This chapter is a wee bit...daunting, but please do for give me. It was too delicious to let pass up :)

Chapter 10

When I wake up, it's almost eleven. After emptying my morning-bladder, I head down stairs in my PJ's in search for everyone. The first person I run into is, of course, Aaron.

"Where is everyone?" I ask.

He looks up to me standing on the staircase and replies, "Jason and Will took the boys to the lake to fish. The girls went to buy more groceries for tonight. Dave, Spencer, and Derek are outside chopping fire wood. I stayed to make sure you didn't get into any more trouble while everyone was away."

I smile as big as I can after just waking up and say, "Nothing you can say can ruin today for me."

"Oh yeah, why's that?"

"I…just realized something last night."

"Which was?"

"You get spanked just like the rest of us."

Hotch looks around surprised as if trying to make sure we were still alone. Then he growls, "Listen, I don't know where you get off talking about such sensitive matters out in the open but you need to learn the dynamics of this family. At the top is David and Jason, next it is me and JJ, then Derek, Spencer, Penelope, and Emily, and at the very bottom of the food chain, is you. I didn't make this clear the last time you disrespected me at Dave's house, but if it happens again, I will retain the power to punish you how I see fit."

I fold my arms and glare at him. "Why does everyone in this place think they can just throw me over their knee when they see fit to do so?"

"I told you. It is because you're the baby now; the trouble making brat that everyone cares for too much to watch run wild without reigns. If he thought it necessary, Spencer could even spank you."

My eyes widen at this proclamation. "And what if I refuse to let any of you ever lay your hands on me, huh? You gonna kick me off the team?"

"No, what happens outside of the bull pen, Alex, stays outside of the bull pen. If you no longer want to be a part of this family, then fine, so be it. But know that this family revolves around more than just retaining the right to put a spoiled brat in his place every once and a while. Weekends at this cabin, it is a family activity. Friday night dinners at Rossi's, a family activity. Everything we do together outside the bull pen, when we're not wearing our badges, we do it as a family and deciding not to be a part of this family means you lose those privileges as well."

I begin to pout. I'm defeated. I don't want to give up spending time with everyone after I've gotten so close to all of them in the past couple of weeks…but I also don't want to be spanked by everyone and their brother because I'm the youngest.

Tears burn the backs of my eyelids. "Who died and made you king?" I grumble.

"I was the first kid," Is his reply with a satisfied smirk. "That gives me full reign over the rest."

"That's not fair. Just because you were the first to get your butt blistered means you get to decided who else does?"

"Precisely, now stop pouting before I ground you to your room."

My arms tighten around me and I can't help the tears that finally fall in frustration. Aaron sees this and surprises me by pulling me into his chest.

"Hey, c'mon, I was only kidding." He coos.

"So you-you can't spank me?" I hitch out.

Aaron chuckles lightly. "No, I can still spank you, but I won't. Not unless you do something really stupid. Like runaway into a forest that you know nothing about in the freezing cold without a coat."

"Are you guys ever going to let me live that down?"

"Someday maybe," He laughs. "Not today."

I eventually pull away from his chest and wipe away my tears because it's totally embarrassing to cry on your boss, right.

Then the front door opens and in stumbles Spencer with an arm full of firewood.

"Whoa, watch ya self pretty-boy," Derek says following him with his own arms full. "Don't hurt yourself." Dave comes in last, empty handed, and laughing.

"I got it, I got it," Spencer reassures somewhat annoyed as he puts his stack of wood away. "Jeez, I thought Alex was the new baby of the family."

Everyone, but me, laughs. Derek puts away his firewood and turns to Spencer. "You may not be the baby but you're still my kid brother," He says putting an arm around Spencer's neck. "And if anything happens to you, that's my ass."

"Oh yeah," I speak up. "Was it your ass when I went missing right under your nose last night?"

Derek quirks a brow and says, "No, but if I'd been the one who found you it would've been yours."

I groan at the underlying threat of another spanking from someone else who wasn't Dave.

"Dave, can I speak to you a moment…in private." I say. Dave gives the other three a look and they all leave the room. Boy what I wouldn't do for that power.

"What's on your mind kiddo?" Dave asks sitting on the couch and patting the seat beside him motioning for me to join him.

I sit down and try to get my words together. "I just…I talked with Aaron."

"And," There's a pause in dialect. "Don't tell me you two had another argument."

"No…we didn't but…he-he told me about the family dynamics…and-and how, because I'm the...the youngest...basically everyone on the team is allowed to spank me if I...misbehave."

Dave doesn't say anything for a while. "Is that a problem for you?" He finally asks.

I swallow hard. "I-I don't like the idea of being…sp-spanked by…everyone. But…I-I want to be a part of your family."

"Son, you are a part of my family. And you always will be, no matter what."

"But I want to be a part of the entire family…with everyone. I-I thought…I thought I found all the family I ever wanted with you, and I did. You are caring, and kind, and demanding, and strict, and all the things I thought my parents would ever be, and you still are. But now, since I've been on the team, I-I've found more people…who-who care about me. I've never been surrounded by so much love in my life and I…I don't want to let go of that." I look up to Dave with tears on my face. "Even if it means being spanked by everyone on the team every day, I won't let go of this."

Dave wraps me in a hug and I freely cry on his shoulders. It's so much easier to let my emotions go with him than with anyone else. I guess that's because he's been my dad for so long. I wonder...will I ever feel this comfortable around Aaron?

When everyone returns, and I've had a shower and a change of clothes, we sit down for lunch. Fish. I hate fish. That's why JJ fixes Henry and me chicken nuggets (because he's too small to pick out the bones).

While everyone's talking, I decide to make trouble. I don't know why, but I do. And I've been so good so far, it's such a shame.

I go to the fridge and pick out an ice cold brew. When I make it back to the table, Dave's eyeing me suspiciously.

"Alex, what do you think you're doing?" He questions, putting me on the spot.

I try to ignore everyone's piercing gazes as I reply smoothly. "I'm having a drink."

"You know you're not supposed to drink, Alex."

"But it's the weekend," I try not to whine.

"You have work tomorrow."

"It's one beer," I continue to protest. "I'm twenty-four, Dave. Not ten."

"Then act like it. You know that once you start drinking, one beer is never enough. Please do not start this."

I flop down in my chair across from Dave and stare him in the eyes as I pop open my Bud.

"Uh…well," Will stands up. "I think Henry and I should head home, darlin'." He kisses JJ and holds his hand out for Henry who gladly takes it. "Aaron, if you want me to take Jack home with us, I won't mind. The boys can have a play date and you won't have to get up so early to take Jack to school."

"Thank you, Will. I'd appreciate that." Aaron stands and taking Jack's hand. Then he and Will lead the boys out of the kitchen.

"Alex," Dave turns his attention back towards me. I know I'm in trouble now. The children are gone, there's nothing stopping him from letting out all of his frustration. "Put the beer up now. You've disobeyed me enough already, don't make this harder on yourself."

"Alex," Jason butts in. "Those are my beers and if David doesn't think you should one, I don't want you to have one."

"Well I don't really care what you want." I growl.

"C'mon kid," Derek coaxes. "You were just punished last night. Don't do this."

"Shut up, Derek, you stay out of this." I snap.

"Oh my sweet little innocent doe," Garcia frets from across the table beside Dave. "You're in so much danger, why can't you see it."

"Because he has a hard head which makes for a soft behind." Dave answers. "Alex, this will be your last warning. I care about you too much to watch you march stubbornly down this path. If I have to tell you to put that beer down again, you will definitely not like the consequences."

I look at the beer, then at Rossi, then at the beer, then at Rossi, then at JJ, then at the beer, then at Jason, then at the beer, then at JJ again, and then I give up. I push the beer out from in front of me to Derek. I fold my arms, pout, and throw myself back against my chair.

"Alex," Dave stands up. "Come with me."

"No," I groan in fear. "You said 'if you had to tell me to put the beer down again'. You-you didn't. Please, don't…"

"Son, we're just going to talk." He reassures.

I believe him but I still hesitate a moment before standing up and following him into the next room.

"What was that about?" Dave asks immediately once we are alone.

"I was thirsty."

"So get milk. You know you're not supposed to drink alcohol under any circumstances."

"I know but," I begin to shift uncomfortably from foot to foot. "I was just gonna have one," is my lame excuse.

"One beer, Alex, it only takes one beer to make an alcoholic relapse. Do you remember how you were in college? All the tough mornings hung over? All the rough nights; waking up, not knowing where you were. Do you remember those times you'd have to call me and ask me to pick you up. I had to get a GPS tracker for your phone just so I could find you half the time…that's if you didn't lose that. It only takes one drink for all of that to start all over again, Alex, and you know that. So tell me what the real reason is behind your sudden bout of disobedience."

"Stop saying disobedience like I'm some defiant little kid." I pout while staring at my continuous shifting feet.

Dave takes my chin into his hand and forces me to look at him. "Then stop acting like one," He replies.

I pull my chin from his grip and fold my arms tight. "I'm not acting like a kid," I scowl.

Dave chuckles at me for some reason. "To be honest, kid, sometimes when you act like this, I do forget how old you are." I roll my eyes at him and kick at nothing. "Throw a temper-tantrum and I'll give you something to be upset about." He warns.

I bite my bottom lip and continue to glower when Aaron walks in the cabin.

"I take it the situation is now under control?" He asks.

"It's getting there," Dave replies.

Aaron walks over to me and I get a little apprehensive remembering that he still has the right to spank me.

"Don't think that when Jack is here, you're in the clear for misbehaving. I will just as soon send him into another room then allow you to disrespect or disobey, is that understood?"

I look to Dave for guidance he gives me the 'Answer him' nod.

"Yeah…whatever," I offhandedly reply.

Aaron swats me hard on my butt and I'm horrified. I reach back to rub down some of the sting he re-awoke from last night. "Try again," He states. I look to Dave and he just shakes his head in disappointment.

With a tear of frustration breaching, I stammer out, "O-okay…I mean, y-yes s-sir,"

"That's better,"

"Alright Aaron," Dave finally steps in. "I can handle this the rest of the way."

"Yes sir," Aaron says still eyeing me. Then he leaves.

"You-you let him swat me," I stutter, still rubbing my butt.

Dave walks up to me so he's only an arm's reach away. "You embarrassed him in front of his son."

"I embarrassed you." I correct.

"I'm his dad. You embarrassed me, you embarrassed him."

"It's-it's not fair that he gets to just hit me like that."

"Oh," Dave arches an eye brow. "Is it fair that a boy who deliberately tried to disobey his father get off Scott-Free?"

I look down to the floor without an answer.

"Who were you testing?" Dave finally asks after a short while in silence. I look up to him in confusion. "You wanted to get a reaction out of someone. Who was it?"

I turn back down to the floor at the truth his words held that I hadn't realized earlier. "E-Everyone," I mumble.

"Everyone?" Dave repeats, not at all as surprised as I thought he'd be. "What did you want to happen? Did you want someone to get up and forcibly remove the beer from your hands?"

I shrug and say, "Not exactly. I just…I wanted to know how much they cared."

"You wanted to know how much they cared." Jeez, is there an echo in here? "Well then, stay here." Dave walks over to the kitchen door and goes in. I'm left alone and confused. I walk over to the armrest of the couch and sit on it, waiting for Dave to come back out. When he finally does, he has everyone behind him. "Alex," Dave continues. "Everyone wants to show you how much they care about you. Guys, Alex here seems to believe the only way to get your attention is to break rules that were set in place for his safety. Now, I for one would hate to have a repeat of the earlier fiasco so I think it's best to just nip it in the bud right now. Jason,"

I'm shivering in fear when Jason steps up to me. "Turn around Alex," He says gently and I shake my head no. "You want to know how much I care?" He asks in the same tone. I slowly nod yes. "Then turn around."

I look to Dave and he nods. Obediently, I turn around with my back towards everyone.

"Bend over the back of the couch," Jason continues to order. With tears in my eyes, I continue to obey. I hear him moving behind me, opening a drawer somewhere, and then he returns. A hard flat surface is sat coldly against my butt. I know then that Jason has his paddle. My heart beat races and my tears fall but my body doesn't move.

I lie in anticipation, listening to him position himself behind me; his hand resting against the small of my back. When the first lick makes contact with my jean-cladded bottom, I yelp. It's the first time I've ever been spanked with a something bigger than a slipper and it hurts more than I thought it would; making contact with my entire bottom with one smack. I'm focusing intently on the paddling while Jason starts to lecture me.

"We all (WHACK) care about you (WHACK) entirely too much (WHACK) to watch you destroy yourself (WHACK!). I promised you (WHACK) that the next time (WHACK) you misbehaved in my presence (WHACK) this would happen. Now (WHACK) I'm making good (WHACK) on that promise." He stops and I'm too relieved to wonder why the thrashing ended so soon.

Then I hear Dave say, "Aaron," My heart all but stops. I listen fearfully as Jason and Aaron trade spots. Aaron puts his hand on my back and rests the paddle against my quivering butt.

"Are you ready?" He asks. I'm surprised by the question but nod anyways. Then I clench my teeth and prepare for the first lick to land.

"(WHACK) I told you (WHACK) that you would be spanked (WHACK) for doing something stupid (WHACK). Putting your health (WHACK) and career (WHACK) in danger (WHACK) because you don't believe (WHACK) that we really do care about you (WHACK) is extremely stupid (WHACK)."

"Okay, okay," I break into sobs. "I'm sorry. Please…no more,"

"I don't think so son," Dave assures. "You wanted to know if everyone cared so everyone is going to prove to you how much they care. Derek,"

I manage to stay in position while Derek lands three licks but then I can't take it anymore. I shoot up and grab my butt, crying and sobbing, while I rub away some of the sting.

"Alex, get back down." Derek warns. "We aren't done."

I look to Dave with my best puppy dog eyes and say, "P-please dad, I-I can't take it anymore. It-it hurts…"

"It's supposed to hurt, Alex. Now bend back over."

I don't know why I obey but I do. Derek finishes up on me and then it is JJ's turn. She lectures me more than spanks. I'm eternally grateful for that. After JJ is Spencer. He's quiet for his entire set which is also good because it is harder to take a spanking when someone is lecturing you at the same time. Then it's Emily's turn. For a girl, she sure does pack a wallop. Last, but certainly not least, Penelope gets her turn. She gives me less than the rest and they're so tentative I can tell she didn't want to do it.

By the end I'm a sobbing mess. I hear Dave tell me to stand but my legs are in no position to comply. When he helps me up I fall against his chest and cry. He doesn't stop me. He walks over to the other side of the couch and sits down, with me in his lap, still crying. I refuse to look at anyone because I'm so humiliated about sobbing like a little girl in front of them all.

"Hush, son," Dave says. "It's all over."

"I'm-I'm so sorry, daddy," I whisper through my sobs. "I should've-I should've known better. I'll never…I'll never q-question how much…how much everyone cares for me again."

"It's okay, son." His gentle rubbing on my back soon eases my sobs. "All better?"

I nod yes against his chest.

"Then I think you should stand up and apologize to everyone for your behavior at the table."

I blush hard as I realize everyone else is still in the room. I stand reluctantly and, with my face to the floor, I say, "I-I'm sorry, everyone…for-for my behavior at the table."

JJ is the first to wrap her arms around me and I fall into her embrace as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Jason was right. Because of JJ's maternal instincts, she will be as dear to me as Dave.

"You knuckle head," She gently scolds in my ear. "Don't ever doubt us again. That was not easy to watch."

"It wasn't easy to take either," I groan and unconsciously rub my still extremely sore ass. "You guys really don't hold back."

She chuckles and releases me. Garcia is next to hug me. "Oh, you sweet, sweet, little imp you. Don't ever make me have to do that to you again."

I smile and reply, "I'll try not to, Penelope…but just in case I fail, could you try using something a little softer next time? Like a pillow."

"I'll see what I can do," She whispers with a smile so no one else can hear.

I smile and turn to the rest. Hotch doesn't look at all happy. My smile fades immediately. "Disappointed again?"

He arches an eyebrow. "Who says I was disappointed?"

"You didn't have to say it, you acted like it. Right before you suspended me last week."

Hotch shakes his head and exhales. "I wasn't disappointed, kid. I was upset because you put your life in danger. And since alcohol is a very serious problem for you, that very well could've happened again tonight."

"So you're not disappointed, just upset?"

Hotch smirks. "No. I'm…relieved. It's good to know you expect this much from us and I'm happy we were able to oblige your needs."

I blush hard and look away from everyone.

"C'mon kid," Derek wraps an arm around my neck. "Let's go on a hike, just the six of us." He pulls my ear closer to his mouth and whispers. "We'll leave the old guys here to reminisce about the good old' days,"

My smile returns. "Yeah, sure," I agree.

"Alex," I hear Dave behind me. "Stay on the trail."

I groan. "Yes sir,"

"I mean it, Alex. Don't think I won't tan you again tonight just because you've already been spanked. You do whatever they tell you to. If you return and someone tells me-"

"If someone tells you I've misbehaved I get the brush again. I know, I know. Jeez, sometimes I wonder if you really do think I'm five years old."

"Alex, if you were five years old I'd have to tether you to my waist to make sure you stayed out of trouble." Dave says with a gentle smile. He nods towards the stairs and says, "Go get your gear, son. I'll see you tonight. We're having spaghetti."

I smile bright because I absolutely love Dave's cooking.

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