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Growing Up Again	By : hatochiisai Category: 1 through F > Criminal Minds Views: 21443 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds, nor do I make any financial profit off of writing and posting this work.

Chapter List
- 1-Re-Birth
- 2-Age 1
- 3-Age 2
- 4-Age 3
- 5-Age 4
- 6-Age 5 & 6
- 7-Age 7
- 8-Age 8
- 9-Age 9
- 10-Age 10
- 11-Age 11
- 12-Age 12
- 13-Age 13
- 14-Age 14
- 15-Age 15
- 16-Age 16
- 17-Age 17
- 18-Age 18
- 19-Age 19
- 20-Age 20
- 21-Age 21
- 22-Age 22
- 23-Age 23
- 24-Age 24
- 25-All Grown Up
- 23
- 24
- 25
Growing Up Again
Ahmose Inarus
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Criminal Minds, nor do I make any financial profit from writing this.
SLASH! H/R Just… nothing while Reid is "under age". ^_^

Twenty Four Years Old

When Strauss came down for breakfast in the morning, JJ, Hotch, Reid and Prentiss were already there. Reid was looking more like a zombie than anything, huddled over his cup of coffee in the corner. JJ was eating fruit and yogurt and Emily was munching on a bowl of cornflakes while eyeing the donuts and danishes. Hotch was silently reading the paper while having a banana, Raisin bran and orange juice. Strauss gathered up some fruit, yogurt and granola for herself, and joined the quiet, breakfasting profilers.
“Good morning.” She greeted.
“Morning.” Hotch mumbled, and JJ and Emily both smiled and greeted her, “Ma’am.” Reid on the other hand, just blinked blearily and grunted. Strauss eyed him, but he rose from the table and went to refill his coffee. He returned with a banana, a blueberry muffin, a Danish and a bowl of Lucky Charms.

A few minutes later, Rossi joined the team and fixed himself some coffee and a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and an orange. Morgan was the last to arrive. He had two donuts, a muffin, a Danish, an orange and a banana. Strauss stared, but the others paid no attention. Breakfast was nearly silent, and then, as one, the team rose, cleaned their places and headed out to the cars, Strauss on their heels. They stopped to get more coffee on the way, and by the time they reached the station, Reid appeared to be more or less conscious.
“Is this… normal?” Strauss murmured into Derek Morgan’s ear, eyeing Reid. Morgan grinned.
“Yeah, man. He LIVES off of his sugar and caffeine sludge.”
“That CAN’T be good for him.”
“So his GP keeps telling him.” Morgan chuckled.
Then, Strauss’ phone rang. She sighed and pulled it out. “This is Erin.” She answered. Morgan watched as her eyes darkened. “… WHAT?!” Now, the whole team was staring at her. “Well, you had better find out how! I’m going to have someone’s badge over this! What do you mean, he… You know what, never mind. I don’t want to know, and I don’t want your excuses. Just find out HOW it happened and FIND HIM!” And she ended the call.
“… Everything alright?” Hotch asked, frowning.
“No!” Strauss blurted. The team was immediately on edge. Strauss was fuckin’ PISSED. “… Ben Hedrick has escaped custody.”
Hotch immediately felt that lion in his chest going berserk.
“Who’s that?” Asked Captain Howard, walking in.
“A serial rapist and murderer in DC.”
“Oh! That guy that was just caught a week ago? YOU brought him in?” He looked impressed, now.
“Yes.” Hotch growled. “Agent Reid managed to get a confession from him… and he’s threatened to get him back for tricking him into it.” Now Howard was staring at Reid, appraising him all over again. Apparently, this kid did more than just ruin a couple of maps… He decided he would NOT underestimate him… this kid had some mettle that he just hadn’t seen yet.
“How did he get out?!” JJ demanded to know.
“Someone was incompetent, that’s how.” Strauss snapped. She was SEETHING. “And someone will be losing their job when I find out who let this happen.”
“As... upsetting as this is.” Rossi called in a firm tone. “We are here to focus on another killer. We need to find HIM.”
“Or her.” JJ said.
“I’m pretty sure it’s a him.” Emily argued. JJ just shrugged. A moment later, everyone turned to stare at Morgan as his phone went off. Morgan fumbled, then answered.
“Hey, Mama. You’re on speaker.”
“I think I’ve got something.” Garcia said without preamble.
“What is it, Garcia?” Hotch asked as the team moved in closer to hear.
“I had my computers running a search all night on the internet history of all the victims…”
“And?”
“I have results.” Garcia said. “While it looks like two of them were members on the same porn site,” JJ and Emily exchanged looks and Strauss quirked a brow, “and almost all of them frequented Amazon and eBay… There is ONE site that they all had in common… Yelp.”
“Yelp?” Reid asked.
“It’s a site where users can review local businesses.” Rossi explained.
“And not only did they all use the site…” Garcia continued. “But they all reviewed the same business…”
“What business, Garcia?” Morgan asked.
“A little Italian bistro called Amici.” Garcia said. “And the reviews they left were… not good. They were all two stars and under.”
“… This person is killing over restaurant reviews?” Strauss asked.
“Double whammy…” Garcia added. “The victims were all killed within a week of leaving the review… And the timing is getting closer and closer. The last one was killed within a matter of hours after leaving their review…”
“Sounds like it.” Rossi said, glancing up at Strauss.
“Wanna go for a triple whammy?” Garcia asked.
“Let’s hear it.” Morgan nodded.
“… The worse the review was… the more s-stab wounds… the victim had…”
“Garcia, I need a list of everyone who work at—“
“Already got that.” Garcia interrupted the Unit Chief. “And… here’s a quadruple whammy… The owner, Emilio Alberti, has a reputation… and a record. Apparently he has… quite the temper. He has a few assault and battery charges, he’s been in a couple of anger management classes and marriage counciling, but his wife filed for divorce four months ago. The restaurant has been struggling, but two months ago, right around when the killings started, his accounts started going to collections agencies. It’s only a matter of time before the restaurant closes and he… loses everything. Right now, it will take more than Gordon Ramsay and Robert Irvine to save this Impossible Kitchen Nightmare.”
“Niiiiice.” Emily nodded in appreciation.
“Thank you, my dove!”
“Garcia, where is Alberti now?”
“Well… he SHOULD be at his restaurant…” Garcia said slowly. “But… a new review has just gone up. And… it is NOT a good one. One star…” She cleared her throat and began to read, “First time eating here and I've had better. The service was bad. My family and I walked in and felt as if we weren't welcomed. The manager was super rude and unfriendly. I’d rather go to Olive Garden any day. Thought this place was close to home so we stopped by to give it a try but...never again. The portions were ridiculously huge, the food was so greasy and just tasted off. We didn’t take any leftoevers home, and thank God! We all had the runs all night. I suspect the reason for this is that the food seems like it's been prepared in advance because it comes out way too quick after ordering. Something perishable has been sitting around at room temperature long enough to let life grow, and then is not blasted with enough heat before being served. The food is too cold when you get it, which leads me to believe it was prepared some time beforehand. I'm afraid in their pursuit of quick service, they're committing a worse restaurant crime than being slow.... serving food that might make you sick! In addition, the whole place is just a mess. Décor is dirty and outdated, looked like it hadn’t been properly cleaned in years. Health Inspector should be called in, place should be shut down.”
“Well… that doesn’t bode well…” Rossi said.
“Garcia, find out who posted that review and where they are right now!” Emily ordered.
“… The review was made by… Gary Carlile of 2413 Blue Ridge Lane. My guess is he’s going to be leaving for work here soon. He works at State Farm as an insurance agent and his office is at 11137 Market Street, Unit 118.”
“Okay, let’s move!” Hotch barked, and Strauss jumped as the team immediately surged into action. “Captain, I want some of your officers to go with me and Prentiss to Amici, Rossi and JJ, head to his office. Morgan and Reid, head to his home address. Let’s find Carlile and get him into protective custody until we find Alberti!”
Strauss looked around, wondering which group she should follow, but then Hotch was already out the door. As she was there to observe Hotch and Reid, she decided to follow along with Reid and Morgan. Morgan was NOT happy…
Neither was Strauss upon experiencing Morgan’s driving first hand. She clung to the “Oh Shit” handle in the passenger seat the entire way, amazed at how calm Agent Reid seemed as he slid back and forth across the backseat with every wild turn. Even the cop back there with him was clenching his teeth and had wide eyes. After a bit, Reid caught Strauss watching him, and he smiled.
“You get used to it.”
“Get used to what?” Morgan asked.
“Your psycho driving.”
“Better than the way YOU drive, kid!”
“What’s THAT supposed to mean!”
“You drive like a ninety year old woman! You take caution to the extreme that you’re more dangerous than all the RECKLESS drivers!” Strauss looked amused at that, smiling when Reid sputtered in his indignation and finally just blurted out “JERK!”
A few minutes later, and they were pulling into the driveway of a lovely little single story suburban house with a tricycle in the front yard. The four got out of the suburban and headed for the front door. Just as Morgan was raising his hand to knock, they all heard the sound of a shriek and breaking glass. Morgan’s eyes widened and he glanced back at the others. Reid and Morgan their guns, and after a look of terror, so did Strauss. Morgan was actually surprised that she was carrying… He looked her straight in the eye and hissed “You stay back. Reid stay with her. You two come in behind and back us up. We’re going in soft.” And he gestured to the cop, who was calling in for backup, and himself. Reid and Strauss nodded, and then stepped back.
Morgan reached out and tried the latch on the front door. It opened without a sound. The four slipped inside, guns up and ready. They made their way to where they heard shouting. At a hallway, Morgan paused and pointed right. Reid met Strauss’ glance and jerked his head, leading her off to the right. They passed through the living room and came around a large wall, and into the kitchen. On the other side of the kitchen, Morgan and the cop had emerged from the hallway.
“Emilio Alberti!” Morgan called, and then man jumped. He seized the woman he had been arguing with and put the knife to her throat. Three children were crying, one about five, one ten, the other about fourteen. The teenager was bravely holding her little brother, while her sister clung tightly to her. “FBI.” Morgan identified himself, as though Emilio couldn’t read the white lettered emblazoned on his vest. “Let her go.”
Emilio shook his head, sputtering in anger, now shouting half in Italian and half in English.
“Ma’am…” Morgan said gently. “Where’s your husband?”
“He’s on his way to work…” Mrs. Carlile gasped and hiccupped. Morgan glanced and Reid, who nodded and backed out of the kitchen. Strauss watched him go. He ducked behind the wall and murmured into his radio, “We have the UnSub holding Mrs. Carlile and her children hostage. Rossi, we need you in here to negotiate, he’s speaking Italian half the time. Carlile is on his way to work.”
“Copy that kid.” Rossi responded. “He just arrived and I’ve got him. JJ’s gonna take him, I’m on my way over. Can you get the kids out?”
“We’ll try.” Reid murmured, then returned to Strauss’ side.
“HE’S TRYING TO RUIN ME!!!” Alberti was screaming, spittle flying from his lips. “He has to pay! When I find him—“
“He’s in protective custody, Mr. Alberti.” Reid said, and the man jumped, staring in horror at the two agents he hadn’t even known were behind him. He stumbled back against the fridge, dragging Mrs. Carlile with him. “You won’t find him.” Reid said. “While what he said wasn’t nice, it doesn’t give you the right to hurt him…”
“What else can I do?!”
“You could bring a lawsuit against him for slander…” Reid suggested. “You could listen to the criticism and learn from it… change things and invite them back to try again…” He stared at Reid, tears in his eyes. “Emilio… this isn’t for children to see… please… let them go.” Emilio glanced at the children in the corner.
“You grew up in an Italian family.” Morgan added. “We work with a man just like you. The kitchen was the heart of the home, wasn’t it?” Emilio looked at Morgan, and after a moment, he nodded. “Don’t ruin this place for these kids…” Emilio looked at the children again, and then nodded.
“Go.” He told them. Reid was immediately extending an arm out and moving towards them. Emilio watched as the teenage daughter ran to him. Reid scooped up her little sister.
“Here.” Strauss said, and Reid handed the child off to her. The Section Chief quickly balanced the ten year old on her hip and wrapped her other arm around the fourteen year old, who was still carrying the five year old, and ushered them out of the kitchen, through the living room and then out the front door, where Rossi and JJ were just pulling in.
“Here!” JJ called, and took over the children. Rossi and Strauss hurried back in, side by side Strauss filling him in in a hushed tone. Then she hurried back to Reid, while Rossi emerged between Morgan and the cop.
“Emilio.” He called, and the man looked at him. “My name is David Rossi. I’m with the FBI and I’m here to help.” Strauss watched Morgan wave his hand a bit, and she followed Agent Reid’s lead and backed down lowering her gun.
“Rossi will handle this…” Reid said softly. “We need to stay out of site so that Emilio doesn’t feel as threatened, but on hand in case things go south.” Strauss nodded. The pair retreated to the living room where they were joined soon by Emily, Hotch and JJ. And then, the waiting began…
Hours passed. Rossi and Emilio talked… sometimes in English. Sometimes in Italian. Sometimes both. In the later afternoon, Rossi offered to have food brought in. Emilio wouldn’t allow it. And so Rossi took a Leap of Faith. He raided the fridge… he raided the pantry. And he began to cook.
“How do you cook yours at your restaurant?” Rossi asked, a jovial tone in his voice as he cut up tomatoes and began to stew them in the stove. Emilio was looking at him with shock and admiration as he watched his fellow Italian cooking beautifully from scratch. “You must have just recently gone to the store, Ms. Carlile.” Rossi said to the woman, who was looking at him like he was nuts. “Everything is fresh…” He washed some parsley and began to chop it up with a skilled hand, knives flashing away.
“… The uh… The water is boiling…” Emilio mumbled, now looking intrigued.
“Grazzi mio!” Rossi announced happily, and put the spaghetti into the pot. “Sadly, it appears we have no fresh olives… Tragic for an Italian, eh, Emilio?”
“There’s fresh rosemary on the windowsill…” Emilio whispered.
“Wonderful!” Rossi said, calmly keeping his back to Emilio as he hand kneaded dough for bread. “Put some in the pot, will you?” Emilio eyed the rosemary and the simmering sauce on the stove, then slowly lay his knife down and went to the windowsill. He plucked some rosemary, savoring the scent, and then turned, a look of sadness in his eye. He looked at Mrs. Carlile, then walked past her to the stove, sprinkling the rosemary into the sauce and stirring it. Mrs. Carlile darted out of the kitchen and into the living room, straight into Hotch’s arms. He quickly guided her out, and then the team moved in… the hostages were all out. They moved in. Rossi and Emilio were at the stove, cooking. And then, Rossi was dishing the pasta onto a plate, and Emilio was ladling on the sauce. Rossi just smiled at him, and handed him a fork.
“Just like my grandmother made.” He said softly, and Emilio twirled some pasta onto his fork and poked it into his mouth. His eyes closed and he hummed his appreciation. A moment later, the fork was being taken from his hand, and handcuffs were being put on. He opened his eyes and looked at Rossi.
“… Thank you.” He murmured, and then allowed Captain Howard to lead him from the house, reading him his rights the whole way for the cameras to see.
“Not bad.” Hotch said, smiling as the team moved in with forks, all of them eager for a bit of David Rossi’s cooking. Strauss watched, bemused, as the pasta began to rapidly disappear. Rossi just grinned at Hotch and fixed another plate of pasta, handing it to his Unit Chief.
“Bon appetite.” He said, and began to eat as well. Hotch smirked and turned, offering Strauss a fork.
“… Is this the usual thing to do after a successful hostage negotiation, Agent Hotchner?” She asked.
“Only when it involves Dave cooking.” Hotch smirked, and Strauss was unable to hold back a smile as she accepted the fork and dug in.

The case was finished. The Carlile family was reunited and no one had been hurt. The UnSub had surrendered peacefully. And so the team went out to dinner to celebrate… and to their shock Strauss paid the bill, congratulating them on a job well done. They stayed late, had a delicious dessert with some excellent wine, and to the amusement of all present, Reid got a bit tipsy.
“His tolerance is shameful. He never COULD hold his liquor.” Rossi chuckled as he walked out of the restaurant with Strauss and Hotch, the pair grinning at Reid’s high pitched giggle as he stumbled into Emily, who was laughing and teasing him.
“No, he couldn’t… He’s a lightweight.” Hotch smirked, watching Morgan poke Reid in the ribs, earning himself a shriek and the sight of Reid shooting about three feet up and four feet the left before toppling into a bush.
“Wow… Way to go, kid.” Morgan laughed, hauling Reid out of the shrub and helping him toddle to the car. “Hotch! He’s gonna need to sleep in!”
“He didn’t have THAT much, he’ll be fine. Let’s just grab him a coffee on the way back.” Hotch snorted, getting into the car. Strauss took shotgun while a laughing Morgan wrestled Reid into the backseat.
“Geeze, Pretty Boy… you had TWO glasses of wine! That’s just SAD!”
“… It was good!” Reid exclaimed, fixing a glassy eyed stare onto Morgan.
“Usually he doesn’t drink at all…” Hotch murmured, and Strauss looked at him. “But since you bought the wine…”
“He felt obligated?” She asked, looking amused. Hotch gave a sheepish shrug, and Strauss smiled.
When they arrived at the hotel, Hotch told everyone to be ready to go by ten in the morning, and then assigned Rossi the task of getting Reid into bed.
“What?! Why me!” Rossi howled in dismay.
“Because.” Hotch said, grinning as he closed the door to his own hotel room. “YOU poured him the second glass.”
Strauss was unable to hold back a grin at that one. “Goodnight, David.” She said in a teasing tone, and then she, too closed the door to her room, leaving Rossi with Reid leaning against him with a case of hiccups. Rossi let out a disgusted sigh.
“Eew… You have bad breath.” Reid mumbled, wrinkling his nose. Rossi gave the young man a look, and then, cursing in Italian the whole way, dragged him into his hotel room…
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Growing Up Again