A/N: Meeting the Family (Part Three/Fin).

Chapter Twenty Three

Because Home Is A Safe Place

After Uncle Jaime had been sent off to his hotel the men shared a drink in nothing but positivity, a welcoming and warm energy amongst everyone before heading back to the house, Luke and Spencer were to be staying the night in the guest room while others one by one headed off to put the children to sleep, eventually Mariana and Eduardo also said their goodnights before heading to their apartment. Luke's mother was subtly informed of Uncle Jaime's behaviour and why he was made to leave, immediately appalled she tried to apologise for her brother being so out of line but everyone told her not to worry.

Eventually night fell and everyone was tuckered out and ready for bed, after saying some goodnights the couple got themselves settled in the guest room, it had a double bed and had a medley of photos over the walls from varying years. Since this wasn't the house they grew up in it had been decorated after moving, highlights of childhoods and achievements were framed proudly and as Spencer changed into pyjamas he curiously looked over the pictures. "Aw, is that you and Mariana?" Spencer asked, an adorable photograph of two young children at the beach building sand castles and he was pleasantly met with Luke pressing against him from behind, arms wrapping around his waist sweetly and resting his rugged chin on Spencer's shoulder.

The affectionate hold letting the genius relax into it before Luke replied "yeah, she built a wave breaker wall too so the water would redirect over to mine" he chuckled and squeezed his boyfriend tighter.

"You're such a cute kid" Spencer hummed, looking at the happy little face covered in sand "and Mariana was very clever" he said impressed and both laugh quietly, just enjoying the sharing of parts of themselves and who they've been. Luke placed a sweet kiss agains his boyfriend's cheek affectionately before pointing out "and if you look in the background, that's ma." Seeing a woman in a pretty sundress in the background he could see the features clearly, not to mention the warm eyes watching the two young children fondly.

Looking around they spoke about baby photos and graduations, family portraits with large gatherings and more, even old pets through the years as well as military photographs, the whole display heartwarming to look through. And just then they found themselves in a sweet and safe moment, considering how they'd only officially been a couple for a relatively short while in the grand scheme of things and yet from day one their commitment to the other was solid, the choice to even step into a relationship something inherently serious. They didn't say it out loud but both men were thinking about how they wanted to build a life of memories, not unlike what was in front of them, filled with people and achievements, travels and most of all a real sense of what made a home.

Moved only by tiredness, not wanting to leave the tender moment, the pair settled into the double bed and got all cozy in the others arms, spending some time just chatting about the day gone by for all it's craziness but also awesome ones or just cuddling in a comfortable silence. Luke placed a soft kiss to Spencer's forehead before placing another on his lips, lingering there tenderly before the pair gazed into the others eyes. "You know," Luke said with a smirk "growing up I never had a partner stay overnight in my parents house…"

"No way, teenaged Luke wasn't a hit with the ladies and boys?" Spencer asked sarcastically, knowing full well he was and almost guaranteed to be sneaking around in his youth.

Luke chuckled and admitted "oh I snuck out to see them," and Spencer laughed back, he knew it, "but I never brought anyone to mine…until you" and with that kissed Spencer's cheek playfully.

"Well we're not horny teenagers…" Spencer said "no nookie while your lovely parents might hear us" he laid down the rule but was smiling more than amused. Alvez nodded though he did move in for another kiss, a hand moving its way up into wavy hair, lips tingling at the affectionate action and both melted into each other. Slowly pulling back he kissed the messy hair before gathering him closer into his strong arms.

"You saying 'no nookie' makes me want to do it just to rebel" and both chuckled at the silliness "but maybe that's my inner horny teenager."

In the morning Spencer helped make breakfast with Lilliana, both Luke and his father offered to lend a hand but as both were hopeless cooks they were banned from the kitchen. Luke's mother was a very sweet woman but as she spied her husband shamelessly sneak into the fridge for an early morning snack that famous stare Luke had told of was witnessed. Luckily Spencer had no intention of doing anything that might aim it at himself and he got the lovely and friendly side of the woman.

As they both bustled about the kitchen they talked about yesterday, everything from how amazed the children (and adults) were regarding how smart he was, Lilliana more than happy to share just what sorts of things people were saying to let Reid know how well received and welcome he was to the family, especially with the noticeable increased happiness in her son. Eventually she again had to address her brother's appalling behaviour at the bar, "I'm so sorry for my brother," and before Spencer could say not to worry she pressed "I knew he was the old fashioned machismo type…I just never knew how badly he couldn't handle when people don't act the same way he does. He should never have said anything like what he did and I can assure you he is the only one who ever could in this family. Even my mother won't stop saying how cute you both are."

Spencer smiled, really taking in the important message the woman was trying to convey, that Uncle Jaime was not any reflection on the rest and that they were just as horrified as the couple were. "Thank you…we've dealt with much worse, especially where we work" Spencer explained, letting her know the actions of the incident itself wasn't affecting them "but I think more than anything Luke was just disappointed in his uncle."

"We all are, he shouldn't have said any of it," Lilliana said honestly "and oh I imagine you see all sorts of bad things…but that shouldn't be here, home is a safe place." Her words were so sure, and the warm smile she sent to the genius told him she meant for Spencer to think of them as family, a comfortable group and place to go if needed or wanted. "And I do want you to consider us family, Spencer" she made very clear once and for all.

Meanwhile Luke, ever banned from his mother's kitchen, went to check on his grandmother who surprisingly was awake and reading, bundled up in her bed surrounded in a thick comforter with her morning tea on the nightstand. She was quick to notice him, much brighter and awake than he was expecting at this hour, and she gestured for him to sit at the side of her bed, immediately her aged fingers moved to his squared jaw to angle his face for a better view. Her eyes were narrower as she was clearly looking at him in detail despite her not so great vision before she started lightly nodding to herself and inner thoughts.

"You're smiling more, Luke" she said before her grin grew and so did Luke's - so that's what she was looking for. "I'm getting to see you're dimples more in one visit than I have in years" she commented cheerily before letting her hand return to the book in her lap. "That pretty thing of yours is very good for you."

"I know, Grandma" Luke beamed unashamed of his happy attitude however unusual it may be for others to see.

"When I see Jaime I'm gonna whoop him" the elderly woman said out of the blue making Luke laugh, not going to argue with her but finding the idea of the rude older man getting his comeuppance by his angry mother even at his age was very funny.

After visiting his grandmother Luke saw breakfast was almost ready but he still wan't welcome into the 'danger room', well the 'danger room' if left in the hands of either Luke or his father apparently. Instead he joined his father in the living room who was watching golf, his father not really into it as much as other sports but he let it play on the screen. The moment Luke sat down on the sofa his father's attention completely abandoned the game and focused on his son. It was nothing short of incredible - the difference in his son. Luke was usually itching to be on the move, never sticking around one spot for too long, always restless and chasing something. Now it seemed his chasing was over, he finally had what he needed.

Father and son looked at each other, a slight smile curled at their lips, a strong feeling of respect in both men as they took in all of what the other person meant to them in a silent exchange. Anthony the first to speak up, knowing shortly after breakfast he'd be bidding the pair farewell for their drive back to Virginia, "I'm proud of you, son." The words were so simple, so pure and sincere it hit harder than he'd anticipated.

"Thanks, pops" he said, brown eyes glinting in a way that matched his dads. "You know…I've been told I look like you more in the last month than all the rest of my life combined?" he informed with a warmth in his voice.

Anthony smiled and replied "good" before leaning in a little closer and explaining "I went through something similar, in the military I was Mr Serious" and immediately Luke chuckled, finding the idea of his cheesy, sweet father whom he'd grown up with being so non-goofy "then I met your mother…" Spencer and Lilliana stepped into the room just to let the pair know breakfast is served, cute smiles exchanged between each pair of partners before the two men stood from the sofa, eternally grateful to have found the loves of their lives and to know that the other understood the joy of it. "Besides" Anthony said quietly to his son "I look damn good, be flattered" he joked but not without strong footing and making Luke laugh at his dad's cheekiness.

Luke sat in the driver's seat as the pair drove home, the visit successful regardless of a certain relative and he found himself curious enough to ask "so..? how was it meeting the Alvez family?"

Spencer smiled, hazel eyes looking at his handsome partner who was practically glowing with how well the family had taken to him, Reid flattered at just how much joy his boyfriend had relished showing him off and not shying away from the level of adoration he held. "I'm glad we came" Spencer answered "they're so friendly…" and Spencer took in a deep breath, the idea of his own mother flashing in his mind for a moment and it gave him mixed feelings, especially with her being so ill.

"You alright, cariño?" Luke asked, instantly able to read his partner.

"Yeah…I just…I don't know, I end up kind of thinking about my mom is all" he explained, opening up knowing Luke wouldn't judge whatever he had to say. "Lilliana was so welcoming to me…I guess I just miss having that sort of energy around me, does that make sense?"

Luke nodded, not wanting to take his eyes off the road too long he did give a soft glance to his partner, relieved to see he wasn't upset but just thoughtful. He couldn't imagine seeing his mother go through what Reid's was, to see her fade away or be stressed with no way to help, then for her safest and best opportunity for high quality care meaning they were apart a lot and t was difficult to seek comfort as easily as Luke could. A simple video call enough to make Luke feel like he'd shared some quality time with his parents, whereas Spencer could visit his mother for hours and she wouldn't be all that present or forget soon enough it ever happened.

"Of course" Luke answered, "we could pay her a visit?" he offered and Spencer seemed surprised for a moment.

"You said 'we'?" he checked, as though wondering if Luke had thought his suggestion through but as he watched the man for signs he might retract his words it never came "you know she might not be up for guests when we do go? Or she might be open to guests but not recognise anyone, or she might be having an episode where she is panicking or upset, she migh-"

"She's your mom." Luke said the simple statement like it was all the logic needed but he did reassure his boyfriend by saying "I understand that Diana isn't in the same position as my parents…but she is your mom whether she's having a good day or a tough day. I am happy to spend time with her because she's your mom, regardless of whatever kind of day she is having."

Spencer thought it over, he was hoping to visit his mother around New Years if he could find the time, and after Luke opened up his family to him he could at least return the favour, however much smaller his family was to do so. Luke had seen Diana before but only briefly and it was during the whole mess of a case around Cat Adams framing him and being falsely imprisoned, he'd never actually been there during an 'episode'. It scared him a little, letting Luke into that vulnerable place in his life, especially given his fears that he could possibly end up in the same position as his mother one day, what if Luke saw it and the reality hit him and he wanted to leave?

He wouldn't blame him, Spencer thought, to choose a partner who might not be able to promise on the long life together making memories that would last, he would rather Luke was honest with him and sooner rather than later. It was scary though, such a thing to consider and amongst feeling so happy in their relationship emotions became very strong in his chest.

"Spence?" Luke asked, wondering what was going on in that genius mind of his, growing a little concerned by the stretching silence.

"Yeah…I'd like for you to get to know her, and I think she should get to know you too if she can" Spencer said, answering finally. Luke knew all these things about him when they'd been friends and falling for each other, one of the elements no doubt that went into the seriousness of them choosing to pursue a relationship together. Luke wouldn't have ignored the possibility in his mind, Spencer had to trust that, and as frightened as the thought made him he felt a greater trust in his friend and boyfriend. "And if she doesn't recognise us, oh well, she can get a friendly chat with two new faces" Spencer said choosing to be positive and Luke smiled.

"Cool, sounds like a plan, mi amor."

Quote: "I believe home is where the heart can be open and loving with a sense of security.
It must not be a place of fear."

― Marilyn Barnicke Belleghem, Questing Home