Thank you for the reviews, and for being patient.

Getting out of his personal Chevrolet Suburban, Hotch made his way to his house. The whole day had been spent at the office, so Aaron decided to send everyone home early. Reid had taken his truck to pick up Jack from school, while Hotch would figure out what to make for dinner. After unlocking the front door, the Unit Chief stepped inside with a handful of mail. Slipping off his coat, he headed to the kitchen and stood in front of the counter top and sorted through the mail.

"Pay a bill, get a bill, pay a bill, get a bill..."

The power bill, a credit card offer, the water bill, and another credit card offer in that order. Smirking a little at his own bit of humor, Hotch sat the white envelopes down and went to the refrigerator. A half empty gallon of milk, eggs, a block of cheese, some sandwich meat, a cup of Jell-O, and some strawberries. Not much of interest in there. Reaching the cupboard, his search concluded with similar results, but he noticed what looked like something shredded, like some small animal had been responsible. The hole on the cardboard box showed that the crackers inside were completely gone. Aaron went and sat on the couch, feeling a little disappointed. Having run low on food, only to know some rodent contributed to it. He would call an exterminator soon. Maybe he should also go grocery shopping again some day.

Next time, however, he would make sure his whole team didn't come along like last time.

Shuddering at the memory, the BAU leader tried to get his mind on something else. Suddenly, a sound caught his attention. It was quiet, but just audible enough that he was sure he'd heard it. Rising to his feet slowly, Hotch glanced around until he looked down on the couch, where a small brown mouse met eyes with him. Hotch's own eyes widened before he went to grab the rodent, but it barely dodged his grasp and darted towards an open window. The mouse scurried until it reached a shelf. The stealthy animal climbed up, then jumped out the window and landed in the grass. When the rodent looked up and saw him, it squeaked in fright and hurried off, back towards the house, then disappeared. Hotch frowned and looked out further and noticed a small hole on the outside edge of the house, presumably, where the mouse had ran into.

Aaron never imagined he'd have a rodent problem, but he knew well enough that where there was one mouse, there was likely many more. Making a beeline for the phone, he dialed a number and waited for the other line to pick up.

(Spencer Reid!)

"And George never bugged me again!"

"Wow, this Spencer guy sounds cool."

"He is. He catches bad guys with my daddy."

"I wish I could meet him."

Jack and another boy were standing in the hallway, waiting for their rides to arrive. Jack was eager to tell his friend about what happened to the school bully, and who was responsible. George hadn't been seen all day by the younger kids, not that any of them were complaining. The day had been rather pleasant without name calling or being pushed around. Although Jack never did find out what exactly Spencer did to George, but whatever it'd been that the young agent had done it, it clearly straightened the bully out.

"Hey, runts!"

Then again...

"I see your friend isn't here this time, Jack-y." George sneered, he knew Jack hated being called that. The smaller boy tried to keep a straight face, like how his daddy always did, but he wasn't very good at that. George cracked his knuckles and grinned, taking a step closer to the two younger kids.

"What say we play friendly game of tag?" He snickered. "And I'm it. And when I catch you, I'll-"

"Hey, Jack!"

Jack and his friend looked up as George whipped around to see a familiar young man with long, curly hair approach. George gulped and took a step back as Spencer got closer.

"And hello, George." Reid smirked mischievously. "We wouldn't be causing any trouble today now, would we?"

The oafish boy was visibly shaking as he shook his head furiously, taking a few more steps back. Spencer continued to smirk as he stepped forward once. Jack and his friend moved out of the way, as to not get bumped into by George, who now had sweat pouring down his slightly chubby face.

"Ah, nope! Nothing here, right guys?" The bully stuttered. "Heh, yeah, I should be going, so the police- I mean, so my parents don't get mad! Yeah, that's it! And as I was saying, uh, I'll see you later!"

Taking off in a mad dash, his shoes squeaking every couple steps as he sprinted away. He lost traction when he rounded a corner and he fell on the slippery floor, landing on his bottom. Getting up quickly, he disappeared after running past the wall, the sounds of his footsteps was followed by a door slamming.

Reid and the other two stood there in silence before they all burst out laughing. Jack clenched his stomach, which had started to hurt from laughing so much. Spencer was the first to calm down, he wasn't used to people being afraid of him, other than animals and most children. Once Jack got a hold of himself, his friend extended his arm out.

"Hi, I'm Jack's friend, Bart."

"I'm Spencer." The young genius said shyly, shaking hands with the boy.

"Jack told me about how you took care of George before." Bart said with awe.

"Oh, he did?" Reid swallowed.

"Yeah, it sounded awesome."

A car horn honked outside, causing Bart to rush to the doors. He shouted a farewell to Jack and Spencer and exited the building. The young doctor and the BAU leader's son stood in the empty hallway for a minute, before heading out themselves, hopping in Hotch's red truck. While on their way home, Jack told Spencer about his day at school, how his grades were, and how George hadn't bothered him at all, until right before Reid showed up. The young man allowed himself to get as content as he could listening to Jack, which wasn't much as he didn't really like driving.

Rain began to drop on the windshield, Spencer went to turn on the wipers, but he ended up turning on the defroster.

This was going to be a long drive.

(Spencer Reid!)

Reid was thankful he managed to get him and Jack home with Hotch's truck in one piece. The two ran to the house to avoid getting soaked too much. They stopped at the front porch to catch their breath before entering the house. Stepping inside, Spencer helped Jack take off his jacket before removing his own. Jack made a beeline for the TV while Reid went to look for Hotch. Going into the kitchen, he stopped when his stomach growled and opened the cabinet. It was rather scarce of any food, other than some shredded cardboard and crumbs. He closed it back up then saw a small pile of mail on the counter, he could tell that some of it were bills. His curiosity was rising, even though he knew he shouldn't look at other people's mail. His long, slender finger barely touched one of the white envelopes when he heard another voice talking, almost shouting, in anger.

Spencer quickly drew back his hand and looked around for the source of the voice. It sounded like Hotch, but what would he be mad about? He went through the kitchen and carefully peeked around the corner to see the BAU leader on the phone, even despite his usually stoic expression, Reid could clearly see that he was upset.

"What do you mean it will have to wait?" Hotch asked, through an eerily calm tone. "It ate all the food in my cabinet, and it created a hole on the side of my house."

Spencer raised an eyebrow. What exactly was Hotch talking about? He remembered playing ball with Jack one day, and throwing it too hard and hitting the house, making a small hole. He had been meaning to tell Hotch about that. And another day, he ate a package of crackers out of the cabinet, but he most certainly didn't eat the whole box, or everything else that was in there.

"I want it gone, that's what. And you're telling me I have to wait a few days when you aren't even booked? I know it can't happen today. What I'm asking is why not tomorrow?"

Gone? What does he want gone?

"Yes, it was on my couch, It was brown haired- Wait, why does that even matter?"

What was "it"? Surely, Hotch wasn't talking about him, was he? Spencer swallowed. There had to be some explanation. Hotch isn't talking about him. The young doctor felt foolish for letting such thoughts run through his head.

"Oh, sure. I simply invited it into my house." Aaron spoke sarcastically into the phone. "No! I don't know where it came from, and I don't want my son getting sick from it." Reid stepped back for a moment before turning around and headed for the living room. He was confused. He wanted to go and ask Hotch what he was talking about, but he felt he shouldn't bug him in the middle of a "conversation". When he reached his intended destination, he noticed that his pillow and blankets, that were usually folded on one end of the couch, was nowhere to be seen. Biting his lip, Spencer carefully stepped forward and out of earshot from Hotch. He sat down and felt his eyes get watery. Jack, who was on the floor, was too engrossed in his show to notice.

"It ran under my house, and there's probably more." Hotch explained. "I have a guest staying at my house too, is that enough to convince you to come over and get rid of a few mice?"

(Spencer Reid!)

Hotch had ended up ordering pizza. For the rest of the day, Reid was fairly quiet and didn't speak much. He couldn't get his mind off the thought that he was becoming a burden to Hotch, but another part of him felt he was being ridiculous, and that whatever the older man was talking about on the phone, it wasn't about him. Still, he didn't want to bug Aaron anymore than he possibly had.

The young agent's silence made the Unit Chief curious. That curiosity turned to concern when he didn't eat much at dinner. He attempted to use his profiling skills to see what might be troubling Spencer, but for once, he was unsuccessful. Hotch thought about asking him, but he didn't want to impose, or appear that he was butting into other people's business. He knew how insecure the young man can be, and that he wasn't fond of sharing certain things about his life. Maybe it's just something to do with his mother, or he's just having a down day.

When night fell, and everyone went to bed, Spencer laid awake on the couch, with a new pillow and blanket. He hadn't bothered to ask where the ones he had been using went, and this other blanket wasn't quite as warm. He would have asked for another, but he felt that he was taking up enough of Hotch's stuff already, even though he was offered. The young genius tossed and turned a couple times, failing to get comfortable for the first time since he started staying here a few months ago. Did Hotch really want him to leave? Was he tired of him? No, that can't be, can it?

Reid than recalled the pile of mail on the counter top. While he wasn't about ready to look at someone else's mail, he figured if Aaron was already upset with him, what could it hurt looking at a bill? Pushing the thin blanket off, Spencer shuffled to the kitchen after turning on some of the lights. He went to where the few white envelopes sat, undisturbed from when he last saw them. Picking up the one on top, he carefully opened it,,and pulled out the folded papers. He glanced at the total for the power bill, and noticed it was rather high for somebody like Hotch. Another piece dropped and he picked it up and looked at it. It was a chart, showing how high the bill had been in the past. From what he could tell, since beyond April 29th, the total cost had increased a lot. And that happened to be the exact date when he first came to Hotch's house, or was brought here after the BAU leader found him on the road that night.

Spencer understood why Aaron was upset earlier; He was the reason the bill was so high, thanks to his fear of the dark and the need to have a nearby light on. And this started since the end of April, that's a pretty long time of paying a high power bill just because of one person. He felt terribly guilty, he didn't know what to do. Maybe he could start helping pay for the bills, but he didn't have much of his own money with him right now.

Dropping the envelope and papers on the counter, Reid wandered around and searched for a blank piece of paper and a pen. After retrieving both, he sat at the dining room table and started to write.

Dear Hotch,

I'm sorry if I was a burden to you in any way, and that I'm responsible for your high electric bills. I'll go back to my apartment so I won't cause you or Jack anymore trouble, I promise I'll help pay for the bills. I don't want to feel like I'm interfering your life or your relationship with your son, and I deeply apologize.

Spencer.

Sighing, the young profiler carried the note and sat it on the rug in front of the door. He still partly felt he was being silly over nothing, but he ignored it as best he could. Grabbing his gun and credentials, he carefully slipped out of the house, re-locking the door before closing it. He took one last look at the quiet household before heading to the sidewalk, using the street lights to find his way home. A cool breeze chilled him to the bone and made him shiver. He sniffled and wrapped his arms around himself.

He truly didn't want to think that Hotch wanted him to leave, but he didn't want to take any chances either. A crashing sound of something falling over close by caused Spencer's eyes to widen. He gulped and whimpered nervously before increasing his pace.

When he reached Morgan's house, he was tempted to see if the dark skinned agent would let him stay there. But after upsetting Hotch, he decided he didn't need to burden the rest of the team. They do enough saving his ass every so often when on cases, especially Derek. Sighing sadly, he continued on. Once he finally reached his apartment, he saw a note taped to the front of the door. He barely needed to look at it to know it was an eviction notice; For not paying the rent for so long.

Great. Just what he needed, a possible rejection and now he's getting kicked out of his place. How could the rent slip his mind? He had an eidetic memory, but apparently, it doesn't always work. Exhaling, he unlocked the door and went inside. He tossed his gun and badge on his dusty table and headed straight for his room, he saw the bag and clothes still scattered around. He pushed off anything that was on his bed and turned on his nightlight before getting under the covers and plopping his head on the pillow.

(Spencer Reid!)

Hotch stretched and sat up. He didn't sleep very well last night, he felt as if something was off. Getting out of bed, he went straight for Jack's bedroom, slowly opening the door, he peeked inside and saw his son sleeping. Nothing out of the ordinary. He shrugged and went downstairs to check on Spencer, only to find the couch lacking of any occupant. He didn't immediately panic like last time, as he saw the young man's cell phone on the coffee table. Aaron would have figured he went for a walk again, but his credentials and weapon were gone. He knew Reid hated being "treated like a baby", but being as young as he was, it tended to be a natural thing for the rest of the team. The BAU leader decided to wait a while and see if he would eventually return.

Jack yawned as he went down the stairs. He looked over at the couch to see it empty, then at his father who was heading for the kitchen. Hotch stopped when he noticed his son.

"Good morning, buddy."

"Good morning, daddy." The boy replied. "Where's Spencer?"

"I think he just went for a morning walk." Aaron said, though he wasn't fully certain. "I'm sure he'll be back in time for breakfast."

Jack nodded and trailed behind the Unit Chief into the kitchen..Hotch went to the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of eggs and a stick of butter. He sat them on the counter and pulled out a frying pan, starting up the stove and using a spatula to cut off some butter and lather the pan with it.

"We'll make breakfast and have it ready for Spencer when he comes back." Hotch said. "I'm sure he'll be hungry."

"Okay." Jack smiled. He liked that idea. The boy wandered off to the bathroom to wash up, then he noticed a piece of paper on the floor by the door. Curious, he went over and picked it up. When he started reading, he was confused as to what it meant. He brought it back to the kitchen and handed it to his father.

Once Aaron finished reading, he was equally confused. He didn't understand where Spencer got such an idea. He wasn't tired of the youngest on his team, or sick of him in any way possible. In fact, he enjoyed spending time with his as if he was a second son. And he was sure he made it clear these past few months that the young agent is wanted and loved. Something William Reid failed to do.

"Daddy, what happened to Spencer?" Jack asked.

"He's fine, Jack." Hotch said. "He just needs some help right now." The profiler grabbed the keys to his Suburban.

"Can I come?"

The only thing on Hotch's mind at the moment was going over to Reid's apartment and assuring him that he was no burden, and that it was a mistake thinking he was unwanted. After ignoring his opened mail he saw on the counter, he snatched his phone and dialed Jessica's number.

"I'm having aunt Jessica come over. I'll be back later today, hopefully." Hotch placed the phone to his ear and waited for the other line to pick up.

"Aw," Jack whined. "Okay." He complied.

(Spencer Reid!)

Spencer sat on his dirty couch, reading a book. He hoped Hotch wasn't too upset, considering how long he had been staying at his house, feeling like a freeloader when he had his own place to stay. Well, not exactly anymore, he still had that eviction notice.

His stomach growled. All his food was spoiled, not that he had much to begin with. He felt a little shameful leaving Hotch's house, but at least he isn't in the way of the Unit Chief's life anymore.

Sure, it was nice when it started, when Aaron willingly welcomed him into his home, which was a definite cure for his loneliness that night. But good things don't last forever it seemed. Even right now he still felt that he misunderstood something, that Hotch wasn't talking about him. But he was too afraid to confirm his own fear of being rejected by another person in his life.

First William, then Gideon, and now Hotch? He sighed, remembering when Morgan hadn't taken too kindly of him when he first joined the team, but that's a thing of the past, at least he hoped so.

The young doctor was startled when there was a knock at the door. He wondered if it was Hotch, here to possibly tell him that he thought wrong, that he was not an interference. He swallowed, and prepared to seek comfort from a man he recently considered to be his true father. He didn't bother looking through the peephole when he opened the door. He froze when he saw a familiar man with short dark hair. It was shorter than Hotch's. He donned a blue dress shirt, gray slacks, brown belt, and black shoes. And a suitcase.

The last time he saw him, was back in Las Vegas when he thought he was the murderer in a case.

"...Dad?" Reid squeaked, having difficulty finding his voice.

"Hello, Spencer." William cleared his throat, he seemed to be having an equally hard time speaking.

"What are you doing here?" The younger man eyeballed his father's suitcase. He wanted to demand how he got his address, but that could wait.

"May I come in?" William asked. Spencer really wanted to say 'no' and slam the door in the older man's face. He managed to refrain from doing so. Exhaling, he stepped aside and allowed him to come inside.

"What are you doing here?" Reid asked again, recovering from his short lived shock.

"I was coming by to visit, maybe even for a short stay." William gestured to his suitcase. "I tried calling you, I even left messages, but I never got a reply."

Gee, I wonder why. Spencer thought sarcastically, but he would never tell him the real reason why he hadn't answered any calls. How did he even get his number? He didn't want this man in his apartment, that he was going to lose soon anyway. He didn't want to be near this man at all.

"Spencer, I thought maybe I could make up for when I wasn't there for you." William spoke.

You're too late. Gideon and Hotch already took care of that. Reid thought. As saddened as he was by the BAU leader, and angered by the former Senior SSA, he'd rather be with one of them than his actual father.

Spencer was ready to lash out at William, and thanks to his profiling skills, he could tell his father was about to speak as well, probably some other pathetic excuse for abandoning him and his mother.

Their mouths opened, voices ready, but they were both cut off by a knock at the door.

To Be Continued...

I hope this was worth the wait. I am so sorry for that. I was busy at the county fair a couple weeks ago, before I had a chance to finish writing, even though I hoped to get a chapter up before then. Thanks to that long absence of new stories or updates, I needed to "get back into game", which is part of the reason why it took me a while to finally finish this chapter, and why I feel it didn't come out very good.

I hope you're still enjoying it! And if you aren't too mad at me for being slow. :P