(Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds or it's characters)

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Sorry for the wait.

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Spencer opened his eyes groggily and jumped suddenly when he found he wasn't in his hospital bed.

"Daddy..." he whined, looking around desperately for someone familiar. Jack's head appeared around his car seat and the older boy grinned at him.

"Dad, he's awake," Jack informed his father who glanced into his rear view mirror at Spencer. JJ turned around in her seat and smiled widely.

"Afternoon, sleepyhead," she mumbled.

"Whewe awe we going?" Spencer croaked after taking a deep breath of relief as he leaning into his cushioned seat.

"Home," Hotch replied.

"You were really sleepy so Mum just carried you to the car," Jack explained. JJ couldn't help the smile that spread across her lips as she stared out of the window.

Spencer looked around and saw Rossi beside Jack, gazing out of the window. He was squashed up against the door due to Jack's booster seat digging into his side.

"What's uncle Dave doing hewe?" Spencer asked. Rossi turned his head and he gave Spencer a closed lip smile.

"Who do you think picked up your car so you boys could have your car seats," the Italian grumbled.

"I don't know why you're grumbling; you're the one that forgot to bring the boys' clothes," JJ chided and Rossi looked at her with daggers as he folded his arms.

"I bought some, didn't I?" He muttered. Spencer frowned and looked over at Jack who was wearing a new pair of superman pyjamas which Rossi had hastily bought from a nearby Walmart, after having left the small bag of clothes (JJ had instructed him to bring) on the kitchen counter. Spencer glanced down at himself and his eyes grew wide. He groaned loudly and several pairs of eyes fell on him.

"You okay, buddy? Are you in pain?" Hotch asked; his voice edged with worry.

"You got me a onesie!" Spencer whined, crossing his arms and looking away from his outfit.

"It fits... what's the problem?" Rossi grunted. Spencer made an exasperated gesture and Jack leaned in and whispered to the senior agent.

"He doesn't like onesies," he said.

Spencer pouted miserably and gazed out of the window. He dropped his arms after a moment as they agitated his ribs.

"Well I think it looks cute on you," JJ added which only made Spencer's lip jutt out further and his cheeks stained a deeper crimson. JJ smirked at the fluffy, tiger striped onesie with feet that had sewn in paw pads on the bottom and a hood that had ears that stuck up. She had raised the hood before she'd settled Spencer into the seat and now he was stuck with two pointy ears. She had to admit he was the cutest little tiger she'd ever seen.

Rossi unbuckled Jack and let him out through his door. Hotch made his way to Spencer's side and lifted the boy from his seat. As soon as he was freed Spencer pushed his hood back down so that he at least didn't have ears. He gripped onto Hotch's shirt and looked down at the ground.

"Tan I walk peas?" He asked. Hotch shook his head.

"Sorry. No walking."

"Huh?" Spencer scowled up at Hotch and the older man couldn't help but smile at the endearing sight Spencer made wearing his onesie and a non-threatening glare.

"Sorry, but the doctor instructed that you put no weight on your leg for at least a week."

"How will a move awound?" Queried Spencer.

"Us." Spencer started to argue but Hotch cut in before he could even get a word out. "No negotiations. It's doctors orders."

"I'm a doctor," Spencer muttered angrily and Hotch chuckled to himself.

They got to the door and Will let them in.

"How are ya'll?" He questioned opening the door wide to allow them access. "JJ? You alright?"

"I'm fine, thank you, Will," she gave him a small smile and Will wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm glad you're okay," he sighed.

"We're fine," Hotch added and Will took it as the warning Hotch had intended it to be and released JJ. Hotch continued to glower at him.

"Good...Good," Will breathed. "I was so worried."

"I'm just glad Henry was with you... if they had got hold of him... I don't know what would've happened," JJ muttered.

"I would never let that happen," Will said sternly. Hotch couldn't help the growl that slipped part his lips.

You think I let this happen to Jack? He thought suspiciously. Before any sort of argument could break out a loud yell came from the front room and Henry rocketed out and straight into JJ.

"Mummy!" He cried, thowing himself into her arms. JJ lifted him into an embrace and held him close.

"I'm so happy to see you," she gushed.

"Me too! I missed you guys," came Henry's muffled response from where his face was pressed up against her top.

"We missed you too," Jack sniffed. Henry pulled his face from JJ and grinned enthusiastically at his brother. He jumped toward the older boy and smothered Jack with a hug.

"Why are you in pyjamas?" Henry giggled and Jack glanced down at his superman pyjamas and smiled back.

"Rossi forgot our clothes."

"Stop blaming me!" Whined Rossi childishly.

"Well it was your fault," Jack laughed.

"Watch it, Kiddo," Rossi warned playfully and Jack and Henry glanced at each other with equally wicked grins.

Hotch cleated his throat and Henry looked up and caught sight of Him. He squeaked happily, skipped forward, and hugged his second father's legs affectionally. Hotch bent down, careful of Spencer's injured leg and ruffled Henry's hair.

"Spencer!" Henry gasped and he pulled the two together for a strained hug, before he saw Spencer's onesie and started laughing at it. Spencer glared sleepily at Rossi who threw his arms up in surrender.

"Hey, Henwy. I-I'm glad you'we otay," He croaked. Henry felt the soft onesie and felt a little bit of envy surge through him, wishing he had one of his own. Suddenly, his face lit up with excitement and he darted to the staircase and came back with a teddy bear.

"I got this from your room to cheer you up," Henry said as he handed Alpheus- the build a bear that he'd been treated to on their last mall trip (which sounded like heaven to him in comparison to his most recent experience)- to Spencer who accepted him with open arms.

"Fank you," He mumbled through a yawn.

"I think it's probably best if you get some sleep," Hotch said and he was surprised when Spencer didn't protest and even more when the toddler nuzzled his face into Aaron's clothes.

"I'll make you a coffee. Rossi?" JJ asked, turning to the Italian who had shrugged off his coat.

"Go on then," he exulted.

"Come on, Jack. My Dad got me a new DVD," Henry said and he grabbed Jacks hand, pulling him into the front room.

Will stood awkwardly between Rossi and JJ.

"I should go," he said quickly.

"Wise move," Rossi muttered before following the boys. JJ turned to Will and gave him a straight smile.

"Thank you," she repeated.

"I was doing what any father would. Listen, Jay, I really was worried about you."

"It wasn't just me, Will. Jack and Spencer were in just as much danger if not more," She retorted.

"You know what I mean, Jay," Will's eyes penetrated into hers like a lost puppies would but JJ was insensitive to his charms.

"I'm not stupid, Will. Like I said: thank you for keeping Henry safe, but it's time for you to go."

"Jen-"

"No, Will. You need to stop doing this. We were finished a long time ago. You ruined it. I'm happy now- happier, even. Don't ruin things for me again," she snapped.

"Would you at least let me speak? What I felt, Jennifer, it was... it was like it used to be."

"Go home, Will. You made a choice now go to your...your slut," JJ hissed abruptly. Will gaped at her as she stood her ground and after a moment he nodded tensely and hastened out of the house.

Hotch pushed open Spencer's door and flicked on the nightlight. He placed the boy in his bed which had been cold for several days and tentatively drew the covers up to the tiny tiger's chin.

Hotch stood up to leave when a small hand pulled him back.

"Don't go..." Spencer whimpered, his fingers clinging to Hotch's arm.

"It's okay, you're okay. We'll only be downstairs," Hotch added, stroking a finger through Spencer's hair. The boys lip trembled.

"I-I'm scawed," Spencer stuttered and his fingers digging into Hotch's arm; paralysed there by fear.

"I know," Hotch whispered, kneeling down next to Spencer's bed. "I'll wait for you to fall asleep, Okay?"

Spencer nodded shyly and he let Aaron push him back down and pull the sheets up. Hotch stroked Spencer's fingers and watched his eyelids fall close while he spoke soft and reassuringly.

Garcia staggered through the front door; her eyes glinting with furious determination. She darted off to the kitchen where JJ was, leaving Morgan to shut the door and push her boots out of the way.

"Are you okay!?" She cried as she collided with JJ and grabbed her in a desperate hug.

"Hey, to you too. I'm fine, Pen. Honestly. We're all okay."

Garcia pulled away wincing at the soreness in her ribs.

"Are you sure?"

"I promise. We're all just tired and sore, but we'll be alright," JJ insisted. "Are you okay?"

"I'm... I'll be okay soon," she bit her lip guiltily, knowing that this was partially her fault for allowing Spencer to slip through her fingers so easily.

"Come on. Come sit down," JJ pulled her into the front room where the rest of the team were sat chatting happily. Garcia looked at them and their calmness and felt herself relax a little. With JJ's help Garcia found a seat and sat nervously on the edge.

"As I was saying, I think a trip like that would be good for all of us; not just the boys," Rossi said. Hotch rolled his eyes.

"And you really think Strauss is going to give us anymore holiday?"

"Let me talk to her," Rossi Mumbled with a smirk. Garcia glanced around and a natural frown formed on her face when she didn't see the smallest family member.

Henry threw Jack's coat at him and pulled on his own.

"Come on!" He insisted as he pushed open the back door and gestured to the garden. Jack looked up and out the window. He gulped nervously and shook his head.

"Please!" Henry whined. "We don't have to play soccer... we can play baseball," he added hopefully. Jack's stood abruptly and scurried down the hall to the stairs. Henry hung on the door handle; his mouth had fallen open in confusion and disappointment.

"I'll go after him," Hotch said and he chased after Jack's thundering foortstsps. Morgan saw Henry glance outside and then back inside miserably.

"I'll come play some soccer," he offered. Morgan stood up and shuffled up to the door. Henry sized him up with his eyebrows pinched together.

"Okay, but you have to be nice because I'm smaller," Henry warned slyly. He jumped out of the threshold with a wild giggle and after yanking on his coat Morgan rolled his eyes at the team before stepping out into the bitter afternoon chill.

Hotch came back in with a grimace.

"He okay?" JJ asked.

Hotch sighed. "He doesn't want to go outside, let alone play. I think it's going to take some time. He's watching his wrestling DVD in our room."

"Poor kid," Rossi muttered.

"I hope this doesn't stop him playing baseball," Emily mumbled.

"He'll be his usual self in no time," JJ replied hopefully. Hotch gave her a sad smile.

"Where's Spence?" Garcia asked quickly.

"He's still sleeping."

Garcia's huffed in relief.

"He's been alsleep for a while," Rossi murmered.

"He was concussed, they said he'd need a lot of rest," Hotch shrugged. "He missed out on a good amount of sleep and considering how much he needs-"

"He's just catching up," JJ finished.

"Can I just have a quick peek?" Garcia pleaded. "I just need to make sure he's okay."

JJ and Hotch exchanged a quick look before he nodded and waved her away with a smile.

"Try not to wake him."

Garcia leapt from her seat and rushed to the staircase. She held her chest where her broken ribs felt as if they were rattling against each other. She tenderly raised her foot onto the first step and then the next.

When Garcia had scaled the staircase she paused holding her chest where a painful throb resonated. She heard quite noise coming from the master bedroom. "-out of nowhere!" The commentator shouted. She rolled her eyes and once she'd caught her breath, she staggered to the room with an 'S' hanging off the handle- waiting to be glued on. She grabbed the handle and slowly opened the door. She hopped inside where a nightlight was casting soft blue light against the wall. Her eyes drifted to the rooms emptiness in comparison to Henry and Jack's messy, toy filled rooms. The bookshelf was partially filled with books of varying thicknesses and colours. The foot of the bed had 3 stuffed animals: the dinosaur and teddy bear she had got him and his build a bear. The sheets were a simple light blue which must have once been Henry's or Jack's. Benath them Spencer lay sprawled out like a starfish. His thumb was firmly in his mouth and his cheek rested on the stuffed rabbit.

Garcia felt tears prickle her eyes at the sight of his bruises, bruises she might as well have caused. His lip was split and a bruise patterned his forehead; in the center of which sat 2 butterfly stitches that held together a small gash. Garcia sunk to her knees and her fingers instantly found his face. They trembled over his cheek before touching it tentatively. Spencer mumbled in his sleep but didn't wake. She stroked his arm gently and smiled at the tiger onesie that he must have been forced in.

She wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him and squeeze but she knew that would have painful consequences for them both.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. She brushed his hair out of his eyes and planted a kiss on his forehead before she reluctantly left the room. She had to stand with her back to the wall for a moment, allowing herself a chance to compose and wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes.

When she got back downstairs Morgan was rubbing his cheek painfully.

"Henry, what do you say?" JJ said. Henry put his hands behind his back and hung his head apologetically.

"I'm sorry I hit you with the soccer ball, uncle Derek. I was only trying to score," he protested, but JJ raised her eyesbrow seriously and his eyes fell to the floor again.

"That's okay," Morgan grinned and dropped his hand although his cheek still stung painfully from where the ball had smacked him.

"Oh, I'm sure he can recover," Emily sneered. "He's just being a baby," she whispered and Henry giggled wildly. Morgan grumbled something about payback.

"Are you upsetting my chocolate Adonis?" Garcia chided.

"He's a big boy; I'm sure he can take it," Emily added.

The team talked for hours and Rossi even set up a short game of cards that ended with Emily winning and Morgan throwing his cards on the table and using a word that Henry had been sure to store at the back of his mind for future reference.

JJ checked on Spencer who continued to sleep like a baby, while Hotch threw together some food for Jack and Henry. Jack retreated back into the master bedroom whereas Henry scattered his Lego across the carpet and sat in the middle of the mess, constructing 'houses' from his random pieces.

Garcia was waiting for the right moment to lay out her plans and after Hotch had been sweetened by a cookie she set to work.

"Okay, let's talk about my little angel's birthday party." Henry's ears pricked up eagerly. "We're reorganising for tomorrow," Garcia put in.

"Isn't it a bit soon?" JJ mumbled.

"He's going to think we missed it. Besides you guys need Family right now so what better time than now to have a party? He needs it," she insisted. Her mind was already whirring around what she was going to get from Walmart: balloons, cake... not just any cake, it had to be an ice cream cake. Party food, banners-

Her thoughts were interrupted suddenly by Hotch. "Fine, but if you intend to make a mess you will be staying to clean it."

"Yes sir!" She squealed. "I'll come over at 10 then."

JJ groaned.

"I take it we have the day off?" Emily raised her eyebrows at Hotch

"Strauss gave us the whole week."

"My, my, She is getting generous," Rossi chuckled.

"Don't expect me to be here early," Morgan grunted, but Garcia laughed and patted his cheek patronising.

"Oh no no, muscle man, you'll be coming shopping with me and I'll need you to be my lift," Garcia retorted. Morgan rubbed his face and moaned.

"Really? Can't Emily be your lift tomorrow?"

"Yes, but I'm not on Emily's way here so that just wouldn't make sense," she replied and Emily sent Morgan a smug smirk.

"Fine, but do I have to come shopping with you?"

"Well, answer me this: what did you get Spence for his birthday?" Garcia folded her arms as did JJ and Emily, all three of them giving Morgan an interrogative stare. Morgan opened his mouth and a jittery sentence escaped.

"I-I uh... I was... um."

"That's just what I thought," Garcia said. "Come on."

"What now?"

"Yes, it will take way too long to do in the morning." This only made Morgan groan louder.

"We'll see you guys tomorrow...I guess," he grumbled. Rossi saluted him like a brave soldier going off to war as Garcia tugged him out the door.

"See ya!" Emily called, winking playfully at JJ.

"He's going to have fun," Hotch said sarcastically.

"I best get home and finish some writing if we're having a party tomorrow," Rossi said heaving himself from his seat with a huff.

"A new book?"

"Oh yea, this ones about the 'Garcia effect'," the Italian joked.

"I'd read that," Emily snickered; JJ nodded in agreement.

"Currently I'm at the hypothesis that it has deverstating effects on those exposed to it; it's incurable."

"If that's the case then Morgan's the first victim," JJ said.

"I take it you've done one on the 'Reid effect' already?" Hotch deadpanned, raising his eyebrows at Rossi.

"That's for another day," he chortled. He took his coat and gave a departing wave.

"I won't be here as early as those two, but I'll be here tomorrow," he added.

"Bye."

"Bye uncle Dave!" Henry called after him before turning back to his Lego.

"I think that's my cue," Emily sighed. She got to her feet as did JJ and they embraced with ardour.

"You're okay?" She murmured. JJ nodded; her teeth gritting down on her lip. "If you're sure," Emily glanced at Hotch before continuing. "You look after them."

"Who made you Unit chief?" He laughed.

"You wait," Emily smirked evilly.

"I'll be waiting a long time."

"In the meantime I'm going to have a lie-in tomorrow," Emily announced and she smiled to herself at the very thought.

"You and me both," JJ sighed.

When the house was free of visitors JJ turned to Hotch and leaned into his chest. She placed her head over his heartbeat.

"I was so scared... when he took me away," she whispered.

"So was I," Aaron whispered back. JJ looked up into her partners eyes and found them red and watery.

"I'm never letting them o-or you out of my sight," he muttered. JJ was going to protest that the boys still had to go to school or to Will and Haley's, but she was too tired so she carried on swaying with him.

"Can we just go to bed?" She asked.

"Yea...Yes, of course."

He helped her upstairs and to the bedroom, shooing Jack out and into his own room while he was at it. He soon had both boys in their room, allowing them half an hour free time before bed considering how early it was.

He stuck his head into Spencer's room and found him curled up on his bed.

When he got to his bedroom he found JJ lay in the same position. He slipped in beside her and let his eyelids droop closed.

Hotch sighed when he felt a hand touch his face. He slowly drew his eyes open and saw Jack's watery eyes looking back at him.

"C-can't sleep," he whispered and a tear rolled down his cheek. Hotch opened the sheets and patted the bed and Jack was happy to oblige as he shimmied up onto the bed. He sighed in relief when he snuggled against his father. Hotch put an arm around him to pull him closer and did the same with JJ. Within minutes they were fast asleep again.

It didn't last long this time.

"Mummy?" Henry's small voice echoed from JJ's side. She rolled out of Hotch's embrace and squinted at the small boy.

"It's late Henry," she murmered, surpressing a yawn.

"Spencer's having a-" Henry interrupted himself with his own yawn. "A nightmare."

JJ sat up and wiped her face, but Hotch quickly pushed her back down.

"I'll check on him," he insisted.

"But-"

"You need your rest too. Consider me the maid for the next week," he whispered. JJ laughed and fell back against the pillows. Hotch got up causing Jack to whine.

"I'll be back in a minute, buddy. Climb on in, Henry," Hotch whispered with a defeated sigh. Henry eagerly clambered in and crept up to JJ's side.

Hotch grinned and hurried into the hallway where he could hear quiet whimpers coming from Spencer's room. He nudged the door open and saw Spencer writhing around on the mattress; the sheets and stuffed animals were thrown across the floor.

"No," he begged, his eyes darted back and forth under his eyelids as if searching for something.

"Spencer," Hotch mumbled, poking the boy's side gently.

"'Top... peas."

"Spencer, it's me," Hotch shook him and like a blind Spencer's eyelids flew up.

"Daddy!" He gasped, throwing himself up and into Hotch's arms. Hotch caught the boy and held him close as he panted. He muttered reassurances to the little tiger in his arms. He wondered what possessed Rossi to make such an exuberant purchase.

"He-He's go-gon-na get Jack and Henwy! A-an-and m-m-Mummy," Spencer squeaked.

"No he won't, shhhh, he won't get you- any of you," Hotch muttered. Spencer pressed his face into Aaron's neck and he felt the boy's panting ease.

Hotch stood up, Spencer still in his clutches and he slowly made his way from the room. He rubbed Spencer's back and Spencer closed his eyes and took advantage of the comfort that he'd been neglected of for over 20 years before he came to live with JJ and Hotch.

Hotch stepped back into the bedroom still rubbing Spencer's back. JJ's eyes were still open an inch and she patted the space between her and Jack. Hotch exchanged a look with JJ that said 'only this once,' she winked in return.

Hotch held Spencer for a minute more to be sure he had calmed down and he placed the two year old in the middle of the bed.

Hotch hopped beneath the duvet and felt Jack and Spencer snuggle against him, instantaneously seeking his warmth and safety.

He found JJ's hand when he put an arm around Spencer and he squeezed it lovingly.

Next chapter is Spencer's birthday! Woooo! Can't wait to write that.

Sorry if this feels rushed. I keep doing that! My apologies.

Please review. Sorry for delay, I have a week left on my coursework so I've been a tad busy, but it's half term this week, so hopefully I'll get chapters out quicker.

Thanks for reading and for all of your continued support.

See you soon!