This chapter is fairly Hotch-centric, with some Morgan thrown in for good luck. Hotch is about to deliberately change the entire dynamic between he and Reid, and that is not something with which he's comfortable. I needed to allow him time to work things out in his head before he could move forward with his plans.

I love Criminal Minds, I live Criminal Minds, I hang out at the water cooler with Criminal Minds, but sadly, I do not own Criminal Minds or any of its characters.

And now gentle readers, chapter 4 . . .

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Hotch had chosen a seat that allowed him to covertly keep an eye on his youngest agent. He wasn't completely convinced that Reid was as calm as he'd pretended to be. He had been uncharacteristically querulous for the last few days. Hotch knew you didn't just give up a cantankerous mood like that without dealing with the root of the problem first. He also knew that Reid did not possess the skills to deal with many of the emotions he would normally hide beneath his intellect. Now, however, all of the emotions were welling to the surface, and no amount of intelligence was going to keep them down this time.

He wanted to be there for the young man, but over the years he had never extended himself beyond the role of "boss". Hotch didn't know how to become the kind of friend Gideon had been. He knew Reid had stayed with the older agent for several weeks while battling his addiction. Honestly, even at work Reid was rarely seen away from his side during that time. Gideon had counseled him and held his hand when he needed it, but he had also stepped into the disciplinarian role of father for this kid who had only distant memories of such a relationship. When he was a very young child Reid was forced into being the decision maker for himself and for the adults who surrounded him. His father had abandoned him. His mother treated him like an adult, with adult expectations and responsibilities. His teachers didn't know what to do with him, so he had been mostly left to his own devices. Gideon had known all this and had taken measures to relieve the kid of his adult responsibilities while he dealt with his addiction.

As Hotch pondered how to be of the most help to his struggling young agent, Morgan roused himself from his musical retreat. Moving only enough to open one eye, he spied his boss across the aisle deep in thought. He was staring at the back of the jet, frowning. Looking behind him, Morgan realized Hotch was concentrating on the back of Reid's head. He was aware that Hotch had spent a few minutes with his young coworker earlier, but had no idea how the confrontation had gone. By the concerned look on Hotch's face, he concluded there was still some unfinished business.

Morgan casually rose from his seat, placing his headphones in his vacated spot, and reseated himself directly across from Hotch. Both men watched the other waiting for someone to start. Morgan was first. "How'd it go?" he asked giving a slight backward nod in Reid's direction.

Hotch wasn't sure discussing this situation with Morgan was appropriate, but this was probably the only other person in the world who could do anything to help the kid. Certainly, J.J., Emily and even the tech Penelope Garcia cared about him, but Hotch intuitively understood that in this situation Reid would respond better to an alpha male taking control than he would to the compassionate approach the ladies of the team would offer. Rossi was still an option, and probably a more appropriate person for Hotch to ask for help, but he was still new to the team and earning their trust. Even if he thought Rossi could help with this, he wouldn't ask him to put himself in that situation. Hotch decided to allow Morgan to help him with this if he was willing, and answered, "I'm not sure."

Morgan's expressive eyebrows shot up at the distinctly un-Hotch-like response, "Did the kid give you trouble?"

Shaking his head, Hotch tried to clarify his misgivings, "No, not at all. He seemed to understand where he messed up, but that's the problem." Morgan leaned in signifying his interest, and Hotch continued, "He was too compliant. After the tension of the last few days, his mood seemed overly composed. I think he frightened himself facing down Owen like that, but I don't think it will last. The emotions that led him to such rash actions are still there, and they'll keep emerging in stronger and stronger ways until Reid deals with them."

Morgan understood. He relaxed back into his seat and simply asked, "How can I help?"

The problem Hotch now faced was that he was feeling remarkably uncomfortable thinking about stepping into the role he knew Reid needed. Gideon had done this so easily. And now, here was Morgan readily offering his help. How effortless it would be to hand this problem over to him. Hotch knew Morgan would take on this responsibility willingly. Certainly, he could cover the tough love part of this with ease; Hotch had seen him in action. But would he really be able to handle the continuous mood swings with care? Morgan, though understanding in the beginning, usually lost patients easily.

No, he would have to figure this part out for himself, and soon. As he watched Reid, he saw the young man, who had been extremely still throughout the flight, beginning to fidget, and what Hotch could see of his leg was bouncing uncontrollably. It occurred to Hotch that Morgan could still be of help. "I'd appreciate it if you would keep an eye on him. Just be there for him if he seems upset in any way."

Morgan felt a bit perturbed by this simple request, "I've always got his back, Hotch. You know that."

"I know you do, but he's going to need that support even more over the next few weeks." Hotch considered filling Morgan in on the details of his anticipated intervention, but decided that unless he absolutely needed to, he would protect Reid's privacy in this matter. Thankfully, Morgan seemed to accept this answer, for now.

Hotch glanced up in Reid's direction again and thought he was becoming even more agitated. His expression must have changed because Morgan sat up and looked behind him. When he turned back, his worried expression was a reflection of Hotch's own.

The pilot sent word they would be landing in about five minutes. As the team situated themselves in preparation for the decent, Hotch decided it would be unwise to allow the suffering young man to leave without talking with him first. The team was too alert now not to overhear any conversation they might have, and with Reid's agitation clearly rising, Hotch was afraid that conversation might be loud anyway. He decided to wait until they landed and waylay him until everyone had exited the jet. This wasn't going to be easy, but Hotch steeled himself for whatever was about to happen.

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Thanks for reading. Sorry this one was so short. I promise the next will be more fulfilling. Please review, and if you happen to remember CM alluding to what kind of vehicle Morgan owns, please let me know. Otherwise, I'm making it up.