A/N: Garcia is the mistletoe fairy...

Chapter Eighteen

The Traditional Mistletoe Schmoozing

The office shimmered and glittered with decorations, Penelope some kind of christmas gremlin hanging tinsel and lights all about the place, no one's chair was safe from the christmassy covers or desks from the mini christmas trees and ornaments, nobody dared to go into her den as it looked like a holiday bomb had went off, sparkly carnage abound. The final touch was not only sprigs of mistletoe but the blonde's cheeky grin alongside it, "mistletoe might get people schmoozing but it also gives me my much needed sugar" she said in the bullpen, as though to make her point she he'd it over Luke who chuckled before giving her a peck on the cheek "see."

Alvez then decided to inspire his favourite genius, who was back on cases again and seated at his desk drinking out of reindeer mug complete with little ceramic antlers out the side, to give one of his enthusiastic rambles that he loved so much "so why do people kiss under mistletoe anyway?" and he saw the whole team look at him, some with smirks having caught on to how much Luke liked listening to Spencer speak and others not quite there themselves now put on the genius chatty train. Without missing a beat Reid barely looked up from his file as he rattled on.

"Kissing under mistletoe likely started in ancient Greece, during the festival of Saturnalia and in weddings because of the it's association with fertility. During the Roman era, enemies at war would reconcile their differences under it too making it a symbol of peace. However a lot of it's use was in pagan rituals, in the Middle Ages, it was believed that mistletoe has magical properties like helping epileptics and keeping witches at bay. If you want to stay true to mistletoe kissing tradition you should really remove a berry with each kiss too" he said with a smile before sipping his coffee triumphantly.

Luke meanwhile moved over to Spencer's desk and when he went to add more information "mistletoe is often banned from some christmas celebrations because of its pagan ties an-" when he was cut off with a quick kiss to the lips, effectively quieting him but only in a fun way, Luke pulled back with a grin and said "yeah, I think we're fine even without the mistletoe" and getting a chuckle out of the team.

"Definitely" Penelope beamed with a grin "you boys are so cute."

At a wintery get together the team were gathered at Rossi's mansion, partners and kids invited and it was nice to have Derek and family along too. Krystall was the hostess with the mostest refilling champagne at the slightest sip and telling stories, JJ and Matt's kids were playing together, the house feeling fuller especially when Hank joined the mix on Derek's arrival. Spencer hadn't told Morgan yet and having exercised the utmost restraint Penelope had managed not to tell her favourite chocolate thunder the exciting news. Very quickly upon arrival Morgan's dark eyes seemed to be following the couple, how Luke had collected two champagne flutes and handing one to Spencer, how they sat next to each other and how Spencer didn't mind the close proximity or Luke leaning into him ever so slightly, the genius even facing the ex-ranger in that closeness himself more than comfortably.

There was no over the top public displays of affection, there didn't need to be, Morgan knew his pretty boy and something was going on between them. They clearly had in jokes, the team referred to them as a 'they' more than was typical, implying there was such a unique thing as a 'them' and that alone helped Derek piece it together. He was caught a little off guard when he realised he'd been in his own thoughts, brought out of them abruptly when Penelope 'baby girl' Garcia held a sprig of mistletoe over him and his lovely wife Savannah. Realising the cute tradition suddenly thrust upon him he gladly smiled and gave the beautiful lady a kiss, as if on cue little Hank was toddling about still wobbly on his feet towards them just curious about flowers on the table and tugging on peoples jean legs adorably.

Deciding to just call it out, given the teams behaviour he wasn't outing anyone or revealing something other's didn't know, he looked to the pair on the opposite sofa and said "guys, am I nuts or…are you two..?"

"What could you possibly mean, Morgan?" Spencer asked with a small smile teasingly, fully expecting Derek to be able to read the situation with ease.

Savannah looked to her husband in clueless curiosity "what am I missing?"

"You and you" pointing to Spencer then Luke in turn "...together?"

Before they could even answer Garcia bounced over to Luke and Spencer holding the mistletoe over them and smugly waved the sprig over the pair giggling, smiling at her silliness they confidently gave the other a cute kiss leaving no room for doubt that Morgan was in fact right. Derek's jaw fell a little, both surprised and impressed and heard his wife immediately on board "aw, no way, that's great you guys" with a big grin.

Hank toddled over to Spencer and raised his arms in gesture that he wanted to be picked up, Spencer quick to oblige saying a friendly "hey buddy, you want up?" before helping the child onto his knee, the baby boy happily hugging his uncle Spencer. Meanwhile Derek was still processing the bombshell in front of him with a bewildered smile "I've seen a lot of curve balls in my time but wow" he mused and got a chuckle, the smile telling Reid it was only good news but dark eyes did travel over to the other man, "and as for you, Alvez" he teased like the protective older brother he was.

"The shovel talk?" Luke immediately replied as though it was par for the course by now, clearly not his first when Derek chuckled and informed "you're getting the Morgan deluxe shovel talk, ah la 'hurt my pretty boy and imma getchu' edition" and the group laughed but knew it was gonna happen in all seriousness.

Spencer was juggling a curious Hank and keeping his champagne out of reach meaning the toddler shifted attention to Reid's tie, the sight very cute as Spencer also spoke up "oh come on, this is Luke's…fifth?"

Luke was quick to correct the genius by saying "higher, Tara snuck one in last week and my own sister got me on video chat, I'm also sure Roxy is trying to tell me in blinking."

Derek stood with a smirk and said simply "come on, Alvez" gesturing for the man to follow, unexpectedly making it happen right away and away from the safety of witnesses. For all Morgan was a cool guy and a good friend to Reid Luke found himself feeling a little nervous about it, a collective set of "ooh" noises sounded as though he was in trouble and while it was silly it fit the scenario. Luke stood and started to follow Morgan and heard Spencer say "Derek be gentle" before chuckling "and Luke, Morgan acts tough but he's a big softie inside."

"Watch it, kid" Morgan jokingly threatened. Spencer unfazed just turned to Hank in his arms and said "isn't that right Hank Spencer Morgan, your daddy is a big old softie?" and the child immediately copied his uncle with "dada bih soffy!" as best he could and to Morgan's dismay everyone giggled and cooed, even Savannah belly laughing with zero chill for her husband's sake. Shaking his head Morgan accepted defeat but did not stray from his aim as he and Alvez left the group towards the patio.

Sitting on the patio, heaters were already brought out so people could enjoy the wintery outdoors without freezing, Luke and Derek shared the obligatory tense silence as the protective 'older brother' started the 'shovel talk' with 'the boyfriend'. Luke hadn't felt nervous before this one, he hadn't needed to be as he was completely respectful of why everyone cared so much and he knew he had no intention of messing this up, but those facts weren't quite enough to keep the butterflies in his stomach from fluttering, he didn't know Morgan as well as the others and vice versa so he didn't quite have as much of a 'benefit of the doubt' as he did with the likes of JJ or the others.

Derek wasn't immediately threatening and his jaw wasn't squared, nothing negative, but it was obvious that he cared for the genius a great deal and had some things to say and say right. "Okay.." Morgan started and let out a breath before looking straight into Luke's brown eyes "you know the drill" he smirked "hurt him and I will make sure you regret ever doing wrong to that special boy, got it?" his expression while not unpleasant conveyed his absolute devotion to keeping those words.

"Got it…" Luke nodded "hey, I know we haven't had the chance to really get to know each other but…I just wanted to say thanks" he said sincerely "I know you've looked out, still look out, for Spence and I know you both mean a lot to each other, he sure does have a way of softening the tough guy types" he smiled and that got Derek smiling too, the man nodding as he couldn't help but agree.

"You got that right, Gideon practically mentored him back in the day and even Hotch got a real soft spot for him…" and Luke's brows raised at that, the idea of Hotch as soft for anyone but his son was hard to imagine, a dedication to the team for sure but the super serious boss man hadn't struck him as the type to get actively friendly in the short time he worked with him. "I mean it when I say the kid's special…" Derek continued "and I'm not saying that like it's something to overcome…it's something to appreciate."

Luke smiled understandingly "oh I know that much" he replied "I think the team are torn between hating me or loving that I keep getting Spence on his information rambles" he said fondly "I can't get enough of him, the brain of his, the enthusiasm for everything" Luke's words bluntly happy "and I know I haven't been around as long as other people…I know I haven't seen every step of how far he's come, but even just what I've seen…" Luke tried to find the right words, at least a bit more at ease as he saw Morgan on board for what he was saying "he's just incredible, easily the strongest, sweetest person I've ever met."

Derek listened to this man, one he barely knew just gush over the genius and felt so much better that he needn't worry but he still took advantage of the moment, he did make sure to smile though and bring warmth to it so he wasn't bullying the poor guy. "You know I remember the early days, when Reid got so many requirements waived for the BAU to have it's genius…" he chuckled "he could barely hold a gun never mind shoot straight…" and Luke appeared amused especially since Reid could shoot a perfect 100 now "but that kid just found ways to profile or grab the rug right out form under you…" and it was clear how impressed, how proud, of Reid Morgan was with every word. "He's been through hell…" he said quite frankly "and he deserves some happiness in his life."

Luke could only nod, appreciating all that Morgan was opening up to him with, and Derek continued "I'm not gonna say he can't handle another hit, I'm not gonna say he isn't beyond resilient…and while relationships have their ups and downs and all the craziness in between, the kid needs a break. I hear good things about you Alvez" he said firmly "look after him, all of what makes him him" he chuckled and Luke found himself joining in. "Okay, there you go" Derek had said his peace "he's like a little brother to me, seriously, we might seem real different but I'd kill for pretty boy…" came the nickname and Luke didn't mind it, knowing it was entirely platonic and sweet, and the more he saw of their friendship the more he was reminded of the socks metaphor.

Before he could prepare Morgan to hear it the seemingly random question left his lips "has Spencer ever told you why he wears odd socks?" and the man just looked at him oddly for a second but shook his head "he said 'just because they don't look like they go together doesn't mean they can't be friends'" and with that both laughed, appreciating all the little sweet ways that made Dr Spencer Reid who he was and knowing full well the other man knew too.

After a long while Derek and Luke entered the main room everyone was grouped in after their talk to see Spencer, Savannah and Penelope having a giggle, Rossi filling drinks, near by were Emily and Lewis talking to Will and the boys. Hank had toddled off at some point over to auntie JJ who was spending time with Matt and his family, the house so busy and happy in a big blur of laughing, playing and talking. The two men walked near the couches and Morgan teased "I'm surprised baby girl hasn't got half the room schmoozing by now."

He hadn't expected to hear Penelope say "or I'm preparing for a sneak attack" making both confused before Krystall stepped sneakily behind them and held mistletoe up high over Luke and Derek, her impressively deadly high heels making the act of looming over them easy enough and the situation was instantly hilarious, even Savannah letting out a near cackle as the idea tickled her funny bone. The sight witnessed beyond the sofas as JJ was quick to cheer "you gotta do it" and making kiss noises, Tara quick to realise what was going on and laughing hard.

Emily joined in too and jokingly said in a deep voice "come on it's just a kiss, bruh" and giggling after.

"Seriously?" both said in unison to a room of nods, both men looking to their partners who by now had moved to sitting side by side on one of the sofas. Luke and Derek silently looking for some kind of excuse to get out of this, neither really wanting to and eyes pleading for mercy. Unfortunately Spencer and Savannah found it too funny and the idea of them likely having had a tough guy heart to heart conversation only to be followed by an anticlimactic smooch was too good to pass up. Accepting defeat they turned to each other and grimaced, neither hiding their lack of enthusiasm but had to admit the trap was pretty funny, before giving each other the tiniest of reluctant kisses and immediately making faces as though the other had cooties.

The kiss however pathetic got a jolly cheer and some wolf whistles, Luke turning his attention to Penelope and asking "you happy now?" hoping that was the end of it.

"I'm thinking about it" she said cheekily before stepping behind the opposite sofa and held another sprig of mistletoe over Spencer and Savannah, the room realising very quickly the very teasing scenario, two tough guys to be be forced to watch their beloved partners kiss, something akin to an alpha-spirit becoming increasingly hilarious to see challenged. Especially when the room decided to add more wolf whistles to the mere idea and instead of laughing at Reid and Savannah's expense, yet again it was at the two boys.

"Oh hell naw" Morgan says as he watched one of his closest friends and his wife giggling.

Luke rolled his eyes and looked to the bubbly blonde who was very proud of herself "really, Penelope?" and the woman just nodded. Deciding to just get on with it Savannah smirked and gave Spencer a kiss, both giggling through it and luckily Spencer knew Savannah well enough and knew she was a good person, she let her own son be named after him after all, so his anxiety hadn't gotten the better of him at the simple touch and knowing nothing more was expected of him. When she pulled back she had left the slightest trace of peach lipgloss and both just smirked ant looked to their pouting partners who in unison folded their arms naturally and not on purpose and it only made the whole thing funnier.

Quote: "The tradition was that with each kiss a berry was picked off the mistletoe.
Once the last berry was gone, then there could be no more kissing,"
Chris revealed as he leaned closer before whispering, "And that's a total shame."

― Sarah Stein, Mistletoe