Hotch stroked his thumb gently over Spencer's hand, watching as he slept peacefully. He had fallen asleep after his examination, and Hotch was glad. As soon as the doctor went to try to look at his injuries, Spencer had gone into a full panic attack. Hotch held him through it, repeatedly telling him he was safe. He had gotten him to calm down enough for the doctor to heal the wounds crossing his back. The doctor also found out that two of Spencer's ribs were broken, and he had a fractured wrist.
Hotch swallowed. Even though he studied murderers and criminals for a living, he was still confused when someone hurt a child this badly. Spencer was so small, how did he even survive his fathers abuse? "Hey," Hotch turned his head to the door, where JJ was standing with two cups of coffee.
She walked in, handed him one, and sat down in the chair beside him. "Has he woke up yet?" she asked, looking at Spencer.
"No," Hotch replied.
JJ sipped her coffee. "He's one strong kid," she said quietly.
Hotch nodded. "I'm going to make sure his father is in for life," he stated bitterly.
He took a sip of his coffee, and set it on the table beside Spencer's bed.
"I think it's sweet you're staying here with him," JJ said, putting a hand on Hotch's arm.
"He doesn't have any family. Garcia checked," Hotch looked at Spencer. They had found out Spencer was seven, but smaller for his age because of not being fed and properly cared for.
"Foster care is brutal..." Hotch whispered, and suddenly, he had an idea.
"JJ?" he asked, still looking at Spencer.
"Yeah?" Hotch looked over at her. "What if I adopt him?" He asked, and JJ have him a questioning look.
"Are- Are you sure? I'm not saying it isn't a good idea, but taking on the responsibility of a father so suddenly could be hard..." JJ trailed off.
"I can't let him go into foster care, JJ. It would destroy him. You know how horrible it is," Hotch looked at Spencer.
"I could be a good dad, right?" JJ smiled, putting a hand on Hotch's. "You would be a great dad," Hotch grinned.
"So, do you think I should?" he asked. "Yeah, I think you should," she said, nodding. Hotch gave her a smile. He had always wanted to be a father, he just didn't think he was ready yet. But Hotch already loved Spencer, and was going to give him the live he deserved.