Chapter 25: Stars

Lina's POV

I smile as I sit in Spencer's car. I have no idea where he's taking me, but I have a feeling it's going to be amazing.

"Do you like the dress?" Spencer asks, his eyes on the road.

"I love it," I reply with a smile, smoothing out the wrinkles on the dress.

For the rest of the ride, we sit in silence as I enjoy the setting sun. We are driving on an empty road with fields that seem to stretch on forever.

Spencer starts to slow down when we reach a small hill on the side of the road. "We're here," he announces.

I look around, not exactly sure what this place is. All I see is a tree at the top of the hill.

Without another word, Spencer steps out of the car and comes on to my side, opening the door for me and offering his hand.

"Thank you." I smile and take his hand.

When I step out, a warm breeze hits my face, blowing my hair behind me. I feel Spencer reach around my waist and pull me in for a deep kiss.

When he moves back, he smiles brightly at me. "Wait right here and close your eyes."

I do as I'm told and hear him run to his trunk to pull some things out. I feel his presence leave, but around five minutes later, he's back.

"Spence?" I call out, wanting to take a peek.

"I'm here, I'm here." He sounds a bit out of breath. "You can open your eyes now." I do so and he takes my hand, leading up the hill.

When we reach the top, I break into a huge smile. "Oh, Spencer!"

I look up at the huge oak tree which has been decorated with fairy lights and small lanterns. At the base of the tree, a blanket has been spread out with lots of small dishes on top of it. And next to a bouquet of tulips, there is a book filled with short stories and poems by Edgar Allen Poe, along with a small music player.

"This is my favourite reading spot," Spencer says softly behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist and his hands on the lower part of my belly.

I put my hands on his and turn my head to kiss him. "It's beautiful."

The evening glow, lights, decoration... it's all so magical.

"Here, I have something for you." Spencer pulls a small box out of his pocket and opens it, revealing a gorgeous star-shaped necklace. It's silver and has tiny crystals around it.

"You didn't need to," I gush. "All of this is already enough." I gesture to the beautiful setting.

"Well, if you don't like it...." Spencer teases, slowly closing the lid.

"Wait, no, I love it!" I blush.

He giggles. "Let me put it on for you."

I turn around and lift my hair up. He reaches his hand around my neck with the necklace, pulling the clasp to the back. I feel goosebumps down my back as he slowly trails his fingers along my neck.

After that, he leans down and kisses the base of my neck, the feel of his lips lingering there. I turn back around to face him, placing my hands on both sides of his face. Using my thumbs, I gently trace his jawline, loving the sharpness of it.

"Thank you, Spencer," I say with a huge smile.

For the rest of the evening, we eat, chat, and Spencer reads to me. I smile and laugh the whole time, never wanting this man to leave my side.

It isn't long before the sun is gone and the moon shines in the night sky, so Spencer and I just lie on the blanket, gazing up at the stars.

"It's beautiful tonight." Spencer sighs and I nod silently. The song "Primevera" is playing in the background, matching the mood of this night perfectly.

Turning my head and I look at Spencer—his brown, wavy hair that falls over his gentle eyes, his defined jawline, and his soft lips.

"Spencer..." I begin. "You're my star."

He turns and looks at me alluringly, then leans close to my ear. "Oh, but darling, you're my entire universe." He breathes against my skin, trailing his lips from my ear down to my jaw.

I close my eyes and shudder at the sensation of it and the sound of his voice. He's never given me any nicknames, but I love the way he calls me "darling", gentle with love and care.

"Lina...." Spencer sighs. He sits up to lean against the trunk of the tree and I do the same.

"Is everything okay?" I ask, noticing that he looks flustered.

He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. "I need to tell you something." He begins and opens his eyes again.

I nod and wait patiently, in anticipation of what he's about to say.

"I love you, Lina Yang."

At those words, my heart starts pounding with happiness and excitement.

"I love you, too, Spencer Reid."

We lean towards each other and I plant my lips on his. He takes one hand and puts it on my cheek, and the other at the back of my neck. I part my lips a bit, letting his tongue slip into my mouth. I smile through the kiss, feeling exhilarated.

For the rest of the night, we just sit there in each other's arms, listening to the soft music playing.

"You went through so much trouble doing all of this, but I didn't get any gifts for you." I frown, feeling guilty.

"Lina, you being here with me, is the greatest gift that I could have ever received." He cups my face with his hand, stroking my cheek with his thumb. "You make me feel happy and loved everyday." I grin at him and put my head on his chest.

Too soon, the warm breeze turns cold meaning it's time to go home. I sigh a bit, not wanting to leave this magical place just yet.

"Can you stay over at my place tonight, Spencer?" I look up at him.

"Of course." He tucks a strand of hair behind my ears.

An hour later, we're back at my apartment. And even though it's already past 12 in the morning, we stay up and sing karaoke for hours.

Spencer isn't very good but it makes me laugh, watching him try to hit the high notes.

"Spence, you're going to wake up the neighbors!" I exclaim, tears rolling down my face from laughter.

He giggles with delight. "Well, too bad for them." He grabs my waist and pulls me in for a kiss.

I shriek with joy as he drags me down and we topple over onto the floor, with me on top of him.

Running my fingers through his wavy hair, I whisper, "I love you."

"I love you more." He boops me on the nose. "Now, your turn to sing."

"I already sang 14 songs!"

"Sing properly this time." He grins. "I know you've just been just fooling around."

"Excuse me?" I say sarcastically and pout. "That was my best work."

"Please?"

"Oh, alright." I give in, unable to resist his puppy eyes.

I play the song "Autumn Leaves" and start to sing. But this time, I focus and put effort into it.

It's been years since I performed for anyone, so closing my eyes, I enjoy this moment and hit the high notes with ease. When I finish, I sigh with contentment.

"Lina..." Spencer gleams. "That was beautiful. Why don't you sing more often?"

"Thank you." I stare down shyly at my feet. "I guess I don't like singing in front of others often. I used to only sing for Phoebe." I feel a wave of sadness thinking about my dead friend.

Spencer notices my sad expression. "Come here." He wraps his arms around my frame in a warm hug, making me feel better instantly. We stay like that for a few minutes before I pull back.

"Mm, I'm gonna take a shower." I stand up and he nods.

I walk to my bathroom and slip out of my dress, dropping it to the floor. Looking at the mirror, I see the scars on my torso and sigh. Though they're just marks on skin, I can't help but feel sad whenever I see them.

Shaking myself from my thoughts, I turn the water on and take a nice long shower. After that, I feel refreshed.

As I dry my hair with a towel, I walk into the living room and see the cutest sight in front of me.

There on the sofa, Spencer is sleeping with Pumpkin in his arms. I smile and take out my phone to take a picture.

Morgan is going to love this picture. I think to myself.

After that, I drape a blanket over them and head to my bedroom to sleep. Just when I'm about to doze off, I hear footsteps running towards my room.

My door suddenly bursts open, and Spencer comes running in with Pumpkin in his arms.

"Why'd you leave us out there?" Spencer whines.

"What?" I rub my eyes, adjusting to the dark. "You two were asleep so I didn't want to wake you guys."

"So?"

I laugh at Spencer's child-like act. "Come here." I pull Spencer to my chest and lie down.

"I was just kidding, we would've been fine out there." Spencer giggles.

"I know. But it's nice to have my two favourite boys with me." I reach a hand and pet Pumpkin's head.

"Good night, darling." Spencer sighs in contentment.

I smile at "darling". "I like it when you call me that," I say and kiss his forehead. "Good night, my love."