Fade.

Aftermath

The last few days of Reid's withdrawal went a lot smoother than expected. Maybe it's because of all the old timey remedies I found online but who knows. We both tried to sleep last night but I maybe got an hour or so due to the fact that we could be facing impending doom the second we step into the BAU office today. Reid is already up and ready to go.

"You know you're going to have to manage those micro expressions of yours right?"

"I'm aware."

"Are you as scared as I am?"

He nodded in response. We were both going to have to face this eventually so we left trying to walk as slowly and sluggishly as possible to my car but it didn't seem slow enough. Within the short time it took to get from the apartment to the office I almost had a panic attack but I made it.

We parked and sat there for a minute trying to get our story straight then we got out and anxiously rode the elevator up to the office. Great. Here we go. We barely got through the door before being bombarded.

"Oh my god. Reid are you okay? Hitch told us you were sick."

"Just the flu guys. I'm alright now."

He smiled at them and explained everything while I sat at my desk quietly avoiding eye contact.

"Reid, Fletcher. My office. Now."

Shit. He knows. We both walked into Hotch's office and sat down.  Me silently praying to whatever God could hear me that he doesn't shoot us both.

"I assume you're feeling better Reid?"

Really? That's it?

"Yes sir I am. I had a nurse I suppose."

I let out a dry laugh and sat straight.

"Then let me see your arms."

Whoop there it is. Reid starred at him terrified then rolled up his sleeves. Hitch just started at us in disbelief and betrayal.

"So you lied and figured it would be okay? How dare you disrespect everybody on this team by lying to us? You do realize I'm going to have to reprimand you both correct?"

"If I may be so bold as to interject sir. This was in no way a plan to deceive you for a wrong reason."

"Then do tell me what it was because I would really like to know Willow."

"I understand that you are my boss but with all due respect sir you're treating us like children. He relapsed and didn't want you guys to know because, which he turns out to be right, thought you'd treat him like a child. I was under the impression that this team is a family and last time I checked family helps family even if that means lying for them so pardon me if that hurts your feelings because I was helping and before you stand up let me finish. He was terrified when I found out thinking that I would jump down his throat for it so why would he tell everybody? I sure as hell wouldn't have. If you have a problem with me protecting his emotional state that's fine but do not take this out of him. I chose not to force him to tell you. End of story. I have files to go through."

I stood up and walked out not caring what he had to say. He watched me leave and Reid reluctantly followed. I must've startles JJ when I sat down because she knocked a stack of papers off of Morgan's desk.

"Are you alright Fletch?"

"Peachy."

"Alright then."

She walked away slowly and shortly after I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Seriously? I'm kinda busy right now."

I turned around to see Reid standing there looking confused.

"Can I talk to you?"

I nodded and got up following him into the empty briefing room.

"What's up?"

I sat on the table and he closed the door.

"Why'd you do that? I mean I know why you helped me but why did you get so harsh?"

I sighed a bit and shifted nervously.

"Because Reid, I don't want Hotch to treat you like it's your fault. You relapsed when I joined the team so I felt-"

"No I didn't. I relapsed when I realized it had been to years since... But that doesn't make it your fault."

He sits down next to me and keeps his eyes trained on his shoes.

"You didn't have to help me. I would've run out and stopped on my own."

"I wanted to. I couldn't let you hurt yourself like that."

He nods and slowly stands up and moves in front of me.

"It's not your fault I promise. Now let's get back out there before the start to get suspicious."

No sooner then we walked out was JJ storming up to us.

                   -To Be Continued-