Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and all its characters belong to CBS. I own nothing. I do not own anything you recognize.

Previously on Criminal Minds- Making it to the van, the four year old watched his daddy slid open the back door to reveal… "JACKSON!"

CM

"Jackson! Jackson!" Spencer yelled as he climbed into the van and latched onto the smiling man's arm. "I missed you!"

Jackson drew his little one into a one armed hug. "I missed you too Sport." He muttered.

Spencer wiggled out of the hug. He grabbed a hold of the arm of the chair, started to climb into his former foster father's lap, and then stopped. "Is it okay if I sit on your lap?" he asked, gazing up at the man. "I don't want to exacerbate your injuries."

"Climb on up here Champ" Jackson instructed, patting his knee. While it wasn't a smart idea and it would definitely hurt like heck, the senior Hotchner wasn't about to allow a chance to hold his son slip by. He'd gladly pay whatever price he had to. He grimaced as the youngster clamored up on his lap but quickly hid his discomfort behind a smile. He didn't want the little guy thinking he'd hurt him.

Spencer pulled himself up onto Jackson's knee and then slowly leaned back against the big man's chest. Sighing contentedly, he glanced down at the chair they were sitting in. "Did daddy bring the wheelchair cause you can't walk far like me after my, after I got hurt?" he questioned.

"No buddy" Jackson replied, struggling to keep the smile on his face. "I'm afraid this contraption is my new ride now."

Spencer gazed curiously up at the old man's face. "Why?"

"Well, when your, when I was sh-hurt, my back was injured really bad." Jackson explained hoping he was using the right kid friendly language.

"The bullet severed your spine, didn't it?" Spencer surmised.

"Yes it did." Jackson answered with a grin. He'd forgotten just how bright his kid was. "But that's okay. You and I, we're gonna be alright. Aaron and I have it all worked out. You don't have to worry about a thing."

Spencer frowned. "Are, are we going back to your house now?" he asked, worrying his bottom lip.

"No" Jackson replied. "We're going to be staying at Aaron's, at least for a while."

"Good, I don't want to leave. I really like it here." Spencer told him. "All my fr…"

"Here's your lemonade Mr. Hotchner." Jenny bubbly announced. "And here's one for…Mr. Jackson sir! You're back!"

"Hey Princess!" Jackson greeted. "Are you and Spencer having fun?"

"Yes sir!" Jenny responded with a nod. "Spencer and me and Desiree have had lots of fun! We played on the swings and the slide at the park and we builded a great big sandcastle! We drove our jeeps, too! And Mr. Uncle Dave and Mr. Aaron even took us to play at Dr. Seuss Land at Universal!"

"They did?" Jackson gasped feigning surprise.

"Uh huh" Jenny answered. "We went to Harry Potter Land and Spencer did magic just like in the book! And we rode the roller coasters and…"

"Jenny" Hotch called, interrupting before the little girl talked his uncle's ear off. "You can tell Jackson all about our adventures over dinner. We're having a special cookout to celebrate Jackson's homecoming."

"A PARTY! COOL!" Jenny shouted, jumping up and down. "Wait till I tell Julie!" The little girl's movement suddenly stopped and her eyes went wide. "Our stand! We've gotta clean up or mommy won't let us go!" The littlest Jareau spun around and dashed towards her sister. "JULIE! JULIE!"

Aaron grinned as the small powerhouse started barking out orders. The youngster was something else. Hearing his name, he turned back to his family. "What is it, Spencer?" he asked.

"Can, can Icky and his family come to the party, too?" Spencer timidly inquired.

"Of course they can" Hotch responded. "It wouldn't be a party without them."

Spencer swiftly slid off Jackson's lap. "I'm gonna go tell Icky!" he shouted. He leapt out of the van and scurried out of sight.

Jackson chuckled. "Icky is a good friend, I take it." he stated.

"Yes" Aaron distractedly answered. "Derek is fast becoming one of Spencer's best friends. He's several years older but that's turned out to be a good thing. Spencer looks up to him like an older brother."

Jackson's brow furrowed. "What's an older boy doing hanging around a little kid?" he questioned.

"From what Hailey's told me, Derek saved Spencer from a bully on the playground and the two just hit it off." Hotch recounted. "They've been playing together ever since."

"You trust him?" Jackson queried.

Aaron smiled at his uncle. "Yes" he confidently said. "Derek is a great kid and a good role model for Spencer."

Jackson nodded. "Okay" he agreed. "I'll go with it for now. But I'm going to be keeping a close eye on those two."

"Who?" Spencer questioned as he bounded up to the side of the van.

"Your uncles Dave and Jason" Jackson smoothly fibbed. "They're up to something. I can feel it."

"I most certainly am not." Rossi protested though the smirk on his face told a different story.

"Right" Aaron countered as he swung Spencer up into the van.

"I'm not." Dave indignantly tossed back. Looking into the rearview mirror, he winked at Spencer. "I have absolutely nothing up my sleeve. Right, kiddo?"

Spencer giggled. "Right" he agreed.

"See?" Rossi said as he started the van. "Now sit back and shut your traps. I need peace and quiet to drive."

Jackson gave Rossi a mock salute, laughing as Spencer copied his actions.

"Laugh it up you two. Just remember I don't get mad, I get even." Dave warned. He drove the few feet to Aaron's driveway, pulled in, and cut the engine. "Alright everybody out! We have a party to put together!"

"Yea!" Spencer hollered, jumping out of the van after his daddy opened the back door. He raced up the walkway to the house calling over his shoulder, "I'm gonna help mama make the cookies!"

Chuckling at the boy's enthusiasm, the men began the arduous task of maneuvering Jackson out of the van and into the house. They had a party to help set up.

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The adults sat on the deck watching as the children attempted to break the piñata that Jason and Sarah had brought. The large red car was proving hard to bust. That was due mostly to Rossi. His impeccable timing was making even hitting the candy stuffed vehicle difficult for the older kids. He was easy on the little ones, raising the piñata just a tad so they could still hit a part of it. The kids didn't seem to mind though. They were having a blast giggling and laughing at the others as they tried to knock the bouncing car with the bat.

"Spencer's turn!" Dave called out as he brought the swinging piñata to a stop.

Derek slid the blindfold off his eyes and handed the bat to Spencer. "Break it in two, Pretty Boy" he coached.

"Okay" Spencer responded. Not wanting to disappoint his friend, the tiny boy swiftly scrolled through all the options he could think of before turning to the adults on the deck and shouting, "Daddy! Come help Spencer!"

Smiling, Aaron set down his drink and strode over to his son. He knelt down to be at the little boy's eye level and then asked, "What is it, Spencer?"

Spencer raised his arms in response.

Hotch scooped up the four year old and settled him on his hip.

Spencer then took his daddy's free hand and put it on the bat with his. "Daddy and Spencer hit the car together." he directed.

"Alright" Aaron agreed. He set Spencer on his feet in front of him, wrapped both arms around the boy, and placed his hands over the youngster's. Once Rossi had tied the bandana they were using as a blindfold around his head, he tightened his grip on the bat and his son. "Okay Champ, let's get that candy!"

With his father's strength as well as some help from Rossi Spencer had no trouble breaking the piñata in two. It only took three hits from the duo to shatter the bottom of the car and send candy raining down. Dropping the bat, the littlest Hotchner plopped down on the ground and joined the rest of the kids scooping up as much candy and toys as he could.

After all the treasure had been collected, the children did something no one expected. They sat in a circle and in the middle made two giant piles: one with candy and one with toys. They then took turns picking candy and toys until all the loot had been equally divided between them. Once that job was done, the kids loaded up the bags Sarah had given them and then carried their prizes to their parents.

"Are we ready for dessert?" Hailey inquired as she stood.

"I help!" Spencer yelled. He raced around the table and into the kitchen. A few minutes later he slowly walked back out balancing two plates in his hands. The little boy went straight over to Jackson, handed him a plate, and then climbed into the chair beside him.

Jackson had to swallow back the lump in his throat that seeing the banana and chocolate chip cookie on his plate caused. He couldn't believe his kid remembered that: that their little picnic was a cherished memory to the…"What?"

"I asked if you were feeling alright." Dave repeated. "You're looking a little pale."

"I'm fine" Jackson assured his friend as a smile lit up his face. "In fact, we're wonderful. Right Champ?"

"Uh huh" Spencer seconded taking an enormous bite of his banana.

"Good" Rossi said. "Then would one of you care to explain to me your odd dessert combination?"

Jackson barked out a laugh. "There's nothing odd about our snack." He countered. "Bananas and cookies are our favorite picnic food."

"Uh huh, we eated them when we picnicked in the kitchen." Spencer explained.

"Oh, well in that case, maybe I should switch out my bowl of homemade ice cream for your picnic special." Dave commented. He rubbed his chin pretending to think. "I'd hate to let all this ice cream go to waste though. You two don't happen to know somebody who'd be interested in eating a bowlful of peach ice cream, do you?"

"I will! I will!" Spencer shouted, bouncing up and down on the bench.

"Here you go, Buddy" Dave said as he handed over the bowl. "I'm going to find myself some of the good…" He groaned as his cell phone buzzed. "Excuse me gentlemen"

Hotch sighed as he pocketed his cell. A case was the last thing he needed right now. He wished he could call his Unit Chief and have the case reassigned to another team but he knew Strauss would never grant that request. Hailey and Jackson would just have to handle things while he was gone. They'd have plenty of back-up at least. Jason, Sarah, Henry, and Susan would all see to that. And Spencer had his own support system with the girls and Derek. But then again with Aaron gone and Jackson taking up a lot of Hailey's time, the boy might need a little more support than usual. The new father glanced around the deck, grinning as he spotted just who he needed. "Derek, come here for a minute" he called, waving the boy over.

Derek eyed Spencer's dad warily for a moment unsure of whether or not he should go to him or run away. The man had been nothing but nice to him and all the other kids seemed to like him but that meant nothing. Everybody had liked Carl, too. Then again, they were on the deck with everyone else including his family. As long as they were out in the open he wouldn't try anything. People like Carl never did. They waited until they got the kid alone to hurt them. Derek ran a hand over his head. He guessed as long as they stayed on the deck it was okay to talk to Mr. Hotchner. So he slowly walked over to the man. "Yes sir?" he asked.

Aaron squatted down and put a hand on Derek's shoulder. "Derek, Dave and I have to go out of town for a case and while we're gone, I was hoping you would agree to be the man of the house for me." he told the stunned boy. "You know, check on Hailey and Spencer, make sure they're doing okay."

Derek stared at the man. "Let me get this straight. You want me to keep an eye on your family and your house for you?" he questioned. "What about Jackson? What's wrong with him doing it?"

"Jackson is still injured. Nurses will be coming to help care for him and teach him how to handle life in a wheelchair. And Hailey will be busy helping him when they aren't here. That doesn't leave a lot of time for Spencer." Aaron explained. "Spencer is very fragile right now. He needs a good male role model; one that is there for him no matter what. From what I've seen you are the perfect person for the job." He paused to give the boy time to mull that over before asking, "So what do you say? Are you up for the job?"

Derek smiled. "Yes sir!" he enthusiastically responded. "You can count on me, Mr. Hotchner. I'll take good care of Spencer for ya."

"I know you will." Hotch complimented. He stood and patted the boy on the back. Hearing a yelled, "DADDY!", Aaron had just enough time to brace himself before someone barreled into him. Smiling, he leaned down and picked up his son. "Hey buddy" he muttered, kissing the little boy on the forehead. The BAU leader walked over to one of the wooden chairs, took a seat, and settled the youngster in his lap. "Spencer, daddy and Uncle Dave have to go away for a while for work."

"NO!" Spencer cried, latching onto his daddy and holding on for all he was worth. "Daddy stay with Spencer!"

Aaron embraced his crying son. "Daddy would stay if he could, buddy but daddy has to go." He tightened his hold as he slowly began to rock. "It's okay, Spencer. Daddy and Uncle Dave will be back before you know it…yes we will. And you're going to be okay. You have mommy and Jackson, Uncle Jason and Aunt Sarah, Julie, Jenny, Sarah, Desiree, and Derek."

"But, but I neeeeed you!" Spencer wailed.

"You'll still see me. I'll have Roberts come by and set it up so you and I can see and talk to each other while I'm gone." Aaron assured his son.

"A-a-and Uncle Dave?" Spencer questioned with a sniffle.

Aaron smiled. "Of course Uncle Dave" he replied. "I wouldn't leave him out. He wouldn't let me."

"Darn straight" Dave said as he knelt down beside the two. "If your daddy tries to prevent me from talking to you, I'll put him in time out." Standing, he scooped up Spencer and tossed him into the air.

That got a giggle out of Spencer. "You can't put daddy in time out. He too big." He pointed out, shrieking as his captor began to tickle his tummy.

"Can and will if he attempts to keep me from you." Dave countered. He tossed the boy into the air once more before handing him back to his father. "I've gotta go now Sport. There are some things I need to get together before we leave. You take good care of your mama and Uncle Jackson now." He instructed, ruffling Spencer's hair. "And if you're really good while we're gone, I just might have a surprise for you when I get back."

"A surprise?" Spencer gasped, eyes lighting up in excitement. "I get a prize?!"

"Two actually" Aaron corrected.

"TWO?!" Spencer squealed.

"Yes two" Dave answered. "But only if you good while we're away."

That reminder wiped the smile off the little boy's face. "But, but I don't want you to go. I need you!"

Seeing Spencer's bottom lip begin to tremble, Rossi racked his brain for a solution. He needed to head off the oncoming meltdown before they were all in tears. Thankfully it didn't take long for him to remember something Jason had done to reassure his son Stephen years ago. "Oh, I almost forgot. There's one more thing I need you to do for me." he told the youngster. He pulled an ornate golden pocket watch out of his jacket pocket and handed it to the surprised boy. "I need you to hold on to this for me. I don't want to accidently lose it while I'm gone." He knelt back down. "Think you can do that for me, Champ?"

Spencer glanced from his uncle to the cherished watch and back before nodding his head. "Yes sir, I won't allow anything to happen to it." he solemnly promised.

"Thanks kiddo" Dave replied with a smile. "I've gotta go now but I'll talk to you tonight before you go to bed, okay?"

"Okay" Spencer agreed. He gave his uncle a bear hug and then leaned back against his daddy. "You have to go, too don't you?"

Aaron sighed. "Yes, I do but I will call you every day and I'll come home just as soon as I can." He assured his son. He thumbed the tears that were rolling down Spencer's face away and then took the small box out of his pocket that he'd been hoping to save until they could officially adopt the youngster. "I have something for you Spencer; something special." He opened the box and held it out to the boy.

Spencer carefully plunked the ring out of the box and held it up. "It looks just like yours." He gasped, the awe clear in his voice.

"It is. I had the jewelers make it specially for you." Aaron explained as he took the ring and slipped it on a tiny finger. "This ring means that you are part of our family. We are never letting you go. I will always be there for…"

"Spence! Spence! Come on! We've gotta get our stuff ready!" Jenny shouted as she ran up to the two. "Our mamas said we could all camp out in your living room tonight!"

Spencer looked from Jenny to his daddy. "Go ahead, buddy" Aaron encouraged. He hugged the tiny boy and then set him on his feet. "I have to go now but I'll call you before bedtime tonight and you can tell me all about the campout. Okay?"

Sniffling, Spencer nodded and hugged his daddy. "O-okay" he tearfully stammered. "I love you daddy."

Aaron gave his son another hug. "I love you too Spencer" he whispered. He kissed the top of the youngster's head and stood. "Go on now. Go set up camp with Jenny."

Instead of going with Jenny Spencer ran and jumped into his mama's waiting arms. Burying his face in the crook of her neck, he began crying his eyes out.

Hotch took a step towards his family before stopping at Hailey's head shake. Knowing the meltdown would only be worse the longer he stayed, Aaron blew his wife a kiss and then hurried into the house to grab his go-bag.

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Spencer woke with a gasp. Shivering as his mind replayed the gruesome scene of his daddy and uncle's demise, he opened his mouth to shout for the one person he knew could make the dream go away; his daddy. He quickly closed it with a sob though as he recalled that his daddy wasn't there. The little boy hugged his teddy bear to his chest and his tears began to flow. He wanted his daddy! He needed him to put his strong arms around him and tell him everything was alright. What was he going to do? He couldn't go back to sleep now. He was too scared. And Spencer wasn't about to attempt a trip to his mama or Jackson's room. It was too dark there and he couldn't carry his nightlight. It would go off as soon as it was unplugged. Spencer trembled. He couldn't stay here and he couldn't reach his comforters. He didn't know what to do. He was terrified and alone and…the four year old tossed the sleeping bag off his legs and raced over to the one person he thought might help. Plopping down beside his friend, the youngster quickly shook his friend's shoulder. "Icky! Icky! Wake up!"

"Wh-wh…Sarah, go aw…Spencer?" Derek mumbled as he slowly woke. He propped himself up on an elbow. "What is it, kid?"

"I, I had a bad dream. Can, can I sleep with you?" Spencer timidly asked.

Derek smiled and held up one side of the sleeping bag. "Hop in Pretty Boy" he said.

Spencer dove into the sleeping bag and snuggled into his best friend's side.

Feeling the boy's shaking, Derek wrapped an arm around the four year old. "Go back to sleep, Spencer. You're safe." he assured. "I've got ya."

Sighing, Spencer popped his thumb in his mouth and closed his eyes. He was asleep in seconds.