At work later that week, Penelope eyed Derek from her register. "What are you doing on Thursday?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Working?"

"...It's Thanksgiving. We're not even open."

He raised an eyebrow, picking up the calendar and looking. "Well, I'll be damned."

"So I take it since you didn't even know what week it was, you don't have plans?"

"That's correct," he said, looking over and grabbing a sleeve of cups.

She gaped at him. "You mean to tell me on one of the biggest family holidays of the year, you are doing absolutely nothing and spending it alone?"

"Well, not nothing and I won't be all alone," he said, shrugging. "I mean, I'll spend the day with Clooney, watch some bad marathons on TV, and cook something for dinner. I guess since Mom's not home this Thanksgiving, I just don't have a desire to celebrate it. Clooney and I are going to spend the day together and probably split a steak or something."

She shook her head, tossing her rag on the counter. "Absolutely not."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm going to get in touch with JJ, tell her we're going to set an extra place at the table, and you're coming to our big dinner. It's Will, JJ, Henry, me, Emily might stop by, and Spencer, because JJ drags him to it every year. You get me on your day off and your get your man. Tell me that doesn't sound perfect."

He sighed. "I'll think about it. Does that work?"

"Yes, so long as you make up your mind by this afternoon so when JJ and I do the shopping, we know how much we need to grab."

"Fine."

Later that day he sighed, looking at Penelope. "You won't stop staring at me until I answer the question, are you?"

She shook her head. "Not a chance. It's a family day and nobody should have to be alone on a family day. If you can't be with blood, you should at least want to be with people you love and people who care about you. Now come on, please say yes?"

He groaned to himself, nodding. "Fine. What time should I be there, and what should I bring?"

She clapped her hands together excitedly. "Show up to JJ's whenever, and just bring your handsome self. You'll love it. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that."

"Besides, if you have a drink or two, you could always sleep over with your boo."

He leaned over, nudging her with his elbow. "Whatever I do is none of your nosy business. Unless of course you want to start sharing details about Sam."

She put up her hands. "I'm out of it. I said nothing about your little sleepover."

He raised an eyebrow. "I said nothing about my little sleepover, so how do you-" he paused, sighing. "JJ?"

"Bingo. She told me you took care of him when his power went out, and having seen him spooked by the dark, it couldn't have been too easy. So kudos."

"Thanks…?" he said, wiping down the counter and looking up as Spencer walked in. "I take it you got suckered into Thanksgiving at JJ's too?"

"Always do."

Penelope smirked, starting Spencer's drink. "You're welcome," she told them. "I gave you two quality couch cuddling time while JJ cooks like a madwoman."

"Sounds like fun."

Spencer shook his head. "JJ has two modes on Thanksgiving. She's the wonderful housewife who enjoys having everyone over and cooking a meal for them, then she snaps like a twig and she's, what's the word I'm looking for…"

Penelope slid the drink over to him. "That's code for 'I want to call her coo-coo banana balls, but I don't have it in me'," she informed Derek as she took his credit card, swiping it.

"I usually volunteer to keep Henry occupied to avoid her. I keep him out of the kitchen, and she doesn't call on me to work on something, then yell at me ten minutes later that I can't do it right." He eyed Derek. "I advise you to join me and save yourself."

He smirked. "I'll definitely consider it. Thanks for the warning. Is there a reason you're in early today?"

Spencer nodded, sipping his drink. "My professors decided to let us all out early to enjoy Thanksgiving break, or as they prefer to call it, the calm before the storm. Pretty soon, finals kick in."

Penelope nudged Derek. "You won't like him on finals. Trust me."

"I've been warned," he said, turning to Spencer. "Am I still going to see you come in here tomorrow, or are you going to be too good to stop by for a cup of coffee?"

Spencer mock laughed, turning to Penelope. "I'll be coming to you tomorrow for my drink," he said, before winking at Derek and turning around, walking out of the store.

"You've turned my sweet and innocent little Spencer into a sassy, sarcastic little jerk." She backhanded his arm. "Turn him back!"

He shook his head."That's what was underneath the hard exterior. Nothing I can do about it."

On Thanksgiving, Derek sent a text to Spencer. What are the odds that JJ would allow the furry one to come with me? I feel bad leaving him alone on a holiday.

It took a few minutes, but Spencer messaged him back. I just ran it by her, and she says as long as he stays out of her way and off countertops, he's invited. When are you heading over?

In a little bit, why?

I could use a little help at the house. One of my cabinets legitimately came off of the hinges and I can't get it back if my life depended on it.

Derek laughed to himself. I'll pack up my toolbox and the dog, see you in a little bit.

Fine. Stop laughing.

He shook his head, taking Clooney's leash off of the hook by the door and hooking it to his collar, before picking up his toolbox and walking outside.

He knocked on Spencer's door and it was quickly answered.

"...That's what you're wearing to Thanksgiving?" Spencer asked, looking him up and down.

Derek raised an eyebrow, looking down at himself. "...It's a sweater and jeans. What's wrong with it?"

"Penelope obviously didn't warn you that JJ likes holidays to be perfect," he said, stepping aside.

Derek shrugged, unclipping Clooney's leash. "If she has that much of a problem, I'll go home and change. Now, what'd you do to your cabinet?"

Spencer scoffed. "Nothing." He closed the door, leading Derek to the kitchen.

"So it just fell off of the hinges all on its own? Impressive," he said, picking up the door and inspecting it. "Now, want to tell me why you slammed it open?"

He sighed, leaning against the counter. "JJ decided to play a fun game when she helped me bring my groceries in yesterday called 'hide the coffee'."

Derek nodded. "Say no more. Go, relax, keep Clooney company, this'll be fixed in no time."

"I'll be counting," Spencer said, walking to the living room and sitting on the couch, patting the spot beside him and allowing Clooney to jump up beside him. Derek watched as Spencer ran his fingers through the dog's fur and hummed, picking up the remote and flipping through the channels for something to watch.

"You said you watch bad TV marathons on Thanksgiving?" Spencer called out.

"Usually, why?" Derek asked, setting the door back on and closing it successfully, smirking to himself.

"There's a game show marathon on right now, and we don't have to show up at JJ's for another hour."

Derek smiled, closing up his tool box. "I think I like what you're suggesting. Want a drink?"

Spencer got up, much to Clooney's dismay, and walked to the kitchen. "I'll make us some hot chocolate, you go relax."

"Are you sure?"

Spencer nodded. "Positive." He reached over, opening the cabinet and smiling, kissing Derek's cheek. "Thank you."

"Anytime, Pretty Boy." He walked out to the living room, sitting beside Clooney.

Spencer walked out a few minutes later, setting a couple cups of cocoa on the living room table. "I hope you don't mind, I strayed from the usual packet."

Derek raised an eyebrow. "And that means?"

"If you think I'm a coffee snob? I'm so much worse with hot chocolate. Cocoa, sugar, milk, mint, and chocolate shavings," he recited, picking his own up and taking a sip. "But it's delicious."

"So you won't take chocolate shavings on your morning tooth rot, and act deeply offended by them, but you can just put it on top of my cocoa no problem?"

Spencer smiled, nodding. "Sounds about right."

Derek shook his head, picking it up and sniffing it.

Spencer scoffed. "It's not poisoned."

"Just checking," he teased, sipping it and raising his eyebrows, impressed. "Want to trade lives? You can make cocoa for tons of people and I'll do a bunch of school work?"

Spencer made a face, putting his finger to his chin, before shaking his head. "Not a snowball's chance in hell."

Derek clicked his tongue, shrugging and wrapping an arm around Spencer's shoulders. "Worth a shot."

Spencer wrinkled his nose, elbowing him, before leaning in, putting his feet up on the couch. "...He's not a foot licker is he?"

"Definitely."

"Fantastic," he mumbled, setting his cup down and wrapping his arms around Derek's middle.

A while later, Derek's phone buzzed beside him. He reached over, sighing.

"That's probably Mom, checking in to be sure I'm not all alone today," he mumbled, picking up his phone and raising his eyebrows. "Or it's Penelope." He opened the message and saw a picture of the two of them cuddling, taken from the front window. "You really need to close your curtains."

"...Why?"

He showed the message to him, along with the caption 'Cutest Cuddly Couple EVER!' "That's why."

Spencer blushed, shrugging. "At least she's not only calling me cute anymore?" he offered. "Do you think that's her way of telling me she's going inside and needs backup?"

Derek shrugged. "I'd guess so." He unwrapped his arm from Spencer's shoulder and kissed the top of his head, getting up and whistling. "I'm going to take him for a walk really quick, then we'll head over."

"Sounds like a plan."

Derek whistled and when Clooney came running to him, clipped his leash onto his collar. He opened the front door, taking Clooney outside.

When he came back, Spencer was waiting for him at the door.

"Remember, we're going to spend the afternoon with Henry to keep him distracted and out of JJ's hair. That way we get out of kitchen duty and JJ doesn't snap."

Derek nodded. "Sounds good. Anything else?"

Spencer thought to himself before shaking his head. "Nothing I can think of. Just remember when you see crazy holiday JJ, you love me."

Derek smiled, nodding. "Done." He patted his back. "Now, let's get this done."

Spencer sighed, taking his hand and walking next door.

"Cutest couple has arrived!" Penelope called out, pulling them into hugs. "As has my favorite little furry one!" she bent down, handing him a bone.

"Spence, you know the drill," JJ called out.

He saluted her, taking off his jacket and hanging it up, before taking off his shoes, setting them by the door, eyeing Derek to do the same.

He nodded, taking off his jacket and shoes, looking at Spencer.

He put up a finger, pointing to the living room. "Keep Henry distracted."

"Ah." He followed Spencer, sitting down on the couch.

Upon seeing Spencer, Henry ran over, climbing on the couch and wrapping his arms around Spencer's middle.

Spencer smiled, running his hand through Henry's hair. "Are you growing your hair out like me?"

He nodded. "Uh huh! And look!" He sat down, pulling up his pant leg and pointing to his mismatched socks. "Just like you!"

"Thanks for that, Spence," JJ said sarcastically, setting a juice box on the table and ruffling Henry's hair and kissing the top of his head. "Be good for Uncle Spence and Derek, okay?"

"Yes, Mommy."

"Good boy." She patted his back and walked back out to the kitchen.

Derek smiled. "So, little Spencer, do you want to watch a movie or play a game?"

He thought it over before getting up, looking through the movies and holding one up. "This please."

"With manners like that? No problem," Derek said, taking the movie from him. "Go get comfortable, buddy."

Henry nodded, running over to the couch and sitting beside Spencer.

Derek smiled to himself, putting the movie in and turning on the TV, grabbing the remote and sitting on Spencer's other side. "Ready, Spencer 1 and Spencer 2?"

Henry nodded and Spencer leaned over, flicking him. Derek faked pain, pressing play and leaning back on the couch, watching the movie.

About a quarter of the way into the movie, Henry pulled on Spencer's sleeve. Spencer reached over, grabbing Henry's juicebox and handing it to him, before leaning against Derek. Derek smirked, wrapping his arm around Spencer and kissing his forehead.

"Uncle Spen?" Henry asked, looking up at him.

"What is it, Henry?" he responded, looking at the boy.

Henry smiled, lowering his voice. "Are you and Derek in love?"

"Penelope!" Spencer snapped. "What did you bribe him with to ask that?"

"Confidential information," she chimed. "Now, answer the poor little boy's question."

Spencer blushed, biting his lip and looking at Derek before nodding. "We are."

"Can you kiss?"

He groaned. "Penelope!" he snapped again.

"It's what he wants!"

Derek shook his head, tilting Spencer's chin up and leaning over, giving him a quick kiss and looking over at Henry. "How much did Aunt Penny pay you?"

"A dollar."

Derek reached in his pocket, holding out two dollars to him. "I'll give you that to not make your Uncle Spen answer another question from her."

He considered it before nodding, taking the money and putting it into his pocket. "Okay!"

Derek smiled, pointing to the TV. "Back to the movie."

When Henry was tuned back into the movie, he smirked at Penelope.

"Spoilsport," she muttered, flicking his head as she walked by.

He looked down at Spencer. "You're welcome."

Over the course of the movie, they heard JJ mutter swears, snap at Penelope, and even snap at Will to get a bottle of wine, even though they were right beside her.

Derek eyed Spencer. "You were right, this is the safe option."

"Told you so," he whispered, kissing his cheek and resting his head on his shoulder.

Derek looked at the table, seeing extra places set. "Baby Girl, who else is coming?"

She counted the plates as she walked past them. "You, Spencer, JJ, Henry, Will, yours truly, Emily, Hotch, Jack-"

He sat up. "You invited Hotch? Why?"

She shrugged. "He's our bossman and I thought it'd be nice for him to not be alone at his place with his son on a holiday."

"In that case, I'm glad you've already told all of the embarrassing work stories," he said, wrapping his arm around Spencer.

"How is it I've been going there for months and never met your boss?" Spencer asked, curious.

"You've been lucky," Derek mumbled.

"...What was that, Morgan?" a voice said from behind him.

Derek winced, turning around and looking at Hotch, then Penelope. "You could've warned me."

"And miss the awkward? No thank you!" she said, smirking.

Derek sighed, running a hand over his head. "Aaron Hotchner," he pointed to Spencer, "Spencer Reid. Spencer Reid, Aaron Hotchner."

Spencer turned around, waving his hand. "You go far too easy on him. I'd suggest more hours and disciplinary action."

Hotch laughed, waving back. "Consider it noted."

Penelope smirked. "I knew I liked you, Spencer." She sat next to Henry. "Hey, little man. You remember Jack from your birthday party, right?" she asked, pointing to him.

Henry looked up at her, nodding.

"I bet he would love to play with all of your Legos especially that new set that I got you. Now, doesn't that sound like more fun than sitting next to Uncle Spencer, who's going to cuddle and kiss his boyfriend the whole time?"

"I object to that," Spencer said.

Henry thought it over before nodding, getting up and taking Jack's hand, walking to his bedroom.

Hotch took a seat on the loveseat, looking over at Derek and Spencer. "So, you're the one who is driving my barista absolutely love crazy?"

"I resent that," Derek said, holding up a finger. "I still get my work done with a smile on my face."

"And when you don't do that, you're doting over our customer," he said, motioning toward Spencer.

Spencer smiled, eyeing Derek. "Doting?"

Derek quickly shook his head. "Not exactly."

Spencer eyed Hotch, who nodded, and laughed softly, patting Derek's knee. "Whatever you say."

"How are the renovations going?" Hotch asked, and Derek was grateful for the subject change.

"Not bad," he said. "I just need to finish some painting and wallpapering in the house I've been working on and I can put it on the market."

Spencer turned to him. "Do you need help?"

"Does that mean you want to help?"

Spencer nodded. "I have a long weekend because of the holiday and I wouldn't mind. So long as you're not busy, I could come by."

Derek eyed Hotch. "Morning shift on Friday and Saturday?" When Hotch nodded, Derek looked at Spencer. "Meet me at the coffee shop when my shift's over in your laziest clothes, I'll drop you off after."

Spencer smiled to himself. "Sounds great."

Derek looked at Hotch again. "Why, are you looking into buying a place? I could give you a deal."

Hotch shook his head. "Jack likes where we live and enjoys the park across the street. Just trying to give you conversation that isn't how absolutely crazy you are for the guy on the couch beside you."

Derek sighed, shaking his head and looking at Spencer. "Just remember when talking to my boss and Penelope, you love me."

Spencer laughed, nodding and kissing his cheek. "I promise."

Before they were sitting down for dinner, Emily walked in, hanging up her jacket.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I'm late. The traffic was absolutely ridiculous." She kicked off her shoes, moving them over by the door and turning around. "Aw, the lovebirds made it!"

Spencer sighed, resting his head on Derek's shoulder. "Oh good, Emily made it," he mumbled.

Derek smiled, kissing the top of his head. "This should be fun." He helped Spencer up, walking over to the table and taking his seat, Spencer taking the one beside him.

Emily walked over. "Where am I this year? Please tell me I'm not in the kids region."

Penelope shook her head. "You're next to Hotch."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "What's a Hotch?"

Penelope smiled, pointing and whispering in her ear. "That incredibly single, attractive man over there is a Hotch."

"Well, Happy Thanksgiving to me," Emily said, walking up and shaking his hand, introducing herself. "Emily Prentiss."

He smiled, shaking her hand. "Aaron Hotchner."

"And just like that," Penelope said, snapping her fingers, "I've made two love connections from the coffee shop. Damn I'm good."

Derek looked at them, shaking his head. "No, definitely not. You're good, Baby Girl, but I don't think you're that good."

She shrugged. "We'll see."

Once everyone was seated and all of the food was set on the table, JJ took her seat beside Will, kissing his cheek.

"Everythin' looks great," Will told her.

She smiled, pushing her hair behind her ear. "Why don't we start by going around and saying what we're thankful for?" she asked, looking around the table. "I'll start. I'm incredibly thankful that I have such amazing friends and family to spend the holiday with, and I'm also thankful that you all put up with me while I'm cooking."

Penelope smirked. "I'm thankful for the fact that we're all together on this fine holiday… and for the fact that I've seen Derek Morgan shirtless."

Derek put his head in his hands, shaking it. "Pretty sure that's not how this works."

She shrugged. "I was asked what I'm thankful for, I said it, the end."

Will smiled. "I'm thankful for a beautiful wife and son and the people they've brought into my life." He turned to Henry. "What 'bout you, Henry? What do you like?"

Henry hummed before speaking up. "Mommy and Daddy and Uncle Spen and his friend and Aunt Emmy and Aunt Penny and friends… and cookies! Aunt Penny's cookies!"

Penelope laughed. "I can't argue with that."

Hotch looked around at the table, eyeing Emily before speaking up. "I'm thankful for employees that actually listen, though they can be like having additional children, I'm thankful for having a great son, and especially thankful that I have company for the holiday." He nudged Jack. "Your turn."

"Um, I like Daddy, my friend Henry, books, and superheroes. Oh! And mac and cheese. I love macaroni and cheese!"

Hotch smiled, ruffling his hair. "Good job."

Emily took a sip of her wine before speaking up. "I'm thankful I'm not with my blood family today, dealing with their incessant bickering. I'm thankful for my college family, the new additions that have come along over time, and the fact that JJ stocked up on my favorite wine."

JJ grinned. "You're welcome." She eyed Derek.

"Right." He cleared his throat, thinking it over. "I'm thankful that I've been taken in this holiday since my mom and sisters couldn't be around, for a good paying job that lets me do what I love on the side, good friends from said job," he reached over, squeezing Spencer's hand, "and pretty much the best guy I've dated."

Spencer turned a bright red, smirking and squeezing his hand back as Penelope and Emily teasingly 'aww'd at them. He cleared his throat. "Well, I'm thankful for having a good semester, the fact JJ unofficially adopted me and welcomed me into her family also making me the godfather of her child, and for the fact that I chose to walk into a certain coffee shop, and not one of the ten others in town, because it was definitely the best decision I've made."

Derek leaned over, capturing Spencer's lips with his, which turned him even brighter.

Spencer pulled back, biting his lip and taking his hand back.

JJ smiled, handing the carving materials to Will. "Let's eat."

"Are table scraps okay for the dog?" JJ asked, running her fingers through Clooney's fur.

Derek nodded. "I refer to Clooney as my Hoover, he'll suck up anything I drop before I even have the chance to pick it up."

She eyed Clooney before putting some scraps of turkey on her plate, setting it down in front of him. "Where did the name Clooney come from?"

"My little sister. I brought him home when he was just a puppy, and I was looking into names. That point in life she was obsessed with George Clooney, so she started calling him Clooney before I could even try anything. Can't say I blame her though. He is a Clooney."

JJ got up from her seat. "Anyone want anything else?"

There was a collective groan and everyone shook their heads.

"Jayje, I love you, but anymore fixins and I'll burst," Garcia said, sitting up and grunting. "I've got the dishes."

Derek put his hand up. "You two cooked, the least I could do is help with cleanup."

JJ smirked, nudging Spencer. "I like him. Keep him please."

Spencer rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say." He eyed Derek. "Help?"

"Sure." He pulled out Spencer's chair. "Do you know where everything is so we don't need to bug them?"

"One look through the cabinets and I will," Spencer informed him, getting up and walking to the kitchen.

"Refill before you go relax?" Derek asked, looking at Emily's wine glass.

"Spencer Reid, if you don't marry him, I will," Emily warned as he filled up her glass, winking at her.

"Stop making me look bad!" Spencer snapped, closing the cabinet doors and cleaning out the dishwasher.

"I guess I've embarrassed him," Derek said, shrugging and walking out, helping him.

After they packed up all of the leftovers, Spencer had decided the two of them should hand wash all of the dishes instead of overloading the dishwasher. Spencer put himself in charge of washing while Derek was drying them, setting them in the strainer.

"So, they all officially love you," Spencer said, handing him a plate.

Derek smirked, picking up his cloth and drying it off. "What can I say? I'm a people pleaser."

"You had a glass of wine with dinner, are you going to be okay to drive home?" Spencer asked softly, handing him another plate.

He nodded. "I'll be fine."

Spencer clicked his tongue. "Or, you know, you could have another glass with dessert, and maybe stay over."

"I love you, Pretty Boy, but your couch is far from comfortable," he explained, putting the dishes in the strainer as Spencer handed him a glass.

"I understand that." Spencer chewed on his lip. "Maybe, you know, you could possibly sleep in my room. You know, in my bed."

Derek lost his grip on the glass in his hand, snapping out of his daze when the glass shattered against the floor.

JJ turned around on the couch. "Is everything okay out there?"

Derek cleared his throat. "Yeah, sorry, it was still slippery," he called out. "Broom?"

"Closet next to the fridge."

He walked over, opening the door and grabbing the broom, sweeping the bits of glass up and throwing them away.

"I'm suddenly glad we weren't cleaning the knives," Spencer said, laughing nervously.

"That makes two of us," he told him, picking up the last few pieces with his fingers and tossing them into the trash.

"So I'll take that as a 'no'?" Spencer asked, eyebrow raised.

Derek shook his head, putting the broom back and leaning on the counter beside him. "Just took me by surprise. Nearly three months ago, I could barely get you to say a word to me, and now you're ready to sleep in the same bed? Impressive. I must be that good."

Spencer blushed, washing a plate and handing it to him. "I guess you just have that effect on me." He chewed on his cheek, sighing. "I don't know. That night with the blackout, I just felt really comfortable. And I guess I want to see if that was just because of the situation, or if it's because of my connection to you."

Derek smiled. "So, I'm a social experiment. I've been called worse." He took another plate from Spencer. "I guess it's a good thing I packed a bag, in case I had to stay."

Spencer grinned. "Oh, yes, a very good thing."

"A bit of a warning though. I'll have to get up really early to walk Clooney, get him home, then head to work for Black Friday madness."

"That's fine, I can go back to sleep."

"Good, and Spencer?"

Spencer glanced up at him. "Yes?"

"I don't need to have a few drinks. Just say the word and I'll be there."

Spencer smiled, nodding. "Noted."

While everyone was sitting down for dessert, Penelope looked over at the two of them.

"Why are we so smiley? Please tell me you're going to get married."

Spencer shook his head. "Definitely not yet." He looked at Derek. "No offense."

Derek put up his hands. "None taken. And Baby Girl, if you want an answer, tell me why Sam isn't here today."

She zipped her lips. "Nope. Not happening."

He smirked, taking a bite of his food. "Thought so." Derek turned to JJ. "Thanks again for having me today."

She put her hand in the air. "It's no big deal. I'm glad I could see Spence happy while not sitting with the kids this year." She eyed Spencer. "Don't think I didn't see you two smooching while putting away the dishes."

He blushed, biting his lip and smiling. "I'm not sorry."

"Uh huh, I'm sure you're not."

Derek cleared his throat. "Anyway, no pressure to anyone, but as a thank you for taking me in as family today, I want to put out an invitation to Christmas dinner at my place. My mom and sisters are going to be in town and we always cook for a small army, so it wouldn't be any added stress."

Penelope nudged Spencer with her elbow. "So, a few months and you're already playing a game of Meet the Parents? Lucky you!"

He shrugged, swallowing the pie in his mouth and looking at Derek. "I think it sounds like fun. Count me in."

Penelope gasped. "Please let me be there and listen in on the conversation when you tell your mother your boyfriend's going to be there. I would love to hear her reaction."

"Maybe." He looked around the table. "Like I said, no pressure."

Emily eyed JJ and Will. "I'm in if you are."

They nodded. "Count us in," JJ said. "Thanks, Derek."

"No problem." He pointed to his plate. "Any chance you can bring this chocolate cream pie? I can offer my mom's famous peach cobbler in exchange."

JJ laughed. "Sounds great."

Derek eyed Hotch. "What about you? You guys in?"

Hotch looked at Jack. "What do you say, buddy? Do you want to come see Henry on Christmas after we do presents?"

Jack nodded. "You can see the pretty lady too."

Derek bit his lip to hold back a laugh. "Does someone have a love connection from Penelope?"

Hotch cleared his throat. "We'll be there."

At the end of the night, JJ had pawned off leftovers on everyone who attended. After their goodbyes, Spencer walked over to his place, unlocking it, while Derek took Clooney for a walk. He went back to Spencer's place and walked inside, closing the door behind him, unclipping Clooney's leash.

"Are you going to shower tonight or in the morning at your place?" Spencer asked.

"Probably in the morning to wake me up. Is my alarm in the morning going to bug you?"

"So long as you turn it off in time to not fully wake me up," he warned. "Is the dog going to be okay?"

"Yeah, Clooney seriously just needs a corner and he'll be in heaven." He looked at Spencer. "You're sure about this? I can still go home."

Spencer nodded. "I'm positive. I'm just going to change really quick. I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."

"Makes two of us." He picked up his bag, walking to the bathroom and closing the door behind him.

Derek walked into the bedroom to find Spencer sitting up, flipping through a book. He smiled, walking over and sitting beside him, kissing his cheek.

"Good read?" he asked, motioning toward the book.

Spencer shrugged. "It's something. With my memory, it's hard to find a book that's unlike something else I've read in the past." He put in a bookmark, closing it and setting it on his nightstand, taking off his glasses and setting them on top. "I left the door open just in case Clooney needs you during the night."

"Smart."

"Well, I am provably a genius," Spencer pointed out, turning off the light on the nightstand and lying down.

"That you are." He turned off the lights on his nightstand. "You okay?"

Spencer swallowed, moving closer and resting his head on Derek's chest. "I am now."

Derek smiled, wrapping an arm around him and kissing his forehead. "Are you still up for helping me with painting tomorrow?"

"Definitely. I want to see what you've been doing with the place in my absence." Spencer yawned. "Now, shh. Your alarm's going off at too early o'clock and I want to get some sleep."

Derek smirked, nodding. "Sounds great." He fixed the blankets over them, rubbing Spencer's back until he felt him fall asleep against him. He smiled to himself, pulling him closer and lying down, slipping his eyes shut.

The following morning, Derek's alarm went off far too early for his liking. He sighed, reaching over to turn it off. Looking over at Spencer, he found him snuggled into his side, his arms wrapped around Derek's waist. Derek smiled at the sight, committing it to memory, before kissing his forehead, running his fingers through Spencer's hair.

"I need to get up and go to work, Pretty Boy," he whispered. "You need to let go."

Spencer whimpered, sighing. "Next sleepover is when you have the next day off," he mumbled, letting go of Derek's waist.

"Sounds great to me." He picked up his bag, putting it over his shoulder and walking over, leaning down so he was face-to-face with Spencer. "Want me to pick you up, or are we meeting at the coffee house?"

Spencer yawned. "Pick me up."

"That I can do."

Spencer wrapped an arm around Derek's neck, pulling him in for a kiss. He pulled back, sighing. "Now go before I wake up."

Derek smirked, kissing the top of his head and fixing the blankets over him, walking out and closing the door behind him.

Before leaving work that day, he made Spencer's drink, setting it on the counter.

"Somebody's going to see his little lovebird," Penelope sing-songed.

"That I am," he said. He went to the back room, changing into his old tattered jeans and a t-shirt. He walked back out, picking up the drink. "Can you behave yourself?"

"If you tell me where you're off to looking that delicious?"

He looked down at himself, raising an eyebrow. "I'm painting and wallpapering a house. If this is your definition of delicious, I'm gonna need you to get Sam to take you out for a night. Pronto."

She mock laughed. "Have fun with your lover boy. I expect details."

"Then you're going to do a whole lot of waiting," he told her, taking his car keys out of his pocket and walking out. He sent Spencer a text, telling him to be waiting outside in his most comfortable clothes, and wondered on the whole drive over what that could possibly be.

He pulled up to Spencer's to find him outside, his bag over his shoulder, wearing a pair of jeans and an old college t-shirt. Derek was surprised that he owned baggy jeans, and could only wonder why he had them. Unlocking the doors, he waited for Spencer to get in.

Spencer opened the door, setting his bag on the floor and buckling himself in, closing the door behind him. "Hi."

"Hi yourself. Since when do you own jeans?"

"Since I told JJ I'd be painting today and she picked them up at a thrift store for me." He looked down at them. "Should I change?"

Derek shook his head. "You look fine. Have you ever painted a room before?"

"No, but… I can't imagine it's too hard. I think I could pick up on it."

"We'll see about that."

Spencer mimicked him as he started driving. "So, how was working the morning of Black Friday?"

Derek raised his eyebrows, exhaling. "Too many pissed off people way too early in the morning. Seriously, I had one woman bitch to me for about five minutes, holding up my entire line, because she didn't get a toaster for a couple of bucks. She does realize that toasters aren't big money items, right?"

Spencer laughed to himself. "Over a toaster?"

"She wasn't even the worst. I literally had a woman complain to me because she didn't get an amazing deal on wrapping paper. She got a good deal, but not an amazing one."

"Well, you know, wrapping paper can make or break someone's Christmas," Spencer said. "If you don't have the best wrapping paper, all of it is just completely ruined."

Derek chuckled, nudging him with his hand. "Apparently."

They pulled up to the house and, upon walking inside, Spencer realized that the floor in every room was lined with plastic wrap.

"You're not planning on murdering me, are you?" Spencer asked, motioning toward the floor.

Derek shook his head. "Definitely not. You're too cute to kill," he teased, taking off his jacket. Spencer rolled his eyes and he smirked. "As you can see, everything's lined so no paint gets on the floor, and I used painters tape to block off doorways, windows, and cabinets so those stay in tact." He thought to himself, clicking his tongue. "I think I'll take care of the wallpapering in the kitchen while you start painting the master bedroom. It's one big square, I can't imagine you'll mess it up too bad."

Spencer mock laughed. "Just show me what to do and I'll be fine."

Derek led him to the bedroom, opening up the cans of paint. "A nice teal color to go with the white accents on the window sills and door frames," he explained, pouring it into the tray. He then grabbed a roller, holding it up. "Paint roller." He demonstrated how to get the paint on it and showed him how to put it on the wall. "Just go for a base coat, and if it's not enough, give it a second once it dries. If you have any questions, just call for me."

Spencer nodded. "I've got it."

"I'll come check on you once I finish the kitchen. Try to get even strokes. Can you manage that?"

"I can try to anyway," he said honestly. "Now go, I've got it."

Derek nodded, kissing his forehead and walking to the kitchen, cutting the wallpaper to the measurements he needed.

He kept an ear out for Spencer, just in case he needed any help, but didn't hear a word from him until-

"God damnit!" Spencer shouted, throwing down the roller.

Derek shook his head, setting down the wallpaper and getting up, stretching and walking to the bedroom. "What's wrong?"

Spencer motioned toward his arm. "I somehow managed to paint myself!"

Derek smirked, biting his lip. "You can take a shower after you're done painting, it'll come right off."

"And if it doesn't?"

"Trust me, I've done this before, and it will." He looked at the walls. "And on the plus side, you're doing a pretty good job for a first timer."

Spencer smiled. "It's good to know my intelligence comes in handy for painting."

"Okay, smart mouth. I'm almost done with the kitchen. Do you want me to come help finish the room when I'm done, or am I not smart enough to do that?"

He shrugged slightly. "You could always come here when you're done and find out."

"I guess so." He patted his back, walking to the kitchen and finishing the wallpaper.

The two of them easily finished the master bedroom, and Derek did the bathroom, which left the living room and the second bedroom to finish.

"Your choice," Derek started, "get the big one done first, and then the bedroom will be a breeze, or get the easy one done first and drag this out after."

Spencer put a finger to his chin, thinking. "Hm, get the worst one out of the way or save it for later? Gee, I wonder."

Derek nudged him with his elbow. "I don't think I like this sarcastic Spencer. Can I send him back?"

He shook his head. "Not a chance. What color's the living room?"

"Simple light gray," Derek explained, opening the top of a couple of cans and pouring them into trays.

"And the last bedroom?"

"Light green," Derek said, opening up some new rollers and setting them up, handing one to Spencer. "Ready?"

"Very."

While they were painting, Derek looked over at Spencer. "Do you want to get some dinner after this?"

Spencer shrugged. "Sure. Is it because you feel guilty for trapping me all afternoon with paint fumes?"

"I guess you could say that," Derek said, getting more paint onto his roller.

"What were you thinking? Chinese, Italian, something else?"

"I don't know, what are you in the mood for?"

"I think I could really go for some Thai food. I know this place that makes amazing chicken tandoori and it would hit the spot right about now."

Derek raised an eyebrow. "What, my cuddling didn't hit the spot last night?" he asked, pouting.

Spencer smirked. "Well, that couldn't hit the spot in my stomach that's been growling for the past half hour."

"I'll accept that," Derek said, shrugging it off. "I could go for some pad thai."

"I didn't know you were into Thai food."

Derek looked at him, smiling. "There's a lot of things you still don't know about me."

"We should change that sometime," Spencer told him.

"I guess we'll see about that."

"You know, I don't think I like the smart mouth on you either," Spencer said, setting his paint roller down as he finished.

"That's really unfortunate," Derek said, "I was raised this way."

"Uh huh, I'm sure. So if I ask your mother during Christmas dinner, she'll say she has no problem with you sassing people?"

Derek cleared his throat, motioning toward the bedroom. "One more to go."

Spencer smirked. "That's what I thought."

After they finished painting, Derek ordered their food to pick it up on the way back to Spencer's place. He stopped and went in to grab it while Spencer stayed in the car, insisting that he wasn't getting out looking like he did.

Derek set the bags in the backseat, getting in and buckling himself. "They accidentally gave us extra pad thai, I'm sure you could make use of it."

Spencer smiled. "I'm sure I could."

They drove back to Spencer's, and while Derek unpacked the food, Spencer took a quick shower to get the paint off of his skin.

"Did it work?" Derek asked, looking up at him. "Or are you going to be teal for all eternity?"

Spencer mock laughed, holding up his arms. "I'm clean," he informed him, taking the seat across from him.

Derek set a couple of plates down. "Drink?"

Spencer thought it over. "I have a bottle of red wine in the back of the fridge. I could use it before Finals Spencer arrives."

"Point taken." Derek took a glass out of the cabinet, tucking the bottle under his arm and grabbing a water bottle for himself.

When they were eating, Derek looked up at him. "So, Finals Spencer... what's he like?"

Spencer exhaled, pushing his food around his plate before taking a bite, chewing. "Not pleasant," he put plainly.

"Care to elaborate?" Derek asked, taking a sip of his water.

"Not really, but since you care to know? Finals Spencer is sleep deprived, and as a result, very grumpy. There's zero patience for anything, eating happens whenever I remember, and coffee is the one thing that keeps me from committing murder."

"...Have you ever had a boyfriend when Finals Spencer takes over?"

Spencer shook his head. "Not yet, but just remember you love me."

Derek smiled. "I'm sure I'll love you regardless of whatever Finals Spencer may be."

"Remember that."

Before he left, Derek pulled on his jacket. "So, do I at least get some normal Spencer before Finals Spencer arrives?"

Spencer nodded. "For a few days, I'll still be my usual level of pleasant."

"Poor me," Derek teased.

Spencer rolled his eyes, pushing him. "Very funny. I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"I'll have your tooth rotter ready," Derek said, taking his keys out of his pocket.

"Sounds perfect."

"Thank you for your help today. I appreciate it."

Spencer smiled. "I'm glad I could help." He leaned in, kissing him.

Derek pulled back, sighing. "As great as it would be to kiss in your living room all night? I have work tomorrow. When you're on break, we'll need to have another sleepover."

"Maybe," Spencer said teasingly.

Derek shook his head, walking outside. "I love you."

Spencer smirked, laughing to himself. "Good night. I love you too."

Derek got into his car, starting it and turning the heat up. He definitely knew that whatever 'Finals Spencer' was, it would be a true test on their relationship. It may have been a few short months, but Derek definitely didn't want to lose him to something as trivial as stress. All he had to do was figure out a way to deal with this super stressed Spencer and, hopefully, take some of his stress away.