never grow up, criminal minds

017. babysitting

"Why are we going to Aunt JJ's?" Clara asks.

"Because I'm babysitting Henry while she goes out with Aunt Em and Aunt Penny." Spencer says.

"Can I go with them?" Clara asks.

"No, baby. It-- it's girls' night." Spencer says.

"I'm a girl." Clara pouts.

"Adult girls night." Spencer adds. "You, my honey, are not an adult." He says, ruffling her hair. "Thankfully." He mumbles to himself.

Clara huffs.

"So I'm stuck with boys all night?" She pouts.

"You're with me all the time... when I'm home. You like Henry. He's basically your cousin." Spencer says.

"Yeah. My annoying, little, toddler cousin." Clara grumbles making Spencer sigh. "Why can't I sleep over at one of my friends?"

"Because you're not allowed to sleep over at your friends. We've been over this. Now, let's go." Spencer grabs her hand and her bag full of stuff to keep her entertained.

+++

The next morning, they're at the triathlon for Hotch, waiting for him to get to the finish line. Penelope, JJ, and Emily all have sunglasses on and miserable looks on their faces, holding their heads in their hands.

Spencer has Clara on his shoulders, both waving small flags around.

"Are they sick?" Clara asks her dad, pointing to her aunts.

"Uh... yeah, something like that." Spencer says, waving the flag around. "Look for Hotch." He tells her, not in the mood to explain hangovers.

"Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!" Spencer yells out, waving the flag. "A couple hours. A couple of hours. And you guys didn't come home until sunrise." He laughs.

"Why are you yelling?" JJ asks.

"Make him stop." Emily groans.

"Hey, hey, Jack, Jack." Derek calls, patting Jack's leg. "Earmuffs for a minute. Earmuffs." Jack covers his ears ears. "You, too, baby genius." He tells her and Clara covers her ears. "What did you guys drink last night?"

"The Green Fairy. You're in the FBI. Could you get the entire crowd to stop cheering?" Penelope begs.

"By my estimates, Hotch will be finishing any minute." Spencer says.

"Do you see him, Uncle Dave?" Jack asks.

"I think I do, kiddo. Right there! There he is!" Rossi points out Hotch who is running up. Spencer and the kids' cheers get louder.

"There he is! Come on!" Derek cheers.

The guys and kids all cheer as Hotch crosses the finish line, sending the women into further misery.

"Let's go see your dad, Jack." Derek says, walking off, everybody following.

Spencer lets out a cheer, following Derek. He rests his hands on Clara's legs to assure she doesn't fall.

"Go get him, Jack! Go get him!" Derek gets the boy off his shoulders and puts him on the ground. "Go, go, go! Go! Go, go!"

"You did it!" Jack cheers.

"I did, buddy, I did. Can you believe it?" Hotch asks, drinking water.

"Did you see my sign?" Jack asks.

"I did. That's for you, buddy." Hotch puts the medal around Jack's neck. "Your sign's fantastic."

"Look at you. How do you feel?" Rossi asks.