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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
- 2
- 3
- 4
Two Years Old

“Ahnn!” Came the happy cry, waking Hotch in the morning. “Ahnn!”

“Nnnh… Spencer?”

“Phone!” Hotch blinked his eyes open at the sudden announcement. He blinked and stared at Reid.

The now two-year-old smiled and held out Hotch’s phone. “You’re talking already?” Hotch asked, blinking the sleep from his eyes.

“Phone! Hello!” Reid proclaimed. Hotch smiled and took his cell phone from the child.

“Thank you.”

“… Hello?” Reid said, and pointed at the phone. Hotch looked down… it was connected on a call.

“… Agent Hotchner?” He heard Strauss call.

“Oh!” He held the phone up to his ear. “Chief Strauss, I’m sorry, I—“

“Have your hands full, I understand. I must say, it’s a relief that he’s still a genius. While he’s not the best conversationalist on the phone, I did get Dr. Reid to understand that I wanted him to bring you the phone.”

“Ah.” Hotch said, looking at Reid, who seemed to be waiting for something. Hotch blinked, then smiled. “Thank you, Spencer. You did a good job.” And a smile blossomed on the chubby cheeks and Reid threw himself into Hotch’s arms. Chuckling, the man hugged him. “What can I do for you, ma’am?” He asked.

“Is his growth progressing as expected?”

“Yes, it is. It’s been two days, and he looks to be about two years old.”

“Oh, wonderful!” Strauss breathed, and Hotch found himself surprised at just how relieved she had sounded. “I must admit… I was losing sleep worrying about what we would need to do if he didn’t seem to be growing.”

“You’re not the only one.” Hotch assured her. “If there were a problem with that, we couldn’t just give him to his parents, and he has no other family.”

“Exactly. And considering that he would be special needs, the Foster Care system would not even be an option in my opinion.” Strauss agreed. “Anyway… I have heard from your Technical Analyst that he is clinging to you. Extraordinarily so.”

“He is…”

“Is there ANY way you would be able to pry him off for a couple of hours today?” Strauss asked, sounding reluctant to ask. “I know I gave you time off, but the Director wants some meetings done by Wednesday, and I thought you would want to get it over with sooner rather than later.” Hotch blinked and turned to look at Reid… who clamored off of the bed, stripped himself naked and was trotting out of the bedroom.

… Great.

Hotch stood and quickly followed his young charge, noting the VERY shaggy hair.

“His hair is growing really fast… I could have someone take him for a haircut…” Hotch offered.

“First haircut. That would be entertaining.” Strauss chuckled. “I remember doing that with my son.” Hotch grinned, remembering Haley telling him how Jack’s first hair cut went.

“I’ll arrange something.” Hotch said, hearing a knock at the door. Reid let out a yelp of excitement and broke into a run, reaching the stairs and beginning to scramble down. Hotch sighed and simply went to the panel on the wall by the doors out onto the balcony and disarmed the alarm before going to chase after the two year old. “I’ll call you back.” He told his superior, and hung up. He was at the top of the stairs when he heard the locks on the front door.

Crap! Reid was already tall enough to reach them!?

The door opened.

“HI!” He heard Reid chirp. There was a pause, and then Hotch heard Morgan and Garcia (and Prentiss? Crap…) explode into laughter once their brains registered the naked child before them.

Hotch reached the bottom of the stairs and turned to face his howling teammates… oh great… JJ was there, as well. And double crap! Rossi, too?! Why the hell was the whole TEAM on his doorstep?!

“Ahnn!” He blinked and looked down as Spencer Reid clung to his leg, smiling up at him.

“Spencer…” Hotch sighed, trying to ignore the pack of hyenas on his doorstep. “I think you’ve officially shown more of yourself to the team than you EVER wanted to.”

“Nudist phase?” JJ asked, stepping inside as she managed to gather herself.

“Hell if I know. Jack never went through that, thank God.” Hotch said. “… Strauss called this morning. Spencer answered the call. Thank God she’s a mother and knew how to talk to him to get him to bring ME the phone.”

More laughter.

“Phone?” And Spencer started to try and pry the phone from Hotch’s fingers. He quickly raised his hand out of Spencer’s reach.

“No. No more phone.” He told the little boy.

“Oh my God, Hotch, he is precious!” JJ grinned, kneeling. “Hey there, Spence!”

“Jay!” Reid cheered and launched himself into her arms, snuggling close and kissing her cheek.

“Awwww…” Garcia and Prentiss cooed, and Garcia took a picture on her phone.

“Damn…” Morgan chuckled, walking over and staring down. He got a big grin back. “Pretty Boy… You uh… Wow… when you grow up again, you’re gonna be SO embarrassed.”

“Let’s get you dressed, Spencer.” Hotch sighed, picking up the toddler who threw his arms around his neck and cuddled close.

“Garcia was right…” JJ said with a grin. “He IS a cuddle bug.”

“Yes he is.” Hotch confirmed.

“Interesting.” Rossi said, finally speaking. “Considering his usual… aversion to physical contact.”

“I think he’s always been starved for love and affection.” Hotch said, running his hand up and down Reid back. “Like this, he just hasn’t developed his usual inhibitions.”

Rossi nodded his acceptance of Hotch’s theory.

“Why did Strauss call?” Emily asked.

“… Meeting.” Hotch rolled his eyes.

“I thought she had approved time off?” Rossi asked.

“She did. But the director wants them done yesterday.” Hotch sighed.

“You’re not taking Spence to the meeting?” JJ asked, frowning.

“No. I was hoping one of you could watch while I’m busy. Maybe take him to get his hair cut?” And he ruffled the mop of hair that was surprisingly long.

“Oh… THAT should be interesting.” Rossi said, looking amused. “Not that I’m volunteering.”

“JJ?” Hotch asked.

“Can’t. Have a few consultations.” JJ sighed, looking sincerely regretful, and so did Garcia, proclaiming a TA meeting about building some new software for the Bureau. Emily looked like a deer in headlights. Morgan grinned and chuckled.

“I’ll do it.” He offered.

“Thank you.” Hotch said with a nod. “Let me go get him dressed.”

“I… hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.” Rossi drawled.

“It’s a two year old Reid… how much trouble can he be?” Morgan asked. The others exchanged looks, then bid him good luck and headed off to work.

And half an hour later, Morgan and Hotch were out front of the house, getting the car seat into Morgan’s truck… one never would have guessed that they were brilliant FBI profilers… Neither man had ever done it before, Hotch was embarrassed to admit… Haley had always done this kind of thing… It took a while, but eventually they figured it out, and then Hotch turned and looked down. He smiled. Reid had been by his side the entire time, flipping through a little children’s book called ‘The Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ while clutching his own teddy bear in his arm. Reid grinned up at Hotch, and the man picked him up and hugged him tightly, kissing his round cheek.

“He’s not gonna be happy when he realizes that you’re not coming.” Morgan said.

“Gotta cut the cord SOME time.” Hotch said with a shrug as he buckled Reid into the car seat. “He’ll live.” But Morgan could see the anxiety in Hotch’s eyes…

“Go bye bye?” Reid asked in that sweet little voice that Hotch wished he could hear a bit more… it was surprising… considering how much the adult Reid talked, he was a very quiet toddler.

“That’s right.” Hotch said with a smile, running a hand over the unruly mop of hair. “Be good for Uncle Morgan, hm?” Reid’s eyes brightened and he turned and pointed at Morgan as the man slid into the driver’s seat. “That’s right.” Hotch nodded. Reid waved his book. “I’m sure Morgan will read to you when you get there.” And then he leaned across the cab of the truck, handing Morgan two twenty dollar bills. “Get him a Happy Meal afterwards or something.”

Morgan chuckled and took the cash, turning on the car.

“Seeya later, buddy.” Hotch said, kissing Reid’s forehead before stepping back and closing the car door. Reid blinked, sitting up straight to see Hotch out the window. He was overcome with a look of confusion as the man stood there, smiling and waving, but then, realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Hotch felt his heart constrict in his chest as the look of confusion became a look of horror.

“Ahnn?” Reid gasped, his eyes going wide in what Hotch could only define as fright. Reid turned to look at Morgan, pointing at Hotch. “Ahnn? Ahnn?!”

“We’ll meet up with him later, kid.” Morgan said, putting his truck into gear. Reid twisted about in his car seat to stare at Hotch, tears welling up in his eyes.

“Ahnn!” He cried, beginning to struggle in his car seat. His book and Care Bear tumbled from his hands to the floor of the cab. The truck began to pull away from the curb. Hotch winced, shocked at the near physical pain he felt as he heard Reid’s cries of anguish. “AHNN!!!”

The truck began to pick up speed, and Hotch longed to chase after it as he heard Reid break down into hysterical sobs, still calling his name… and then he could only hear the motor, and watch as the truck turned the corner, giving him one last glimpse of a red, tear streaked face before it disappeared. And Hotch found himself wondering… was this what it felt like to watch your child being abducted right before your eyes?

He shook himself and forced his body to walk back into the house to prepare for the meeting, all the while trying to take his focus away from the guilt that gnawed away at his heart…

“Hey, Little Man!” Morgan called over the wails of the child beside him.

“Ahnn!” Came the miserable cry.

“Awwww… Come on now, Pretty Boy.” And he looked over at his passenger… and made a double take. Under the dark shaggy hair, large puppy eyes stared back at him, filled with tears. The corners of the little mouth were pulled down as far as they could go, and the pouty lower lip was, well, POUTY, and trembling.

“Oh, come on, Spencer…” Morgan said, gentler this time. At the stop light, he turned and gave the toddler a smile. “You know I’ll never hurt you.” He ruffled the already well-ruffled hair, then leaned over and managed to snag Reid’s Bedtime Bear. Reid accepted it with shaking hands and clutched it tightly.

“Ahnn…” He whimpered, plaintively.

“Listen up…” Morgan said with a smile. “we’re gonna go get your hair cut… then we’re gonna get some food… and THEN we’re gonna go find ‘Ahnn’! Is that okay?”

“… Promise?” Came the little response. Morgan was mildly surprised that a boy that young knew that word, and said it correctly… he would have thought that Reid would say ‘pwomise?’ But then again, this WAS Reid…

“I promise.” Morgan said, giving the boy a firm nod. Reid frowned in thought, then settled down into his car seat and quietly hugged his bear, sniffling from time to time. Morgan smiled, reaching over and running a finger over a small hand. Reid blinked, and then silently wrapped his tiny white fingers around the large chocolate one, and held on. This made Morgan’s smile widen, and they spent the rest of the drive like that.

When they got to the hair salon, Morgan parked, got out and jogged around to the other side of the car. When he opened the door, he got a smile and a hand reaching out to him. Smiling, he unbuckled Reid and picked him up.

“Book!” Reid cried.

“Alright.” Morgan said with a grin, adjusting Reid against his hip and grabbing the book with his free hand. Then he closed the door, locked the car and carried Reid inside. After being told it would be a ten minute wait, he sat down with Reid in his lap, the bear beside them, and he watched Reid fumble to open the book.

“You wanna read it?” He asked the toddler, and Reid nodded, turning to the first page. Morgan opened his mouth and prepared to start reading, but his voice was soon lost…

“If-oo… goh-wowt… in’da woods too-day, Yow show-uhf a big ser-pise.” Reid began to sing quietly, his little finger running over the words as he sang them. “If-oo goh-wowt in’da woods too-day, you bettah goh-win de-skies.”

Morgan was too thunderstruck to even notice that everyone else was staring at them, eyes wide and mouths hanging open…

Aaron Hotchner sat at a table with several other BAU SACs, including SSA’s Cooper and Perry. The latter was feigning attention, the former not bothering with the charade. These budget meetings were incredibly boring…

Hotch held back a sigh, sneaking a glance at the clock up on the wall. Cooper was less discrete. He checked his phone, and then started to play ‘Angry Birds’. Hotch didn’t get the appeal of that game… Morgan loved it, though… and so did Garcia… and Emily… Whatever…

Strauss droned on and on about where they were doing well sticking to their budget and where they could improve… they were only halfway through the thick packet… Perry was even starting to look bored and drowsy now…

“Ahnn?” Everyone stopped and looked up, blinking. Hotch froze. “Ahnn?” Came the call again, a sweet, tiny voice. Hotch’s eyes widened.

“What on earth?” Strauss murmured.

“Ahnn!” The voice was clearer this time, obviously belonging to a very small child. Strauss looked at Hotch.

“Is that…?”

“I’m afraid so…” Hotch sighed.

“Is that Dr. Reid?” Cooper asked, and Perry sat up straight saying, “We heard what happened!” the other four Unit Cheifs in the meeting were now looking much more awake, too.

The Unit Cheifs and the Section chief were all watching the door to the room, now. And sure enough, a moment later a two year old appeared in the doorway, clutching a book to his chest with one hand, and dragging his bear along with the other. He was wearing an overly large baseball cap, obviously Morgan’s.

“Ahnn!” the child cheered, face lighting up at the sight of Hotch. He broke into a run, charging across the room as fast as his little legs could take him.

Hotch snuck a look at his boss, and was pleasantly surprised to see that she did not at all look angry. On the contrary, she was smiling in amazement and delight, and as Hotch picked up the toddler, her smiled widened a bit. Spencer put his book down on the table and settled into Hotch’s lap, clutching his bear.

“Hi.” He said, blinking up at the other Unit Chiefs.

“Well, hello Spencer.” Cooper greeted, grinning. “Cute little tyke, Hotch.”

“That’s really him?!” Perry asked, looking astonished.

“It is.” Hotch nodded. “Spencer, say hello to Chief Strauss.” Spencer looked at the woman, and his eyes widened. He quickly hid himself in the coat of Hotch’s suit, burying his face into the man’s tie.

“Awwww… Smart kid!”

“Watch yourself, Agent Perry.” Strauss said in a cold tone, but when she looked back at Spencer, it was with a smile. “Still shy I see…”

“Never grew out of it, did he?” Cooped quipped.

“No, he didn’t.” Hotch confirmed, smiling when the toddler began sucking his thumb.

A moment later, Morgan poked his head into the room.

“So THIS is where he disappeared to…” He observed. “Chief Strauss… I apologize if he interrupted your meeting. He’s a sneaky little thing.”

“Quite alright.” Strauss acknowledged with a nod. “As long as he’s quiet, he can stay.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Hotch nodded, curling an arm around Spencer. Within minutes, the child was asleep. And he remained that way for the rest of the budget meeting. He woke when they all stood, gathering their papers.

“Ahnn?” Came the sleepy inquiry.

“Yes?”

“Hungry…”

“Okay.” Hotch said, standing and setting the child on the floor, gathering up his papers and ‘The Teddy Bear Picnic’. Then he offered his hand and Spencer curled his tiny fingers around the man’s index finger, clutching his bear with the other hand.

“There they are!” Garcia cheered when they reached the bullpen. Hotch smiled and Reid pressed against his leg, shyly.

“Did you get him lunch?” Hotch asked Morgan.

“I did, but he wouldn’t eat it.” Morgan shrugged, holding up the untouched Happy Meal. Hotch sighed and sat Reid down at his desk, then looked back at Morgan.

“Well, maybe we can stick it in the microwave for him.”

“Re-heated fries are awful…” Garcia pointed out. They all turned at a scraping noise behind them. They looked at Reid. He was standing up on the chair and had dragged a jar across his desk, taking off the lid and reaching into the container. When he withdrew his hand, it was full of jelly beans. Reid then plopped himself down and began to eat, happily.

Morgan grinned as Hotch sighed and rolled his eyes, saying “Put the Happy Meal in the microwave.”

“Aye aye!” Garcia chirped, and hurried to do so. Meanwhile, Reid finished the jelly beans and started going through the drawers of his own desk. With a small smile on his face, he began pulling things out.

“Rubix!” He announced, handing Hotch a Rubix Cube.

“Uh… Thank you.” Hotch said, blinking. Sitting at her desk across from Reid, Emily grinned. Then, Reid pulled out a magazine… an old tabloid.

“What’s that?” Emily asked, and Hotch and Morgan stared.

“Lila.” Reid said calmly, pointing to the blonde girl on the cover… “Me!” And then he pointed to the picture of himself.

Emily reached over the desk and took the magazine, staring. “Oh. My. God.” And she opened it to read…

“You wanna see something REALLY amazing?” Morgan asked.

“What could be more amazing than this?!” Emily asked as Rossi and JJ joined the group.

“Watch.” Morgan said, and took the little picture book from Hotch. “Reid?” The toddler looked up. Morgan offered him the book. “Will you tell me the story again?” Reid blinked, then grinned and took the book, sitting down and holding it in his lap, fumbling to open it. He reached the first page

“Just go slow… like we practiced.” Morgan told Reid, and the little boy smiled and nodded. Then he looked down at the book and put a tiny index finger on the beginning lines of the book.

“If you go out in’da woods today, You are show-uhf a big surpwise.” Reid began to read in a little sing-song voice. The team stared in amazement, Morgan grinning. “If you go out in’da woods today, you bettah go in de-skies. Foh Ev’ry bear that ever there was, will gather there fo’certain becuz Today is the day the teddy bears have their pic-nic!”

“Oh my God…” Garcai sighed in delight, and she and JJ pulled up chairs. No one noticed Strauss walking over only to stop and stare at the toddler and listen to him sing.

“Picnic time fo’ Teddy bears! The little teddy bears are having a lov-el-ly time today. Watch them, catch them un-a-wares, and see them picnic on their hol-i-day! See them gaily dance ‘bout. They love to play and shout and ne-vah have any cares! At six o’clock their mommies and daddies will take them home ta’bed becuz their tired little teddy bears!!!” Reid sang happily, a smile on his face. He was completely unaware of the people standing around watching him, either gaping in astonishment or grinning. It wasn’t just the team either… the entire bullpen and agents passing by had all stopped to witness his little performance.

“If your go out in’da woods today, you bettah not go a-lone! It’s lov-el-ly out in’da woods today but safer to stay at home! Fo’ ev’ry bear that evah there was will gather there for certain because today is the day the teddy bears have their picnic!”

Garcia sat beside Reid and sang the chorus with him. “Picnic time for teddy bears! The little teddy bears are having a lovely time!” Reid looked up at her, surprised, but then grinned and sang with her, singing even louder when JJ sat on the edge of the desk and joined their little chorus. “Watch them catch them unawares, and see them picnic on their holiday! See them gaily dance about, they love to play and shout and never have any cares! At six o’clock their mommies and daddies will take them home to bed because their tired little teddy bears!”

Garcia moved then, picking Reid up and sitting down, placing him on her lap. Reid just settled in and dove into the last verse.

“Ev’ry teddy bear that’s been GOOD!” Emily giggled at Reid’s loud squeal of the last word…

“Is sure of a treat to-DAY! There’s lots of wunder-ful things to-eet and wunder-ful games to play! Beneath the trees where no-bah-dee sees they’ll hide an’ seek as long as they please! Today’s the day the teddy bears have their Pic-a-nic!”

“Pic-a-nic?” Rossi asked, and Emily shushed him firmly. Then, Reid, JJ and Garcia broke into the final chorus, Emily and a handful of agents watching who had children joining them.

“Picnic time for teddy bears! The little teddy bears are having a lovely time! Watch them catch them unawares, and see them picnic on their holiday! See them gaily dance about, they love to play and shout and never have any cares! At six o’clock their mommies and daddies will take them home to bed because their tired little teddy bears!”

And at the conclusion, everyone broke into applause. Reid jumped and looked around wide eyed and startled, his book falling to the floor. He promptly clutched his bear and hid his face in Garcia’s ample chest.

“Awwww…” Garcia cooed, hugging him. “It’s okay, sweetie.”

“Alright, performance is over. Everyone back to work.” Strauss called, though her tone was good humored. She walked over. “I’ll have to admit… I’m impressed.” She looked at Hotch. “He’s two? And reading?”

“He’s Dr. Spencer Reid.” Morgan chuckled. “Pretty cool huh?”

“Here’s a French fry, sweetie.” Garcia said softly, and Reid slowly turned and nibbled.

“I’m sorry you had to come in today.” Strauss said to Hotch. “I know he’s very attached to you right now…”

“It’s okay.” Hotch said with a nod. “Like I told Morgan this morning… had to cut the cord SOME time.” Strauss smiled at that.

Then, Reid finally took off Morgan’s hat. Everyone STARED.

“… Derek Morgan, what they HELL did you do to him?!” Hotch blurted.

“O.M.G.” Garcia stared, eyes wide. JJ covered her mouth, eyes wide in shock, and Emily and Rossi’s jaws DROPPED. Strauss slowly turned and looked at Morgan, who was grinning.

“What?” He asked. “It’ll grow back.”

“You had them give him a MOHAWK?!” Hotch howled. “What the hell is WRONG with you?!”

“Let the kid live a little!” Morgan laughed. Strauss shook her head.

“I’ll uh… leave you to deal with… this…” She said, trying not to laugh… because sure enough, Reid had a buzz cut… except for a stripe going from forehead to the base of his skull… Strauss turned and walked away, ordering Perry and Cooper back to work, as the pair were in the doorway, absolutely HOWLING at the sight of the two year old with a Mohawk.

“Oh, he’s gonna GET IT!” Cooper laughed.

“Damn straight he is!” Hotch snarled, GLARING at Morgan.

“Aw, come on Hotch. It’s funny!”

“It’s ridiculous!” Hotch snapped.

“Spencer?” Garcia said, and the toddler blinked up at her. “Do you like your hair?”

“Ya!” Reid cheered, putting his hands on his head.

“There now.” Garcia said with a smile. “HE likes it. Isn’t that what matters?”

“And considering how fast his hair is growing, it’ll be pretty normal by tomorrow.” Morgan pointed out. Hotch glared at the man, but knew that he had a point. Garcia set Reid down on his desk and snapped a picture of him and his Mohawk.

“… I am STILL not happy.” Hotch growled, reaching out and picking Reid up, putting Morgan’s hat back on the child’s head, giving him his bear and his book. Chewing his last chicken nugget, Reid smiled and cuddled up to Hotch. Then they left, heading home to take a nap and spend the rest of the day with Reid toddling around the house after Hotch as he did housework. And that night, when they went to bed, Hotch smiled as Reid quickly wiggled into his arms and cuddled close, falling asleep sucking his thumb…
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Growing Up Again