Disclaimer: see my profile

A/n here is a tag to "Damaged," which is on my top ten list of favorite CM episodes.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Emily said into the darkness that encompassed Spencer's bedroom.

"No."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

Emily turned her back to him and hugged her pillow. She sighed loudly after a few minutes. "Spencer!"

"Yes."

"First, I'm sorry, and second, stop answering me with one word."

"You're asking me general questions, not inquiries designed to elicit information."

Emily reached for the lamp and switched it on. She turned over and faced her bedmate. "Fine, I want to know if you're still angry with me for teasing you about the KISSING song? I did apologize, remember."

Spencer stared at her and then smirked.

"Why are you smirking at me," Emily said irritably.

"I'm not angry about the KISSING song. I'm happy that I managed to convince you to tell me." Spencer wiggled his eyebrows.

"A brief but satisfying grope in the copier room isn't enough to change my mind about anything. I felt bad for ignoring you. I forget that you didn't have the same social interactions that I did as a child."

Spencer reached out and swept a piece of her hair behind her left ear. "I admit that I was annoyed when you didn't explain, but I'm fine. I still think it's a childish rhyme, but I understand why it remains a popular method of schoolyard taunting."

Emily finally laughed. "There you are, my loquacious lover."

Spencer rolled his eyes and leaned in for a kiss. "Glad we're not sitting in a tree. It's much more comfortable here."

Emily shook her head and reached out to stroke his arm. "I'm glad we got that settled, but my original question had to do with Chester Hardwick and your visit."

"Oh," Spencer rolled to his back and looked up at his ceiling. "That encounter was – terrifying but also informative."

"Why?"

"It taught me two things, always keep your cool around a serial killer and never push Hotch too far."

Emily chuckled a little at this pronouncement. "You just figure that out today."

"About serial killers or Hotch?"

"Both."

"Well, let me rephrase my observations. I should've said that it reiterated those facts to me in a way I will not forget for a long time, if ever."

"Glad to hear it."

"So," Emily said after a minute. "You sure you're okay."

"Yes." Spencer turned to her. 'I figured out that I had to think and act fast if I wanted to see you or anyone I cared for."

"I'm glad."

'You're always in my mind and heart, so it was simple."

"I feel the same about you. You ready to sleep."

"Yes. See you in the morning."

Emily moved over, kissed him, and then shut off the light. "Love you, babe.

Spencer snuggled up to her in the darkness and sighed. "I love you, too.