A/N: I'd like to think there was more going on in everyone's minds during 'Amplification' than depicted. The team's reactions to Reid's illness was not only disappointing, but a little appalling considering how much Reid hurt/comfort goes on in the show, so I just had to whip up this little Hotch drabble to make myself feel a little better.

Disclaimer: Still not mine- which, considering the quality of this little ditty, is probably a good thing.

"His best chance is inside."

Morgan will never forgive me for this.

From the look on his agent's face, that had been almost as hard to hear as it was for Hotch to say, but the lack of argument from the undeniably volatile Derek Morgan went a long way to reassuring the team leader that he was right, it was the most logical choice- never mind that it hurt. That it sounded callous even to his own ears. That the anger and betrayal he saw directed at him would likely never fade completely.

That it was Reid in that house, exposed to an as yet incurable strain of anthrax.

Don't look at me like that, Morgan. Like I'm sacrificing Reid without a second thought. For all you've done to protect the kid all these years, you couldn't possibly understand that it isn't the FBI Agent, the boss, the stoic by-the-books part of me that made this decision. It should have been, and for all anyone will know it was, but no. How can I explain that it is really the father in me, the mentor and friend, that trusts our eccentric young genius to pull the rabbit out of the hat and save the day more than anyone else on this case? That he took priority and it's only through a convenient and warped stroke of luck it works in our favor? Even if I could find the right words, there are too many ears around. Can't risk getting pulled for being too 'emotionally involved'. Reid'll find the antidote, solve the case, and save the world… just like always.

The rest of their conversation was brief, rushed, the sense of urgency hanging over them kicked up a few notches.

You made the right decision.

His heart sank a little when Reid refused the suit, but he had a point- it wouldn't have done any good. He was already infected.

Morgan will never forgive me for this.

…I can't really blame him.

A/N:Not the best, but I'd like to think this was Fearless Leader's thought process. Got an idea for a Garcia drabble, so who knows? This may become a series... if anyone would like.

And just in case anyone's been wondering, (which I doubt, but you never know)- I really am working on the 'Heroes' sequel, as well as a couple other things, but RL has been kicking my behind pretty badly in every way possible, so they've had to take the wayside for a while. I'll try to get back in a groove in the coming week.