Chapter Text
Soft knocking broke Hotch from his concentration.
“Come in.” The man continued filling out the report he’d been working on, even as he heard his office door open and close and somebody walk in.
“Aaron? Are you ready to go home?”
Hotch looked up at his old mentor. “Home?” Checking the time, he saw it was well past 9 o’clock. Everyone else had left hours ago, just as they should have. Hotch figured Rossi must have been absorbed in work just like he was.
“Oh. I can just finish this last report, then meet you at your house.”
“ Aaron .” The older man’s voice was somehow gentle, but stern at the same time. Hotch put his pen down.
“Although, I guess it can wait until Monday. Give me two minutes to pack up, then I’ll meet you by your car?”
“I’ll wait for you.”
Rossi leaned against the wall while he waited for his friend. He took his phone out and opened and closed apps, just to seem like he was doing something. He didn’t want to start off what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend by making Aaron feel stressed into rushing.
“Alright.” Hotch clicked his briefcase closed. “Lead the way.”
Rossi looked to his right barely 5 minutes into the drive to his mansion to see Hotch asleep, snoring softly. It looks like the lack of sleep the younger man had on their last case was catching up with him.
“Aaron? Wake up…. Come on, buddy, open those eyes. There he is!”
“Mm? Dave? ‘re we home?”
“Yeah, bud. Let’s get you inside.”
Aaron followed the older man inside where he collapsed onto the couch and instantly pulled the throw blanket over himself.
Rossi chuckled, but decided to leave him for the moment. First and foremost, he had to get his boy fed. Aaron’s eating habits were almost as poor as Spencer’s.
Deciding that getting Aaron to bed quickly was more important than a fancy meal, Dave decided to go for something quick and easy, that he was sure to enjoy: scrambled eggs. Certainly not the best dinner, but at least it was better than nothing. David Rossi would sooner die than send his little boy to bed without dinner.
“Aaron, it’s time to eat.”
Aaron whined. “Sleepy.”
“I know, buddy. Just eat as much as you can, then we’ll get you to bed.”
“Okay.” Aaron followed the older man to the table, sinking into his seat. Dave sat next to him and picked up a forkful of eggs. Aaron was clearly far too tired to feed himself. The lack of protests from the boy confirmed this.
Dave fed Aaron his dinner.
The caregiver managed to get his little up the stairs and into the bathroom, half carrying him. It was a struggle to brush his sleepy toddler’s teeth, but it got done. Aaron was no help getting changed into a pull-up and pajamas, but that got done too.
Rossi made sure Aaron had a sippy cup full of water, a pacifier, and his favorite stuffed bee named Honey. He tucked him in tightly under the blankets and kissed his forehead.
Aaron’s lips twitched into a small smile at the kiss.
“Goodnight, baby bee. Sleep well.”
“Ni-night, Papa.”