will." Derek and Spencer's love knows no bounds; there are far too few couples with a love as solid and true as theirs is.

CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM

The doorbell ringing interrupts the Doctor Who marathon. Josh and Spencer look at each other, Spencer shrugs. He isn't expecting anyone. They watch as Clooney scrambles to the door, not barking as he does when strangers come to the door but wiggling happily like he does when it is a friend at the door. Josh answers the door, wondering who it is. Spencer smiles as he recognizes the voice at the door.

Penelope Garcia flutters in, looking like a cheerful, colorful fairy. "Spencer! How is my Boy Genius doing?" Before he can answer, she lifts up the bag in her hand. "I brought food!"

"Hi Penelope, I'm doing alright."

Pen hugs Spencer carefully. She doesn't want to let him go, remembering not only how she felt when he was shot but also how Derek felt. Penelope had seen Spencer when he woke up after his surgery of course but seeing him back home brings all those emotions back. They could have lost Spencer and she doesn't know if Derek could survive losing Spencer. Their hearts and souls are irrevocably linked. "I am so happy you are okay, Sweetie."

Spencer smiles as she continues to hug him. Penelope is more emotional than the rest of the BAU. She is a good friend to Derek and to him. "Me too, Pen. Me too."

Penelope finally pulls back and wipes the tears from her cheeks. Shaking off the mood, she announces, "I brought your favorite, white chocolate raspberry scones. Plus, blueberry oatmeal pie, which you are sure to love! I eat it cold; it is sooo yummy! And overnight French toast, a cinnamon coffee cake, a blueberry mango coffee cake, and blackberry vanilla sweet rolls!"

"I think you went a little overboard, Pen. But I do love breakfast for supper," Spencer gushes. He loves breakfast foods.

"And chocolate chip squash muffins and roasted strawberry whole wheat muffins. Oh, and for dessert, I made a chocolate cream pie and a variety of cookies."

Spencer laughs, shaking his head. "You definitely went overboard, Penelope. It is just Derek and I here you know."

Penelope waves her hands, a clear dismissal. "Nonsense! You'll be having visitors. Plus, you can freeze some of it too." They follow her into the kitchen, watching as she spreads her food out over the counter tops. She tucks everything that needs to be kept cool quickly in the fridge. "And I didn't forget you either, Clooney," she says with a smile. Penelope pulls out a little box of homemade dog treats. "Peanut butter, your favorite." She leans down and offers a treat to Clooney, who takes it gently and runs off to the living room where he always seems to eat his treats.

Josh snakes a sweet roll, humming contently at the taste. Spencer's fingers dance over the choices, selecting a scone and popping it in the microwave to warm it up. He bites into the warm scone, enjoying the perfect balance between the tartness of the raspberries and the sharp sweetness of the white chocolate chips. "Mmmh, delicious as always."

Pen grins happily at the sight of Spencer's blissful expression. Making Spencer happy is always especially sweet. He is exceedingly lovable and often times it takes little to make him happy.

Spencer finds the blueberry mango coffee cake and takes out three plates, dishing each with a slab of cake. "Come join us, Pen. We are having a Doctor Who marathon."

Penelope squeals excitedly. "Awesome! Which Doctor?" She gets her answer as she looks at the image frozen on the television screen. She settles in a chair while Josh and Spencer share the couch. They are too engrossed in the show to take any notice of the hours passing by until Lucas arrives.

Spencer watches as Josh lights up at the sight of his husband. They are a beautiful pair, the epitome of opposites attracting but they fit together perfectly. The kiss they share is both familiar and just a little dirty.

Pen whistles and catcalls playfully.

When the two men break, they are smiling.

Penelope fans herself dramatically, which merely makes Josh smirk.

Smiling, Spencer asks, "How was the house?"

Only Luc's training keeps the surprise from his face and he stares at Spencer stoically, not sure how to answer.

"The newest house Derek is remodeling? He said you were helping him out today."

"It went great," Lucas answers, wondering if he should say more or leave it at that.

"Good. It's done, right? Derek was hoping to finish it today. He said I'd get to see it soon."

Luc nods, carefully keeping the secretive smile that wants to escape contained. "He did say he was looking forward to showing it off to you." *Especially since the house is for you.* He can feel Josh's hidden amusement; he knows all about the house, having helped some.

Spencer grins, "He seems really excited about this house. And so secretive! I think this house is his baby. Der's like a child at Christmas, anticipating my reaction when I finally see the house. He wants it to be a surprise. He must really be proud of this one."

"He certainly is proud of it," Lucas admits. "As he should be."

As tempted as he is to want to get details out of Luc, Spencer refrains. Derek wants this to be a surprise and he won't ruin that. "I'm surprised Derek didn't come back with you. Did he stay behind to finish something?"

"No, the insurance people wanted to talk to him again. He should be back fairly soon."

"Perfect. Could I borrow your muscles? Pen, you can help too if you like."

The three immediately agree, only asking what Spencer needs done.

"Move our stuff from the Master to the guest bedroom?" Spencer asks quietly without explanation.

Luc, Josh, and Penelope look between Spencer and each other before they all nod. None of them question him. Clearly either Derek or both of them is having difficulty entering the room. If it had been only Spencer with the problem, Derek would have already moved things.

With quiet efficiency, the three of them move everything they can into the guest bedroom.

None say anything when Derek comes home. They eat a boisterous meal before Penelope, Josh, and Lucas all go home for the night.

CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM

That night Derek realizes that Josh, Lucas, and possibly Penelope must have moved their stuff from the Master. Spencer must have asked them. He's grateful on a number of levels. The door to the Master is closed and Derek doesn't have to worry about asking Spencer to get something because he can't bear to go inside. Also, Derek is thankful that none of them commented. He feels a little insecure about his vulnerability concerning the Master. It means a lot that they would do this for him. He settles less tensely into the guest bedroom, where they have slept since the first night. The thought of sleeping in their bedroom where Kryupt had been still makes Derek shiver. If he had lost Spencer—Derek pushes the thought away. *Spencer is fine. He is alive and he'll make a full recovery.* He tries not to dwell on those dark thoughts, having spent too much time on them while he waited for Spencer to wake after surgery. Derek repeats the mantra he's been saying to himself since Spencer woke, *Spencer's alive. I'm alive. We're together.*

As he tries to sleep, Spencer thinks about his family and friends. Every day someone else comes over to visit with him. All the attention is welcome, not only has it distracted him from the pain of his recovery and kept him from getting bored but it also warms his heart. Spencer remembers being that lonely child that no one wanted to be friends with, whose only friend was his own mother. And books of course. But now, he has friends and family. He isn't alone or lonely anymore. And having almost lost everything, Spencer appreciates his loved ones all the more, Derek, first and foremost, but also his mother, the Morgan's and Takada's, Luc and Josh, Dave and his BAU family. With them, he has found love, loyalty, and happiness. With that thought, Spencer falls asleep with a contented smile on his face.

With Spencer sleeping securely in his arms, Derek thinks of his plans. He needs to do this proposal right. Derek is sure that Spencer would be happy with him pulling out the ring and simply asking him. But Derek wants to make it special because Spencer deserves it. He is organizing a scavenger hunt with their friends and family for Spencer. Derek wants it to be filled with moments from their lives. And at the end, Derek wants a cozy picnic with just the two of them. Derek wants it to be perfect.

With Spencer's familiar heat beside him, he falls asleep easily.

CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM*CM

Hours later, Derek wakes to sound of Spencer's sobs. "Baby? What's wrong?"

Spencer winces at the loud question. "Shh, it hurts."

"What hurts?" Derek whispers.

Spencer's hands clutch his head, "Migraine."

Derek scrambles out of bed. "Close your eyes," he says. After a moment, he digs into Spencer's nightstand using his phone as a flashlight. Derek finds Spencer's migraine medication and puts two pills into Spencer's hand. He grabs the glass on the nightstand and hands it to Spencer. Once Spencer swallows the pills, Derek wets a washcloth and climbs into their bed. He tenderly guides Spencer to his side and drapes the washcloth over his eyes. Derek begins to rub Spencer's neck. Spencer quiets under his gentle care. Derek is relieved when he falls back asleep. Spencer doesn't often get migraines but when he does, they are bad. Derek's learned over their two years together what works and what doesn't. Darkness and quiet are the obvious ones. But somehow Derek's touch always helps, which he is thankful for. He hates seeing Spencer in pain but knowing that his touch can provide relief, that he can do something to help Spencer's pain makes it a bit easier to take.


I wrote a little oneshot scene recently where Spencer and Derek talk about kids but I haven't posted it yet. At some point in my He's the One That I Want Verse, they will be having kids. I'd love some input on the how. Mpreg? Surrogacy? Adoption? A mixture (surrogacy and adoption, adoption and mpreg, etc)? I already asked this in my Facebook group. Almost all said mpreg.