A/N: Luke's sister comes to visit.

Chapter Fifteen

Eventually Efficiently Officially Official

"Luke!" cheered the happy woman greeting said man in the park, Luke walking Roxy and his sister being in town they had arranged to meet as they were, the sister seeing him first and quickly brought him into a hug. Mariana bundled up in her thick coat and stylish scarf, her thick dark hair flopped over her shoulders as she gave her brother a friendly squeeze around his shoulders, being the two youngest siblings they were arguably the closest having grown up being the most mischievous "and how are you Roxy, high five" the woman said as she held out an arm and Roxy gave her paw "good girl" she encouraged her fluffy friend.

But Luke noticed something else about his sister's hand, something sparkly on her ring finger "and what is that? Eddie popped the question?" he asked and she nodded happily holding up her engagement ring showing it off "congrats, sis, and he ain't going cheap…" eyeing the jewellery "good" getting a laugh from her.

"It was only a couple weeks ago and figured I'd tell you now since I was visiting, the wedding is in March, this mysterious boyfriend of yours serious enough to be a plus one?" she teased, knowing her brother had a tendency to keep his relationships light, not that he was unable to commit it was just either more convenient with his work to stay casual or a lot of partners couldn't handle the level of independence needed and he never pressed anyone for it. Roxy let out a small woof and she giggled "you have your own invite Roxy."

Luke smiled and decided to let her know that he would indeed have a plus one to her wedding "well actually…yeah, Spencer and me are definitely serous enough" and her brown eyes widened a little at her young 'silent type' brother being so open.

"Wow, I usually have to drag this sort of stuff out of you, this guy must really be something…so, Spencer? Like…the genius guy?" she connected some of the few things her brother had said over their few calls recently, he just nodded with a big grin "well that makes sense, you've only gushed about him every time you can get him into a conversation, you've got it bad bro" she teased but was actually thoroughly impressed, not only did her tough guy brother score an actual genius but he was also clearly happy about it. "You want me to give ma a heads up?"

"I'm gonna call ma, just be there for her to gossip and stuff with, okay?" Luke said and Mariana couldn't stop looking at her brother, it was so subtle but he just looked brighter and happier.

"Will do," she said, the calmest of his sisters overall, cheeky but she wasn't going to scream and squeal at the drop of a hat "well your smart fella is welcome to the wedding, when do I get an invite to yours?" she teased and quirked a brow for added effect.

"Simmer down" he laughed.

"Oh please, you've always been so quiet, Mr No Chat Tough Guy, you're genius's got you smitten" she grinned and most incredibly was that Luke didn't deny it, no deflecting or lightening the topic, and for the first time Luke seemed to be in a relationship that she could see bringing a future in-law.

"You wanna meet him?" Luke offered with a smirk and her excited eyes told him the answer was an absolute yes, she hadn't expected that at all, just a light get together and catch up with her brother but she wasn't going to pass up the opportunity now it was given. Nodding she couldn't wait to meet the man to finally soften her brother like this, especially considering the insane facts Luke had mentioned about the genius and although she couldn't think of why Luke would lie he sounded impossible, like some sort of super human and she was intrigued to see what he was actually like.

Spencer was a little nervous, he'd never met 'the family' before, the team was practically his family and the whole situation with his mom meant the whole meeting relatives concept was new for him, and yeah he had met some of Luke's friends even before they were together but you don't mess with family, and Spencer was about to meet Luke's closest sister. They were going to a dog friendly restaurant and he was to meet the siblings and pooch there, his nerves acting up a little but apparently she was excited already which was a relief though it did add a little pressure.

When he arrived at the restaurant she gave him a hug and while touch did still make him tense he let her, the reaction not as strong as it used to be and she was Luke's sister after all. Luke flashed him a smile to keep him calm and introduced them properly to each other, Mariana instantly lovely and chill to be around, she resembled Luke in her eyes and hair, though the jaw had to come from their mother or some relative Luke hadn't got his from.

As they sat down to order and Roxy was given a bowl of water and some biscuits they got to chatting, she was lovely and soon enough he knew he'd been nervous for nothing. "Okay, so my brother has spoken your praises" she said "but some of the stuff just sounds like a kid on a sugar rush, he said you have an IQ of 187?" she tested more to Luke's credibility or if he was misremembering things and Spencer just smiled and nodded.

"That's true" Reid confirmed, then he confirmed the multiple PHDs and BAs, the reading speed, the high school graduation at twelve, the perfect hundred at the shooting range and the eidetic memory, she was quick to test him using the menu, asking what the dishes cost or the descriptions and he would answer every one in immaculate detail. Mariana kept having to glance between Spencer and her brother as if to check this wasn't some magic trick, only for her to then learn he knew actual magic tricks! Even the more normal questions lead to extraordinary things, like learning he was from Vegas and next thing she knew he could count cards and was banned from multiple casinos! They hadn't even spoken about his job!

Eventually Spencer managed to steer the conversation to get to know her, how Luke took after their dad, how Mariana was engaged and Spencer had already learned from Luke about his family, but it was nice to hear Mariana explaining all about her fiancé Eduardo, her sisters Gabriela and Alicia, how the nieces and nephews are and cute stories. Spencer was able to offer that he was a godfather to two awesome boys and Luke started telling about how protective Roxy was over Spencer, Mariana jealous as while Roxy was always super friendly she never abandoned Luke for anybody, well, now except for Spencer.

"You know, Luke…you've never looked more like dad" Mariana said smiling, everyone tucking into their food including Roxy chomping away on a treat by their feet, before playfully poking Luke straight at a dimple teasingly and while Spencer watched the siblings be comfortable around each other.

"Dad looks good for his age, I'm taking that as a compliment" Luke said and Mariana was quick to reply "I meant it as one, guess you just needed to smile and talk more" and ultimately the sentiment there was very sweet even if it was dressed as something silly.

"So hows Phil?" she asked, deciding to catch up, last she'd seen him he was still wheelchair bound so when Luke informed her "great, he's walking and spending most of his time around Lou" when she looked lost wondering who this 'Lou' was Luke elaborated "I got him a puppy, it's really boosted his morale and you don't think so much about how stuff hurts when you've got a buddy to get up and active for" the explanation making his sister beam, the idea of a puppy doing so much good for someone a real joy.

Spencer decided to bring up something fun "Phil still angling for a date with Penelope?"

"Ooh who's this Penelope?" Mariana asked curiously.

Luke chuckled "Penelope Garcia, the tech analyst in the team I told you about" he explained and she recognised her from some stories "and yes, Phil asked me again last time I saw him, especially now she's single" the bubbly blonde having broken up with Sam a week ago "but the girl needs some breathing space" Luke argued.

"I'm pretty sure Penelope asked about a date with Phil too, not sure how much breathing space is required" Spencer replied triumphantly and for Luke the inevitability of having to set up his best friend and the tech goddess settled in against his will.

Mariana then asked about the team, some stories and more, Roxy having eaten her snack moved to curl up practically on the good doctors feet and her big brown eyes peering up at him from time to time, just checking one of her favourite humans was still there and not in need of any assistance. Mariana "aww"ed at the dutiful doggo part way through one of her go-to embarrassing stories of Luke's from childhood to tell the boyfriend. After finishing her story and getting a laugh Luke decided he'd best walk Roxy around the block and that the pair could stay while he nipped out.

Standing from the table Luke had Roxy on her leash and gave Spencer a cute kiss on the cheek, the man smiling despite all the silly stories over the table and said he'd be back soon, leaving Reid with the jolly sister. There was a long enough moment of quiet that Spencer nerves started to creep up again, afraid of being awkward but luckily Mariana was much better at this social stuff than he was and practically hummed after a sip of wine "my brother seems so happy around you…"

Spencer just smiled and let the only just built tension in his shoulders relax again "I'm glad, he's really important to me so hearing other's say he seems happy…makes me happy" he tried to explain and while a little muddled the message was adorable.

Mariana felt the need to pinch herself, this almost impossible human being was real and of all people he had waltzed into her brother's life and lit it up so easily, in that moment she suddenly felt really grateful to the genius across from her. "Look, I might tease my brother, that's what siblings do…but I love him dearly and you seem really good for him" hearing her say that made Spencer feel a bit of pride and butterflies in his stomach, glad to have been so well accepted by her and to know how cheery Luke seemed in their relationship. "Keep it up...welcome to the family, Spencer."

Luke couldn't explain it, but hearing Mariana and Spencer talk and get to know each other he had the urge to just scream their relationship to the world, they were a great couple - a fucking amazing couple. There was a pride in his chest about them and he realised he'd never in his whole life ever been happier. Mariana's comment about Luke seeming more and more like his dad had got him, and while he was far more open than he'd ever been before tearing up in front of his sister was not something he wanted to add to the evening.

In truth he could see it now, his dad was his hero and one of the things he always associated with the man was how much of a hopeless romantic he was, growing up Luke had always thought his dad was super cheesy with how enamoured he was with his wife, the flowers and any smooth music he'd pull her to dance and while Luke had always respected it, glad his parents were happy - he'd never fully got it. For the longest time he figured he'd just missed that bit of his dad's character, like he worked differently, never one to gush about his partner or want for the silly corny things in life…but with Spencer? The idea of them being able to grow old together and that Luke might pull his lover into his arms for a dance, however over the top romantic it might seem, he wanted that.

Deciding this energy had to go somewhere he had started to take Roxy for a walk, it wasn't snowing but the frost covered the streets and Christmas music could be heard from stores he passed on his way, the setting was calm and cozy enough he brought out his phone and dialled his mother. It's time she knew, Mariana had mentioned a few weeks ago to her that Luke was 'dating a guy last she heard' and not much more information to give at the time, likely Luke's parents having no reason to think it was all that serious - so he could tell them now.

His mother answered the call and her face appeared on screen, she had clearly been fussing about in the kitchen when she picked up still with her apron on, her dark curly hair not dissimilar to Mariana's thrown up in a messy bun and she instantly greeted with the warmth only a mother could give "hi Luke, oh I'm glad to see you're wrapping up, it must be so cold out" she coddled sweetly "it's so nice to see you, sweetie."

"Hey ma," he greeted "how are things?"

"Good, your father is doing something fancy with the garage, another project so lots of noise but otherwise should be worth it," she chatted "I've had a day of babysitting grandkids and I don't remember there being glitter…but there was definitely glitter" she laughed and Luke grinned, oh the curse of glitter, so sparkly, so pretty - so monstrous.

"You know pops, he does good work and if I could spare the men to help you I would but you'll have to go at the glitter alone, soldier" he joked making his mother chuckle.

"Well someone's in a good mood," she commented "I'd half expected a call to settle a childhood story dispute since Mariana said she was visiting you."

"No disputes to settle, ma, I'm just walking Roxy for a little bit but Mariana's actually…meeting my boyfriend" he informed with a smile and watched his mother's eyes as she took in the information, somewhat surprised but more trying to read her son's expression. "That's actually why I decided to call, thought I'd tell you properly that it's serious and I want him to meet you guys at some point…he's my plus one to Mari's wedding and I think you'd really like him" he spoke knowing full well it was the most he'd ever offered so easily about introducing a partner to the family.

Her brows shot up and an excited smile over her lips as she squealed a little "oh Luke that's great, not gonna lie it's a little surprising but we love you and if you're gaga about him so are we" she said happily "if I get to meet this one without having to pester you this is the real deal."

"Yeah…he is the sweetest person you will ever meet, I'm sure Mari's gonna tell you all about him when she gets home but it's Spencer, I work with him…I've told you about him, Dr Spencer Reid" he explained and she gasped "the genius?" she recalled and Luke just chuckled, it seemed to be the go-to way of recognising the wonderful man. "That's right, the genius, and I'm sure Mari is also gonna tell you I'm a big softie now…what can I say?" he shrugged but grinning and his mother was clearly excited by the whole thing "we should arrange a visit or come up to see you at some point."

"I would love that, Pichurri," his mother beamed, glad to finally be seeing her son so open and clearly in a good place in his life "I'll tell your father when he's done hammering or drilling or whatever that racket is, I'm so happy for you" and Luke just felt eternally thankful for his amazing family. And having now told his mother, and he knew that Spencer had introduced the idea of them as a couple to Diana via letters too, they were official. Officially official. He knew his family was supportive, his parents and sisters, a little scared of grandma but more because he genuinely didn't have a clue how she would react to anybody until she did but he looked forward to it, excited to share and combine the two areas of his life more completely.

Quote: "[He] made me laugh. I was attracted to his attraction for me: the way he smiled for instance,
whenever he saw me, that goofy kind of grin that hijacks the face of the helplessly smitten."

― Cheryl Drake Harris, Lily's Ghost