Invisible String (Reid/Alvez)

Cowboy Like Me

The team had been in Philadelphia trying to catch a killer for weeks- and they had nothing. No description, no real profile, nothing. They were all on edge, and had been sent back to the hotel.

"Everyone get some rest. We'll head back in the morning. I know this case is rough. Just try to relax tonight." Emily said, as they parted ways.

After taking a shower, Spencer realized he hadn't eaten all day. He sighed, then dressed himself.

Stepping out of his room, Spencer was met by Luke, who seemed to be in the same situation.

"Hey." Luke said.

"Hey." Spencer mimicked.

"I was just gonna get something to eat."

"Yeah, I was just gonna go to that convenience store."

"Care if I join you?"

"Not at all."

The two went out into the cold, and started down the street.

"So, how's Lisa?" Spencer asked.

"We broke up a while ago." Luke replied, awkwardly.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, it was on me anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"It wasn't fair for her to date a gay guy."

"What?" Spencer stopped, and gaped at him for a second, "...oh."

"You're surprised?" Luke joked.

"You hide it well."

"As an ex ranger, I should."

"So...was your ex partner more than just a work partner?"

"He was, yeah."

"I'm sorry for asking."

"It's fine, we're okay. He and I are friendly...it just wasn't a great relationship."

"If it makes you feel any better, my ex boyfriend is a drug dealer."

"Your ex- what?"

"My ex boyfriend is a drug dealer."

"So you're...?"

"...I've never labeled myself. I definitely like women and men, though."

"I had no idea." Luke said, honestly.

"The only other person who knows is my ex boyfriend."

"The team doesn't know? At all?"

"It's not really something I wanted to share."

"Why's that? Sorry if that's too personal."

"I was so young when I joined the bureau. I was already at a disadvantage, and I knew that any talk about my sexuality would make it worse. I don't date all that much, anyway."

"Why don't you date?"

"I- Luke, you've met me."

"I have. Why don't you date?"

"What do you mean?"

"Spencer, why don't you date?"

"I'm weird!"

"So what?"

"I... I'm awkward, I miss social cues, and I can't date anyone I'm interested in."

"You're not awkward in a bad way. It's endearing. And you don't miss that many social cues."