Christmas had always been Derek's favorite time of year. Ever since he was a little kid, he enjoyed everything, from decorating the outside of the house to picking out a tree to decorating it to peppermint everything being everywhere. It was definitely the holiday to match Spencer's love of Halloween. When he had an afternoon off, he decided he would get all of his decorations out of the garage and get started. It had snowed, so his first chore was going to be shoveling the walkways and cleaning off the roof so he didn't end up hurting himself.

When he had just finished the roof, he grabbed a shovel from the garage, cleaning up the walkway. His phone went off and he took it out of his pocket, pulling off his glove and answering.

"Hello?"

"Is the romance really so dead you can't even give a fun greeting?" Spencer teased.

Derek laughed to himself. "I guess so. Such a shame."

"Indeed. What are you up to today?"

Derek looked over at the boxes spread across his front lawn. "Getting some decorating done. Why, what's up?"

"Well, I don't have anything to do and figured I'd see if you wanted to do something… but if you'd like, I could come by with some hot chocolate in the next half hour and help you out?" he offered.

Derek thought it over. "I think that sounds like an amazing idea. I guess I'll see you soon."

"I guess you will." Derek heard the sound of a book closing. "I love you."

"I love you too. Don't bring any books."

Spencer mock laughed, hanging up, and Derek tucked the phone back into his pocket, hoping he could get the shoveling done before Spencer came over.

Derek had just grabbed the ladder from the garage when he saw Spencer's car pull up in the driveway. He leaned the ladder against the house and turned around, smiling at him.

"Hello, darling, how are you doing this fine December afternoon?"

"That's better," Spencer said, holding out a cup to him, "peppermint hot chocolate?"

"Yes, please." He took it, taking a sip and smiling to himself.

Spencer motioned toward the bag on his shoulder. "Do you mind if I stay the night? JJ's mother is in town since she won't be around on Christmas, and if I'm home, I get dragged into a bunch of family things that I really don't want to be a part of, considering it's not my own family."

"Understandable. Just stick it inside, then we can get started."

"Want me to let Clooney out?" he asked, walking toward the house.

"Please." Derek sat on the front step as Spencer walked inside, holding his hot chocolate and warming up his hands. Clooney ran past him and as if it was a reflex he grabbed his collar, hooking him up to the lead.

"Sorry, he dashed out as soon as I said 'outside'."

"Should've warned you about that, but don't worry. It's happened so often I'm used to it," he said, motioning toward Clooney and taking another sip of his drink.

Spencer walked over to the totes and boxes, opening them up and looking at the decorations, eyebrows raised. "You really do go all out, don't you?"

"Mhm. It's my Halloween."

"I could hardly tell," Spencer said with a smile, taking out several things. "And these are?"

"Inflatables," Derek explained, taking out an extension cord. "Hook them up to these, let them blow up, and you've got a snow globe, a sleigh with some reindeer, and a Christmas Snoopy."

"Snoopy?"

Derek looked at him. "Seriously? Snoopy, from Peanuts? You can't be 22 years old and never seen A Charlie Brown Christmas." When Spencer continued to stare at him, he shook his head. "Tonight, you're getting a Christmas specials introduction. Have you seen any Christmas movies?"

"I'm a fan of A Muppet Christmas Carol," Spencer defended, "and I do like Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas - the original, not the remake."

"Good, so what you've seen is good taste." He took out his lights, groaning. "And of course, the Christmas light gods are against me and tangled them."

Spencer picked them up. "On it." He walked over, sitting on the porch and untangling them.

"Seriously, you want to sit there and do that?"

Spencer nodded slightly, untangling some of them and setting them aside. "It's meditative."

Derek raised his eyebrows before shaking his head. "Whatever you say."

While Spencer untangled the lights, Derek set up the decorations on the roof.

"Please be careful," Spencer called up to him. "I took care of you once, but if you fall off, I'm pretty sure I'll need to take you to the emergency room."

Derek laughed to himself. "I've done this plenty of years without supervision. I think I'll be fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty sure," Derek said, tiptoeing across the roof to the ladder, climbing down and looking at his hard work. "How does it look?"

Spencer got up, turning toward the roof and raising his eyebrows, impressed. "Not too bad. Though your Blitzen reindeer is crooked."

Derek eyed the roof before sighing, shaking his head and climbing back up. "Only you."

"One of the things you love about me," Spencer called up, finishing off his cocoa and untangling the rest of the lights.

Once all of the lights were up, the two of them stepped back and looked at their handiwork.

"I'd say we make a good team," Spencer said, turning to him.

Derek put an arm around his shoulder, nodding and kissing his cheek. "I say so too. Thanks."

"Glad I could help." Spencer stepped away from him, picking up the boxes. "Where to with these?"

Derek pointed to the garage. "The empty space in the back."

"Should be easy to find." Spencer walked over, pulling up the garage door and walking inside, setting them down, Derek close behind.

After letting Clooney back in, the two of them changed into pajamas and sat on the couch with some chicken noodle soup and crackers.

"I know I make the world's most romantic meals," Derek said, stirring around his spoon.

"Let me guess. It's your afternoon off and considering you put all of your effort into your yard and your house, it was easy to do?"

"Bingo." He sat back, picking up the remote and pulling up his DVR. "You've honestly never seen a Charlie Brown cartoon?"

"Well, I've seen It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, because it is considered a Halloween movie, but other than that? I never really pursued it."

Derek wrapped an arm around him, smiling. "Then consider this your reintroduction," he told him, pressing play.

Later that night, the two of them were in Derek's room, Spencer cuddled up against his side.

"Did you like your Christmas movie education?" Derek asked, running his hand up Spencer's back.

He nodded. "Your taste in movies isn't horrible like I expected."

Derek put a hand to his chest. "Again with this sass. My old heart can't take it."

Spencer laughed to himself, moving closer and wrapping an arm around Derek's middle. "You're off tomorrow?"

"Yep. No alarms and just need to get up for the little furry one."

"I like the sound of that," Spencer told him, smiling.

"That makes two of us. In a few days, my mom's flying in, and that's when holiday chaos kicks in."

Spencer raised an eyebrow. "Chaos?"

"My mom, I love her, but the holidays make her very… excitable. She gets in, she needs to help decorate the tree, hence why it's not done yet. She needs to do last minute present shopping and gift wrapping. She insists on doing the grocery shopping for Christmas dinner, whether I cook it or not, because she doesn't trust me to get the things my sisters like."

"You've forgotten them in the past, haven't you?" Spencer asked, eyeing him.

"Once or twice, but that's beside the point."

Spencer chuckled. "She sounds eccentric, yet interesting."

"That's pretty much hitting the nail on the head." He leaned over, turning off the light on his nightstand before getting comfortable, kissing Spencer's forehead. "Let's get some sleep, Pretty Boy. I'll make breakfast whenever you wake up."

"Don't need to tell me twice," Spencer mumbled, burying his head in Derek's chest.

The next morning, Derek heard Clooney scatter toward the front door, but ignored it, wrapping his arms around Spencer and taking in a few more minutes of sleep before he had to get up and let him out. When he heard his bedroom door creak open, he sighed, shaking his head.

"Clooney, five more minutes," he mumbled. "Please, boy. Respect a day off."

Clooney jumped up on the bed, trampling all over them and sitting beside Derek.

He sighed, leaning over and petting him. "...Why are your paws wet?" he said softly. "Did you spill your water bowl again?"

"Clooney!" he heard from the kitchen, followed by a whistle. His eyes widened, realizing that his mother had shown up several days early.

He tried to get Clooney to jump off the bed, but he stayed firmly planted on Derek's side. He ran a hand over his face, dreading the events of the next few minutes and lying down, pulling Spencer closer to him.

"What?" Spencer mumbled. "I hear noises and it's too early."

Before Derek could explain, his bedroom door opened and he winced, burying his head in the pillow.

"Derek, you didn't tell me you switched coffee brands, this one is definitely better. Now, Clooney, I told you to let him sleep."

Spencer paused before looking up at Derek, eyes wide. "Is that-"

Derek nodded, sighing. "I am so sorry," he whispered.

She raised an eyebrow, looking up at the bed. "Oh my. Derek you didn't tell me you were - that you," she put her hands up, "my mistake, carry on."

Derek sat up, running a hand over his face and motioning toward Spencer under the blankets. "Spencer, my mom. Mom, this is Spencer."

Spencer blushed and poked his head out of the blanket, looking up at her and waving. "Hi, Mrs. Morgan," he said softly, before pulling the blanket over his head again.

Derek looked down, nudging the lump of blankets where Spencer was hiding. "Come on. I promise you a normal introduction to my sisters. Hiding won't erase this one."

Spencer whined. "Coffee."

Derek laughed, kissing the top of his head. "I'll have it ready for you in a few minutes." He turned to his mother. "Meet you in the kitchen."

She nodded, blushing and apologizing, walking out of the room.

Derek followed her out, pouring a cup of coffee for Spencer and one for himself, setting them on the counter.

"I'm so sorry, Derek. I didn't know you and Spencer were that serious or I wouldn't have just walked in. I figured it would just be you and Clooney in bed."

He shrugged, picking up his coffee and taking a sip. "It's fine. You had to meet him eventually, right?" he said, flashing her a smile before taking another sip.

Spencer walked to the kitchen, picking up his mug and taking a sip, smirking. "Much better."

"Now that you're awake?" Derek said after he took a few more sips. "Spencer Reid, Fran Morgan."

Spencer gave her a small wave, taking the seat next to Derek and across from her. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Morgan." He quickly pointed to Derek's room. "That wasn't anything, if you assumed it was something that is. Derek and I haven't - and we surely wouldn't, knowing you were coming, though Derek thought you'd arrive a few days later, but still, we-" Derek leaned in, pressing his lips against Spencer's, and Spencer pulled back, blushing, "thank you."

She smiled at him. "You're everything Derek has said and so much more. Don't worry, I didn't assume anything. Besides, I lived with Derek. I know his guilty 'I just had sex' face."

"Mom!"

She winked at Spencer before picking up her own coffee, taking a sip. "It's nice to meet you, Spencer."

He grinned. "Nice to meet you too."

"So, Spencer," she said, looking over at him. "Derek says you're in college?"

"Sort of?" Spencer told her, sipping his coffee. "I just finished all of the coursework I had for my current area of study, so I'm taking a semester off to relax and regroup, then I'm finishing up my other two degrees I started."

She raised her eyebrows, impressed. "Not bad." She pointed to where Derek was cooking. "Please tell me he's being good to you?"

He smiled, nodding. "He's been great, really. I stress over academics, considering my full boat scholarship, and Derek has been very patient with me, even when I was less than sociable." He heard Derek scoff and rolled his eyes. "Did he tell you about the time he took me to a fun center to get me away from an assignment?"

She shook her head slightly. "No, why?"

"Spencer-" Derek warned.

"He did fantastic at calming me down, but I did pretty well at beating him at every single activity: go karts, miniature golf, and even the batting cages."

She turned to Derek. "Batting cages? You've been going to those since you were five. How did you manage that?"

"Hit by a pitch," Derek put plainly, flipping a pancake.

"Your son really is a gentleman though. I wasn't exactly pleasant when I was worried about school, and he stuck by me. I have to thank you for how you raised him, because really, he was great. Checked on me, kept me calm, made sure I was eating and taking care of myself. There's definitely worse out there."

"You're welcome," Derek said, walking over and setting plates down, "now, breakfast is served."

While they were eating, Spencer and Fran, which she insisted he should call her, kept up the small talk, getting to know each other. Spencer found it easy to open up to her, just like he had with Derek. Derek was glad that Spencer got along so well with his mother, and she warmed up to him quicker than she ever had with any of his past boyfriends.

She turned to Derek. "Have you started your list for grocery shopping yet?"

Derek gave Spencer a look before taking the list off of the fridge, holding it out to her. "All done."

She read it over and raised her eyebrows, impressed. "Not bad." She turned to Spencer. "Will you be joining us on Christmas?"

He nodded. "I don't have family out here, with the exception of my neighbor who insists on being my older sister, so all of us are coming over here. I hope that's okay."

She waved her hand in the air. "The more, the merrier." She motioned toward the list. "You're more than welcome to come shopping with us so you can grab whatever it is you like for sides or vegetables or dessert."

"I don't want to be any trouble."

She shook her head. "No trouble at all. What's your favorite dessert? I'll be sure to make it."

"Really, you don't-"

Derek cupped a hand over his mouth. "You're not winning this one. Just tell her."

Spencer blushed, pushing his hand off. "I'm a big fan of chocolate cream pie in a graham cracker crust. If you could do that, I would be thankful."

"No problem." She looked at the two of them as Derek grabbed their plates. "I'll take care of the dishes, you two get dressed."

"I could help-" Spencer started, but after seeing the look on Derek's face and his headshake, he kept his mouth closed, walking to Derek's room and grabbing his bag before closing the bathroom door.

When they were in the car, Derek took the list, handing it to Spencer in the backseat.

"What are you doing?" Fran asked.

"You'll see." Derek took it from him a minute later. "Spencer, what was the thirteenth item on the list?"

"Green beans, right above the potatoes and right below the butter," Spencer said, staring out the window.

"Did you two rehearse this?"

Derek shook his head. "He remembers everything he's ever read."

She raised her eyebrows, impressed. "Spencer, you're definitely going to come in handy," she said, smiling and wringing her hands on the steering wheel.

"Glad I could help."

After the grocery shopping trip, they were all in Derek's kitchen, putting the groceries away. Spencer was currently reorganizing Derek's fridge to fit everything, while Derek was doing the same with the cabinets.

"Did we get everything?"

Spencer nodded. "All thirty-one items, including twelve additional items," he told them, closing the refrigerator door and walking over to the sink, washing his hands. "So you two are going to work on decorating again today?"

"You're more than welcome to join us," Fran offered.

He shook his head. "I got to do the outside yesterday with him. The inside is all yours. Besides, I think the two of you could do with some time together, mother and son."

Derek walked to the living room, grabbing his bag and handing it to him. "You'll come back before the holiday, right?" he asked. "My mom being here doesn't mean you have a 'no visit' policy."

Spencer smiled, putting his bag over his shoulder. "I'll think about it."

"Oh?"

He looked over and saw Fran preoccupied with putting everything away so he leaned in, giving Derek a kiss. "I promise."

"I'll hold you to it."

Spencer grinned, bending down and petting Clooney, before waving to Derek and Fran, walking outside.

Fran clicked her tongue. "Honey, you have it bad."

Over the next week and a half, Derek saw Spencer several times a day when he was working, and the two of them had gone out on a lunch date, so Derek could have some time with just them. With his sisters coming to town, he wanted Spencer to have as little exposure to them as possible. Unfortunately, his sisters wanted to meet Spencer, and Derek guessed that was to size him up, and then embarrass him as much as they could.

On Christmas Eve, Derek had set a fire in his fireplace and was in the process of making some cocoa to go with his mother's cookies when there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it," his older sister called out.

"No, you won't," he said, running to the front door and checking the window before opening it, smiling. "Hey, you didn't say you were coming by."

"Is this a bad time?" Spencer asked. "I could come back. I just figured we really haven't seen each other that much except for at work and that one time we did lunch…"

Derek shook his head. "Come on in," he said, holding the door open, "though I must warn you, my sisters came in yesterday."

"Should I be scared?" he asked, stepping inside and taking off his jacket, hanging it up on the hook by the door.

His younger sister gasped. "He is so adorable!"

"You tell me," Derek said, raising his eyebrows. "I loved you, even through Finals Spencer. You love me, despite my family."

Spencer nodded. "Can do."

Derek walked to the kitchen, pouring several mugs of cocoa, Spencer helping him carry them out to the living room. They sat down on the couch, Derek wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

Desiree held out her hand to him. "Desiree, Derek's younger sister."

He held up his hand, waving slightly. "I actually - I don't shake hands. The number of pathogens passed-"

Derek covered his mouth. "Don't finish that sentence, she'll actually do it."

He blushed, moving Derek's hand. "I just don't shake hands. It's nothing against you."

She put up her hands. "Totally fine."

Sarah waved. "Sarah, and boy do I have a lot of stories about little Derek for you."

Spencer grinned. "I look forward to hearing them." He reached out, picking up his mug and taking a sip. "Decorations are nice," he observed, looking around the apartment.

"It took us all of that afternoon," Derek explained. "Still think we could've used a little genius touch."

"I'm sure, but I'm sure you enjoyed the time with your mom."

He kissed Spencer's cheek. "That I did. Thank you." He ignored his sister's 'aww'ing at them and shook his head.

His mother walked in, setting a tray of cookies on the table. "Fresh out of the oven, Grandma's Christmas Cookies."

Derek leaned over, taking two, holding one out to Spencer. "Interested?"

Spencer took it, eyeing it. "What makes it a Christmas cookie, aside from the cookie cutters that make the cookies into trees and snowflakes?"

"The fact that Mom makes them every Christmas Eve. She did it, her mom did it, and generations before that, but they're always 'Grandma's Christmas Cookies'," Derek explained, taking a bite.

"Just a peppermint sugar cookie, with some colored sugar crystals," Fran explained, taking a seat in Derek's armchair.

Spencer took a bite, raising his eyebrows, pleasantly surprised. "Tradition?"

Derek nodded. "Grandma's Christmas Cookies and hot chocolate, and we all sit around and watch Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. We've done it as long as I could remember."

Spencer smiled. "It sounds nice."

"You're welcome to join us," Sarah told him. "It's Derek's all time favorite, and he only ever watches it on Christmas Eve with the family."

Spencer looked at him. "I can stay?"

Derek wrapped his arms around him. "You can definitely stay. Desi, would you do the honors?"

She got up, grabbing the movie and putting it into the player, pressing 'play' once it loaded up.

Once the movie was over, Desiree had offered to clear the plates and mugs while everyone else relaxed. She came back a few minutes later, dangling something over Derek and Spencer's heads.

Derek looked up, sighing. "Really, Des? How old are you?"

"Younger than you," she pointed out, motioning toward the sprig in her hand. "Come on."

Derek eyed Spencer. "I'm sorry."

He raised an eyebrow. "For…?"

He leaned over, kissing Spencer and looking at her. "Satisfied?"

"Very," she said, dropping it.

Spencer picked it up, examining it. "Not that I mind, but the purpose of that, and the correlation to this is…?"

"Mistletoe," Derek explained, running a hand over his face, "holiday tradition says if you're caught under it with somebody, you kiss."

"...Okay." He tossed the sprig on the table, resting his head against Derek and leaning against him, putting his feet up on the couch.

"You two are so adorable it's sickening," Sarah said, tucking her feet under herself.

Derek shrugged it off, kissing the top of Spencer's head and rubbing his back.

"Did Derek tell you how much of a chubby little baby he was?" Desiree asked, reaching into her bag.

Derek groaned. "Dear God."

"Or how much of a stick he was when he started high school?" Sarah added.

Spencer shook his head. "It came up in conversation once or twice, but we never really expanded on it. Why?"

Desiree held up a book, sitting on the floor in front of Spencer. "Memory lane time."

Spencer raised an eyebrow, looking at the book in her hands before sitting up, leaning over. "Is that a photo album?"

"Indeed." Sarah sat beside her sister, flipping to the first page and pointing. "I think you can see why he doesn't grow his hair out. It's a mess."

He smiled. "I guess so." He pointed to a picture. "And I guess he enjoyed his birthday suit as a child."

Derek leaned back on the couch, running a hand over his face. He listened and watched as the two of them took him on a journey through his embarrassing moments, his preteen years, and before he'd bulked up and found out he was good at sports. It was nothing too horrible, but it wasn't exactly what he wanted his boyfriend to see either.

When they were done, Spencer checked the time. "I should get home. JJ's going to come by and drop off leftovers from her Christmas Eve dinner, claiming 'I'm too thin' and 'Derek doesn't feed me enough'." He scoffed. "She'll see tomorrow how big your portion sizes are."

Derek smiled. "Yes she will."

"Is JJ your sister?" Sarah asked.

"Not really?" He got up, pulling on his jacket. "We grew up in the same neighborhood and upon finding out I was an only child, insisted that she was my older sister. We're now neighbors and she's pretty much always looking out for me." He pulled on his scarf, looking at Derek. "Walk me outside?"

Derek nodded, getting up and slipping on his shoes, grabbing his own jacket and pulling it on. He followed Spencer outside and sighed. "Thanks for putting up with them."

"I had fun," Spencer said, shrugging. "It was interesting and they seem nice."

"Seeming is one thing. The truth is another."

He smiled. "I guess I'll see more of it tomorrow."

Derek leaned against his car. "Any chance you can stay over some night soon? I have tomorrow off for the holiday and the next day, so no alarms."

Spencer grinned. "I think I could manage that, so long as you can promise me there won't be another Morgan family wake-up call."

Derek held up his hand. "Scout's honor."

Spencer leaned in, kissing him. "I'll see you tomorrow. Does it matter what time?"

Derek shook his head, opening his door. "Come by whenever."

Spencer nodded, getting in and setting his bag on the passenger seat. "Have fun with them going down memory lane the rest of the night."

"Oh, don't worry. I'll be 'going to bed' soon to get them to do the same." Derek winked at him. "See you tomorrow, Pretty Boy."

Spencer started his car, saluting him, before buckling his seatbelt and closing the door, driving home.

The next morning, Derek's mother was in the kitchen making breakfast while he was in the living room, flipping through the channels and trying to figure out which Christmas special the three of them could settle on. They had opened their presents first thing in the morning, much to his dismay, so now they were winding down.

"What about A Christmas Story?" he asked, motioning toward the TV.

"It already started," Desiree argued, "we can watch it in a few hours when it plays again."

He went up another channel. "Okay. It's a Wonderful Life."

Sarah shook her head. "Too depressing."

He exhaled, going to On Demand and looking at the movies, humming to himself. When there was a knock on the door, he handed the remote to Sarah. "Since you two are so indecisive, it's all you."

She took the remote, looking through the movies and finally selecting one he was sure would be a romantic comedy. He walked over to the door, checking the window before smiling, opening it. "Merry Christmas, Pretty Boy."

Spencer took in his Christmas sweater, smiling. "Merry Christmas." He checked his watch. "Is this too early? I could come back later."

"I told you to come by whenever. Come on in," he said, holding the door open. "Mom, room for another at the breakfast table?"

"It's fine if there isn't," Spencer argued, stepping inside and taking off his boots, "I already had some coffee."

Fran scoffed. "Coffee is not a good Christmas breakfast! There's plenty to go around and it should be ready in about ten minutes. You're more than welcome at our Morgan family breakfast, as a new member of the Morgan family."

Spencer turned to Derek. "Member of the Morgan family?"

"Yeah, if Mama approves of you, you're automatically a Morgan."

Spencer smiled and pulled off his jacket, hanging it up. "That's not so bad." He turned back to the kitchen. "Do you need help setting the table?"

She looked into the living room. "See that, children? Those are manners. I taught them to you many years ago, and apparently they're long lost."

Derek laughed, patting Spencer's back and walking out to the kitchen. "We've got you, Mama."

He handed the napkins and plates to Spencer while he grabbed the glasses and the silverware, setting the table with him.

"Does it matter where I sit?" Spencer asked, motioning toward the table.

"I'm sure Derek would like you in his lap," Desiree offered, sitting down across from Derek.

"Desiree!" their mother snapped.

She winced. "Sorry, mom."

Fran shook her head, going back to her cooking.

Spencer blushed, taking the seat beside Derek. "Should we um, exchange gifts now, or would you prefer to do that later?"

Derek saw his sisters listening in on the conversation. "Later."

Fran walked over, taking a few trips to set everything on the table. "Let's eat."

Spencer made his plate, turning to Derek. "So this is what you usually do?"

Derek nodded. "After presents, Mama tells us to go watch movies and Christmas specials while she makes her famous Morgan Family Christmas Breakfast. It's been that way as long as I could remember. She even still makes Dad's favorite," he said, pointing to a plate of cinnamon rolls in the middle of the table.

"One year, Derek insisted they were his favorite too," Sarah said, swallowing the food in her mouth, "bit into one, out came his front tooth. He was petrified and wouldn't eat them for a couple of years after that because he was scared they would take his teeth too."

Derek mock laughed, picking one up and taking a bite, smiling at her. "Still there."

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Fran warned, pointing her fork at him.

Spencer smiled. "Very mature of you," he said, taking one and putting it on his plate.

After they'd finished breakfast, Fran insisted on everyone going to the living room to relax while she cleaned up. Spencer had offered a few times to give her a hand, and Fran had Derek take his hand and lead him away from the kitchen.

"Point taken," Spencer said, sitting down on the couch.

Derek smirked, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and kissing the side of his head. "Morgans don't do subtle," he said, picking up the remote and choosing a Christmas special, pressing 'play'.

Once his mother was done cleaning up the kitchen, she called for Sarah and Desiree to help her get everything prepared for dinner that night, which Derek saw as his out to exchange gifts with Spencer. They got up from the couch, Spencer grabbing his bag, and walked to Derek's room, closing the door behind them.

Spencer sat on his bed while Derek opened his dresser drawer, taking out his gift and setting it on the bed, sitting beside him.

Spencer chewed on his cheek, holding the package in his hand out to Derek. "You first."

"That can't be good," Derek teased, taking the rectangular box from him.

"I've never shopped for a significant other before," Spencer admitted, "so I wasn't sure really what I was supposed to do or what I should've gotten. If there's a problem, I can get rid of it and get you something else. You don't have to fake liking it or anything."

Derek cupped a hand over his mouth. "I'm sure I'll love it, whatever it may be, but way to give me a confidence boost."

Spencer pushed his hand off, mock laughing.

Derek grabbed the corner of the wrapping paper, ripping it off and opening the box, instantly recognizing the tickets inside. "Blackhawks? You got me Blackhawks tickets?"

"Yeah, they're your favorite team right?" He inspected the tickets. "Chicago Blackhawks, your hometown."

Derek leaned over, hugging him, before giving him a kiss. "These are perfect, thank you. How did you manage this? Usually around here you can't get tickets because they won the Cup-" he paused, smiling, "Penelope."

Spencer nodded. "Bingo." He motioned toward the box. "And you happen to have an extra ticket, and I happen to know someone who wouldn't mind going on a date night to the arena, and possibly enjoying overpriced nachos."

Derek laughed. "Spencer, would you like to go with me?"

Spencer shrugged slightly. "If you're asking."

Derek grabbed the wrapped present in front of him, chewing on his lip, before holding it out to Spencer. "Same warning. You, Spencer Reid, are not an easy person to shop for."

"I never have been," Spencer defended, "it's just the kind of person I am, I guess?"

"At least you can recognize that trying to shop for you is a pain in the ass."

Spencer nudged him with his elbow before tearing off the wrapping paper, opening up the box. "Always a plus," he started, taking out a Doctor Who travel mug and holding it up, along with a canister of coffee, "a major plus, and you know me so well."

"One thing I could depend on is your love of coffee."

Spencer pushed aside the tissue paper, gasping and smiling to himself. "Oh, wow."

"I had to call in some help from JJ," he admitted, "I hope it's okay."

Spencer reached in the box, taking out a small music box and twisting the crank, listening to the music.

"You mentioned the music box your mom would play for you when things would get bad way back when on one of our outings." Derek started. "She gave it to you the same day she gave you that teddy bear, and I figured you could use that familiar tune in your life for when you get stressed out."

Spencer grinned, setting it down and wrapping his arms around him, pulling him into a hug. "Thank you so much," he muttered, squeezing him, "it's great." He pulled back, exhaling. "Now I feel bad I only got you those tickets."

"Only?" Derek said. "Those are tough to come by. But if you feel guilty, buy me a beer at the game and we'll call it even," Derek said, winking.

Spencer smiled, nodding, putting the music box back into the tissue paper, before putting the lid back on the box it had come in. "Can we um, stay in here for a little bit?" Spencer asked. "I don't want your sisters to see me emotional and then bother you about it."

"Sounds perfect." Derek moved the presents off of the bed, lying back and holding out his arms. Spencer laid down beside him, resting his head on Derek's chest and grinning. "Thank you."

Derek kissed his forehead. "Thank you too."

Neither of them had realized they'd drifted off until they heard a knocking on the front door. Derek leaned over and saw it was past noon, sighing.

"Company," he mumbled, nudging Spencer.

Spencer whined. "But I'm comfortable."

Derek laughed, sitting up and helping Spencer up. "You can be comfortable later. Now we need to be social."

"Overrated," Spencer said, standing up and stretching.

Derek kissed his cheek, taking his hand and walking out to the kitchen. "Sorry, Mama. Dozed off."

"Sure," Desiree said, rolling her eyes.

Fran sighed, shaking her head and motioning toward the door.

Derek walked over, checking it before opening it up. "Baby Girl has arrived."

Penelope walked inside, grinning from ear to ear, decked out in a holiday dress. "Merry Christmas, my love," she said, kissing his cheek and motioning toward the tray in her hands. "Not to step on anyone's toes, but I couldn't help myself, I made some desserts."

Sarah walked over, taking the tray from her and holding out her hand. "Sarah, Derek's older sister."

Penelope shook her hand. "Fantastic to meet you." She peeked past her. "And you must be Desiree and," she gasped, "I finally meet the great Fran Morgan!" She rushed into the kitchen, wrapping her arms around her and hugging her.

Fran smiled, hugging her and patting her back. "Great to finally meet you too, Penelope. I've heard great things about you."

She turned to Derek. "Only great things I hope."

He put up his hands. "Nothing but the best."

She then looked at Spencer. "Derek, get some coffee in him, stat."

Spencer mock laughed, sitting at the table while Derek made him a cup of coffee.

Penelope walked into the kitchen. "I'm a helper by nature, what can I do that doesn't involve animal carcasses?"

Fran pointed to the sink. "Could you mash the potatoes that are soaking?"

"Absolutely!"

Derek walked over, handing the mug to Spencer, who quickly took a sip.

"Is JJ on her way?" Spencer asked.

Penelope nodded. "Just getting Henry ready to go and her bunch will be here soon. Hotch is bringing his son and Emily's coming too."

"Should be fun," Spencer said, turning to Derek and raising his eyebrows, at which Derek laughed.

After Derek had put the meat in the oven, there was another knock on the door. When he moved to go toward the door, Spencer put up his hands. "I've got it. It's JJ."

"The 'sister'?" Desiree asked.

"Penelope's old college roommate, and Spencer's 'big sister'," Derek corrected.

"Why the air quotes? I thought Spencer said she was practically his sister."

"You'll see."

Spencer opened the door and JJ hugged him. "Merry Christmas."

"Happy Holidays is more politically correct," he said, hugging her back.

Will stepped inside, setting Henry down and taking off his boots, the little boy clinging to his leg and hiding behind it.

JJ laughed. "Oh, now you're shy?" she teased, looking over at Derek's sisters, holding out her hand. "I'm JJ, this is my husband Will and my little guy, Henry. I'm Spence's big sister."

"Unofficially," Spencer corrected. "She didn't like me being an only child and insisted, though she threatens to un-adopt me when I annoy her."

"And I mean it too," she said, ruffling his hair before turning to Henry. "Can you at least say hi or wave?"

Henry peeked out from behind Will's leg, waving to them before holding his arms out to Spencer. "Please?"

Spencer smiled, bending down and picking him up. "Of course." He waved to everyone before walking to the living room, sitting on the couch with him and putting on cartoons.

"And I see he's a fan of his uncle," Sarah said, eyebrows raised.

"Indeed. He even dressed up as him for Halloween this year. Couldn't get him to be Superman, but was Uncle Spence like that," she said, snapping her fingers.

Derek turned to his mother. "Everything all set out here for now?" he asked, setting the kitchen timer.

She nodded, motioning toward the living room. "Go."

He walked out, giving JJ a hug and shaking Will's hand before sitting beside Spencer, kissing his cheek and wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

Sarah turned to JJ. "Want to see a fun little game?"

JJ raised an eyebrow, picking up a cheeto and eating it. "Sure?"

She handed the mistletoe to Desiree. "Go ahead."

Desiree walked out to the living room, standing behind Derek and Spencer, dangling the mistletoe above their heads and whistling.

Derek looked up and rolled his eyes. "Seriously? You two are children."

She shrugged, shaking it. "Are you going to disrespect the tradition?"

He sighed, turning to Spencer. "I'm sorry my sisters are eternally twelve years old."

Spencer shrugged, looking up at the mistletoe. "It happens."

Derek leaned in, resting a hand on Spencer's cheek and giving him a kiss, before pulling back and looking at her. "Happy?"

"You two are adorable, so ecstatic."

JJ laughed. "How often have you done this?"

"A few times," Sarah said, "but we're far from done. Anything to embarrass my little brother."

JJ smirked. "I know that lifestyle."

"Go easy on my Boy Wonder and my Chocolate Thunder," Penelope said, opening the fridge, "I need them non-emotionally scarred."

"Trust me, they don't mind it one bit," Desiree said, setting the mistletoe on the counter.

A short while later, there was another knock on the door and Penelope insisted she'd get it, walking over and opening it. "Hotch is here with Jack… and someone else."

JJ raised an eyebrow. "Who else?" she asked, peeking around.

Emily rolled her eyes, stepping inside and pulling off her jacket. "He offered to give me a ride," she defended.

"From your hotel room?" Penelope asked. "Or are we staying somewhere else?"

Emily scoffed. "I'm a grown woman and my whereabouts are not your concern."

Hotch tapped Jack on the shoulder. "I see Henry running around the backyard with Clooney if you want to go out there."

Jack nodded, hugging him before opening the back door and walking outside, closing it.

JJ looked at Emily with crossed arms. "Well, well…"

Emily hung her jacket up, rolling her eyes. "Really?"

"For all of those times you stayed up waiting for me in the dorm room when I was out with Will? Yes, really."

Penelope giggled, patting Hotch's arm. "Your choices are Christmas specials," she said, motioning toward the living room, "snowball fight," she added, pointing to the backyard, "or madness," she finished, pointing to the kitchen.

He laughed, keeping his jacket on. "I think I'll take my chances outside."

"Excellent choice."

Once Hotch was outside, Penelope gave Emily a look. "Emily and Hotch, sitting in a tree…"

Spencer raised an eyebrow, turning to Derek. "What's that? That thing she's singing?"

Derek laughed. "Playground rhyme. Basically saying they're smitten."

Spencer thought about it and nodded his understanding, resting his head on Derek's shoulder and watching TV.

Derek was in and out of the kitchen over the next couple of hours, checking the status of the food in the oven, as well as the side dishes. It would get to a point where one of the women in the kitchen would have to shoo him out and make him go watch TV with Spencer, which he didn't mind one bit. When the timer went off, he got up, taking the pan out of the oven and setting it on top.

"What are we having?" JJ asked, leaning over.

"Prime rib. Morgan family tradition," he said, putting in the meat thermometer and smiling to himself. "Perfect. Now to let it rest, then we can eat."

JJ raised her eyebrows, impressed. "Mind if I invite myself over next Christmas? Because that smells delicious."

Penelope wrinkled her nose. "I'll stick to my fixins."

"Of course you will," Derek told her, "and I appreciate you tolerating all of us being meat eaters."

She blew him a kiss, winking, and he laughed, picking up the plates.

"Spencer, want to come help me set the table?"

Spencer got off of the couch, walking out and picking up the silverware and glasses, setting them down at each place setting as Derek put down the plates and napkins.

"I say we make a pretty good team," Spencer said, looking over at Derek.

Derek nodded, kissing his cheek. "Definitely."

When it came time for dinner, everyone helped to set up the table with all of the sides, before Derek walked out and set the meat in the middle.

"Can someone let the outsiders know dinner is served?" Derek asked, motioning toward the backdoor.

Emily got up from her seat in the kitchen. "On it," she said, slipping on her flats and walking out to the living room, opening the backdoor.

"She just wants the chance to have some 'alone time' with Hotch," Penelope mumbled, putting serving utensils in the different foods.

Desiree looked at Penelope. "Did you set them up?"

"Indirectly, yes."

"They're cute together," Sarah told her. "Good job."

"Also had a hand in these two," she said, motioning toward Derek and Spencer. "It was the cutest thing. The first time Derek saw him? He was so speechless and his jaw was practically on the floor. Could barely get a word out, then after he left the coffee shop, demanded all of the information I had on him."

Desiree eyed her brother. "You, desperate? That has never happened before." She turned to Spencer. "You should feel special. No guy's ever made him a complete idiot before."

"Enough picking on your brother," Fran said, taking her seat.

Everyone from the backyard walked inside, taking off their boots and jackets, then washing their hands, before taking their places at the table.

Fran put her hands together, looking around. "Would everyone mind if I said grace?"

JJ shook her head. "Not at all." She leaned over to Henry, putting his hands together and putting her fingers to her lips. "Derek's mom is going to talk, and we need to be quiet until she's done, okay?"

He closed his mouth, nodding and clasping his hands together.

Will smiled, ruffling his hair, before putting his hands together, looking over at Fran.

Fran bowed her head down. "Thank you for this fantastic opportunity for all of us to gather together. Thank you for giving me my family on the holiday, and thank you to my fantastic husband for watching over us every day. Thank you for our health, our happiness, and for this wonderful meal ahead of us. I'd also like to thank you for all three of my children being at a point in their life where they're truly happy, and giving them such great company. Amen."

"Amen," everyone repeated.

Derek leaned over, picking up the utensils and cutting into the meat. "Merry Christmas everyone," he said, setting a piece on Spencer's plate.

JJ leaned back on the couch. "Fran, Derek, that was absolutely delicious."

Derek gave her a thumbs up while Fran smiled, patting Clooney in front of the fireplace. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Spencer walked in, sitting next to Derek and resting his head on his shoulder. "Dishes are done."

Fran turned to him. "Spencer, you didn't have to."

He shrugged, putting his feet up on the couch. "I'm glad I could help."

Fran looked at Derek. "Keep him around. He's got manners and he's polite."

"And adorable," Sarah added.

Derek smiled, wrapping his arm around Spencer. "Trust me, I plan on it."

JJ looked over at Spencer, who leaned against Derek, smiling to himself.

Once dessert was finished, including the chocolate cream pie Fran had made especially for Spencer, the crowd started to disperse. Hotch had offered to drive Emily 'back to her hotel', which Penelope saw right through, and it earned an eyeroll from Emily. She went around, saying her goodbyes, before following Hotch out to the car.

JJ smiled. "This has been fun, but I've got a little one to get to bed," she said, picking up a very tired Henry. "It was fantastic to meet you three."

"Great to meet Spencer's not really older sister," Desiree told her, giving her a hug. "Hope we see you again sometime."

"Me too."

Will shook Derek's hand, waving to everyone in the room and offering to take Henry from JJ, putting on his jacket and walking him out to the car.

Sarah pointed after him. "Are there more of him?"

JJ shook her head. "Sorry, unfortunately he's an only child and I scooped him up."

"And Spencer?" she asked, looking over at him.

"Sorry, only child."

"Maybe Desi can find someone for you."

"No thank you."

Her sister nudged her and she smiled, pulling JJ into a hug.

"Nice to meet you."

"You too." She took her keys out of her pocket. "Spence, see you later tonight?"

He chewed on his cheek, turning to Derek. "Can I stay? I understand if you want the time with your family, but I figured I'd ask."

Derek shrugged. "I'd be happy to have you."

He turned back to JJ. "Keep an eye on my place for the next couple of days?"

She saluted him, walking outside and closing the door behind her.

Later that night, the two of them were lying on Derek's bed in their pajamas, Spencer's head rested on Derek's chest.

"I love you, Derek," Spencer said, moving closer and wrapping his arms around his waist.

Derek smiled, kissing his forehead. "I love you too. Did you have a good Christmas?"

Spencer nodded. "JJ and I exchanged gifts this morning, I got to see Henry open up some books I got him and see him light up, and got to be a part of Morgan Family Christmas. I'd say it was pretty good. What about you?"

Derek tilted his chin up, kissing him. "It was perfect."

Spencer grinned. "Good. so you don't mind having me for a couple of days?"

Derek shook his head. "Definitely not. Though I do have to warn you: I may have the day off tomorrow, but I'm back to work the day after, meaning my alarm is going to go off at an ungodly hour."

Spencer thought about it before shrugging. "Okay, I'll get up too."

Derek's eyes widened before he let out a laugh. "Then you must really love me."

Spencer blushed, grinning and moving closer to him. "Well, I must."

Derek pulled up the blankets, kissing Spencer's forehead. "Good, because I really love you too."