(Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds or its characters.)

Thank you Hippiechic81, laily. spenstar, fishtrek, Rookblonkorule, K, Carpathian Princess, Ash59, Diana, Gawain, and E. J. Morgan.

I'm going to take a little break from this story just so I can update all of my other ones because I've left them for a long time... oops.

Also, I'd like to work on some new stories and what with college I'm getting a bit disorganised in everything! And I may go through this story and correct some chapters; tidy it up a bit.

Anyway, please review this chapter and I will hopefully get back to you with an update within the next two weeks.

Enjoy.

JJ lay beside her boyfriend and gently traced his jawline. Hotch started back at her and smiled. The house was silent except the dripping of a tap somewhere nearby that neither JJ nor Aaron felt like fixing. Hotch took her hand and pressed his lips against the back of it.

"How do you think he'll react?" JJ asked quietly; her eyes leaving Hotch's angular face and meeting his chocolate brown eyes.

"What to? The fact I'm in a relationship with one of my subordinates, or that I have two more children?" Hotch snorted and JJ rolled her eyes and shuffled closer to him; their lips practically centimeters apart, teasing each other with their closeness.

"Fair point," she breathed. Hotch could smell the Cheetos she'd eaten that evening, prominent despite the peppermint toothpaste's attempt to mask it.

"I guess I'll start with you, and then Henry and then Spencer," Hotch whispered back. His lips brushed hers as he spoke and pleasurable shivers tickled her spine.

"When's he here?"

"He said he should get here just after lunch. He wanted to take Jack to the park," Hotch replied. His fingers danced over JJ's stomach, reaching under the hem of her shirt. JJ bit her lip and her eyes glazed over with lust.

"Is the door shut?" She asked. Hotch glanced up and nodded. Suddenly, she rolled him onto his back and pressed her lips firmly against his.

She pulled away, leaving Hotch's lips puckered and disappointed. "Good. It's been a while," she hissed before going in for another kiss.

It was barely 30 minutes later when a scream interrupted JJ and Hotch. JJ lifted her head up and broke away from Hotch's kiss. There was another scream, quieter this time.

"I'll go," Hotch muttered, rolling out from under the bed and pulling his clothes back on. JJ nodded and flopped back onto her side.

"Bring him in here if he doesn't settle," she added as an afterthought.

Hotch wandered out into the hall as another high pitched cry escaped Spencer's room. He sighed and hurried to the source of the noise. It was the third night in a row of nightmares.

Hotch burst in and staggered over to the bed where Spencer was thrashing and sobbing softly to himself. Hotch grabbed his shoulder and shook him firmly. Spencer mewed and tried to push Hotch away.

"No...p-peas," Spencer stuttered, his eyes remaining glued shut. His hands flailed helplessly, batting Hotch away but the older man grabbed them to hold Spencer still.

"It's okay. Spencer, it's just a nightmare," chanted Hotch as he had done the previous nights.

"D-don't huwt them," Spencer sobbed.

"Spencer," Aaron gave Spencer a good shake and the boy's eyes flew open.

"No!" Spencer yelled as he came face to face with a stranger in the dark.

"It's me, buddy," Hotch reassured and after a moment of blinking and panting heavily, Spencer recognised his surrogate father.

"Hide! He's hewe!" Spencer cried and he threw himself into Hotch's arms and hid his face in Hotch's shirt.

"No, he's not. He's not here tonight, just like he wasn't here last night or the night before," Hotch sighed, rubbing a hand gently over Spencer's back.

"B-b-but h-he was wight t-thewe!" Spencer wailed and he pointed to the same spot he had the nights before.

"Look, he's not there now," Hotch pointed to the corner and Spencer lifted his head to peek. "See."

"I'm s-sowwy," Spencer sniffled, wiping his face and looking down guiltily. Hotch stood up with Spencer still in his arms.

"We've gone through this; you have nothing to be sorry for. None of this is your fault, Okay," Hotch assured him. Spencer looked back up at Hotch and saw something genuine sparkle in his eyes. Spencer wrapped his arms around Hotch's neck and heaved a breath of relief

Hotch started to leave when Spencer mumbled something about being fine.

"You sure. JJ doesn't mind," Hotch said gently but Spencer shook his head profusely.

"I-I'll be otay," he whispered sleepily. Reluctantly, Hotch helped him back into bed. He pulled the sheets up to Spencer's chin and grabbed all of the stuffed animals.

"What awe you doing?" Spencer asked with a yawn.

"I'm making sure you're protected," Hotch whispered as he placed the animals around Spencer. Spencer giggled when he found himself surrounded by a bunch of soft toys and he wondered how he had even ended up in that situation. Hotch slipped Spencer's rabbit- which still hadn't been named, despite Henry's insistence that it be called Derek (so that he could tease the agent)- under the sheets and the small boy took it and held it close to his chest.

"Better?" Hotch asked with a faint smile. Spencer nodded; his eyes already closed. "Good. Sleep tight, buddy." Hotch gingerly stepped out of the room and waited outside for a moment. He peeked back in and found Spencer in the same position with the exception of his thumb, which had drifted into his mouth. Hotch wiped his brow and crept back into bed with JJ.

He leaned over her, searching for the lips he craved. "Where were we?" he muttered. He frowned when no lips met his and looked down to find his girlfriend asleep.

Spencer woke up early and stretched sleepily. It had been 4 days since his 'party', and he already had his new duvet covers on his bed. His collection of stuffed animals had expanded and the new Sully plushy was quickly becoming his new favourite, second only to his rabbit, which felt like something more than a stuffed animal to Spencer; it offered him comfort at night. The bookcase in the room was also steadily filling up and on the floor in the corner was a large box where Spencer had put his new bag and Rubix cube, along with second-hand toys that Jack and Henry had so kindly donated him.

Spencer pulled his blue blanket over his head and grabbed his book from Rossi out from beneath his pillow. He read from his last place using the dim light seeping in through the closed curtains to see. He would normally get out of bed and wait in the boys room for one of them to wake up and take him downstairs (something he'd apparently been forbidden from doing until he was at least 3) but his leg was still sore and despite countless protests he was still to be carried around, much to his frustration... although when JJ and Hotch weren't paying much attention he'd move himself; it was his small act of rebellion.

He was halfway through his page when a loud banging interrupted him. He glanced around and jumped when the noise echoed through the house. He heard whispering from outside his door and Henry stumbled suddenly into his room.

"Someone's here!" He announced, closing the door behind him.

"Who?" Spencer asked; his small voice increasing an octave. He glanced back at the door and heard the sounds of people downstairs.

"I dunno it's-" Henry started to answer but JJ poked her head past the door and beckoned him over.

"Boys, there's someone daddy wants you to meet."

Henry huffed: he wasn't used to calling Aaron 'Daddy' but he put up with it for Spencer's sake. He had nothing against Aaron anymore, it was just that he already had a daddy and a person couldn't have two...could they?

Henry cautiously stepped up to the door and Spencer attempted to limp part way but JJ quickly lifted him into her arms.

"Sean! We weren't expecting you this early. It's good to see you!" Aaron said as he opened the door.

"You too, bro. I caught an earlier flight, I hope you don't mind," Sean muttered embracing his brother and grinning. "It's been a while."

"Yes, about that-" Hotch started but Sean interrupted him.

"Jacko!" He shouted, pushing past Aaron and catching his nephew.

"Hey, uncle Sean! What are you doing here?"

"I fancied seeing my family. You should be more surprised that your dad had time off."

"Uh... Aaron, if I was interrupting a meeting with your team I'll go-" Sean said after seeing JJ in the hall. He raised his hands and his tone bordered on irritated. JJ had set Spencer on the floor and sensing that he may finally be free from the constant carrying, he toddled around to test his leg.

"No they're not... we're not... it's Uh," Hotch's rubbed his neck as he struggled to get the words out, JJ came to the rescue; she offered her hand and smiled.

"New introductions are in order. I'm JJ, I'm Aaron's partner."

"Oh..."

"And this is my son, Henry," Henry skipped forward and smiled nervously.

"Oh. Ah, I'm happy for you bro!" Sean said.

"Thank you," Hotch wrapped an arm around JJ's shoulder.

Any more surprises?" Sean laughed. "I know it's been a while but I wasn't expecting this much change from the guy who is practically allergic."

"There is one more thing," Hotch muttered. He opened the door wide revealing Spencer who froze and gaped up at Hotch's brother.

"Hi," Spencer mumbled nervously. He shifted his weight onto his other leg and almost fell backward when a sudden pain shot through his kneecap. Luckily Henry was there to keep him upright and Spencer blushed profusely.

"Hi... uh, Aaron, could I maybe have a word with you?" Sean motioned his brother toward the door. Aaron followed and they shut it behind them. Hotch folded his arms to keep out the chill.

"Uh, Aaron... did you seriously have another kid and not tell me?" Sean whispered.

"No, we adopted Spencer."

"Oh...well it still would've been good to know. Not one text, or phone call. I understand your job is time-consuming but this is just," Sean shook his head and rubbed his chin, his eyes blazed with something more than anger; there was a disappointment in them too, mingled with a hint of betrayal.

"I know, I should have and I'm sorry. Everything's been a little difficult since Spencer came home. All of the boys and JJ were implicated in a case last week and we're still recovering and prior to that... let's just say Spencer had a troubling past and it wasn't smooth sailing," Hotch said, trying to avoid large details.

"Implicated how? Is that why that kid has bruises on his face?"

Hotch nodded. "It's a long story. Now's not the time."

"Okay, I get all that, but why did you adopt him in the first place. I'm sorry to say this but you could barely care for Jack alone a few years ago after your divorce, Why in the hell would you willingly adopt?"

"There was a case... look it's not a story for right now. Will you just please come inside and try to be pleasant to my family. Maybe meet your new nephews."

"Are you implying that I would treat them any different than Jack? I'm not evil, Aaron. I'm just questioning your reasoning, but I guess it's too late now," Sean sighed. He looked up and smiled weakly at his brother. "I'm happy for you, I'm just worried about those kids."

"There's nothing to worry about, Come on."

Henry introduced Sean to all the Lego he'd made and explained in great detail what each one was. Spencer hung back, looking at Sean curiously but keeping his distance. Jack ran upstairs and returned with an armful of medals and trophies he'd won while playing soccer and baseball. The adults finally managed to escape when Henry got distracted with a new Lego project and Jack started busily polishing his trophies. Spencer lingered in the hallway.

"Coffee, Sean?"

"Yes please, two sugars, thanks."

"I've heard a lot about you," JJ added as she poured boiling water in a plain mug.

"Good things I hope. I wish I could say the same about you," he said. JJ gave him a small wave, signifying he was forgiven.

"Oh, I'm sure you will soon enough."

Spencer walked in slowly. He eyed Sean suspiciously until he reached JJ's legs. Sean stared back and hoped Spencer wasn't one of those kids who gawked at strangers.

"We'll have to go out for a meal," Hotch said, taking a coffee from JJ and handing it to Sean.

"You Like Chinese? We- Spence?" JJ glanced down at her leg where Spencer was tapping her lightly. Spencer made googly eyes at the coffee. "You hungry?" JJ asked. Spencer shook his head and pointed to the coffee. You might as well make me one, he thought. He put his hands behind his back and smiled irresistibly.

"No, Spencer."

"Peas?" Spencer pleaded, wrapping his hands together and making his eyes twinkle.

"Aaron, tell him," JJ sighed.

"No coffee, Spencer," Hotch said. Spencer's arms fell defeatedly to his side and he limped out of the room.

"Cute kid," Sean said with a smirk as he sipped his coffee.

"You should probably get used to that sort of behaviour," JJ laughed.

Spencer hobbled into the front room where Henry had his Lego out once again. He sat down beside him and tried to construct a car from the debris of old and new Lego sets that Henry had decided to mix together.

"Spence, this set is for age 4 and older. You're only two," Henry pointed out. Spencer shrugged and continued nabbing pieces. Henry took the Lego from him and tutted. Spencer gaped at the Lego car he'd started as Henry deconstructed it. "You're too little. You might eat them," Henry said and he started playing again. Spencer didn't know what to do; he just sat there, with his legs splayed out in front of him, looking sadly at the Lego.

"I'm telling Mum," came a voice from the couch in the corner. Henry whipped his head around and saw Jack sat on the couch with his arms folded.

"But he's not allowed," Henry retorted.

"Dad lets him play with it," put in Jack with a quirked eyebrow. "I'm gonna tell him that you broke Spencer's house."

It wasn't a house, Spencer thought bitterly.

"Don't!"

"Then you have to let Spencer play," Jack warned.

"Fine! But if he eats my Lego and dies from Lego poisoning," Spencer's brow pinched together as he tried to identify what 'lego poisoning was, "then I'll tell Mum it's your fault."

"Fine."

"Fine."

The boys went back to their tasks and Spencer cautiously reached forward and when Henry didn't tell him off he started to make something again.

Spencer was unsure of how long they'd sat there but Jack had been in and out and at one point he'd dragged Sean in to show him one of the pictures they had hanging up. It wasn't until JJ came in that he returned to reality.

"You guys want some lunch?" JJ asked, poking her head around the doorway where Henry and Spencer were playing. Henry grunted absentmindedly and continued to play with his Lego. Spencer turned his head and nodded. JJ brought in the plate full of sandwiches she'd made and a pot of carrot, celery and cucumber sticks.

"Can I have some Cheetos?" Henry asked greedily.

"Alright. Spence, you want some too?"

"Coffee?" He asked sweetly.

"I admire your determination, but it's still a no."

"Can I have coffee?" Henry inquired.

"No!" JJ said shaking her head and grinning.

When JJ checked on them later to collect their plates she found Henry irritably pulling pieces of Lego from around Spencer who had fallen asleep on most of the pieces. JJ carefully lifted Spencer off the Lego and Henry gave a content sigh as he could finally reach the pieces Spencer had used as a pillow. Spencer shifted so he was snuggled into JJ's chest. JJ laughed softly at the small indents on his skin where Lego had stuck and she even had to pick off a blue square that had stuck to his cheek.

"Do you want me to take him?" Hotch asked as JJ passed the kitchen.

"I got it," she said.

"Is he always this quiet?" Sean asked as he took a bite of his sandwich. Hotch shrugged.

"Sometimes... other times he can talk your ear off."

"I'd like to see that."

JJ lay Spencer back in his bed and had to hold back a chuckle when she saw all the animals gathered in his sheets. Luckily he was still in his pyjamas and he soon found the indent that the bed naturally had from Henry's use. JJ kissed his forehead lightly and made a quick exit.

Spencer woke up with a sudden jolt, sensing someone was in his room. He looked around and found Hotch going through his chest of drawers and pulling out a warm outfit.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," Hotch said. Spencer made a noise that was between a whine and a grunt and he pressed his face back into the pillows. "No more sleep. Come on, you need to get dressed," Hotch ordered. Spencer looked doubtfully at him.

After a threat of no Star Wars and another one of no Doctor Who, Hotch finally managed to change Spencer. They got downstairs to find the others gathered around the door. Hotch set Spencer on the bottom step while he pulled on his shoes. Jack and Spencer exchanged a quick confused glance.

"We're gonna go to the park, buddy," Sean exulted, expecting to see a happy smile from Jack. Instead the eight-year-old stepped back nervously. Spencer was already scrambling back up the stairs but Hotch caught him.

"I know you guys are scared of leaving, but you need to do it sometime," Hotch said softly. Spencer shook his head and hid his face in Hotch's shirt.

"B-but what I-if he's there?" Jack whispered. Sean, who had been made acutely aware of the situation bent down and put a hand on Jack's shoulder.

"You think anyone will mess with you when you've got your big uncle Sean and you tough old man with you?" Questioned Sean.

Jack thought for a moment and shook his head.

"Exactly. Anyway, you owe me a running race and if you don't come I think I automatically win."

Jack's eyes widened and he smiled in defiance. "No way!" He yelled.

"Well you have to come or I'll tell everyone that I'm faster than you," Sean added.

"No, you're not!" Jack challenged and with that, he grabbed his shoes and started forcing his feet into them. Spencer looked at Hotch with terrified eyes.

"You'll be fine," Hotch promised. JJ grabbed Spencer's converse and slipped them on while Hotch held him.

"Peas," Spencer begged as Hotch opened the door. "Tan't I just stay?"

"You need to overcome this. You can stay with me the entire time if that's what you want."

As they walked to the park Hotch noticed Spencer's head flicking back and forth like a robin in search of food. He'd insisted on walking and slowed them considerably due to his slight limp and his tiny legs, but Hotch was willing to try anything to make him and Jack get over their new fear of the got to the park and with Sean's coaxing Jack was soon bouncing from one part of the equipment to another. Henry forced JJ to push him on the swing and Spencer clung like a koala to Hotch. The park was empty due to the cold weather but from the looks of Jack and Henry, it was clear it had no effect on them. JJ kept her eyes on all three of them and at the surrounding area to make sure no one was sneaking up on them.

Get it together, Spencer chided himself in his head. He felt warm and safe on Hotch's lap but he knew he needed to take a step further.

"I...Uh... I'm going to sit ovew thewe... otay," Spencer mumbled, pointing to the small wooden border around the play equipment.

"Go for it, buddy," Hotch said, releasing Spencer from the bench. Spencer got to his feet unsteadily, took a deep breath and drew closer. He glanced around quickly and when no one made a grab for him he took another step forward. Hotch watched as Spencer made it to his destination and perched on the wood to watch JJ, Henry, and Jack play.

A breathless Sean joined Hotch and they both looked on at the others.

"I'm impressed," Sean breathed.

"What do you mean?"

"By this. It's unconventional, but you guys make it work. What I'm trying to stay is you've got a wonderful Family," said Sean.

"Thank you. And thank you for coming; they needed this," Hotch replied and he looked out at his family who seemed happy for the first time in a long while.

"Well in that case... I have something to tell you," Sean announced and he gritted his teeth.

"Hmmm," Hotch mumbled, unconvinced by the sweetness in Sean's voice.

"Good news is that I'm planning on sticking around. I was going to ask to borrow one of your guest rooms but I see your house is pretty full right now so-"

"Wait, Wait. Sean, there's something you're not telling me," Hotch said with narrowed eyes, Sean just continued to smile; an oblivious expression adorning his features.

"Stop profiling me Aaron," he replied, dark undertones of warning laced his voice.

"I'm trying not to. Just tell me what's happened so I don't have to profile," Hotch retorted.

"You may be older but that doesn't give you the right to know everything in my life," grunted Sean. Hotch couldn't help it, he looked his brother up and down and put two and two together.

"You got fired didn't you," he sighed.

"Why would-"

"Look, when have you ever had this much time off? I mean, considering you were planning to move up here," Hotch said. Sean's smile fell and he kissed his teeth and didn't speak for a few minutes.

"Are you happy now?" Sean muttered sharply.

"Sean, I only want to help."

"How!? Because from where I'm standing you only want to judge me."

"No, I'm not. Stay with us. Until you get on your feet."

"There's no room, Aaron. You have a Family now," Sean hissed bitterly.

"The boys can share and they'd love having their cool uncle around," insisted Aaron and Sean's eyes met his and soon they both broke into smiles.

"Fine, but you better not treat me like a charity case."

"Of course."

"And...um... thanks man," Sean muttered, rubbing his neck awkwardly.

"That's what family's for," Hotch shrugged. They turned back to the park and found Spencer still sat on the border with JJ sat close to him, her eyes glued to him and the boys like a hawk. Jack and Henry were competing to get to the castle first. Henry had taken the rickety bridge with Jack opting to climb the miniature rock wall.

"I have to ask: where has Spencer been going when you're out?" Sean inquired and Hotch turned his head slowly, his mind trying to come up with an excuse.

"Uh... we've been... he's been coming to the office," Hotch admitted.

"Really? I know you work a lot, but you're not serious?" Sean gasped. Hotch didn't say anything so Sean continued. "You can't take a child to a place like that," he chided.

"He doesn't see anything. He stays with Garcia on cases in her office and you should see that place: it's a kids paradise," explained Aaron but Sean remained unconvinced, giving his brother an 'Are-you-serious?' look.

"Why don't you hire a nanny or try out nursery?" Suggested Sean.

"He's not really suited to either of those options. Especially lately. He needs us."

"Well, seeing as I happen to be indisposed why don't I look after him while you're at work."

"What? No, I couldn't ask you to do that," Hotch said quickly.

"Why not. I'm good with Jack and I'd be lonely when you all leave."

Hotch swallowed thickly, searching the depths of his mind for an excuse.

"Come on, you can't refuse and besides I have to help you out now that I'm staying," Sean said and he raised an eyebrow and nudged Aaron's arm. Hotch sighed and gave in.

"I guess I can't refuse can I."

He was already figuring out how to tell Spencer.

Finito! But not finished...just this chapter...not the story- anyway!... I hope you guys enjoyed that chapter. My internet has been playing tricks on me and if this doesn't publish in 5 minutes I am likely to punch the wall (and then regret it.)

Please review. I have an abundance of cookies just waiting to give to Spencer, each review = one cookie to poor Spencer... jeez, he's so gonna get sick in the next chapter...

Thank you for reading and *hint* *hint* reviewing ;-)

I have eaten a huge tub of popcorn; I cannot control the sugar coursing through me as you can tell.

Anyway, I'll see you guys in a week or so.