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- Sorry about the long late, guys. My job is beyond crazy this year.
I've got a few wonderfully Reid centric stories for you!
The Dragon Slayer's by Terry Gibbs (kid fic!)
Broken by Blood by Gothina234 (Reid whump galore!)
48 Hours Mystery—For God's Will by Angelcobra (an awesomely unique story with tons of hurt/comfort!)
Previously on Criminal Minds- He tucked the blankets securely around the tot and then leaned over and kissed his forehead. "Good night Spencer" he whispered.
CM
After sleeping in the next morning, the team took turns bathing before filing downstairs for breakfast. The kids shot down the slide one at a time, landing with a plop in the pillow pit. Once they'd crawled out of the mass of pillows, they shuffled around the staircase and froze. The living room was bare; all Morgan's furniture gone. In its place the now familiar checkered blanket lay. But unlike the previous day, there were no picnic baskets. Instead, pan upon overflowing pan sat side by side on a raised area in the middle of the blanket. Giant animal head plates had been placed around the outside of the patterned covering. And to top it off, an enormous neon sign reading 'All you can eat buffet! Enjoy!' hung in mid-air above the luscious feast.
The children grinned at each other before racing over. Snatching up plates, they scurried to the buffet table and swiftly filled their animal dishes with a little of everything. When the plates would hold no more, the teeny profilers and company picked a spot on the cushy blanket and plopped down. And then picking up their forks, the group dug in.
CM
With breakfast over the children started outside only to be stopped by a knock on the door. The de-aged adults exchanged worried glances. They weren't expecting anyone.
Taking charge of the situation, Hotch crept over to the window and peered out. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Aaron then turned to the others. "Reid, please go open the door." he instructed. "It's the Director."
"John?" Spencer queried, breaking into a smile. Grabbing a chair, he tugged it over to the doorway. The youngster climbed up on the seat, unlocked the deadbolt, and yanked open the door. "Hi John" he happily greeted.
John did not look amused. "Agent Reid, what do you think you're doing standing in a chair?" he scolded, picking the little boy up. "And why are you answering the door? Where are Agents Hotchner and Morgan?"
"Here sir" Aaron called, stepping into view.
The Director's eyebrows shot up under his hair. "Agent Hotchner?" he gasped.
"Yes sir" Hotch answered. He glanced back at the others. "Loki decided to de-age us for the weekend so Reid would have some other children to play with."
John looked from one child to the other. "Let me get this straight. Your whole team has been de-aged as you put it. And you children are all staying here alone." He stated.
"Yes sir" Rossi replied. "But it's not as bad as it sounds. The trickster provides all our meals and we become grown-ups at naptime and bedtime."
"He's been keeping an eye on us, too." Morgan added. "We've heard a few cars pass by and even one pull into the drive but no one has come to the door; at least not until now."
"Why are you here, sir?" Aaron inquired.
John stepped into the house and shut the door. "The church I occasionally attend is having a special Christmas service this morning." He told the kids as he set Reid on his feet. "And I thought Spencer might enjoy watching the festivities."
Spencer opened his mouth to decline the offer but one glimpse at his friend and mentor's face stopped him. The expression was one he knew very well; the hopeful, longing look of someone wanting to be included, to belong. He couldn't say no to that look. So, he smiled up at the Director and said, "I'd lite fat."
A smile split John's face. "Wonderful" he said. He gazed down at the other mini agents. "I do hope the rest of you will join us."
"Fey'll tome." Reid answered for his friends. "Wight guys?"
"We'd like to." Rossi stated. "There's just one small problem. John can't go waltzing into church with nine little kids."
"He's right." Morgan agreed.
"The twit'ew(trickster) tould gwow some of us up again." Spencer suggested.
"I could but I'm not sure I want to." The stuffed saber tooth tiger growled. "What's in it for me if I do?"
"Guys" Reid said before looking over at the trickster.
The tiger quickly lay down and threw both paws over its eyes. "NOOOOOOOOOOO! Not a roomful of kicked puppy eyes!" he cried. "Somebody make it stop! It's, it's too much! I can't, can't…" He flipped onto his back, all four legs sticking straight up. The tiger's head flopped to the side, its eyes closed, and tongue lolling out.
"Pup-py?" Henry called out, cocking his head to one side and staring curiously at the stuffed toy. "Pup-py otay?" When the toy tiger failed to move, the worried tot ran over and began petting the stuffed animal's belly. He giggled as the tiger's eyes opened and its tail wagged furiously. "Pup-py silly!" he shouted.
"Oh, yeah! That feels goooood!" Loki mumbled. After enjoying the awesome belly rub for a little while, the trickster possessed saber tooth hopped up and licked its laughing massage therapist. "Thanks kid" he said before bounding over to the others. "Alright, here's the deal. The shrimp's massage has me feeling generous so I'm willing to change some of you back to your irritating grown-up selves for the duration of the church visit. But I'll only change four of you. The rest have to remain children."
The family was silent for a moment, weighing their options. Then Rossi nodded. "I'll stay a kid." He volunteered much to the other profilers' surprise.
"Me too!" Garcia happily hollered.
"I guess I'll be the other one." Emily muttered. Feeling all eyes on her, she huffed. "What? I'm the only logical choice. JJ, Hotch, and Will are parents. They know how to act with little ones so they won't raise suspicions. And Morgan being a kid would definitely cause problems. There's no telling what kind of trouble he'd talk Reid into."
"Hey!" Derek and Spencer shouted.
"It's the truth and you know it." Dave stated.
Morgan smirked. "Yeah I guess it is." He admitted. The five year old patted his younger friend on the back. "Sorry Pretty Boy, we'll just have to save those pranks of ours for another time."
Spencer pretended to look disappointed. His smile gave him away however. "Otay" he agreed with a sigh.
"That's the spirit!" Gabe cheered. "Now let's get this show on the road!" Loki rubbed his hands together and then snapped his fingers. Smiling at the new adults, he gave an exaggerated bow. "My work here is done."
John shook his head. "Does he always do that?" he asked, gesturing to the spot where the being had been standing seconds earlier.
"Yes he does." Aaron answered. "It's…"
"Loot!" Spencer shouted, pointing to a wooden signpost hanging in mid-air. Seeing words appear, he began reading. "Twit (quit) you'we gawting (gawking) and get a move on. Pit up the mag'zine wif youw name and choose an outfit to weaw. Huwwy up! Time's a-wasting!" Grinning from ear to ear, the tiny agent dashed over to the large catalogues, scooped his up, and plopped down to examine it. He carefully scrutinized each Christmas suit before finally settling on one. "I want fis one!" he called, adding "Peas" at the last minute. The boy shrieked as the clothing he had chosen appeared on him.
Garcia took one look at Reid's royal blue overalls with the snowman applique and white turtleneck complete with a row of snowmen holding hands around the neckline and squeed. "Awww! That's adorable!" she hollered, racing over to the sets of magazines. "I wanna wear something colorful like that!" Grabbing the book with her name, Penelope swiftly flicked through before stopping on a page with a gasp. "This is the one!" she excitedly mumbled.
Prentiss grimaced. "Don't you think that's a little much?" she questioned, still staring at the short sleeve white frilly shirt with red edging barely visible under the green and white smock that was covered in stockings, trees, and presents.
"No" Pen replied, spinning around. "It's perfect!"
"Baby Girl, I can see why you like it but it's too cold to wear something like that." Morgan pointed out.
"I'll wear a sweater or a jacket over it." Garcia countered, grinning as a matching full length coat appeared in her hand. "See?"
Conceding defeat, the group strode over to the two kids, grabbed up their magazines, and chose their outfits. JJ and Emily picked simple but elegant red dresses while Hotch went with his usual black suit and white shirt. Dave's suit was black as well but his came with a red shirt and tie. Will elected to get Henry an outfit that matched Reid's except it was red with a Santa instead of a snowman. He then selected a red suit for himself.
After the girls had fixed their hair and make-up and the children had gone to the bathroom, the group set off for the church. They talked and laughed and sang the time away. The long trip flew by and before they knew it they were pulling into the church parking lot. Smiling, the family put on their coats and tromped through the frigid winter air to the church. Once inside, they sighed at the warmth that enveloped them. They pulled off their heavy jackets and went into the empty sanctuary. Since they were a little early, the agents had their pick of places to sit. The group found a pew in the back and sat down. Henry settled in his daddy's lap while Spencer toddled over to John and climbed into his. Dave and Emily sat on the pew, refusing to sit on anyone. Garcia, however, had no problem crawling up into her Stud Muffin's lap and settling in. She was loving this!
Spencer snickered at his friend before glancing around the sanctuary. He admired the beautiful scenes on the stained glass windows as well as the intricately carved table in front of the podium. This church was a wonderful architectural specimen. He wondered who had…his thoughts ground to a halt at the sight of a huge Christmas tree off to one side of the room. "John, why is fewe a Twistmas twee hewe?" he curiously questioned. "Twistmas twees awe pagan symbols. Fey don't belong in a chuwch."
"Are you sure about that?" John countered.
Reid glared at his mentor. "Of touwse I'm suwe." He snapped. "Many tultuwes hung evewgween boughs ovew feiw doows and windows to wawd off witches and ghosts. And the ancient Egyptians…"
"Spencer" John broke in, knowing if he didn't, the kid would go on for hours. "I want you to hold your judgment for now. Sometime during the service, Pastor Don is going to read a poem he wrote about the Christmas tree. I want you to listen to it carefully. Then tell me if you still believe a Christmas tree has no place in a church."
"Otay" Reid replied.
Seeing people beginning to file in, Aaron leaned over and whispered, "Showtime Spencer".
"Yes siw" Reid dutifully responded. He crawled off John's lap and pulled himself up to standing. Pasting on his best little kid grin, he began waving at the people as they walked by. He hoped the service started soon. He hated having to act like a kid.
CM
After what felt like an eternity of waving, music began playing and the choir filed inside. Dropping back onto John's lap, Spencer listened to the familiar Christmas tunes. He swiftly found that the songs were more enjoyable with only the piano and organ accompanying the singers. Leaning back against John's chest, he settled in to enjoy the show.
Once the music was finished, the children of the church came out dressed as shepherds, angels, Mary, Joseph, and even barnyard animals. They made their way down the aisles and onto the stage. Taking their places, the kids began their play.
Dave and Emily shifted this way and that attempting to see over the heads of the adults in front of them. Seeing nothing but people's backs and heads, the two swiftly climbed to their feet. Leaning against the closest person, they focused on the now easy to see program.
When the play was over, the preacher stood and walked the few steps to the podium. Spencer perked up as the minister reached in his jacket pocket and pulled out a well-worn sheet of paper.
Pastor Don welcomed the crowd before beginning. He talked a little about the recent controversy regarding Christmas trees in churches and then explained that after listening to some of the babble, he'd been led to write a poem detailing why it is an important part of the church's celebration. He asked his audience to listen to the poem and decide for themselves whether or not the tree belonged in their church. The minister then put his glasses on, picked up the paper, and began reading. "The Christmas tree is more than something just to take up space. In every heart no matter where it holds a special place."
Spencer cocked his head to one side as the pastor read. He'd never thought of the tree and its trimmings that way. It made perfect sense for a Christmas tree to be in the church. It was actually a live symbol of the church.
"I take it the pastor changed your mind?" John whispered.
"Definitely" Reid softly replied before turning his attention back to the service. Despite his earlier reservations he was enjoying himself and he didn't want to miss a minute.
CM
"Fant you fow tating us to the Twistmas pwogwam." Spencer told John as they walked into Morgan's house . "I thowoughly enjoyed it."
"I'm glad you did." John said, helping the youngster escape his coat. He hung it on the coat rack and then ruffled the mini profiler's hair. Glancing over at the others, he sighed. "I guess I should be going. Thank you for going with me. It was nice to have family with me."
"Thank you for inviting us. It was a very nice service." Hotch responded, shaking the man's hand.
"That it was." John agreed before sighing once more. "I'll head out now. It's a long drive back to the house. Enjoy the rest of your day and thank you again for accompanying me."
Spencer tugged on the reluctant man's pants leg. "Tan't you tay?" he asked. "You tould pay wif us."
Smiling, John knelt down in front of his youngest agent. "Son, I don't think…"
"Peas?" Spencer pleaded.
"Pwetty peas?" Henry begged, running over to the man. "Henwy want you to pay wif him."
"Oh, you do huh?" John asked. Getting an exuberate 'uh huh!', he chuckled. "Okay, I'll stay."
"You will?" Will questioned, surprise coloring his voice.
"Of course" John answered as he stood. "How can I say no to those two faces?"
Will snickered. "You've got a point."
The television clicked on drawing the group's attention. It flipped through several channels before stopping on the beginning of a boxing match. A very familiar figure stepped into the ring. He walked to the middle and grabbed the hanging microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Let's get ready to de-aaaaaaagggggggeeeee!"
In the blink of an eye the adults shrunk down to their five year old selves. All eyes went to the short, thin boy who appeared to be in shock.
"Sir, are you okay?" Rossi asked.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah, it just takes a little getting used to, you know?" John responded after a moment.
Henry peered up at the boy he'd just been talking to. "Loot mommy! No owee's!" he squealed, fingering the side of the new kid's face.
"Henry!" JJ scolded. "It's not nice to…"
"Owee's?" John repeated, brow furrowing. Recognition dawned seconds later and the newly de-aged five year old looked around before rushing over to the far wall where an oval shaped mirror hung. Pushing a chair against the wall, the youngster climbed up and gazed into the glass. "It's been a long time since I've looked in the mirror and not seen those scars." He muttered, ghosting a hand over his now smooth face. "I'd forgotten what I looked like without them."
Reid went over and stood by the chair. Curiosity getting the better of him, he blurted out, "What happened to you?" before he could stop himself. Kicking himself for asking that, he swiftly added, "If you don't mind my asting."
Jumping off the chair, John turned to his young colleague and smiled. "I umm, fell through a plate glass door after I'd had a little too much to drink." He explained.
Spencer didn't know what to say to that. He searched for the right words but none came. He ended up saying the only thing that came to mind. "Oh, sowwy John."
John shrugged. "It's water under the bridge, kid." He told the youngster. Then he broke into a grin. "Besides, we have more important matters. You two boys promised we'd play so let's get to it."
Spencer returned his mentor's grin with a dimpled one of his own. "Yay!" he whooped. "Tome on guys! Let's go pay!"
AN- Please excuse my trip down memory lane. My dad really did write a poem about why Christmas trees belong in church after another preacher informed him that it was a pagan symbol and that we would go to Hell if we put one in the church.(not the only time he claimed that.) He read that poem every Christmas from then on. It's a wonderful poem and one that I miss hearing.
The part about the scar is true. Or at least that's the explanation the actor who played John, Michael Ironside, has said.
Oh, and if you'd like to see Garcia's Christmas outfit, look up, love it so much (no spaces).com (backslash) stores/toddler-and-girl-sizes-12m-to-5,484160. h t m l