Thank-you to all my faithful readers and reviewers. You make my day! Votes will be taken on William Reid's fate until Valentine's Day. I must say I like where they are going.

Warning: Excessive cuteness. Disclaimer-I do not own Criminal Minds and am making no profit.

Chapter 8

Just before midnight, David Rossi got off the elevator for the Pediatrics floor, and headed toward Spencer's room. Just before he reached the door, Nurse Ann caught his elbow, stopping him. "Get your phone ready to take a picture," she grinned. "My CNA just told me there is a Kodak Moment in there."

The two silently entered the room, phones at the ready, and had to stifle their instinctive responses of "AAAWWWWW", each quickly capturing the scene before them: Spencer had, sometime during the night, crawled out of his bed and into Hotch's lap. He was currently curled up in Hotch's cradling arms, one arm around Hotch's neck and the other thumb in his mouth. Precious didn't even begin to cover it.

Nurse Ann reluctantly disturbed the blissful scene, as it was time to check the boy's vital signs as well as start a new IV dose of antibiotics. Hotch awoke instantaneously at Anne's shoulder shake, and grinned as he took in his new son snug in his arms. "Take a…" he started. "Already did" smirked Dave. "Thanks" Aaron whispered, as he carefully got up and resettled the sleeping child in his bed.

"Daddy" the boy whimpered, then fell back to sleep, clutching onto his giant bear. The nurse gently took his blood pressure and temperature, then injected a small amount of medication in his IV port. "He has a bit of a fever, so I gave him something the doctor ordered to bring it down. It will help a bit with the pain too. But if he gets restless or seems to be in pain let me know. It would be best for him if he could sleep til breakfast and the doctor ordered pain medication if he needs it." She instructed 'Uncle Dave'. "Now You, Daddy, follow me" and she led Aaron out the door as he looked back at the sleeping child and Rossi waved his arms at him dismissively with "Don't worry, I got it! See you later."

Nurse Ann led Aaron to a small room off the main hall. "This is where the intern on duty usually sleeps but he is off tonight. I had a feeling you wouldn't want to leave, so sleep here OK? I'll wake you up before I leave for the night."

"Thank-you! I will take you up on your offer. You've been so good to both of us, and I can't express how much I appreciate your kindness." Hotch said. "Just take good care of that sweet boy and we are even" Ann responded.

6 hours later

"Daddy Hotchner, wakey wakey" came Anne's amused voice as she stood by the cot, large cup of coffee in hand. She handed it over and sat in a chair next to the blinking agent. "Spencer slept through the rest of the night. Agent Rossi noticed he was restless so I gave him some pain meds at 2. His fever is down, so the antibiotics are working. Jeanette is going to be your day nurse, and I'll be giving her report in a few minutes. Don't hesitate to call her if you need anything-she's a great nurse. I'll be on again tonight, so I guess I'll see you at 7. Any questions?"

"Yes" responded Hotch, "Will the pediatrician see him today? Is there any kind of precaution I should know about?"

"Yes, the doctor makes rounds at 10, so you should see her between 10 and 11. Spencer can go to the bathroom to toilet, but he will need help on account of the leg cast. He is still dehydrated and malnourished, so encourage him to drink water and he can have a snack between each meal-just ask the CNA-I think it is Bonnie, and she will get him something. Anything else?" inquired the nurse.

"No, that sounds great" responded Hotch. "I will be having someone on his door at all times and one of the team at bedside until we catch the remaining 3 pedophiles. We will stay out of the way for any treatments, of course, but the agent will need to go with him for any tests or x-rays."

"Of course, no problem. And I'll make sure the day shift is aware of everything. Anything to keep that precious boy safe." Smiled Ann, as she exited the sleep room.

Aaron appreciatively sipped his coffee, and got his bearings. Then, he walked back to Spencer's room and slipped in the door. He found Rossi thumbing through a magazine at Spencer's bedside, sipping his own cup of coffee. "I tell you, if she wasn't already married I'd start courting the next Mrs. Rossi." Observed Dave, as Hotch pulled up a chair beside him. "Ann? I hear you" Hotch grinned. "How did he do last night?"

"Pretty good-a little fussy around 2 so she gave him some medicine and he's been quiet the rest of the night. Let me guess on the bear-Garcia?" "Oh yes," responded Hotch, "and who knows what she is going to do after she sees that picture you took last night-don't try looking innocent, I know better."

Dave spread his hands wide. "Waddayu expect-it was adorable. So, what's the plan for today?"

"I want to be here when the pediatrician comes late morning, so I'll take the next shift, then Morgan at Noon. I need to make an appearance at the precinct, and see where we are. I'll take 6 to midnight and I want you for 12 to 6. I need JJ and Prentiss focusing on the investigation." Outlined Aaron. "And…" prompted Rossi. "And Spencer has seen women to be victims also. He is going to feel safer with a man than a woman at this point. Besides, we may be looking at a connection with the Russian mob. Emily speaks Russian, and has some familiarity with the culture. She will be most valuable taking point on that aspect of the case." defended Hotch.

"So, have you called Jessica yet?" prodded Rossi with a raised eyebrow. "No" admitted Hotch, taking a deep breath. "How do I tell her I am bringing home a big brother for Jack? She has been a Godsend after losing Haley, and I don't want her to feel taken advantage of, but how do I not take Spencer home? He has bonded to me, and I admit that I already love him. He's so sweet and brave, and he has endured so much, yet has compassion for others. You know that the Foster Care system would tear someone like him to pieces and I can't allow it! If I have to, I'll hire a live-in nanny. But I know what I must do."

"Well, I wouldn't count Jessica out yet, but if you go the nanny route, I'll have Mama Rossi help you with the screening. Know that I'm with you all the way Aaron, and I'm willing to bet so is the rest of the team." counseled Rossi.

"I know-and thanks. Go get some breakfast and head to the precinct, see if Garcia has made any headway. I think you are right that the answer lies in the difference between victims number 1-23 and the last four victims. We just need to find what that difference is." mused Hotch.

Hotch switched to the 'comfy' chair as Rossi exited and sipped his coffee as he gazed upon the sweet, peaceful face of the sleeping child. "It's going to be alright Spencer" he thought to himself, "It's all going to work out fine."