Chapter 5: Lazy Sunday
"Hurry up my children! The movie is starting!" Garcia called out to the members of her team who were still in the kitchen. Slowly but surely, the BAU family gathered into the living room with their snacks and blankets. Henry was cuddled up against JJ while Spencer clung to Hotchner. The team had decided that because the previous say had been so eventful, they should have a relaxing movie day, starting with Wreck it Ralph.
After making it through a few movies, the two children were becoming increasingly antsy. "Alright, boys why don't you two go play outside? The rest of us will get some lunch ready," JJ decided. Henry and Spencer quickly jumped up, racing each other outside. "Stay in the backyard!" Morgan called out before following JJ into the kitchen. "Geez, I still can't believe the kid is a toddler," he shook his head. "And a bad one at that…" JJ laughed and began putting together the sandwiches. "I won't disagree with you there, woman. But seriously, this is wild. And we have no damn idea when he's gonna turn back into an adult," he continued. "All that we can do is love and support him. He needs this family more than ever right now," Hotch interjected from the doorway.
"Especially you, Hotch. Spence is really clinging onto you. I mean you're obviously the first real father figure he's ever had," JJ told the man. "Well I will be whatever he needs. He's a handful but I've always thought of him as a son. Even before this incident," Hotch chuckled. "Speaking of incident, I can't believe boy genius ran off like that yesterday. I wanted to turn him over and bust his ass right then and there," Morgan shook his head. "What happened?" Prentiss asked as her and Garcia made their way into the kitchen with the other members of the team.
"Spencer ran off from us yesterday at the waterpark," Morgan explained. "What? My sweetums would never…" Garcia denied. "Oh your 'sweetums' certainly did. Hotchner dealt with it though," Morgan replied, kissing Garcia on the cheek. "Dealt with it? How? Oh no…don't tell me you hurt him," Garcia whined. Hotchner chuckled. "He's fine, Garcia. I didn't hurt him. I won't deny that I gave him a spanking. He deserved it after running off. But, once it was over with, I made sure he understood why it happened and how much we all love him," Hotch reassured. "He's right, Garcia," Prentiss agreed, "Spencer can't do things like that."
The team continued talking amongst themselves while setting up lunch. Once the food prepared, JJ left to grab Rossi, Will and the kids. She walked outside to see the two men running around with the kids on each of their backs. She smiled to herself, watching them play. "Oh, hey beautiful, is lunch ready?" Will called out. "Indeed, it is. Now come on in and eat. Wash your hands before coming into the kitchen!" she insisted. The boys all groaned, including the adults, but they made their way to the bathroom sink and took turns cleaning up.
After the family ate and cleaned up their plates, JJ and Will decided it was time for them to take Henry home. "No! Please can he stay and play?" Spencer begged, pulling at JJ's shirtsleeve. "Sorry, Spence. Henry needs a nap," she explained. "And so do you," Hotchner interrupted, ruffling his son's hair. "No thanks! I'm not sleepy!" Spencer denied. "Me too, mommy. I'm not sleepy either,' Henry agreed. "Hate to break it to you kiddos, but I don't think it's up for discussion," Will chuckled. JJ and Will said their goodbyes to everyone before heading out the door.
"Spencer let's head upstairs. I'll get you settled in for your nap," Hotch said, lifting the boy into his arms. "I'm NOT sleeping!" Spencer pouted. "You can rest after a timeout if that sounds better to you?" Hotch questioned but it was an obvious warning. The toddler furrowed his eyebrows and let out a huff but climbed into his bed. Hotchner tucked him in and gave him a kiss on the head. "Okay kiddo, I will be back in about an hour. Try to rest," the father cooed.
However, Spencer didn't want to sleep. So, when he was sure his family was all downstairs, he snuck out of the bedroom. He bounced from bedroom to bedroom, before finally settling down with a pair of Morgan's headphones that he found. He twisted them around and around in his fingers, tying the cords in knots. Until suddenly, he couldn't seem to get them untied. The more he tried, the worse the cords tangled. He felt himself panicking, knowing how angry Morgan would be if he found out. So, rather than telling him, he snuck the headphones underneath his bed and hurried back under the covers for his nap.