A/N: Inspiration has been lacking lately. Does anyone have any requests for a drabble?

A Good Man- Lying

"Why did you lie to me?"

Spencer Reid blinked as looked up from his desk. He hadn't been aware that anyone from the team was even back yet, let alone standing over him like a hawk. "Excuse me?"

"You lied to me about being cleared to travel," Aaron Hotchner sighed. "Why would you do that?"

Reid bit his lip; he was afraid that this would happen. It was a question he was prepared to answer, but not one he wanted to. His answer was simple and obvious. In fact, he was almost sure that Aaron already knew what it was. "I needed to help the team," he eventually said. "We were already a man down; we couldn't afford to lose another team member…..And, and you needed the help."

Hotch blinked. He had known that the team was worried about him, but he hadn't realized just how much they were trying. "Help me how?"

"By being there," Reid murmured. "I heard what happened on the case- everyone's worried about you, and it's when you do stuff like that when we feel the most worried. Two months ago you wouldn't have walked in that house by yourself-"

"Two months ago my wife was alive," Hotch glared. "Two months ago I didn't know what Foyet was planning…." He just shook his head; he shouldn't have to explain himself to his team of all people.

"I know Hotch, but I also know this team is your family, too." Reid suddenly stood up, alarming Hotch. He motioned toward his crutches that were just out of his reach, and Hotch was more than obliged to help him. "Thanks," he murmured as he tried to balance himself while taking them from Hotch. Finally he got a-hold of them and shoved one under either of his arms. "And families help each other," he concluded. Then he grabbed his messenger bag from his desk and started waddling away.

"Where are you going?" Hotch demanded.

Reid stared blankly at Hotch for a minute. Finally he just shook his head and said, "I'm going to the bar with the team. Feel free to join us." His words were just a bit hostile, but Reid was angry. Hotch was part of the team's little family, and every time they had tried to help him Aaron would just sigh and blow them off.

"Right," Hotch sighed, "I'd love to."

"Well, then come on," Morgan smirked as he snuck up behind the pair. "Let's get going."

A few minutes later the team started filing out of the BAU, Hotch and Reid trailing behind them. Once they stepped outside of the building Reid stopped walking, causing Hotch to stop as well. "You alright?" he frowned.

"Of course not," Reid couldn't help but laugh, "but I was just about to ask you the same question." A slight blush crept up on the younger agent's cheeks, something Hotch had almost missed seeing. 'It's better than that blank stare he's been sporting lately,' he sighed to himself.

"Of course not," Hotch agreed, "but that's why we're going to a bar, isn't it?"

"Yeah, I suppose so," Reid laughed.

"Hey, you guys coming?" Morgan called from the car. The worry in his voice was evident, and it didn't go unnoticed by anyone.

"Yeah," Hotch smiled, "we're coming."

~* AGM *~