Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and all its characters belong to CBS. I own nothing. Feel free to read and review, but please don't copy.
AN- First, thank you for all the wonderful stories you sent my way! Thanks to you I've been able to add Keep You Sheltered, Losing My Religion and That's Me in the Corner, Rossi to the Rescue, Boy In The Last Row, A Place to Call Home and it's sequel, Adoption, and Guardian Angels Are Protecting Me to my list of great Reid stories to read.
It's time for the team to rally around their youngest.( I've been dying to see the family helping Spencer and since I haven't found quite what I want, I'm writing it. Good for you guys but not so much for me. I'd rather read it.)
Previously on Criminal Minds- Aaron gently picked the toddler up and settled him against his chest. Turning back to his meal, he started devouring what was left of his food. He needed to get Spencer back to the hotel and tucked into bed.
CM
Dave sighed as he watched Reid follow Hotch into the bathroom for his bath. The need for his father to be in the room with him was the latest bad sign in an afternoon full of them. It hadn't started out that way, though. After the boys woke up and had their snack, they had run around the room chasing each other. That level of energy had made the family change their plans. The last thing the hyper boys needed was to spend half an hour or more strapped into a car seat. So, the group had settled for going to the Fun Factory beside the hotel. They had spent the afternoon riding go-carts, playing putt-putt and laser tag, and playing at the little kid part of the factory. And while Spencer had started out racing around and having a good time, the little boy had become more withdrawn and clingy as the afternoon wore on. By suppertime, the youngster was glued to Hotch's side. And now the infuriatingly independent boy had insisted he needed his father figure's help bathing. Gideon's death was hitting the littlest profiler hard and Dave wasn't sure what to do about it. He'd never been really good with the emotional aspect of things. His ex-wives could attest to that. Normally, he'd let Aaron handle it. That wasn't an option this time however. It was Spencer that was hurting and as the boy's second father, he was determined to help his son anyway he could and that included dealing with the emotional fallout that was sure to come. He'd just have to follow Aaron's lead.
"Hey Rossi" Morgan called as he strolled through the door of the adjoining room. "I'm through in the shower so you can go take yours now. I'll stay with the kid while Hotch showers." Looking around the silent room, he frowned. "Umm, where's Hotch?"
Dave gazed at the closed bathroom door before reluctantly standing up. "In there" he replied, glancing at the door once more. "Spencer refused to take a bath by himself."
Derek did a double take. "Wait, you mean mister "I can do it" wanted Hotch to help?" he asked, shaking his head. "That is not a good sign."
"I know but it makes sense. Gideon's death was a sort of wake-up call for him. He's been painfully reminded that he could lose anyone of us at any time." Dave surmised. "I realize he's always known that with our jobs something could take one of us out but knowing it and living it are two very different things."
"Yeah, and it doesn't help that Gideon is really the first person close to him that he's lost to death." Morgan added. "Throw in the fact that he's in a little boy's body and you have all the makings for a major meltdown complete with the clingy monkey routine."
Rossi nodded. "Actually, I'm expecting a more normal child-like reaction, like nightmares or maybe something like bed wetting." He told the younger man.
"You really think he'll go that route?" Morgan asked.
"I don't think he'll have a say in it. His little body is going to react to the stress and worry the same way any child's body would." Dave explained. "We just need to be ready when it does."
"We will be." Derek determinedly stated. Glancing at the alarm clock on the nightstand, he muttered a curse. "Rossi, man you better go on and get your shower. You don't wanna stink everybody out at the funeral home."
"Hahaha" Dave grumbled. He trudged to the door of the adjoining room and stopped. "Be careful with him, Morgan. No teasing or pranks. Spencer's having a hard enough time of it. He can't handle anymore, good intentions or not. Got it?"
Morgan nodded. "You don't have to worry, Rossi. I'd never do anything to hurt Pretty Boy." he assured the worried man. "It's kid gloves all the way. Promise."
"It better be." Dave warned before smirking and adding, "Cause I'd hate to have to come kick your a$$."
"Get outta here, old man" Derek said, tossing a pillow at the laughing man. Hearing the bathroom door open, he turned just as Hotch walked out carrying a towel cocooned Reid. "Hey Kid! You ready to spend some time with your big bro?"
Spencer's gaze bounced around the room before coming to rest on his smiling friend. "Whewe's Wossi?" he quietly questioned.
"He had to go take a shower. He was stinking up the place." Derek joked as he walked up to the father and son.
"Oh" Reid simply replied, snuggling closer to Hotch's side.
The motion sent Hotch's eyebrows up into his hairline. "Spencer, are you okay with staying out here with Morgan while I shower?" he inquired. "Because if you're not, I can always…"
"I'm otay, Hotch" Spencer broke in. "I know Mowgan will tate good taew of me."
Aaron didn't look convinced. "Alright" he agreed after a moment's hesitation. He reluctantly handed the little boy to Morgan and shuffled to his go bag. "Your suit is hanging in the closet. Go ahead and get dressed. I won't be long."
"Yes siw" Reid automatically answered.
"Good man" Hotch praised. He kissed the boy's forehead and then walked into the bathroom and shut the door.
Morgan carried Spencer over to the closet and retrieved his clothes before going over to the bed. He sat down, placing the little boy on the bed beside him. "Okay, Reid go ahead and get dressed." He instructed. "I'll turn around so you can have some privacy. Just let me know when you're…" tiny hands fisting his shirt stopped him in his tracks. "What's a matter, kid?"
"W-w-would you, ummm, I mean tould, tould you h-help me?" Reid stammered, blushing furiously.
To Morgan's credit he didn't even blink. "Sure man, I can do that." He replied. Scooping the boy back up, he hurried over to the dresser. He grabbed socks and underwear for the youngster and then went back to the bed and took a seat. Laying the toddler beside him, the profiler rubbed his hands together. "Alright kiddo, let's get you dressed." He said as he unwrapped the towel from around Spencer. Picking up the tiny pair of underwear, Derek set about dressing his little brother.
CM
Aaron walked out of the bathroom to find Morgan cuddling a suited Spencer who was sucking the thumb of one hand while the other clutched his stuffed Ewok. "Is everything okay?" he worriedly asked as he rushed over to the two.
"Everything's fine, Hotch" Derek replied, even though his eyes told a different story. "Spencer and I got him suited up and we've just been sitting here chillin' ever since, right Pretty Boy?"
Spencer simply nodded. He slid off Morgan's lap, stood up on the bed, and raised his arms.
Aaron picked the little boy up and hugged him to his chest.
Wanting to give the father and son some privacy, Morgan stood and headed for the other room. "I think I'll go finish getting ready." He fibbed, unsurprised when his announcement got no response. The worried big brother glanced back at his friends before slipping out the door.
Hotch dropped onto the bed. He sat and rocked quietly allowing Spencer to soak up the comfort he desperately needed.
Several minutes later Reid sat up and wiped a hand across his eyes.
Aaron gave his son a moment to compose himself before asking, "Better?"
"Yes siw" Spencer answered, scrubbing at his eyes. "Sow…"
Aaron quickly clamped a hand over the boy's mouth. "No apologies. You've done nothing wrong." He told the youngster.
"But"
"No buts, I know what I'm talking about. Haven't you ever heard the saying father knows best?" Aaron teased.
Spencer cocked his head to one side and eyed his father figure. "Fafew? I fought it was mofew knows bet." He responded with a grin.
"You little brat!" Aaron playfully exclaimed as he attacked the boy's tummy, tickling the toddler relentlessly.
"Hotch, are you two about ready?" Rossi hollered from the other room. He walked through the door and smiled at the scene before him. "I'll take that as a no."
Aaron grudgingly stopped his tickle attack. He helped the breathless boy sit up and then stood. "Give us five minutes." He replied, picking up his tie.
Dave nodded. "I'll tell the others." He said before turning and walking back out of the room.
Hotch used the mirror to check on his charge. "Spencer, go ahead and put your shoes on. I'll tie them when I finish." He instructed.
"Otay" Reid agreed. He slid off the bed and retrieved his sneakers. After tossing them on the bed, the toddler climbed onto the mattress and grabbed a shoe. He struggled into his tennis shoes and then picked up an item Morgan had left for him. He wrapped the cloth around his neck, carefully placing it under the collar of his button down shirt. Watching Aaron, the little boy attempted to copy his actions. He scowled at the result. "Hotch, tan you help me wif my tie?" he asked, yanking the tie off his neck.
"You don't have to wear a tie, Spencer." Aaron said as he walked over to the frustrated boy.
"You'we weawing a tie." Reid pointed out.
"I always wear a tie." Aaron reminded. He tied Spencer's shoes before helping the little boy stand on the bed. Taking the discarded tie, the father swiftly fastened it. "There you are. Is that anything else or are you ready to go?"
Reid took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "I'm weady." He resolutely stated.
CM
It was a somber BAU team that walked into the brick funeral home. With their two youngest safely tucked away in the middle of the group, the family made their way through the extremely short line to the room where Stephen stood guard over his father's flower draped coffin. All eyes snapped to Reid, who had frozen in place as he stared at Gideon's casket. He was squeezing Prentiss and Garcia's hands hard enough to make both women wince. The family became concerned that the situation was too much for the boy but before they could act on their fears, Spencer squared his shoulders, dropped the women's hands, and tottled forward.
Stephen stared curiously at the toddler in front of him. "What's your name, little guy?" he asked as he knelt down in front of the boy.
"Pencer" Reid answered.
Hotch swiftly stepped up behind Spencer and put his hands on his son's shoulders. "Please excuse my nephew. He got away before I could stop him." he explained.
"No problem" Stephen replied with a shrug. Looking closely at the man and the stern group behind him, he suddenly frowned. "You worked with my dad, didn't you?" he questioned.
"Yes" Aaron answered, extending his hand. "My name's Aaron Hotchner. I worked with your father for a long time. In fact he was the one that trained me."
"Is that so?" Stephen growled, ignoring the offered hand.
Hotch retracted his hand. "Yes" he answered, putting the anger down to grief. "And this is the rest of your father's team: David Rossi, Derek Morgan, Emily Prentiss, Penelope Garcia, Jennifer Jareau , her fiancé Will LaMontagne, and their son Henry."
"Where's the wonderful Dr. Reid?" Stephen sneered. "Is he too high and mighty to mingle with us common folk?"
"Excuse me" Hotch angrily stated, picking Spencer up and settling him on his hip.
"You heard me. The arrogant SOB steals my dad from me but he doesn't deem his death to be a worthy enough event to…"
"Stephen, that's enough!" Rossi sternly warned, putting himself between the irate young man and the littlest agent.
"No, Uncle Dave, it's not!" the junior Gideon spat. "Your team took my dad away from my mom and me and if that wasn't enough, you take in some pathetic kid genius to replace me. Do you have any idea what it's like to compete with a frickin' genius?! Do you?!"
"It wasn't a competition, Stephen. Gideon loved you both equally." Dave said.
"Yeah, right tell me another one Uncle Dave." Stephen scoffed. "When my dad finally started talking to me again, he couldn't get five minutes into a conversation without mentioning that brat! It was always Reid did this and Reid solved that! I swear if I heard that kid's name one more time…"
"Stephen!" Dave shouted, interrupting the young man's tirade. "Why are we here? If you dislike us that much, why call us to come?"
"I didn't. Dad's lawyer did. Dad left instructions that you were to be called when something happened to him." Stephen angrily explained. "I was hoping you wouldn't show."
Dave looked at Gideon's grieving son for a moment before making a snap decision. "We're leaving." He said, struggling to keep his tone even. "This is not the time nor the place to hash things out. We'll return for the funeral tomorrow. Hopefully, by then you will have calmed down."
"Don't bet on it!" Stephen growled.
Shaking his head, Rossi placed a comforting hand on Spencer's back as he steered the group out of the funeral home. Once outside, the stunned family climbed back into their SUV's for the trip to the hotel, each wondering how in the world they were going to handle this.
CM
After a short, silent ride to the hotel, the family gathered in Hotch's room to regroup. Needing to discuss their next move, the agents gathered around the coffee table. Will scattered some toys on the floor and sat Henry down in the middle of them before joining the rest of the adults and Reid on the long couch. He picked the stuffed Ewok up off the floor and handed it to Spencer, smiling as the little boy immediately hugged it to his chest. Hearing Rossi clear his throat, he looked up.
"Well, I think we can all agree that tonight wasn't what we expected." Rossi began.
"I had assumed that Stephen and Jason had worked things out." Aaron stated. "Jason always seemed happy after they talked."
"I don't think Stephen had a problem with Gideon. I think his problem is with us. He still blames us for his dad not being around growing up." Morgan ventured.
"You mean he blames me." Spencer quietly corrected.
"Sweetie, you know what Stephen said isn't true, right?" JJ asked, rubbing the boy's back. "He was just upset and he needed someone to take it out on."
"And we just happened to be convenient targets." Emily added.
"He was wight, fough. I did tate Gid'on away fwom him." Spencer argued.
"No, you didn't." Rossi countered. "Gideon split with his wife and by default his son long before you came onto the scene. Gideon is the only one to blame for their separation."
"But maybe if I hadn't been so, so needy when he met me," Spencer started.
"Spencer, whatever Gideon did or didn't do is on him, not you. He decided to cut off contact with Stephen and his mother. He decided to be your mentor. He decided to tell Stephen about you." Dave ticked off. "You had nothing to do with any of that."
"I know but..."
"But nothing, Gideon screwed up. You didn't and Stephen has no right to go blaming you. End of story." Derek explained.
"Till it had to be hawd feeling lite you had to tompete wif someone lite me." Reid theorized.
"Spencer, let me ask you something." Will broke in. "If JJ and I had another son, and he had learning problems, do you think he would grow up being angry with Henry?"
"No, of touwse not" Reid replied.
"Why not?" JJ questioned.
"Tause you and Will would love him jut as much as you love Henwy. You guys wouldn't mate a diff'ence between him and Henwy. You would ce'bwate bof boys' attomplishments." Spencer explained.
"Yes, we would." Will agreed. "But evidently Stephen feels that Gideon didn't; that he only bragged on you. Now I don't know if that's true or not but I do know that its what Stephen believes. And I also know that is Gideon's fault, not yours."
"He's right my Honey Bear." Penelope agreed. "You are not to blame here. And anyone who says different will have to answer to me."
Reid sat quietly and mulled over everything that had been said before finally nodded his head. "Otay" he agreed. "Otay, I undewtand."
"Good, cause I was starting to think we were going to have to draw you a picture. And I draw like a two year old." Dave admitted, causing the group to laugh.
Glancing down and seeing the baby of their family fighting off tears, Emily swiftly picked him up, sat him on her lap, and snuggled him to her side. "What's wrong, Handsome?"
"I, I didn't get to, to tell G-Gid'on goodbye." Spencer stammered before burying his face in his friend's blouse.
"It's okay buddy. I'll call the funeral home and talk with the head honcho. See if I can't set up a private viewing for us before the funeral tomorrow." Dave assured the crying boy.
"Do you think you can convince them to do that?" Garcia asked.
"Absolutely" Dave replied. "I'll have you know I can be very persuasive when I need to be."
"And if he can't make them see reason, I will." Aaron added. "Getting a funeral director to agree to a private showing will be a piece of cake compared to some negotiations I've handled in the past."
"Here that Snuggle Bunny! You'll get to say your goodbyes first thing tomorrow." Garcia cheerfully said. Getting no response, she glanced over at Spencer. Seeing him fast asleep with one hand clutching Prentiss' arm like a giant teddy bear, Penelope snickered. "I think we wore someone out." She whispered.
"Make that two someones." JJ corrected, pointing to a sleeping Henry.
"I guess its bedtime." Morgan quietly said.
"Alright, everybody go to your rooms." Rossi softly ordered.
"Wait, did you just send us to bed?" Derek incredulously asked.
"Yes, I did. Now go. Don't make me take off my belt." Rossi threatened.
Morgan's eyes widened as his face twisted into a grimace. "Ewww, a strip show? Really, man?" he gasped. "I am outta here."
Morgan bolted from the room with Garcia and Prentiss right on his heels. JJ, Will, and Henry weren't far behind. In seconds, the only ones left in the room were Rossi, Hotch, and Reid.
"That's not what I meant" Dave groused. "But it was effective nevertheless."
"Yes, it was." Aaron replied with a grin. He tucked the blankets around Spencer and then turned to his friend. "Did you see Morgan's face? It was priceless!"
"Not half as priceless as its going to be when I walk into the room we're sharing." Dave promised as he tossed his tie aside and started unbuttoning his shirt.
"You wouldn't?" Aaron challenged.
"It's his own fault, really. After all, he's the one that dissed me." Rossi reasoned.
Hotch snickered. "Just make sure you shut the door before you start your torture. I don't want Spencer woken by Derek's reaction." He ordered as the older man headed for the adjoining room's door. "Oh and Dave" he called. "Remember to get a picture."