A New Journey Ficlet's

Summary: Derek, Spencer, and Kyle's journey of adoption, parenting, and bonding. Enjoy these Brief interludes from the "A New Journey" universe. These brief interludes can be read separately from the main story.

Disclaimer:I do not own nor am I affiliated with Criminal Minds or CBS. I also have no connections with social services or any adoption agencies.

Ficlet One: Hero's Week

Kyle Age 5 and a half: Reid-Morgan Household

"Did you get your pajama's on or do you need some help?" Spencer asked, from just down the hall of Kyle's room.

"I got them on all by myself Daddy!" Kyle exclaimed, his chest puffing slightly with pride. A look Derek would get often.

"What about the braces?" Spencer asked, knowing they were still on from the slight bulge beneath his favorite footy pajamas that Grandma Morgan got him.

"No, I couldn't get them of Daddy." Kyle responded.

"Okay, scoot over here." Spencer said, unzipping the legs of his pajamas and removing the leg braces that assisted his son in walking.

"Alright, there we go. Did you pick your book out already?"

"This one Daddy," Kyle said scooting back in bed and pulling his covers up.

Spencer wrapped his long arm around him and opened the book; His soft voice flowing throughout the room as he began the story.

"Little Nutbrown Hare, who was going to bed, held on tight to Big Nutbrown Hare's very long ears. He wanted to be sure that Big Nutbrown Hare was listening. 'Guess how much I love you,' he said.

"Oh I don't think I can guess that," said Big Nutbrown Hare.

'This much,' said Little Nutbrown Hare, stretching out his arms as wide as they could go.

Big Nutbrown hare had even longer arms. 'But I love you this much,' he said….."

As Spencer continued to read Kyle snuggled deeper in his father's arms.

"Then Little Nutbrown hare had a good idea. He tumbled upside down and reached up the tree trunk with his feet.

'I love you all the way up to my toes!' He said.

'And I love you all the way up to your toes,' said Big Nutbrown Hare, swinging him up over his head…"

By this time in the story Kyle's eyes were growing heavier and heavier as he stuggled to make it through the story.

"Then he looked beyond the thorn bushes, out into the big dark night. Nothing could be farther than the sky.

'I love you right up to the moon,' he said, and closed his eyes.

'Oh, that's far,' said Big Nutbrown Hare.

'That is very, very far.'

Big Nutbrown Hare settled Little Nutbrown Hare into his bed of leaves. He leaned over and kissed him good night.

Spencer said, closing the book gently and kissing his son on the forehead. He got up and turned before leaving the room and finished the story from memory,

"Then he lay down close by and whispered with a smile, 'I love you right up to the moon—and back."

I really hope that you enjoyed this very sweet ficlet! I love this book and this scene just came to me when I looked at my bookshelf after work. The title is, "Guess How Much I Love You," by Sam McBratney. A favorite from my childhood and many of your own I suspect!

Again, this one is unedited. I will re-post as soon as it has gone through the beta!

Finally, the next ficlet may be a Derek and Kyle bonding moment. Suggestions are welcome; just leave them in the review I know you are going to submit! Also, check out the inspiration to these ficlets, "A New Journey."

R&R

Auntiem911

P.S. Updates, pics, and fun tidbits can be found on the stories tumblr page!

Tumblr: anewourney. tumblr (remove spaces)