It's Catching (CM fic Morgan/Hotch)

[ID2006]

I’ve been avoiding posting this for awhile cause I’m worried it will be just another fic that I never get finished. Anyway, over the next few days I’ll be posting what I have.

This is also a thank you to Jazz and Matilda for their wonderful fics

Plot: Morgan gets sick. Hotch caretaking and then catching it himself. Lots of sick fluff and trying to take care of each other.

Warnings: Emetophobes beware (although it’s nothing really graphic… I think)

Does turn into slash (I don’t think 18+ although there are a few shower/bath scenes)

I think that’s about it. Oh yeah, and disclaimer, alas, I do not own any of these characters and will never make any money off of them, oh well, still fun to play with.

‘Why tonight?’

Morgan had been feeling okay when the BAU team boarded the flight from Quantico to Seattle but had gone downhill fast. By the end of the trip his head was killing him and despite his leather jacket and a blanket covering him he was still fighting back shivers. Thankfully, they had finished reviewing the case file early in the flight, but he wasn’t looking forward to immediately heading to the crime scene upon landing. It was late, raining, and they were going to the woods.

Turning his head slightly, Morgan muffled a cough and continued to pretend to sleep. The rest of the team was really asleep, aside from Gideon who never seemed to sleep, knowing it would be a long night ahead of them.

Arriving in Seattle they were greeted by a chunky detective named Johnson. Normally at the head of the pack with Hotch, Derek Morgan hung back. The drive to the crime scene was mostly uneventful. Morgan sat with his head resting against the cool tinted window of the government vehicle that had been awaiting the BAU’s arrival, Reid was spouting off some random facts about Seattle to Elle, and Gideon and Hotchner were talking about the case. Morgan didn’t notice Hotch watching him out of the corner of his eye.

By the time they made it to the scene the rain had turned into a slow drizzle. Johnson exited his vehicle and came over to Gideon and Hotch. As soon as Johnson began to give an overview of the case, Gideon, as usual, completely ignored the man and began looking around. Hotch payed attention out of politeness, but kept his eye pointedly on Morgan. Pretending not to notice Hotch’s obvious gaze, Morgan made his way to the other side of the vehicle. Leaning his head back against it, he was surprised to have his head rock forward from a massive sneeze. ‘Great’, he thought, ‘just the way to avoid attention’. Quickly, he swiped his nose with a napkin from his pocket and joined Reid alongside where the body was found.

The rain had washed away most of the blood and other evidence, but a trail was still visible leading up a mountain.

“The body appears to have been dragged here.” Monotonously, Reid stated the obvious.

“Where does this lead?” Gideon asked anxiously.

“There’s some caves up there.” replied the detective. “I thought you might want to wait till the morning to…” Johnson trailed off silently as Gideon had quit listening again and started his way up. The team slowly began to follow, but as soon as Morgan turned to join them he was struck by a wave of dizziness and stayed conscious just long enough to feel himself hit the ground. Reid, who was behind him, yelled Morgan’s name and knelt down beside him.

Morgan awoke to a cool hand on his head.

“He’s burning up.” Derek could hear Elle say as he slowly opened his eyes and brought his hand to the back of his head where it had landed on a tree root.

“Are you hurt?” Asked Hotch as he looked at the back of the adent’s head.

“Nah,” Morgan coughed and tried to sit up but started to sway. Hotchner grabbed hold of his shoulder and helped stabilize Morgan.

“Elle, Reid… go join Gideon and let him know to keep it short,” Hotch ordered. It took a glare from their superior before the pair went on their way.

“Sure you aren’t hurt,” asked Agent Hotchner, wary of a concussion. Morgan coughed into his sleeve as he shook his head no.

“Need any help,” offered Johnson who had kept his distance.

“No, I’ve got it. Can you go make sure the rest of the team doesn’t need anything?”

“Sure thing,” said the detective before looking up mournfully at the steep mountain trail ahead.

“Come on, let’s get you up.”

Hotchner helped Morgan slowly stand. Normally the strong one of the bunch, Derek desperately desired to push Hotch away, but thought better of it as he felt the ground move beneath him. Hotch held tightly and waited until Morgan’s eyes seemed to focus again before speaking.

“Think we can get you to the car?”

“Yeah.”

They made it half way there before Morgan suddenly stopped. Hotch immediately reached out suspecting Morgan to pass out again.

“HehISHH, HETSHHH,” Derek sneezed a double into his sleeve.

“Bless you,” Hotchner said as he pulled a clean white handkerchief out of his pocket and held it out to Morgan.

“Thangs.” Morgan took the handkerchief and quietly blew into it before swiping at the bottom of his nose.

The two continued in silence until they reached the vehicle and got in. Hotchner turned on the ignition and turned on the heat as he saw a shiver course through Morgan.

“So, why didn’t you tell us you were this sick?”

“I’m fine.” Morgan said as he looked down and wrapped his arms around himself.

“Yeah, cause passing out is fine. You know you should have told Gideon, or at least me.”

Morgan didn’t respond as he was too consumed with getting the handkerchief to his nose in time.

“hATSHUUU,” Morgan sneezed wetly into the white cloth.

“Bless.”

“Thanks,” Morgan stated before squeezing fluid from his nostrils and wiping at them. Letting out a moan he laid his head against the seat and closed his eyes. Hotchner quietly grabbed the case folder and read it for the millionth time. It wasn’t long before congested snoring filled the cab.

Morgan woke to the vehicle’s doors being swung open. Quickly wiping the drool from his mouth he tried to look as composed as possible. Gideon got in the front next to Hotch and only quickly glanced back at Morgan.

“Johnson’s going to lead us to the motel for the night and then we’ll join him at the station in the morning,” Reid offered up as he slid his way to the back.

Elle sat next to Derek and asked how he was feeling.

“Fine. Fill me in.” Morgan said roughly before trying to quietly clear his throat. Elle knew he didn’t want to talk about it and did her best to ignore her desire to prod for more information. Elle went through the basics of what they had found while Reid, ever so often, interrupted with mostly useless statistics concerning the matters. Gideon filled Hotch in as they drove.

After about an hour the group had finally made it to the motel. The team got out and started to grab their stuff as Johnson approached.

“Here are your keys. I’m sorry but there were only four rooms available. We can try and find a different motel in the morning if you like?”

“This will be fine,” Hotch assured him, “We’ll see you at the office at 8 am.”

Johnson nodded his approval before leaving.

“Morgan, you’re rooming with me,” Hotch ordered.

Morgan knew there was no winning this argument and was appreciative that his coworkers pretended not to notice the command.

“Get some sleep,” Gideon said as he tossed a set of keys to Reid, Elle, and Hotch. Silently the group dispersed.

Opening the door, Hotch and Morgan found two queen beds, a chair, desk, and small tv. Hotch popped his suitcase onto the bed and quickly took out a change of clothes. While he was in the bathroom changing, Morgan grabbed a pair of sweatpants from his duffel and put them on. Hanging his jacket on the chair, Morgan pulled his damp shirt off and felt the cold air hit his skin. God he hated the cold. He managed to jam a tight black shirt over his head just as Hotch made it out of the bathroom. Hotch hung his suit in the small closet and then rummaged in his suitcase before turning to Morgan. Morgan looked back at Hotch’s outstretched hand.

“Seriously? I’ll be …hitshh itchhe… fine.” Morgan stifled against the back of his hand.

“Take it.” Hotchner said sternly, continuing to hold the thermometer out.

Morgan snatched it and stuck it in his mouth, cracking it open to ask, “You keep this in your suitcase?”

“Mouth shut,” said Hotch sternly before adding, “We keep one on the plane and you were shivering.”

Morgan looked away disgusted that his deception tactics had failed.

“Beep.” Morgan handed the device over to Hotch not daring to look at the unpleasing results.

“102.3. Seriously, why didn’t you tell us you were feeling this bad? Symptoms?”

Morgan glared before answering sheepishly, “Headache, congestion, scratchy throat, chills.” He figured he didn’t need to mention coughing, sneezing, and fever.

“Muscle ache?”

Although he hadn’t paid much attention till now, his body ached all over and all he wanted to do was collapse. Morgan nodded as he began to cough harshly into his fist.

Hotchner put a hand on his shoulder and gently forced Morgan to sit on the edge of the bed. Then he went to the bathroom and unwrapped one of the plastic cups and filled it with water before bringing it and a box of tissues to the bed. As soon as Derek had gained some control he took the glass and sipped at the water. Hotchner laid the tissues on the bedside table and pretended not to show interest in Morgan’s obvious weakness. As he went about moving his suitcase and getting into bed, Morgan did the same. Once Morgan seemed settled, Hotch got up, turned off the lights and before he could even get back to the bed Morgan was already snoring quietly.

It was seven thirty when Hotch heard a light knock on the door, obviously Gideon to make sure everyone was ready to go. Morgan coughed in his sleep and rolled over, beads of sweat dripping down his forehead. Agent Hotchner opened the door and quietly stepped out.

“Sick?”

“Yeah.”

“Bad?

“Yeah. I think I’m going to work from here, keep an eye on him. Don’t tell the others much. I know he doesn’t want them to see him like this. Keep in touch… oh, and one more thing, could you guys maybe leave early and swing by the drug store, I’ve got ibuprofen but he could use some cough syrup and flu meds.”

Gideon nodded and left as Hotch went back inside. Deciding the others weren’t ready yet, Gideon took the SUV and picked up some tissues, cough syrup, and a pack of cold/flu meds. When he returned the others were outside ready and waiting. Gideon took the brown bag to Hotchner’s room and informed him that there was coffee and hot water in the lobby, although hot tap water would probably work for the Theraflu, then handed him the bag and walked out as if nothing was wrong.

“Where’s Hotch and Morgan?” Reid questioned.

“They’re going to work from here. Come on, what are you waiting for? Get in!” Gideon got in the black vehicle and Reid and Elle exchanged looks before entering. Neither were willing to object to Gideon’s obvious change in subject.

[swann_ee_song]

I don't really watch CM. But this fic is well crafted and I'm definitely enjoying it!

[glitter]

Loving this so much!!

[silentdreamer789]

Nice start! Definitely looking forward to the 'catching' part

[matilda3948]

Sooooooo good!!!! And there's more to come?!

[Zane]

Sick Morgan and Hotch? GASP!!! This is really good so far! can't wait till Hotch get's sick. hehe. hope there's more! "thanks for writing this by the way". haha I almost forgot to say that. lol

Edited March 7, 2011 by Zane

[ID2006]

Thank you for all the wonderful comments. It's so nice to get feedback and encouragement to continue... now... onto part two...

Back in the room Hotch was pretty sure Morgan wasn’t going to wake anytime soon so he headed to the lobby and grabbed some coffee. Once he got back Hotchner set up his laptop and emailed Garcia to let her know what he was doing and to make sure she emailed him any new information.

Morgan lay curled in the fetal position and was now shivering, having kicked all the covers off. Hotch got up and pulled them up to his partners shoulders. Morgan immediately sank into them and cleared his throat in his sleep. It wasn’t until a few hours later that he stirred again. Rolling onto his other side Morgan felt a burning sensation in his nose. He curled into himself as he let out three rapid sneezes, wincing at the intense pounding it produced in his head. Slowly he cracked his eyes open and looked at the clock. ‘Shit, it was ten o’clock, weren’t they supposed to be there at eight.’ Morgan sat up in a rush to get ready not thinking about how fast his head would spin. Falling to his knees, Morgan felt a hand on his shoulder. He hadn’t even realized anyone else was in the room.

“Slow down there.” Hotch knelt over Morgan with his hand on his shoulder.

“Hotch?” Morgan looked up confusedly, his voice almost gone. “Aren’t we supposed to be at the station?” Morgan moved so he was sitting on the floor leaning against the bed.

Hotch almost laughed at the absurdity of Morgan making it to the station in this condition.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

Morgan moaned as the pounding in his head turned into a stabbing behind his eyes.

“Think you can make it back into bed?”

“Bathroom!” Although his voice was weak Hotch could clearly distinguish the urgency. Hurriedly, Hotch helped Derek to his feet and to the toilet just in time for Morgan to fall at its base and mostly dry heave into it. Hotchner stood up and went and grabbed the cup from the table and refilled it with water. Then he went back to Morgan’s side and waited for him to finish. After a few minutes Morgan leaned away from the toilet and Hotch held the cup out to him. Morgan rinsed his mouth out and started to get up. Hotch immediately reached his hands out to help the younger man steady himself, but Morgan ignored them. Instead, Derek pushed himself, albeit wobbily at best, while Hotch waited to the side just in case. Once up Morgan set the cup down and put one hand on the counter before coughing into his fist.

“Bed?”

“Can you give me a minute in here?”

“Sure.” Hotch left the room and closed the door. Morgan emptied his bladder before washing his hands and leaning against the wall. He still had a splitting headache accompanied by intense sinus pressure. His throat, and lungs for that matter, felt like they were coated with a thick layer of mucus. Coughing some more, he grabbed a wad of toilet paper and blew his nose. It took several more congested blows before he even had his nose somewhat clear, although he was still unable to breathe through it properly. As Morgan exited the bathroom Hotch was there and reached a concerned hand out. Morgan half-heartedly swatted at it and sat on the bed. He propped his elbows on his legs and held his head in his hands, rubbing at his temples.

‘Shit, this shouldn’t be knocking him out like this.’

“Beep.” Morgan looked up startled by the sound. Hotchner was holding out the thermometer again. Morgan took it, only after giving a look to make his displeasure known. Sticking the stick in his mouth he continued to rest his head on the other hand.

“Beep.” This time Morgan looked at it before handing it to Hotchner.

“102.5”

“Let me guess, sentenced to bed.” Morgan croaked before coughing into his arm.

“You got it.”

Morgan got into the bed and rolled away from Hotchner to sneeze harshly into the sheets. Hotchner ignored him this time and busied himself with grabbing two cold pills and a cup of water.

“Derek.”

Morgan rolled over to face Hotch. It was rare for him to use his first name. Instantly Morgan’s eye’s were drawn to the bright orange pills in Hotch’s hand. He took them and dry swallowed them before realizing that maybe that wasn’t the brightest idea. Although they were smooth, they felt like sandpaper grating down his throat. Hotchner held out the water, unable to conceal a small smirk. Morgan was too focused on the water to notice and swallowed it in two gulps. Hotch took the cup and refilled it before setting it beside Derek. Morgan closed his eyes and coughed into his fist.

“You dow you dod’t have to sday with be?”

“I know.” Hotchner said in a peaceful tone. Turning around to return to his desk he paused when Morgan spoke up again.

“Thangs.”

Hotch nodded and then got back to work as Morgan fell into a not so peaceful sleep.

Two hours later Morgan woke to the sound of knocking. Sitting up he paused to cough into his fist and grabbed a bunch of tissues to blow into before slowly making his way to the door. There he was greeted by Reid whose smile turned into a look of shock. Despite Morgan’s dark skin tone he had circles forming under his eyes. His nose was a redish hue and he looked completely drained.

“Hey…ummm… Gideon sent me to bring you guys some food… turkey sandwich for Hotch and chicken noodle soup for you. Are you okay?”

‘For such a genius Reid sure seemed slow sometimes.’

Morgan held out a finger and turned off to the side.

“HehISHHHH….. Hi’TSHHHH” Morgan sneezed into the used crumpled tissues he held in his hands.

“Bless you.” Reid said with a look similar to disgust.

“Sorry,” Morgan cleared his throat, “flu.”

“Did you know in the United States 30 to 40 thousand people die every year from the flu?” Reid said in his purely factual tone.

“Thangs.” Morgan gave a look that sarcastically said ‘that was oh so helpful information’.

Hotchner stepped out of the bathroom.

“Reid, how’s the team doing?”

“Fine sir, actually the bilateral…” Reid was cut short.

“Fine will suffice. What’s in the bag?”

“Gideon sent me with lunch: turkey sandwich for you and soup for Morgan.”

“Tell Gideon thanks, and if he needs anything to give us a call. I’ve been keeping in touch with Garcia via email.”

“I’ll tell him. Anything else?”

“No. Thank you.” Hotch held out his hand for the bag and Reid handed it over.

Reid nodded and left.

Derek went and threw the used tissues in the trash and grabbed some more to clear his nose while Hotch moved his laptop and set the soup down in front of the only seat.

“Where will you eat?”

“I can eat standing.”

“Thanks.”

Morgan slumped into the chair and took a few bites of food.

“I’m not really hungry,” Morgan coughed.

“Just try to eat a little.”

Hotchner ate his sandwich while Morgan mostly played with his soup. He did end up eating a third of it before asking if he could just go back to bed. Hotchner knew he must really be feeling bad if he wasn’t trying to push his way into going back to work. After Morgan laid down Hotch moved the soup onto the side and went back to his laptop. Garcia sent him the teams starting profile and Hotch replied back with some possible additions.

Hotchner heard rustling behind him and he turned to see Morgan tossing and turning on the bed, sweat beading along his forehead. Hotch walked over and placed the back of his hand on Morgan’s head. God, he was burning up. Hotchner moved the chair to the bedside and wet a washcloth. Sitting next to Morgan he took the washcloth and traced it along the top and sides of Morgan’s face. He also ran it along Morgan’s neck before rinsing it in cool water and returning to repeat the process. After a few rounds Morgan seemed to calm and only curled up to cough into the sheets. When Morgan woke up he saw Hotchner sleeping in the chair, washcloth still in hand. Morgan coughed lightly and reached out his hand and put it on Hotchner’s leg. Hotch opened his eyes as his head kind of darted forward. Then he looked over to Morgan and smiled.

“How are you feeling?” Morgan thought he detected a roughness in Hotch’s voice from when one wakes up.

“Better.” Morgan swallowed, “still hurts but much bore dull.”

Hotch handed Morgan a tissue and Morgan took it and blew as quietly as possible.

“Thanks. What happened?” Morgan stated, looking at the chair and back at Hotch.

“You’re fever was definitely up.” Hotch tried to hide the worry in his voice. “Which reminds me…” Hotch got up and retrieved the thermometer. Morgan took it willingly and turned it on before sticking it in his mouth.

“101.4” Morgan stated after it had finished, “not too bad.”

“You’re still not going into work.” Morgan just nodded. “Want some more soup?”

“Nah.”

“I’ll go heat it up in the lobby.” Morgan had never heard this tone from Hotch, the type a girlfriend would give when begging a boyfriend to do something. It worked surprisingly well…. ‘no wonder women use this tactic’.

Morgan coughed and nodded his consent.

Hotch grabbed the bowl and took it to heat up in the lobby. He also scarfed down some vending machine snacks while he was at it. Upon returning Hotch found Morgan sifting through case information.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Catching up… HehETSHhoo” Morgan sneezed into his arm. “If by fever’s down bore tomorrow there’s do reason I cad’t go id.”

“Blow your nose… and eat. We’ll discuss it tomorrow.” Hotch set the soup down on the table and got into bed. It was almost midnight and agent Hotchner felt exhausted.

Hotch slept well despite Morgan’s constant coughing. Finally he got up and dug in the bag Gideon had brought and got out the cough syrup. Pouring a cap full he nudged Morgan who rolled over and looked up wearily. Morgan took the cap and swallowed it quickly before rolling back over and resuming his coughing. The medicine did seem to help a little though.

Hotch didn’t wake up till eight am due to his phone ringing. He cleared his voice before answering.

“Hey Gideon, What’s up?”

“I’m sending Reid to come get you. Prentiss and I are in the field and going to be meeting the task force at the target location in an hour. We need the group briefed on the profile and other information, you can review it on the way in, Reid will bring it. I’d have Reid do it but there’s a bunch of old timer detectives there and I think they’d respect it a little more coming from you.”

Hotch knew what Gideon meant by that. A lot of ‘old timers’ had trouble accepting Reid due to his age. That’s why he was always introduced as doctor, but it didn’t always help much.

“Kay, I’ll be ready.” Both hung up at the same time.

Hurriedly, Agent Hotchner got dressed in his suit and grabbed his case file. Just doing that left him exhausted. ‘Probably from the lack of food,’ he tried to convince himself, but it was hard to ignore the tickle permeating from his sinuses down to his throat. Coughing quietly he noticed his throat was starting to feel painfully raw.

A quiet knock at the door roused Hotch from his thoughts. He quickly scribbled a note for Morgan, just in case he woke up, though Hotch doubted it.

Opening the door he found Reid waiting expectantly. Immediately he handed Hotch a draft of the teams profile on the unsub. Hotchner took it and followed Reid to the car. Getting in on the passengers side, Hotchner scanned the papers as he listened to Reid give a verbal summary of the information. Normally this would have been a simple task for Hotch, but today he seemed to have trouble concentrating.

On the way over Reid looked over to find Hotch scrubbing roughly at his nose.

“You caught it, didn’t you?”

“What?”

“What Morgan has. You’re sick.”

“I’m fine.” Hotch looked down.

“You know that’s a sign of lying, averting your eyes like that. And it’s not uncommon to deny being sick. Statistically speaking…”

“Okay,” Hotch coughed, “I’m sick.”

“Should I take you back?”

“No, let’s just get this over with while I’m still feeling up to it.”

[matilda3948]

Aww...poor Hotch. Takes such good care of Morgan only to come down with it himself. I mean, aww, poor Hotch.

[ichixshiro14]

This is great! There aren't that many CM stories that I've noticed, and it's always great to read new ones; I love this plot, it's adorable, and I especially love contagion Is anyone else going to catch the horrible bug? I think it'd be hilarious to see how Reid would react to it haha...thanks for sharing!

[Zane]

yay Hotch is getting sick! is it wrong of me to want him to get sick right now? haha can't wait for more!

[glitter]

I'm also a *liiiiiiittle* bit too excited about Hotch catching it

[ID2006]

Matilda- I'm so glad you like this and I'm excited for Hotch getting sick too

ichi- I haden't even thought about Reid catching this (hmmm... might be a nice sequel)

Zane- it is definitely never wrong to want Hotch sick

glitter- too excited about my fics (no such thing in my opinion), glad your enjoying it.

Now for a wonderful sick and sneezy Hotch (and more Morgan of course)...

PART THREE

It didn’t take long to get to the police station, but Hotch felt worse as every minute passed. His nose had started to run and he pulled another white handkerchief from his pocket. Clearing his nose before entering the building, he felt all eyes immediately fall on him and Reid once inside. Thankfully he didn’t have to yell to get everyone’s attention, as they seemed to quiet themselves on their own.

“Okay everyone, thanks for being here.” Hotch could feel an itch invade his right nostril. Trying to ignore it he continued, “We are looking for a white male, late thirties early forties. Eh, excuse me.” Hotch turned to the side and quickly brought the hanky up to his nose.

“EhHISHHH, EtSCHHH.” Hotch sneezed wetly, before lowering the hanky, but not returning it to his pocket.

“The unsub has lived in the area most of, if not all hi… hi..his life. Hi’TSCHH. He most likely… HeTSHHH… eh… excuse be…” Hotch turned his back slightly and sneezed several more times. Reid watched as irritation began to build inside the audience, several tapping their pencils or drumming their fingers.

Walking over Reid put a hand on Hotch’s shoulder and whispered to him.

“Want me to continue?”

Hotch nodded as he left the room still sneezing every few seconds.

Reid had no problem finishing the profile and everyone seemed thankful that Reid had stepped in. As people filed out a few asked Reid some questions about the unsub and told him to tell his boss that they hoped he felt better soon.

Finally Reid was able to escape and went in search of Hotch. Someone waved and pointed to the bathroom. Nodding his thanks, Reid walked in to find Hotch bent over the sink.

“You okay sir?”

Hotch looked up and Reid was taken aback.

Hotchner looked awful, face pallid, except for his bright red nose and flushed cheeks. As Reid approached he could smell the faint tinge of vomit lingering on Hotch’s breath.

“Ready to really acknowledge that you’re sick?”

Hotch nodded before racing back to a stall to dry heave.

Reid flinched and stayed put. After a few minutes Hotch flushed the toilet and washed his hands before trying to rinse out his mouth. Resuming his previous stance at the sink, Reid waited a moment before speaking again.

“Think you’re ready for the trip back to the motel.”

Hotch test swallowed before answering, “Hope so.”

As they exited eyes scanned Hotch with pity. Eyeing a small empty metal trash can by a desk, Reid asked the assumed owner if they could borrow that for a few days.

Thankfully, he said yes and handed it over to Reid, Hotch obviously using his hands in some attempt to stay balanced and upright. When they reached the SUV Reid handed the can over to Hotch who clutched it to his chest, as if protecting it with his life.

“Anything I should pick up, juice maybe?” Hotch winced and Reid quickly apologized.

“Maybe I should just take you to the motel and bring some stuff by later?”

Hotch nodded as best he could while barely moving his head. He wouldn’t admit it but he was a little scared to open his mouth with the thought of juice still present in his head.

When they got to the motel Reid got out and went to the door not thinking about Hotch possibly needing help. One arm wrapped around the trashcan, Hotch used his other hand to steady himself against the SUV and practically inched his way to the room. Finally, getting there he opened the door and found Morgan still snuggled deep beneath the covers. He was surprised though, as Morgan cracked his eyes open and smiled before he realized what Hotch was holding.

“I am so sorry,” Morgan croaked before coughing into a fist.

Hotch waved a hand dismissively as if to say no big deal before slowly walking to his bed and sitting down.

“Ummm, I’m going to call Gideon and see how they’re doing. Be back later.”

Spencer Reid exited as if in a rush to get away from his germ infested colleagues.

“Hey Reid, How’d it go?” Gideon asked without even saying hello.

“Well, not quite according to plan, but well enough. Hotch is sick. He tried to do the briefing, didn’t go so well, but I finished and the group seemed responsive enough.”

“He’s as bad as Morgan, why can’t they just admit when they are sick?”

“Would you admit it?”

“Admit what?”

“If you were sick?”

“Eh,” Gideon chose to redirect the conversation, “We’re doing okay here, found two more bodies though. Can you get back to the station and analyze the photos?

“Sure, should I let Hotch and Morgan know?”

“Nah, leave them be, I’ll try to run by there once we’ve finished up here. Also, can you let Garcia know what we’ve found and see if she can run the names for us and get addresses? Maybe you can try to narrow down some locational info for us.”

“I’ll do my best sir.”

With that Gideon hung up.

Reid sighed, this was going to be a long case, especially with two operatives down.

In their room, Hotch was finally willing to relinquish his grip on the can and laid it next to the bed. He curled up on the bed, not caring about putting his shoes on the comforter. Morgan looked over and started to sit up to help Hotch. This act, however, didn’t go unnoticed by Hotch.

“You’re sick.” Hotch’s voice was almost a moan.

“HehITSHHH.” Morgan sneezed openly to the side. “Yeah, but look who’s talking?” Morgan eyed the trash can.

Hotch grunted.

Slowly, making sure he wasn’t too dizzy, Morgan stood up and went to Agent Hotchner’s side. Reaching out, Morgan took off Hotch’s shoes first, and then helped him remove his jacket. Hotch started to unbutton his shirt as Morgan made a move to remove his pants. Hotch growled… almost… which turned into a cough. Morgan got up, and got a cup of water for Hotch. After sipping at it, Hotch set it down and closed his eyes for a sec. When he opened them Morgan was still sitting there.

“Those can’t be comfortable?” Morgan motioned to the pants.

Hotch glared.

“Dude, seriously,” turning to the side Morgan stifled two sneezes into his fist cringing at the pain, “you’re going to be in bed for awhile.”

Stopping to cough, Morgan was beginning to realize all this talking wasn’t so good on his throat. Also, the longer he sat the more his head started to hurt and the room began to swim.

Laying down where he was, Morgan barely managed to avoid another fainting episode.

“Morgan?” Hotch questioned.

Morgan made some unintelligible noise.

“Okay?” Hotch weakly managed, eye’s once again closed. Not that he would have been able to do anything about it if Morgan said no.

“Will be.” Morgan rubbed at his forehead hoping the room would return to normal.

Hotch decided he had enough strength to resume unbuttoning his shirt and realized Morgan was right about the pants. Stripping to his boxers, Hotch let his suit slide to the floor as a shiver ran down his spine.

“Cold?” Morgan questioned, feeling Hotch’s legs shiver against him.

Hotch could feel the warmth of Morgan and made an unintentional whimpering sound as Morgan got up.

Morgan walked over to his duffel and grabbed a T-shirt, knowing Hotch wouldn’t have one.

“Can you stand?”

Hotch nodded and stood to put on the shirt while Morgan lowered the covers. Once Hotch was snuggled deep within the covers, Morgan grabbed the thermometer from the nightstand and handed it to Hotch.

Obediently he took it and stuck it in his mouth.

It wasn’t long before it beeped.

“102.1”

Hotch groaned and closed his eyes. Morgan was about to return to bed but as he turned around Hotch’s hand darted from under the covers and briefly latched onto Morgan’s wrist.

Morgan looked at Hotch in confusion.

“Sorry… I… just… you’re…” Hotch stuttered unsure of what to say. His eyes said it for him though.

“Cold?” Morgan lifted an eyebrow as he said it.

Hotch nodded as a sick child would.

Morgan kind of shook his head and grabbed the tissue box before getting in on the other side of Hotch’s bed. Morgan, propped up slightly with a pillow, reached out an arm as Hotch snuggled into his warmth, resting his head on Morgan’s chest.

Morgan liked this, but couldn’t help but wonder if Hotch would want this were he more coherent.

A few hours later Hotch woke to a tickle deep within his sinuses.

“H’NGXT, hiTSHH,” Hotch stifled a quick double into Morgan’s chest.

“Bless you.” Morgan said who was now only slightly awake. Using the hand that was wrapped around Hotch Morgan absentmindedly ran his fingers through his partner’s hair.

Looking down, a smile briefly crossed Hotchner’s face as he snuggled deeper into Morgan.

Hotch began to sniff, not very effectively, so Morgan grabbed a tissue and wiped his nose. The light touch intensified the tickle that had still remained from before. Slowly tilting his head back gave Morgan just enough time to clamp the tissue over Hotch’s nose.

“EhHISHHH, EtSCHHH, heh… hI’TSHHH,” Hotch sneezed messily into the tissue. When he was done Morgan whispered into his ear.

“Blow.”

Hotch, almost entirely asleep did as commanded.

Morgan wiped at the agents nose and threw the tissue off to the side of the bed. A few seconds later Hotch was back to snoring quietly against Morgan. Unable to resist, Morgan planted a small kiss on Hotchner’s forehead before letting himself drift off as well.

[matilda3948]

Umm....

As soon as I can focus again I'll write something coherent, but for now...just...yeah...

[ichixshiro14]

That was great! I love that they shared body heat and isn't that such a devious plan with Reid? Haha, he's so uncomfortable with emotion, he wouldn't understand feeling badly Thanks for sharing, I hope there's more!

[ID2006]

And some more yummy sick boys. Let me know what you think.

PART FOUR

The next time they woke it was Morgan’s fault. At first his cough was relatively gentle, but after a minute his abs were jerking painfully and his throat was on fire. Hotch enjoyed the feeling of Morgan’s abs tensing beneath him, but he couldn’t help but worry. Finally, Hotch decided cough syrup was necessary and he forced his aching muscles off the bed. Not a wise decision as his legs immediately buckled beneath him causing him to land on the floor with a thud.

Morgan’s eyes immediately widened with shock, and despite the continuous coughing he made his way to Hotch’s side.

“What… kff kff… were… kff… you…kff thin…kff…ing,” Morgan continued to cough waiting for a reply from Hotch.

Managing to slump himself to a sitting position against the bed Hotch finally muttered.

“Need… cough… syrup. Trying to get… for you.”

“Hotch…kfff… I…kfff… can…kff kff.. get it.” Morgan clutched his abs clearly in pain.

“You… kfff… okay…kfff… there?”

Hotch lowered his head before letting out an exhausted sneeze.

“I’ll…kfff… take that… kfff… as… kfff… a yes… kff kff.”

Morgan pushed himself up and grabbed the cough medicine from the desk, quickly gulping down a serving it took a few seconds before he could catch his breath. Finally, the coughing disappeared, but just as Morgan was about to return to Hotch he heard a knock on the door.

“Hey, Gideon sent me with some sandwiches, tissues, and juice.” Reid’s bright eyes were the exact opposite of Morgan’s. His face began to have a sunken in look and his normally strong posture was much more hunched.

Reid held out the plastic bag and looked inside the room.

Tissues were scattered everywhere and the beds looked like a hurricane ran through. But where was Hotch. A muffled cough drew Reid’s attention to the floor were he spotted Hotch.

“What’s Hotch doing on the floor?” Reid asked curiously.

“Ummm… kfff… long story. Could you help me get him up though?” Just the few minutes of standing had once again worn Morgan out.

“Sure.” Reid put the bag down inside the door since Morgan still hadn’t taken it. Walking inside, the two each locked an arm beneath one of Hotch’s as they hoisted him back onto the bed. Hotch closed his eyes and coughed as he curled himself into a ball on the bed.

“Thangs kid.” Morgan sniffed.

“You look like you should consider bed too.”

Morgan yawned and nodded as he walked Reid all six steps back to the door.

“We’re pretty busy with the case, but if you need something you know how to reach us.”

Morgan nodded and was thankful that Reid didn’t try to add any statistics as he left, not sure his brain could handle it.

Shuffling back to Hotch, Morgan collapsed at Hotchner’s side.

Slowly, Hotch opened his eyes and looked at Morgan. He looked as bad as Hotch felt.

“You okay?” Hotch sniffed.

“Mmmnn.” Morgan half moaned half grunted.

Hotch curled himself up against Morgan’s back and the two fell asleep, comforted by the heat radiating off one another.

A few hours later Morgan woke again, this time to a different sound. His stomach growling. He couldn’t even remember the last time he ate and barely remembered the bag Reid had brought.

As Morgan slowly slid off the bed Hotch groaned, rolled over, and resumed his congested snoring.

Quietly, Morgan dug in the bag and pulled out a sandwich. Although it felt good to have something bland in his stomach, he was only able to eat about a quarter of it before feeling slightly sick again.

Hotch groaned and mumbled in his sleep. Morgan wished he could sleep. He felt too tired and weak to do anything, but his brain just wouldn’t quiet. He thought about reading the case file, but knew he’d be so far behind it would be useless. Instead he let himself lay on his side, just staring at Hotch.

Morgan felt torn, he hated and loved seeing his boss like this. He always felt a special attachment to Hotch. Like he needed to guard, protect him. Their relationship had never been more than just friends, and honestly, Morgan couldn’t remember a time when he wanted more; that is until this trip. Something about having Hotch there, taking care of him, even when he tried to push him away.

Morgan felt strangely content as he watched Hotch; beads of sweat forming on his brow, hair scruffed up, nose pink and twitching. If it wasn’t for the flickers of pain crossing Hotchner’s features, Morgan would’ve wished they could remain like this forever.

Morgan hadn’t realized he had drifted off until he woke to the sounds of Hotch dry heaving into the trash can beside the bed. Gently, Morgan rubbed circles on Hotch’s back. Finally, Hotch finished and let his pounding head collapse back on the bed. Morgan ran his hand along the side of Hotchner’s cheek and felt Hotch lean into it. If Hotch hadn’t felt so hot Morgan would’ve been content to leave it there. Much to Hotch’s dismay, he felt Morgan get up and heard the beep of the thermometer turning on. Hotch complied and let Morgan slide the instrument under his tongue. The finishing beep startled Hotch awake from his very short nap.

He heard Morgan gasp before coughing until he expelled something from his lungs and spit into the trash.

“I know you’re going to hate me for this, but you’re getting a shower.”

“Mnnnn, why?” Hotch just wanted to snuggle deeper into the blankets and go back to sleep.

“Your temps at 104.7, that’s why. Now come on. It’s shower or hospital, your choice?”

Hotch grumbled as he sat up and fainted into Morgan’s arms. Morgan supported his boss with one arm and used the other to slightly smack Hotch.

“Come on buddy, wake up, I need you conscious.”

Hotch came to fairly quickly.

“Whaaat happened?” Hotch shivered.

“You passed out.” Morgan coughed and had to spit again before continuing.

“Can you make it to the shower… with help?”

“I think so.” Hotch rubbed his head in a daze.

“Sit here. I’m going to start the shower.”

Morgan went and started the shower. Hotch did as he was told, not that he had even registered Morgan’s orders.

“Okay, lets get you out of these clothes.”

Morgan was shocked by Hotch’s obedience. He let Morgan help him get the shirt off and allowed Morgan to support him as he stood and dropped his shorts. Morgan easily slid his own top and pants off while supporting Hotch.

Slowly he led Hotch into the bathroom and coaxed him into the shower.

Immediately Hotch tried to push his way out of, what felt to him to be, freezing water. Morgan was in his way though so instead he huddled against Morgan trying to maintain some body heat. Morgan let Hotch curl into him and even wrapped a comforting arm around the shivering man.

“Morgan… cold.”

“I know babe, just a little longer.” Wait, did he just call Hotch babe. If Hotch had noticed, Morgan couldn’t tell.

“Heh’tsch, Hi’Tsch.” Hotch stifled against Morgan’s bare chest.

Morgan didn’t mind, just happy to be holding Hotch close.

A few minutes later, Hotch seemed to cease his shivering.

“Okay, let’s get you back to bed.”

Hotch nodded but didn’t release his grip on Morgan.

“You gotta let me go some.”

Hotch released his grip some, only to tighten it as he felt Morgan pulling away.

“Come on now.” Morgan took Hotch’s hands in his and led him out of the shower. Lowering Hotch to sitting on the closed toilet, Morgan was finally freed and allowed to shut the water off and grab towels.

Hotch coughed into a closed fist, water shaking off his body. Morgan took a towel and quickly swiped water off his skin before wrapping it around his waist. Taking a second towel, Morgan draped it over Hotchner’s shoulders and rubbed circles on Aaron’s back till his cough quieted.

“Looks like it’s your turn for the cough syrup.” Hotch looked up, tired eyes pleading for Morgan to not make him swallow that disgusting stuff.

“I know, I know, no fun.” Morgan took Aaron’s towel and dried the rest of him, determined not to give in.

When Morgan’s eyes returned to Hotchner’s he took the towel and playfully tossled Aaron’s hair with it.

“Don’t give me tha… that look… HehNGSHHH,” Morgan turned away to stifle a sneeze into his shoulder before continuing, “you’re daking id.”

Morgan exited to grab a tissue and Hotch followed behind him, head lowered.

Aaron rummaged through his suitcase for clothes and found a fresh pair of boxers and, to his dismay, pairs of suit shirts and pants.

“Umm, kfff kfff, Morgan, do you have any extra shirts.”

Morgan turned around, nose still pressed into a bunch of tissues, and eyed Hotch’s suitcase.

“Yeah.” Morgan wiped his nose and tossed the tissues in the trash before reaching into his duffle and tossing Hotch another black tee.

Hotch shivered as he put on the clothes. Morgan changed also and walked over to the heater. Even he felt a little cold and knew his fever probably hadn’t gone down much. Overall Morgan felt much better, still, his lungs ached and he couldn’t shake this feeling of exhaustion. A rustling noise brought his attention back to the beds and Hotch was curling himself under a comforter.

“Uhn Uh, not so fast.” Morgan’s voice was husky and crackling. Clearing his throat Morgan continued, Hotch barely pushing his head out of beneath the nest of blankets, “cough syrup first.”

Hotch closed his eyes and ducked his head back down.

Morgan ignored Hotch and took the thermometer and uncovered Aaron’s head.

“Here, temp first.”

Aaron took the beeping stick and put it under his tongue, trying to hold back a cough. Morgan went about pouring some cough syrup in a cup, and brought it back to the bed.

As soon as the thermometer beeped Hotch removed it and coughed into the sheets. Morgan handed him the cup of cough syrup. Hotch thought it was water and didn’t bother looking before quickly swallowing the goo. A look of disgust immediately shown on Hotch’s face and he glared at Morgan as if betrayed.

Morgan, however, wasn’t paying attention, busy looking at the thermometer.

“Still 102.9. Looks like another day in bed.”

Hotch buried his head back beneath the covers.

A knock at the door interrupted Morgan’s thoughts, so he set down the thermometer and walked to the door, amazed by how much his body just wanted to collapse. How long had he been up?

Another knock at the door, before a key clicked and the knob turned.

“Elle?”

“Sorry, thought you guys might be sleeping.” Shock was clearly evident in Elle’s voice. “Is that Hotch?” Elle noticed the giant lump on the bed.

“Yeah.” Morgan coughed.

“Oh, umm,” Elle realized Morgan probably wanted to get back to bed too, “There was another murder.”

“Do you need help?”

“Honestly yes, but I have strict orders to not involve you if you’re still sick.”

“I’m fine, just let me get dressed.” Before Morgan could turn, Elle stuck her hand up and placed it on his forehead.

“You are not fine, you’re burning up. Now, to the second order of business, I’m doing a laundry run.”

Morgan stood still.

“Soooo, can I come in.”

Morgan still didn’t move other than his head tilting back, breath hitching. Elle waited patiently until Morgan’s head snapped forward into his elbow.

“HEHTSHHHH.”

“Yeah, you’re fine, uh huh.” Elle rolled her eyes. “Now will you let me in?”

“Sorry.” Morgan backed up.

Elle quickly picked up the stray clothes on the floor and put them in a laundry bag hung in the closet.

“Seriously, if you need anything you can give us a call.”

Elle put a hand on Morgan’s shoulder, who was now sitting on the bed next to the lump that was Hotch.

“Thanks, actually, if we’re going to be here a while can you pick up some sweat pants and t-shirts. We didn’t exactly plan for non-business wear.” Elle followed Morgan’s gaze to Agent Hotchner’s suitcase. She couldn’t help but laugh at the neatly packed dress shirts.

“Sure, no problem. Anything else, food, drink, entertainment?”

“Maybe another sandwich, we haven’t felt up to eating much and I think the bag still has plenty of juice.” Morgan pointed to a bag on the floor.

Elle checked it out and set out the various juice bottles on the desk.

“Have you guys been drinking anything?”

“Not much?”

“Come on, you know the importance of fluids. Do I really need to babysit you?”

Morgan looked up, too tired to respond to Elle’s tone.

“I’m sorry.” Elle realized how harsh she must have sounded. “We’re just concerned, we’ve never seen you two hit this hard.” Morgan knew she was speaking for the team.

“Why don’t you get some more sleep and one of us will be back with supplies later?”

Morgan nodded and yawned.

Elle slipped out with the clothes and Morgan turned to the bundle on the bed.

“Still alive in there?”

The mound made a low grumbling noise before coughing roughly.

“Good, let me in then. It’s cold out here.”

Morgan found the edge of the sheets and wormed his way under them, spooning Hotch from behind.

Morgan let out an appreciative sigh, thankful for Aaron’s warmth.

[Zane]

this just keeps getting more and more interesting! Hotch and Morgan? together? squeels. thanks for writing this. hope there's more sneezy Hotch and Morgan to come!

[ichixshiro14]

Awww poor Hotch, he's sooo sick! I'm totally loving this, thanks for sharing I hope you continue

[ID2006]

Thank you all for making me feel so loved with your wonderful comments... please continue.

PART FIVE (Just FYI, in my own little world Hailey and Jack don’t exist so Hotch lives alone as a nice eligible Batchelor)

Some hours later Morgan woke with an irritating tickle threatening his peaceful slumber. Morgan scrubbed his nose against Hotch’s back.

“H’NGXHT.” Morgan stifled wetly against Hotch before sniffing.

“Sorry.” Morgan said as Hotch rolled onto his back.

“S’Okay.” Hotch rubbed at his forehead trying to relieve the pressure he felt. Finally he turned to Morgan.

“How long have you been in my bed?” Aaron asked curiously.

Morgan stuttered trying to think of what to say. Finally he came up with an answer.

“I don’t know. A while. You were cold and asked me to.” ‘At least that’s how it had started.’

“I don’t really remember much. Did we… ummm… do… anything?”

“No.” ‘Technically not.’

“Good.” As relief washed across Hotch’s face, Derek unintentionally frowned feeling his desires being crushed.

Hotch saw and tried to make a quick recovery.

“Not that I didn’t want anything to.” Light returned to Morgan’s eyes. “It’s just that…”

“I know, it’s just that we’re part… co-workers,” Morgan corrected himself, “It would be unprofessional.” Derek began to get out of bed when Hotch tightly grabbed his arm.

“No, it’s just…” Aaron turned away, suddenly unsure of himself, “it’s just, I’d want to remember our first time.”

“Really,” Morgan replied hopefully, but still avoiding eye contact, “you’re… interested?”

Hotch nodded, coughing into his fist.

Morgan’s smile dissipated as Hotch slowly lowered his head onto the pillow.

“You okay?”

“Just a little dizzy.”

“Want anything?”

Aaron gave Derek a weak smile, “Just you.”

Morgan smiled and growled at the knocking on the door.

“Guess who?” Gideon said as he poked his head in.

Aaron and Derek looked at him blankly.

“Elle said you looked bad. Temps still not down?”

Morgan coughed into his fist and Aaron handed him a tissue to spit into before replying with a definite no.

“Well it’s your lucky day. Come on. We have a doctor’s appointment to get to.”

Fear lit the agent’s eyes.

“Seriously, you two have been stabbed, punched, shot at, and you’re afraid of the doctor?”

Continued staring.

“Whatever, I don’t want to seem unsympathetic, but we’ve got a limited window here.”

Aaron couldn’t hide the moan as his body protested his movement, and Morgan turned in concern. Nodding to Derek he indicated that it would be okay.

Gideon, who managed to move twice as fast as the ailing agents, grabbed the box of tissues, trash can, and was in the started SUV by the time Morgan and Hotch had made their way to the door. Slowly, they forced their bodies into the vehicle’s middle row of seats. Gideon had set the trash can in front of them and tossed the tissues back once Aaron was finally buckled in.

Tiredly, Hotch ignored the tissues and sneezed two half stifles towards his chest, then leaned against Morgan’s shoulder. Derek grabbed a tissue and handed it to Aaron who was trying to sniffle back the flow of mucous draining from his nose.

Aaron wiped and blew gently, afraid much force would explode his sinuses.

By the time they made it to the clinic Hotch and Morgan barely had the energy to stand, yet somehow made it to the room that the nurse had prearranged for them.

Gideon guided Hotch to the exam table and Aaron compliantly laid down without even realizing where he was. Morgan collapsed into a chair before a barking cough doubled him over.

It only took two minutes before a doctor arrived. Looking at Morgan she wasn’t sure who she should look at first, the nearly unconscious one on the table, or the one trying to hack a lung out. Eventually, the woman decided on Morgan.

“Hi, I’m Doctor Madden. Looks like you’ve caught a nasty bug. Do you think you could lift your shirt and take a steady breath in and out? Derek tried to, despite the painful pressure in his chest, as the doctor listened intently to the stethoscope held against his chest and then back.

“Good, you’re doing good. Now try to breathe normally.”

The doctor tapped on his chest but Morgan didn’t seem to take notice.

“Okay, I’m going to look at your throat, ears, and nose, and take your temp.”

Derek complied with the common procedures before resting his head against the wall.

“How long have you been sick?”

The days had blurred together and Morgan took a guess.

“A week.”

“Well, it probably started as the flu, but now you’ve got pneumonia in your left lung and your right seems to be following close behind. I’m betting you haven’t been drinking enough either.”

Agent Morgan stared guiltily at the floor.

“That’s what I thought. Your temp is at 101.9, and that’s pretty high for being sick a week. I’ll prescribe you an expectorant and antibiotics. Sorry Agent Gideon, it looks like he should probably be out of commission for two weeks and desk duty for a week after that.”

Gideon rolled his eyes, apparently when Agent Morgan got sick, he really got sick.

“Okay, what about the other mound.”

Hotch was still curled in a ball on the exam table.

Morgan looked up worriedly as Hotch didn’t respond. A few seconds went by before Aaron pushed himself up and Morgan could breathe again.

“And how long have you been sick?” The doctor swiftly flashed a pen light to check pupil dilation.

“Hn’KSHHH… heh… HIH’NGSH-uhhh.”

“Bless you.” Dr. Madden handed Hotch a tissue from her lab coat.

“A few days.” Gideon interjected.

Hotch winced as he lightly blew his nose.

“Sinus pain?”

Hotch shrugged.

The doctor checked Aaron’s ears and nose before pressing gently under his eyes eliciting a whimper.

Morgan’s muscles tensed protectively and he wished he had the energy to stand guard over Hotch.

“Well, you’ve definitely got a sinus infection. Let’s check those lungs. Take slow deep breathes.”

Hotch obeyed and the doctor listened as Aaron’s chest expanded.

“Temp time… 102.9. I’d say you got the flu and a sinus infection. Looks like Antibiotics for the both of you. Sorry Agent Gideon, you’re up to two out of commission for awhile. I’ll call in to Jack’s Pharmacy down on main and you can pick up the meds on the way to the motel.” Dr. Madden returned her attention to the two patients, “Take two today, and one for the next week. Make sure you take all of them and if your temp goes up after that come back and see me. Plenty of fluids and bed rest.”

“Well, thanks for your time doc.” Gideon stuck out his hand and shook Dr. Madden’s.

“Not a problem, call if you need anything else. Take care.”

“Okay you two. Some of us got work to do.”

Despite Morgan struggling to breathe he still made his way immediately to Agent Hotchner’s side.

“Okay?”

Hotch nodded, and slowly led the way back to the SUV.

Gideon got his phone out and dialed Elle.

“Hey Gideon, what’s the verdict?”

“Flu and Hotch has a sinus infection, Morgan pneumonia.”

“Well, I got their room set up. They now have a microwave and some mugs for tea, trash cans, tissues, Theraflu, juice, Gatorade, clean sheets, and some clothes.”

“Thanks Elle. We’re going to run by the pharmacy, motel, and then I’ll meet you back at the station.”

“Kay, tell them I hope they feel better.”

“Will do.”

Click

By the time they got back to the motel Derek was curled up against Hotch, who was drooling against the window.

“Hey you two. Come on. Reid called and they’re doing a raid.”

“It’s over?” Morgan questioned, still half asleep.

“No, but they think they caught the copycat, hopefully he’ll lead us to the original unsub.”

“There’s two?” Hotch sniffed, finally catching up on the conversation.

“We think so, Reid caught some anomalies and I’m meeting them at the suspects house, thus, get out.”

Morgan coughed and shook his head trying to wake up a little.

“Yeah, kfff kfff, sorry.”

The two agents shuffled out with the bag of medication and Morgan dug out a key from his pocket. Derek briefly remembered Gideon talking to Elle, but hadn’t realized how nice it would be to come back to a clean place.

Hotch smiled as he saw the stack of clothes on the bed. Immediately he put on a hoodie and pair of sweat pants. Thank god for Elle, as smart as Reid was he’d have been clueless as to what to bring.

Shivering, Aaron dug himself into the bed and Morgan followed close behind, eyeing the note on the table with the Gatorade.

‘I expect at least four empty bottles by tomorrow when I come and check on you. Don’t make me send Gideon after you again. ~Elle’

Yay, she knew him so well. Red Gatorade for himself, and various juice for Hotch. Morgan coughed and swallowed some of the red liquid and moved onto the meds. Stupid childproof medication bottles. After some fiddling Derek finally opened the bottles, an act that would’ve taken a two year old mere seconds, and dug out four small pills. Dry swallowing two set off another coughing fit and he gulped down another mouthful of Gatorade.

“Hey, doc said two each.” Morgan rubbed at the lump of covers. Spikes of black hair protruded in between the hoodie and comforter.

“Orange or apple?”

A muffled response came from beneath the sheets, “Ornj.”

“Orange it is. You have to stick out your head you know?”

Aaron popped his head out and took the pills and juice. As soon as he swallowed and handed the bottle back to Morgan, Aaron returned to his cocoon.

Morgan set the bottle down on the side table and burrowed next to Aaron ready for a much needed nap.

Aaron’s brain felt fuzzy when he woke. He could hear retching coming from the bathroom and despite his pain he made his way to Morgan.

Morgan heard the bathroom door creak open but was in no condition to respond. Hotch sat down and nuzzled Derek’s back. Derek continued to dry heave for a minute, occasionally producing greenish yellow globs. When he was finally done Morgan responded to Aaron who, still curled against his back, couldn’t stop shivering.

“You’re sick, you should be in bed.” Morgan’s voice was low and gravelly.

“Nod going to led you go through this alonde,” Aaron murmured congestedly.

“Thanks,” Derek slowly turned and got to his feet, helping Hotch back to bed. Morgan grabbed some Tylenol off the desk and handed some to Hotch, who gratefully took them, before taking two himself. It didn’t take a genius to tell Aaron had a really high fever.

Even with flushed cheeks and snot trickling down his nose, Morgan still thought Aaron was beautiful. Okay, maybe the snot could go. Morgan took a tissue and wiped Hotch’s nose before telling him to blow. It took several attempts, but eventually Aaron was able to breathe properly and he nodded for Morgan to toss the tissue. Snuggling together Morgan let his exhaustion overtake him and quickly fell asleep despite the headache gnawing at the back of his brain.

The next time Aaron woke he felt a lot better. Sitting up he took a swig of Apple Juice and looked over to see Morgan… not there. Hotch got up to check the bathroom. Sure enough Derek was there sitting on the floor, leaned back against the wall.

“You look like hell.”

Morgan gave a half smile to Hotch.

Aaron walked over and placed a hand on Morgan’s forehead. He didn’t feel hot, but what would Aaron know right now, so he went and got the thermometer. Derek took it and when it finally beeped the 101.1 confirmed Agent Hotchner’s suspicions.

The two sat in silence for a moment before Morgan decided to interrupt it.

“You’re looking better.”

“I feel better.” Aaron muffled a cough into his arm. “Wish I could say the same for you. Any interest in a shower?”

“Bath,” Derek didn’t feel like he had the strength to stand for very long.

Aaron walked over and turned on the tap, adjusting the heat before letting the tub fill.

“Want company?” Aaron asked, a little unsure of himself.

“That would be nice.”

‘God, Derek’s smile was perfect,’ Hotch thought to himself before returning his attention to the tub.

“You ready?”

“Yeah.” Morgan made an effort to stand on his own, but was thankful for the strong arms of his partner lifting him up.

“Easy now.” Morgan held onto Hotch as they undressed and got in the tub.

Aaron sat down with Morgan in front, inbetween his legs. The tub wasn’t exactly meant for two grown men, but it worked.

Leaning back against Hotch he could feel Aaron’s chest expanding and contracting with each breath. Aaron brought a hand up and massaged along the left side of Derek’s neck, slowly continuing down till he reached his upper arm. Then he planted a small kiss on Derek’s head. Morgan nuzzled against Aaron’s neck.

“You comfy?” Aaron asked sniffling thickly afterwards.

“Perfect.” Who cared that it hurt to breathe if he could stay like this forever.

“You good?” Morgan noticed small movements from Aaron.

“Soo…rry.”

“For what?”

“HekTSHH, heh hISTSHH… IT’SHHHH.” Aaron sneezed wetly, covering his hand and portions of Derek’s arm with spray.

“Mmmm, Bless you.” Morgan smiled and continued to try to mold his body into Aaron’s.

“Ugh,” All the snot that Aaron had tried to sniff back earlier came barreling out. ‘Now what.’

Sensing Aaron’s distress, Morgan handed Aaron a washcloth. Aaron dipped it in water before wiping off Derek’s arm and then himself.

“I’m so sorry. I’m disgusting.” Aaron put his head against the wall embarrassed and annoyed at himself.

“You stayed with me retching last night and you think you’re disgusting.” Morgan tried to laugh but it only ended as a deep cough, jerking him forward. When he was finished Hotch suggested getting out and taking some meds. Although perfectly content with where he was, he could tell Aaron was uncomfortable with the situation now, and meds couldn’t hurt.”

“Okay.”

[Zane]

this is really good! and is it me or does Derek seem like he has the fetish? especially when he was like "Mmmm, Bless you.” hehe yay! hope there's more sick Hotch! I love this story! thanks for writing it! can't wait for more!

[sneezytwilight]

This was amazing! I love it!

[glitter]

OMG! I've fantasised about a scene just like this for so long, the whole bath-washcloth- thing, in fact I have a vaaaguely similar scene in something I wrote but that was AMAZING!!!!

[matilda3948]

This was amazing! I love it!

True.

[krazykat]

"Morgan walked over to his duffel and grabbed a T-shirt, knowing Hotch wouldn’t have one"

Actually laughed out loud at that line - am really enjoying the story

[ID2006]

Zane: Yay I'm so glad you like this. As for Derek having the fetish, I like to leave it up to the imagination

twilight and matilda: *does happy dance* I love having devoted followers

glitter: bath scenes, definitte fantasy, and there can never be enough of them out there

kat: totally, I mean, have you ever seen Hotch in a t-shirt. I'm trying to keep this fairly in character despite the obvious straying concerning relationship.

And now...

PART SIX (I'm hoping this story doesn't seem to monotonous, but I just keep coming up with scenes I want to add in there)

Dressed and back in bed, Morgan huddled against Aaron’s side. Within seconds he was asleep. Aaron, however, was not. Slowly, Hotch got up, trying his best to not disturb Morgan. He tried to go through all the case information Garcia had sent, but his head hurt too much. Leaning his head in his hands, Aaron would’ve fallen asleep like that if it wasn’t for the sudden prickling sensation in his nose.

“Hn’Gshh… H’ngxst…” Aaron tried to stifle so as not to wake Morgan but it sent shooting pain through his head and it wasn’t getting rid of the persistent tickle. “Heh… he’TSHHHH, hI’GTSHHooo.” Aaron scrubbed at his nose and grabbed a tissue before looking up at the light, eliciting a final forceful sneeze into the tissue.

Aaron turned around and saw Morgan’s eyes peering at him over the covers.

“Sorry…kfff kfff… didn’t mean…kfff… to wake you.” Aaron tried to clear his throat, pained from the sneezing.

“Bless you.” Morgan’s voice cracked.

“Thags.”

Aaron threw the tissue away and moved to sitting next to Morgan. Running a hand behind Derek’s ear he asked how he was feeling.

“A little better. Chest hurts. You?”

Aaron smiled and turned to the side.

“Heh’KShhh, sniff, okay, besides everything hurting.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Getting you sick.”

“It’s not your fault Derek, really. I would’ve done the exact same thing.”

A knock on the door interrupted their thoughts, and before either of them had time to move Elle walked in.

“Knock knock, hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

“Hey Elle.” Aaron spoke.

“Looks like you’re feeling a lot better. I just came by to check on you and make sure you took your meds.”

Aaron looked at the antibiotics and grabbed a pill for Morgan and himself.

“Now we have.” Derek smiled after taking the pill with a swig of Gatorade.

Elle looked for empty drink containers and frowned.

“I really wish you guys would drink more. Can I make you some tea or something?”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Theraflu actually sounds tempting.”

“Good, bout time you two tried to get better. And along with that I also brought you a present from Garcia and I.”

Derek’s eyebrow arched, quizzically.

After making the drinks Elle handed them to the men before turning her attentions to the laptop and tv. After messing with a few cables Elle put a dvd in and turned the tv on. After a few seconds Garcia’s face popped up on the screen.

“I heard two of my favorite boys weren’t feeling so great and were banned from the case, so I made you a little video… and no telling Gideon.”

Elle paused it.

“Garcia and I wanted you two to rest and not get too antsy so we put together some of the latest interrogation tapes, including that of the confirmed copycat killer, Kevin Swalls.”

Aaron and Derek’s eyes lit up. Although too exhausted to really work, a movie would be perfect, and they could at least feel like they were doing their part.

“Thanks for this Elle.”

“And everything.” Morgan added before coughing roughly into the sheets.

“You’re welcome. Most importantly, take it easy and get better. Do you want me to hit play before I leave?”

Aaron looked down to check with Morgan before nodding.

“Anything else you need?”

“I think we’re good.” Morgan yawned.

“Well call me if you need anything. I’ll be by tomorrow.”

Elle slipped out silently after hitting play.

Derek tried to sit up some and sip at his drink, but after a few mouthfuls went back to coughing up a lung. Aaron got up and paused the recording while Morgan hurried to the bathroom.

This time Hotch waited on the bed until Derek came back and collapsed next to him.

“You aren’t looking to good, why don’t we take a nap before continuing this.” Derek nodded his head against Aaron’s thigh.

“Come on.” Hotch nudged Morgan towards the head of the bed and put the covers over both of them. He had forgotten how good a warm bed felt and his muscles managed to relax a bit with Derek breathing softly against his chest.

When Derek woke he felt a little better, but it still felt like his body was barely dragging along. A smile crossed his face as he gazed up at Hotch, breathing through his mouth, nose clearly stuffed. Derek rested in silence and it wasn’t long before Aaron snorted and sat up coughing. Quickly he grabbed a tissue and blew into it which seemed to give him some temporary relief. After a few swallows of juice and another round of tissues, Hotch laid back down.

“Sorry, did I wake you.” Aaron asked, eyes closed, head already back on the pillow.

“It’s okay, I was already up.” Derek’s voice was a low rasp and Aaron was thankful to look down and see that he didn’t look as bad as he sounded. Although Morgan’s cheeks were still flushed his face had lost a lot of its palor.

“You’re looking better.” Hotch sighed sleepily as he closed his eyes again.

“Mmmm, how you feeling?” Although his voice was barely above a whisper, Morgan could feel the air scratching along his throat.

Aaron didn’t know how, but he could sense Derek’s discomfort, and he glanced down again.

“Drink?”

Morgan nodded.

Derek felt pathetic having to use all his strength just to push himself into an upright position. Gratefully taking a bottle from Hotch, he slowly sipped at the sweet liquid.

“h’KSHHH, hek’TSHEW,” Morgan’s attention returned to Hotch as he watched his superior rub his red rimmed flaring nostrils, “heh.. hE’ITSHhhuh.” Hotch grabbed a tissue and blew his nose, trying to not be embarrassed.

“Bless you.”

“Sniff, thanks. Doing okay. It’d be nice to be able to breathe again. Temps definitely down though.”

“Good. Want to try and finish the dvd?”

“Sure.”

Agent Hotchner got up and Morgan tried to settle himself against some pillows and the headboard.

It only took one interview before Aaron’s nose had filled back up and after two more interrogations he was sniffling non-stop. Finally Derek grabbed a tissue and handed it to Hotch.

“Seriously dude, just blow your nose already.”

Aaron blushed and took the tissues. After several blows he still didn’t feel much better, but at least mucous wasn’t threatening his upper lip.

“Can you hand me another drink?” Derek tried to take Aaron’s mind off of his frustration, and they watched the rest of the recordings in silence, aside from a few bouts of coughing from Derek.

“Did you notice how twitchy Swall’s uncle was?” Aaron commented after the fact.

“Yeah. I’m sure Gideon noticed. Feel up to checking for updates from Garcia.”

Just then the phone rang.

Aaron looked over at the phone.

“It’s Elle.” Hotch picked up the phone. “Elle?”

“Hey, how’s my two sick boys?”

“Be…be.heGTSHuh… better.”

“God bless you.”

“Thags. Here dalk do Morgad for a sec.”

Aaron handed the phone over and grabbed two tissues to empty his nose into.

“Hey girl.” Morgan croaked.

“Better my ass. You two sound horrid.”

“Umm, thanks, is there anything you needed.”

“Actually, I was calling to tell you to start packing up. Swall’s uncle finally told us where Kevin’s brother was hiding out. Kevin was trying to cover for his brother. We just got him and we’re taking him to be processed now.”

“Good, I’ll tell Hotch. Anything else?”

“Just when I say start packing up, I mean take it easy. I’ll be by to help after we bring the suspect in. I suspect Gideon will want to interrogate him and I can help get you guys ready then. We really don’t want you two to get worse so please, please take it easy.”

“Thanks. See you soon.” Morgan hung up.

“Hotch?” Morgan looked around as Aaron stepped out of the bathroom. “You okay.”

“Yes Derek, I’m okay. What did Elle say?”

“They caught the guy. She’ll be by in a bit to help us pack up our stuff.”

“Good.” Aaron sat down on the bed and massaged his temples.

“Want some more Tylenol?”

Aaron nodded and took the pills and drink from Derek’s hands.

“Why don’t you lay down for a few while I get started on the packing?”

“Derek, maybe you should take a break too. Wait for Elle.”

“It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”

Aaron laid down to watch this. The show didn’t last long though. After packing only half of his clothes Morgan began coughing and sat down on the floor. Wrapping an arm around his chest he pretended it might protect his rattling ribcage.

Aaron was ready with cough syrup in hand and poured a capful as he sat next to Morgan. It took a minute for Derek to calm his br

eathing enough to swallow the thick liquid. A few coughs later he allowed himself to curl into a ball and fall into Aaron’s arms.

“Shhhh… it’s okay. I’m right here.” Aaron soothed, rubbing his hand along Derek’s back.

When Derek finally looked up Aaron couldn’t kelp but giggle at his pleading eyes.

“I told you you should have waited for Elle.”

Morgan gave a sarcastic laugh before curling in on himself coughing.

“Shhh, I’m sorry, it’s okay…. Just breathe.”

Aaron slowed his breathing and Derek tried his best to replicate it.

After a few minutes Derek was absolutely exhausted but at least he could breathe again.

“Can we go lay down now?”

Morgan hadn’t even thought of how Aaron was feeling. “Yeah…sorry.” It came out as if he had just got done running five miles.

“It’s okay.” Aaron helped Derek to stand and move to the bed.

Still curled up, Hotch got behind Morgan and wrapped his arms around his partner.

“I never thought I’d be the little spoon.” Derek coughed.

“Yeah, well, I guess you’re just going to have to deal with it.”

“Mmmm.”

[swann_ee_song]

Definitely having fun along with the ride for this fic!

It's a great story. I'll be sad when it's over.