Fandom: Criminal Minds
Prompter: EmmetsGirl89
Prompt: Criminal minds- Hotch disobeys and lies to Rossi how long can he keep up his deception.
Warnings: Contains a few swats
See Author's note.

Criminal Minds- A White Lie

It has only been a week since Rossi first took him in hand, and Hotch is trying to figure out their new relationship. But it's not like Rossi will care about a little white lie, right? …Right?

I can feel him staring at the back of my neck.

Amazing, how one can feel a stare, but I suppose the intensity of the gaze helps.

I will not break. I won't.

Regardless of the amount of sweat dripping down my neck.

I take a deep breath and try to refocus on the case file before me. There is no way he could know, and besides, it is such a minor thing I really have nothing to worry about.

It is simply hot in here, is all. Yes, that's it.

Deep down, however, I know it could very well be a big deal, if past thought-to-be-no-big-deal issues were any indication.

For some reason Rossi constantly kept me bewildered by his expectations; and what he considered to be a big deal was vastly different than my own.

He actually had enforced rules about eating properly, getting enough sleep, and reporting minor injuries! I have been trying to figure out if this is a BAU thing, an FBI thing, or just a Rossi thing- and it appears to just be a Rossi thing. Gideon may shoot me a look, or a displeased eyebrow raise, but only Rossi hovered like a mother hen.

He did it to Gideon too, though, so it wasn't just me… but he did it much more with me. Despite being the youngest on the team, I did know how to take care of myself.

Once, I even asked Gideon if Rossi had a long-lost brother, or son or something that looked like me, which would explain his over-protectiveness, but Gideon just gave me this look as if he couldn't believe I had asked him such a thing, snorted, and then walked away. He called back over his shoulder before leaving the room,

"You're part of his family now, Hotch."

"Yeah, but…" the door shut on my protests.

I was unused to having family, and I wanted to know what that meant.

After trying a series of various behaviors, some planned and some impulsively executed, I realized that Gideon really meant it; Rossi treated us like family. Even his consequences were… informal, something one would only use in a family setting.

It was just last week that I met his personal consequences first hand, and the result left me reeling.

I couldn't believe it. I couldn't. He couldn't really see us as family, right? I'm sure it was just a one-time thing.

I had to know for sure.

And while I know I am being ridiculous, I just have to test him.

It isn't a big deal, just a little lie, and yet… remembering his tone of voice that night last week, my stomach kept doing uncomfortable flips.

Hearing him shuffle some papers behind me, I shove down those feelings, intent on ignoring them.

I am just being silly. There is no way he will care about something like this. It was something so minor, I can't believe I care about it! He probably doesn't even know about it anyway. I mean, how could he?

"Aaron?"

I jump slightly, and silently curse at myself before turning around and trying to adopt the most neutrally attentive look I could.

"Yes Rossi?"

He studied me for a moment, and I just barely resisted the urge to fidget.

"Why don't we go grab some lunch? We've been staring at these files for hours now, we could use a break."

I swallow hard, knowing a one-on-one lunch with him is the last thing I want to do right now, and try to make my voice earnest as I as I respond.

"I really think I'm close to a breakthrough here, I don't want to ruin my train of thought. But you can go ahead! Don't miss your lunch on my account. I will grab something a little later."

Rossi slowly raises an incredulous eyebrow.

"Kid, you have been on the same page for the last hour. And the last time you said you would grab something later, it was an energy drink from down the hall."

I go to protest, but he holds up his hand to stop me.

"No, we both need a break, and I need to make sure that you actually get a decent meal. This is not up for debate, but I will let you choose the place."

I glare at him, my temper raised. I am perfectly capable to knowing how much food I need, and when I need a break! He keeps his face neutral, though, which is so hard to argue against! If he became stern or demanded, I could argue against that, but his matter-of-fact face was impossible!

"Fine," I mutter, and push out from my desk with a little more force than necessary.

"Temper, Aaron," he says mildly as he turns to grab his coat, and I scowl, and then blush. I am acting like a teenager! There is nothing to be concerned about, it is just lunch between two colleagues. I take a deep breath and try to calm down. It was only half and hour, maybe 45 minutes, there was nothing to worry about.

XXXXXXXX

Despite my reassurances, my anxiety continues to build as we order our food and sit down.

There was no reason to be nervous!

"So, Aaron," he starts conversationally as we wait for our food, "how was your evening last night?"

I feel myself blush, but try to shrug it off. "Nothing unusual. Standard night."

"Mm, that's good," Rossi acknowledges nonchalantly while taking another look through the menu. "So you were able to let go of the Patterson case alright?"

I feel my breath catch.

"O-of course! Why wouldn't I?"

"Mmm, no reason," Rossi shrugs and glances at me before he starts to peel his straw for his drink. "I just thought since you were staying late to finish up, it might have followed you home."

I try to snort dismissively. "Of course not. I have been a lawyer for years, Dave, I know how to leave work at work."

"I'm glad," Rossi smiles kindly at me. "It's an important skill for an agent to have."

I swallow hard and nod, and then look down, unable to meet his face anymore. I can feel him studying me, and I am grateful for the timely arrival of our food.

He thanks the waiter as he takes his food and passes me mine, and I can only give a grimace in thanks. We both take a few bites before he continues.

"I know it frustrated you when I asked you to finish it before going home last night, Aaron, but I wanted you to be able to put it behind you when you left, and that is much easier to do when the case is completed."

I choke slightly on a bite of sandwich when I hear his reasoning. Maybe if he had explained why last night I would have done things differently! I thought he just wanted to make sure I got it done on time, which I always do, so I was insulted when he asked me to finish it before leaving. I always did my work well!

I give a slight wince at the memory of my attitude, and later actions, of the previous night as I take a drink to wash down the suddenly dry sandwich, before I give him a tight smile, the guilt starting to curl up in my stomach again.

"That makes sense, I'm… sorry about my attitude last night."

"It's alright, I know it was a hard case for all of us," he dismisses. I nod, and take another bite of my sandwich. He mimics me, still watching me as he chews with far too much concentration.

"You were able to get it done last night, right? You didn't have any problems with it?"

"Of course not!" I snap indignantly, guilt making it sharper than I intended. I have been on the job for almost 9 months now, the paperwork was easy.

He raises his eyebrow at me, slightly chiding. "It was just a question, Aaron. There is no need to snap at me."

"Sorry," I mutter, and glare at my sandwich before I take another bite.

"I'm glad the paperwork is getting easier for you, it is a pain to deal with. You actually picked it up much faster than either Gideon or I did," he compliments, smiling at me.

I have to swallow down another surge of guilt.

Last night, with my assumption of why he wanted me to finish the case before I left, it didn't seem like a big deal if I left early to have the skype date with Hailey. But now that I understand why he asked me to finish it, the time with her, which ended with an unsatisfied disagreement, did not seem worth it. Especially since I did have trouble sleeping, thinking about both her and the case, and had to drag myself to get to work early to finish it before he came in.

"Th-thanks," I croak out, trying to swallow. He raises his eyes at me, a mild look of concern coming over his features.

"Are you alright, Aaron? It seems like you have been off all morning; is there anything you want to tell me? You know you can always talk to me."

At this point, I give up on my sandwich and put it down, the guilt making me unable to eat. I can't meet his eyes as I play with the dish lining and respond.

"I know Dave."

He hums in acknowledgement. "Alright then, if you're sure. Just remember," he reaches out to place his hand gently on my shoulder, giving it a small squeeze and smiling, "I'm here if you need me."

I look up and give him a small, tight smile before I look back down and mumbling, "I will."

I hear him nod, and then he removes his hand and goes to finish his meal. The rest of the meal is spent in silence, as I play with the lining and think about the events of last night.

Finally I hear him clear his throat and say to me, "Well, if you aren't going to finish that, we better get a case so you can bring it back to the office." He grabs the attention of the waiter and asks for the check and a take out box. I pull out my wallet and start counting out the required bills, when he gently grabs my arm, causing me to shoot my gaze to his.

"It's alright Aaron, I got this," he smiles kindly at me. "You didn't want to come in the first place, so my treat."

I can feel tears surprisingly start to build up behind my eyes as I have to choke down another swallow before I can respond.

"Thanks," I mumble. He squeezes gently and pays, and we finally leave.

I thought I would start to feel better once we left, and I could start focusing on work again, but my guilt only increases as we walk back.

We have the elevator to ourselves, but I only feel claustrophobic, and just want to get back to my desk. As the doors open Rossi again gives my shoulder a squeeze, and simply says, "Come talk to me when you are ready," and goes to exit.

Suddenly I can't take it anymore, and I reach out to grab his arm.

"Wait, Rossi, I-" he turns back to look at me, eyebrow raised, ready to hear what I have to say.

I can't face him anymore and let go of his arm, dropping my gaze, and finally confess in a low mumble.

"I'm sorry, Rossi. I didn't get the case done last night. I… I left just after you did, and then came in early this morning to finish it."

There is silence for a moment before I hear him take a step forward, and I can't help myself, I flinch. But I feel nothing except for a gentle hand cupping my chin and brining my gaze back up to meet his.

To my shock he is watching me calmly, and his simple statement shocks me even more.

"I know, Aaron."

I gape at him.

"Wh-you know? H-how!?"

His voice is matter-of-fact as he answers. "I came in early this morning to work on a new case a friend wanted my input on, and didn't see it on my desk. I went to check your desk in case you just forgot to turn it in, but it wasn't there either. Then I saw you coming in this morning and working on it."

I could only stare at him. He knew, this whole time!?

He watches me for a moment, letting me process everything before he speaks again. "You lied to me, Aaron." I once again find myself fighting tears, because although he said it matter-of-factly, there was a tint of disappointment there as well, barely noticeable, but there.

The ding of the elevator reminds us of where we are, and he lets go of my chin before resting his hand on my shoulder.

"Come on, let's go talk about this more in my office."

I can only follow him numbly, my mind reeling.

He knew this whole time, and he didn't do anything. He waited for me to tell him. Why? He even took me out for lunch, and he hasn't yelled or gotten aggressive even once. This doesn't make any sense!

He ushers me inside his office and closes the door with a click. Then he turns to face me, his arms crossed, face serious but calm.

"I don't like being lied to, Aaron, or disobeyed. When you lie to me it makes it hard to trust you. You want more independence, but how can I trust you with the important things when you lie to me about the little ones?"

I have no response, and can only look down and shuffle my feet. The room feels hot, and I am having trouble processing that this is happening, that he is scolding me like this. He lets out a big sigh, and uncrosses his arms.

"I need to figure out how to deal with this, and you need some time to calm down, so here's what we're going to do. You are going to go to the corner for ten minutes while we both calm down, and then we can talk about this some more before dealing with it."

I look up at him in shock. The corner? Honestly!? I mean, he had done that to me before, but I was really out of control that time, I didn't think he would use it again!

"Rossi…!"

He holds up his hand to stop me.

"This is not a request, Aaron. I will be in the room with you, and we will talk about this after you have had a chance to think this through."

I can only stare at him, mouth open, and he gives me a tired smile.

"It will be over before you know it, kid." He steps forward and gently leads me to the corner, facing the two blank walls. "If you can, I want you to think about why you did what you did, and how you can prevent it happening in the future. Aright?" He gives my shoulder a small squeeze then steps back, and I hear him moving back to sit at his desk.

I stare at the wall, stunned at the position I found myself in.

When I made the decision yesterday, I never thought I would end up hear.

Actually, I hadn't given it much thought at all.

I never do things without thinking; I was a lawyer, I planned out everything I was going to say, and the possible effects of each word. This may happen in the moment, but I always gave it some thought.

So why didn't I this time?

This didn't make sense. Every action has some form of motivation behind it, even if that motivation is hidden from the person at the time. So… what was my motivation?

And lying?! Of all things, why did I choose that?!

That was such an unprofessional thing to do, but… maybe I didn't think I would have to lie?

That could be it- I didn't expect to be asked about it today. It would have been a lie of omission, but pleading the 5th and all that- it didn't plan to be an active lie.

Not that Rossi would see it that way.

And regardless, I did disobey him.

What it was something silly! Why did it matter if I finished the case that night or not?!

Although… thinking back to Dave's explanation over lunch… it made sense.

But that didn't really matter, did it? He is my superior, and he gave me an order.

It is my job to obey it.

I could get written up for something like that at any other job… but he just put me in the corner.

I banged my head against the wall. Why was this so difficult!

Because it wasn't work related.

I froze at the thought.

It… actually made sense. I was used to behaving in a professional setting, but… Dave was making it entirely clear that this was more than that.

Was I… testing him?

I groaned and leaned my head against the wall.

I never would have disobeyed, and then lied, to my boss at a job. And I certainly never would have done it with my father growing up at home. I noticed a faint childishness after the incident last week. Did that somehow spark something inside of me, make we want to act out?

If so, then that was embarrassing. I acted like a child in a professional setting, as a test?!

I gave a louder groan, and heard Dave chuckle from right behind me, which made me jump.

"Can I take it that you have thought things through, then?"

I nod, looking down and blushing, both at my reflex and at my recent revelations.

Dave looked at me, a mix of curious, fond, and stern all rolled together.

"Let's hear it." He gestures with open hands. I look down again and mumble,

"I was acting childish. I… shouldn't have acted like that at work. I never should have lied to you, or disobeyed your order. I'm sorry Dave."

There was a moment of silence before Dave gentle reaches out and tilts my chin up to catch my gaze.

"Yeah, you were kid, and the childish part I don't mind too much. It's the lying and disobedience that gets to me."

I bite the inside of my cheek and dart my eyes away. He gives me a gentle shake to get my eyes back on his.

"So, did you think about what you are going to do next time to keep it from happening again?"

"Yeah, not act childish," I blush, looking away.

He shakes my head again. "No, I already told you I don't mind that. This is a stressful job, Aaron, we all have a need to relieve stress now and again. I don't mind that. As long as you do it respectfully, without lying or disobeying me."

He lets that sit for a moment, before dropping his hand and placing them on his hips.

"So, what could you do next time?"

I look up at him puzzled.

He gives a sad little grin.

"How about talking to me like an adult? Or even sticking your tongue out at me?"

I gape. "Wh- no, Rossi, I could never-!"

Dave shrugs. I won't mind too much, as long as it's playful. Or even mildly serious. You can disagree with me, you can even throw small temper tantrums. I'll deal with it, but it is much better than saying one thing, and then sneaking off to do another behind my back. And then lying about it."

I look down and mumble. "Yes Dave."

He studies me for a moment.

"We'll work on it," he sighs. "Alright, come here, Aaron." He looks at me determinedly.

I blanch, and take a step back. "Um… why?"

He raises an eyebrow at me. "What did we just talk about listening to me, kid?"

I wince, and take a step forward, before my self-preservation catches up with me.

"Yeah, but… can't I get a reason?"

He rolls his eyes and points to the ground in front of him.

"Just get over here," he says exasperatedly.

I slowly take on step after another until I am in front of him. He looks at me for a moment, before he quickly takes me and tucks me under his arm, and lays down a sharp swat. I yelp.

"You don't lie to me, Aaron," he says, laying down a few more swats. "And if I ask you to do something, you do it."

I start to protest, but he cuts me off. "I don't mind you asking me about my reasons, as long as we're not in a dangerous situation," he continues, laying down three more, "but you don't agree, and then turn around and do the opposite." He lays down a final three, before standing me up and looking at me sternly.

"Understand?"

I nod, wincing, and rubbing my stinging backside. It wasn't many, 10 at most, but they were still sharp enough to bring tears to my eyes.

I was never as grateful for the small size of our unit, or the fact that Rossi had all his blinds closed.

"Good," he murmurs, and then pulls me into a hug.

I don't know why I'm not protesting this more, I absently think as I am pulled into his chest, but it seemed fair. Rossi already showed me that he is willing to treat us like family, and I acted childishly.

I guess it just made sense.

I'm sure I will have all sorts of feelings about it later, but for now… it was alright.

Tbc...

A/N:

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I actually finished this forever ago, just never posted it. I am continuing to write, just... very slowly. I'm actually working on a novel which is taking up a lot of time, and I started going back to college. I'll update when I can. Blessings!