Consequences fall 25
Sorry folks for the delay. Real life sucks really really BIG.
This is the last chapter proper, with a fluffy epilogue to finish off.
Thanks to all you wonderful people who have stayed the whole way through.
You are a amazing. Xx peace.
David Rossi and Erin Strauss entered the small waiting area at the end of the SCIF corridor.
Which had been rendered tiny by the 9 adults all standing and sitting within it.
Carentine, Grant, Hotchner, and Eric Nottingham stood near the coffee-pot talking quietly while drinking from the generic FBI mugs. All were casually watching the carnival on the other side of the room.
Rossi was positive that the only reason that Garcia didn't have the young doctor hugged to the point of asphyxiation was the presence of Alessa Dumbarton at his side. Not that the dark haired spitfire was interfering or even interacting with the others. She was intent on something on her phone, seemingly oblivious to the conversations floating around her.
But Rossi knew better.
Alessa Dumbarton had made it as clear as the purist crystal to all that if she deemed it necessary she would go to the Nth degree to protect Dr Spencer Reid. And anyone, including the Team who didn't like it could go to hell!
"Erin, David coffee?" Carentine enquired as he poured himself another mug of the exquisite elixir.
"Definitely" Rossi stated hoping that the caffeine hit would hold off the exhaustion, that trailed just behind the stress and sadness creeping through his being.
"Thank you, yes." Erin replied with a small smile creeping onto her face at the excitable Penelope Garcia practically dancing in her chair.
"Now that this farce has been put to bed...well our part in it..." Hotch winced at his own words. It wouldn't really be over until all the players, including Jareau had faced the consequences of their decisions. "so what happens now?"
"in the long-term Your team heals, gets a new face and gets back on the track of the bad guys." Carentine quipped causing Grant to snort and Rossi to roll his tired eyes. "in the short...well there isn't a hope in hell of Reid getting out of Alessa,s talons today"
"She,s still processing nearly loosing him and Jayden to Gideon." Eric explained quietly. "And she hasn't decided yet."
"Decided what?" Strauss asked rather confused by Carentine,s silent agreement.
"Whether she is going to trust the Team with him or offer him an out." Hotch stated sadly. It was going to take a lot ...but it wouldn't be worth anything to him if Spencer wasn't there.
"He's an adult. She..." Strauss began only to be stopped.
"Ms Strauss the only reason Spencer stayed at the BAU after Agent Prentiss' return was that Alessa made him promise to give it three months. He was ready to leave the night Ian Doyle died." Nottingham explained sternly. He knew that Spencer didn't have a lot of time for her. But he hoped that she would understand that the game wasn't over and she had no control over the outcome.
"Eric is correct Erin. Reid would have been on some archaeological dig in Peru if Alessa hadn't intervened." Carentine agreed knowing it would be a bad day if the FBI lost Reid. But as his friend he did wonder if it would be better for the young man.
"I have to admit I am a bit puzzled by her intervention. If she had let him go he would have come back here, probably taken up a post in the company."
Grant admitted swallowing down the last of his coffee.
"She is a mother. She wants him to be happy...and she knows the work he does at the BAU makes him happy. And he's a damn good profiler." Hotchner mused while watching the woman in question. He was glad that Reid had her on his side, no matter how many chunks she took out of his hide.
Erin took in the unexpectedly peaceful look on Aaron Hotchner's normally stern face. His Team, she mused. They really are his family.
Things had altered between them a little after her enforced vacation. Oh she had hated him when he had called her on her drinking and arranged for her stay in rehab.
But he hadn't used that information against her...as she would have before.
He would have had every right to retaliate against her...but he hadn't
It wasn't Aaron Hotchner's style.
"Erin?...Erin?"
"Sorry David...thinking." she explained with a sad sigh. Sometimes she felt so exhausted being the Iron bitch. Sometimes she wondered if it had been worth all the sacrifices she'd made to get this far up the totem pole.
Rossi was rather startled by the fact that Erin's formidable walls were down allowing him to see her true face without a fight.
"Whatever it is it can wait till we return to Quantico tomorrow." he whispered gently squeezing her arm.
"Tomorrow?"
"You really were wool-gathering." Rossi chuckled. "Carentine is letting us loose in New York till tomorrow, and Mr Nottingham has invited us all to his estate for dinner. Although I,m wondering if mine wont have arsenic in it..." his gaze travelling over to Alessa Dumbarton.
"I think David that if she wanted you deceased...you would be...What?! I am a mother too. I understand that primal urge to destroy those who harm your children." Strauss announced at Rossi's look of surprise.
"Just as well I packed a case..."
"A Go-bag Erin." Rossi teased.
"Very well, David. A Go-Bag." Erin replied rolling her eyes at him.
"Okay people I think we should give the New York office their rooms back." Carentine announced garnering everyone's attention of everyone effortlessly. "You are all free till 2000hrs when you are invited to dinner at the Nottingham estate. We will be flying back at 0800hrs so no one should imbibe...too much."
Hotch laughed mentally at the deer in headlights impersonation Reid was doing. Obviously the thought of having his two families in one room had blown the genius' mental fuse.
Alessa had noticed and was gently stroking his arm and whispering into his ear. Whatever she had said gained her a real smile...a small one yes, but a real one.
Prentiss and Garcia smiled as they watched their interaction.
It was nice to see Reid so comfortable with physical contact with someone out with their Team. Strange, but nice.
Morgan wasn't sure what to think. Yes he was delighted for his friend. But it was gonna take a while to process everything . From this new family, to Reid's relationship with Hotch.
Garcia gathered up their empty mugs and took them over to the tray by the carafe.
"So Miss Penelope how are you doing?"Carentine asked quietly as she put them down.
Garcia took a deep breath before answering.
"To be honest sir... I am pretty mixed up Sir. I'm so happy to have my BabyGenius back. But I am also so angry and sad to see someone I loved and trusted fall so far. I just...I don't.."
"Penelope. Listen to me. What you are feeling is totally natural. It is never easy when someone betrays you..." Carentine growled low, remembering a time when he had been in her shoes.
"Its not just betrayal though. Gideon and Jareau played with us like chess pieces. This is my family...and yes I know that it isn't professional but..." Garcia whibbled trying not to cry any more.
Carentine grabbed her hand as it flew about as she talked.
"Penelope calm down... now it may never be FBI normal but your Teams stats prove beyond any doubt that it works for you."
Pen smiled wanly at the tough as nails Director, who really was a marshmallow.
He reminded her of her own Bossman.
"Thank you sir."
"You are most definitely welcome my dear. Shall we?" he smiled gallantly offering the bubbly blonde his arm, while throwing a wink at the watching Agent Morgan.
It was true that many in the bureau would frown upon the close nit alliances that this team had formed. And Carentine was honest enough with himself to know that earlier in his career he would have been one of them.
But after seeing the horrors through Spencer's eyes and listening to the screams his nightmares caused. He understood these peculiar crime fighters a bit better than most.
Grant, Prentiss and Morgan preceded them out the door chattering about some article they had all read.
Behind them came Nottingham, Rossi and Strauss discussing the National economic situation.
"Did you learn to do that in the FBI? Garcia whispered as they walked along the corridor toward the elevators.
"Do what?" Carentine asked his face screwed up showing his puzzlement.
"Keeping tabs on everyone around you. While not looking obvious." she laughed feeling very comfortable with this powerful man. Maybe it was because Reid trusted him ...totally.
Carentine's warm laugh filled the corridor. Gaining weird looks from everyone around them.
"Actually I think it developed more to save my sanity as a parent and Grand parent. My three were all jumping beans, their energy would have lit up LasVegas for a year. Unfortunately the next generation are just as bad." he moaned.
Garcia shook her head and giggled. " Nope..I don't believe you Sir. I think you love it." she accused with a grin.
"TSI...I do." he whispered as the first elevator car arrived.
Hotchner, Reid and Alessa were the last to exit the small room.
Alessa had had to admit defeat and assemble her collapsible stick to get to her feet with Reid's help.
So now they were moving at a slow pace along the corridor with Alessa in the middle.
"Maman..?"
"Don't!"
"But..?"
"Spencer I have already promised once today. That is all you get." Alessa snapped, ignoring the puppy dog eyes.
Hotch chuckled at the petulant look his youngest agent was throwing at Alessa.
"What about Jayden and Zanni though?" he whined pathetically.
He might be the eldest of the three, but the twins were very protective of him.
And quite eloquent in their displeasure.
"That my darling boy is between you and them." Alessa chuckled realising what Spencer is thinking. "Talk to Jayden when we get back."
"And Zanni?"
"Your sister is sulking. Her phone is going to voice mail." She grimaced, wondering just what mischief her headstrong child was up to.
"Great. Now she'll be extra savage with Rossi then." Spencer's expression detailing just how much that thought troubled him.
Alessa looked up at into his eyes and smirked. Her green eyes shining with devilment. "No. She wont." she declared in a tone laced with laughter.
"Why not?" Reid demanded not liking were this was going.
"Mr Rossi has already been dealt with." Alessa stated calmly, but with a little side of satisfaction.
Reid stopped walking. "Oh Maman you promised." he cried out wondering just what kind of damage Alessa had wrought. Obviously she hadn't attacked Rossi physically, but that just eliminated one route.
"Spencer I promised not to kill or maim. I said nothing about verbally chastising that smug pig." Alessa turned to face Reid as she informed him this loudly.
Aaron snorted at the deliberate increase in volume as she finished her statement. Thus ensuring that Rossi would clearly hear her thoughts.
Alessa may have been restricted by her oaths but she was making good use of the loophole she had found.
"Maman please." Reid groaned upon realising what she had done when he saw Rossi tense as he got on the elevator car.
Alessa ran a practised eye over her son.
"Very well I will hold my tongue tonight..IF you go home and get some sleep before this evening." she bartered quietly knowing he wouldn't want attention drawn to his exhaustion.
Spencer opened his mouth to deny his need for sleep. But the words were never spoken as Aaron ambushed them.
"Spencer Don't!" Aaron instructed softly. " You are still dealing with yesterday's shooting and you didn't sleep well. Alessa is right. Tonight is going to be..."
"Volatile- stressful-awkward-embarrassing." Reid spat out just as the second car arrived.
"Any and all of the above." Hotch admitted." But whatever occurs then you need to rest now. I'm exhausted so God knows how you feel." Hotch continued calmly knowing Spencer wasn't bitching at him, but at the situation.
"On the plus side...Things get out of hand you have a huge estate to get lost in." Alessa quipped as she limped into the elevator car.
"Only if I can get lost too." Hotch declared po-faced as he followed Reid in.
"Ah! But if you go..You would need to take Jack and possibly Shoestring too"
Alessa laughed at the thought of the chaos 'that' jailbreak would cause.
"Sorry Aaron! But I think this may be a Solo mission." Reid declared as the doors began to close.
"Traitor!" Hotch growled setting off Reid and Alessa's laughter.
1945hrs Nottingham Estate.
Alessa ran a practised eye over the large dining table. It wasn't that she didn't trust Molly to set out the table, or even create the menu.
In this case she wasn't checking crockery or cutlery, she was going over where she had placed everyone, in the dubious hope that it wouldn't descend into a turf war surrounding Spencer.
Poor Spencer had literally fallen into his bed when they had returned to the Estate.
Jack who had been waiting for everyone to return, was rather disappointed when his dad had arrived at the main house minus Spencer. But Alessa knew her son would sleep better in his own bed in her home.
Alessa turned sharply hearing the door open behind her. She took in her handsome brother dressed in a well tailored black suit with a silver grey silk shirt.
"You doing okay Sis?" Lennox asked softly his tawny eyes taking in the tension in her body lines.
"To be honest No! There is a part of me that wants to tell them he wont be returning to Quantico. That he doesn't need their crap. There is a Huge part of me that wants to deny them any part in his life...but I know it isn't my decision to make." Alessa stated with a sigh, as she folded herself slowly into one of the high backed dining chairs.
Lennox stayed silent for a moment. He wasn't like Eric always having the right turn of phrase. He needed to weigh his words carefully, especially when dealing with his Sister's emotions.
"Alessa...look there is a part of me that is in the same place as you. But we both know Spencer loves his work...he would fight us if we cornered him about leaving." Lennox whispered as he squatted down beside her chair and took her hand in his.
"I know..I know..that is why I made him promise that he would take those three months to decide. I know that it is his niche...and Goddess knows I am the last person who can bitch about dangerous occupations..." Alessa whispered as tears escaped onto her warm cheek.
"But he is your son and you want him safe..." Lennox sighed, it really was a paradox. They all knew the spiders that ran about in the shadows. They had all fought them , even killed a few in the past. But that didn't mean they wanted the next generation to do the same.
Like any parent they wanted their young to have better, safer more beautiful life's.
"Yes he is my son...not my possession. And as much as I want to triple wrap our trouble magnet in kevlar. I know I have to step back and let him be who he is. " Alessa didn't look at her brother as she spoke but picked imaginary bobbles off the pristine tablecloth. A sure sign she was trying to convince herself of her own words.
Lennox sighed. Alessa and Eric were so alike it was scary at times. Both would put the family before their own desires. Both would put on strong happy façades if they believed it was for the best, even when thy were screaming inside. And sometimes they forgot they had other people to lean on when things got too much...like now.
"So you are alright with him going back to Quantico tomorrow ?" he asked bluntly hoping she would talk to him truthfully.
Alessa's green eyes flew to his, filled with unshed tears and worry, even as she took a deep breath to answer him.
"Oh Sis!" Lennox cried as he stood up, pulling her into his comforting embrace. "It will be okay Sis."
"Stupid...so stupid" she whimpered into his chest finally letting go. " I got used to having the three of them home...I know he needs to go...this is his path..."
"He is not leaving forever. And I promise that if the pest doesn't visit regularly...I will personally drag him back here by his skinny ankles."
Lennox promised hugging her tight, keeping her safe from the outside world.
"You would too... You Big bully." she sniggered at the mental picture his threat had painted. " Okay..waterworks over..." She stated giving his trim waist a final hug before moving out of his arms after a few minutes.
"Yeah the Raccoon eyes might freak out the guests." he teased, dragging a finger down her wet cheek.
"Bastard...for that little brother you can greet them while I repair the war paint." Alessa thumping his arm as she strode to the door, her burgundy velvet skirt fluttering round her ankles.
"That's mean!" he called just as the door chimed. "Oh hell! Showtime." he muttered closing the dining room doors and moving out into the foyer.
Aaron Hotchner had to laugh.
Never had he imagined that watching Dr Spencer Reid frantically going through a designer wardrobe would be so hysterically funny.
"Spencer! Spencer calm down." he instructed as yet another shirt flew onto the bed where he sat.
"CALM DOWN" Spencer shrieked from within the closet. " I have had nightmares for years about this event. Even before Rossi and his freeking Italian leather boots or Emily's non-death."
"Why?" Aaron asked softly getting to feet and moving toward the restless figure before him.
Spencer didn't stop his rummaging, for who knew what.
"Aaron...this is the clash of Titans...not only nine Alpha males, but six Alpha females in one freeking room. If one comment is taken wrong...BOOM!"
he babbled changing his waistcoat for the fourth time.
"Enough!" Aaron laughed pulling the lean body back into his chest. "I am sure that Carentine has already read the etiquette handbook to Rossi at least twice. And Garcia will kill Morgan if he puts a toe out of line."
"I just hope Maman has read that handbook to Zanni and Jayden." Reid muttered enjoying the contact.
"What about the Uncles?" Hotch asked thinking about the glare Martin Hector had trained on him before.
"Oh! If Eric thought they'd be a problem he wouldn't have invited the team here. No my big worry is Jayden and Zanni" Spencer admitted turning into Hotch's warm chest.
Aaron tightened his hold ,enjoying the freedom to hold the young man close.
It was all so new, but it felt so comfortable, so right.
"Spencer all family affairs are awkward at first. But you need to realise something...all of us; the Team and your family here in New York love you and want you safe and happy. There will be strained silences and a few bitten tongues..."
"And kicked shins if pen starts. She is deadly!"
"Thanks for the warning." Hotch laughed. "Leave your tie alone. It looks fine."
he pulled the young man's hands away from the russet material and pulled him into his chest once more.
Spencer took a deep breath. Enjoying the subtle smell of cologne mixed with the undeniable smell of Aaron Hotchner. If he could, he would stay here forever...but his brain kept interrupting his bliss.
"I...I don't want to have to choose Hotch." he muttered into the powerful chest of the man who, unbelievably now his.
"What do you mean?" Hotch asked dotting small kisses in the soft chestnut hair.
"Between Maman and the Team..I.."
"Spencer it wont happen. Alessa, your maman would never put you in that position. She loves you...whether biological or not you are her son. She wants you to be happy. She wants the best for you..just like I want for Jack..." Aaron stated pulling away to look into Reid s amber eyes.
"Aaron..what about Jack?"
"What about him?" Hotch asked worried that Spencer didn't want the whole package.
"Well...I Loveyou, but I don't want to screw up your relationship with your son. I couldn't bare that." his earnest eyes telling Hotch how important this was to him.
"Spencer listen to me. I understand what you are saying. I know how much your fathers actions hurt you..."
"YOU are nothing like him. He is a COWARD." Reid spat out angrily, his body pulling away from Hotch.
But Hotch wasn't having it.
"I'm not going to lie to Jack, but we don't have to push it all at him right away. He likes you Spencer lets just build on that okay. Just remember that I love you." Hotch stated calmly keeping hold of the wriggling young man.
"I just..."
"What is it Spencer? Talk to me please?" Hotch wasn't going to let some niggle grow into a schism between them. He knew that the lack of communication between him and Haley had hastened the breakdown of their marriage. And he wasn't stupid enough to make the same mistake twice.
"This isn't..I am not like Morgan. I cant be like that...I..."
"Spencer this is serious for me...and I know you're not like Morgan. Although I think Mr Player may be changing." Hotch replied. " We will take it as slow as you like. But eventually I would like us to be a family...is that something you would be interested in?"
Reid's answer didn't come in words but in warm lips gently connecting with his, as his long fingered hand cupped the unshaven face of his boss. The prickle of Hotch's skin exciting him, causing him to move his body closer to Hotch's seductive heat.
Aaron's strong hands grabbed onto Spencer's hips pulling him flush against his own. Reid gasped as the tendrils of desire flared into a Supernova of pure heated lust.
Aaron took advantage of the gasp and slipped his tongue into the warm, unknown cavern and mapped each millimetre, which extorted a loud moan of delight from the young agent.
Hotch pulled his mouth away from that haven of delights, his eyes dazed with a primal urge to entice more of those moans from his lover. But knowing that this wasn't the right time or place.
"Spencer we continue this ...we aren't going anywhere" he growled as Reid nipped lightly at his neck.
"Fine by me" Reid whimpered as Hotch's hands delved into his hair.
"God...Spence" Hotch cried out at the electric sensations running through his nervous system. He was sure at some other date Spencer would be able to give him the scientific reasons for this glorious feeling. But for now ..all he could think was WOW!
After a few more moments of passionate kissing and frantic breathing Reid pulled his mouth from the delicious skin he had been tormenting. He knew his family well. They weren't going to let him be absent from this soiree.
"Aaron. Someone is going to appear soon."
Hotch closed his eyes and rested his forehead on Spencer's shoulder, and took several deep breaths trying to slow down his pounding heart. He knew intellectually that Reid was right, but he really wanted to argue for staying right here holding onto his lover.
"Aaron?"
"Your right Spence...Just give me a moment okay." He begged softly.
"Aaron I would quite happily give you forever."
2010hrs the Doggy room
Jack Hotchner sat with Molly and the puppies in the warm room near had the kitchen. The room Jack had christened "the doggy room."
"You are very quiet tonight Jack. Is something wrong?" Molly asked quietly looking at the young boy who was normally a bundle of energy and questions.
"I'm going back home tomorrow." Jack huffed, never taking his eyes off the russet ball of fur that had commandeered his pyjama clad lap.
"Don't you miss your school friends and your Aunt Jessica?"Molly enquired.
"Yeah! But..."
"But?"
"I'm gonna miss Guin and Lance'lot, and the puppies. And Odin let me pat him today...And I got to hold Mos too" Jack exploded earnestly.
Molly had to smile at the shadow of the Father she could see in the young boys serious expression.
"For heaven's sake when did Zanni show you her Dragons?" Molly cried knowing Alessa would not be happy about this.
"After Dad and Spencer left. She was feeding them." Jack replied with a proud grin.
Molly shuddered at the thought of the locusts that the Bearded Dragon Lizards got. Jack fell silent again and continued to pat the dog rhythmically.
"So you liked visiting us then?" Molly asked quietly cuddling Jack into her side as she moved from her chair down onto the floor.
"Yeah." he sighed sadly obviously thinking he wouldn't be back.
"So you will come and see us again?"
"Do you think Dad will bring me?" Jack questioned hopefully, staring up into Molly's eyes.
"I think you need to talk to your Dad about that. But I don't see why not...Spencer visits a lot." Molly added with a smile.
"Spencer makes Dad laugh, and they are friends. So maybe I should ask Spencer to ask Dad?" Jack babbled, cheering up at the thought of visiting with both Dad and Spencer.
"Hmm.." Molly replied laughing mentally at the boys plans. She was looking forward to this young man's future visits, along with his Dad of course.
For she didn't think it would take Hotchner long to find his place within the Boys on the Estate.
"Molly...do you think Shoestring will forget about me?"
"
"No Jack" she assured him. " I am quite sure that Shoestring will Never forget you."
it wasn't her place to say where she thought the puppy would be growing up. But she surely would be having some serious conversations with Messrs Hotchner and Reid about a young boys need for a dog.
"but for now Master Hotchner say goodnight to Shoestring and we will go see your Daddy and the others." Molly instructed getting to her feet once more.
"Okay." Jack replied reluctantly. "Be good Shoestring. I'll see you in the morning" he whispered into the canines soft fur.
Molly lifted the sleeping puppy and put him back into the basket with his litter mates, just as the doggy-parents returned from the garden.
Jack got to his feet to greet his doggy friends.
"Hi Guin, Hi Lance'lot. Did you have a good run?" the young boy asked the panting adult Setters.
Guin enjoyed a quick pat and scratch then moved over to check that her pup's were all safely accounted for.
Lancelot however stayed put and wriggled in ecstasy as Jack scratched 'that spot' on top of his head.
Molly laughed huskily at the dopey expression on the dogs face and the concentration on Jack's.
"Come on Jack. Lancelot would keep you doing that all night. Say Goodnight and we will go find Daddy"
"Night Lance'lot...Ugh!" Jack squealed as he was caught by the dogs large pink tongue right in the face.
Molly giggled at his disgust as she wiped his face with some wipes she kept on hand for such occasions. Then took the boys small hand and went in search of the others.
2020hrs Nottingham Estate, Salon.
"Daddy!"
The one word in the English dictionary guaranteed to break through the stoic façade of Unit chief Aaron Hotchner. And turn him into a pile of malleable goo.
"Hi Buddy. You all ready for bed?" He smiled widely as he scooped the small pyjama clad form into his arms. And was enveloped by that warm clean smell of his just bathed son.
"Uhuh!" Jack nodded cuddling into his Dad's warmth. " I said night to Guin, and Lanc'lot and the puppies."
"So you ready to say Goodnight to everyone else?" Hotch enquired quietly, noticing the silence that had fallen to the strained conversations.
Everyone was trying , but the tension was palpable.
And Spencer was totally stressed.
Jack lifted his head up to look over his Dads wide shoulder and really look around.
"Wow!" he gasped. "Are you having a party? Can I stay up? Are you having ice cream?"
The innocence of the young boys questions caused the first real laughter in the company that night. Cracking the ice, if not breaking it.
"No we are not having a party or ice cream." Hotch promised with a grin. " And no jack you may not stay up."
"But all the girls have on pretty dresses..and Dr Reid is wearing a suit like yours Daddy" Jack declared firmly. For him this was undeniable evidence that the Big people were having a party.
Jacks observations brought more smiles to the strained occupants.
"Sorry Jack. Its just another adult meeting. Like the one the other night." Reid put in with a small smile.
"Oh!" Jack exclaimed sadly.
"What is it Jack?" Reid asked not liking to see the little boy despondent.
"If its a Meeting then you cant tell me the rest of that Miff" the boy muttered into Hotch's shoulder.
"Myth." Hotch corrected automatically. Then made an Executive decision.
He passed Jacks warm body into the arms of one astounded Dr Spencer Reid. Who did a fairly good impersonation of a stranded carp for a few moments as Hotch informed Jack what was happening.
"Reid will take you up stairs and tell you your Myth." he announced to the smirking room in general. "Then I will come up for our prayers. How does that sound?"
"You promise to come up?" the sleepy boy demanded wriggling to find a good spot on the Doctors thinner frame.
"I promise Buddy." Hotch told him seriously then dotted a kiss to his head.
A wide eyed Reid got to his feet carefully. Last thing he wanted was to drop this precious load.
"Night Jack" Garcia and Prentiss chorused, starting off a cascade from the others.
"Night night" Jack offered as he waved a lazy hand at them. Before tunnelling his small hand under Reid's hair at the nape of his neck.
Reid still wasn't sure how he ended up with Jack, but he wasn't going to refuse the respite from the under currents in that room, he thought as he shut the heavy doors behind them.
"Dr Reid?"
"You know Jack I think we have known each other long enough for you to call me Spencer." Reid announced as they continued up the wide carpeted stairs.
Jack didn't answer straight away. But Reid wasn't worried as he knew the expression on his face. It was a smaller version of Hotch's 'I am thinking it through' face that he knew so well.
"Dad and Aunt jess sont like it if we call Big people by their names..its dis respect ful." he finally said, slowly enunciating the last word. " But maybe...maybe since you and daddy are friends I could..maybe call you Uncle Spencer like Henry?"
Reid squeezed the boy tight as a wave of pure joy and a shaft of deep sadness fought for supremacy inside him.
What would be his place in Henry's life now? What would happen to the happy child he so adored?
"Jack I think that is a wonderful idea. So lets get you comfy in bed and then we will find out what Jason and his Argonauts have been up to ." Spencer declared round the large lump barricading his throat.
"Cool Uncle Spencer."
Hotchner smiled to himself as he caught the 'What the hell is going on?' look on Reid's face just as the doors closed.
He gave himself a few moments to suppress the warmth that seeing the care Spence took with his son flooded him with.
When he turned to face the group Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner not Daddy was in complete control. Death glare on 60% for now.
"I realise that this is a difficult situation for all concerned. But enough is enough!" he declared firmly scanning the faces before him. "This continues much longer and he is either going to bolt for the forest or give himself an aneurysm through stress."
A few heads on both sides bowed in shame, realising that their 'cold war' antics were childish and only hurting Reid.
"I know and understand that Alessa and the rest of Spencer's family here in New York have issues about trusting him to the Team..." he continued, then decided to go all in. "About trusting him to me. The only way I..we can prove your trust is by working everyday to repair the damage done by this débâcle. Not only to Spencer but to everyone of us. But we will repair it and learn from it" he promised quietly, as he tried to ignore the mega-watt grins on Prentiss and Garcia's faces.
"As for my Team. We are going to have to adjust to the fact that our diabolically dysfunctional family is going to have to share our 'BabyGenius' with his family in New York. Reid's biggest worry is that he will be made to choose. It would destroy him if he were put in that position. As for...as for the change in our Relationship. Please come and talk to me about any problems. I cant fix it, if I am unaware of it."
Talon took in every word and carefully processed it. He knew the difficult path that lay before Hotchner and his nephew. But he also knew he wouldn't change a moment he had with Lennox by his side...even when he said something stupid. Like now!
"just think of us as another group of feet to kick the little twerps ass when he does something monumentally reckless." Lennox stated much to the rooms amusement.
Alessa through a look at her brother, but couldn't deny the sentiments behind his statement.
"Aaron is correct." she sighed getting slowly to her feet with a glass of wine in her hand. " We all want his happiness and that wont occur while we are bickering over him like an old chew toy. One thing I know about Spencer is he has a huge heart and more than enough space in it for all of us. So...
I propose a toast..to Doctor Spencer Reid...Son, Genius, BAU agent and undoubted trouble magnet...and to the joining of his two family's. Hopefully making them strong enough to keep our Einstein out of trouble...at least for a little while. To Spencer." she toasted lifting her glass to the heavens.
Aaron caught her eye and nodded his gratitude as everyone stood and raised their glasses.
"To Spencer."