Word Count: 969

A/N: I am so sorry for not updating sooner guys. But as my hero Lilith Saintcrow always says, you are not at the mercy of your muse. The most important thing in writing is discipline, which means writing even when you aren't motivated. This means for me I will try to write everyday, so I will probably have more updates, just shorter.

A note on line breaks; mine seem to be failing in my stories, so instead of the line I wrote break. Hope this doesn't bother anyone unduly!

Chapter 3: Going Home

"Take a good look at that chair McGee. You're not gonna want to be sitting in one for a while." McGee could feel the colour leaving his face at this. Reid squeaked, resisting the urge to lock himself in Abby's office. As much as he didn't want to be punished, the last time the two of them (and a friend) tried to delay the inevitable; they not only got a spanking, but almost no privileges to speak of for a month.

Though they were rather extreme circumstances; one could hardly equate locking oneself in an office with glass walls, and running for hours through wilderness. He could almost remember the sting, which made him dread this more.

Remembering the incident, Reid began to wonder why Hotch was so angry. Yes, they had talked about it, but when it came down to it, he was a professional and on his own time. This was nothing compared to that time.

So while McGee was fighting tremors putting the chair back, Reid had finished cleaning and was standing resentfully at the other end of the lab, arms crossed and fighting not to look too defiant.

Hotch noticed the change in his demeanour, and how different it was then that of McGee's. And I was hoping he would know how serious this is, he thought sadly.

"Reid." He called. When he had eye contact, he raised a pointed brow and Reid got the hint, slowly making his way toward his leader. "Now, Reid." A quick flicker of anger crossed his face, but was swiftly stamped out. He walked a bit quicker, reaching Hotch only seconds then he would have before. He looked as though he was going faster (therefore obeying Hotch) but the lawyer wasn't fooled.

McGee was standing nervously by Gibbs. Once the marine ascertained that there was nothing more for him to do, he grabbed McGee's arm and said a brusque "G'night," before dragging him out.

Hotch motioned with his head and said "Let's go." Reid followed without hesitation, but he could still see the reluctance.

At the car, he ordered Reid in and shut the door. He turned to Rossi, who had followed the whole affair silently.

"I'll handle this." He told him. Hotch, Rossi and Morgan had worked out a deal when Rossi initiated this form of punishment. If one of them gave a direct order that was disobeyed, they would handle it. Otherwise, the first one to catch him doing something would handle it. In this case, it was obvious that since Hotch had talked to Reid on several occasions, this was his business.

"Of course." Rossi agreed, ever accepting. "I'll meet you at the hotel." They had also agreed that if something were to come up in 'town' (Washington) they would stay at a specific hotel rather then drive back to Quantico. It was simply safer for all involved.

Hotch nodded and watched Rossi head toward his own car. Sighing, he got into the car and started her up.

The drive back was uneventful. He would glance over occasionally to gauge Spencer's mood, but there was no interaction between them. The leader was busy planning a strategy. He could come out guns blazing, but that was more Gibbs' style. He would absolutely not back down from a confrontation if needed, but he preferred the hurt parent approach, which certainly would fit here. He'd told Reid not to do something, and he'd deliberately disobeyed him, endangering himself in the process. Yes, he was definitely going to have to have a discussion about trust with his youngest.

They arrived at the hotel, both showing signs of weariness. Ever responsible though, Hotch knew that this needed to be taken care of before anything else. So gathering his things, and his subordinate, he quickly walked inside, Reid sullenly plodding behind him.

-Break-

It was slightly awkward walking through doorways, but McGee didn't dare complain. He knew that he was in more then enough trouble already, and angry Gibbs had the worst of all his patented Gibbs looks. No, he quickly corrected himself; disappointed Gibbs was the worst. Both were simply unspeakable.

So he did the best he could to not be knocked into a wall, though Gibbs seemed to be helping. Despite his temper, he could still keep a lid on his emotions and maintain control. It was true what they said about Marines; once a Marine, always a Marine.

They made it to the car in record time, and Gibbs shoved Tim unceremoniously into the shotgun seat. He meekly did up the belt and shut the door, trying not to panic at the two actions that would slow his path if he tried to leave. He swept all thoughts of running from his mind and focused on whatever else he could thing of. The reality of what was to come kept pervading his thoughts, however. The fact that he could see Gibbs studiously ignoring him in his peripheral vision didn't help.

The car started, and so did the drive home. It was strange how Gibbs' house seemed more of a home sometimes than his apartment or even his parent's place. Tony often joked that Gibbs might was well give them their own space there, and Abby once responded with "Only you're over there enough to warrant it, Tony." The goofy grin slide to a mask of confusion, and he'd decided after a few moments "Good point, Abbs."

Thinking of Abby made McGee think of what seemed now very close. He was startled out of his thoughts by the fact that they were pulling onto Gibbs' street. He tried not to gulp.

A quick grab of his go bag from the back and he was ready (if you could define being ready to puke with nervousness as such) to go inside.

~TBC

A/N: Thanks for your patience and support everyone! I really appreciate it! I promise that I will try to have the next chapter up within a reasonable length of time.