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- Thank you for being so patient. I'm still working on the medical issues but hopefully they'll be resolved sometime soon.
A big shout out to Fishtrek, Flowerfairy30, Autumnamberleaves, Sue1313, the Celt, and Nadia for their ideas! Thank you for helping me make Reid's last week as a child a great one!
Previously on Criminal Minds- He yawned and fisted his eyes fighting sleep with all he was worth. But it was no use. His eyes slid shut and he drifted into dreamland.
CM
The BAU family sat silently watching the bright pink alarm clock Garcia had set on the top of the counter. They were still as statues as the dreaded hour drew closer. They knew they should be in their beds; that tomorrow was going to be a rough day. But none of them had the heart to leave the room.
Will had had a whale of a time convincing JJ to go to bed with Henry. She had fought tooth and nail to stay saying Reid might wake up and need her. Garcia and Emily had assured her that they could and would handle it if the little boy woke up but she wasn't having it. She had argued that Will needed to be the one that stayed with Henry. It was only after Will explained that as the only other father and husband in the group, he was the only one that could truly understand what Hotch would be going through that JJ had relented. Will checked his watch. Just five seconds until midnight; five seconds until Reid and Hotch's worlds were turned upside down again. He sighed. He just hoped this wasn't the straw that broke the camel's back.
Garcia's eyes shot to the closed bedroom door as soon as the numbers on the clock turned. She gazed at the door for a few moments before whispering, "I'm going to go check on Reid."
"Don't" Rossi warned, grabbing her arm. He gently pulled her back down. "He's sleeping and I don't wanna risk waking him up."
"Yeah let Pretty Boy sleep." Morgan agreed with a yawn. "At least he can still be with his mom in his dreams."
Penelope nodded. "Okay" she softly replied. She peered over at the door to the adjoining room. "What about Hotch? I know he wouldn't have gone to sleep. Not knowing…Shouldn't somebody check on him?"
To everyone's surprise it was Will that answered with a resounding no. Seeing the ladies open their mouths to question his decision, he quickly held up his hand. "You ladies may always talk to your friends about your feelings and such but guys don't. If it were me, the last thing I would want is someone barging in asking me how I felt or trying to sympathize with me. Besides, Hotch is a very private person. He didn't talk to any of y'all about the attack or his family going away the first time. He's not gonna want to talk about it this time."
"Will's right." Dave told the others. "Aaron's as tightlipped as they come. If we go barging in there right now the only thing we'll do is piss him off and I'd like to avoid that if…" he broke off at the sound of a door knob turning. The senior profiler glanced at the adjoining door thinking Hotch was going to come out and go into Reid's room. To his surprise however, that wasn't the door that opened.
Spencer pulled open the door and rushed into the main room. The teary eyed boy skidded to a stop in the middle of the room. Hugging his wooly mammoth to his chest, he glanced at his family members for a moment before running over and jumping into a surprised Emily's arms. "Mmmmom's g-g-gone!" he sobbed, burying his face in the crook of his friend's neck.
"I know Sweetie and I am so sorry." Emily whispered. Wrapping her arms around the distraught boy, she started slowly rocking back and forth.
The rest of the family swiftly gathered around their youngest. They each chose an action they knew comforted Spencer and began doing it. They rubbed and rocked and hummed; their hearts breaking as their little one cried his eyes out.
The sobbing didn't last long however. The back and arm rubs, rocking, humming, and the hand carding through his hair worked to quickly soothe Reid. Between the comforting motions, the time of night, and the crying it wasn't long at all before the tiny profiler had cried himself to sleep.
The group continued their ministrations for a few more minutes to ensure the youngster wouldn't awaken and then scooted back a little.
Emily kissed her charge's forehead. "Come on Handsome. Let's get you back to bed." She muttered. She side stepped the coffee table before glancing down at her friends. "Hey Pen, don't wait up for me. I'm going to sleep with Reid tonight." Hearing an amused snort, she turned and glared down at the culprit. "Derek Morgan, I am so not in the mood!"
Derek and Will both cracked up then. Garcia couldn't stop a snicker from escaping either.
Frustrated Prentiss turned to the only rational member of the bunch. "Rossi!" she whined.
"Go on. I'll take care of this lot." Dave assured. "Just promise me one thing." The senior profiler paused before breaking into a grin. "Promise you'll go easy on the kid."
Emily groaned. She should have known. Glaring at the guffawing gang, she lowly growled, "Oh, grow up!" and then turned and stormed out of the room.
"Do you think it was something I said?" Rossi joked, eliciting more laughter from his partners in crime.
The now wide awake group giggled and sniggered tossing out more crude comments whenever the laughter started to die down. They were so intent on their game that none of them heard the snick of a door nor did they notice movement off to their left. They continued to hoot and holler until…
"Guys, keep it down!" JJ commanded. She crossed her arms her mom face coming out as Morgan snickered. "Can it before you wake up Henry and Reid." She glared at the smirking man. "I'm warning you Morgan. If you wake up either of them, you will be the one stuck sitting between two grumpy little boys the entire plane ride home." She pointed at the group. "That goes for the rest of you, too. Wake them up and you get to deal with them tomorrow."
That sobered the quartet up fast. They apologized to JJ and then after saying their goodnights, the group shuffled off to their rooms to get some sleep.
CM
Emily carried a half awake Spencer into the main room the next morning. She trudged over to the couch and plopped down next to the only other person in the room; Garcia. "Where is everybody?" she questioned.
"Well, Morgan, Will, and Rossi went to get breakfast, JJ is giving Henry his bath, and Hotch is still in his room." Penelope recounted. She lovingly palmed her Junior G-Man's cheek. "How are you this morning, Sweet Pea?"
"O *YAWN* tay" Spencer mumbled, knuckling his eyes. Hearing the creak of a door, he looked in the direction of the noise. Seeing Hotch step out of his room, the youngster raised his arms a little before quickly dropping them. Hotch had just lost his wife and son a second time. He probably wasn't in the mood to hold or even see another little boy right now. Sighing, he closed his eyes and leaned back against Prentiss.
Garcia smiled over at the newcomer. "Good morning!" she brightly greeted.
"Good morning Garcia" Aaron replied, returning the woman's smile with one of his own. He glanced around the room before striding over to the couch and picking up Reid. "Don't tell me everyone decided to sleep in."
"Oh no sir" Penelope said. "The guys just went to get breakfast and JJ's getting Henry ready. We figured some of us going for food while the rest got the boys ready and packed would save us some time."
"Good thinking" Aaron praised. He frowned at the feel of a tiny head dropping onto his shoulder. "Are you alright, Spencer?" he questioned.
"Ti- *YAWN* wed" Reid wearily answered. He burrowed deeper into his surrogate father's side and closed his eyes with a contented sigh.
"It wasn't a restful night last night." Prentiss translated. "He woke up after…and he didn't manage to get much sleep after that."
"Why don't you lay down with him for a while?" Garcia suggested. "Em and I can handle the packing."
"Are you sure?" Hotch asked.
"Go" Emily ordered. "We'll call you when we're ready to eat."
"Alright" Aaron agreed. He nodded his thanks and then turned and left the room.
CM
Reid was peacefully sleeping when Prentiss stuck her head in the door a half hour later.
Aaron put a finger to his lips before carefully extracting himself from the snuggly monkey at his side. Once he was free, the father slowly slid off the side of the bed and strode across to the door. "Let him sleep." He whispered as he took Emily's arm and led her out of the room. "We can get him something to eat at the airport if he doesn't wake before then."
Spencer didn't wake up however. He slept through breakfast and the truck packing. He slept through the ride to the airport as well as the trip through the bustling airport to their gate. In fact the littlest profiler didn't stir until about fifteen minutes before their plane was to touch down in D.C.
"Morning buddy" Aaron said, smiling down at the youngster who was now sitting up fisting his eyes sleepily. "Are you feeling better?"
"Uh huh" Spencer answered with a yawn. He glanced around for a moment getting his bearings and then pushed himself up to a standing position on Hotch's lap and whispered, "I've gotta go to the bafwoom."
"Okay" Aaron whispered back. He picked up Reid along with the diaper bag JJ had packed for him and quickly made his way down the aisle to the plane's bathrooms. Once inside he set the boy on his feet. To give Spencer his privacy Hotch studied the door while Spencer did his business. He kept his eyes on the steel structure until his charge gave the all clear. Aaron then helped Reid wash his hands and change out of his pajamas and into his play clothes. After that task was accomplished, the two left the cramped bathroom. Seeing the seat belt sign come on, father and son hurried back to their seats. They buckled their belts and readied for landing.
CM
After maneuvering their way through the ridiculously crowded airport, grabbing a late lunch at one of the many eateries, and riding the shuttle to their vehicles, the family quickly loaded up their rides for the trip home.
"Weid wide wif *yawn* wif Henwy." the littlest Jareau declared, latching onto his best friend's arm.
Spencer peered worriedly up at Hotch.
Seeing the boy's dilemma, JJ swiftly stepped in. "That's a wonderful idea Henry! Reid and Hotch can ride with you and daddy and I can go with Aunt Pen and Aunt Emily!" she exclaimed. "If that's okay with Hotch, that is."
Aaron smiled. "We'll ride with Henry." He said his smile widening at the boys whoops of joy. "Let me switch Reid's booster seat and then we can be on our way."
"I'll help!" Spencer volunteered. He latched onto Hotch's pants leg and bounded along beside his father.
Once the car seat was transferred and safely strapped in, the group clambered into their respective vehicles and pulled out of the airport.
CM
"Weid!" Henry hollered peering around the side of his seat at his friend. "We pay game?"
"Suwe" Spencer replied with a grin. He held up his stuffed Ewok. "Let's pay the hide game. Tose(close) youw eyes and tount to ten otay?"
"Ot *YAWN* ay!" Henry enthused as he knuckled his eyes.
"Reid, I don't think…"
"Leave'em be" Will advised. "The kid knows what he's doing." He glanced into the rearview mirror. "See for yourself."
Aaron leaned over a little so he could look in the mirror. Seeing Henry's eyes closed in sleep, he chuckled. "The hide game is actually a get Henry to sleep game. Interesting."
"Whatever works" Will told him. He glanced into the rearview and gazed at his other passenger. "Reid, have you given any thought to how you want to spend your last week of childhood?" he inquired.
Spencer met the man's gaze. "Yes" he answered. "I fint we should go bat to Wossi's house so we tan pay in the covewed yawd. Fat was fun."
"That it was." Will agreed. He suddenly snapped his fingers. "Hey, we could set up tents and sleeping bags and camp out under the stars."
"I've nevew been tamping." Spencer commented.
"It's settled then. We'll pack what we need and then go to Rossi's and set up camp." Aaron decided.
CM
Several hours later the members of the family were putting the finishing touches on their camp. The ladies set out the last of the sleeping bags and lawn chairs while Rossi and Morgan started the fire in the portable fire pit. Once those tasks were complete, they double checked the tents to ensure they were safe before calling Hotch, Will, and the boys over.
Spencer leapt out of the roller coaster cart and raced over to the fire pit. "Tan we mate 'mowes now?" he asked as he excitedly bounced up and down.
"Not yet Handsome" Emily responded tousling the boy's hair. "We have to eat dinner first."
"Awww do we haf to?" Reid whined. "I don't wanna go in."
"We're not going inside Pretty Boy. We are cooking our supper over the fire." Morgan explained. He handed his best bud a metal rod with a hot dog on one end. "Here, just stand right here and hold your hot dog over the fire like this." The profiler put his hands over Reid's and steered the mini agent's hot dog into the correct position. "There"
Spencer looked curiously at his cooking meal. "What do I do? Do I jut leaf(leave) it lite fis?" he questioned.
"You'll need to turn it some." Morgan instructed. "You don't want one side getting burned."
"I tan do fat." Reid confidently stated. Smiling, he started to slowly turn the stick. This was gonna be awesome!
CM
"Here you go, son" Aaron said as he stuck a marshmallow on the little boy's stick. "Hold it over to the fire until it starts to melt and then you can make a s'more."
"I tan't." Spencer grumbled handing the straightened coat hanger he was using to Hotch. "I'll buwn it lite the hot dog."
"It's okay kiddo. It'll taste better that way." Dave advised.
Reid cocked his head to one side. "Weally?" he inquired the disbelief clear in his voice.
"Really" Dave replied holding up his blackened marshmallow.
"Otay, I'll twy." Spencer agreed. Sticking his tongue out in concentration, the mini profiler carefully held out his marshmallow. He was going to get it right this time.
CM
Spencer snuggled closer to Hotch. "I had f *YAWN* fun tonight." he told his father figure. "Tan we tamp out again tomowwow?"
"Of course we can." Aaron replied wrapping an arm around the little boy. "We can do whatever you'd like. This is your week, after all."
"Fants *YAWN daddy" spencer mumbled. Sticking his thumb in his mouth, he burrowed deeper into the sleeping bag and closed his eyes. The youngster quickly fell asleep dreaming of the fun to come.
CM
The next few days were filled with one adventure after another. The group camped, fished, and played every outdoor children's game they could remember. They had even held an Easter egg hunt for Henry and Spencer.
And the two little boys loved every minute of it. They smiled from the time they woke up until the time they went to bed.
None of the adults had ever seen Reid so happy and carefree. The boy had been a giggling grinning bundle of energy since returning from Disney. He had run, skipped, hopped, and bounded around the indoor play area like any other child his age.
But all that changed in an instant. It started on the morning of the fourth day. The smiling, laughing boy of the day before had morphed into a sad clingy monkey. Spencer didn't play or run or even laugh. The grown-ups all took turns attempting to draw the boy into their games but nothing worked. The mini profiler refused to do anything except quietly sit beside or on one of his friend's laps. In fact the only time the youngster acted like his old self was when Will came back from work that evening. At the man's call Spencer suddenly came alive. He slid off the couch and raced over to the man. He jumped into Will's arms giggling as the Cajun spun him and Henry around.
"Hey boys!" Will greeted, kissing both boys' foreheads. "Were you two good while I was gone?"
"Uh huh, me be good daddy" Henry responded as he wiggled in his daddy's hold.
Will set Henry on his feet and then gazed down at Spencer. "What about you son? Were you good today or did you and Morgan set off another round of pranks?" he inquired.
"I was good." Reid quietly answered before laying his head on the man's shoulder.
Will glanced questioningly at the profilers on the couch. Seeing the worried looks on their faces, he sighed. They didn't seem to have a clue what was going on either. He guessed it was up to him to find out. Will nodded at the others and then walked out of the room. He took Reid into the first empty room they came upon. After taking a seat on the leather sofa in Rossi's study, Will settled the little boy in his lap. "Are you alright kiddo?" he asked.
"Yeah" Spencer muttered as he snuggled into his friend's side.
Will shook his head. He knew exactly why the kid was acting so off. He just couldn't believe he didn't think of it earlier. Knowing the problem made it easy to figure out how to fix it so he jumped right in. "Well then, can you and I talk for a minute?" the Cajun questioned. "I've got a few things I'd like to straighten out before you turn back into an adult."
Spencer turned wide eyes on his friend. "I, I guess so." He apprehensively stated.
"Good" Will said with a smile. He picked up Reid and turned him around so the two were facing and then settled the boy back in his lap. "Spencer, I know you're gonna be an adult soon and all that but I want you to know that grown-up or not if you ever need someone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on or even a brotherly hug, you can come to me." Will told the youngster. "I'll be here for ya."
Spencer scrunched his nose at that last bit. "A bwofewly hug?" he repeated. "No offense Will but you do know fat while hugs awe otay fow little tids Henwy's age, oldew boys and men don't hug."
"Really?" Will replied, raising an eyebrow. "So you mean to tell me that when Henry hits his teen years, I'm not going to be allowed to hug him?"
"No of touwse not, Henwy will nevew be too old fow you to hug. He's family." Reid adamantly stated.
"And so are you." Will said. "Spencer, you and your team are different from most. Take me for instance. I was friends with the guys I worked with in New Orleans just like I'm close to the guys here. But y'all, y'all are like one big family. And anyone who becomes close with one of you is welcomed into that family. You're like a brother to me and brothers don't have a problem hugging each other. Trust me. My dad and uncles still hug it out every time they get together."
"Yeah but fat's diff'ent. Fey awe bi'logital bwofews." Reid pointed out.
"Do you love Henry any less because he's not your biological child?" Will countered. Seeing the boy's horrified expression, he smiled. "That's what I thought. Family don't end with blood*, Spencer. Families are the people who love you unconditionally. That's what you're team is; they're one big happy family and Henry and I are a part of that family just like Jack and Hailey. Face it kid, you're stuck with me."
Reid snickered. "Good" he said. "'tause I tinda lite having you awound."
"Kind of? Kind of?" Will scoffed, tickling the boy's tummy. "You are going to pay for that bucko."
Giggling, Spencer squirmed and bucked in the older man's hold attempting to escape the man's tickling fingers. Unable to get away, the youngster batted at the Cajun's hands as he yelled, "Otay! Otay! Untle! Untle!"
Will stopped his attack and righted his charge.
"Fants Will" Spencer said. He gave his friend a hug before sliding off Will's lap. "Fow evewyfing."
"Anytime Short Stuff" Will replied ruffling the boy's hair. He stood and took Reid's outstretched hand. "You ready to go cook our dinner now? I brought ice cream and chocolate syrup and some other fixings for sundaes."
Spencer licked his lips. "Pwintles (sprinkles)?" he asked hopefully.
Will nodded. "And gummy bears"
"YES!" Reid cheered as he jumped up and down.
"That's the spirit." Will exclaimed. He caught the boy mid jump and swung him up onto his shoulders. "Come on kiddo, let's go light a fire under the others."
CM
After a wonderful supper that included the promised sundaes, the group decided to play a game before bedtime. Knowing that their little ones needed to get rid of the excess energy from the sugary dessert, they tossed out several ideas before settling on an indoor game of hide and seek.
Penelope promptly took charge laying out the rules of the game. "Alright my lovelies! The object of hide and seek is to not be the first one found. Whoever's it will count to thirty and then shout, 'Ready or not here I come!'. It will then go looking for all the hiders. You have to find everyone to end the game. And then the pair that was found first has to be it. Simple, right?" Getting nods in response, she smiled. "Okie dokie! Let's pick partners and get to it then! Dibs on Morgan!"
"I'm wif Wossi!" Reid announced.
"Rossi?" Derek questioned. "Don't you mean Hotch?"
"Nuh uh, Wossi" Spencer replied. "Fis is his house…"
"Mansion" Dave corrected.
Spencer rolled his eyes. "Fis is his mansion so he knows all the good hiding paces." He reasoned.
"The kid's got a point." Morgan stated. He rubbed his chin. "Hey Pretty Boy! Is there room on your team for one more?"
"Sorry Morgan pairs only" Rossi reminded.
"Except for us" JJ called. "Will, Henry, and I are a team. That leaves an even number of players so the rest of you can pair up."
"Fine" Derek groused. He retook Garcia's hand. "Baby Girl and I can beat you guys anyway."
Once the partners had been chosen, there was just one thing left to do; decide who would be it. That turned out to be an easy decision however. Hotch and Prentiss volunteered to go first. They sat down on the couch and closed their eyes. As soon as their lids shut, the group scattered.
CM
"What is fis pace?" Spencer inquired glancing around the room in awe.
"This is my own private hide away." Dave answered. "It's where I would go to be alone. Of course that was when I had a wife. I'm afraid I don't have much use for it now."
"Yes you do. It's the pewfe't pot fow us to hide. Nobody will find us hewe." Reid bragged.
"True" Rossi said. "Which means you and I have plenty of time for a little talk."
"Talt?" Spencer asked. "About what?"
"How about what's had you so upset all day?" Dave suggested.
"I'm not…"
"Spencer" Rossi warned.
Reid sighed. "I'm jut, jut" he stammered toying with the hem of his shirt.
"You're worried about becoming a grown-up again?" Dave filled in.
"Yes…no…well tinda" Spencer responded. He wrapped his arms around himself and blew out a frustrated breath. "It's not the gwowing up so much. It'll be nice to be able to do fings fow myself again and to weach what I need and to peat(speak) tleawly. But I'm going to miss all the outings and the movies and the fun. And I'm not suwe I'm weady to give up all the, the…"
"Displays of affection?" Rossi queried.
Reid peered sadly up at his friend. "Yeah" he agreed.
Dave stared incredulously at the boy. "Son, have you not met Penelope Garcia?"
Spencer snickered. "She doesn't tount. She hugs ev'wbody whefew fey want hew to or not." He pointed out.
"Ah, so it's the rest of us you're worried about." Rossi surmised.
Reid nodded.
"In that case you have nothing to worry about." Dave assured the youngster. He smiled down at the surprised boy. "You growing up isn't going to change the way we feel about you kiddo. And it's not going to change how we show those feelings either. Well, not much that is. Sure we won't be able to pick you up or set you in our laps anymore but the pats on the back and the hugging and that kind of thing are still going to happen."
"But we'we guys" Spencer argued.
"So" Rossi countered. Seeing the mini agent open his mouth to protest, the senior profiler shook his head. "Let me tell you something that not many people know about me. Years ago, Carolyn and I had a child; a baby boy named James. He would have been just a little older than you."
"I'm sorry, Wossi"
"It's alright, kid. I came to terms with James' death a long time ago." Dave told him. "And that's not the point. What I'm trying to say is that had he lived grown or not I would take any and every opportunity to show him just how much he was loved. And I wouldn't care who saw it either. Fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters never stop displaying their affection for their loved ones. They hug or kiss or even whack you upside the head if you need it. And they are always there to lend an ear when times are tough. Hell, I still call Mama Rossi after a bad case." He paused for a moment chuckling at the look on Reid's face. "You too huh?"
"Sometimes" Spencer divulged. "I don't mention the *yawn* the tase to hew ow anyfing lite fat. I jut tall to heaw hew voice. Fat always *Yawn* mates me feel bettew."
"I know what you mean. There's just something soothing about the tone of your parents' voice." Rossi said. He smiled as the youngster suddenly leaned into him. "It's bedtime huh kiddo?"
"It tan't be!" Reid protested. "We haf *YAWN* hafn't been paying fat long! It's only…" he blearily blinked down at Rossi's watch. "Seven fiwdy! We've been in hewe an houw?!"
"We couldn't have" Dave declared. Glancing down at the time piece on his arm, he did a double take. "Well I'll be. No wonder you're tired." He stood and scooped up the sleepy boy. "Come on buddy let's get you bathed and in bed."
CM
"Morning Boss Man!" Garcia cheerfully called. "Where's your little mini me?"
Hotch strode over to the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee. "Reid asked to sleep with JJ and Will last night." he replied as he took his drink to the table and sat down.
"AWWWW! My Snookums wanted to sleep with a mommy and daddy on his next to the last night! That is so sweet!" Penelope gushed.
"Sweet's not the word *yawn* I'd use for last night." Will grumbled as he trudged into the room.
"Nightmares?" Aaron guessed.
"Big time" Will responded. He grabbed the coffee pot, poured some into his mug, and took a large swig. "He wouldn't talk about them but from what he was muttering in his sleep, it wasn't hard to figure out what was bothering him. He's afraid of losing y'all."
"Why would he be scared of that? Did something happen last night that I don't remember because I don't recall anything happening to one of us?" Emily questioned.
"Reid's worried about the change." Morgan stated.
"Yeah" Will answered. He leaned against the counter and took another sip of his coffee. "I can't really blame him either. Spencer's entire world is about to be turned upside down again. That's more than enough to insight nightmares."
"I believe it has more to do with how we are going to change that's bothering him." Dave put in. "Reid's gotten used to all the hugging and kissing and other displays of affection not to mention sleeping with one of us every night. He needed that; still does. But now his world is about to change. Is it any wonder that his subconscious is concerned about those needed displays ending?"
"But, but I'm not going to stop." Garcia protested. "My little Honey Bear should know that."
"He does kitten." Rossi assured her. "You are the only one of us he has no doubts about because you have always freely given out hugs and kisses. It's the rest of us Reid isn't sure about. He and I had a long talk last night when we were waiting to be found and I explained to him that I would always be there for him and that I knew you would be too."
"I told him the same thing the other day." Will said. "But while I'm pretty sure I convinced the kid that I wouldn't change my behavior, I don't think he believed the part about y'all."
"He's not going to believe it until he hears that reassurance from each of you." Dave reasoned.
"Then we'll just have to all take our Snuggle Bunny aside and lay it out for him." Penelope adamantly stated.
"And we will." Emily announced. "We'll all spend some time alone with Reid the next couple of days and let him know nothing will change in our own little way."
"What about the nightmares?" Aaron inquired. "Spencer might be okay with the hugging and actions of that nature continuing but he's definitely not going to go for sharing the bed with one of us."
"I've got that covered." Derek confidently told the group. "Pretty Boy and I have a little trip to take this morning that will take care of that problem."
"What are you up to Morgan?" Prentiss warily asked.
"You'll see" the muscular profiler cryptically replied.
"As long as it stops the nightmares it doesn't really matter." Will told them as he pushed off the counter. "I've gotta head out to work. Take care of the kid and I'll see y'all tonight."
"Do you really have to go? Our little Minion only has two more days of childhood and I know he wants you here." Garcia said.
"Sorry Pen" Will replied with a shake of his head. "I'd stay if I could but unlike a certain group of profilers, the trickster didn't get me the time off." He raised his mug for one last sip.
"All you had to do was ask"
Will dropped the mug shattering it and spilling the last of his coffee on the floor. "Quit doing that!" he ordered staring down at the pooled liquid.
The splatter of coffee suddenly rolled together forming a smiley face. "That was awesome!" the liquid head crowed. "My best entrance yet!" Hearing the cop's cell phone ring, the still steaming face's smile widened. "That's your boss Hoss. Better answer it. He's calling to tell you you have the next three days off."
Will answered his cell, talked to the party on the other end for a few moments, and then ended the call. "Thanks" he told the coffee head.
"Anytime Mr. Anticrime" Loki responded. "Gotta go now. Enjoy your day off and tell skinny-mini I'll see him tonight."
"Tonight's not New Year's Eve." Dave pointed out.
"I know. I just wanna check in with the kid and see if there's anything special he wants to do on his last day of childhood." Gabe explained.
"Awww, isn't that…" Penelope broke off when the being disappeared. She sighed. "I really wish he'd stop doing that."
"His exits are better than his entrances." Will countered with a yawn. He grabbed a dish rag and then knelt down and cleaned up the mess left behind by the broken mug. After throwing the broken pieces away, he added, "I think I'm gonna go lay back down."
"Do you want me to get Spencer?" Aaron offered.
"No, let him sleep." Will replied as he shuffled towards the doorway.
"Alright" Hotch agreed.
Garcia watched Will disappear through the doorway before turning to the others and asking, "So, what do you wanna do while we wait on the sleeping princes?"
CM
"Mowgan, what awe we doing hewe?" Spencer questioned staring out at the suburban home.
"Visiting a friend" Derek simply answered as he lifted the inquisitive boy out of the SUV. He settled the youngster on his hip and started for the front door grinning brightly as the door flew open and his good friend stepped out. "Hey Bry!"
"Derek! Bout time you got here!" Bryan Samuelson greeted. He shook the younger man's hand before turning his gaze to the child in Morgan's arms. "And this must be Spencer."
Reid gazed fearfully at the balding African American man. "H-h-h-h-hi" he managed to stammer, shrinking away from the man.
Bryan didn't bat an eye at the move having already been informed of the boy's situation. Instead he winked at Spencer and turned back towards the door. "Come on in you two. They're out in the sunroom."
"Wh-what awe?" Spencer asked his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Derek didn't tell you?" Morgan's training buddy tossed over his shoulder.
"No and don't you dare tell him and spoil the surprise either." Morgan warned.
"I wouldn't dream of it." Bryan responded as he led them down the hall of the two-story home. Coming to curtained French doors, their host stopped. "Here we are." He pushed open the door a tad.
Morgan set Reid on his feet. "Go ahead Pretty Boy." he instructed giving the youngster a gentle push. "Check it out."
Spencer glanced worriedly up at his friend. Getting the award winning Morgan grin as well as a comforting shoulder squeeze, the tiny agent timidly crept over to the door and peered inside. "PUPPIES!" he hollered.
Bryan barked out a laugh. "Yep, five little Huskies to be exact." He told the excited boy. "Go on in and see'em. Those five love company."
Spencer looked up at Morgan hopefully.
"Go ahead youngster" Derek said answering the question in the boy's eyes. "I'll be right here. Promise."
Reid didn't have to be told twice. The thrilled boy bounded into the room and was immediately pounced on by the playful puppies. Falling back on his behind, Spencer reached for the nearest puppy giggling as all five began crawling all over him licking every part of the boy they could reach.
Morgan and Bryan stood at the door talking while still keeping an eye on the boy in the midst of the dog pile. They laughed right along with Reid as the puppies climbed on, around, and over the little boy.
The men gave him as much time to play as they could but all too soon it was time to leave. Sighing, Derek walked into the room and crouched down beside the writhing pile. "Time to go Pretty Boy" he announced.
"Five mowe minutes peas?" Spencer begged.
"No can do bro. I promised Hotch we'd be back before lunch." Morgan regretfully responded.
"Otay" Reid grumpily agreed.
Derek smiled at the childish display. "So, did you pick a pup yet?" he causally asked.
"Fow what?" Spencer countered.
"For your new pet of course" Morgan answered.
"My pet?" Reid repeated. "But Mowgan my 'pawtment…"
"There's plenty of room at my place kid. Now go on. Pick yourself a best bud." Derek ordered.
"Weally?" Spencer questioned. His eyes lit up at the answering nod. He jumped up and hugged his friend. "Tool! Fants Mowgan!"
"Yeah, yeah" Morgan playfully scoffed. "Just go pick your pup already."
"Otay!" Spencer enthusiastically stated. He glanced at the wiggling gray and white puppies for a moment before gently picking one up. "Fis one"
"Are you sure you want that one son?" Bryan queried. "He's the runt of the litter."
"Fat's what mates him 'pecial." Reid said, petting his new friend.
Bryan smiled. "Sounds like a good reason to me." he concurred. "So what are you going to call your pup?"
Spencer looked down at the tiny puppy in his arms. "Youw name is…Chestew."
* Bobby Singer Supernatural
AN- This was getting way too long for one chapter so I've decided to split it in two. Look for the next chapter next weekend hopefully.