"I can't believe this is happening on a workfree weekend," JJ said as they slowly drove through the spiraling curtain of snow.
"The average snowfall for Virginia in January is 32 to 44 inches, depending on where you are," Spencer said as he steered down the side street to his apartment.
"That's nice to know. It looks like we're going to get it all in one go," JJ responded while she watched the white flakes begin to coat the street.
"I'm glad we made it before it started to stick in earnest," Spencer observed.
JJ stared at the last red light before they finished their trip. "I wish I didn't have to stay with you, Spence."
He glanced over at her before letting up on the brake when the light changed to green," You don't want to spend time with me," he teased. "I'm crushed, Jennifer."
JJ reached over and lightly slapped his knee. "Oh, stop it."
"You stop it. I'm trying to drive here."
Spencer didn't look at her, but he knew she'd rolled her eyes. "Please, is that all you think about."
"Yes, when I'm with you."
Spencer signaled and let out a breath when he turned into the back parking lot of his building. He parked, shut off the engine, and sighed. "I'll grab the groceries, and you get the door."
"Sounds like a plan."
Twenty minutes later, JJ removed her shoes and changed into her favorite ratty sweatpants and long-sleeved tee. Spencer also wore sweats and a tee shirt. They were in the kitchen. JJ was making her favorite beef stew, and Spencer played sous-chef under her supervision. "Nice job on the carrots," she praised.
"Thanks, I've been practicing. I made a successful chicken soup last week."
"How come this is the first I've heard about it," JJ asked as she began to cook the onions, carrots, and celery.
"Because I ate it all in three days. I was too excited to save any."
"Rude," JJ teased.
"I promise to make more later," he assured as he carefully unwrapped the stew meat.
"I'm going to hold you to it."
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JJ breathed in the beautiful smell of stew and baking bread she'd brought premade. "I'm so glad you can just throw this bread in the oven."
"Me too," Spence agreed as they sat on the sofa enjoying a pre-dinner glass of red wine.
"Thanks for joining me in a glass," JJ said. "I know wine's not your favorite."
"It might be growing on me. This wine is pretty good."
JJ smirked at him and sighed. "Thank you for letting me stay over the weekend. I can't believe the furnace broke at my place, and now there is the storm," she moaned.
"I told you to check it when they had those maintenance specials over the summer."
JJ glared at him and then sighed again. "You're right. I was stupid. From now on, I'll get it done every year."
"Well, I'm glad because you're here."
"You're glad I have to buy a new furnace," JJ's angry stare returned. "It's going to cost a mint."
"Sorry, but I like having you here. I love you."
JJ shook her head. "I shouldn't let you suck up, but I'm too bummed to fight."
"I'm sorry," Spencer whispered and kissed her.
"I know. Thanks, babe."
JJ looked at her watch. "I think the stew is about finished," the oven timer beeped loudly. "The bread is ready," she finished.
Spencer followed her to the kitchen, where he removed the bread from the oven, and JJ took the lid off the stew. She stirred it and blew on a bit in the spoon. After a minute, she tasted it. "Yep, needs a bit more salt, and then we're ready."
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Spencer entered the living area and made JJ burst out laughing. "Hey, why are you laughing."
JJ took in the blanket he carried in his arms. Morgan had gifted it to him for Christmas as a joke, but Spencer secretly loved it. "Seriously, Spence," she giggled as he sat and spread it around them.
"It's cozy. I know it's warm enough here, but I thought we'd cuddle now that clean-ups done."
She took in his puppy eyes and his outstretched arms. "Oh, alright," she snuggled up to him and fingered the blanket.
It was a vintage Star Wars-themed blanket with C3PO and R2D2 against a dark blue background with The Millenium Falcon. It irritated her a little that she could recognize the characters on site, but that was the consequence of dating a man like Spencer Reid.
"I know it's silly and supposed to be a joke, but what can I say? I like it."
JJ kissed him. "I love that you're so excited over a kid's blanket. It – floors me how you keep your innocence despite our crazy jobs."
"I'm not innocent, remember – drug addict here," Spencer raised his hand.
"Recovering," JJ insisted.
"Recovering," Spencer agreed. "Thanks."
JJ kissed him, holding each other in the candlelight JJ had set up. The wind howled around the apartment building, but they were safe and warm together. "I like this," JJ whispered.
"Together, storm outside, a great meal, and just being here," Spencer atoned. "Just think, if you'd taken my advice and had a functioning furnace."
JJ tried to grab him to tickle him, but he dodged out of the way and slid off the couch. "I'm going to get you for that," JJ warned him.
"You don't scare me," Spencer said, but with one look in her eyes, he began to back up.
JJ went to the table and picked up her wine glass. "I think I'll have another glass, and then it's bedtime."
"Wait, aren't you going to, 'get me," he wondered.
"As they save, revenge is a dish best-served cold. I'll get you when you least expect it, magic man."
