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Previously on Criminal Minds- Taking a seat on the porcelain edge, Aaron picked up the soap and a wash cloth. 'No time like the present' he thought as he soaped up the white cloth. Setting the soap down, he cleared his throat and said, "Spencer, we need to talk."
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Spencer stared sleepily up at Hotch. "Talt? A *YAWN* about wh *yawn* what?" he warily questioned.
"The incident at Disney" Aaron replied as he gently washed the little boy's back. "Now I know it's not something you want to talk about but you need to. What happened that day is still affecting you and it's interfering with your daily activities. You come close to hyperventilating anytime a male stranger comes near you. The male doctors you've encountered have set off panic attacks. You've shied away from the law enforcement officers in the towns when we've been on a case. You couldn't even go sit in Santa's lap with Henry and Morgan today, not even after we told you that Santa was safe. You just can't handle a strange man being near you and I know that stems from the pedophile kidnapping you." Aaron paused to give his son a chance to refute his statements. When the boy stayed silent, he continued. "I know it's not going to be easy for you to talk about what happened but I want you to remember that I'm here for you. I'll be right here beside you to help you through this…Come on buddy, talk to me. Let me help you…Spencer? Say something son." Getting nothing but more silence for an answer, Hotch glanced down at his charge. He chuckled at the sight of the littlest profiler sleeping sitting up.
"I guess our little talk will have to wait." He whispered. Humming a lullaby softly, Aaron steadied Spencer with one hand while he used the other to swiftly finished bathing the boy. He eyed the shampoo bottle for a moment before deciding against it. He'd leave the hair washing for the morning. He wasn't willing to risk the little guy getting sick from going to bed with wet hair. Bath complete, the father picked his sleeping son up, gently wrapped him in a towel, and left the bathroom. After drying and dressing the youngster in his Star Wars pajamas, Aaron tucked the exhausted boy into bed. "Sleep well, Spencer" he whispered, kissing his son's forehead. Straightening up, Hotch took a few moments to just sit and watch the peacefully sleeping boy. He'd never understand how anyone could look at the tiny profiler and have the urge to hurt him. One look at that sweet little face made Aaron want to wrap the youngster in bubble wrap and protect him from the evils of the world. Shaking his head as an image of a bubble wrapped Spencer flashed through his mind, the father went over to his go-bag and grabbed a change of clothes. He took one last look at his son before hurrying into the bathroom for a quick shower. He had a feeling it was going to be a long night.
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Spencer slowly inched towards the enormous golden throne where an overly fat man in a red and white suit waited for him. He didn't want to go near the man but he couldn't seem to stop himself. It was like some invisible force was propelling him forward. Making it to the steps, Reid briefly paused before shakily ascending the three wooden steps. The trembling boy walked across the porch, stopping a couple of feet away from the jolly old elf.
"Spencer! Come sit on my lap!" the fake Santa called, smiling evilly.
Spencer shook his head. His eyes widened as the obese elf suddenly morphed into his rail thin father.
William Reid patted his lap. "Come on Spencer! Come sit on your old man's lap." He insisted. "You and I can have some fun just like the old days."
"No" Spencer softly whispered, taking a step back.
"Aww don't be like that Handsome" the man scolded as he changed once more. The muscular pedophile from the park eyed him lustfully. "I won't hurt you…much" He lurched forwards, seizing the frightened boy by the arm.
"NO!" Spencer shouted. He twisted and kicked, screaming louder as the hold on him tightened. "NO! Leave me alone!"
Aaron shot up in bed at the terrified scream. Glancing down and seeing his son fighting the blankets that were wrapped around the boy, he muttered a curse. He'd hoped they could manage one full night of sleep. Knowing Reid's flailing was only making the blanket's hold tighter, the father quickly set about waking the youngster up. "Spencer!" he called as he attempted to untangle the covers from around the thrashing youngster. "Spencer, wake up son! You're safe!"
Spencer's eyes shot open. He scrambled out of the blankets and threw himself at Hotch. Wrapping tiny arms around his protector's neck, the scared little boy buried his face in the man's shoulder and burst into tears.
"Shhhh, Spencer it's okay. It was just a dream. You're alright." Aaron soothed as he slowly rocked back and forth. Rubbing the sobbing youngster's back, he rocked and murmured quiet reassurances to his son. When that didn't seem to help, Hotch stood and began pacing the floor while humming a lullaby. After what felt like ages, Spencer's cries finally began to taper off. Letting out a relieved breath, Aaron shuffled over and dropped onto the edge of the bed. He settled the sniffling tot in his lap and kissed the top of his head. "Wanna talk about it?"
"N-n-no" Spencer stammered, shaking his head.
"It'll help." Aaron prodded, resuming the back rub. "Come on buddy, let it out. You'll feel better."
Spencer looked up at his surrogate father and shakily nodded. "I, I was b-b-bat at San-Santal-l-land." He stammered. He paused for a moment, shivering as images of the nightmare danced through his mind. Wiping a hand across his eyes, Spencer pushed the scary thoughts to the back of his mind, took a deep breath, and continued. "Santa was si-sitting in his ch-chair. He, he wanted me to sit in, in his l-lap. Fen he ch-changed into my fa-fafew and he, he…"
"Okay Spencer, that's enough" Aaron broke in. "You did good, kiddo."
"I'm not, not fwough." Spencer stuttered.
"You don't have to say anymore." Aaron told the trembling boy.
"Y-yes I do." Spencer countered, leaning back against Hotch's chest.
"Okay buddy" Aaron agreed. He wrapped his arms around his upset son and cuddled him.
Spencer snatched up his Ewok and clutched it to his chest before speaking. "My, my fafew tuwned into, into fat m-m-man fwom Dis-Disney and he, he gwabbed m-me. He was gonna, gonna…" Spencer buried his face in his daddy's side.
"Shhhh, it's okay, Spencer. It's over now. You're safe." Aaron assured the crying boy.
Spencer turned tear filled eyes on his father figure. "But, but what if it hap-happens again?" he mumbled.
"It won't." Hotch adamantly stated.
"You tan't pwo-pwomise fat." Spencer countered, sticking his thumb in his mouth.
Aaron sighed. He had forgotten he wasn't talking to a child. It was going to take a lot more than simple platitudes to reassure the terrified youngster. And that began with, "Yes, I can. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. Your BAU family will make sure of that. One or more of us will always be with you to ensure your safety and well-being. Nothing can happen to you with us there."
Spencer cocked his head to one side and stared up at his friend. "But you guys wewe fewe." He quietly pointed out.
"I might have been in the room with you but I wasn't standing right beside you." Aaron corrected.
"But Em *yawn* ly was fewe when my, my fafew twied to tidnap me." Reid replied, letting out a jaw popping yawn. "Aaaaaand Gawcia was wif me when I got *yawn* huwt."
"Alright, you've got a point. I can't promise you'll be safe." Aaron conceded. "What I can do is assure you that we will do everything in our power to keep you safe."
"I *YAWN* know." Spencer softly said, closing his eyes.
Aaron smiled. "Come on buddy, let's get you back in bed." He whispered. After adjusting his hold on the little boy, he scooted over a little and slowly laid down on the bed. Settling his sleeping son on his chest, Hotch pulled the covers over the two of them, wrapped his arms around Spencer, and closed his eyes.
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The next time Spencer woke sunlight was peeking through the curtains. Sitting up, he fisted his eyes as he glanced around the room. "Mowning Hotch" he greeted.
"Good morning, Spencer" Aaron responded. He tousled the little boy's hair before going over to his suitcase and packing his toiletry kit.
Spencer frowned. "Awe we leaving?" he asked.
"Yes" Hotch replied. "The director called this morning. Dave and I are needed to testify in that Washington murder case from a few months ago. And the rest of you are to report to work tomorrow morning."
Spencer's face fell. He tossed the blankets off, slid down the side of the bed, and tottled over to his surrogate father. "Tan I go wif you?" he asked, pinning Hotch with his infamous puppy dog eyes.
"Sorry buddy" Aaron apologized as he scooped his youngest up. "You have to be at work tomorrow."
"I wanna go wif you." Spencer stated.
"I know and I'd take you if I could but I can't." Aaron told the upset boy. "You don't have to worry though. Morgan, Prentiss, and Garcia are going to stay with you while I'm gone. They'll take good care of you. And I'll only be gone a couple of days, a week at the most."
"But I don't want you to go." Spencer whispered. He wrapped his arms around Hotch's neck and held on tight.
"I know you don't kiddo. I don't wanna leave you either but we don't exactly have a choice." Aaron explained, hugging his little one.
"Aaron, are you about ready?" Dave asked as he strode into the room. Noting the crying boy in his friend's arms, he winced. "Guess not. I'll just give you guys a few minutes." He turned to leave.
"Wossi!" Spencer called, holding out his arms.
Doing an about face, Dave walked over to the father and son. He took Reid from Hotch and gave him a hug. "Morning Short Stuff" he cheerfully greeted. "I take it Aaron's already filled you in."
"Yes" Spencer replied with a sniffle. "Do you weally have to go?"
"Afraid so, buddy" Rossi answered, kissing the boy's forehead. "But you'll be okay. Morgan and Garcia will see to that."
"I know." Spencer mumbled.
"Then what's with the sad face, Munchkin?" Morgan questioned as he strolled into the room. Taking the boy from Rossi, he started tickling Reid's tummy. "You don't like me anymore or something?"
"Ttttop Mowgan! Ttttttooop!" Spencer got out between giggles.
"No can do, Shrimp. You have to say the magic word first." Morgan teased as he continued the attack.
Taking note of Spencer's red face, Hotch quickly stepped in. "Stop it, Morgan" he ordered.
"Yes sir" Derek replied, stopping the attack. He immediately righted the boy in his arms.
A loud growling sounded causing the older men to laugh. "I think someone's ready to eat." Dave snickered.
Taking Spencer from Morgan, Hotch started for the door. "Come on kiddo let's get you fed." He said, tossing the youngster into the air.
Smiling as the boy's laughter filled the room, Rossi and Morgan followed Hotch out the door and down the hall to the elevators. It was time to eat.
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After a quick breakfast, the family packed up their SUV's and said their goodbyes before hitting the road. They drove in silence except for the occasional sound of the radio. Morgan, Emily, and Garcia had all tried to engage Spencer in conversation but the boy had remained quiet. He hadn't spoken since Hotch and Rossi had left and the others were starting to get worried. Their charge hadn't even looked at them. He just sat, staring out the side window. When all their attempts to get Reid to talk fell flat, the group decided to leave the boy alone for now. Hopefully by the time lunch rolled around, he'd be in a better mood. And even if he wasn't, Henry was sure to get a smile out of him. Nobody could stay angry or upset around Henry.
Several hours later, the SUV's pulled into a fast food restaurant and parked. Climbing out of the vehicles, the adults stood and stretched before getting the boys out of their seats. They then walked across the parking lot and into the restaurant.
"Are you sure we wanna eat here?" Emily asked as she glanced around the colorful room. "Wouldn't a nice sit down restaurant be better for the boys?"
"Probably, but they've been cooped up in the trucks all morning. They need to run and they can't do that in a restaurant." Will explained.
"Oh" Emily replied. Feeling a tug on her pants leg, she glanced down to see Spencer hopping from foot to foot. "What's up, Spencer?"
"Emily, I've gotta go." Spencer stage whispered.
"Okay, hang on I've got ya." Emily assured as she took the little boy's hand. "You guys go ahead and order for us. You know what we like."
"Hold up, Em! Henry and I are coming with you." JJ called. She hurried over to her friends and the four went around the counter and out of sight.
One quick pit stop later, the family sat down to eat their lunch. The two little boys gobbled their chicken nuggets and fries and ran off to play on the children's playground, leaving the adults to talk.
"JJ, I think Spencer should ride with you guys the rest of the way." Emily suggested, taking another bite of her salad. "I don't want to risk him getting whatever Morgan has."
Seeing a pale looking Morgan exiting the bathroom and heading back to the truck, JJ nodded. "I agree. From the looks of it, he's got some kind of stomach bug and that's the last thing Spencer needs. Those are rough on adults but they're worse on little ones."
"I'll go move the car seat and his bag." Will offered, balling up his empty hamburger wrapper. "I'll take Morgan a bottled water while I'm at it. If it is a stomach bug, he needs to keep hydrated."
"Thanks Will" Garcia gratefully said. Turning back to her friends, she sighed. "Are you alright with riding with us? I can't drive and look after my Prince of Puke."
"Ewww! Pen, I was still eating!" Emily whined as she pushed away her food.
"Oh, come on! You see worse than that on our cases." JJ pointed out. "You've never had trouble eating during those."
"That's because I didn't have to ride home with those." Prentiss replied.
"Do you want to switch with me? I could drive them." JJ offered.
"No, it's okay. I can drive. I just don't think I should uhh, eat anymore when I have to get in the truck with Barf Boy."
"Good point" JJ agreed.
"Uhh ladies, I think we need to go." Penelope called, nodding towards the playplace.
The ladies looked over to find both boys fighting sleep. "Awww" they cooed. Grabbing their trays, the women swiftly cleaned up their mess and threw away the trash. They then hurried over to the playground and collected their sleepy children. JJ and Emily carried the boys out to Will's SUV, strapped them in, and quietly closed the doors. After saying goodbye and promising to stay in contact, Emily walked over to Morgan's vehicle, leaving JJ and Will alone with the two kids. The couple climbed into their truck and pulled back onto the highway. They wanted to get as far as they could before the boys woke up.
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Will smiled as he pulled into his driveway. Between stops for the boys to run a little and stops for a sick Morgan the drive had taken all day and a good part of the evening. He was beyond tired. He wanted nothing more than to grab a quick shower and hit the hay but he couldn't do that. Henry and Spencer had to be taken care of first. So the father climbed out of the truck and took his son out while JJ handled Spencer. The tired family trudged into the house and turned on the lights. Feeling the boys' heads drop onto their shoulders, the couple decided to forego the nightly bath time routine. They carried the sleeping youngsters up the stairs, changed them into their pajamas and put them to bed.
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Tugging on his shirt drew Will from a sound sleep. Rolling over, he expected to see a frightened Henry. He was surprised to find himself staring at a teary eyed Spencer instead. "Spencer, what's wrong, son? You feeling sick or something?" he asked, placing the back of his hand on the little boy's forehead.
"I, I had a bad, a bad dweam." Spencer stammered.
Will pushed the blankets down a little. "Come here, kiddo" he whispered. He scooped the tiny profiler up and settled him in the middle of the bed. "You can sleep with us tonight." he said, smiling as Spencer snuggled into his side. He rubbed the little boy's back until the youngster fell back asleep. Leaving his arm wrapped around the youngster, Will closed his eyes. He was asleep in seconds.