Reid had managed to contain himself until he reached the quiet of their car once safely buckled in his calm facade broke. Eye's sparkling and grinning broadly he turned to Rossi who laughed wholeheartedly at his expression causing them both to descend into giggles the tension of the previous car ride dissolving into the laughter. With both men gasping for air in between wheezes Rossi started the car.
"All that silent brooding for nothing aya, let this be a lesson to you to stop overthinking things" The older agent advised in a moment of clarity between the relieved laughter. "Now I think we deserve some proper food, if I'm not mistaken you've not ate anything since that sugar filled monstrosity you called breakfast. So me and you are going to a nice restaurant, my treat, and you are ordering something vaguely healthy for my sake if nothing else."
"I'm not the only one who hasn't eaten since breakfast" Reid countered "was it Mom or Erin who got to you?" He accused light heartedly knowing that talk of eating vegetables was not the Rossi he knew.
"Both, which is why I know it's a good idea. So let's listen to their wise words and get some greens in us"
"Fine" Reid relented "If you can bear a plate of greens so can I"
"Good, we'll be healthy and hungry together" He joked noticing Spencer pulling out his phone.
"I'll update Erin on the good news and the fact that we both reluctantly agree to eating one healthy meal on this trip."
"You do that, waylay her worries about the visit and make sure to mention that you are healthy and in good spirts, I get the feeling she's one late phone call away from flying over here herself to check your still in one piece"
"I'm on it" He reassured as he made the call, only ringing for a couple of seconds before being picked up.
"How did the visit go?" Was the answer, taken aback by the sudden question Spencer fired back one of his own.
"How could you possibly know it was me calling?"
"Besides from the fact that there are very few people who have my person number and even less who would dare call me out of work hours, the caller id kind of gave it away." She added with a smile in her voice causing Reid to blush embarrassed.
"Ow, yes, sorry forgot about that I guess I'm a little distracted right now"
"Good or bad distracted?" Erin asked bringing their conversation back on track.
"Good definitely good. She was herself, we talked for ages she even spoke to Dave"
"Why'd you make that sound like such a big deal? I'm not that scary" The man in question muttered from his seat. Reid only spared him a glance before going back to his conversation.
"That's wonderful news, I've been worrying all day about it" She admitted.
"Same, Dave thinks we worry to much" He added smiling over at the driver.
"That is not what I said Erin" He shouted over in the direction of the phone.
"Is that so?" Strauss responded in a mock serious tone. "Well I'll be having words with SSA Rossi when you both get back."
"I'll pass on the message" Spencer answered grinning over at Dave still protesting.
"Don't believe a word of it Erin"
"We're just on the way to get something healthy to eat" Spencer changed the subject.
"Spencer I only get sugar Reid and David I only consume carbs Rossi eating healthy that will be the day" She laughed.
"Hey!" Both men protested as they listened to her giggling down the phone.
"You get one healthy meal per trip, that's the offer" Reid informed her.
"It's a start" She responded.
Again both man made loud sounds of protest causing the woman over the phone to laugh.
"We try and do something nice and this is the response we get, what do you think Kid about ditching the healthy idea and going back to the diner across from the hotel?" Dave joked.
"Don't you dare!" Erin cut in from the phone.
"Fine, fine we'll do it your way and be miserable, for one meal" Spencer relented.
"Thank you and I want photographic proof of this healthy meal"
"Don't you trust us?" Spencer asked innocently.
"You yes, but not with the corruptible David Rossi there to guide you into the darkness." Erin stated.
"Thanks" Rossi sarcastically called pulling into a space at a local restaurant.
"Right we've got to go we're here at the restaurant and yes I'll send some pictures latter. See you soon, bye." After hearing her goodbyes, he cut off the call.
"She thinks I'm the bad influence" Rossi stated in disbelief clutching his chest in mock hurt, causing them to once again fall into a spiral of laughter.
"Let's get this over with" Dave finally breathed.
"Fine, just this once for Erin" Reid agreed climbing out of the car.
After reluctantly ordering two house salads and a couple of iced teas that were quickly photographed and sent to Erin, the pair still giddy eagerly recounted parts of their conversations with Mrs Reid. Her sharp tong and quick wit easily ensured some very quotable moments for the pair to relive. Finishing off the night they again both chose the fruit salad hungrily scraping at their bowls in an effort to obtain every last particle of food.
"We did it" Reid stated all too proud of this small accomplishment.
"That we did, even if it hasn't registered with my stomach yet. What I would give for a big slice of home cooked lasagne right now" Rossi's voice took on a dreamy tone.
Just on que Reid's stomach churned groaning loudly. "Or a big stack of freshly made glazed donuts" He added.
"Come on, we need to get out of here before we start ordering half the menu and incur the raff of Erin Strauss." Rossi advised a tactical withdrawal seeming the best option. He reached into his wallet pulling out a wad of bills placing a few down on the table and looked up to see a gaping Spencer. "Book deals is where the moneys at, write a couple of best sellers and you'll be set for life." He joked as a way of an explanation for the princely sum that filled his wallet. The younger man nodded forgetting how truly wealthy David was.
The car ride back to the hotel was short both men tired after a long day looking forward to their beds they travelled in peaceful silence. Until they reached the car park of the hotel.
"Is that Hotch?" Reid asked pointing at the back of a man climbing out of a taxi in a very familiar suit.
"Looks like it to me, Lets go see" Rossi agreed jumping out of the car to catch the man before they lost him inside the hotel, Reid only a couple of steps behind.
"Hotch" Rossi called when they were a couple of steps behind. The man stopped and turned towards them.
He greeted them with a rare smile "You two are out late" He stated.
"We could say the same about you, finally had your fill of partying with the youngsters?" Rossi laughed.
"Someone's got to keep an eye on them who knows what they might get up to if left to their own devises with unlimited alcohol, I dread to think." Hotch explained guiding the group inside.
"So how come you've left your post?" Rossi inquired.
"Even the most dedicated need sleep, I'm not as young as I used to be." He grumbled "And anyway I have their word that they'll hit one last bar before heading back themselves. There's only so much damage the three of them can do in such a short time."
"Don't count on it aya" Dave joked causing Reid to let out a laugh as they boarded the elevator to their floor.
The group parted ways at Spencer and Dave's door wishing the other agent a restful night they waved Hotch off down the corridor to his room before settling down for their own quiet night. Both falling asleep as soon as their heads touched the pillow no longer filled with worry.
The next morning Spencer and Dave woke leisurely revelling in the fact that they didn't have a pressing case to run off to. Both had long showers a luxury greatly enjoyed, so much so that Reid was sure he could hear Rossi enthusiastically singing a couple of bars from la boheme over the trickling of the shower.
While Spencer took his turn in the bathroom Dave's phone buzzed to life on his bedside table. Curiously he checked it.
"Hey Spencer" He called waiting for Reid to acknowledge him.
"Yes?" A voice called from the bathroom.
"How do you feel about meeting Hotch for some Breakfast?"
"Sounds good to me as long as we're not eating healthy anymore" Reid countered.
"Not on your life we're not" Rossi confirmed.
"Good" Reid grinned.
"I'll tell Hotch we'll meet him in the diner when we're both ready" Dave explained.
"Okay" Reid agreed ducking back into the bathroom to get ready.
Twenty minutes later found Reid, Rossi and Hotch sat in a diner booth waiting on a round of coffee chatting away.
"So what time did Morgan sneak back into your room then?" Rossi asked smiling knowingly.
"3:30am" Hotch grumbled glaring at the memory "And there was very little sneaking done. Practically fell into the room, made such a racket I'm surprise half the hotel didn't wake up. Certainly not the one more club I was promised" Spencer didn't envy the others when they finally roused, Hotch looked downright murderous. Thankfully their boss' brooding was stopped by a mug of coffee being placed down in front of each of them by their cheerful waitress.
"We're gonna need another round of the good stuff for this one here asap" Rossi pointed to a still bleary eyed Hotch.
"Right away" She agreed walking back to the counter to retrieve a fresh mug, placing it down next to Hotch's original.
"Thank you" He acknowledged before starting to drink slowly coming back to life with the aid of multiple coffees and two rounds of toast.
Now in a much better mood conversation turned more jovial in nature. Spencer was convinced that Rossi had a bank of embarrassing stories on just about everyone as he pulled tale after tale about a younger Hotch until he was stopped with a very detailed threat of unemployment. This had Spencer smirking into his coffee enjoying seeing the two older agents playing around.
After a plate of bacon and eggs, two more rounds of toast and more coffee than anyone round the table would admit to. The trio were ready to head out and with no sign of the rest of their team and Hotch checking his watch every few minutes Rossi decided to put his friend out of his misery.
"We've given them as long as we can"
"You're right" Hotch sighed standing up. "I'll go wake them, we'll take the SUVs straight to the airport, with any luck we should make it without incurring Strauss' raff for being late."
Reid scowled hiding his face by standing to put on his coat.
"How about we help you speed things along a little?" Rossi asked wrapping an arm around Reid's shoulders and smiling devilishly. Hotch cocked a questioning eyebrow towards the pair. Spencer also turned a quizzical look towards the silver haired agent wondering what he had been signed up for.
"You get them to bring the car's around and we'll" He lightly squeezed Reid's shoulder "go wake the guys" Hotch took a moment to take in Dave's mischievous smile on instinct he opened his mouth to stop his old friend before shutting it again remembering the disrupted nights sleep he had been put through. He lifted his hand up in a defeated motion, "You know what, go for it, they had their fun last night only fair you have yours now." With his blessing given as well as the room keys to their teammates rooms the three men now all smiling left for the hotel. Parting ways in the lobby with Hotch striding over to reception to start checking out procedures. Spencer turned to Dave as they waited for the elevator.
"So how do you want to wake them?" He asked with youthful glee.
"Ow I defer to your pranking capabilities, If I remember correctly you have quite the knack for it."
"I might have one or two ideas" He admitted as they stepped into the lift.
"I'm all ears" Rossi laughed enjoying seeing a devilish glint in the young man's eyes. And so the rest of the elevator ride was spent with Reid explaining his idea of the prank they were about to pull. They stopped off to their room to grab their go bags as well as a few props they needed.
Picking up the large decorative bowl that had been shoved to the corner of Dave's bedside table on arrival. Spencer filled it with cold water from the bathroom before topping it up with ice from the mini bar and handed it to Dave to carry, happily letting Reid take the lead.
The pranksters then walked down the corridor to the room Morgan shared with Hotch. Using their gifted keys they let themselves in. Tiptoeing to the bed closest to the door where a sprawled out Morgan slept face down, covers wrapped round his ankles and last nights clothes still on. It was a laughable sight. Spencer zoned in on the headphones that still covered Derek's ears. Morgan's habit of falling asleep with headphones in was about to cause him a nasty shock. Scrolling through his playlist Spencer picked out a song setting the phone to full volume he stepped back giving Dave the nod he pressed play.
The thunderous sound of the song escaping the earphones had Morgan bolting awake. Only to jump right into the path of a bowl of ice cold water. More than a few obscene words were fired from his startled awake mouth as he tried to run after his giggling assailants only to fall face first courtesy of the tangled blankets round his legs.
"We leave in fifteen minutes be packed and ready to go in the lobby by then" Rossi called over his shoulder as they ran from the room.
Making it to the corridor both roared with laughter. Leaning on the walls for support.
Rossi looked over at Reid, eyes watered with tears of joy. "Did you see his face?" He spluttered sounding twenty years younger. "I've been out of the pranking game too long" he added wistfully. "Used to drive the old team crazy with my pranks, especially Gideon too strait laced for my liking making him the perfect target. Ow the pranks I used to conjure up just to see if I could break through that delicate facade he always put up. Never did though. No matter what I through at him he just stood there stone faced drove me up the wall" He chuckled. "If only I had your brains on the job. Hey we make a good pranking team. Shall we move onto JJ and Emily's room?"
Before Reid had a chance to reply a voice from behind them stopped them in their tracks.
"Don't bother" Emily croaked head popping out from her room next to Morgan's. "We're awake, no one can sleep through whatever you just did to Morgan." She peered out bleary eyed, a main of hair spiking out at every angle and smeared make up coating her face, with a look that defied anyone to mess with her.
"Okay, be ready to go in fifteen minutes in the lobby" Rossi reminded, from the scurrying around that could be herd coming from their room JJ was already getting ready. With a grumble of acknowledgement Emily shut her door.
"Our work here is done" Spencer stated with a smirk a trait Rossi recognised as being picked up from him. Unexpectedly he felt a prang of pride that the kid had picked up one of his traits even if it was such a small thing it meant the world to him. Smirking in much the same way both agents returned to the lobby to update their boss on what had just transpired. Hotch briefly shared in their smirk as he heard how his revenge for the night before played out before returning to his boss mode as at exactly fourteen minutes into their thirteen minute deadline the rest of their team stumbled into the lobby. Led by a particularly grumpy Morgan.
"If I wasn't so worried about whatever's happening with Reid I'd be starting a prank war the likes the BAU has never seen before" Morgan grumbled to JJ and Emily out of earshot of the others.
"Sure, sure, you're just upset that they pulled one over on you" Emily pointed out.
"You should be thanking me, who knows what they had planned for you if I didn't selflessly warn you in time."
"Yes give thanks for the girly scream that woke most of the hotel up." Emily added dramatically causing JJ who was hiding behind a giant pair of sunglasses to let out a sound reminiscent of a laugh. The whispered argument was stopped as they stepped up to Rossi, Hotch and Reid.
"Morning sleeping beauties" Rossi couldn't help but add earning groans and scowls.
"Now if you'd please" Hotch motioned outside to the waiting cars. "Let's not keep the plane waiting"
"Fine" Morgan relented stumbling to the cars "But mark these words Reid, this isn't over" He added whispering as he walked past the other agent.
Spencer only smiled at that, younger him would be cowering at these words afraid of whatever his friend had planned but those days where gone. Now he stood proud unafraid knowing he had the confidence in himself and the right people around him to handle whatever might be coming his way.
Embracing his newfound confidents Spencer walked onto the plane, pulling up to sit at a table next to Rossi and opposite Hotch. Within minutes a game of poker was started that absorbed the table while JJ, Emily and Morgan slumbered. Recovering from their night of partying.
Other than sporadic snores and cheers coming from the poker table when a particularly good game came to an end the plane ride was uneventful.
A rough landing caused the sleeping members of their team to bolt awake having slept through the worst of their hangovers.
"You are free to depart at your leisure" The captain stated once they had come to a complete stop.
"Its good to be home" Emily breathed in the air as she stepped off the plane followed by the rest of the team.
They silently climbed into the waiting cars to take them back to the BAU a routine they were all well used to.
Erin greeted the team as they entered the bullpen causing a lot of nervous looks.
"I just wanted to say well done on wrapping up your case" She congratulated them before catching herself, she smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle in her clothes before turning stern once more as the team still stared at her open mouthed. "Right, well get out of here then" She ordered before retreating into her office.
"What was that?" JJ asked.
"Strauss being nice, she must have some altera motive" Emily Whispered.
"Or she might just be being nice" Reid tried.
"Oww pretty boy" Morgan laughed "Sometimes you're too naive. That woman is always up to something we just can't see it yet."
Reid chose to ignore his colleges going to sit at his desk.
"Didn't you hear her Spence we can go home, the case is done" JJ called.
"I know I just thought I'd start the paperwork whilst its fresh in my mind." He explained
JJ, Emily and Morgan all shared a look at that knowing that Reid's memory was certainly not going to fail anytime soon and knowing his mysterious phone call mentioned plans tonight. The three now put their own plan into motion.
"Have fun doing paperwork pretty boy, I'm off to go see Baby girl then get out of here." Derik called.
"Yes that sounds good to me" JJ agreed "Mind if I tag on"
"Sure, the more the merrier"
"Ow me two I've not had a catch up with Penelope in so long" Emily added
"Sure you don't wanna ditch paperwork and come hang out in Baby girl's lair for a bit?" Morgan asked Reid as the three made their way out of the room.
"No thank you, I'll catch up with her tomorrow" Spencer countered, starting his paperwork.
As soon Spencer was out of ear shot another conversation started.
"Right so I've briefed Garcia, as soon as he leaves the building, we track his phone this time he'll lead us straight to his secret girlfriends house and we do a full background check. Got it?" He asked his accomplices.
"Got it" They replied opening the door to Garcia's office.
"You're back" she buzzed jumping up to hug each of them.
"Good to see you two Baby Girl, it's time to put our plan into action." He stated wheeling a spare chair over to the computer to settle in while they wait for the tracker to move.
Over in the bullpen Hotch was saying goodbye keen to get home.
"Don't stay too late Reid. You can finish up paperwork tomorrow" He shouted as he disappeared out of the room.
"He's right you know, tomorrow is paperwork day for a reason, leave some paperwork for it." Rossi joked coming out of his office.
"I just want to finish my preliminary findings paperwork while I'm on a roll"
"Okay don't let me stop you" Rossi accepted picking up his bag to leave.
"Before you go" Reid's voice stopped him in his tracks "Would you want to join me and Erin for a film night tonight around seven?"
"I'd love to" Dave smiled.
"Great, here's the address" Reid scrawled down the address on a post it note handing it over to Dave.
"I might just have enough time to whip up something to eat for us if you're lucky" Rossi stated looking at his watch. "See you guys later" He waved as he backed over to the lifts.
With the bullpen empty Reid stood up checked that the coast was clear before heading up to Erin's office.
He knocked once before jumping into the room and into the waiting arms of Erin who encircled him in a warm hug.
"You did so well, I'm so proud of you" She whispered.
"Thank you and thank you for sending Dave to keep an eye on me he really helped"
"I don't know what you mean" Both sharing a knowing look.
"Solving the case and facing your fares visiting your mother" She again rapped him in a hug. "You've been so brave"
"Mo…Erin I'm fine" Spencer felt the need to state sensing the older woman's worry towards him not even noticing his almost slip.
"See" He stated wrapping her in a tight bear hug this time lifting her off the floor. With toes delicately placed back on the ground and light laughter coming to an end Erin spoke.
"I admit it, I may have been a little nervous for you" She let a deep sigh out "Its good to know you're safe again. How about I drive you to your apartment to drop off your bags and we start the film night a little early. You can tell me everything that happened in Las Vegas before David gets there."
"Where to start?" Reid questioned preparing to breakdown what had happened over the last few days while walking with Erin out to the garage. Both smiling overjoyed to be back in each other's company.
Surprise another chapter out of the blue who would of guessed it with my upload speed. As always I'd love to know what you think about the story, so send a review my way. Have a great day.