Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed. Wind howled and rain fell so hard, one would practically need a diving suit to go outside. What a way to spend a Friday night.
Hotch heard another booming sound as he sorted through paperwork. He wondered how on Earth Jack slept through the storm. His son didn't have much fear of thunder and lightning unlike most kids, or as Hotch thought; Because he takes after me.
He smiled as he recalled Jack on Halloween, dressing up in a suit like him because he is 'a real hero'. A father couldn't be any happier with their child. It was then Aaron frowned. Something was amiss. Jack was safe and sound on the couch next to him and Hotch himself was doing his favorite hobby, paperwork. Another flash of lightning and the BAU leader realized what felt wrong.
Spencer, his 'other son' wasn't here, he was at home by himself in this storm. He knew all too well he had fears of weather like this, and being alone probably wasn't doing him any favors.
Hotch had offered just to drive him after they got off work, but Reid insisted on walking. He had said he was going to write a letter to his mother and then come over. That was before the storm started. He gazed at his watch, 10:37 PM.
The Unit Chief swallowed at the thought of the youngest of his team, heading to his house, on foot, in this storm. He sighed, wishing he had been more persistent about the ride. Memories of a week ago ran through his mind, when he had been fortunate enough to see him before he drove by and missed him.
He couldn't just go out and see if he was on his way over, he didn't want to wake Jack and he wouldn't leave him alone either, even if he was sleeping. He could try Spencer's cell phone. Before he had a chance to reach for his phone, the door opened as another flash of lightning struck and lit up the night sky.
Reid entered the house, clad in a yellow raincoat and carrying an upturned umbrella. Hotch breathed a sigh of relief. Spencer gave a nervous smile and fixed his umbrella before slipping off his coat and settling it on the coat hanger.
"You had me worried, son." Hotch said before returning to his paperwork.
"I lost my umbrella a couple times to the wind." The younger man blushed as he wiped his shoes and slipped them off onto the rug.
"Well, come in and warm up." Aaron smiled, turning briefly to face the still blushing genius.
Spencer nodded and closed the door, he carefully sat down on the couch. Hotch put down his paperwork and folded it into a neat pile on the coffee table, then grabbed the remote control and turned on the TV. He noticed the younger man shivered and jumped slightly after thunder rumbled once again. Jack only stirred, but remained asleep.
The BAU leader was having trouble finding anything good on the TV. Star Trek wasn't on for Reid, and Law & Order wasn't on for him. The movie channels seemed to be lacking of anything interesting. Hotch didn't have much for DVDs either. As the older man went for another go-round through the TV guide, a show titled "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior" caught his eye. He turned it on and sat the remote down. He eventually turned the TV back off.
Hotch frowned when he saw Spencer was still shivering. He got up from the sofa, grabbing his paperwork and went upstairs. He put the paperwork in his office then headed to his bedroom and changed into pajamas. He gathered a pair of sweatpants and another one of his "F.B.I." shirts along with his thick blue comforter and made his way back downstairs.
Jack finally awoke after Hotch handed the still shaking young profiler the clothes and sat back down. Spencer said a quiet "Thanks" and went into the bathroom. Once the door closed, Hotch turned to a dozy Jack.
"Sleep well, buddy?"
"Yeah, daddy." The small boy rubbed his eyes. He scanned around as if having developed a sixth sense. "Is Spencer here?"
"Yes, he is." Hotch gave a hint of a smile.
"Where is he?" Jack asked, excited.
"He's in the bathroom getting in pajamas."
Jack grinned, then frowned as he looked out the window. The pouring rain, the howling wind and flashes of lightning.
"He must be wet and cold." Jack said sadly. Aaron nodded a little.
"He is, but I know what will make him feel better."
"Really? What?" The young child brightened up.
"You shall see. Come on." The Unit Chief gestured for his son to follow him to the kitchen. Hotch put water in the coffee maker and started it up while Jack retrieved the container of Nestle Rich Chocolate flavored cocoa from the cabinet. Aaron grabbed three coffee mugs and poured the now hot water in them. He scooped the hot chocolate powder from the container and into the three cups and stirred them. Jack made sure his father put enough in each mug so the flavor would indeed be 'rich'.
Hotch and his son went to the fridge. The older man grabbed the container of whipped cream while Jack reached for the bottle of Hershey's chocolate syrup. The BAU leader took a spoon and put a scoop in the three coffee cups. He took the chocolate syrup from Jack and dazzled each mound of whipped cream with a few swirls of the sugary goodness. He gave the bottle back to his youngest son and had him return it to the fridge. Hotch opened a cupboard and found a small container of rainbow sprinkles.
He decorated each of the three piles of whipped cream and chocolate syrup, giving them a very irresistible appearance. It looked like something off of a cooking magazine.
Jack smacked his lips at the sight of the deliciousness. Hotch handed a cup to him and carried the other two. They went back to the living room and sat their 'dessert in a cup' on the coffee table. As if on cue, the bathroom door opened and Spencer came out wearing the clothes Hotch had given him. He was still shivering and he looked frightened as thunder broke the very brief silence.
Reid swallowed and hurried over to the couch. He sat to Hotch's left while Jack was sitting on the other side. He noticed the three coffee mugs on the table, filled with hot cocoa he assumed. It was hard to tell as it was topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and colorful sprinkles.
Hotch handed two cups to Spencer and Jack, then grabbed his own. Another crash of lightning caused Reid to draw closer to Aaron, Jack did the same, even though he wasn't really afraid of the storm. The Unit Chief noticed the skinny man to his left was shivering still. He used his free hand to pull up the thick comforter and settle it over himself and his two boys.
Another rumble of thunder, the loudest they'd heard tonight, emitted from above, causing both Spencer and Jack to snuggle even closer to Hotch until they reached the limits. The two young men relaxed once they had the safety of the cozy blanket wrapped around them and they were leaning against Aaron.
The BAU leader smiled as he took another sip of his drink. He allowed himself to let out of a sigh of content. Jack and Spencer both took small, savoring gulps of their hot cocoa.
"Thanks, daddy." Jack spoke after taking another swig.
"Thank you, Hotch." Spencer said softly.
"You're welcome, boys." Aaron smiled. Reid's face turned red.
As the storm rampaged outside, a man and his two sons snuggled on the couch, enjoying cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and rainbow sprinkles.
Today has been a good day for Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner. He couldn't wait till another one came around as they all finished their drinks and their eyes slowly drooped shut.
The End, but not really.
Craving hot chocolate yet?
Note: I am now accepting any ideas or suggestions you wish to share. Sadly, I'm a little low right now... :P