January 14, 2012- Quantico Virginia

Hotch straightened the stack of papers on his desk and sighed. It had been an incredibly long morning after Strauss demanded more reports on the previous month's cases. Along with another day of nonstop paperwork, people kept coming by his office and checking on him. The first two visits by Rossi and JJ were fine; they came in asked how he was doing and if there was anything that they could do for him then left after he declined. Unfortunately, that two turned into eleven visits by noon by the same people; Rossi, Morgan, JJ, Prentiss, Reid, Garcia, and Jessica by phone.

Hotch began to write the second part of a report of an arsonist in Utah when he was interrupted by Reid. He watched the young agent quietly enter the room and say, "Hey, Hotch. I just-"

"I'm fine, Reid," Hotch responded flatly as he turned his attention back to the reports.

"I know. We are all just concerned about you."

"Again, I'm fine."

Hotch then heard Reid's tone change to concern. He looked up to see Reid staring down at his desk. Following Reid's stare, he looked back down to see his right hand shaking. He pulled it back to his chest and covered it with his other hand. He glanced back to Reid who was still staring back anxiously.

"Reid, I'm fine," Hotch repeated. Reid opened his mouth to respond, but then decided against it. He walked back to the office entrance and out of sight. Hotch leaned back in his chair and looked out the window. He expected to see Prentiss and Reid sitting at their desks, but did not see anyone. Curious, Hotch walked out of his office and onto the ramp. Surely enough, neither Prentiss nor Reid were at their desks. Rossi was not in his office either. Hotch scanned the bullpen and thought, Where the hell is everyone?

In Morgan's office, Reid, Rossi, JJ, Garcia, and Prentiss sat around Morgan's desk. Garcia bit her pen cap and asked, "So Strauss seriously let him come back this early? He was discharged yesterday."

Morgan nodded and said, "Yep, but she told me to keep her updated. She doesn't want any issues happening that make it to the media."

"But is he ok?"

"Penn, the doctors say yes, but we don't agree. Haley's death and dealing with the Reaper was really tough on him," JJ replied. She was leaning against Morgan's bookshelf. Her attention was so focused on her teammates that she did not notice Hotch spotting her from the bullpen.

"I think we should say something. We can't just let him-"Reid started to say, but stopped when Prentiss stepped on his foot. He glared at Prentiss, but saw that she was now looking towards the entrance of the office. Reid turned around to see Hotch standing at the door.

"Let who do what?" Hotch stated. JJ looked towards Rossi, who she expected to say something. Garcia started to bite her pen cap again nervously while Morgan started to shuffle papers on his desk. What do we say? Reid thought. As if right on cue, JJ's cell phone rang in her pocket.

"Agent Jareau," she answered, "Yes, ma' am. We can meet you in the conference room in five minutes." She hung up and said, "We have another case."

Flight to San Francisco- January 15, 2012- 6:45 am

"How long has he been in there?" asked Reid, who was sitting next to Rossi. Morgan, who was sitting across from them, turned around in his chair and looked at the closed bathroom door on the jet.

"Fifteen minutes at least," JJ stated as she sat down next to Prentiss with a cup of coffee in her hand. Prentiss was chipping at her nail while closely watching the bathroom door. "That's way too long….Do you think he could be….." she trailed off. The five agents quickly exchanged looks before Rossi spoke up, "I'll check on him."

He walked over onto the bathroom door and knocked twice. On the second knock, the unlocked door suddenly opened. Rossi pushed foward gently to see Hotch sitting next to the toilet. His hand was covering his forehead while his eyes were closed. Rossi squeezed into the small bathroom as he inhaled the smell of vomit. There was vomit on the toilet seat and bowl.

"Aaron, what-"

"I'm fine, Dave!"

"No you aren't! Cut the crap, Aaron! Something is wrong, but you won't admit it! We all see it, which is why we have been watching you like a hawk for the past few days. You are severely depressed about Haley's death and you need help!" He watched Hotch shake his head gently while his eyes stayed closed. Annoyed, Rossi grabbed a napkin from his pocket and looked up just in time to see Hotch's hand drop from his forehead. His head drooped to the right causing Rossi to panic instantly.

Rossi quickly kneeled next to him and shook Hotch's shoulder. Not again, Aaron. Come on! He thought. After four shakes, Hotch's eyes fluttered open as he regained consciousness. Once his vision was under control, he looked a very worried Rossi in the eyes and said, "I'm fine. That was nothing."

Hotch received a very angry glare from Rossi. He stood up and stated, "That was not nothing. You are severely depressed and ill, Aaron; we can all see it. We just don't want you to do anything stupid. I know that you are the Unit Chief, but I'm making some rules for this trip. Number one, you will always be with someone. Number two, no going out into the field. And lastly, you will be going on medical leave and meet with a therapist after the case is done; I don't care if I have to drag you kicking and screaming out of the office. Am I clear?" He held out a hand to Hotch to help him stand up. After Rossi left the bathroom, Hotch smiled and told Rossi, "I could fire you for subordinance."

Rossi sat down next to Reid and stated, "If it keeps you alive and well, then it would be worth it."

"Ok, let's focus on the case," Hotch stated as he sat down. He opened a case folder and began to look through the photos. Deep in thought, it took Hotch awhile before he noticed that all five of his team mates were staring at him quietly. This is ridiculous, Hotch thought. He sat up in his chair and innocently said, "What?"

Every one exchanged glances before Reid asked, "Why was the door locked the day we found you unconscious in your office?"

"What?"

"I have worked at the BAU for seven years and I don't ever remember you locking the door. " Reid began to chew his lip as he watched Hotch glare back at him. It was not Hotch's unusual glare, but different. I hope he is not trying to make up an excuse, Reid thought. Hotch's look was more of anxious glare; it was if he was annoyed, but nervous at Reid's question.

"And also what just happened in the bathroom? Rossi sounded really worried there. Are you sure that you are ok, sir?" Reid continued. He started to pray that Hotch would not fire him. Reid glanced to the older members of his team, hoping someone would back him up. Morgan, Rossi, and Prentiss gave him a supportive look while JJ was looking out the window, trying not to be involved in the matter.

Hotch's eyes nervously darted between Rossi and Reid before he replied sternly, "Focus on the case."

"Ok, um. The first victim was killed by a …" After discussing details for a few minutes, Reid felt Prentiss squeeze his hand in support. He let out a sigh of relief as the thought, I think my job just flashed before eyes, ran across his mind.