Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and all its characters belong to CBS. I own nothing. I do not own anything you recognize.
Previously on Criminal Minds- Carding a hand through the baby's long locks, Aaron closed his eyes. He laid there listening to Spencer's rhythmic breathing for a long time before the soothing sound lulled him to sleep.
CM
The sound of water running woke Reid from a sound sleep. Knuckling his eyes, he slowly sat up and glanced around the unfamiliar room. Seeing a row of framed photos of Hotch and his family, the youngster gasped. He didn't remember riding to his boss's house let alone falling asleep in his bedroom. In fact, the last thing he could recall was sitting on Morgan's shoulders watching the parade. Spencer's hands twisted the hem of his pajama shirt as he nervously racked his brain, attempting to remember anything from the previous night. For someone who could recall almost every moment of his life, it was very disconcerting to suddenly have large holes in his memory. He was really starting to hate this baby body. It was too…
"Good morning, Spencer" Hotch greeted as he walked out of the bathroom. "Are you feeling better this morning or do I need to call us in sick?"
"I feel fine, Hotch. Why? Did somefing happen lat night?" Reid warily asked.
Aaron frowned. "You don't remember being sick in the middle of the night?"
"No" Spencer replied, shaking his head. "I don't…" He suddenly tossed the covers aside and grasped the crotch of his pajama pants. "Hotch, I've gotta go!"
Hearing the urgency in the boy's voice, Aaron quickly hurried over, scooped Reid off the bed, and placed him on the floor. "Jack's bathroom is the first door on the left. It's already set up for you."
Nodding, Spencer raced out of the room and down the hall. He ran into the bathroom and shut the door. Going over to the toilet, he quickly climbed up the step stool and took care of business. Feeling much better, the youngster walked down the stairs before pushing the stool over to the sink so he could wash his hands. Once that task was accomplished, Reid replaced the stool and walked back down the hall to the bedroom where his boss was waiting. "Hotch, do I have time to tate a showew?" he asked.
"No shower, Spencer. You're too small for that now. But you do have time for a bath." Aaron responded, grabbing the clothes he'd laid out for the boy. Pocketing the baby monitor, he walked over to his youngest agent and ushered him out of the room. After stopping by Jack's bedroom to retrieve the other monitor, the two went back in the bathroom. Hotch plugged up the tub and started the water while Reid got undressed. When the bath was ready, the father picked the toddler up and gently sat him in the tub. "I'm going to go pack up while you're bathing." He informed Reid. He set one of the baby monitors on the counter by the sink. "Call me when you're ready to get out. Do not try to climb out by yourself. Understand?"
"Yes siw" Spencer happily answered. He couldn't believe Hotch was letting him bathe on his own.
"Good. Try not to take too long. I don't have any suitable breakfast food in the house so we'll have to stop by a drive through on the way to work." Aaron said before going to the door. He glanced back at the toddler and then walked out of the room.
CM
A short time later, the two profilers walked out the door and made their way over to the dark colored SUV parked in the middle of the garage. Picking up Reid, Hotch opened the back door of the vehicle and placed the toddler in his car seat. Eyeing the diaper bag clutched tightly in the boy's hands, the older man raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Spencer, you didn't need to bring that. I told you Garcia already has a bag ready for you." Aaron reminded. "Hand it to me. I'll put it back in the house for you."
Reid shook his head. "I have to tawwy(carry) it." The boy argued, tightening his hold on the object in question. "I tate my mess'gew bag all the time. If I don't have my bag wif me, people will fint(think) somefing's wong."
Noticing a tuft of brown fur sticking out of the top of the bag, Hotch immediately relented. He wasn't about to take away the toy that had become the younger man's source of comfort. He just had to come up with a way to agree without the boy knowing he'd caved. After all, there was no sense letting the youngster know just how much that puppy dog expression he was sporting affected everyone around him. He thought for a moment before settling on saying, "Good point, Reid. Just set it on the seat beside you for now. You don't want to get food on it."
"Fanks, Hotch" Spencer gratefully said. He reluctantly placed the light blue bag on the seat as instructed but he kept it firmly in his grip.
Smiling, Aaron swiftly fastened the straps on the car seat and shut the door. He went around the front of the vehicle and climbed into the driver's seat. After pushing the button on the garage door remote control, he fastened his own seat belt and started the SUV. The profiler backed out of the building, pushed the remote button once more, and then pulled out onto the highway. Glancing in the rearview mirror at his charge, Hotch cleared his throat. "Spencer, there are a few things we need to go over before we get to work." He began. Turning his focus back on the road ahead to avoid the puppy dog look he knew was being aimed his way, the BAU leader continued. "First off, you are not to go anywhere alone. If you need to use the restroom or get something, have Morgan or Prentiss go with you. They'll both be more than happy to help. And when you start feeling antsy, give yourself a break. Go visit Garcia for a while or just walk around the bullpen. I know you're an adult mentally but little bodies like yours aren't meant to be still for very long. Get down and move as often as you need to."
"I will." Spencer responded though he had no intentions of doing anything of the sort. He was a grown man for Pete's sake. He could sit and do his work just as long as the rest of his team could; probably even longer.
Nodding, Aaron pursed his lips. The next part wasn't going to go over well and he knew it. "There's one more thing, Reid. After lunch, you'll be going to Garcia's office to take a nap. She said she'd make a pallet for you to sleep on."
"I don't need a nap. I tan…"
"Have you managed to stay awake all day since you were turned into a toddler?" Hotch asked, stifling a laugh as the boy's lower lip poked out in a perfect little kid pout. "There's nothing wrong with taking a small nap in the afternoon, Spencer. All of us need a little shut eye sometimes. Take Rossi for example. I've found him asleep on his paperwork more than once since he came back to the BAU."
"Wossi! No way!" Reid exclaimed with a grin.
"Yes way! Just ask JJ," Aaron replied, returning the toddler's grin with a smile of his own. Spotting a fast food place up ahead, he quickly put on his turn signal. The profiler pulled into the restaurant's parking lot and drove up to the semi crowded drive through. Glancing into the rearview once more, he asked, "Do you know what you want for breakfast?"
"Toffee?" Reid voiced hopefully.
"Sorry Reid, no coffee until you're a grown-up again." Aaron informed the youngster. "How about one of the children's breakfast choices? You can have pancakes or scrambled eggs and a biscuit."
"Do fey have waffles?" Spencer questioned.
"I'm afraid not" Hotch replied, making a mental note to pick up a couple of packs of the breakfast food at the store before going to Morgan's.
Reid sighed. "Pantates are fine." He muttered.
"You've got it, buddy" Aaron said. Pulling up to the speaker, he quickly ordered their food. He waited for the line to move and then drove to the window. After paying for the meal, the profiler took the offered bags and pulled away, steering the large vehicle into the nearest parking spot. He threw the SUV into park and then got out of the truck. Hotch climbed into the back seat and pulled a white, plastic tray out of a bag hanging on the back of the seat in front of Reid. Flipping it open, he settled it over the surprised toddler. "Here you go, Spencer. Now you can eat without worrying about spilling anything." Hotch told the youngster as he set the pancake breakfast on the tray. Seeing the boy's questioning look, he shrugged. "Haley got tired of cleaning food off the seats and floorboards so she rigged this up for Jack." Shaking his head to clear the memories that were suddenly rushing through his mind, the BAU leader switched gears. "Eat up now. It's only about fifteen minutes to work from here."
Sensing his friend's discomfort, Reid nodded. "Otay, fants Hotch" he simply said.
Hotch got back into the driver's seat and the two set out for work once more. The drive was silent except for the occasional rustle of a bag or slurp of juice. Aaron flicked on the radio and leaned back against his seat. Tapping his fingers to the beat of the music, he spent the rest of the drive sneaking glances at his silent charge. Noticing the young man becoming increasingly nervous the closer to their destination they got, he frowned. "What's wrong, Spencer?" he asked, driving into the parking garage at Quantico.
Reid tore a tiny bit off the piece of pancake in his hand as he worked up the courage to ask the question that had been plaguing him since they'd left Hotch's house. "Hotch" he began, keeping his eyes firmly on the food in his hands. "Wh-what if…what if fey see me as a tid?"
Aaron pulled into a parking spot and cut the engine before swiveling around to face the toddler. "If that happens, I'll think of a cover story for us. I'm pretty fast on my feet when I need to be despite my advanced age." He teased, eliciting a giggle from the youngster. "It'll be fine, Spencer. Promise."
"I know" Reid whispered, feeling anything but confident. Wanting to get this over with, he squared his shoulders and readied himself for the task at hand. Tossing the mutilated piece of pancake into the bag beside him, the little boy covered the seat belt release with both hands and pushed with all his might. Once the straps were released, he pulled them over his head. Spencer then carefully moved the tray onto the seat and grabbed his bag. He slid out of the car seat and walked over to the open door where Hotch was waiting for him.
Aaron glanced around the parking lot to ensure they were alone before picking up Spencer. He pulled the boy out of the truck and set him on his feet. After locking the vehicle, the two profilers walked through the garage and over to the elevators. A quick ride later, the two stepped out of the elevator and headed over to the security desk. Taking their place in line, Hotch herded Reid ahead of him. He kept a hand on the nervous boy's shoulder as they waited in an attempt to comfort the child. Making it to the front of the line, both men took a deep breath and stepped forward, both hoping the next few minutes went smoothly.
CM
Walking into the bullpen a short time later, Spencer grinned. Getting through security had been a breeze. The guy hadn't even blinked at the toddler. Feeling lighter with that weight off his shoulders, the youngster raced over to his desk where Prentiss and Morgan were waiting for him. "Mowgan! Emily!" he hollered. "Bawney at the setuwity dek didn't notice anyfing!"
"That's great news, kid" Morgan replied. He swiftly scooped the excited toddler up and deposited him on his pillow covered chair. Turning the chair around, he pushed it up to his friend's desk. "How's that feel? Emily and I added a couple of throw pillows so you'd be able to see."
"Fis is good. Fants, guys" Spencer said. Spying a strange looking pen on top of his desk, the profiler cocked his head to one side. Snagging the card off the long, square instrument, he opened the small piece of cardboard and studied the whirling handwriting. "Use this when you write, Short Stuff. Whatever you think, it'll write." Setting the card to the side, Reid cautiously picked up the carved pen. He grabbed a sticky note out of his in-box and thinking of a simple greeting, moved the pen across the paper. His mouth dropped open in surprise as the very words he'd been thinking appeared on the note. Grinning from ear to ear, Spencer opened his first case file and dug into his work.
Morgan watched from the corner of his eye as the toddler sitting across from him squirmed. He didn't think the kid could possibly need another break. He'd spent most of the morning walking around the bullpen to "think" or delivering files to Garcia. The little boy hadn't made it longer than half an hour in his chair since he'd first sat down. Seeing the fidgeting getting worse, the older man stood and took the few steps to his friend's desk. "You okay, Reid? Need a break?" he asked, perching on the side of the boy's desk.
"No" Spencer simply replied, hoping his friend would drop the subject. Truth was he needed to go to the bathroom. Badly. But he couldn't bring himself to face a trip to the men's room and there was no way he could use the ladies room. He'd just have to hold it another hour, 47 minutes, and 24 seconds until lunch. He wiggled around in his seat again, attempting to find a position that didn't press so hard on his bladder.
"Everything okay here, guys?" JJ questioned as she walked up behind Derek. Seeing the squirming toddler, her eyes narrowed. She'd know that little dance anywhere. Hurrying around Morgan, the media liaison picked Reid up and set him on the ground before taking his hand and speeding out of the bullpen with Morgan and Prentiss right behind her. Making it to the restrooms in record time, JJ sent Emily in to make sure the ladies room was unoccupied. Once she got the all clear, she pulled the protesting boy inside the room and into the nearest stall. Shutting the door, JJ turned to see Reid struggling to pull down his pants one handed. She leaned down to help, stopping as a growing wet spot suddenly appeared on the youngster's pants. Seeing her friend hang his head in shame, the young woman felt her heart break. "Aww Spence, it's alright. It could've happened to anybody." She soothed. Getting a furious head shake in reply, JJ sighed. She gently grasped the toddler's chin and forced it up so they were eye to eye. "Yes, it could, sweetie." She argued, palming Spencer's cheek. "It's no big deal, Spence. We'll just call Garcia and get her to bring you a change of clothes. Okay?"
Reid halfheartedly nodded, willing the tears in his eyes not to fall. He wished the floor would open up and swallow him whole. He'd wet his pants! In front of JJ no less! He couldn't believe he'd done that! JJ was probably disgusted not only by his actions but also at the thought of having to help his sorry behind clean up now. He bet his friends were going to make him wear those awful pull-ups all the time after this. Heck, he'd be lucky if they let him come back to work with all the trouble he was causing. That thought sent the tears he'd been fighting streaming down his cheeks. He didn't want to be away from his friends especially not now. He needed his family around him. He wouldn't make it through this without them. He'd…
"Where's my sweet baby?" Garcia loudly voiced as she flew into the restroom.
"We're in here, Pen" JJ called, opening the stall door a touch.
Garcia bustled over to the stall and carefully pushed the door out of her way. "Oh, my poor Junior G-Man!" she exclaimed, wrapping the upset toddler in her arms. "Don't you worry, sweet'ums! Auntie Pen will have you cleaned up in no time!"
"Auntie Pen?" JJ chuckled, taking the huge, blue and purple bag from the robust woman and searching through it for the supplies they would need.
"Yes, Auntie Pen" Garcia huffed. "Now quit laughing and hurry up. I want to get my Baby Alive changed before he catches cold."
Laughing at the look of horror that passed over Reid's face at that announcement, JJ quickly pulled out the items they would need as well as an extra pair of pants for the boy. Deciding to let Garcia handle things, she stepped back a little. She handed the supplies to the tech analyst as she called for them, marveling at the woman's way of distracting Reid from the embarrassment of being changed.
"There you go, kiddo! Good as new!" Penelope pronounced a few minutes later. Tossing the soiled clothes into a plastic bag she'd packed in case of emergency, she took the toddler's hand and led him over to the sinks. She picked him up and helped him wash his hands. When that task was complete, Garcia reluctantly put the boy down and the three headed for the door.
JJ peered out the door before turning to the others with a smile. "All clear" she told them, holding the door for her friends.
Garcia walked into the hallway and looked down at Reid. "Come on Baby Cakes! You're coming with me." She stated, taking the youngster by the hand. "You and I have some things to do."
Spencer turned his puppy dog gaze on JJ. "JJ, tell Gawcia I have wowk to do." he pleaded.
"Garcia, Reid has work to do." she parroted.
"I'm sure he does. But he can finish it later." Garcia insisted. "Right now there's a certain restaurant and play place calling us."
"But, but it's not time fow lunch." Spencer pointed out.
"Close enough" Penelope countered, edging towards the exit. "Now let's go! If we hurry, I bet we can talk Derek into buying us some ice cream for dessert."
"Ice tweam?" Reid repeated, eyes lighting up at the thought of the tasty treat.
"You betcha, Baby Doll!" Garcia exclaimed. "Now are you coming or not?"
"Bye JJ" Spencer called as he all but ran down the hall with Garcia in tow. After all, ice cream was at stake.
CM
Garcia sat on a faded green bench watching her two favorite boys playing. After going through a drive through, they'd come to the park for a picnic lunch. The two profilers had swiftly scarfed down their meals and headed to the playground to blow off some steam. And they'd been at it ever since. Seeing Reid climbing the stairs to the very top of the tower where the twisty slide was, the tech analyst held her breath. She didn't like him being that high up. It was too easy for him to fall and get hurt up there and she didn't think she could take him being hurt again; not after everything else. Startling as a voice hollered her name, Penelope looked up to see Spencer standing at the top of the tower, waving at her. Smiling, she returned the gesture. She watched the toddler slide down the tall tube and land in Morgan's arms with a squeal of delight. Shaking her head as the youngster raced back towards the stairs for a second go, Garcia mentally cheered. This was exactly what the boy needed after the morning he'd had. She just wished they didn't have to go back to work. Speaking of work, she glanced down at her watch with a sigh. It was time to go. Standing, she walked over to the tower, making it to Morgan just as the toddler slid into his arms once more. "Hate to break this up but it's time to go, guys." She announced.
"Five mowe min'tes? Peas?" Reid pleaded, giving her his best puppy dog look.
Seeing his friend's dilemma, Derek quickly stepped in. "You've got a choice, kid. We can stay and play a few more minutes or we can go to the ice cream shop for dessert before heading back. It's up to you."
"Ice tweam!" Reid immediately replied, bouncing up and down.
"Ice cream, it is." Morgan said. He picked up the toddler and settled him onto his shoulders. Grasping the boy's ankles, the young man led the way out of the park and across the street to a small ice cream shop. He held the door open for Garcia and then followed her inside. Going up to the counter, Derek lifted Reid off his shoulders and settled him on his hip so the little boy could check out the choices. "What'll it be, Munchkin?"
Spencer scrutinized all the different flavors before pointing to the one on the far right. "Tawbewwy, peas"
Nodding, Derek motioned the clerk over and placed their order. "You guys go ahead and wash your hands. I'll wait for the ice cream." He offered, handing Reid to Garcia.
"Alright, be right back, my love" Penelope replied. High heels clomping, she carried the toddler to the ladies room and stepped inside.
Morgan watched the two disappear into the restroom and then turned back to the counter. After paying for their ice cream, he carefully took the three bowls and walked over to the closest table. Setting the cold treat on the table, he took a seat to wait.
Spencer used the bathroom and hurried out of the stall. He tottled over to Garcia and raised his hands. "Up, peas" he said.
The tech analyst smiled. "You've got it, Short Stuff" she replied. She leaned down and scooped the toddler up. Garcia helped the youngster wash and dry his hands and then set him on his feet. Taking his hand, she ushered him towards the door. "Come on, let's get out there before Morgan eats all the ice cream!"
"About time, I was starting to think you guys had fallen in." Derek teased as his friends took their seats at the table.
"Ha ha" Penelope muttered, rolling her eyes. Seeing Reid pick up his spoon, she quickly grabbed a napkin, unfolded it, and wrapped it around the collar of his shirt to use as a bib. She snatched another napkin out of the dispenser and placed it over the boy's lap. "There, that's better."
Watching Garcia fuss over the clearly embarrassed toddler, Morgan shook his head. The kid was sure to be mother henned to death by the time New Year's rolled around; the ladies would see to that. A buzzing noise drew him out of his thoughts. Glancing down at his watch, he frowned. It was later than he thought. "Dig in, guys. We've gotta head back soon." He advised, shoveling a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.
Garcia and Reid nodded their understanding before digging into their food as well. In minutes, all three bowls are empty.
"Time to go" Morgan announced, tossing his spoon into his empty bowl.
"Not quite" Garcia corrected, gazing over at an ice cream covered Reid.
"Dude, how did heck did you manage that?" Derek gasped, taking in the splatters of ice cream all over the toddler's face, hair, and even his ear.
"Sowwy" Spencer whispered, dropping his eyes to his lap.
"Oh Sweetie, you have nothing to be sorry for" Penelope soothed as she swatted Morgan's arm. "Making messes is just part of being a child, right Derek?"
"Yeah, right" Morgan agreed, pulling the wet wipes out of the bag Garcia had brought in with them. Taking a couple of wipes, he started gently cleaning the boy's face. Seeing his friend's forlorn expression, he sighed. "I was just teasing. You know that, right?"
"Weally?" Reid asked, the hope clear in his voice. "You'we not mad?"
"Course not, why would I be? You didn't do anything wrong, buddy." Derek assured the youngster as he wiped the last of the ice cream off the child's face. Seeing a relieved smile cross the toddler's face, Morgan chuckled. "Now what do you say, we get back to work before Hotch sends a posse after us?"
"O *yawn* tay" Spencer agreed, fisting his eyes.
Standing, Morgan picked up the sleepy little boy and settled him on his hip. He headed for the door, smiling when he felt the toddler's head come to rest on his shoulder. Not wanting the boy to fall asleep before they made it back to the office, the profiler hurried out the door and across the street to his truck. He waited for Garcia to open the back door and then gently placed the youngster in his car seat. "Stay awake a little bit longer for me, kiddo." He instructed as he securely fastened the straps.
Blinking slowly up at his friend, Spencer nodded. "Ooootay" he yawned.
Knowing the toddler wouldn't last much longer, Morgan swiftly climbed into the driver's seat and started the engine. He checked for traffic and then pulled onto the highway. Glancing in the rearview mirror a few minutes later, he saw the toddler struggling to stay awake. Pushing a little harder on the accelerator, the profiler could only hope that they'd make it back before the youngster lost the fight with the sand man.