AN: Happy Holidays, guys. Technically this chapter has a holiday, though, not one we are near. I hope you guys enjoy this pretty fluffy family bonding.
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Early May
Tuesday
After Allen didn't bother to show up for Vivian's recital and a mention over Friday dinner that he also didn't attend Noah's baseball games Rossi decided that Allen was a deadbeat father. And that didn't settle right with him.
So, one Tuesday, Rossi did a speed run through his paperwork and 'snuck' out of the office to pick Nora up at regular dismissal instead of having her stay over. He then ran them home to change. Rossi quickly traded his suit and polo for jeans and a navy-colored t-shirt.
Rossi had shared his plan with Penelope who, in true fashion, went the extra mile and ordered Nora an outfit for the occasion. He didn't mind too much. For once, he wanted to be a bit extra, and Nora was very keen on dressing up.
By the time they were done, Nora was decked out head to toe in navy and baseball-themed clothes. The completing step had been Rossi, with a shaky hand, panting the outline of a heart on Nora's left cheek and '#10' on her right cheek in black face paint.
"What do you think?" He asked, holding up a little handheld mirror for Nora.
"Good," She replied with a bob of her head. "Noah be surprised?"
Rossi smiled. "Most definitely. You ready to go?"
"Pom-Pom?"
Rossi chuckled. They were going all out. "They're in the bag," he said, pointing to the most masculine bag he'd been able to find. He'd discovered after their New York trip that pockets were not big enough to hold extra snacks, water, sunscreen, and everything else too. Thus, making a bag very necessary.
"Okay," Nora said as Rossi helped her down from the stool. "Ready to go."
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Arriving at the ball fields, Rossi spotted Erin and the girls first. It was Nora who drew their attention, "Erin!"
Erin turned around just in time as Nora ran into her legs and wrapped her a hug. "What are you guys doing here?"
"We thought Noah could use a fan club," Rossi replied. "You know I used to be quite the good ballplayer back in the day."
Erin took a few moments to process before fitting her own cheeky grin. "Yeah, 60 years ago."
"Hey, I'm not that old, yet."
The girls giggled. "Where is Noah?" Nora asked, scanning the surrounding area.
"He's in the dugout getting his equipment on. His team is on the field first," Erin explained.
"Catcher, right?" Rossi asked.
"Yeah." She looked down at Nora. "Did Dave paint your face?"
"Yep."
"It looks good. Noah's going to love it."
Nora grinned. "Really?"
"Defiantly," Erin replied. "Now, where do you guys want to sit?"
"Top!" Vivian said before anyone else could suggest somewhere. "It has the best view." She didn't wait for a reply before starting the climb up to the top of the bleachers.
"Okay, Alysa, can you help Nora. We'll be up there in a minute," Erin instructed.
Alysa took Nora's hand and followed Vivian at a slower pace. Rossi waited for them to get halfway up before speaking, "I hope I didn't overstep."
"Maybe a little," Erin admitted, "but I'm happy you did. Noah will be over the moon to see you."
She wasn't wrong. Noah's catcher's helmet obscured most of his face, but Rossi still saw the exact moment Noah noticed them. His eyes lit up, and there was a slight improvement in his playing for the remainder of the game.
Rossi was surprised they didn't get in trouble for being so loud. The girls took their fan club very seriously. After explaining the basics of baseball to Nora, there was no stopping them. Every time Noah was up to bat, Vivian, Nora, and her pom-pom would clamber down the bleachers to cheer from the fence.
By the time the team had won, Rossi was for sure going to be hoarse for a week. Nora had also been uncharacteristically loud, feeding off the energy of the older girls and the general excitement of the crowd.
Noah's eyes were still shining when he dragged his bag out of the dugout after the game. "What are you doing here?"
"Came to see you play." Rossi gave him a pat on the bag. "Good job on that triple in the fourth inning."
Noah looked down with a smile and slight blush. "Thanks."
"I was thinking if it's alright with your mom, we could go to the cages Saturday, but it looks like you don't need my help," Rossi replied lightly, joking.
"No," Noah exclaimed. "That was just luck today. Please, can we still go?" He turned to Erin, jittering with excitement.
"I don't see why not." Erin and Rossi both smiled as Noah let out an excited 'yes'. "This means you'll need to finish your homework Friday before or after dinner."
"Yes, ma'am," Noah replied. "Thank you, Mr. Dave."
"Good game," Nora spoke, repeating what she had heard many of the other players say.
"Thanks," Noah said with a smile. "I like your shirt."
Nora did a little twirl. "Me too."
"We should take a picture," Vivian spoke. "You know documentation of Noah's first fan club before he has crowds cheering for him. Don't want him forgetting all of us little people when he goes pro."
Noah shook his head. "I couldn't forget you guys. You wouldn't let me."
"Love you too big bro," Vivian said with a laugh. "Mom, phone?"
Erin handed her phone over to Vivian to set up as Noah got one of the other players to take the photo.
That night Rossi changed his computer background, with Penelope's help, to a picture of him and Erin standing against the field fence with the four kids standing in front of them.
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Friday
"Here," Penelope said, handing Rossi a list on pink stationery as they stood in his kitchen. The team had just gotten back from a three-day case.
Rossi took it with a raised brow. "What is this?"
"Everything that needs to be done for Nora's field day. The ones with stars are things I've already taken care of."
"Field day?"
"Yes, field day. It's next Friday. The school sent home a note explaining everything and a parent volunteer sheet," Penelope explained. "I already asked Strauss for the day off, and she knows you'll need it too. I volunteered to watch the PTO's bake sale from 10:00 to 10:30. I was thinking at least one of us should be with Nora all day so you can sign up for something in a different time slot."
Rossi nodded blankly. He was having a little trouble wrapping his head around everything. He wasn't having much luck. "Field day?"
Penelope stopped. "Oh, uhm, field day. It's like a fun day of activities mostly outside that schools host at the end of the year. Nora's is next Friday and starts at 8:30. The school is sending home special t-shirts for them to wear instead of their uniforms. I'd pair it with some shorts and tennis shoes since they're going to be active all day. She'll also need to bring sunscreen, a towel, and a swimsuit."
"Okay," Rossi replied still slightly lost. Hopefully, the list Penelope had organized would offer more insight. Rossi took the opportunity to change topics. "Speaking of Nora. She has asked if you would like to have a picnic this Sunday?"
"This Sunday?" Penelope asked with a hint of apprehension.
Rossi nodded. "I was thinking you could take her for the whole day if you would like."
"Are you sure?" Penelope asked, not wanting to overstep.
"Kate is taking her and Meg to do something Saturday, but she wants to spend Sunday with you."
"Okay," Penelope finally said. "If, you're sure."
"I'm sure," Rossi said with a smile.
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Sunday
"Are you ready?" Rossi asked, leaning up against Nora's door frame. "Penelope should be here in less than ten minutes."
Nora looked up from where she was struggling to buckle her black dress shoes. "Need help."
Rossi walked over to the bed and bent down to help her. "How do you want your hair done?"
"Braid with bows."
"I think we can make that happen."
Hair lessons had been added to the weekly Rossi/Strauss dinners. If he said so himself, he was getting the basics down pretty good.
"Do you have your bag ready?" Rossi asked, referring to the pink bag Nora had originally brought all of her stuff in.
It had been rebranded as the 'Penny sleepover bag'. Nora practically had a second closet and all the essentials at Penelope's apartment, so it was mostly used for Simba, toys, and any special outfits Nora wanted to take.
"Yes," Nora replied.
Rossi held on to the bed as he stood back up. "Why don't you grab your hairbrush and the bows you want and meet me downstairs." He picked up her bag and immediately felt his arm tug down. "What do you have in here? Rocks?"
"No," Nora replied not looking up from her extensive bow collection.
Rossi hoisted the bag onto his shoulder. "You are coming back Monday, right? You're not running away to Penelope's?"
"No"
Rossi shook his head. "No, you're not coming back? Or no you're not running away?"
"Not running away."
"Okay, just checking."
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Penelope arrived just as Rossi clipped the last bow in Nora's hair. Nora barely gave Rossi time to hand over her bag and the picnic they'd packed the night before to Penelope before trying to drag Penelope out the door. "Goodbye, grandpa."
The two adults laughed. "Goodbye, Nora."
"We'll see you tomorrow," Penelope said before following Nora out the door. "Good morning, Bug," she said once they were outside. "How are you today."
"Good," Nora replied as Penelope lifted her into the booster seat.
"Do you know what you want to do after the picnic?" Penelope asked as she made sure Nora was buckled properly.
"Your day," Nora replied, missing how Penelope frowned at her statement.
Penelope loved Nora, but the reminder this day was any different than any other unsettled her. She felt like an imposter in the whole situation. She wasn't Nora's mother. She wondered if spending the day with her meant as much to Nora as it did to herself.
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The first half of their picnic was mostly Penelope directing questions to Nora.
"How did your new dance class go yesterday?"
After much discussion with Nora, Erin, and herself, Rossi had decided to move Nora up an age group. Nora had been more than excited, the only downside was leaving her new dance friend, Aiden. But promises of playdates eliminated that worry and Nora didn't know it yet, but next school year they'd be going to the same school. Rossi and Maura had already been in discussion with Tara and the principal about whether it would be helpful or a hindrance to put them in the same class.
Nora's face lit up at the mention of dance. "It was fun. I'm the shortest."
"Does it bother you that you're a little younger than the rest of them?"
Nora shook her head. "No. Want to see what we learned?"
"Let's eat first, but then I would love for you to show me." Nora gives a small sigh and nod but brightens once again as Penelope asks her next question, "Are you excited for field day?"
"Make cookies?"
"Yes, we're going to make cookies for the bake sale. If we have time, we can even make cupcakes if you want to."
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll get the stuff, and we'll do that Thursday."
"Pink?"
"The frosting?"
Nora bobbed her head as she took the last bite of her muffin.
Penelope chuckled. "Come here, Bug. You got chocolate all over your face." She pulled out a napkin and leaned forward to wipe Nora's mouth. "But yes, we can use pink frosting. Do you want to make chocolate or vanilla cupcakes?"
"Merci, chocolate."
"Chocolate it is then."
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Nora had been very unhelpful on what she wanted to do for the day after the picnic. Any asking on Penelope's part, and even Rossi's, had been met with 'whatever Penny wants.' Penelope had eventually decided on something she thought Nora would like and had been wanting to do herself for a bit. So, after their picnic, they head to the botanical gardens.
Penelope gave Nora a disposable camera and watched her have a ball as she ran around snapping pictures of her favorite flowers. Additionally, Penelope took many pictures of Nora to send to Rossi. Her favorite was one of Nora mid-twirl under the rose arch path.
Nora discovered quickly that Penelope knew a lot about various plants. So, as they walked and took pictures Nora pointed to any that caught her interest and turned to Penelope, "Name?".
Penelope indulged Nora's curiosity and supplied names and any facts that might interest her. It was a bittersweet morning for Penelope as she thought of her own mother, who had taught her everything she knew about plants. They spent several hours at the gardens, enough time for Penelope to realize that some of the paths were starting to look familiar.
The botanical garden was followed by a light lunch and then they headed to the theater Penelope worked within her free time. Though, she had taken a step back in their latest production to watch Nora and everything she was doing for the PTO.
Penelope had recently mentioned to Rossi about bringing Nora to the theater some during the summer. She missed having her outlet from work and she was not a betting woman, but she had a good suspension Nora would love it. So, she chose a day to introduce Nora when she knew there were only a few tech people and actors getting in some extra rehearsal.
Any doubt Penelope had about Nora not liking the theater was erased the moment they walked in. Standing in the center was an actor rehearsing a monologue. He didn't stop till Penelope nudged, a transfixed, Nora up the stage's side stairs.
"Penny Lane!" The man exclaimed, striding over to wrap her in a bear hug. "It's been too long."
"Demetre."
The taller man took a step back. "Who's this little bit?"
Penelope placed her hands on Nora's shoulders. "This is Nora. It's short for Eleanor," She added with a knowing glint in her eye.
Demetre rocked back on his heels with a huge grin. "Penny Lane found her an Eleanor Rigby."
Nora twisted to look over her shoulder at Penelope with a confused look.
"They're names of Beatles songs," Penelope explained. "They are a band that Demetre here is a little obsessed with. We'll have to listen to them tonight."
Demetre looked agape as he looked down to Nora. "You're telling me you haven't been introduced to the Beatles?"
Nora leaned back into Penelope and shook her head. Demetre shook his head but then stepped back and clapped his hands. "Levi, can you play Rigby here some Beatles?" He once again looked down at Nora. "Is it alright if I call you Rigby? Cause Eleanor Rigby is a bit of a mouth full."
Nora looked up to Penelope. "It's your decision," She replied.
"Okay," Nora whispered, keeping her eyes firmly planted on the ground.
Demetre smiled. "Okay, Rigby, be prepared to be dazzled by the British sensations, the fab four, the Beatles."
And with that Eleanor Rigby filled the theater. By the time Penny Lane was playing the ten or so people in the theater had drifted to the stage. All of them were singing, dancing, and having a good time. Penelope introduced people to Nora between songs. Before long, she realized Nora went from just having the BAU as a family to a whole theater family as well.
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That evening the duo enjoyed pizza on the couch in front of a Disney marathon. The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Lilo and Stitch seemed to be hits with Nora (Lion King was still her number one.) Unfortunately, to Penelope's disappointment, she didn't seem too interested in Finding Nemo.
Their marathon was interrupted for bath time and PJs. Penelope pulled out the couch for Nora and made sure there were plenty of blankets before they finished their marathon. However, instead of immediately getting under the covers, Nora dragged her pink bag to the middle of the bed and started rummaging through it.
Triumphantly she pulled out Oh, The Places You'll Go. "Read, please?"
"Of course," Penelope replied, taking it and joining Nora on the bed. "Would you like to get more comfortable first?"
Nora nodded, so Penelope moved to recline against the head of the couch while Nora curled into her side with Simba securely under one arm. She then, and only then, started to read. "Congratulations! Today is your day... Your mountain is waiting. So, get on your way!"
Penelope went to close the book when she noticed two pieces of folded paper tucked in the back: red and pink.
"The pink's for you," Nora whispered between two yawns.
Penelope jumped a little, having thought Nora had fallen asleep. When she turned to the younger girl, she saw she was fiddling with Simba's tail.
"Okay," Penelope replied in her own whisper, gently taking the pink piece of paper and leaving the red undisturbed. She realized it was a card and immediately felt her heartbeat increase.
The front was covered in glitter and flower doodles. Opening it, her eyes grew damp. One side was two stick figures: the taller of the two was blonde, and the shorter a brunette. On the other side, in slightly unsteady cursive, Nora had written, 'Happy Mother's Day, Penny! Love, Your Bug.'
Penelope used her free hand to wipe a few stray tears before looking down at Nora, who finally looked up to meet her eyes. "I love it, Nora."
Nora smiled before burrowing further into Penelope's side and hiding her face. "Love you," She whispered. "Happy Mother's Day," she added even quieter.
Penelope felt her heart burst with love. "I love you too."
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AN2: So, after writing this chapter initially, I caught the end of the vampire episode; despite having seen it many times before, I realized that Hotch is canon a Beatles fan. So, uhm, might have him find out about Nora's new nickname and geek out. Who knows?