A/N: I always do a Hotch/Rossi story for my OK Teach for her birthday. My life got in the way around that time so this is late. However, I didn't forget. It just took me a while longer. Please remember this verse is my story of the two of them as a married couple. I say once again, there is no smut. This is a story about a family.
In addition, to all of you following stay at home orders and practicing social distancing in this very difficult time we are all facing, I hope it's a distraction that will put a smile on your face during these trying times. #StaySafeStayStrong
All rights to the Criminal Minds characters belong to Mark Gordon Studios, CBS and ABC Studios.
*Knightly bow*
Chapter 1
Sean Hotchner smiled sitting down in his first class seat on the American Airlines jet that would take him from LaGuardia in NYC to Reagan International in D.C. The first class reservation for his annual trip for the President's Day weekend was his Christmas gift from Aaron and Dave. Dave's travel agent Julia had worked her usual magic.
After the jet cleared ten thousand feet in altitude, the lead flight attendant announced that Wi-Fi was now available giving the coach passengers their options. Being in first class, Sean knew his Wi-Fi would be free. He switched his cell phone from airplane mode. Less than a minute later, it buzzed with a text.
Sean, I'm sorry. We just got a case. Dave is working with Julia to get a rental reservation for you to get the boys to the cabin in one vehicle. With your flight time, you'll probably not hear back from her until you land. We're sorry.
Sean texted back. Don't be Aaron. I'm here to support you, Dave and Jack. The vehicle is huge and appreciated. Call me before you take off. Don't worry. I've got this.
Sean sent another text to a different person. Just an FYI. I'm flying solo this weekend. Operation Winter Boys is still a go. Thanks for the back up.
His cell pinged back with a message. Operation Winter Boys is ready to rock and roll. Give us a shout when you arrive.
Sean smiled at the text as the flight attendant announced the Wi-Fi would be shutting down on the hour-long flight.
-00CM00-
Jack got off the bus Thursday afternoon and noticed the strange vehicle parked in the back by the garages next to Rosa's vehicle. He came in the back door. "Rosa? Everything OK?" He had his cellphone out to make a call, just in case.
"It's OK Jack," Sean said in the kitchen, prepping their dinner for later. Jack pulled his bookbag off his shoulder, setting in on the floor. He quickly took off his coat, stuffing his stocking cap and gloves into a sleeve and hanging it up in the entryway. Grabbing his bookbag, he came into the kitchen, putting his bookbag in the kitchen counter chair and cell on the counter. He went to Sean and gave him a hug.
"I'm glad you're here," Jack smiled.
Hugging Jack back, Sean smiled. "So am I. How was school?"
Jack shrugged, pulling out of the hug. "The usual. Nothing exciting today." Max wandered into the kitchen, stretching from his afternoon nap in the sunshine in the living room.
Sean smiled. "I'd call that a good day. How much homework do you have?" Sean asked as Jack petted Max.
Jack shook his head a little. "No homework, but I've got a history test tomorrow that I should do a bit more studying for." He looked at Sean. "Dad and pop are gone aren't they?"
Sean looked at Jack. "Yeah pal, they are. Why there's the big SUV in the driveway. Your dad and pop rented it and I picked it up at the airport when I got in so I can get all you guys to the cabin tomorrow night."
Jack looked at him. "We're still going?"
"Of course," Sean smiled. "You boys are old enough now so I'm just the chef and entertainment captain."
"Yes," Jack said with his patented double fist pump. Sean rubbed his head with a smile. "And dinner tonight is?"
Sean looked at him. "I'm going to attempt pop's tortellini recipe. Be kind kid."
Jack smiled. "You got it Uncle Sean. I'm sure it will be great."
"And Jack, I'm sure you can guess how many texts I've had from dad and pop before they left." Jack snickered. "All the guys getting their bags here tonight for the weekend is still on. When you guys pile off the bus tomorrow, I pile you into the Suburban and we head for the cabin."
Jack grabbed his cellphone and bookbag to head downstairs to his room. "I'll text the guys."
"Jack," Sean said. Jack turned to look at him. "Rosa is cleaning down there. Please make sure you say hello to her." Sean opened a Tupperware container and tossed Jack a homemade chocolate chip cookie. "Guess what she did earlier today for you guys?"
"You got it Uncle Sean," Jack smiled, taking a bite of the cookie.
Sean shook his head thinking to himself as Jack headed for the steps downstairs. Damn kid. I get you support the team with them being your superheroes. Hell, I do too. But you just take it all in stride with them leaving. I think you're the real superhero. He made a mental note to drill that thought into his brother and brother-in-law's heads.
Two hours later, Jack looked at Sean sitting at the kitchen counter with him. He had just polished off his last bite of the tortellini pasta dish. Jack smiled, nudging Sean's arm with his shoulder. "Pop would be proud Uncle Sean," Jack said, getting off his chair to rinse his plate.
"My only goal in life is to match pop's tortellini recipe," Sean smiled at Jack. Jack laughed. "What time are the guys coming with their bags?"
"Around seven," Jack said.
"Plenty of time for you to help me with cleaning up the prep dishes," Sean smiled.
Jack looked in the sink. "You mean all three of them," he smiled.
"Yeah, all three of them," Sean smiled, finishing his plate and walking into the kitchen. Ten minutes later, Sean washed as Jack dried the three pans. "You bone up on that history test?"
Jack looked at Sean. Sean smiled. "You got that reference?" Jack blushed a bit. Sean smiled more. "You are your father's son. And I'm your uncle that looks you in the eye and tells you that happens. It's natural. And OK."
"Thanks Uncle Sean," Jack smiled. "I've got two gay parents. I got the sex talk long time ago." He looked at Sean. "But it's nice to hear from someone besides them that what I'm feeling is OK."
Sean rubbed his shoulder. "It is Jack. Now back to the history test," Sean smiled.
Jack looked at Sean. "Not really. I got into a text fest with the guys." Sean looked at Jack. "OK, I got it. Heading out now."
"Leave the cellphone on the counter," Sean said.
Jack looked at him. "Really?"
"Really," Sean said. "Jack, I'm sorry that your dad and pop are gone. I'm here and their back-up with you."
Jack smiled. "I had to test the boundaries."
Sean shook his head with a smile. "Go get it done until the guys get here with their bags. After that, I kick your ass in Fortnite."
"Bring it," Jack devilishly smiled.
A little past seven, Dan, Keegan's dad knocked on the back door by the kitchen. Sean waved him in, opening the door. "Hey Dan," Sean smiled.
"Hi Sean," Dan smiled back. "All the boys are hopped enough about their weekend. So I made the run to get all their bags without them getting together tonight." Sean helped him get the four bulging bags filled with winter snow clothes along with a box filled with the boys' winter boots into the laundry room. Dan ran out once more and came back in with two Tupperware containers, handing them to Sean, looking at him. "Aaron and Dave are out on a case." Sean nodded.
Dan shook his head. "You OK with this?"
Sean smiled. "Dan, I'll tell you what I told Jack earlier. The boys are all old enough so I only have to be the chef and entertainment captain. I've got some co-conspirators working for me on that," he winked. "I've got this."
"Plus Dan," Sean smiled, "they're all middle schoolers snark machines with one wiseass. In two years, they'll be in high school and I'll get my revenge on my brothers. I can't wait for that."
Dan laughed. "Me either," he said, rolling his eyes. Sean laughed. Dan pointed at the containers. "Maria sent along some Monster cookies. Julie made the Special K bars. Keegan will have his eppy pen along."
"Which I know how to use Dan," Sean said. "I'm a restaurant manager. I'm required to take basic first-aid classes to keep my license current in the state of New York."
Dan looked at Sean. "You sure all of us can't give you some money for the food this weekend?"
Sean looked at Dan. "My brother and brother-in-law both carry handguns. You want to argue with that? Besides, you all have stepped how many times to help with Jack. I back them both," Sean smiled. "This is payback to all of you."
Dan smiled. "Have a good weekend Sean."
"We will," Sean smiled back.
Sean went downstairs to see Jack getting the gaming system started in the den area. Sean hopped over the top of the couch and slide down to sit down next to Jack. Jack giggled. "Try doing that maneuver when pop is around."
Sean nudged Jack's shoulder. "Why I did it now," he smiled at his nephew.
An hour and half later, Jack tried to stifle a yawn. Sean looked at him. "Busted," he softly smiled, pointing at the clock on the DVR, pausing the game. "It's eight-thirty dude and you have school tomorrow." Sean took a whiff of the air. "And you could use a shower. And then plant your butt for the night."
Jack smiled, putting down his remote. "I'm there."
Aaron and Dave called as Sean was getting Jack to bed.
XXX