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

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On with the chapter!

Enjoy!

Previously:

Hotch found Spencer in his arms yet again. He was completely beat after his exciting day and the crying had only made him more groggy.

The boy gripped him tightly and Hotch could feel the toddler's faint smile against his skin

"I know what you're doing," Hotch muttered as he shifted Spencer onto his hip. Spencer's only response was to snuggle further into his arms. Hotch sighed. He didn't know whether he could keep up Spencer's punishment.

The team had got another case that next day and so Spencer was left with Sean once again.

They had a chilled out day the first day. Sean taught Spencer a secret handshake which seemed to be the only eventful thing that day, aside from Sean making constant phone calls, talking politely and hanging up and swearing under his breath.

Spencer was too busy practicing the handshake to notice.

He decided not to test Sean. It seemed to work out in his favour when the older man rewarded him with an ice lolly (ice cream was off the menu) at the end of the day.

The next day they had a pyjama day and Haley dropped Jack off after school.

"Jack!" Spencer cried, dashing over and pulling the older boy into a hug.

Haley smiled to herself and helped carry Jack's model of the solar system into the house.

"Hi, Sean," she called to the older man who was trying to clean up the mess in the kitchen that was the result of cheese toasties.

"Hi. Thanks for dropping him off."

"That's okay. Tell Aaron that we still need to discuss Jack's arrangement for Christmas," Haley huffed as she pushed the model onto the kitchen table.

"Will do. Isn't that another month away?" Sean asked with a soft frown.

"It's better to get things organised when it comes to this family," Haley added and she leaned down and pecked Jack's cheek.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Okay, sweetheart?"

"Okay, Mommy," Jack mumbled as he bent down to look under the kitchen table.

"Uh...what ya lookin' for Jacko?" Sean asked.

"We're playing hide and seek. Spencer's really good at it," Jack murmured as he got on his hands and knees and lifted the tablecloth. Haley rolled her eyes and gave Sean a sympathetic look.

"Good luck," she laughed, then as she started to leave she turned back and called, "bye, Spencer!"

"Bye!" Came a small voice from behind the dining room door.

"Found you!" Jack cried, sprinting over to the door and yanking it to reveal a small boy with a look of defeat on his face, his cheeks flushed pink.

"Enjoy them" Haley put in as she swept out of the front door.

"Thanks..." Sean muttered as Spencer covered eyes and started counting.

"Won, two, fwee, fouw..."

Sean had to give the toddler credit as he didn't once peek through his tiny fingers.

At the end of the day, after a conveniently clean bowl of spaghetti, Spencer found himself curled up on the couch, his head leaning on Sean's knee and his thumb in his mouth. They watched the first Harry Potter film which Spencer seemed to fall in love with after 5 minutes. Jack had lifted Spencer's legs and laid them in his own lap and whenever Spencer was deeply engrossed he'd tickle the socked feet and cause the boy to whine irritably and pull his little legs in, but he'd forget and stretch out again, allowing the whole process to repeat until Spencer was too groggy to care. The film finished and Sean dragged Spencer up into his arms and carried him off to bed but not without the boy pleading to watch 'just five mowe minutes.'

Once the toddler was in bed Sean put on Jack's wresting programme and helped him pack his bag for school.

"Hey, Jack, can I tell you a secret?" Sean asked as he double checked they'd packed all the pencil crayons that Jack and Spencer had scattered across the floor from the colouring they'd done when they'd finished hide and seek.

"I like secrets! I'm really good at keeping them, Uncle Sean," Jack promised with an eager smile, enough to turn his attention off the TV.

"Okay. Don't tell anyone, including your mom," Sean cautioned and the boy nodded solemnly. "I am going to get a job tomorrow," Sean whispered confidently.

"Really!?"

"Hopefully. Which means that I'll be moving out soon-"

"Oh..." Jack mumbled sadly and he glanced back towards the TV.

"I'll stay close, buddy I promise, and I'll visit every week," Sean said and Jack glanced forlornly at him.

"But... we'll miss you."

"I'll miss you guys too, but I'm an adult and I have to have a job," explained Sean. "Do you wanna know what I'm gonna do?"

"Okay?" Jack whispered.

"I'll be fixing broken cars. You remember when I fixed your old man's car?" Jack nodded, his interest perked. "Yea, well tomorrow I just gotta show them what I can do and..." Sean leaned down with a smug smirk. "I think I'm pretty good at it."

"You'll do great, uncle Sean. But I want you to stay."

"Do you really want to live with my dirty socks for much longer?" Sean chuckled. "Besides, your little brother needs his room back. And you guys can come for sleepovers as much as you want."

"You promise?" Jack asked firmly.

"Hand on my heart."

Jack accepted this and collapsed into his uncle's arms.

"Right, go put your pyjamas on; you've got school tomorrow."

"Okay! Can we watch Harry Potter again tomorrow?"

"Your Mom's taking you home, but we'll wait to watch it with you. Now get going before I have to chase you," Sean warned and with a quiet shriek Jack leapt up and dashed out of the room. Sean chuckled to himself and picked up the mess on the floor that the boys had made.

Once done he yawne and bang making his own way to bed and to tuck Jack in.

Tomorrow's going to be good, he chanted.

Spencer woke up slowly and squinted at Henry's empty bed. He glanced down at the soft rabbit in his clutches and he stroked it carefully.

"Maybe Sean will let us watch that magic film again," Spencer mumbled to his rabbit and he wondered what house he'd be put in. "I'd lite to say Gwyffindw but I think I'd be in Wavenclaw," he added and then he giggled to himself at the fact he was speaking to a mound of fabric and polyester filler.

Sean blinked blearily at the soft yellow walls around him. He could hear quiet chatter from Henry's room and he smiled to himself. He heaved himself out of bed and stretched. Today's the big day, he thought happily as he made his way out of his room. He pressed his ear to the crack in Henry's door and listened with a smile playing on his lips.

"Auntie Pen would be Wavenclaw! Stwauss would be Slithewen," Sean head the boy giggle quietly at his own joke.

"Daddy would be Gwyffindow," Spencer mumbled, not noticing that he'd called Hotch his father without any need to do so. Sean smiled, his heart going out to the sweet boy. "Mummy... um... Gwiffindow, definitely. She's Weally bwave. Sean would be... um... Gwydindow... ow maybe Hufflepuff."

Spencer nodded to his rabbit and jumped suddenly when Sean stepped in. He cried out and hid behind his hands before frowning at Sean.

"I am not Hufflepuff, mister!" Sean announced and Spencer laughed.

"Otay! You'we a muggle!"

"Oh no, I'm not. Every Hotchner is a Gryffindor."

"What about me?" Spencer asked, an inquisitive look on his face.

"Like I said; every Hotchner; that includes you, little man."

Spencer beamed up at Sean and hopped off his bed, taking his rabbit with him.

"What house is your rabbit in?"

"Um..." Spencer put his fingers to his lips thoughtfully before he broke out into a smile. "He's Slithewin!"

"Oh. He doesn't look like a bad wizard."

"He is! He lites to 'teal cookies!" Spencer gasped and Sean chortled.

"Oh, I see! It was him!"

"Uh Huh! And you all blamed me!" Spencer tutted. Sean shook his head as he laughed.

"Come on, Spencer. We need to get changed," Sean said, putting his hands on his knees and grinning down at the confused, pyjama clad toddler. "Sorry, no pyjama day today," he added.

"Why?" Spencer asked curiously padding along behind the older man until they got back to his old room, dragging his rabbit along by his ears as they went.

"We're going out. I'm taking you...well, you'll see," Sean muttered. "Now are you going to pick your clothes or am I going to-" Sean was cut off when Spencer started rutting around in his drawers and withdrew an armful of clothing. He had a feeling Sean was going to take him to see the team. They must be back, he thought excitedly pulling off his top and struggling into a clean one. Sean helped him pull the top over his head but he got distracted by the phone which he had pressed to his ear.

"Yea, I'm heading past there anyway so I can drop him off. Are you picking him up tonight? Okay thanks," Sean said into the phone before pocketing it and helping to pull up Spencer's trousers. Spencer raised his eyebrows inquisitively.

"We've gotta take Jack to school first, Okay? Go wake him up while I change," Sean instructed. Spencer nodded eagerly and skipped out of the room. He gingerly pushed Jack's door open. Jack was lay on his bed playing a video game. He was half changed, quite literally: his jeans were pulled up but left undone and he only had one arm in his top.

"Come on, Jack. Uncle Sean is tating you to school," announced Spencer.

"Okay, tell him I'll be downstairs in just...one minute," Jack stuck his tongue out and smacked the buttons on his controller.

"Otay," Spencer bounced back out and waited patiently in front of his bedroom door where Sean was changing. Sean walked out and almost jumped at the sight of Spencer stood just outside. "I'm weady," Spencer said.

"Good Boy. Is Jack?"

"He's p'aying a video game, but he said he's almost finished."

Sean rolled his eyes and marched into Jack's room. Spencer waited with his arms behind his back until Sean came back out. He could hear Jack moaning but Sean quickly grabbed his hand and turned him around towards the stairs.

"Let's go grab some breakfast."

Sean was still unsure how to strap Spencer into the high chair contraption so he laid out the blue blanket on the front room floor, instructed Spencer to sit and gave him his bowl of cereal. Jack came down minutes later and started pouring his own bowl.

"Why are you taking me to school? I thought Mommy was taking me," he inquired curiously, looking up at his uncle.

"Well, I have a big day today...khm...remember?" He winked and Jack opened his mouth in realisation before he smiled and winked. "So I won't be staying home."

"Where's Spencer gonna go?" Jack asked in a hushed voice.

"I've sorted it," Sean winked at the young boy and Jack smirked and slurped up his cereal.

Spencer hopped in and gave Sean his bowl politely.

"Fanks, Sean," He squeaked.

"No problem, Little Dude. Are you guys ready?" He asked. Jack swallowed the last bit of his cereal and nodded, slinging his bag onto his back.

"Cool, let's get outta here."

Sean grabbed Spencer's bag which he had pre-packed and ushered the boys out of the house, locking the door behind him.

"Hop in, Jack," Sean said as he gave Spencer a boost into his bulky car seat.

"I tan do it," the smalol boy huffed as he wiggled his small frame into the seat. Luckily Sean vaguely knew how to buckle a car seat, or at least he was more knowledgeable in that field than he was with high chairs. Spencer helped him plug the straps together and they were soon on the road.

"Can't I stay with you guys tonight?" Jack asked as they passed a gas station.

"Sorry, Jacko, your Mom's taking you tonight. But I'll see you again real soon," Sean promised as he turned left onto a partly busy road.

"When is Mum and Dad back?" Jack asked. He glanced around the car and saw Spencer's stuffed rabbit hanging out of his bag so he grabbed it and handed it to the boy who was already quietly sucking his thumb.

"Uh... I'm not sure, bud. I'll get them to call you when they get home," Sean said as he pulled up in front of the school. He turned in his seat and smiled at his nephews. "We're here, Kiddo," he said. He offered his fist to the boy and Jack gave it a bump with his own. He reached over and ruffled his younger brother's hair disturbing him from his peaceful observation of the school grounds.

"See you soon," Jack said as he yanked open his door.

"Bye!" Spencer called after him.

"See ya, Jack!" Sean yelled, he then turned to Spencer with a big stupid grin plastered on his face. "Let's go have some fun," he muttered. Spencer bit his lip eagerly and bounced his legs against the car seat. He stared out the window as they ventured into unknown territory. He knew where they were as he had memorised it on maps but he had never been in the area. Sean was soon pulling into a parking lot and turning off the engine.

"Whewe awe we?" Spencer asked suspiciously.

"You'll see," Sean replied cryptically, jumping out of the car. Spencer waited for Sean to unlock him and set him on his feet. He glanced around and scowled. He doubted the team was here. Sean took Spencer's hand and slung the boy's backpack over his shoulder.

"Uncle Sean-" Spencer started but Sean was quick to interrupt him.

"You're gonna have so much fun, I promise."

This only made Spencer more anxious. They walked through the glass entrance and up to a counter.

"Hi," Sean said cheerfully. Spencer looked up at the receptionist in her colourful attire. She'd get on with Garcia, he thought.

"Hey, have you prebooked or-"

"Yes. It should be under Sean Hotchner. My nephew is Spencer Hotchner," Sean clarified and the bubbly receptionist scanned her computer. Spencer glanced around and saw kids; lots of kids. He gulped nervously as they ran around, chasing each other. Others were being more constructive and doing crafts and some were just sitting in a ball pit, throwing balls into the air and watching them fall. He gripped Sean's hand tighter.

"Ah, here he is. 4-hour session?"

"Yep, that's right."

"Are you planning on paying now or when you get back?" The receptionist asked. Sean reached into his pocket and pulled a credit card from his wallet.

"Uncle Sean, why awe we hewe?" Spencer whispered, tugging on the older man's hand.

"One sec, Spencer," Sean said as he paid on his card.

"Thank you, sir. Has Spencer been to daycare before?" The receptionist asked politely. Spencer froze.

"No, and he can be quite quiet...but then again, he can be a troublemaker too," Sean chuckled at memories of the past weeks. "Isn't that right buddy?"

Spencer just stared up at Sean, his eyes big and scared.

"He should fit right in. Let me just call Sandra."

"Uncle S-Sean," Spencer whimpered.

"What's up, bud?"

"Don't leave m-me hewe," Spencer pleaded and he felt his bottom lip quiver involuntarily. Sean knelt down and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Just the other week you couldn't wait for me to leave," Sean laughed. Spencer continued to gape at him with big brown eyes. Sean sighed. "Look, buddy, I have a job interview. I can't take you with me. I'm sorry. But you're going to have so much fun here!"

Spencer shook his head and backed away.

"Aw, come on, Spencer. Don't do this."

Just then a short skinny woman glided over, a huge smile on her lips.

"Hi Guys. I'm Sandra, I will be Spencer's personal 'buddy' today. We're gonna play and do whatever you want," she lowered herself to Spencer height. "Does that sound fun, sweetie?"

Spencer felt himself panicking and he shuffled backward and into the comfort of Sean's side. Sean pulled him forward roughly and gave his hand to Sandra, who had a surprisingly firm grip.

"First time?" Sandra mumbled and Sean nodded. "It's always the hardest. It's best if you just leave. He'll calm down."

"Okay. Spencer, I'm gonna go now. You be good for Sandra and I'll be back in no time," Sean said and he ruffled Spencer's hair. Spencer yanked his hand to try and get it from inside Sandra's but she wasn't letting up. "Here's his stuff," Sean put the bag down and with one last look and a reassuring smile from Sandra he straightened up and marched towards the door. He tried not to look back.

"Uncle Sean!" Spencer cried and he wriggled desperately to follow the only person he trusted at that moment.

"It's okay, honey, he'll be back," Sandra promised. She shrugged his bag on her shoulder and tried to coax him in another direction by tugging his hand. Spencer tugged conversely, trying to break away. Sean was almost to the door.

"Sean!" He yelled. He's going to leave me, he thought. He's going to leave me with strangers. Terrified tears leaked from the corner of his eyes and rolled slowly down his pink cheeks. "SEAN! Don't go! P'eas!" Spencer wailed.

Sandra, who could see that Spencer was attracting attention picked him up and hurriedly walked to one of the quiet rooms. Spencer clambered around in her arms and he saw Sean shut the door behind him. It was at that moment that he felt the same abandonment as he had at the tender age of 10 and again when Gideon left. His head dropped onto Sandra's shoulder and he sobbed.

3 hours 20 minutes later

Sean dug into his burger and moaned as the tender beef massaged his teeth before tempting his tongue. He was halfway through his burger and his celebrations when his phone started buzzing. He swallowed and accepted the call on speaker so he could continue to enjoy his delicacy.

"Sean here," he mumbled through a mouthful of beef burger.

"Sean, it's Aaron-"

"Oh hey, bro," he swallowed and smiled. "What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to let you guys know that we finished the case and we're heading home. We should be back in 2 hours," Hotch said. He paused. "Are you eating?"

"Hey, man, a guys gotta eat," Sean said in a muffled voice that was obstructed by food. "And that's great. I'm about to pick Spencer up. I have some big news for you all too."

"Wait. Did you say pick him up? Is he not with you?" Hotch's voice sounded tense and worried and Sean paused from taking another bite. He rubbed his hands together and sighed.

"Look, I know you said Spencer wasn't 'suited' to it, but what's the harm in trying. I also had to do something and he couldn't really tag al-"

"Where is he, Sean!?" Hotch's voice burst out angrily and Sean stared at the phone.

"He's at daycare."

3 hours 7 minutes earlier

"Hey, Spencer, Honey, don't cry. You're okay," Sandra said gently stroking a hand over the crying toddler's back.

"He'll be back soon. We're gonna play some games while he's away," she said, but Spencer refused to lift his head off her shoulder.

"I-I Don't w-wanna b-be hewe," he sobbed.

I know," Sandra cooed. Spencer looked up at her suddenly.

"You do?"

"Yea, I think anyone would be scared," she said and Spencer wiped his eyes on his sleeve.

I-I'm not scawed," Spencer insisted and Sandra couldn't help but smile.

"Of course you're not. You're really brave." She brushed his fringe from out his eyes and saw a set of golden brown irises looking up at her hopefully. She felt her heart melt just a little.

"Weally?" He whispered. He was now sat on her lap and the tears had stopped, although his cheeks were still damp.

"Sure. Now, Spencer, tell me what your favourite thing to do is?" She asked, hoping to keep him calm.

"I lite spending time with my family," he whispered and Sandra had to hold back a coo. She just wanted to pinch his cheeks and hug him tight.

"Maybe you can make some friends to spend time with," suggested Sandra but Spencer was quick to shake his head. "Okay um..." she glanced through the window at the other children, searching for an activity for him. "Do you like arts and craft?" Spencer didn't reply he was just staring up at her curiously. "How about painting?"

"I wanna go home," Spencer whined and Sandra instantly started rubbing his back. She felt like pinching the bridge of her nose and sighing but it wouldn't help the child.

"You're going home later. You know what I think your uncle would love? A painting. Do you think you can make him one?"

"I want mummy and daddy," he whispered without thinking. He did miss Hotch and JJ but he never thought he'd admit it.

"Let's make them a painting too," Sandra exulted and she stood up and hitched him onto her hip. Spencer didn't want to make a scene by screaming but he felt like it. He didn't know these people and last time he was with a stranger he hadn't fared well. He stuck his thumb in his mouth for comfort and clung to Sandra when they walked out of the quiet room into a zoo of noise.

"Hey, Sandra, Eddie needs a change, he's under you today, right?" Another woman in a similar uniform to Sandra- except her polo top was blue compared to Sandra's dark pink- hurried over with a boy who must have been 2 or 3, holding her hand and smiling mischievously.

"Yea he is; I'll take him now," Sandra motioned Eddie over and he scampered to her side and looked intrusively up at the boy in her arms.

"Who's this little guy?" The darker lady in blue uniform asked and she gave Spencer a huge smile.

"This is Spencer. It's his first time. We're about to go painting aren't we, honey?" Sandra poked Spencer's tummy and he couldn't help the awkward smile that appeared behind his thumb.

"I'll taken him while you sort Eddie out," the new woman reached for Spencer who jerked back and hid his face. "It's okay, baby," she cooed as she pulled him forcefully from Sandra's arms and into her own. Spencer squealed and tried to get back to Sandra but the new woman was strong and her arms were warm and soft.

"I'll be right back. Don't leave him, he's quite jumpy," cautioned Sandra as she hurried away with Eddie. Spencer gaped up at the new woman, taking in her name tag sticking out off of one her ginormous breasts, or at least that's what it looked like to a toddler. Her name tag read Angie.

"Hey, sweetheart, aren't you the cutest little thing?" Angie cooed as she lifted Spencer, who was too shocked by everything that was happening to complain, she had a good look at him and smiled, bringing him back in to her chest. Spencer wanted to squirm and whine and get out of her grasp... or at least the adult part of his brain wanted to. The toddler part enjoyed the woman's soft touch and it won over in the end as he laid his head on one of her breasts which felt better than his pillow. He could hear her heartbeat and it was warm.

"You wanna do some painting?" She asked, looking down at the comfy toddler. Spencer just nodded.

They got to an arts and crafts table but Angie didn't sit him in one of the chairs like the other children. She sat on the floor and put him in her lap. Spencer was grateful, he wasn't ready to lose her warmth. She pulled over a piece of paper and a tray filled with splodges of paint, most of the colours had been mixed together by the other kids who didn't seem to know the difference.

"There you go, baby, what are you gonna paint?" She asked.

"Um..." Spencer looked around momentarily as he thought. A dark thought struck him that would be sure to have him sent away from daycare, he could paint one of the victims from their last cases, who had her throat slit. Spencer shook his head knowing the consequences would probably be therapy and Sean would think he was disturbed. "Um..."

"Tiana, do not put that paintbrush in your mouth," Angie yelled at the 4-year-old who had stopped smacking a paintbrush covered in yellow paint and was lifting it to her mouth. The girl pouted but put the brush back on the page and continued painting. "Sorry, sweetie. What were you gonna paint?" Angie asked the boy in her lap. She stroked his wavy hair absentmindedly as he carefully picked up a clean paintbrush and dipped it in the blue (which had tinges of red, yellow and black swirled in.)

"The Tawdis," he mumbled, creating a smooth blue line down his page. His dipped it in the blue again and made another line before connecting both and creating a lopsided box.

"Tardis..." Angie frowned but when she saw Tiana trying to put the paintbrush in her mouth again she quickly forgot about it. "One second, sweetheart," she said, lifting Spencer and putting him on a seat. She pulled his paper and paint back in front of him before snatching the paintbrush from the girl.

"What have I told you..."

Her voice drifted off as Spencer continued to paint. This isn't so bad, he thought.

Present

"Aaron, calm down, Jesus."

"Calm down! Do you have any idea- do you not recall the conversation we had about what happened to Spencer barely a month ago?" Hotch shouted down the phone. The team exchanged worried glances.

"He needs to get over that, Aaron. He's two; two-year-olds go to daycare," Sean said as if it was no big deal. Hotch held the phone away from his ear and cursed.

"You're going to pick him up. Now." Growled Aaron.

"I paid for 4 hours, it's only been 3 and...a bit."

JJ grabbed the phone and put it on speaker.

"You better go get him, Sean," she hissed and Sean was silent for a moment at the coolness in her voice.

"It'll do him good. He can't be friends with his family forever you know. He needs to make some of his own-"

"SEAN!" Hotch snapped.

"If you're so worried why don't you come get him?" Sean retorted.

"It'll take at least 30 minutes to get back-"

"Perfect, you should get there just before his session ends. It's Brookside; you know, the one Jack used to go to. I'll see you there."

The dull beep from the phone signaled the end of the call. Hotch smacked it on the table and let out an angry growl.

"Come on," he ordered, ushering his agent's on the plane.

2 hours 50 minutes earlier

Spencer checked on his painting to see if it was dry.

"You wanna go play with the other kids?" Sandra, who was back, asked. Spencer glanced at the ruckus of children and gulped nervously. Sandra caught his reluctance and smiled. "You don't have to. Why don't we play dress up?" She asked and she reached into a box and pulled out a cowboy hat that fell over his eyes when she put it on his head. Spencer pushed it up and smiled.

"Cowboys used to weaw theiw clothes fow weeks without washing," Spencer blurted.

"Oh..." Sandra raised her eyebrows at the small boy who started rummaging around in the box.

This is like Halloween! He thought with excitement as he pulled out a small wig. He looked down and practically dived in to grab a pair of boots, that in no way would fit his tiny feet.

Sandra let him search around the box as she watched the other kids and helped them with their own activities.

When Spencer was finally finished he still had his cowboy hat on, but now it was accompanied with a stethoscope, a batman belt, a big pair of boots that he could barely move in and wand, which he tucked in his belt.

"Woah! You look great!" Sandra gasped. She couldn't understand how the toddler was able to pull off such a look.

"Fanks! I tatch the bad guys!" Spencer put in, grabbing his wand and waving it around dramatically as he'd seen characters in the film he'd watch do. If only I had a lightsaber, he thought. Sandra laughed, as did another daycare worker, this one in a lime green polo shirt. Spencer blushed and gave her a lopsided smile before he fisted his eyes and stifled a yawn.

"I think you'll have to wait to catch those bad guys," Angie, who had been watching closeby, said. She had Spencer's bag and he reached out for the rabbit in her hands a little possessivly. When he had it he held it to his chest and felt instantly calm.

Nearby another boy was rubbing his face tiredly, his nose running and his tongue darting out to lick his top lip where it was dripping.

"I'll deal with Eddie again. You think you can get Spencer settled? I wouldn't normally ask but he really doesn't like to be left alone," Sandra said in a hushed voice. The toddler in the cowboy hat lifted it up curiously as he watched the two women whispering.

"Sure. Come on, Spencer, let's take Mr Rabbit to the quiet room," Angie said and she held her hand out for Spencer who stepped out of his boots before taking the offered hand.

"Why?" He asked as he hurried along beside her.

"I think Mr Rabbit needs a nap."

"Um...his name's not Mistew wabbit," Spencer mumbled.

"Oh...what's his name?" Angie asked as they walked into the quiet room.

"Um... Dawin!"

"Darwin?"

"Uh Huh..." Spencer replied but he stopped himself explaining that it was after Charles Darwin. Definitely not something a kid says.

He ended up falling asleep in his outfit, minus the boots. He was in the quiet room again with a few other young children and he had his rabbit in his clutches once more. He hadn't wanted to fall asleep but when Angie had started stroking his cheek he couldn't keep his eyes open.

Present

"Hey, I'm Sean Hotchner. I've come to pick up my nephew Spencer," Sean said as he walked up to the receptionist. Angie who had been talking close by looked up and grinned.

"So you're the famous Sean I've been told about. I'm Angie," she extended her hand and Sean took it.

"Um, I thought Sandra was in charge of Spencer," he said nervously. Angie nodded eagerly.

"Oh yes, she was-is. She's with him now. Sandra!" She yelled. "Spencer's uncle is here!" She added she turned back to Sean and fluttered her eyelashes, she suddenly saw where the little boy got his good looks from.

"I hope he hasn't been too much trouble."

"Trouble? Oh god no. He's been an angel, we'll be sad to see that little cutie-pie go," she admitted.

"Really? He didn't cry or anything?" Sean inquired and Angie shook her head.

"He was a bit upset at first, but he soon settled down. He painted, he listened to the story. He even went straight down for a nap," she exulted. Sean too found himself smiling, he didn't understand what JJ and Aaron were so worried about.

Just then a loud squeal filled the room and Sean turned around just in time to see Spencer bounding towards him. He bent down just as Spencer barrelled into him. "Sean!" He cried.

"Hey, buddy! Did you have fun?" Sean asked, embracing the boy and pulling him back to get a look at him. There was blue paint in his hair and on his cheek.

"Uh-Huh. I missed you," Spencer admitted, hugging Sean again. All of his anger and animosity towards Sean had evaporated, he was just so glad to see him.

"Oh, I missed you too, little man."

"I was just telling your uncle what a good boy you were today," Angie said in an animated voice and Spencer smiled up at her and wrapped his arm around her leg.

"Fank you fow looting aftew me," he mumbled. He turned and did the same to Sandra and both women couldn't hold back their 'aw's.

"Sean!"

Sean and Spencer looked around at the familiar voice. Aaron marched in, a deep frown engraved in his brow.

"Daddy!" Spencer cried. He grabbed the paper from Sandra and dashed up to Hotch waving around the paper victoriously.

"We need to talk about this, Sean," Hotch snarled before he bent down and embraced Spencer with open arms. "I'm sorry you had to stay here," he whispered to Spencer as he held him close to his chest. Spencer pulled back and smiled.

"It's otay. I painted dis," Spencer lifted the picture and gave it to Hotch. Hotch grinned as he looked down at the lopsided blue box on the paper. He ruffled Spencer's hair.

"This is great, buddy. We'll put it on the fridge."

"Fanks," gasped Spencer, he grabbed it back and skipped up to JJ to show her. Hotch stood up and walked toward the daycare workers and he held his hand out for them to shake. Angie and Sandra exchanged a look before taking the formal man's hand.

"Thank you for taking care of him," Hotch said with a serious look on his face.

"It's what we do," Sandra replied with a wink.

"And please bring him again, he's so nice to have around; we'll give you a discount," pleaded Angie and this caused Hotch to break out into a chuckle.

"Uh...we'll uh...we'll have to talk about it, but thank you. I'm glad he was well behaved," Hotch stammered.

"An angel," Angie reiterated.

Hotch turned and he could hear Spence talking with animated eagerness to JJ, using his little arms to explain.

"...and I made uncle Wossi out of play dough and I even made Mudgie and he was owange and Wossi was puwple and-" he rambled in JJ's arms who could only listen with a pleased grin. Hotch was smiling broadly until his eyes skimmed Sean. His brow lowered suddenly and he glared at his brother.

"Look, he enjoyed himself," Sean said in his defense.

"And why did you leave him here?" JJ quizzed cutting into Sean's defensive speech. Sean smiled and cleared his throat.

"Well, I've only gone and bagged myself a new job," he raised his eyebrows and waited for Hotch and JJ's reactions. "Don't all celebrate at once," he laughed. Spencer was first to speak.

"Does that mean you'we not 'taying with us anymowe?" He asked quietly. Spencer suddenly realised that he didn't want Sean to leave, despite aiming to drive him out just that last week.

"Uh...maybe I should explain this when we get home," Sean said and he turned to Angie and Sandra and thanked them again.

"Seriously, if you need us we would love to have him here again," Angie added just to reinforce her point.

"I think they love you, Spence," JJ whispered as they stepped outside.

"They'we weally Nice," Spencer whispered back.

Sean got to his car and turned to his brother.

"I really was only trying to help him, Aaron. He's too nervy with new people, I just wanted to pull him out his shell," Sean said apologetically and Hotch waved him off.

"Just run those things past us next time. You're lucky he actually had fun," Hotch chuckled and he glanced at the happy boy in JJ's arms who was still chatting away about his day. "And I'm really happy for you."

"Yea, congratulations Sean, you didn't have to get one so soon; we like having you around," JJ said and Spencer nodded in agreement.

"Tell us all about it when we get back. We just have to get Henry," she added and she handed Spencer over to Sean.

I hope you guys enjoyed this update.

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See you n the next chapter.