The cozy hum of Christmas music fills the air as you and Spencer Reid, wearing matching red and green plaid pajamas, unbox ornaments in the warm glow of fairy lights strung along the walls. The apartment feels like a holiday haven, with the rich scent of pine mingling with cinnamon from a festive-scented candle Spencer picked out during a bookstore visit. The real tree stands proudly in the corner, its branches perfectly imperfect, just as you’d hoped.

Spencer, kneeling on the floor by the box of ornaments, carefully picks up a delicate glass snowflake, holding it as though it might shatter with a single breath. “This one’s from Prague,” he murmurs, turning it slowly in his hand as the light reflects off its intricate design. His hazel eyes brighten as he hands it to you. “Did you know that in the Czech Republic, Christmas dinner traditionally includes carp? They even keep the fish alive in the bathtub for a few days before cooking it.”

You chuckle, taking the ornament from him and finding the perfect spot on the tree. “I didn’t know that. Is this decoration session doubling as a lecture now?”

“It’s possible,” he replies with a subtle smirk, leaning in to adjust the star perched atop the tree. His fingers, long and careful, move the topper until it’s perfectly centered. “But don’t worry. I’m perfectly capable of balancing facts and festivities.”

Grinning, you scoop up a handful of shimmering tinsel and toss it lightly toward him. Some of it lands in his messy curls, the silver strands gleaming against his chestnut hair. He blinks in surprise, then lets out a soft chuckle, brushing the tinsel off his shoulder. “You’re going to regret that,” he warns playfully, his lips twitching into a rare, boyish grin as he grabs a handful of tinsel in return.