Eek, I've been neglecting this forever, sorry about that. I'm sure this update has been long awaited, and I hope it doesn't disappoint.

A few months had passed since Spencer had become a permanent resident of the Hotchner household, though they had to admit, not a whole lot had changed. The holidays came and went, as did the cases at work. Besides Reid no longer having his lonely apartment to go to anymore, he soon found out that it was a good thing he moved out, as he later learned that a woman with more than enough cats had moved to another vacant apartment close to his. While he could stand a noisy party, which his neighbors never had to begin with, the constant horrid smell that all those cats would surely bring was all he needed to know about to be certain that he would never go back there again, although he wouldn't be surprised if that woman got kicked out anytime shortly, the thought of his former neighbors all complaining about the smell of feces made Spencer smirk a little.

However, one thing that has always been natural for Spencer was having occasional nightmares. Of course, they had to involve his father in some unpleasant way, which usually resulted in him waking up in the middle of the night screaming, thus waking up Aaron and sometimes Jack. Typically, Reid would feel guilty, as if he was intrusive in some way, though Hotch was always quick to tell him otherwise. After all, this was his home now, he needn't feel ashamed about being in his own house, but before then, Spencer had been living by himself for a long time, where he had no one to comfort him when he had nightmares, and he had learned to deal with them by himself, or so he claimed. Hotch knew better though, especially after Morgan had first came to him and Gideon after Reid told him about them. It wasn't surprising to him either, it's not every day that someone as young as Spencer joined the BAU, much less the FBI, considering all that they see on the job.

But this wasn't dead people, or people that might die that was haunting his youngest, it was much more personal; his father, William Reid. It made Aaron wonder if Spencer might've suffered abuse while his father was still around, or if it was mostly because of what happened that one day. He also feared that if these nightmares didn't cease soon, he would have to take Reid to a therapist. The Unit Chief could only guess how well that would go over, regarding the young profiler's fear of 'going crazy' like his mother. A therapist didn't have to be an option, if Spencer could just find a way to end these bad dreams. Hotch did notice that the severity of them seemed to be lower whenever he was present, whether he was comforting him after being woken up in the middle of the night from Spencer's screaming, or if he was asked if he could sleep on his bed with him, very much in the fashion that a child would.

Reid's lack of childhood allowed his youthful innocence to build up and last a long way, and Hotch had to admit it at times, it was downright adorable, despite his actual age, and the fact that the younger man is actually taller than him. That's why it hurt him so much to see Spencer in so much pain, and it only made him loath William even more. He hadn't ever told Reid, but he was sure that day that he could smell alcohol in his father's breath. No matter, Spencer didn't seem to care that he was jail either way.

Hotch sat in his office, occasionally glancing out the window where his agents all sat while still pondering if he should just go ahead and get Spencer some help for his nightmares. Right now, the young doctor was doing more than his fair share of paperwork, again. He didn't appear to be frazzled at all, perhaps being around his friends helped keep him calm, which was a good sign in more ways than one in Hotch's opinion.

For starters, he's recently gotten over his trust issues, especially with his friends, though Hotch might personally be responsible for that, as this had only recently developed some time after Reid started living at his place.

But about these nightmares, Aaron would rather that a therapist be a last resort, but he wasn't sure on what else to try that wouldn't possibly upset Spencer, at least not too badly. Then again, should that come to be the only choice and there's some resistance involved, Hotch might have to play the role of the 'strict' parent if it will get the young genius to go.

It was settled, he would have a talk with him later today, hopefully things will go smoothly.

(Spencer Reid!)

"See you on Monday, Pretty Boy." Morgan smirked as he lightly patted his young friend on the shoulder before heading out.

"Yeah, see you." Reid mumbled as he was about to finish another bit of paperwork. He might as well do what he can while he can, since he knew that Hotch typically stayed late anyway. However, when he heard the door to his boss' office open, then close, he shot up in time to see him lock the door and approach the bullpen. That's weird. He thought. Since when did Hotch ever leave this early? Though technically it wasn't early by normal standards, everyone else was already gone, and it was dusky outside.

"Hey Hotch, leaving already?" Spencer asked.

"Yeah, there's actually something I wanted to speak with you about." Aaron replied.

Reid raised an eyebrow. "Okay." He said. "About what?"

"About your nightmares."

The younger agent froze and visibly swallowed. He knew that his nightmares about his father were still haunting him to this day, and Hotch did too. He also knew that the BAU leader wouldn't let it go by too much longer without some sort of "talk". Spencer wondered exactly what Aaron was going to say to him. Would he tell him to get help? Would he tell him that he's fed up with having to baby him almost every night? Or worse yet, tell him to move out and live elsewhere?

The thought of getting kicked out because he was so much of a burden to the older man frightened him dearly, even though Hotch would never do something like that. The tone of his voice was soft and assuring, something he rarely heard from William, if ever at all.

"Reid, we both know that these dreams have been going on for quite some time now, and I think it would be best if you seek out some professional help." Aaron paused once he finished so that the information had a chance to sink in.

"You mean like a crazy doctor?" Spencer asked timidly.

"That's not what I meant." Hotch said sternly. "What I mean is more like a therapist who can help relieve these nightmares. You can't go on having William haunt you whenever you go to sleep, Spencer."

"I know, you're right." Reid said softly, gazing toward the floor, his hair covering his face. "Okay, I'll go see one." He sniffled.

"It's okay, Spencer. You're gonna be fine." Hotch gently wrapped the thinner man in a hug. "I'll go with you, if you'd like me to." He offered.

"Yes, please." He replied, resting his head against his boss's and on his shoulder. As he felt a hand rub slowly up and down against his back, he was partly glad that the bullpen was empty. He loved Hotch like a child should love their father, one who doesn't abandon them that is. And he hated to imagine if some potential passer-by saw them and got the wrong ideas. Especially in a job like this, that would not be good. Aaron, on the other hand was glad that Spencer complied, rather than act defiant and force Hotch to be stern. Considering what he's been through, having to punish him for less than favorable behavior would've been tough on both of them. He began to stroke the younger man's hair and wondered when and if he will ever consider getting it cut, or if he even realized how long it was. When Spencer yawned, Hotch knew it was time to head home. He needed to make an appointment for him eventually too. Once Reid gathered his things, they left the building and got into Aaron's truck, deciding not to mess with the radio in fear of what might come on, the ride home was fairly silent, and Spencer didn't mind, he was sleepy, though part him wanted to stay awake for as long as possible, as he felt that he would have another nightmare if he shut his eyes.

They finally arrived home, Hotch saw Jessica off and went to say goodnight to his son while Spencer went and sat on the couch, where the TV was still on. Meanwhile, Aaron quietly entered Jack's room, the little boy lay on his bed, he looked up to see his father as he carefully sat down.

"Hi daddy." The child greeted sleepily.

"Hey buddy." Hotch replied.

"Is Spencer going to get better?" He asked, sounding rather concerned, his father was caught by surprise at the question, but recovered almost instantly, he smiled and rubbed the boy's head.

"Don't you worry about him, he'll be okay." The BAU leader assured. "I'm going to take him to a doctor who will hopefully be able to help him."

"Okay." Jack yawned as he fisted his eyes.

"Now go to sleep buddy, okay?" Hotch planted a kiss on his son's forehead and made his way to the door. "Goodnight daddy." He heard.

"Goodnight Jack." He said before closing the door. Heading through the hallway and downstairs, he saw Reid watching some crime show involving FBI profilers catching criminals. He then realized that neither them had exactly eaten dinner yet, he went over to the younger man and asked;

"Are you hungry at all, Spencer?"

"Hmm?" He looked away and over to Aaron. "Oh no, I'm good actually." Right after his sentence finished, his stomach growled, easily heard despite the sounds from the TV. Hotch glared and Reid blushed and chose to look at the floor. Going into the kitchen, the Unit Chief opened the fridge and retrieved the rest of some leftover chicken noodle soup that Jessica and Jack had for dinner earlier. Pouring an equal amount of the remaining contents into two separate bowls, he heated them in the microwave and waited. The smell of the soup traveled all the way to the living room, which caused Spencer's stomach to growl even more. The microwave beeped, indicating that it was finished. Hotch opened the door and pulled the two hot bowls of soup out, he then grabbed two spoons and placed them in each of the bowls before carrying them back to where Reid was sitting. He sat one in front of the young genius and held on to his own.

They finished their meal and Hotch took care of the dishes and returned shortly. Spencer rocked back and forth on the sofa, twiddling his fingers in his usual nervous manner. Aaron figured he was acting that way because of a therapist visit, though he shouldn't be afraid, it's not like it was some kind of well check for his mental health, it was just something for these bad dreams. Then again, the events from their last encounter with William could have damaged Reid in some way, hopefully not though. Hotch then got an idea, he told Spencer to get in pajamas, while he would do the same. The two men went to their respective bedrooms and got changed into more comfortable clothes. Spencer wore his usual flannel pants and F.B.I. shirt and got back to the couch only to see that Hotch had yet to return. He shrugged slightly and resumed watching his show.

Meanwhile, Aaron had finished changing and crept downstairs past the living room where Reid was and into the kitchen. Hoping this would help the young profiler by easing his mind, he proceeded to whip up what Jack had called "dessert in a cup." A fixing of hot chocolate, whipped topping, chocolate syrup and colored sprinkles. It honestly wasn't that cold outside, but this had become a common treat they had every so often, regardless of the weather. By now, Spencer had began to notice the commotion coming from the other room, feeling that Hotch was likely up to something in there, he fully decided to stay put. His assumption was confirmed when the BAU leader returned with the two cups of cocoa. Aaron sat them on the table before departing again. Only a couple moments passed when he came back with that familiar blue comforter of his. Reid smiled fondly, despite his strong memory, his worries were near forgotten already. Even Hotch's usual stoic expression seemed lighter than most days. He sat down, settling the blanket over the two of them, he grabbed their cups and handed one to Spencer.

"Thank you." He said.

"You're welcome." Hotch smiled, glanced at the TV. "So, what exactly is this show all about?" He asked.

"Oh, it's about these people who catch criminals by thinking like them." Spencer explained. "It's a pretty interesting show."

"I see." Aaron replied. On the screen, the episode's antagonist had kidnapped one of the team members, and was trying to force them to admit to things they didn't even do. Near the end, that member had managed to send their team a hint to where he was being held. They saved him in time, but not before he shot the bad guy.

"That is a fairly cool show." Hotch said once the episode had ended. "What's it called anyway?"

"It's called Crim-" Reid started, but Hotch's cell phone cut him off before he could finished. Exhaling, he picked it up and answered. "Hotchner."

A brief pause. "We'll be there." He shut his phone and sat it down.

"We have a case?" Reid asked.

"Yes." The Unit Cheif grumbled. "Sorry Spencer, but it looks like we'll have to put off a therapist until later."

"Mm, okay." He said, trying not to sound disappointed.

"Why don't you take a shower?" Aaron offered. "I'll call Jessica and let her know that we'll be leaving eventually."

"Alright." Spencer said, he disappeared upstairs while Hotch flipped open his phone. He cursed to himself as he found Jessica's number. He selected her icon and waited while it rang. At the same time, he silently vowed that he would help his youngest, he just hoped that Reid would be able to make it through for however long they would be on the job. The rest of the team wasn't really aware of their friend's current 'issue', though it probably won't be like that for long.

To be continued...

It's been way too long! That's pretty obvious though. :P A snowstorm wiped out my power for a few days, that only delayed any progress on this, but it's finally done! This part anyway. I'm sorry if you were hoping for some detail on Spencer's nightmares, but I'll fill that in next time, I have a couple other stories in mind that I'd like to start on, and I also want to finish "Horse Sense".

As I said before, I know a lot of you were waiting on another update, which I said would come, I'm sorry for such a long wait, and I hope this chapter can act as a good apology gift for you all. :P