ONE SHOT – Atlas discovers that he gained more than just a new papá, mamá and little brother. These are the first interactions between the BAU and Atlas.
One thing Haley and Aaron struggled to deal with was Atlas's anxiety around anyone not them. He seemed ok in school, and he had no issues with his two school friends. Aunt Jess had been around for a while, so he was used to her to an extent. Jack was certainly more outgoing than his older brother. Little Jack had no issues with meeting new people, but he somehow understood his brothers hesitation. He would often draw attention away from Atlas if he saw his brother starting to pull away.
Aaron had spoken to the child psychiatrist that the FBI often asked to help with consults. She had suggested that they introduce new people one at a time, rather than bombard him with a crowd of people all at once. Aaron felt a little guilty that he had organised such a big gathering for Atlas's adoption party, but the child seemed more preoccupied with the news rather than all the people there. He let it go for now and then planned to introduce the BAU to Atlas over time. Jack was already somewhat used to the team, having met them on various occasions throughout his short life. Maybe Atlas would be a bit more comfortable if he could see Jack interacting with the team.
Spencer:
Haley had suggested they introduce Spencer to Atlas first. Spencer was initially sceptical due to the 'Reid' effect he has on children. But knowing how much Atlas enjoyed the books he gave Hotch, he figured Atlas might be an exception to the rule.
As the parents expected, when Spencer walked through the door to their house, Atlas had cowered slightly behind Aaron's legs until his papá gently pushed him forward.
"Atlas, this is Spencer Reid. Spencer was the one who gave you all those books!"
"Thank you for the books, Spencer." Smiled Atlas shyly.
"You're welcome Atlas, your dad told me you liked to play chess. Did you want to play with me?"
That was how Aaron and Haley found them an hour later; the two boys going head-to-head in an intense chess match. Atlas did admit defeat though not long thereafter, however that was the best challenge he had had since playing against Ron.
After that day, Atlas frequently asked if he could see Uncle Spencer with Jack also chiming in with the name that was bestowed on the young doctor by Atlas. Spencer would often spend a day off with them at Aaron's house, he would mostly bring more books and some puzzles for both boys. Occasionally, he would show them some magic tricks too!
Those amused Atlas, after all nothing beats knowing real magic. Jack thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Since he had managed to get the collar off that Antonin had given him, he hadn't tested his magic again. He decided to wait a bit before doing so. Death had assured him that all would be fine. Atlas just didn't want to raise any suspicions just yet.
For Spencer though, he enjoyed bonding with both Hotchner boys. He related a little more to Atlas due to his unusual intelligence and quiet demeanour, but he had no doubt Jack would grow up to be just as spectacular.
Derek and Garcia:
Derek had the slight upper-hand; having already spoken to the boy when he conducted the cognitive interview. Still, Atlas wasn't yet overly comfortable with him. However, Derek wasn't about to let that get him down. Being one of the ones being held captive with the boy, he felt almost obligated to make sure the little one was as safe and happy as can be. He was so happy he had found a home with his boss.
Aaron wasn't sure how Derek could bond with Atlas. Derek was into sports and would also renovate houses in his spare time – all of which were very much physical activities. The man suggested that maybe they could go to the zoo, Derek thought that they could invite Garcia and Spencer along too, and it could be the seven of them for now.
Hotch agreed and organised the trip on the next weekend they had free. He had spoken to the boys earlier in the week to let them know where they were going and who would be there. Atlas didn't know who Garcia was, but from the description his papá gave of her, she seemed like the good sort. Eccentric but kind and happy.
The trip to the zoo was a success.
Garcia had won over Atlas incredibly fast. Her gentle, bubbly nature didn't allow Atlas to feel anything but happy around the woman. She had added to his plush collection when she brought along a dragon plush toy for Atlas and a wolf for Jack. Before he could stop himself, Atlas started to rattle off facts about dragons as if they were real. The adults listened to him intently, bemused by the fact that the little boy somehow knew so much about the mythical creature. The kid looked embarrassed once he had finished, but Hotch just ruffled his hair, and they were soon on their way.
After the initial shyness, Derek was able to bring the little boy out of his shell fairly quickly, and soon Atlas was enjoying a ride on Uncle Derek's shoulders. He hardly ever had his feet touch the ground as it was apparent that his hip was giving him grief, so all the adults took turns carrying him.
For his part, Atlas enjoyed the outing. If they stopped at an enclosure, Atlas would attach himself to Spencer while the man would spout out interesting pieces of information about whatever they were looking at. They were just leaving the lion's den, Atlas back in his papá's arms, when the little boy asked if they could go see the snakes he had spied on the map of the zoo.
"Papá, can we go to the reptile house next? I wanna see the snakes!"
Not many people knew, but Aaron hated snakes, and he didn't particularly want to go look at any. The hopeful look on his son's face was enough for him to agree, albeit reluctantly. The small group soon found their way to the snakes, and to Atlas' delight, a zookeeper had a giant boa constrictor hanging around his neck. Also, to his delight, his papá let out a quiet squeak when he noticed it. He tried to keep a hold of his boy so that he wouldn't get too close, but Atlas had already turned his doe-eyes towards him in askance to be let down.
As Aaron did so, Atlas shot off like a rocket toward the zookeeper before Aaron could get a hold of him (which was quite the feat considering his limp.)
"Atlas!"
The boy ignored his father and ran up to the constrictor and asked the keeper if he could pet the large snake. The man knelt down so that the boy could reach him, and Atlas put out his hand to allow the snake to scent him.
"Atlas! Please don't run off again!" his papá lightly scolded.
"Sorry papá, I just wanted to see the snake!"
"Ooooh, a mini two-legger. It doesssssn't ssseeem to be afraid of me." The snake flicked its tongue at the hand that was waiting for him. "Resssspect! That'sss hard to come by theessse daysss. Theeese two-leggers think they can just pet me whenever they want. I like you, little one. I decided I won't eat you."
Atlas let out a giggle as he listened to the reptile as he started to gently pet the snake on the head. He heard a slight whine of discontent from his father behind him, who clearly didn't want his son anywhere near the beast.
"Hold on, the little one giggled. Doesss it undersssstand me?"
Atlas, not wanting to out his gift just yet just gave a tiny nod at the snake.
"Ooooh, can you sssspeak to me too?" Again, the child nodded at the snake but kept his mouth shut as he briefly glanced at the adults around him. "Ah, I sssee, you want to keep thisss a sssecret?"
The boy continued to let the snake speak, lightly running his fingers across the scales, wishing to be able to shift into his python form again.
"No problem, little two-legger, I ssshall keep your ssseecret, but only if I can scare the big two-legger behind you." The boa bartered.
Atlas looked behind him to see his papá anxiously watching the exchange, clearly wanting to get as far from the snake as possible. The boy didn't think the snake would harm the man, so he nodded in agreement.
The boa proceeded to slowly slither off the keeper's shoulders to lightly rest its upper body carefully around the back of Atlas' neck.
A shriek was let out from behind him, and the rest of his papá's team stared at their Unit Chief in surprise as they had never seen the man so freaked out.
"How come you're just letting the beast do that?" he demanded of the keeper. Both wanting to grab his boy and run, but also not wanting to get any closer to the snake.
"No worries, sir. The snake has already eaten today. He is unlikely to go after your son."
"That's not the point and not at all reassuring! He could squish him!" the man whined.
"C'mon Hotch, look. Your son is fine." Derek tried to soothe the man.
They looked at the boy, and sure enough, Atlas was quietly giggling at the snake as the beast flicked out his tongue to bop the boy on the nose.
"Kiddo, you seem to have a way with snakes! Maybe you could be a snake handler when you're older." Suggested the keeper happily.
"The fuck he isn't! My son will not spend his life with snakes!"
"Face it Hotch, the boy has you wrapped around his little finger. You're gonna let him do whatever he wants." Snickered Derek. Aaron just glared at the other man.
"Alright kiddo, we gotta get this old fella back to his enclosure."
Atlas looked a little disappointed to hear that, but the snake just looked at him and said, "That wasss fun little one, but I have a niiiiice heated rock waiting for me." The snake gave him one last bop to his nose before slithering back to the keeper. With one last pat to the boa's head, the keeper turned away to take the snake back.
Aaron was quick to pick his boy up and cuddled him close, checking him for any injuries.
"Papá, I'm fine!" the child whined, pushing on his dad's chest to try and get back down.
"I'll be the judge of that little one. Stay away from snakes!"
Atlas just rolled his eyes at the man knowing that he was gonna have so much fun when he was able to shift into his own snake form. He settled back into the arms holding him and tucked his face into his daddy's neck, starting to get tired from the excursion. Jack was just giggling at the whole thing from his pushchair.
They managed to get around most of the zoo before they were called away for a case. Both children were upset by this as they hadn't managed to get to the petting area of the zoo. As they were all leaving, Haley was holding Atlas' hand, sniffing as his papá started to get into the car with Derek as they were headed to the jet to fly off to Los Angeles.
"What if he doesn't come home?" Atlas innocently asked his mamá.
"Oh buddy, no one ever leaves home and doesn't come back!"
Atlas just gave her a deadpan look before replying, "I did!"
The rest of the team had heard the short exchange and tried hard not to laugh at the little boy's response. It was clear Atlas understood the jobs they lead and didn't appreciate Haley trying to downplay it as a holiday rather than a crime scene.
JJ (and Will)
Like Derek, JJ also felt a certain obligation to help her boss in any way she can to ensure the little boy was safe and happy. If that was just to offer to babysit Atlas and Jack so that the parents could have some alone time, then so be it. The team figured JJ and Will would be the ones to get Atlas to warm up to them the fastest due to being the only other in their team with a child.
The first opportunity to babysit for the Hotchner's came not long after Atlas' sixth birthday. Aaron and Haley were planning on visiting her mom for a weekend as her dad was struggling with his health and they were going to bring the kids. Haley's dad, however, still seemed to despise Aaron for no good reason and would often express his dislike loudly whenever they were there. Aaron had rather aptly thought that bringing their adopted son would probably just create an even bigger issue. Roy already didn't think him much a father with Jack due to always working, introducing Atlas would more than likely cause a setback with Atlas as well.
Both Hotchner's decided to ask JJ if they could babysit the kids for the weekend, and the woman jumped at the chance. The parents sat their kids down to explain what was going to happen that weekend. Atlas seemed okay with it, other than the usual anxiety that came along with meeting someone new. When he heard that JJ had a kid around Jack's age, he lightened up some, excited to befriend another child.
The Friday morning Aaron and Haley were due to make the trip to her parent's place, they knocked on JJ's door.
"Mornin' Hotchner's, mini Hotchner's!" Came Will's southern drawl with a smile.
"Uncle Will!" Shouted Jack.
"Hey kiddo!" Will ruffled the little boy's hair before allowing the child to run into the house to find Henry,
Atlas clutched on to his mamá's leg slightly, still a little nervous about spending so long away from his parents.
"Hey Will, thanks so much for doing this for us." Replied Haley.
"No problem, happy to help. Also, I couldn't wait to meet your eldest!" Will knelt down and stuck his hand out to Atlas. "Hiya buddy, I'm Will. I'm JJ's husband."
Atlas let go of Haley's leg before placing his hand in Will's much larger one and giving it a timid shake. "Hello Will, I'm Atlas." He replied softly, his parents smiling at the exchange.
"Do you want to come inside? JJ is making pancakes for us." Will held his hand out for him again before the boy nodded and grabbed hold of the appendage, allowing the man to lead him inside. Aaron and Haley followed at a slower pace, hoping to let Atlas feel comfortable on his own.
The group made their way to the dining room where Jack and Henry were already sat, JJ placing pancakes on their plates.
JJ looked up before placing the remaining in the middle of the table before kneeling in front of the boy she hadn't seen since he was in the hospital.
"Hello Atlas, I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm JJ. I work with your dad."
Atlas nodded, "I remember, I'm glad you weren't hurt." Referring to the kidnapping. "Thank you for the birthday presents. Jack and I had fun playing with everything."
"Thank you, Atlas, and I'm glad you liked your presents." JJ replied with a smile, heart warmed by the fact that he cared about her wellbeing. "Would you like some pancakes?"
He looked up at Aaron, before replying with a "Yes please."
Making sure the kids were settled and eating, the adults continued to chat for a bit, ensuring JJ and Will knew what to do if Atlas had a seizure. Giving them Atlas' medication, the Hotchner's went over to their boys to say goodbye.
"I want you to listen to JJ and Will okay? If you feel unwell, let them know, they will make sure you're looked after." Aaron knelt in between his sons. "Be good and we'll be back on Sunday. Love you both." He kissed them both on the head, Haley doing the same soon after before leaving the house.
It took a while for Atlas to warm up to JJ and Will, but Henry and Jack attached themselves to the older boy and Atlas had no problems with them. As suspected though, it didn't take much for the couple to earn his trust.
Atlas rather thought they were kind souls and though he missed his parents as soon as they left, he knew he needed to give them a chance and he didn't want to be this scared all the time. His parents deserved some time on their own too.
The first challenge came on the Saturday. JJ needed to run some errands and the three kids were left with Will for the morning. Atlas was already feeling a little under the weather, and he suspected that a seizure was coming. Knowing his papá would be disappointed if he didn't seek help, Atlas went downstairs while Will was fixing up breakfast.
Tugging on the man's sleeve, Will turned, and squatted before the boy. "What's up little man?"
"Will, I don't feel so good."
"What kind of 'not so good' kiddo? The bathroom emergency kind? Or the dizzy, squiggly kind?" Describing the feeling he gets when a seizure comes.
Atlas stared at the man before replying, "The squiggly kind."
"Alright buddy let's get you somewhere comfortable." Will put out his arms, silently asking if he could pick the boy up. He waited for the hesitant nod before lifting the child in his arms and taking him into the living room. Will expertly one-handed grabbed the large cushions off the sofa before laying them on the floor. He placed the boy on those and turned him to his side.
He started the timer on his phone as the little boy started to seize. Thankfully it didn't last long and when he came to, the boy began to cry. Aaron had warned them that Atlas would often become confused and upset when he "woke" up from a seizure.
"Daddy?" Atlas sobbed, not sure where he was or why he couldn't find his papá.
"Shh, it's me Will. Your daddy can't be here, so you're stuck with me I'm afraid." Will tried to insert a little humour, knowing the little boy would be distraught.
Realising where he was, and wanting comfort even if it wasn't his papá, he reached out his hands to Will. The man's eyes softened before picking the boy up and cuddling him close, whispering softly in an effort to calm the kid.
"Can you tell me what you need kiddo?"
"Sleeps." Atlas slurred in reply.
"Alright buddy, I'll put you in our bed so that the boys leave you alone for a bit." Will carried the boy up to their room, along with Henry's baby monitor. "Ok Atlas, if you need one of us, if you feel like you're going to have another seizure, just call out and we'll hear you."
Atlas nodded at the man before snuggling under the covers, falling asleep instantly.
Henry and Jack were all fed and watching cartoons in the living room when JJ returned.
"Where's Atlas?" The woman questioned.
"He had a seizure this mornin' and he wanted to sleep, so I put him in our room."
JJ nodded sadly before diverting her attention to the boys sitting on the floor.
"Your big brother isn't feeling well, so we need to let him sleep, okay?" She explained to the boys. Receiving a nod from them, she made her way to Atlas to check on him, leaving Will to keep an eye on Henry and Jack.
JJ sat next to Atlas on the bed, leaning on the headboard. She gently brushed his hair off his face and just watched over him for her boss.
Around lunch time, Atlas woke up to find the kind woman dozing lightly next to him. He sat up slightly and nervously moved over to her to lean against her side, wanting the comfort from a motherly figure. He soon fell asleep listening to her soft snores.
JJ woke first after hearing the shutter of a camera, she opened her eyes first to see that Will was grinning from ear to ear with his phone still aimed at her and then she noticed Atlas had moved at some point and was cuddling her in his sleep.
Emily
Emily had to admit that she was terrified that she would somehow scare her bosses oldest. She's never had much experience with kids, and she had barely interacted with Jack by that point. She did know that she was going to have to get used to their presence as it seemed like the team were being added to the Hotchner family. Nothing like shared trauma to bring people closer together.
By no means did she hate children, she loved children, but she never knew what to do with them and she quietly hoped that neither JJ nor Hotch would ask her to babysit any of their kids. When they were first captured and she saw Atlas for the first time, she didn't hold out much hope for the child. When the boy was tortured in front of her, she didn't think he would survive. Having had similar experiences from her line of work meant that she was both surprised and relieved that Atlas had pulled through.
She knew he would have a difficult time ahead of him but was happy to hear that Hotch and Haley were planning on taking the child into their home. When they had mentioned Atlas' sixth birthday, she had stressed about what she could get the child, but Reid had been helpful in telling her that Atlas liked to read and learn. After hearing that he could speak a few different languages, much like herself, she found some beginner books on other languages. Maybe one day they could conspire and prank the others in a language they both knew.
Emily was aware that most of the team have met and bonded with the child in their own way, and she knew it was only a matter of time before Hotch asked her to meet Atlas properly.
That day came about a week after their excursion to the zoo. Hotch pulled her aside when they got back from a case.
"Emily." Hotch addressed her by her first name. "Haley and I were hoping you would be free sometime to meet Atlas."
"Sure, Hotch." She nervously replied. "What did you have in mind?"
It was a simple affair really. She had gone over to the Hotchner's house one evening only to find that Atlas was recovering from a minor seizure. The boy was curled up next to his brother, watching tv. When she entered, Hotch pulled her aside.
"Do you want me to come another time?" She asked.
"No, Atlas said he wanted to meet you still. He's ok, just a little clingy at the moment."
Atlas looked up and recognised the last person that had been held captive with him. As she came forward, he didn't know what came over him, but he just put out his arms in the universal sign to be picked up. Emily obliged and held the little boy close.
"I'm glad you weren't hurt either, Miss Emily." Atlas whispered to the woman.
The way his papá described her, she reminded Atlas of Ginny a little bit. Tough, smart and takes no shit from anyone. He had left his universe on good terms with Ginny. She had understood his reasoning for not returning to school and while they no longer thought they were compatible with each other as a couple, he still missed her fiercely. She stood by him when he lost himself after the battle and again when he lost Teddy. Ginny loved the little boy just as much as he did, and Atlas would miss her until they met again.
Emily seemed like she was similar in temperament. A silent supporter but would protect anyone that deserved to be protected. She seemed nervous, but Atlas could only feel content snuggled up to this near stranger.
Hotch smiled at the scene and even gave a small laugh when Emily turned to him, eyes pleading for help. The boy had fallen asleep on her shoulder.
"What do I do?" she whispered frantically.
"You're stuck now, Prentiss." Hotch smiled. "Just sit down with him, he won't sleep for long."
Emily carefully perched herself next to Jack who turned to her and gave her a bright smile before returning his attention to the tv. She slowly got used to having a child in her arms, and she let herself settle properly, listening to the soft snores coming from Atlas.
Haley sat on the armrest next to Emily and smiled down at her boy. Emily turned to her. "He said he was glad I wasn't hurt either…" she trailed off.
"He said the same to JJ as well. He's a kind soul and he especially wanted to meet you."
"Really?" Emily asked in surprise.
"We told him about everyone in Aaron's team and he seemed to perk up when he described you. Not sure why, really, but it was cute anyway." Haley grinned.
Atlas stirred a bit before waking up properly, remembering where he had chosen to fall asleep. "Hello, Ms Emily."
"Hello, Master Atlas." She replied, cheekily. Emily was rewarded with a little giggle from the child.
"Thank you for the books! I've already started to teach myself Russian."
"You're welcome! Maybe I can help you with it sometime."
"Really? Thank you!"
Dave
Dave considered Aaron as one of his closest friends. Watching him flourish as a mere agent in the Seattle office to becoming the Unit Chief of the very department Dave helped create, he was very proud of the man. When he returned to the BAU, he had no issues deferring to the younger man, having no interest in leading the team. He was especially proud of the man when little Jack Hotchner was born. Dave adored the little boy and would always offer his home up to the family if they were ever in need.
When Aaron was captured with the others, he was so worried for them. Sure, it was a risk with the job they lead, but it was always frightening no matter what. He vowed he would return the man to his family. When they emerged with a little boy barely older than Jack, once again, he was blown away with pride for Aaron. The younger man refused to leave the kid's side, and when he told the team of his plans to adopt the boy, Dave was his most fierce supporter.
He knew he was the last of the team to meet the boy, but he didn't mind. He understood why they were introducing the team slowly. He and Aaron decided to wait until their Disneyland trip. Dave ended up buying tickets for himself to join the family in their fun.
The boys were very excited about their holiday, Jack more outwardly so than his older brother. Atlas knew he would be meeting the last of his papa's team, and he knew the man was his dad's closest friend. He was a little nervous, but he was determined to face the meeting head-on. They would meet up with the man at the park on the first day there, having needed to fly out on a different flight.
The first day was a good one. Atlas was able to walk the park with his crutches as the pain he usually suffered wasn't there. They did need frequent stops and did walk at a slower pace, but they didn't mind. They had a whole week there. Jack had excitedly run to hug his Uncle Dave, but Atlas just politely said hello and then retreated to his dad. The man didn't take it personally; he knew it would take time.
They spent that first day searching for the different Disney characters to get their autographs and photos. Atlas was never introduced to Disney in his old universe, so he wasn't as enthused as Jack was, but for his family and David, he made an effort to enjoy himself. When his papá decided to carry him for a bit, the man tried to place some Mickey Mouse ears on his head, Atlas just gave him a deadpan look, not impressed at all. But since the rest of their group had matching ones, he let it be and suffered the indignity of it all.
The group had just entered one of the many shops to look at all the different Disney-themed items when they were distracted by a loud commotion.
"I HATE YOU! WHY WON'T YOU BUY ME WHAT I WANT?!"
A child of around eight was throwing the mother of all tantrums, stomping and screaming included. Aaron felt Atlas flinch at the loud voices as the boy wrapped his arms around his neck tightly.
"Because I said so. You don't need this toy." Replied the mother calmly.
"THAT'S NOT FAIR! MY DAD WOULD BUY ME IT IF HE WAS HERE!"
She knelt at the child's height. "Well, he's not here today, is he? but I am, and I say you are not allowed this toy, and if you continue to yell at me, we will go back home right now."
Aaron had to hand it to the lady. She was very calm throughout, regardless of all the stares they were getting. Neither of his children had ever acted like that so far. Jack has had a few tantrums but never about not getting what he wants. Jack has asked for things before when they've gone shopping, and if either Haley or himself denied the boy, Jack was sensible enough not to push the issue. The concern for him was Atlas.
While he didn't want Atlas to become a spoiled little boy like the young child in front of him seemed to be, Atlas never asked for a single thing, not even toys. When they were shopping for necessities like clothing and such, they had to nearly beg the boy to pick out what he wanted. Atlas never went overboard and would only pick the bare minimum, and the parents would pick out the rest. Sometimes Atlas would ask them not to spend so much money on him. They soon realised that this was a direct result of the treatment he received from his previous foster parents. Early on, it had even been a struggle to get Atlas to admit when he was hungry or if he wanted more food at mealtime. The parents hoped that, in time, he would realise that asking for things wouldn't get him in trouble.
Atlas stared at the scene from the comfort of his father's arms. The young boy reminded him strongly of Dudley; however, Aunt Petunia would have already given in to her little beach ball of a son by now. He never felt the need to have so many things, considering he pretty much grew up with nothing. Even now, knowing that his mamá and papá would probably get him things if he asked for them (within reason), he still didn't feel comfortable asking.
"YOU'RE NOT EVEN MY REAL MOM! YOU CAN'T DO THAT!"
The argument continued, and Aaron gathered that the woman was clearly a stepmom at most. He felt for the woman as he knew that caring for another's child can be hard at times. Aaron was once more relieved that Atlas had never said anything like that to him or Haley.
Deciding to leave the shop as it seemed that Atlas was becoming even more frightened by the raised voices, Dave piped up. "Remind me again why it's a good idea to have children?" he demanded sarcastically. "A money-pit, the lot of them."
A giggle came from the direction of Aaron's neck as Atlas turned to the older man, mirth swimming in his emerald eyes. "Says the man who paid for all of us to come to Disneyland."
Dave looked at the little boy and threw his head back and laughed. "Well, I never!" he pressed his hand to his chest in fake offence.
Aaron and Haley shared a laugh before continuing on their way. They entered a quieter shop and told each boy to pick out one item each. Jack picked out a Pluto plush toy while Atlas gravitated towards the clothes. He and Jack had watched The Lion King not too long ago and he had fallen in love. Big cats always fascinated him, and he remembered being so happy to discover one of his animagus forms was a black panther. Atlas found a yellow Simba hoodie that had little lion cub ears on the hood along with Simba's face. The sleeves ended with little lion paws. Haley thought it was the cutest thing and let Atlas put it on once they left the shop. Hotch was left with carrying a lion cub for the rest of the day.
The day came to an end with Atlas warming up to Rossi some who had even gone on some rides with the boy while Haley and Aaron waited with Jack.
"Well, cub, shall we check out the parade before watching the fireworks?" Aaron asked the little boy who was currently perched on his shoulders.
Unbeknownst to the rest of the party, Atlas couldn't stop the tears from rolling down his face. When his papá called him 'cub', it brought up memories of Remus and Sirius calling him by the nickname. He had earned that name when he had shown the adults his panther form. He had also called Teddy 'cub' as well considering he was the son of a wolf. It made him sad that he wouldn't hear it come from his pseudo uncles again, nor would he have his own cub back in his arms. But it did make him happy that his papá had started calling him that too. He hoped it stuck.
Not wanting the adults to think there was something wrong, he just laid his head on top of his dad's and nodded.
He stayed in Haley's arms while they were watching the parade; Jack was now sitting on Aaron's shoulders. Dave was in charge of the camera and managed to take some great photos of the little family.
They had time to grab some dinner before finding a spot to watch the fireworks. This time, Dave offered his shoulders for Atlas, who hesitantly allowed himself to be lifted up by the older man, surprised by the hidden strength of the man.
To say that it was a magical day was an understatement. Atlas may not have been all that interested in the Disney hype, the fireworks at the end of the night wowed and amazed both boys. As they started the trek back to their hotel, Dave had swung Atlas around so that he was carrying him properly. He looked down at the boy when he tapped the man on the cheek.
"Grazie mille per il regalo." The boy said in fluent Italian.
The older man was stunned, as were Aaron and Haley. They knew Atlas could speak other languages, but he had never graced them with his skills before.
"Non c'è di che." He replied, smiling at the child.
Aaron and Haley left the two to chatter in Italian, happy that Atlas had connected with the man.
Aaron was pleased that they had finally managed to introduce Atlas to the people he considered an extended family. His team, though they had their ups and downs, were exactly that to him. Even though he was their stern Unit Chief, he still cared for them. The team would tease him and would call him the team dad, while Rossi was the mother (the older man was not happy about that, but he allowed it). He knew that it would still take Atlas a little while to truly become comfortable with them all, the little interactions they have had so far have given him hope.
On Atlas' part, he realised now that his family had grown to include his papá's team. It was more than he ever had as Harry, and while it was scary at first, each of the team members had all taken their time to get to know him. They were kind, funny and smart and he knew that they would protect both he and Jack and Henry and any other child of the BAU.
Death had given him something he hadn't had before, a family.
