Spencer x Derek oneshots- Criminal Minds

Taking the next step

Derek knew from the moment they got together he wanted Spencer to meet his friends. Obviously, most couples do meet their partner's friends and family, but this was different. Spencer meeting Derek's friends was important to the older man, mostly because he knew in doing so, they would be taking the next step in their relationship. His friends were important to him, and he needed them to meet the love of his life- needed Spencer to meet them.

Spencer was all for meeting his friends when Derek first suggested it, but once it got closer to the time, he backed out. He felt horrible watching as Derek called to cancel the plans they had made, but the thought of the people his boyfriend loved not liking him made his stomach curl. Derek was so important to him in many ways, and it would kill him if his friends didn't like him. The older man was incredibly understanding and assured him he wasn't upset and they could arrange something another day.

Now, as Spencer and Derek sat on the couch waiting for Derek's friends to arrive, Spencer was a ball of anxiety. He couldn't help but bite his nails, knee bouncing so forcefully Derek actually had to place his hand on his leg to stop it.

"Hey, are you sure you want to do this?" Derek asked, placing a gentle hand on his boyfriends cheek. It killed him to see Spencer so anxious, but this was so important to him he really didn't want to have to cancel again.

It took a few seconds for Spencer to meet his eyes, and the look of pure concern and love in Derek's eyes made him want to cry. He was trying his darn hardest not to show just how scared he truly was, but looking into the older mans eyes made it clear he was doing a shitty job.

"Yeah, I'm sure" Spencer let out a shaky breath and told himself he needed to calm down.

Derek seemed to study him for a while, thumb gently stroking Spencer's cheekbones, before nodding. "Alright. I know how hard it is for you to meet new people, I'm very thankful you're doing this for me"

"I won't lie, I'm terrified. But I know how important this is to you, and truthfully, I want to meet your friends too" Spencer chewed on his bottom lip as he spoke, desperately trying to meet Derek's eyes despite how uncomfortable he felt. "I guess I'm just worried they wont like me"

"How could they not like you, Spencer. You're amazing and you're beautiful, anyone can see that. If my friends don't like you, than I don't like them"

Spencer shook his head and looked down, hating the very thought of Derek choosing him over the people he's known for almost all of his life.

"No, Derek. You can't choose, I wont let you."

Derek smiled and leaned forward to kiss Spencer's forehead, gently guiding the younger man to lay against his chest. "Luck I wont have to than, hey?"

Spencer stayed quiet after that, knowing if he said anything else it would cause an argument.  Deep down he knew he was being irrational; there was no reason Derek's friends wouldn't like him. He just couldn't help but think about the "what if's".

"They'll be here soon" Derek hummed, gently carding his fingers through Spencer's curls.

Spencer was relieved they were able to have dinner at their house, he didn't think he'd be able to cope going into someone else's home.

"Yeah" Spencer sighed, closing his eyes and focusing on the quiet thump of Derek's heart against his ear. "Is the food ready?"

"Should be ready in about 20 minutes" Derek said.

They had decided on a simple homemade pizza for Dinner. It was quick and easy, they didn't have to spend all day cooking it and it was something they would all enjoy. Rossi had given the boys his recipe a few days prior.