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- The song mentioned in this one is "Toy Trains" and the artists singing are The Statler Brothers.
Previously on Criminal Minds- Without warning, John leaned down, scooped the little boy up, and settled him on his lap.
Over the River and Through the Woods
The team's mouths dropped open at their boss' action. According to the trickster, no one in the office would see Reid as a child. But clearly the director did and none of them knew what to think about that.
John gazed fondly down at the little boy in his lap. "You're sure a tiny little guy." He commented patting Spencer's back.
Hotch was the first to find his voice. "How, how did you…"
"Know he was a kid?" the director finished. He looked up at the elite team. "I had a visitor while you were in Washington; an annoying little man with a god complex. He explained Agent Reid's predicament to me."
"And you believed him?" Morgan asked, disbelievingly.
John cast a hard look at the muscular profiler. "I didn't have a lot of choice. After I told the smug little bas-" he glanced down at the child in his lap. "twerp what I thought of him and his cockamamie story, he proved he was telling the truth."
Rossi smirked. "Let me guess. He turned you into a donkey." He said.
"A bear" the director corrected.
"More like a teddy bear in a pink tutu" a voice crowed from the computer on man's desk.
"A da-dancing ted-ddddy bbbeaw!" Spencer giggled.
The alien avatar on the screen nodded and grinned, showing a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. "Yep" it replied, making a popping sound on the end of the word. "See?"
The team burst into laughter as an image of a giant tutu clad teddy bear flashed on the screen.
John groaned. "How do I get rid of Mr. Practical Joke?" he asked, gesturing towards the computer. "The runt hasn't left me alone since he showed up at lunchtime yesterday."
The avatar looked offended. "I'll leave." It huffed. "As soon as you finish your talk with Short Stuff and his family."
"You mean there's more?" Rossi questioned.
The director nodded. "Yes" he answered. "I don't know why he's sticking around for this. I actually agree with him on this part."
"Something tells me I'm not going to like what you're about to say." Derek muttered.
That made John smile. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, Agent Morgan." he said. "You see, your team is on leave, effective immediately. You are not to come into work until the Monday after Thanksgiving."
"And?" the trickster prodded.
The director sighed. "And when you do come back, the team will be relegated to desk duty until after the New Year. No cases."
"But"
John's glare swiftly silenced Morgan. "No arguments. I will not have this team taking a child out on an investigation. Agent Reid was turned into a little boy to have a happy childhood. He can't do that if he or any member of your team is getting hurt or kidnapped or shot or any of the other half a million things that could happen. You will take the time off and you will settle for desk duty. Am I understood?"
"Yes sir" the group chorused.
"Good" John said. "Now, go home and take that irritating being with you."
"Yes sir" Hotch replied. He walked over and reached for Spencer.
Spencer patted John's chest to garner the man's attention. He waited for his boss to glance down and then shakily stood up, wrapped his tiny arms around the director's neck, and said, "Fant you siw".
"You're welcome, kiddo" John answered, returning the hug. After a moment, he reluctantly released the boy. "Go on. Get out of here, son."
"Yes *Yawn* siw" Reid replied, knuckling his eyes. He turned and reached for his surrogate father.
Aaron took the little boy from the director. He smiled as his son's head dropped onto his shoulder and tiny fingers began playing with the hair on the back of his neck. "Thank you sir" he whispered before turning and following the rest of the team out of the conference room.
CM
The next morning Morgan's house was bustling with activity as the family minus Will packed for the trip to Rossi's cabin. While the adults rushed around, Spencer kept Henry occupied with a game of tag Clooney. The two giggling boys raced over, under, and around furniture and people as they chased the overexcited dog. The boys ran through the living room and into the kitchen and back again, making circuit after circuit as they attempted to catch the lab. A half hour into the game Spencer and Henry finally managed to corner Clooney over by the fireplace. Grinning from ear to ear, the two youngsters pounced on the dog who had rolled over on its back in anticipation of the coming belly rubs.
"You two are spoiling him. You know that, right?" Morgan teased as he walked past with a boxful of kitchen items.
"Uh huh" Spencer proudly replied. Noticing the box, he toddled over to his friend. The little boy stood on his tip toes and tried to peer into the cardboard container. "Did you 'membew the waffle matew and the mix?"
Morgan rolled his eyes. "I didn't forget your breakfast, Pretty Boy." he assured the child. "And before you ask, I also packed the magic teddy bear cookie box and your juice boxes."
"Tool! Fants, Mowgan!" Spencer exclaimed. He hugged his friend's legs before racing back over to Henry and Clooney.
Aaron walked into the room arms loaded down with bags. "This is the last of Spencer's things." He announced, smiling as the boys' laughter filled the air. "They're having a good time."
"Yeah, Clooney's keeping them busy and happy." Morgan said. "And he's wearing them out. Those two will be conked out by the time we leave."
"That will make things easier. It's a long drive to my place." Dave told the others as he came into the room and set down his bag. Surveying the mass of boxes and bags sitting on the living room floor, he whistled. "That's a lot of stuff. Are you sure we need all of it?"
"I'm positive." Aaron responded.
Rossi sighed. "Alright, let's starting loading up then. It'll take us till lunchtime to move all this crap to the trucks."
"You got that right." Derek muttered, lifting the nearest box.
"Uh oh girls" Emily said as she walked in on the scene. "They're grumbling already. We better help throw everything in the trucks before they blow a gasket."
"Ha ha" Derek muttered.
"Hey, it's the truth and you know it." Emily huffed.
"She's right my Pretty Pilgrim." Penelope agreed. "You boys aren't very good at holding your temper amid packing and moving."
"It's a guy thing." JJ piped up. "My dad was always irritable when we were packing to go on vacation and Will's the same way. You should have heard him the other night when we were getting ready to come here."
"Well maybe if you girls didn't pack everything you owned, we wouldn't get so ill." Morgan tossed back.
"We don't take everything. We only pack the essentials." Garcia corrected. "Isn't that right, ladies?"
JJ and Emily nodded.
"See?" Penelope cheered. "I told you…" a tug on her dress caused her to stop and glance down. "What is it, Sweetie?"
Henry peered hopefully up at his godmother. "Auntie Pen tome pay?" he asked.
Garcia smiled. "I'd love to come play." She replied. Taking the little boy's hand, she started for the other side of the room. "Gotta go play! See you guys later!" she called over her shoulder.
Shaking their heads at their friend, the family members each grabbed a bag and headed outside.
CM
Aaron finished strapping a sleepy Spencer into his car seat. "Night buddy" he whispered, kissing the boy's forehead. He carefully shut the door and walked around to the front passenger side. After sliding into his seat and fastening his own seat belt, he glanced up in the rearview mirror. Hotch grinned as Reid's head slowly dropped to his chest.
Morgan started the engine and holiday music blared from the radio, startling the youngster awake. He quickly reached over and turned the music down. "Sorry kid" he apologized.
"Wait, don't tuwn it off. I lite fat song." Spencer protested even as he struggled to keep his eyes open.
Derek shrugged. "Okay Pretty Boy. Whatever you say." He turned the radio up enough for the song to be heard in the backseat. He listened to the harmony of the quartet for a few minutes and then asked, "What's this song called?"
Spencer shook his head. "I don't *YAWN* don't know." He wearily admitted around the thumb in his mouth.
"It's Toy Trains." Aaron filled in. "It's one of Jack's favorite Christmas songs."
"Oh" Morgan replied. "It's not exactly my style but it's a pretty good song. Right, Pretty Boy? Pretty Boy?" He glanced into the rearview mirror. "Huh, guess it doubles as a lullaby."
"In that case we should find a CD of it." Hotch whispered.
"I'll check itunes when we get to Rossi's." Derek softly said.
"Sounds good" Aaron responded. Humming along with the sweet tune, he settled back in his seat. He stared out the side window, watching the scenery fly past and thinking of the holiday to come.
CM
JJ looked up from the salad she was mixing when Rossi's gate alarm buzzed. Seeing Will's smiling face on the video feed, she quickly set down the utensils she was using. "Come on. You guys have got to see this." She urged as she hurried to the kitchen entryway.
Curious the other ladies and Rossi followed the young blond out of the kitchen and over to the other side of the large dining room. Standing in the doorway, they gazed around the quiet living room before turning to stare at the media liaison. "JJ, what's…"
"Just watch" JJ whispered, pointing at the two little boys on the floor.
Henry and Spencer's heads snapped up at the sound of the front door opening. Hearing a familiar voice call 'I'm home!', the two immediately jumped up and dashed towards the newcomer.
"Daddy!" Henry shouted.
"Will!" Spencer hollered.
The boys leapt into the Cajun's waiting arms, giggling as he spun them around. "Again! Again!" they shouted when he stopped.
"Awww, that's so cute!" Garcia squeed as she snapped a picture of the spinning trio.
"I'm trying that next time I come in the door." Dave said.
"I think you'll have to get in line for that chance." Emily told the senior profiler. She nodded towards Morgan and Hotch who had joined Will at the door.
"I don't think so." Dave countered. "Watch this." He took a step into the living room and cleared his throat. "Supper's ready! Come and get it before the cheesy lasagna gets cold!"
"Lasagna!" Spencer squealed. He wiggled out of Will's hold and raced over to Rossi. Jumping into the man's waiting arms, the little boy began bouncing up and down. "Fant you! Fant you! Fant you!" he chanted.
"Anytime kid" Dave replied, ruffling the youngster's hair. Turning he headed for the kitchen. "Better hurry it up folks before the cheese loving monster named Reid eats it all!"
Snickering, the family followed the oldest and youngest profilers into the dining room to eat.
CM
After a wonderful feast, the group quickly cleared the table and washed the dishes. They then went down the stairs to the basement which had been converted into a game room. Mouths dropped open and eyes bulged as the family gazed around the enormous room in awe. Along one wall a seventy inch television sat inside a huge entertainment center. Two different video game systems as well as a treasure trove of games filled the cabinets on either side of the TV. On the opposite wall a basketball shooting game and some type of hunting video game machine stood. And in the middle of the room was a hand carved pool table and twin rocking horses surrounded by a train track housing a ride on train.
"Tool!" Spencer hollered. He ran over to one of the brown and white horses, climbed on, and began bouncing. "Fis is awesome!"
With an excited shout, Henry dashed to the train. He pushed a button and giggled with glee as the train whistle blew.
Seeing the boys having fun got the adults moving. They hurried into the room, separating to check out the various gaming items.
The family played and laughed and had a good time until the clock struck eight. Realizing it was past the toddlers' bedtime, Aaron and Will scooped up their respective sons and tromped upstairs to the boys' bedroom. After picking up pajamas and pull-ups, they took their charges into the bathroom to bathe. Seeing the giant Jacuzzi tub, the men decided to allow the boys to bathe together. Not wanting to upset the de-aged Spencer, they ran the idea past him first. Getting the okay from the boy, Aaron and Will set about their bath time routine.
Half an hour later JJ crept down the stairs, baby monitor in hand. "They're finally asleep." She relayed, plopping down on the couch beside Will.
"I think I'm about ready to join them." Morgan stated before letting out a jaw popping yawn.
"I'm with you. It's been a long few days and I'm more than ready to go to bed." Dave chimed in. That announcement got nods and murmurs of agreement.
"It's settled then. We'll retire for the night." Aaron said as he stood. "Good night everyone"
The BAU family said their goodnights and trudged up the stairs to their rooms for the night.
CM
After a quick shower, Aaron walked back into his bedroom. He placed his dirty clothes in the laundry bag by the closet and then shuffled over to the bed. Pulling back the sheets, he started to slide in. A soft, hesitant knock on his door stopped him. "Come in" he called.
The door was nudged open a bit and tiny eyes appeared and peered around it.
"Spencer?" Aaron called.
The tiny agent slid inside the room. He stood in the middle of the room fidgeting from foot to foot.
"Spencer, what is it buddy?" Aaron questioned as he started around the bed.
Reid looked up at his father figure and quietly asked, "Tan I leep wif you?"
"Of course you can Spencer" Aaron assured the youngster. He walked over, scooped up his son, and settled him in the queen sized bed. The young father then slid in beside the boy and wrapped an arm around him. "Go to sleep, Spencer" he admonished. "I've got you." Feeling the child snuggle into his side, Aaron smiled and began to hum the train song they had heard earlier in the day. In no time at all both profilers were fast asleep.
CM
The next morning after breakfast, Morgan announced that his mother had caught an earlier flight and that he was heading into town to pick her up from the airport.
"I wanna go! I wanna go!" Spencer hollering as he danced around his best friend.
Morgan chuckled. "It's okay with me, Pretty Boy but I'm not the one you have to ask." He told the boy, gesturing at Hotch.
Spencer turned hopeful, puppy dog eyes on his surrogate father. "Tan I go, Hotch? Peas?" he begged.
"I don't see why not." Aaron replied. "In fact, I think it's a great idea."
Spencer let out a whoop of joy. "Fants, Hotch!" he shouted, hugging the man's leg.
"You're welcome son" Aaron said. He ruffled the youngster's hair. "Go get your shoes and jacket on. You don't want to make Morgan late."
"Yes siw!" Spencer enthusiastically answered. He spun around and ran out the door.
Aaron waited until Reid was out of earshot before turning to the younger man. "Morgan, a word" he said.
"Sure" Derek agreed. He followed Hotch to the stove, wondering what was up.
CM
"Mowgan, did you know fat in two fousand eleven Weagan aiwpowt handled eighteen million, eight hundwed twenty fwee fousand, ninety fouw pass'gews? Ow fat the lawgest shawe of twaffic tomes fwom…" Spencer cut off with a frown. "You jut missed the aiwpowt exit."
"I know." Morgan replied, keeping his focus on the road. "We have a stop to make first."
"A top? What top?" Reid questioned.
"You'll see." Derek answered. He drove past several more exits before finally taking one. Turning right off the exit, the young man drove a few blocks down and then turned into a driveway. He pulled into the first available parking spot, turned off the engine, and waited for the explosion that was sure to come. He didn't have to wait long.
Spencer took one look at the hated building and balked. "The do'tow's office?! What awe we doing hewe?! I'm not sit!" he growled.
Morgan turned in his seat so he could see his friend. "I know you're not, kid. Hotch wants to keep it that way." He told the little boy. "He called last week about getting you the flu shot but they were out. They called this morning to let him know they had gotten another batch in so he made you an appointment to get it today."
Spencer angrily crossed his arms. "I am not going in fewe and I'm not getting fat shot!" he adamantly stated. "You tan't mate me!"
"Can and am" Derek threw back. He swiftly unfastened his seat belt, climbed out of the driver's seat, and opened the back door. He reached in to get the little boy but ended up grabbing nothing but air as the tiny profiler scampered to the other side of the truck. "Reid, get your butt over here now!" he warned. "Do not make me come get you!"
"NO!" Spencer shouted. Wrapping his hands around the door handle, he yanked on it with all his might. It didn't budge.
Sighing, Morgan climbed into the back seat and captured the little escapee. Finding himself with a fighting wildcat on his hands, he swiftly turned the struggling youngster over his knee and busted his behind. "Stop it, kid. This is happening so calm you butt down. Got it?"
Crying, Spencer threw his thin arms around his friend's neck and held on tight. "I'm sowwy Mowgan! I'm sowwy!" he apologized.
"It's okay Pretty Boy. It's okay. We're good." Morgan assured as he rubbed the upset boy's back. He gave the tiny profiler a few minutes to calm down and then gently pulled him back a little so he could look him in the eye. "Come on, let's get this over with."
"No, peas don't mate me!" Spencer begged.
"It's gonna be alright, Reid. It's just a little shot in the arm. That's all." Derek explained. "It'll be over before you know it."
"But, but…"
"Come on kiddo, the longer you put this off the worse it's going to be." Morgan prodded as he scooted out of the vehicle. "Let's go now." Hardening his heart, the young man ignored his best friend's whimpers as he strode across the parking lot and into the doctor's office. Once he'd signed the boy in, Derek scanned the waiting room before picking a seat far away from the ill children waiting to be seen. Keeping Spencer in his arms, he rocked and rubbed and murmured reassurances to the frightened tot until Reid's name was called. Morgan then took a deep breath, stood, and followed the nurse down a short hallway and into the first room on the right. After freeing the youngster's arm from his jacket and long sleeved shirt, the older brother laid Spencer's head on his shoulder and covered the child's face with his hand. "Close your eyes, kiddo. It's okay. I've got ya." He muttered, tensing as the nurse approached with the injection. He kept his hand over the boy's eyes as the nurse swabbed an area on Spencer's upper arm and administered the shot.
The grandmotherly nurse swiftly applied a band aid to the injection site. "There we go. All done Sweetie" she told the sobbing boy. She went over to the counter and took something out of a drawer. "And since you were such a good boy, I have a treat for you." Nurse Adkins held out a red lollipop.
Spencer burrowed further into Morgan's shoulder.
"Hey kiddo, don't you want your treat?" Derek questioned. "It's a sucker."
Reid shook his head.
"Okay Pretty Boy, okay" Morgan whispered as he continued to rub comforting circles in the tot's back. "Let's get outta here, huh?" Feeling a nod against his neck, he stood and started for the door.
"Wait a minute sir" Nurse Adkins called out. "I need to give you the flu vaccine information sheet." She went over to the young man and, seeing his hands occupied, folded the paper and put it in his jacket pocket. "Make sure you read over the possible side effects when you get a chance so you'll know what to watch for."
"I will." Morgan replied, keeping his eyes on the trembling boy in his arms. He waited for the fifty something nurse to open the room door and then hurried out into the hall. "How do I get outta here?"
"Go straight down this hall and out the door at the end." The nurse instructed.
"Thanks" Morgan said.
"You're welcome" Nurse Adkins cheerfully responded. "You boys have a nice day now."
Derek bit the side of his cheek to keep from saying what he was thinking. Instead, he gave her a curt nod before quickly striding down the hall and out the door. He rushed across the waiting room, through the glass door, around the vehicles filling the parking lot, and up to his vehicle. Unlocking the truck, Morgan opened the driver's side door and slid inside. Settling Spencer in his lap, he concentrated on calming the boy down.
After what felt like hours, the littlest profiler's tears tapered off. The exhausted boy leaned back against his friend's chest, stuck his thumb in his mouth, and closed his eyes.
"Feeling better, kiddo?" Morgan asked. Getting a weary nod in reply, he smiled. "Good, cause we need to get going." Scooping up the tired boy, he climbed out of the truck, opened the back door, and settled Reid in his seat. He fastened the youngster's seat belt and then leaned down and kissed the top of the tired boy's head. "Close your eyes, Pretty Boy. I'll wake you when we get there."
Morgan closed the door and climbed back into the driver's seat. He glanced into the rearview mirror, happy to see his best friend peacefully sleeping. Vowing to make Hotch pay for making him play the bad guy, Derek pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards the airport.