I do not own Criminal Minds.

Slash Watch = No slash was intended but can be viewed otherwise.

Note: A reference to an earlier story of mine "Hotch's Handcuffs" is in here, though reading it first is not fully necessary.

The Behavioral Analysis Unit had received two weeks vacation time. Everyone looked forward to it, except for one.

Supervisory Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid opened the door to his apartment cautiously just in case a relative or family member of some unsub who had either been put away or killed had broken in and planned to seek revenge of some unthinkable kind. After examining the place, Reid decided he was safe to let his guard down; a little. He took a glance behind him and saw nothing but the somewhat dark parking lot. He entered and quickly shut the door and locked it.

He had just returned from Las Vegas after spending a week with his mother. Now he had another 6 days, 4 hours and 17 minutes of nothing but his empty apartment. He sighed, imagining Morgan telling him he needs a girl or some more friends. Spencer never really planned on having a girl, much less a family. Not because of his social problems or self consciousness, but because after Hotch lost Hailey and almost lost Jack to an unsub, George Foyet to be precise, who had no intention other than to bring pain and suffering to the Unit Chief. He didn't really want more friends either, he was happy with the ones he had at the BAU.

He just wished he could spend the rest of his vacation with one or more of them.

He would have stayed longer with Diana, but a week was as long as he could. He had nothing else to do with the second half of his off-time. Loneliness wasn't new to Spencer. He had nobody to talk to when his mother had episodes, he had barely any friends in high school. Jeff was one of the only exceptions he could think of at the moment. Though there was probably more, Reid didn't care to think about them right now.

He liked going to work early and staying late. That way, he wouldn't be alone and he'd be with the people he considers his family. It was only a problem when Hotch or somebody else would eventually make him go home. If he could move his bed there, he would just live at the BAU and never have to be alone.

He didn't speak with his neighbors much. In fact, he rarely heard them. Most people would be grateful to have quiet neighbors, but what Spencer wouldn't give for at least one of them to have a noisy party every so often just to get rid of the silence that practically suffocated him. He'd try to watch TV, but when Star Trek wasn't on, inaccurate history shows and useless infomercials got pretty boring.

Reading was nice, but it was still rather quiet. And he'd read through all his books seven times already. He didn't have much for music preferences. Beethoven was all he ever listened to. Sure it eliminated the silence, but it didn't change the fact that no one else was here with him and he was still lonely.

His mind fell back on the team. If only he could spend time with them. Hotch and JJ both had families, Morgan likely had a woman or two with him, Prentiss wasn't home, Garcia and Kevin were having a "sleepover", Rossi liked his privacy, and why the hell Struass ever crossed his mind, he'll never know.

He sighed, having run out of options to pass the rest of the evening .He didn't feel like going to bed early. He was hungry but had no food. He finally decided on a walk, even though it's dark outside and there could very well be a crazed lunatic or two out there.

Spencer was about to head back out when he debated on changing his clothes. It was unusually warm out and his dress shirt, tie and sweater vest probably wouldn't be the best things to wear for even a walk. He went to his bedroom and changed into a pair of sweatpants, then for some reason, had a little trouble on what to wear for a shirt. All he could find was mostly his usual type of attire. He had a few plain white T-Shirts but they were all in need of washing. He remembered an "assortment" that Morgan and Garcia had picked for him one time. Biting his lip nervously, the young profiler found the plastic bag and dumped it on his bed.

Laughing slightly at the thought of being able to tell who got what for him, he started to dig through the pile until he grabbed a random shirt. Slowly and reluctantly, he pulled out a red shirt that read "#1 Genius" on the front. Definitely Garcia. Maybe he'd wear it if he couldn't find something better. He continued his digging until he pulled out another shirt, a simple white tank top.

Spencer raised an eyebrow at the garment. Must've been Morgan. Why he would ever get him such a shirt like that left his brain stumped. He never wore tank tops, they left his body too exposed.

He tossed it aside and dug around some more, looking over and discarding nearly everything he found. More shirts with funny lines on them. More tank tops? I don't even wear polo shirts!

Almost ten minutes passed when the young agent realized how ridiculous he was being over shirts when all he was doing is going for a walk. A dark blue shirt caught his eye and he held it up to get a better look at it. The front had white letters "F.B.I." on it.

Shrugging, he slipped on the piece of clothing and grabbed his cell phone, leaving his badge and gun behind. He locked the door and made his way to the sidewalk.

As he began his stroll, he laughed at himself, thinking of how he had at one point forgot about his loneliness while he was rummaging through all those shirts. His smile faded when the thought of his lonesome was again fresh in his mind.

He sighed sadly, knowing it wouldn't be fair to bug any of his teammates when they, unlike himself, had other people to be with. Except Rossi, of course, but Spencer wasn't about to bother him anymore than the others. He focused entirely on his walking, occasionally playing with the print on his shirt, taking in the rough feeling of the big white lettering.

He looked up and realized he'd walked farther than anticipated. He'd been looking at the ground so much, he didn't pay attention to his surroundings until now. For once, his eidetic memory would be little help to him, but maybe if he just walked back in the direction he came from, he wouldn't be lost. His hope didn't last long when he was at another unfamiliar area.

Spencer gulped and started to tremble. Taking a walk wasn't a good idea.

He didn't have his gun and wearing a shirt with a big white "F.B.I." on it didn't help. His cell phone had full service. That was good at least. He twirled around when he heard a garbage can tip over, only to see that a stray cat was responsible. He wished he was home now. Being lonely at his apartment was better than being frightened at a place he had no clue where he was at. He found a sidewalk but it didn't look like the one he had been walking on before.

He wondered if he should call someone, but didn't want to burden them either. Plus, if he didn't know where he was, how would they? He couldn't see any street signs. Would anyone even get him in time before somebody, or something else did?

Thunder suddenly rumbled and rain drops began to fall. Holding back a whimper of despair, Spencer started to run in a random direction, hoping he would get back to his apartment, or at least someplace he recognized. Being alone at home didn't sound so bad now.

Spencer's energy ran low quicker than he wanted it to. Thanks to his not eating dinner. He hung his head, trying to use his hair as a makeshift shield for his face from the now pouring rain. He tried for another burst of speed but tripped and landed on his hands and knees. A passing car drove by and splashed more water on the young man. He just stayed there and sobbed. He was out here, getting soaked to the bone, all because he couldn't stand being lonely at his apartment. And now, he was lost and crying on the wet sidewalk. He could only imagine the team, shaking their heads at him because of how weak and pathetic he looked. A pick up truck pulled next to him and he jumped to his feet but didn't bother wiping his tears. The rain would hide them.

The window rolled down and Spencer stared in shock at the vehicle's only occupant.

"Reid, what are you doing out here in the rain?" Hotch asked.

Spencer found it difficult to find words. What was he supposed to tell his boss? Oh gee, I was feeling lonely at home and decided to go for a walk and get lost?

"I, uh..." Spencer tried to say something but couldn't.

"Hop in." Hotch offered.

Reid obeyed without hesitation but then felt guilty. Hotch noticed but didn't say anything about it and started to drive. Spencer gazed over at the BAU leader, wondering how out of sheer luck their paths crossed.

"Hotch, um, I suppose you're wondering..."

"Why you had broke down on the sidewalk, after 9 PM?"

Spencer gulped and started to blush. "Yeah..."

Silence filled the truck for a moment before Reid noticed the look of expectation on the Unit Chief's face. He sighed then Hotch spoke up.

"Reid, you know you can tell me anything." He glanced briefly at the young doctor.

It's now or never, I guess.

"I... was just feeling lonely." Spencer said softly.

"So, you went for a walk?"

Reid nodded, now keeping his gaze to the window.

"I guess I got lost." He mumbled, expecting Hotch to give him a small lecture.

"I guess it's a good thing I was at the grocery store then." The older man said, no hint of disappointment in his voice. Spencer was a little surprised by the lack of irritation. He looked at the back seat behind him and could make out a few things in the dark cab. In one of the bags had a container of chocolate and peanut butter ice cream.

Spencer unknowingly licked his lips at the sight of the ice cream and few other goodies he managed to see. He never would have thought of his boss having such a sweet tooth, and surely he wasn't planning on giving this all to Jack.

Now that he thought about it, where was Jack?

"Hotch, where-" He tried to ask but was cut off.

"He's spending the night with Jessica." Hotch replied casually. Reid wondered why Hotch wouldn't take advantage of this chance he got to spend time with his son, but decided not to question him.

Spencer felt his eyes start water when his apartment complex came into view. He couldn't bring himself to ask Hotch if he could just stay at his house. The stern, unreadable look on his face made it even harder. Hotch had already done enough picking him up in the pouring down rain and driving him home.

Home. What he calls that cold, lonely apartment of his.

At least he got to spend an awkward and slightly embarrassing moment with someone. Spencer felt even more guilty when he realized the seat he'd been sitting in was now as wet as he was. He saw the entryway to the parking lot approaching to the left. He leaned against the cold surface of the window and closed his eyes, failing to hold back a single sob.

His eyes shot open in time to see the apartment complex pass by after realizing that Hotch never slowed down, nor make the turn.

Spencer felt the urge to say something, but at the same time, wanted to keep quiet. Which was ironic since quiet was all he ever heard at home. The young man stared blankly out the front window, missing the smile that was forming on the Unit Chief's face.

Inside, he was happy. He so very wanted to spend time with someone, anyone really. He was also becoming more guilt ridden by the minute as he looked down to the floor.

Hotch looked at the younger profiler. Reaching over he patted him on the shoulder. Spencer was startled, not only because he wasn't used to physical contact, but he hadn't been expecting Hotch of all people to use a show of affection.

Reid tore away from the floor and finally saw the small, yet caring smile Aaron had. The once dreaded night had certainly taken a twist.

He began to think about when the BAU leader picked him up. That isn't even the street you take to get to the grocery store... His face turned red. Hotch pretended not to notice. Instead he reached over to the radio and turned it on. When the tune and lyrics started, he almost regretted it.

And I was like baby, baby, baby, ooooohhh...

Damn pop songs. Cringing, Hotch hurried to find another station. Spencer tried not to laugh, but ended up giggling. The distraught Unit Chief desperately tried to find another song.

Gaga, ooh lala. Want your bad romance.

Hotch changed the station again.

6 foot, 7 foot-

Click.

California Gurls, we're unforgettable. Daisy dukes, bik-

Click.

It's a love story, Baby just say-

Click.

Tonight, I'm fu-

Click.

Hey, Soul Sister. Ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo?

Hotch gave up, but found the current song rather catchy, even though he wasn't really into most of the songs that came out these days. He could tell Spencer liked it too as he was kind of dancing in his seat. Trying to hold back a smirk, Hotch went back to keeping his full attention on the road until he reached his house and pulled into the driveway. Right then and there, the song ended.

By now, the rain stopped. Hotch and Reid both got out of the truck, but before Spencer could offer any help with the groceries, Hotch wordlessly grabbed all of them with one hand.

Sure wish I was that strong. He thought as he followed his boss to the front door. Hotch unlocked the door and stepped inside. Spencer trailed behind.

Since he didn't help Aaron carry the groceries, he should at least help put them away. Hotch sat the bags on the floor then walked over to the younger man. Reid didn't have a chance to speak when Hotch ushered him to the bathroom to shower. Spencer wasn't sure if he should, but a nice hot shower did sound tempting. He took a quick one and stepped out to see his wet and dirty clothes had been replaced by clean ones. He slipped on the flannel pants, tightening the strings so they would fit his slim waist and pulled on the slightly big "F.B.I." shirt.

Spencer went and sat on the couch. He could hear things being tossed around and put in cabinets and on counters in the kitchen. A while passed when his curiosity overtook him. He was about to get up when a hand carrying a plate of freshly made spaghetti and sauce appeared and placed the food in front of him on the coffee table.

Reid looked up at Hotch, who sat down without a word and flipped on the TV.

"Hotch, you didn't have to-"

"Your stomach growls pretty loudly sometimes." Hotch said, not turning his head. Spencer blushed. He leaned forward, picking up the fork and started to eat. The Unit Chief searched through the movie channels, eventually putting on Jurassic Park.

Spencer finished his meal rather quickly, but at least his hunger was satisfied. He was going to take his dirty dish and fork to the kitchen and clean them but Hotch beat him to it.

"Hotch! I can, um..." He stopped when he got no sort of response. He really felt guilty now. Although he was more than grateful that he didn't have to stay at his lonely apartment, but Hotch was doing more than he should for him. He did view the BAU leader as a father figure, especially after Gideon left.

The sounds of clinking was now heard from the kitchen. Hotch came back carrying two bowls with spoons.

Spencer could tell that the chocolate and peanut butter ice cream he'd seen earlier was what was in the bowl in front of him. Shrugging, he picked up the bowl and sat back on the couch. Hotch did the same. Before taking a bite, Reid couldn't pass the chance to spew out a fact about ice cream.

"Did you know that a person who spends 30 minutes eating a bowl of ice cream actually consumes less calories than a person who eats it quickly?"

Hotch raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yeah!" Spencer said, getting excited. "Even if they are eating the same amount! It's pretty interesting."

"Sounds interesting." Hotch said, trying to sound otherwise.

"Well, they did a recent study in-"

"Are you saying I'm fat, Reid?" The Unit Chief failed to hide his smirk.

"What? No! Of course not, Hotch! I was just-"

"I'm kidding."

"Oh." Spencer blushed again tonight. Hotch chuckled. They finished their ice cream and Aaron once again took care of the dirty dishes, ignoring Reid's protests.

Hotch went and got into pajamas. A plain gray T-Shirt and sweatpants. He came out of the room with a large comforter. Sitting back down, he settled the thick blanket over himself. Spencer looked over and wondered if he was planning on sharing. Probably not. He wouldn't expect Hotch to, not after all he's done for him, and in one evening!

Reid turned to the TV, watching the Tyrannosaurus try to eat one of the bright colored Ford Explorers. He turned back to Hotch, who surprisingly, was watching the movie too.

"Thank you, Aar- Hotch."

Hotch looked over to Reid, meeting his brown eyes. His big, beautiful and innocent brown eyes.

"Don't mention it, Reid."

Spencer looked sad but nodded. Suddenly, his facial appearance was replaced with one of a big grin and a failed attempt to keep from giggling. "Hey, Hotch?"

Hotch raised an eyebrow, wondering what his agent was finding so funny. A guy on TV just got eaten by a dinosaur, so hopefully that wasn't it.

"Yes, Reid?"

Spencer continued to giggle. "Um, do you..." More giggling. "Do you really wear smiley face boxer shorts?"

Hotch's eyes widened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Well, after the Brian Jefferson case, Rossi told me and the others that you had a chunk of your pants missing and he saw-"

"He told the others?" Hotch interrupted quickly then mentally slapped himself for what he just did.

Reid's smile continued to stretch. "Yep! He said they were white and the smiley faces were yellow, and that some of them had their tongues sticking out and-"

Hotch's glare made Spencer shut up but it didn't wipe the grin off his face.

"Reid?" Hotch said in a dangerous tone that finally killed his smile altogether.

Spencer started to fiddle with his fingers. What was Hotch gonna do? Was he going make him leave? Make him go back to his apartment all by his lonesome? He was afraid to find out. He didn't want to be alone again and was about to mutter an apology when Hotch suddenly pulled the comforter aside and patted on the cushion next to him.

Spencer stared at it for a moment. He never really cuddled. The most he usually got was a hug from his mother or from someone on the team, or a pat on the shoulder or having his hair ruffled like he was some adorable child.

He slowly made his way over until he was leaning against Hotch's chest. Hotch pulled the comforter back over themselves, then wrapped an arm around Spencer and pulled him closer. But Spencer wasn't sure how to react. Finally taking in the warmth and softness of the thick blanket, he snuggled into Hotch, resting his head on his boss' shoulder and the crook of his neck.

Hotch gently kissed the top of his head, Reid tensed. He hoped dearly that that kiss was just a simple show of affection and nothing more. He allowed himself to relax when Aaron started to stroke his soft curly hair like it was a cat.

"A- Hotch, you do know that you didn't have-" Spencer spoke softly but was interrupted by the BAU leader.

"Reid. I care about you, the whole team cares about you. We don't know what we would do without you. And that's not just because of your brain."

Spencer sighed. "You wouldn't have to worry about a 'kid' all the time? You wouldn't have to be woken up in the middle of the night because I have nightmares? You wouldn't have to... find me on the street crying all because I let a little bit of loneliness get to me?"

"No." Hotch said flatly. "Because we are a family and we look out for eachother, especially you." Spencer felt himself blushing for the umpteenth time.

"But, you guys shouldn't-"

"Reid, you are still so young and innocent. You've endured more than most people ever should in a lifetime."

"Is that why you guys always treat me like a child?" Spencer asked. Deep down, he actually enjoyed the youthful treatment. The team gave him experiences he thought he'd never get. He liked when Garcia buried him with presents, when JJ called him 'Spence', when Morgan would occasionally tease him and when someone would ruffle his hair or call him 'kid', despite being in his upper 20's. It's was about time he got looked up to for something other than his intelligence that he at times wished he never had.

Hotch seemed to ponder for a moment. "Well, you would need to ask Garcia that." He smiled. Spencer laughed as he continued to snuggle into the blanket.

"You never have to alone, Reid. All of us on the team are here for you."

"But, I don't want to bother you guys." Spencer admitted dully.

"Reid, you are not a burden to us, you are a blessing." Hotch said gently, resuming stroking the younger man's hair. Spencer was shocked. The only time he ever heard something similar like that was when someone only wanted his brain to help them with something, but when Hotch said it, it was purely caring.

He looked up into the Unit Chief's face. "You really think that?"

Hotch met the gaze as he started to softly rub Spencer's cheek with his fingers.

"I think that." He said gently. "I'm sure Garcia thinks that." He added with a smirk. "We all think that."

Spencer smiled and sniffled. He was amazed how the evening started so bad, then here he was now, at his leader's house, snuggled with him on the couch like a caring father would do with his child.

"Hotch?" Reid asked.

"Yes?"

Hotch glanced over at the younger profiler who was staring at him with a sad smile. It actually made him a little unnerved but he hid it well. When the gap between their faces became smaller and smaller, Hotch started to panic on the inside.

Oh, God. He's not thinking about... He isn't going to... Oh no!

Hotch braced himself. The feeling of Reid's head back on his shoulder made him relax instantly. He breathed a sigh a relief, but Spencer heard it and giggled.

"Gotcha." He said with a mischievous grin.

Hotch cursed under his breath. "Don't make me tell Garcia that you were misbehaving, because I will." He matched Reid's facial appearance.

"Since when did you become like Morgan?" Spencer scoffed, obviously not believing the BAU leader.

Hotch smirked but didn't reply. He could feel his agent slowly dozing off.

"Thanks again, Aaro- Hotch." Reid corrected himself again before finally falling asleep.

Hotch looked down at the slumbering young man. He listened to the rhythm of his breathing over the sounds of the fat guy on TV getting attacked by the weird poison spitting dinosaur. Dilophosaurus, was it?

Hotch leaned closely to the right ear of the man he considered his second son.

"You're welcome, Spencer."

The End, for now...

(Twiddles fingers nervously like Spencer does)