Always and Forever

Surprise!

"Gideon?" Spencer asked.

"Hi Spencer," the man replied.

Spencer didn't know what to do, he didn't even know if the man standing in the gazebo was real, it felt like a dream to see Gideon again.

"What? How? Why?" Spencer wasn't sure which question to ask first.

Instead of answering, Gideon pulled the younger man into a hug. Spencer buried his face in Gideon's shoulder, trying to will away the tears he could feel collecting in his eyes.

"I'm so proud of you," Gideon whispered. That was all it took for Spencer to break down, tears flowing freely now. Gideon had always known what Spencer needed to hear.

"Where have you been all this time?" Spencer asked when he pulled away.

"Everywhere," Gideon answered. "I took a road trip, went to every state in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii. I went to Europe, spent a lot of time in the cabin. It would be easier to tell you everything I haven't done. Faster too."

"I have so many questions to ask you," Spencer said.

"You two will have plenty of time for that later," Garcia said. "For now we'd better get you back before anyone worries."

The three of them started their journey back into the darkness. The pavilion wasn't far, and they could see the lights in the distance the whole way.

"How's Kate?" Gideon asked. "She's what, seven now?"

"Eight," Spencer corrected.

"Eight. Eight's a big year, trust me." He smiled that trademark Gideon smile that Spencer hadn't seen in nearly three years.

"Does she like Morgan?" Gideon asked after a moment.

"Yeah, she likes him a lot. Sometimes even more than she likes me," Spencer said.

"That's how it is with kids sometimes. The parent makes them go to bed on time and eat their vegetables. The stepparent takes them to the park and buys them ice cream. At least until the stepparent gains their footing."

"Trust me I know. At first when Derek and I started going out it was all presents and day trips. He's really stepped into his role as a parent since we've been living together, though. And he's made her eat her vegetables a few times before," Spencer said.

"I'm glad you two finally got over yourselves and got together. It was a long time coming."

"Ugh, not you too," Spencer groaned. "I already got this lecture from Hotch and the others."

"Face it hunnybun, you and Derek were the last ones to know about your feelings for each other," Garcia said.

They were almost at the pavilion now, and they could see everyone inside, though they couldn't see the three of them yet. Morgan was still dancing, but had changed partners. Now he was dancing with Kate, who was standing on his feet. Spencer was reminded for the billionth time that day how much he loved the two of them.

Morgan caught sight of Spencer when they reentered the pavilion. He was flashing one of those bright smiles that made Spencer go weak in the knees. That smile faltered when he saw Gideon.

"Gideon? Is that you?" Morgan asked. The rest of the agents looked up when he said that.

"In the flesh," Gideon responded. He was surrounded then by agents immediately. They were all filled with questions for the man who had left them so suddenly years ago.

"We'll have plenty of time to talk later," Gideon said, effectively shutting down all of the questions. "Tonight is about Spencer and Derek."

"Care to dance?" Gideon asked after the other agents had eased up on him.