never grow up, criminal minds

005. halloween

"Film?" Clara asks, holding the DVD up to her dad.

"Sorry, baby. I gotta go to work." Spencer says making her pout. "I'll watch a movie with you when I get back. I promise. Ellie's here, ask her."

"You." Clara says.

"We'll watch a film later, I promise." Spencer kisses her on the cheek and gently squeezes her arm.

+++

Spencer gets home after finishing the case, it being early in the day.

"Daddy!" Clara races over to him. She hugs his leg.

"Hi, honey." Spencer smiles, picking her up. She hugs him, Spencer rubbing her back. "You have fun with Ellie?"

"Mm-hmm." Clara nods. "Film now?" Spencer softly laughs.

"Let me shower and make some breakfast first, okay?" He says. Clara huffs, but nods.

+++

The team are at the BAU after a case. Spencer had picked up Clara from Ellie's place, the woman coming down with a cold.

The team are all gathered in the round table room and watching an old film on Gideon's projector. They have popcorn and some candy along with a few drinks. Clara has her cup of juice and is nestled on JJ's lap, the blonde sharing the bowl of popcorn with her.

"Watch this." JJ whispers to the toddler. She grabs a couple pieces of popcorn before chucking them at the back of Spencer's head. Clara breaks out into giggles while Spencer turns back with an offended and confused look. He looks at JJ, Emily, and Clara all laughing before turning back to the screen.

Clara grabs a handful of popcorn, throwing all the pieces at her father, giggles escaping her mouth.

+++

"Hey, hey." Spencer gently grabs his daughter's arm before she can burst out the door. "Hey. So, before I take you into work with me today, you need to know something."

"Penny's not there?" Clara's eyes widen in fear.

"No. No, no, she-- she'll be there." Spencer assures making the small girl relax. "But, uh... but Gideon doesn't work there anymore."

"Where he go?" Clara asks.

"I, uh... he retired. He went to go live a-- a more peaceful life." Spencer says. "So you're gonna see everybody but him."

"Old grump gone?" Clara frowns.

"Old--" Spencer frowns. "Uh... ye-yeah. Yeah, he's not there. He left, just like Elle did."

"Oh." Clara mumbles. "Okay." She says, not really sure how to process. She notices the sad look in her dad's eyes and gently pats him on the cheek, kissing his chin. "We go now?"

"Yeah. Yeah, we can go now." Spencer stands up, grabbing both of their bags and holding her hand. "You can hang out in Penny's lair all day if you want."

"Yay!" Clara jumps up and down in excitement.

+++

Spencer gets home after the team solved the case of a girl who went missing at the mall, having been kidnapped by her own aunt and molested by her uncle.

He sighs after shutting the door after Ellie, taking his shoes off and dropping his bag onto the floor, too tired to deal with anything. He goes into Clara's room, the girl cuddled up underneath her covers and hugging a stuffed animal. Her nightlight illuminates the room a bit, just enough for Spencer to see her and get over to the bed without tripping over anything.