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Sunlight shined through the windows of the quiet house, the young man on the couch shut his eyes tight to protect them from the unwelcome brightness. He yawned and stretched, then took the first deep breath in a week through his finally clear nostrils. He slowly opened his eyes to adjust to the morning light and looked around the peaceful home. He appeared to be the only one awake, and he debated on what to do. Watch TV maybe, but he didn't want to disturb the other two residents of the house. Make coffee, perhaps? He didn't want to get into his dad's- er, Hotch's stuff. A quick shower sounded nice though, but he'd still be making noise doing that.
How about a walk? He shuddered a little after recalling what happened last time he went for a walk, but now it was dawn, and today's forecast was "sunny". Besides, he had read that it's healthy to go for a walk, jog or run in the early morning. He finally settled on that and retrieved his own "F.B.I." T-Shirt and sweatpants he had worn here the first time, that had long since been washed and cleaned. He slipped on an orange sock and a black and gray striped one and then his converse shoes before exiting the house and breathing in the cool and crisp air. Heading down the sidewalk, he smiled as he looked around the silent neighborhood.
Back at the house, Hotch stirred as sleep eventually departed. He sat up and rubbed his face, then looked out the window. Giving his clock a brief glance, 7:31 AM, he got out of bed, tiptoed across the hall and carefully opened his son's bedroom door and peeked inside. Jack laid on his bed, safe and soundly asleep. Aaron closed the door gently and made his way downstairs to check on Spencer before making coffee. The Unit Chief was startled to find the couch, pillow and blankets completely vacant.
Going into "profiler mode", Hotch scanned around his living room. No signs of struggle or break-in, Reid's clothing and shoes were gone, making Aaron wonder if the younger man had just gone outside, but his cell phone, gun and credentials were still present, causing the BAU leader to tense again.
If someone had taken Reid, surely they wouldn't have wasted time to dress him, but if that was the case, then how the hell did they get into the house?
(Spencer Reid!)
He couldn't believe it, he let it happen again. He made a mental note not to get distracted, but that's what ended up happening anyway. He didn't bring his cell phone this time, but at least he knew where he was, but it was still rather far from Hotch's place. He could see the FBI Headquarters above the trees. How he managed to walk this far, he'll never know. He worked his eidetic memory, desperate to figure out how he ended up here, but he only came up with bits and pieces. He remembered leaving Hotch's street, eventually passing Morgan's house and his own apartment complex, then the street that lead to JJ and Will's. He went blank after Rossi's place until he found himself near the FBI building.
He sighed, knowing that Hotch may be worried about him, and he had no way to contact him. Hanging his head in embarrassment, he started to backtrack.
Hotch knew he shouldn't be jumping to conclusions, but knowing how vulnerable the youngest of his team can be, he didn't want to take any chances. He was tempted to call somebody, but today was Saturday, and they had a right not to be disturbed, unless a case came up. This wasn't a case, but it was on the urgent side, Hotch picked up his phone, wondering who to call and at the same time, was a little reluctant to call anybody at all.
He barely started on Derek's number before the front door opened, revealing a blushing Spencer as he stepped inside. Aaron breathed a sigh of relief as the young agent waved nervously before taking off his shoes.
"Sorry, Hotch. I know you were probably worried, but I just went for walk." Spencer started to babble.
"That's okay, Reid." Hotch assured. "But what took you so long?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Uh," Reid's cheeks got redder and redder. "I walked too far?"
"I see." Aaron couldn't help but chuckle, causing the young genius' face to no longer look white and pale. Hotch walked over and wrapped an arm around Spencer in a half hug. Reid smiled and accepted the gesture, he sighed with content before the older man spoke again.
"Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes, please."
The "father and son" walked to the kitchen where Hotch finally could start on making coffee, now that he knew Spencer was safe and not in the clutches of some horrible unsub. After filling the coffee maker with grounds and water, he turned to the taller man.
"What sounds good for breakfast?" Aaron asked.
"Chocolate chip waffles!"
Spencer nearly jumped out of his skin, while Hotch didn't even do so much as flinch when a whole new voice rang through the kitchen. The BAU leader left Reid to collect himself before walking over to Jack, who had a huge grin plastered on his face. The father knelt down until his face was level the with boy's.
"That actually sounds good, but we should ask our guest if that's okay." Hotch knew Reid would say "yes", even if that wasn't what he wanted to eat. Jack ran around him and over to where the other man was standing.
"Is it okay, Spencer?" The child asked, looking up at the young profiler.
"Yes, Jack." Spencer smiled. "It does sound good actually."
"Yay!" Jack cheered before running to the low cabinet and pulling out a box of pancake and waffle mix and handing it to his father. Hotch accepted the box before retrieving a bag of chocolate chips from a higher shelf.
"Why don't you two go watch TV while I make breakfast?" The Unit Chief suggested. Jack ran up to Spencer, putting the young man's hand in his own, urging him to come as he half dragged him to the living room. Aaron watched them disappear before getting to work.
After their morning meal, Jack asked Reid to play chess with him. During their game, Hotch could tell Spencer was trying to go easy on the boy, but was having trouble doing so. It wasn't until Jack managed to capture Spencer's queen, then trap his king with a rook and a bishop. His other pieces were also preventing any escape for his cornered king. Spencer gawked at the board, he didn't think he was going that easy on Jack.
"So, what are we doing today?" Spencer asked as he and Jack sat up the board again.
"I was actually thinking of inviting the team over for barbeque." Hotch said thoughtfully.
"Sounds good." Reid said softly. Jack smiled, excited to see the people who catch the bad guys with his daddy. His grin faded soon after he heard Spencer call checkmate. Hotch watched fondly as his two boys played. It warmed his heart dearly.
Once Hotch confirmed that all invitations had been accepted, he, Jack and Spencer began preparing for the evening. They sat up the picnic table and grill, Hotch made sure he had plenty of hot dogs and hamburgers, while Spencer and Jack worked on a macaroni salad from scratch. Aaron retrieved the plastic ware, cups and plates he rarely used and sat them up on the table.
Despite his efforts, the BAU leader couldn't help but laugh as he tried to break up a "macaroni fight" that suddenly erupted between the two young men, only to become the sole target. Hotch, as well as his kitchen floor, were now covered in elbow shaped pasta, which was hastily cleaned up.
When the evening came, Morgan was the first to arrive. After parking his car, he went up to the door and knocked. Jack eagerly opened the door for the dark skinned agent. Chuckling, Derek greeted the excited child and pat him on the head.
"Hey, Pretty Boy." Morgan said after laying eyes on the young doctor.
"Hi." Reid greeted back.
"You sleep here last night?"
Spencer froze after Derek's question. His bedding was still on the couch, and nobody on the team knew he had been staying at Hotch's for the past few weeks. He most certainly didn't want any of them getting wrong ideas.
"Um, I..." He trailed off, Morgan raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, he did." Hotch's voice was suddenly heard as he stepped into the room, causing both men to jump.
"Uh-huh!" Jack said enthusiastically. "He was sick, so me and daddy let him stay here."
"Sick?" Derek asked, slightly alarmed.
"It was just a cold." Reid mumbled sheepishly.
"Oh, okay." Morgan said with understanding. He half wondered why Reid hadn't gone to him if he was sick and in need of company, but Hotch is the one with his power of attorney after all, not him. He then remembered the kid saying that he was keeping Gideon as the second, even after he had walked out on all of them. That was a few years ago, and he figured by now, Spencer probably removed him.
A knock on the door drew Morgan out of his thoughts as Jack bounded towards it and opened it, revealing JJ, Will and Henry, who was still a little young for 'big boy' things. Jack was excited to see them nonetheless, though he couldn't recall seeing Will too many times before. Prentiss and Garcia arrived a short time later. Hotch wasn't sure who was happier to see who, Jack or Penelope. It was worth an inaudible chuckle anyway. As time passed, Aaron was about ready to let everyone start eating until Rossi finally arrived. The Senior SSA entered the house and greeted everybody.
"You're late, Dave." Hotch smirked.
"I'd like to call it 'fashionably late'." The veteran profiler smirked back.
The team sat down at the picnic table and had their dinner while talking amongst each other, then Garcia announced she brought "s'more ingredients", which made Jack all too happy. Hotch had to remind the technical analyst to go easy on the sugar for the boy, he wanted to be sure his son, and himself would sleep tonight.
Reid groaned as he messed up his third s'more. He finally managed not to completely fry it, but the gooey marshmallow slipped away from the chocolate and graham crackers and into his messy fingers. He did his trademark blush, which continued to grow red when the others laughed and made jokes.
Jack, feeling bad for his friend, managed to do the same to his s'more, getting it on his arms and shirt. He felt that he did a good job though, because none of the profilers noticed he had done it on purpose, and they had all stopped picking on Spencer.
"I think somebody needs a bath." Hotch said in a rare, teasingly tone. Jack emitted a whine, keeping up his efforts to draw attention away from Spencer.
"I'll bathe him." Reid offered, surprising everyone.
"Yay!" Jack cheered. JJ and Will stated they would be heading home, as Henry was already dozing off. They said their goodbyes and left. Jack and Spencer raced to the bathroom while Hotch resumed conversations with the remainder of the team. Upstairs, the two boys laughed all the way to the bathroom with the tub. Reid started the water, ensuring the temperature was comfortable, and poured in a ridiculous amount of bubble bath.
Hotch could hear squeals of laughter, and rather loud splashes along with the sound of water hitting onto the tile floor. When it had yet to cease, he finally went upstairs, leaving a grinning Morgan and Garcia with a skeptical Rossi and Prentiss.
When the Unit Chief returned, he looked less than amused, but everyone could see the barely hidden smile on his face. Spencer trailed slowly behind, soaking wet, his lower pant legs and shoes covered with suds, and a towel clad Jack in his arms, who was giggling uncontrollably.
"Reid, I thought you were giving Jack a bath, not taking one with him!" Derek laughed.
"I put too much bubble bath." The embarrassed young man mumbled sheepishly. Everyone chuckled when his cheeks turned red for the countless time today.
"I splashed water at him too!" Jack giggled.
Spencer was glad he hadn't been questioned further by Morgan about staying at Hotch's place. He didn't know how he would have explained that night a few weeks ago when he ended up getting lost in a storm. One by one, the rest of the team eventually departed, causing Reid to unknowingly breath a sigh of relief.
After Jack had gotten in pajamas and Spencer got dry clothes, Hotch sat on the couch with them. He had sensed Reid's tension earlier, and decided now was a good time to ask him about it. He understood how the younger agent would be nervous when it came to the others knowing about him staying here, instead of by himself at his apartment. But to think that they would see him as a weakling for it, after all the team has been through before together had Aaron questioned. Sure, they saw Spencer as the "kid" of the team, but they are a team, no matter their ages. The BAU leader also knew they would all do everything they could to make Reid's life better. Although facing dangerous unsubs didn't do any favors, but Morgan was like a big brother, Rossi was the uncle, Garcia was the spoiling aunt, JJ and Prentiss were the sisters, and Seaver? Well he didn't know what to think about her and he didn't care to either.
Himself? It was obvious that he was the father of the team, and he knew Reid saw him as a second to William, though he wouldn't be surprised if Reid actually saw him as the first. William walking out on him and his sick mother was damaging enough, but for Gideon to do the same thing only a few months after the Hankel case was hard to accept. Jason didn't just walk out on Spencer, he walked out on all of them. He remembered JJ telling their youngest that; to assure him that he wasn't alone on the matter.
Spencer shifted a little, leaning against his dad, er, Hotch. Jack closed his eyes, not feeling like getting up to his own bed. Aaron settled on letting any more matters for the day drop. He yawned before gazing down at his two boys, who both appeared to be asleep. He smiled and allowed his own eyes to close.
When Hotch's eyes opened, he was alone on the couch, however, the two former occupants were standing on the other side of the coffee table, which had multiple plates consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, pancakes, waffles and toast. There was a glass of orange juice and a glass of milk. The Unit Chief wondered how Jack and Spencer thought he was going to eat all of this food, and most of all, he wondered what the occasion was.
"Happy Father's Day!" The two young men said in unison.
Hotch smiled, he had completely forgotten.
The End, this time...
Sorry it took me a while to get this up, but I had trouble on what idea to go with and how to word it and everything. Hopefully it won't happen again, and by the way, I'm still accepting ideas!
Oh, and if you could kindly go to my profile and check out my Criminal Minds Tribute I made. :P