A/N: Sorry for the wait, I had a serious case of writer's block and then got slammed by other ideas that couldn't even get on the computer. One of those ideas included another Criminal Minds story that won't happen for a while. Just to let you know. Enjoy and thanks for your reviews and faves.
When Spencer came back to work, Garcia was the first one to greet him, and enveloped him in what Aaron could politely describe as a bear hug. He watched, styrofoam coffee cup in hand, as Spencer struggled to breathe while also thinking how the woman could be so strong. Only when Garcia finally realized that Spencer was suffocating did she relinquish her hold. Aaron knew there would have been a lecture next, but he knew Spencer already had that when the girls came to visit him last night- "You're a jerk for making us worry. I swear to God next time you pull a stunt like this, I'll wreak havoc on your credit score". Spencer had constantly apologized and tried to lighten the mood by saying he was going to come back to work soon.
"So how are you? Did you eat breakfast this morning? And I mean an actual breakfast, not just coffee with half a bag of sugar." she questioned as she placed her hands on her hips, her eyes fierce behind her glasses with only one stray strand of blonde hair falling over. Aaron had to hold back a laugh as he saw Spencer give off a sheepish smile.
"Don't worry, I had a couple of bagels, Garcia," he answered. Garcia raised an eyebrow, "I'm serious."
He was. Aaron and Sean had made sure of it when Aaron drove by to take Sean home and bring Spencer in for work- something his agents didn't need to know. Spencer's eating habits were still rocky, but he was getting better; and at least Spencer was sleeping a bit better. His baby brother was making the road to recovery, and Aaron was sure Spencer would actually stay on it.
"You know what, I'm gonna call Derek and have him bring in a box of doughnuts, just in case," Garcia said, patting Spencer's back and giving him a look that was daring him to argue. There were few people in this world you shouldn't piss off. Aaron was one of them and so was Garcia.
"I don't have a choice, do I?" Spencer asked with a defeated tone.
"Nope, my Boy Wonder," Garcia gave Spencer another pat before facing Aaron, "If you need me Bossman, I'll be in my cave and assume my place as the all-knowing Goddess."
Before Aaron could say anything, Garcia was gone; and Spencer was groaning while rubbing his forehead. Not able to hold it back, Aaron let out a small chuckle before walking up to Spencer to ruffling his hair.
"You can be an asshole, sometimes, Aaron," Spencer mumbled.
"No first names at work, remember?" Aaron reminded him in a serious tone- although he was secretly relieved that Spencer was using his first name period- but went to playfulness when Aaron said, "And love you too."
Spencer rolled his eyes before saying he was going to get coffee and then stalking off. Aaron shook his head in amusement before taking a sip of his own coffee and walking to his office. On the way, he saw Gideon sitting in his office, hunched over his desk and writing in something Aaron couldn't see.
Aaron hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Gideon since that team meeting the other day or when he stopped by to talk with Spencer one-on-one last night. The two were in Spencer's room, and Aaron made a point for him and Sean to be occupied, so the two- especially Sean- wouldn't eavesdrop. When Gideon left, Spencer seemed a bit tense; but that was gone after Sean suggested Indian take-out for dinner- and once more ignoring the doctor's recommendation for a diet regiment. Before Aaron left for the night, Spencer confessed that he was just slightly shaken at the fact that Gideon had came to see him and could be disappointed.
As Aaron reassured Spencer about how Gideon wasn't disappointed but worried, he was secretly happy that Spencer had actually talked to him about something that was definitely personal for the younger man. It was something Spencer hadn't done in a long time.
Continuing his walk to his office, Aaron made several mental notes. He had to talk to his friend about possible appointment times and then run them by Spencer. Aaron also needed to get several documents looked at and signed, so Strauss wouldn't be on him. There was also a date he had with Hailey tonight- even Aaron couldn't remember the last time the two had a private dinner together. In other words, he was swamped.
Aaron was about to close the blinds when he saw Spencer sit at his desk with a mug of coffee. Emily soon came in, stopping in front of Spencer's desk to talk to him. He watched as the two agents shared a laugh before Emily went to her desk. Smiling at the scene, Aaron closed his blinds and then sat at his desk. He worked on paperwork until he heard a knock on his door.
"Come in," he said, not looking up until he heard the door open. Spencer came in, coffee mug in one hand, and clear crumbs on his face. Apparently Derek had actually came through with the doughnuts.
"Hey, uh, I just need to talk to you for a second," Spencer said, the laid back attitude from this morning gone. Aaron frowned, nodding his head and motioning for Spencer to sit. Spencer sat on the chair across from Aaron and let out a deep breath, "I haven't been able to talk to you about this because...well...I wasn't sure what you would say."
"And that would be?" Aaron asked, his curiosity piqued but his worry on overdrive.
"Well, I know that after my behavior, I know that you'd be hesitant to put me in the field," Spencer raked his hand through his hair while his eyes focused on the bookshelf to his right.
"But you want to say that you're capable of handling yourself," Aaron stated. Spencer's silence was the answer he got, and Aaron let out a sigh, "Reid, I'm going to say this as your boss," he couldn't emphasize that last word enough, "After the last incident in the field as well as your string of insubordination, I don't think I can trust you in the field." Spencer flinched, "Now, this doesn't mean I'm going to keep here when we have a case, but I am tempted to simply keep you in the department we're headquartered in."
Spencer was still stiff in his seat as he nodded his understanding. Aaron knew this was hard for Spencer. He knew Spencer had worked hard to show himself a competent field agent, and now he had to face possibly starting at a lower rung. Still, Spencer's behavior, did need to call for some type of punishment. Besides, Spencer being in a controlled enviroment for a bit could help curve Aaron's need to just keep him here.
"If you can prove to me that you can handle yourself, again, then I will let you back in on the field," Aaron concluded. Spencer nodded, making a move to stand up, "And with how you're taking your recovery, I can tell that it won't take long."
Spencer stopped for a second before looking back up at Aaron. The two brothers shared what seemed like a long staring contest before Spencer relented, his semi-shocked look replaced by a relieved smile, as he stood up and headed for the door.
"Hotch," Spencer said just he was about to open the door. Aaron gave his youngest brother his full attention, "Thanks, for you know, not giving me the boot."
Aaron let out a small chuckle before he steeled himself into his professional. His smile that Spencer saw earlier melted into a serious line that could pass off as the ever-present scowl that everyone thought was permanent. Everyone besides the team and his family. Spencer himself could trace that scowl back to Aaron's early college years when Spencer was experiencing bullying and Sean decided to solve everything with anything besides his words. He wouldn't say he was completely immune to it or the glare, but Spencer had developed a bit more tolerance than anyone else.
"Reid, I trust that you will not push your luck with me next time," Aaron's tone showed no room for argument.
"No, I won't sir," Spencer said, his tone even but his eyes not exactly meeting Aaron's. Aaron was aware that Spencer would not look someone he respected in the eye if he felt as though he disappointed them. Despite the situation, Aaron took that tiny bit of comfort. It meant Spencer was trying to build that bridge Aaron was sure was burned not too long after Spencer had joined the bureau.
"Good," Aaron said before letting out a heavy sigh, "Also, how are cooping."
Spencer's body was even more tense. When Aaron had Spencer on lockdown and was sure the youngest was ready to take hostages, he would ask Spencer that question to see if he needed to stay the night with him and Sean for extra security. His answers ranged from a small something that couldn't be covered by a large coffee with extra sugar to a wild look in Spencer's eyes that were on the body of a relatively calm young man.
"I just need a distraction," Spencer admitted, his hand tightened around the knob. He looked at Aaron with a frown that could pass off as tired, despite the hours Spencer had spent sleeping. Aaron could only nod.
"Oh, and Spencer," Aaron called just as Spencer was opening the door. Aaron shot his youngest brother that same relaxed smile, "Wipe your face."
Blinking, Spencer wiped the corners of his mouth, letting out an embarrassed stutter when he realized the crumbs. Aaron let out a rare bark of laughter as Spencer wiped the rest of his face. He barely said goodbye before walking out of the room quickly, leaving the door open. Standing up to close the door, Aaron looked out to the bullpen and saw Spencer sitting at his desk, Derek and Emily sharing a laugh.
"We were wondering when you were going to notice, Pretty Boy," Derek commented. Spencer shot him a look before sorting through his files. Aaron watched with an amused look on his face as Spencer pulled out several files, went to Derek's desk, and dumped them on his desk.
"Do your own work," Spencer barked before storming away, grabbing his coffee mug on the way.
"Wow, he told you," Emily said, her laughter still evident in the air. Derek only stared wide-eyed before laughing himself.
A/N: Writer's block obvious. I wanted to do more with this, but I just felt as though this was where this chapter should end. Let me hear what you have to say.