(A/N: Our boys work a case on Valentines Day)

Chapter Thirty

Will You Be My Valentine?

Working a case for their first Valentines, Spencer and Luke had agreed to have a nice date the moment they got home, but in the meantime the team was in Nashville, Tennessee investigating someone who struck in the week leading up to Valentines Day, due to the time between murders it had taken a long time to realise the pattern and connect the victims but they had arrived in the city to try and catch the patient unsub. At first the profile had read as female, all the victims being male and either married or in serious heterosexual relationships, but the more Penelope had dug into the victims lives she'd uncovered that one was meeting with men through dating sites and since then the profile had shifted. The rest was pretty simple, the unsub was likely a heartbroken homosexual male whom had a traumatic experience at the usually romantic time of year, likely the loss of a partner in some manner.

Spencer and Luke walked down the streets of Nashville the night before the holiday, love hearts and roses decorated the night as they made their way to a recent crime scene. Reaching the hotel they flashed their badges and were let into the building before making their way to the police taped room and let inside. "Emilio Castaneda, male, 37 and married eight years with four kids" Luke read off the initial report as they looked at the man under a sheet, he was fully clothed still but dressed to impress, well shaven and cologne, like meeting a date or some sexy rendezvous complete with condoms and lube in his pocket. "Given what was found on him it fits the theory" he mused.

Spencer took a closer look at the body to see the gun shot wounds to the chest, the shooter not with the best aim but generally trying to hit the heart, fitting given the time of year, and that's when he started to look through the man's phone. Luckily he was signed in on all his apps as the genius looked through what he could, all the victims had their phones taken likely to remove evidence but as Spencer looked through the man's bag at the same time he saw two different phone chargers - the victim had two phones and the killer had only made off with one of them. Reading the messages Spencer said "this is something" and moved to let Luke see what he was.

On a messaging app Spencer saw messages with a slim blonde, the online profile even mentioning that he was a self declared 'twink with a taste for bears and daddies' and from the conversations between them it was clear to see they had planned to meet up while the victims wife was away visiting a sick relative and he had pretended to have business trips. "They're not shying away form it one bit, our victim is patting himself on the back with how well he hid this meet up from his partner" Spencer said before scrolling back through the conversation to see anything else "ew" he couldn't help but say.

"What?" Luke pressed, knowing it might likely be something either detailed and sexual or levels of betrayal to the spouse.

"Emilio sent 'since the c-section Kelly keeps asking me if the scar bothers me, I don't give a damn, a bint with a scar is still a bint and I'm so bored telling her what she needs to hear so she'll shut up and leave me alone…' - the guy didn't deserve to be shot but…" Spencer shrugged with a grimace.

"Kelly is the victim's wife and she seemed pretty genuine about her husband being a sweet and loving husband" Luke added, "all the partners seem shocked by the very insinuation their guys were sneaking around or unhappy…they know how to pretend."

"They also know how to be discreet…" Spencer added "this hotel is prone to tourists, not locals, unlikely he'd be seen by anyone he knows which helped the unsub's targeting too."

Letting out a sigh they took the phone to be analysed for texts and got Penelope to look into the account Spencer found. The blonde did her digging and soon enough found the man had multiple accounts and eventually managed to find the mans full name and afterward pulled his address, and history, while other members of the team set out to bring him in she continued to look through his information. "Yikes, so our dear disturbed Nicolas six years ago seemed really happy" Penelope explained "he posted a lot about how much he loved his partner Damien, they lived together, had beautiful cocker spaniels by the way…and then, get this, Damien is actually called Andrew with a wife and kids, the whole secret family revealed scenario plays out on Valentines day."

"Is this all on Nicolas' social media?" Luke asked in some disbelief.

"Yeah," Penelope said "it was in the local news, turns out the wife was in politics and the whole thing was a big scandal, a year later and this Andrew sleaze ball gets shot in a hit and run, there were suspicions but not enough evidence to bring anyone in."

"That's our guy, thanks Penelope."

The pair walked down he streets of the city again, the station being close enough to the crime scene there had been no point in driving, surrounded in romantic imagery and being kept up to date on the case as Emily, Matt and JJ went to make the arrest. Spencer decided to ask a curious question however silly form the information around the unsub and he knew it would probably make Luke laugh but he had no reason to be scared "what's a 'bear'?" and when Luke had to stifle the surprised laugh the younger agent clarified "and I don't mean the animal variety, it was on the unsubs profile so I presume its gay slang."

Luke laughed, suddenly a little flushed "well…a 'bear' as far as I understand is a bulky, hairy guy, like over the top rugged type that's heavy set" with a shrug and Spencer nodded, unbothered by it but had just been curious. "I take it then you know what the other terms meant?" Luke then insinuated with a quirked brow that the good doctor wasn't as innocent as he seemed.

Spencer chuckled and answered "uh I've worked about cases in gay bars that I've been called a twink…" and Luke nodded with a growing smile at that "I also worked a case around gay prostitutes once and one witness wouldn't stop calling Hotch a 'daddy' which got real awkward…funny though" Spencer said and Luke couldn't stop the giggles.

"Oh my god, I can't imagine saying that to Hotch" Luke managed to say in amazement through the laughing.

"The witness was really helpful too so Hotch kept being really polite but its one of the few times I've ever seen him blush" Spencer further explained and both were enjoying the topic. Then he decided to ask a question he knew would get Luke all hot and bothered "so what are you? slang wise?" Spencer asked cheekily.

"Uh" Luke's voice came out in a slightly more stressed tone than expected and his face heated up especially with hazel eyes on him knowing just how it teased him "I…don't rightly know" Luke answered with some effort, he was laughing though, Spencer's silliness keeping things light. "I've never thought about it…I mean I don't quite fit any I know, I'm not an otter so-"

"Wait…'otter' is a term?" Spencer said more than entertained by such a cute animal used for such stuff.

Luke laughed and nodded "yeah, an otter is not a bear…it's pretty open as far as body type, usually medium build, I think, they man-scape a little but are still rugged" he explained "whereas from the look of me I might look like a 'gym-rat'" the meaning more obvious "like I spend every moment I can working out, but I don't, and a 'bull' is just your typical hunky guy but more extreme, like body builder type, so…" Luke trailed at a loss.

"Hmm…I presume 'stud' still applies though" Spencer smirked and Luke's face deepened in the blush, knowing while Luke knew he was attractive and that they could speak to each other very well but usually in a bedroom or flirty setting, this was so casual and coming from Spencer it was very fun.

"I suppose so" Luke agreed and shot a look to hazel eyes, knowing full well Spencer was teasing him "and thank you for the compliment."

Spencer smiled and for a moment Luke knew something was building, the teasing not done before the genius said "typically a stud is defined as sexually attractive male…who is also great in bed" Spencer's smirk was notable on the last section, that part Luke hadn't thought about and when Spencer chimed "I think we'll go with 'stud' for you" with proud nod Luke felt that mixture of flattered and flustered.

"You're gonna give me an ego, cariño" Luke replied.

"I work in facts…" Spencer shrugged like he couldn't help what definition fit whom but the playful glint in hazel eyes gave away just how much fun he was having.

"People have no idea how devilish you can be sometimes" Luke teased back and as they approached the station but still out of sight Luke decided he might not have the gift of endless information to use but he could pick his moments so as Spencer stepped ahead a little he sneakily gave a light smack to his boyfriends backside. The quiet noise in surprise was absolutely adorable and the good doctors face went from smug to blushing just as much as his boyfriend in a matter of seconds.

"Touché" Spencer whispered through a giggle.

"Touché or tushie?" Luke said in the silly pun, rolling the word in an emphasised way and both found it very funny as they finally entered the station to get back to work.

Spencer woke up in the morning to his boyfriend spooning him from behind, kissing his neck and arms wrapped around his middle, one hand being very friendly over his chest making the sleepy genius all warm and fuzzy inside. There really was no better feeling than waking cuddled up in Luke's strong arms and being affectionately covered in kisses, and as it happened on this particular morning they could add that they were succeeding in a case and close to wrapping things up on Valentines Day no less. They were in a twin room, two double beds keeping it 'professional', so what if they only used one of them?

"Happy Valentines Day" Luke said sweetly before placing a gentle kiss along Spencer's jaw line, the ex-ranger's stubble making him tingle at the added sensation and waking him up more.

Spencer hummed "happy Valentines Day…" still sleepy but smiling in the cozy embrace.

Both eyed the alarm clock by the bed and they didn't have much time before they'd have to get up and get ready for the day so they just enjoyed the short while they had left under the thick covers and enjoying the feel of the other so close. "If we can get that confession this morning we'll likely be home in time to have our date tonight" Luke said, nuzzling against his boyfriends messy hair and kissing just behind his ear, his hands wandering in a slightly indulgent way over Spencer's lithe form.

"Save all the handsy stuff for tonight, stud" Spencer teased as and Luke chuckled, the vibration from the muscular chest against his back only adding to their peaceful, fun moment together.

"I'm looking forward to it…" Luke practically growled in a way that would make anyone feel the heat, but both knew that they didn't have time to deal with getting a little overly excited and so the man decided to switch the tone to something more friendly and sweet. "So…what can your genius brain tell me about Valentines?"

"Well.." Spencer said, snuggling even closer to his boyfriend as he enjoyed the warmth and contact "obviously it's named after St Valentine, so originally a Christian feast day but it was around martyrdom at first, eventually it became a celebration of love around the world mostly through revising old stories and making them matters of the heart." Spencer felt Luke nod behind him following what he was saying and then gave the example "for instance in the 18th-century there was an embellishment to the legend of St Valentine claiming he wrote a jailer's daughter and signed the letter "Your Valentine" as a farewell before his execution."

"Sounds like a romantic thriller movie" Luke joked and both giggled.

"It does" Spencer agreed and turned slightly in Luke's hold to be able to look at that handsome face with a small smile "it has some pagan influences, but it's mostly Roman, including the simple fact of it being in the run up to spring so lots of focus on fertility and crops for the year to come" he explained "The more corny exchange of valentines that we know though according to Hallmark has Americans spending 144 million on just greeting cards alone" came the impressive statistic and Luke smiled, enjoying the young genius' rambles.

"Well then" Luke considered the information and said "how many do you think spend Valentines kicking ass and saving lives and still making time for a romantic date?" he asked rhetorically with a smirk and kissed Spencer briefly on the lips as they beamed at each other.

"Do you really want me to make a guess at that?" the statistics-minded genius countered implying he cold probably make an educated guess to the figure but both just chuckled. "Do you get Roxy anything on Valentines?" Spencer asked randomly, just curious.

"I sometimes give her treats, more because they're on show and I pick something up in a good mood" Luke explained, wondering why he asked that specifically.

"I was just curious, every year around 9 million people buy their pets a significant Valentine's Day gift in the US" he shrugged.

Luke smiled and replied "I think Penelope might contribute to that…both for Sergio and all the other furry friends in her life. I'm pretty sure she's bought a heart shaped archway for her friend's pair of fish once for Valentines now that I think about it."

"That's…dedication?"

Luke sat in the interview room with the arrested suspect, he was clearly their unsub but they had to do everything possible to make the best case to go to court and the easiest way was a confession but unfortunately Nicolas had lawyered up and keeping tight lipped. Simmons and Emily had tried for a while so far but they had to change up their tactics as they were getting nowhere so Luke set the groundwork for another attempts to draw out a confession, starting by doing the usual grilling. "We know you were planning on meeting Emilio…we're analysing your phone records and laptop as we speak and we will find that you arranged to meet the other victims as well" he said firmly.

The balding lawyer was quick and skittish to interject his clients answer "you have no proof my client actually went to any of these dates you claim he arranged" the lawyer said while the unsub, Nicolas, sat smirking with his arms crossed.

It was then that there was a knock and Spencer came in smiling sweetly and holding two coffees, he closed the door and approached, handing one to Luke and deliberately giving his boyfriend a kiss on the cheek in view of the suspect. Both felt the man's attitude change, less cocky and more tense, as Luke said "thanks, sweetie" and Reid sat next to his partner to play good cop.

"Hi there, I'm SSA Dr Spencer Reid, Luke and I have been working over this case and I'll be frank, Nicolas…" Spencer said in a kind voice and making eye contact "given the lack of other suspects and your contact with victims…it doesn't look good for your case and I don't know who did it, we can't until theres hard evidence and I want to believe in your innocence" he said pleadingly "but you gotta give me something here, why didn't you meet Emilio? Stuff like that, there might be road we haven't considered that eliminates you as a suspect altogether."

Nicolas' jaw was clenched, his arms although lean were twitching in tension as he tried not to react, the lawyer also steadily reminding him "you don't have to answer any questions, you have the right to remain silent" he advised.

Spencer sighed and turned to Luke, casually they joined hands on the table and started having a conversation amongst themselves "Spence, come one, it's suspicious" Luke started "I know you wanna believe him but innocent people don't have secrets to keep when they're facing these sorts of charges…I mean, these poor families."

Reid nodded sadly "I know, all those kids left without fathers, I know affairs are wrong and all but…I just can't imagine doing that to someone" Spencer replied "the families have all just been victimised by spousal betrayal and then to also lose someone in the worst way…and for what? Is it a misery loves company kind of thing? a jealousy thing? How selfish…"

"Uh…Spence?" Luke said as though he should be careful of what he said, the suspect listening and true enough he looked ready to punch someone were he not handcuffed to the table.

"What? Luke…I'm telling you this kid didn't do this," Spencer condescended, making the man sound meek even though in his mind the unsub was claiming power back in his killings. Turning to Nicolas Spencer pretended not to see the furious expression thinly veiled and said "I'm sorry about him, I think I'm the only one he's got a soft spot for so don't take it personally" with a smile that wasn't returned by the unsub.

Playfully putting an arm around the genius' shoulders Luke spoke to his boyfriend making quite the show "that's probably true" he chuckled "you know, we should do something tonight, for Valentines" he flaunted, the time of year difficult for the unsub to process. "I wanna spoil you something rotten after we close this," he said and brought up his boyfriends hand to place a sweet kiss onto.

"No need, but you're so good to me…" Spencer beamed, not even having to lie as the pair were just sickeningly sweet to each other in an inappropriate setting but the unsub didn't seem to be catching on that it was a trap, designed to get his blood boiling, for the jealousy to flare up and for him to snap at them. "I can't believe how I spent my Valentines before you" he made sure to laugh at the concept, like it was worthy of ridicule "just pathetic, really. I-"

"Shut up." The voice was low, dangerous and quiet, loathing clear in the man's expression.

"What was that, sorry?" Spencer said as though he genuinely didn't hear.

"He said to 'shut up'." Alvez said and leaned forward, a little, dropping his arm from Reid's shoulders but still holding hands.

"Wh…oh, sorry," Spencer said, acting bashful "we forget ourselves sometimes, love's like that it just drives you a little cr-"

"You think your guy's so perfect, huh?" Nicolas practically spat, and before Spencer could react confusedly the unsub wouldn't be shushed by the lawyer as he said "I got news for you, guys cheat, guys fuck around, they're all selfish and if you think you've got a good relationship it just means there's crap you're too blind or stupid to notice" he grew in anger, his handcuffs rattling as they pulled and tugged.

Luke interjected then, equalling the intensity "who do you think you are?" he said offendedly, standing up from the table and getting in his personal space "just because you can't keep a guy from sleeping around doesn't mean you should be a little bitch about other's who can keep their shit togeth-"

And that did it, the unsub started hollering and threatening 'I should kill you's especially helpful and amongst the yelling they got him to slip up further and more and more until the lawyer stopped even trying to remedy the situation and just sat with his head in his hands with the flailing client next to him screaming bloody murder in front of two smirking agents.

On the jet back to Virginia, everyone glad to be heading home and some making their Valentines plans over their phones during the flight. Emily and Tara being the two singles were choosing just how to each treat themselves for the night, Tara going to get a massage and Emily instantly stealing her idea but deciding to also get takeout after and her night was set with a grin. Meanwhile Luke and Spencer sat side by side, despite work having felt like they'd spent the holiday already celebrating themselves as a couple a fair bit the last couple of days. Luke made a call to make restaurant reservations and around the dog sitter, Spencer mentioning that they should stay at his tonight.

They were mostly out of earshot and if they spoke quietly no one heard especially as the plane was filled with gossiping and chatter. They talked a little about their date tonight and things in general when Luke asked casually "so what make's you want to stay at yours?" knowing his place was technically a little closer and it would save him a trip regarding Roxy, not that he minded but he was just curious.

"I might have a little treat for you if we go to my place…" Spencer said with a smirk.

"Oh? Something you can't bring on the date?" Luke replied with a quirked brow, matching the smirk wondering just what it could be.

The genius leaned close to his boyfriend's ear, knowing he would have a strong effect on the man as he whispered "well I think the little red number I bought to wear tonight might have people staring at us…" and the smile was absolutely devilish before he placed a kiss to the ex-rangers cheek which was rapidly heating up. Luke instantly knew his boyfriend had some sexy lingerie to indulge in later by what he was insinuating and his mouth went dry, his mind swimming with sexy images of his boyfriend and now thoroughly in the romantic mood.

"Your place it is…" he replied chuckling, very much looking forward to their evening.

Spencer liked seeing just how instantly happy Luke was, not to mention made a little hot under the collar so easily by him so he just said a cheerful "happy valentines, Luke" before stealing a brief kiss and smirking into it, saving plenty passion for later.

Quote: "The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters."

― Audrey Hepburn