Many thanks for the reviews - it's nice to know people are reading this! There are two more chapters after this; both are longer and now just need some minor adjustments before publishing.

"Coffee?" asked Rossi, holding up the glass jug almost full of swirling dark brown liquid for Reid to inspect as if it was an expensive bottle of vintage claret.

Reid shook his head. "Better not," he replied as he rubbed the central area between his ribs, "I've already consumed way too much in the forty three minutes since I arrived."

As Morgan rolled his eyes at Reid's precision as he reached for his cup, Prentiss let out a snort of laughter, hurriedly turning it into a cough when she saw Rossi's expression change.

"No more coffee for the BAU's number one java fiend?" she said, unable to hide her grin any longer. "What's wrong Reid, it's not like you to turn down a steaming cup of caffeine. Are you sick or something?"

"No, I'm not sick," snapped Reid, pulling away from her outstretched hand as Prentiss recoiled in surprise. "Stop treating me like I'm one big joke Emily, you know nothing. Just butt out of my business."

As Reid stormed out of the kitchenette Rossi stepped sideways, obstructing the doorway leading through to the bullpen.

"Leave him, Derek," he said, his voice low as Morgan attempted to follow. "Leave him to calm down."

"What did I say?" Prentiss looked confused. "He usually mainlines coffee; we've joked about it for years. He once said if he could have it IV he'd be first in the queue."

Morgan swept his hand over his forehead, looking past Rossi's shoulder but failing to locate Reid. "What's going on with him?"

"Perhaps he's tired? We've had a couple of heavy cases since Detroit," replied Rossi, his voice flat.

"Would you listen to yourself?" Morgan didn't attempt to hide his frustration. "Who the hell are you trying to convince here? We're goddamn profilers, don't insult our intelligence."

"He was off work last Wednesday," added Prentiss. "Said he was getting signed off by the physical therapist, but I thought that happened months ago."

"What happened months ago?"

The other three agents spun round to see Hotch approaching the doorway.

"Well?" He arched his eyebrows, dark eyes flitting from one face to the next.

Prentiss smiled guiltily. "It's… Reid. He promised he'd make the coffee more often; after all, he drinks most of it. That was in April and we're still waiting for him to start."

Hotch scanned the bullpen, his frown becoming more pronounced. "Where is Reid?"

Rossi winked. "He got caught short; gallons of coffee and a bladder the size of an egg cup isn't the ideal combination."

"This seems to be happening a lot these days; Reid spends more time in the restroom than he does at his desk. When he returns please tell him to come by my office." Hotch's tone was devoid of any emotion as he replenished his cup, adding two spoonfuls of creamer before threading his way back through the desks and up the stairs towards the privacy of his office.

"You gonna let me talk to Reid now?" demanded Morgan.

"Give him some space." Rossi's tone was neutral, giving nothing away.

Morgan leaned against the worktop. "What's Hotch had to say on the matter? You can't tell me he hasn't noticed."

Rossi placed the milk back in the refrigerator. "You know Aaron as well as I do, he's a man of few words."

"Something's wrong, Rossi. The mood swings, always disappearing to the restroom. Do you think…" Prentiss allowed her voice to tail off; the final unspoken words left hanging in the air.

Morgan shook his head. "No, no, no… There's no chance. Trust me, I'd know."

Meanwhile:

Reid waited for the dizziness to pass as he sat on the flushed toilet's now closed lid. He wasn't sure exactly what the stressor had been this time, possibly a combination of perceived flak from other members of his team and… well, he didn't want to think about that.

His trembling hand brought the napkin towards his mouth and wiped. Without thinking he glanced at the white sheet, icy fingers of fear gripping his shoulders as a faint pink stain was now visible, even in the low light.

More tomorrow! Thanks for reading…