Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and all its characters belong to CBS. I own nothing. Feel free to read and review, but please don't copy.
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- Spencer looked down at the tiny puppy in his arms. "Youw name is…Chestew."
CM
Morgan glanced into the rearview mirror and smiled. "Hey Pretty Boy! You and the pup alright back there?" he called, gazing back at the road.
"We'we good. Chestew is leeping." Spencer answered, staring into the pet carrier Morgan had gotten from the pet store they'd stopped at earlier. "He loots so mall in fat tawwiew(carrier)."
"Not for long" Derek assured the youngster. "Chester will grow fast. He'll fill up that place before you know it."
"I know." Spencer replied, reaching through the bars to gently pat the top of Chester's head. "Fant you again fow getting Chestew for me. I pwomise I'll tome out and tate tawe of him evewy day."
"Yeah about that" Morgan stated. He pulled to a stop at a red light and glanced over his shoulder at his passengers. "When I decided to keep that house and make it my home, part of that decision was based on how quiet it was out there by myself. It was so peaceful; no car horns or people yelling, just the chirping of the crickets. But then the trickster came along and you guys moved in and that quiet was gone."
"Sowwy" Reid apologized.
"Don't be." Derek countered. "All of you being there made my house a home. All the laughter and fun and the nonstop activity, that's how a home's supposed to be, man. And the past few months with you guys made me realize something; peace and quiet might be nice but it isn't what I want."
Spencer cocked his head to one side and looked at his friend in confusion. "So, you'we saying you'we going to sell the house and move bat into town?" he questioned.
"What? No, of course not!" Morgan protested as he drove through the intersection and turned onto the interstate. "That's my home. I'm not about to give it up. What I meant was, well, I ahh, I…"
"What?" Reid prodded.
"I was kind of hoping that you wouldn't just come to visit; that you'd stay." Morgan explained.
"But fat's youw fam'ly house!" Spencer pointed out.
"And you are my family." Derek countered. "You're my little brother, kid."
Reid smiled his heart warmed by his friend's declaration. That smile faltered however as thoughts of just what sharing the house with Morgan would mean. "What about when you need to 'pend some time alone?" he queried. "You tan't do fat if I'm fewe. And what about youw giwlfwiends? You tan't bwing fem home wif me fewe."
"Yeah, but there are plenty of other places I can take my lady friends." Derek countered. "And if the day comes when you or I meet the right person, we'll figure out what to do then. As for needing a quiet spot, the house and grounds are plenty big enough for one or both of us to be alone for a while. Plus, I've already talked with some friends and this spring we're going to build one of those awesome treehouses like they show on that program 'Treehouse Masters'. It'll be kinda like a modern version of the Swiss Family Treehouse at Disney. It will be the ultimate peace and quiet get away if we need it."
"But, but…"
"Look kid, just think about it alright?" Morgan pleaded. "You don't have to give me an answer now. I just wanted to run it by you; see what you thought of it. I've gotten used to you being there and hanging out with me and I don't want to lose that." He grinned at the boy in the mirror. "Oh, and don't think you're gonna be out of all the hugging and goofing off and talking we've been doing since you were shrunk. Little or not, staying at our house or not those things are not going to change."
"But…"
"Sorry Pretty Boy, you gave me that mile. I'm not going to let you take it back. Ever." Morgan emphatically stated. "The new and improved bro-bond is here to stay and there's nothing you can do about it."
Spencer rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically even as his heart soared. "Oh man! Till me now!" he groaned though the grin on his face told a different story.
Derek barked out a laugh. "Come on man. I'm not that bad. Now Garcia on the other hand…"
Spencer's eyes widened as he listened to his friend. He was so screwed!
CM
"Da-Hotch! Hotch! Loot what I got!" Spencer hollered as he hurriedly walked into the dining room where the rest of the family was gathered.
Aaron looked down at the squirming bundle in Reid's arms and smiled. "So, that's what took you two so long." He commented.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Morgan apologized. "It took a little longer at the pet store than I thought."
"That where you got the pup?" Will questioned, patting the dog's head.
"Nah, we got him from a friend of mine named Bryan Samuelson. He called a few weeks ago to tell me his dog had had pups and that he was saving one for me." Morgan informed him. "He said he thought Clooney needed a friend."
"Oh! He is simply adorable!" Penelope gushed. "That tiny little nose and those gorgeous blue eyes! He's almost as cute as my little Snookums."
"He is a cutie." JJ agreed. "Have you thought of a name for him yet, Spence?"
"Uh huh, his name is Chestew." Reid told the group.
"Oh Reid" Emily whispered.
"Hey kid, I think Chester is hungry." Dave called out, gesturing at the pup who was currently chewing on Morgan's finger.
"Henwy hungwy too!" the littlest Jareau announced.
"Well now, we can't have that, can we?" Rossi said, tousling the youngster's hair. "Morgan, you and Reid take Chester into the mud room and give him something to eat and then get your butts back in here so we can chow down."
"On it" Derek answered. He hefted the bag of dog supplies and dog carrier and then led Spencer out of the room. The two brothers rushed through the kitchen and into the mud room. After setting the plastic pet carrier down, the muscular man dug through the shopping bag until he found the bowls and puppy food. He poured a small amount of food into one of the bowls, set it in the carrier, and then filled the other bowl with water. Once he'd set it inside the pup's new home, he turned to Reid. "Okay kiddo, go ahead and put Chester in."
"Otay" Spencer replied. He gently set his new friend on his paws and closed the gate. "Be good Chestew. I'll be bat to *yawn* pay wif you soon."
Morgan scooped up the little boy and tossed him into the air. "Come on Pretty Boy. Time to eat."
CM
Spencer opened eyes he didn't even remember closing and looked around the room. Finding himself on the couch in the game room, he smiled. The tiny profiler sat up and tossed his blue blanket to the side before sliding off the sofa and toddling over to his father figure. Reid then climbed onto Hotch's lap and leaned back against his chest.
"Hey buddy, did you have a nice nap?" Aaron asked, kissing the boy's forehead.
"Yes siw" Spencer responded. He knuckled his eyes. "Tan we go pay wif Chestew?"
"We'll have to check with Rossi first. He has some kind of surprise for you and Henry." Hotch explained.
"Suwpwise! What tind of suwpwise?!" Spencer enthused, bouncing up and down on Hotch's lap.
"He didn't tell me. I'm afraid you'll have to ask Dave to find out." Aaron instructed.
Spencer leapt off his father's lap and dashed over to the pool table where Rossi, Prentiss, Morgan, and Will were engaged in a fierce battle. "Wossi! Wossi! What's the suwpwise?!" he hollered as he tugged on the man's pants leg.
The sudden attack startled Dave causing his shot to go wide and knock the eight ball into the far pocket.
"YES! We win!" Morgan crowed, high fiving Will. "We are the BAU pool champs!"
"No way! That last shot doesn't count! Reid bumped his arm!" Emily protested.
Spencer stopped bouncing. "I'm sowwy" he mumbled, dropping his gaze to the floor.
Dave picked the forlorn boy up and set him on the edge of the pool table. "No harm, no foul kid" he assured the youngster. "We were just playing around until you woke up. Right guys?"
Will and Morgan's "Yeah" came at the same time as Prentiss' "Absolutely"
"See?" Rossi stated with a smile. "Now go get your snack so we can get those surprises out of the closet there and put them to good use."
Reid glanced at the closet and then looked back at Rossi. "Otay" he replied as a mischievous smirk lit up his face. The mini profiler held his arms out to the older man who was only too happy to oblige. He scooped up the little boy and set him on his feet.
As soon as his feet hit the floor Spencer raced over to the closet that was hiding his surprise. Ignoring his friends' shouts to stop, he grabbed the door knob and yanked the door open. "Leds! Wossi got us leds!" he squealed, gazing at the cherry red snow vehicles.
"Yeah and I for one can't wait to try'em out so get your butt upstairs and get your snack." Morgan ordered. "Before I decide to go sledding without you."
Reid was a blur as he ran across the room and up the stairs.
Hotch strode over to the snickering man. "If he chokes trying to inhale his snack, I'll be having a chat with Mrs. Morgan." he threatened.
That sobered Morgan up fast. "You, you wouldn't." he stammered at his boss' retreating back. "Hotch! Hotch, man, you're just kidding right? Hotch?"
"Dude, you are so dead." Will muttered, patting his worried friend on the back.
Dave shook his head. Sometimes it was hard to remember he was dealing with adults and not children. Swatting both men on the back of the head, he ordered, "Get your butts in gear boys! Those sleds aren't going to carry themselves up the stairs!"
"Coming" Will and Derek chorused. Rubbing the back of their heads, the two men trudged after Rossi.
CM
The family spent the rest of the afternoon sledding. The adults took turns sledding down the hills with their two youngsters. They slid down the hills around the house and then in the front yard. They even held races. It was a picture perfect family outing until the first handful of snow was thrown.
Emily wiped the snow off the side of her face as she glared at the perpetrator. Seeing Morgan's smirk grow, she drug her hand across the ground. Once she had enough snow, she quickly formed it into a snowball and lobbed it over at her adversary. Unfortunately, her target ducked at the last second. The snowball destined for Morgan sailed over his head instead before splattering all over Hotch's face. The Hallmark moment quickly devolved from there. The family friendly sled races morphed into an all-out snowball throwing sledding war with everyone attempting to knock everyone else off the sleds; well everyone but the little boys of course.
And Rossi stood off to the side watching it all and shaking his head fondly. He was quiet only stepping in to referee when things started to get out of hand. He kept an eye on the little ones too, cataloguing every minute movement. Dave was not about to risk Spencer or Henry getting sick from spending too long out in the cold. So he watched them both for any signs of discomfort. In the end though it wasn't the children getting cold that caused him to stop the fun. Instead the senior family member rushed to end the races when a snowball hit Henry in the side of the head almost knocking him off the sled. It was only his mother's quick reflexes that prevented a tragedy from happening.
After ensuring mother and son were alright, Rossi ordered the group inside. He put the men in charge of the sleds while the ladies were tasked with taking the boys inside, getting them out of their wet clothes, and into a nice warm bath.
By the time the men finally finished their assignment, changed into dry clothes, and trudged into the living room both boys had been bathed and dressed for bed.
Spencer hurried over to Hotch and jumped into his open arms. "Tan we toot(cook) out now?" he excitedly questioned. "Will pwomised we tould have 'teat(steak) and 'tatoes tonight."
"I'll go get the grill started." Will stated, passing Henry back to his mom.
"Hold up" Dave called. "I'll come with you."
"We'll make the salads and dessert." Garcia volunteered, latching arms with JJ and Emily.
"What awe we gonna do?" Reid asked.
"We are going to take that new pup of yours out in the yard and let him run around a little." Morgan informed the youngster. "Maybe even teach him a couple of tricks."
"Twits(tricks)? Henwy lite twits!" the littlest Jareau hollered.
"Well, let's get to it then!" Derek enthused. Picking up the dancing youngster, he tossed Henry over his shoulder and led the way out of the room.
CM
Aaron carried a barely awake Spencer and Chester into the house and headed for the stairs. "Time for bed buddy" he whispered, kissing the boy's forehead.
"Here, let me take the pup." Morgan offered. He slowly and carefully took the Husky from his exhausted friend.
"Chestew" Reid called out, reaching for his pet.
"It's okay Pretty Boy. I've got him and I promise I'll take good care of him." Derek softly assured.
"K" Spencer mumbled, dropping his head back onto his dad's shoulder.
Aaron smiled. "Goodn…"
"Hey New Year's Baby! Do you know what…" Loki broke off as he caught sight of the sleeping profiler. "He's already conked out?! Seriously?!"
"Keep it down!" JJ shushed.
The trickster shrunk to the size of an action figure. "This better" he screeched in a high pitched voice.
The tired blond rolled her eyes. "You guys deal with the jokester." She instructed. "I'm going to bed with Henry."
"It's trickster." Gabe indignantly stated, snapping his fingers and shooting up to his normal size. Crossing his arms grumpily, he glared at the woman's retreating form for a moment and then turned his attention back to the tiniest profiler. "I don't believe it. I just don't believe it. Here I was ready to be all nice and give the kid the best send-off ever and the rugrat drops off to dreamland! Incredible!"
Emily studied the being's stance and body language and smiled. "You know, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were disappointed the boys weren't awake to jump all over you." She observed.
Morgan grinned wolfishly. "What's a matter Gabe? You missing all the hugs and kisses?"
Loki scowled at the muscular man. "Hey! I have a heart too." He grumbled. He plunged his hand into his chest. "See?" he added, pulling out the beating organ.
"TMI man!" Derek hollered as he covered his eyes.
The trickster's frown morphed into a smirk. "What's a matter, Morgan?" he crowed. "Is Mr. Big Bad Profiler freaked out by a little…"
Rossi sighed. While he loved Morgan being on the receiving end of a prank, he was worried the trickster might take it too far and the last thing any of them needed was another crisis especially with Reid's last day only hours away. So he stepped up, getting between the two. "Gabe" he called, garnering the being's attention. "Put it away. Spencer won't have the wonderful time you want him to if you and Morgan go at it tonight."
"Rossi's right." Will seconded. "The kid's gonna want all of us around him tomorrow."
"Spoil sports" Gabe mumbled. Nevertheless he obediently placed his heart back on the inside. He glanced over at the sleeping boy in Hotch's arms and let out a huff of disappointment. "I guess I'll go see what the dynamic duo is up to."
"Wait!" Will called.
Loki stopped mid-snap and looked at the Cajun. "What?" he grumbled.
"Can you come back in the morning?" Will asked. "Henry will be crushed if he doesn't get to see you again."
"He will?" Gabe questioned, looking a little brighter.
"Yeah" Will answered with an emphatic nod. "I'm telling you. You come through that door tomorrow morning and holler 'I'm home!' and you'll see just how much the boys wanna see you."
"Just come through the door and yell 'I'm home' huh?" the trickster repeated, rubbing his chin. "I think I can handle that. Thanks for the tip dude."
"Any…" Will sighed as he stared at the empty spot Loki had occupied just seconds before. "He really needs to work on his timing."
"Among other things" Derek added.
Aaron smiled. "Goodnight guys, we'll see you in the morning." he softly told the group. He strode over to the stairs and then stopped. "Don't stay up too late. We have a busy day ahead of us."
"We won't." Morgan promised.
"See that you don't." Hotch warned before turning and climbing the stairs.
Derek watched his boss until his feet disappeared and then turned to his companions. "So, who's up for a few hands of poker?"
CM
Spencer and Henry munched on their Mickey waffles as they swung their legs back and forth happily. The bright eyed bushy tailed boys looked from one yawning adult to another. "Untle Mowgan need a nap." Henry reasoned.
"Uh huh" Reid agreed. "And Untle Wossi and Aunt E'mily do too. Fey all tayed up too…"
"Honey! I'm home!" rang out interrupting the little boy's teasing.
Grinning from ear to ear, the two little ones slid off their chairs and raced out of the dining room. They ran through the living room and leapt into Gabe's open arms, giggling with glee as the being swung them around. "Again! Again!" they demanded.
Loki was only too happy to oblige. He spun around and around before slowly stopping and setting the dizzy kids on their feet.
Spencer stumbled half a step to the side and then fell on his behind. "Fat was awesome!" he declared.
"Glad I could make your day Lil Jay." The trickster quipped as he knelt down beside the boy. "Anything else I can do to ensure you have a super de duper day today?"
Reid cocked his head to the side and scratched the side of his face. "Ummmm" he muttered. A dimpled grin suddenly split his face. "Tan you mate fem little again?" he excitedly questioned. "And, and Sam and Dean too?"
"Easy peasy" Gabe said. He snapped his fingers and the Winchesters appeared. Another snap and all the grown-ups in the room de-aged in the blink of an eye. "Anything else?"
"Yeah" Spencer replied. "Tan you get Dw. Sawyew the day off so he tan tome and be a tid too?"
"Is that all?" Loki scoffed. "The pint sized doc will be here in a snap."
"No!" Reid objected. "Let us 'splain it fiwst."
Gabe shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat, little dude."
"Fant you" Spencer politely said.
"No problemo" the trickster responded, ruffling the youngster's hair. "The good ole doc should be here in a few. Seems he got a call from Mr. Sour Apple over there right after his boss informed him that he had the day off."
"Fants" Reid said again. "Umm, tan you mate fem big again till we 'splain fings?"
"Make'em little! Make'em big! Geez kid, make up your mind." Gabe grumbled before smirking. "Just kidding!" He snapped his fingers. "There! Just holler when you're ready for me to change the lot back!"
Spencer's eyes slid to the door as the doorbell sounded. "Dw. Sawyew!" he hollered, racing to the door with Henry right on his heels. The two boys waited for Rossi to open the door and then jumped on their friend.
"Howdy Little Bits!" Josh greeted. "I guess it's safe to assume neither one of you is under the weather, huh?"
"Nope, we'we good!" Reid announced.
"I can see that." Dr. Sawyer replied as he set the two on their feet. "Which makes me wonder why y'all called me out here."
"You better have a seat dude 'cause this is one explanation that's liable to blow your socks off." Dean informed him.
Frowning, Josh followed the group into the living room and took a seat in the recliner by the couch. "Okay, hit me with it."
"It's like this." Morgan started. "Reid is actually an adult. His name is Dr. Spencer Reid and he's one of the members of our team. We were on a case in Florida when we ran across this Loki being and he turned Pretty Boy here into a kid until New Year's Day."
Josh cracked up. "Good one Hoss" he complimented.
"It sounds crazy but it's true." Rossi backed up. "This Loki or Trickster or whatever he calls himself decided Reid needed to experience a real childhood so he de-aged him."
Snickering, Dr. Sawyer glanced from one serious expression to another. He scanned every face searching for the merest hint of untruthfulness. But all he saw was sincerity. His forehead scrunched in confusion. "Am I being punked?" he asked.
It was the family's turn to laugh. "No" Hotch assured him.
"Hewe, we'll show you." Reid said. Looking up at the ceiling, he hollered, "Otay Gabe! You tan mate fem little now!"
Dr. Sawyer's eyes went comically wide as he stared down at his five year old body. "I, I, I don't believe it." he stammered, looking at himself and the others in awe.
"Believe it!" Penelope happily stated. "Today is my sweet baby's last day was a child and he wanted you to be here."
"You did?" Josh asked Reid.
"Uh huh" Spencer answered, latching onto the five year old's hand. "Now tome on! Let's go pay!"
Dr. Sawyer showed off his gap toothed grin. "Lead the way Little Britches!"
The gang of kids ran, tumbled, and skipped their way to the door of their favorite room. Finding it open, they rushed through the entryway and then skidded to a stop in shock. There were kid's play areas and toys as far as the eye could see. Bouncy houses, giant bounce slides, bumper boats and cars, slip and slides, and backyard roller coasters were literally everywhere.
Dean clapped his brother on the back. "Race ya to the bumper boats, Sammy!" he yelled before sprinting towards the brightly colored vehicles floating in the pond.
Smiling, Sam raced after his brother.
Josh looked down at his companion. "What do ya think we should try first, kiddo?" he inquired.
Spencer gazed at all the equipment before looking at his friend. Seeing the man's eyes glued to a certain thing, he smiled. "The 'lide!" he hollered.
Josh grinned. "Woo hoo!" he whooped. "Bouncy slide here we come!"
Dave turned to the rest of the group. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked. "Let's go!"
With a whoop of joy the profilers turned kids raced towards the equipment. It was time for some fun!
CM
Twelve starving children ran over to the red and black checked blanket. They picked up plates and utensils from the huge wicker basket and then gazed at the overflowing table that was as long as two school buses.
Dean's eyes almost popped out of his head. "Sammy" he mumbled. "We've died and gone to Biggerson's."
Sam chuckled. "Try not to eat your weight, dude." He teased.
"No promises" Dean tossed back. He waggled his eyebrows and then rushed over to the table and started filling his plate.
Shaking his head, Sam rolled his eyes before following his big brother.
CM
After a restful naptime, the youngsters woke to a giant go-cart track.
"YES!" Spencer hollered, pumping his fists. "Tome on daddy! I wanna wide the puwple one!"
Aaron tapped the top of his son's head. "Race you!" he challenged.
The two profilers dashed across the yard to the purple #4 go-cart. Hotch helped Spencer climb into it and fasten the seat belt. Then Aaron jumped into the driver's side, buckled up, and the two took off.
"Whee!" Spencer squealed as they powered over hills and around curves. "Fis is fun!"
"I agree." Aaron said. "When we're grown again, we'll have to find a track and pick a weekend to go."
Spencer stared up at his father. "You mean it?" he asked.
Aaron smiled down at the surprised boy. "Of course" he replied, looking back at the track. "Our activities are not going to stop just because you're an adult. You and I are still going to do things together. And I'm going to be there for you like I should have been from the start. If you ever need to talk or let off some steam or even if you just need someone to lean on or if you just don't want to be alone, I will be there for you. My office door as well as the door to my home will always be open to you. You can come to me whenever."
Reid blushed. "Fants Hotch"
"It's daddy." Aaron corrected. "And that's what families are f…"
"See ya suckers!" Morgan yelled as he roared past.
"He, he" Spencer stammered, pointing at the blue cart that was quickly leaving them in the dust. "He passed us!"
"Not for long" Hotch promised. "Hold on buddy." He pushed the pedal to the floor. Catching up to the other cart, the BAU leader turned boy waggled his fingers at his opponent as he overtook the boy's cart.
"Bye low pote(slow poke)!" Reid hollered, sticking out his tongue at his best friend. Seeing Morgan's scowl, the littlest profiler turned back to his protector. "Huwwy Ho-daddy! He's tatching up!"
"Don't worry, Spencer. He won't ge…"
"Tag! You're it!" Garcia shouted as she and Emily passed the duo.
Aaron and Spencer looked at each other. "Daddy?" Reid called.
"Yes"
"Get'em!"
CM
"That was the most fun I've had in a long time!" Dr. Sawyer exclaimed once he was back to his adult self. He picked up a sleepy Reid and hugged him. "Thanks Little Britches"
"I'm glad you *yawn* tame to see me one more time." Spencer replied.
Josh frowned. "You talk like I'm going somewhere." He scoffed. "Kid, you may be all grown up tomorrow but that doesn't mean you're getting rid of me. I'm your physician, remember?"
"But you'we a ped'twician." Reid pointed out.
"So?" Josh tossed back. "Big or small you are mine and don't you forget it."
Spencer smiled. "Got it." he replied, hugging the man's neck. "Night Dw. Sawyew"
"Night night Little Britches" Josh returned. He handed the weary boy to Hotch. "I've gotta go now. Y'all have a good night now."
"Bye Josh"
"Night Dr. Sawyer"
Aaron shut the door and then turned and walked towards the stairs. "Come on buddy. Let's get you to bed." He whispered.
"No" Reid protested, wiggling in his father's arms.
Hotch frowned. "What's wrong, son?"
"I wanna *yawn* tay wif, wif the team." Spencer explained.
Aaron's face softened. "Okay" he agreed. He changed directions going over to the couch instead. Taking a seat, he settled Spencer on the cushions with his head lying on Hotch's lap.
Garcia gently tossed the boy's camouflage blanket over him before sitting down on one arm of the sofa.
The rest of the family gathered around the couch sitting wherever they could find a place.
"Would you like me to read your book about Chester?" Emily asked, holding up the treasured book.
"No" Spencer answered, knuckling his eyes as he snuggled closer to Hotch. "I wanna heaw the twain song."
Aaron glanced at the other men. "Okay" he agreed.
The men made a circle around their youngest and began.
"Old toy trains" Dave sang.
"Little toy tracks" Will added.
"Little boy toys" Morgan chimed in.
"Coming from a sack" Aaron sang as he rubbed Spencer's back.
"Carried by a man, dressed in white and red. Little boy don't you think it's time you were in bed." The men and ladies chorused.
As they sang the family watched their little boy fight sleep. Each time his eyes closed they blinked back open again as the stubborn boy attempted to ward off sleep. It wasn't until halfway through the song that Reid started to succumb to the call of the sandman. His blinking grew slower his lids staying closed for longer amounts of time. And then it happened. His eyes slid closed and stayed closed.
The BAU family didn't move though. They stayed exactly where they were watching their youngest sleep; each knowing that in just a few hours their world was going to be turned upside down.