DEFYING ORDERS

SUMMARY: Criminal Minds/The Unit Crossover. Hotch goes against doctor's orders and now he has to face one of his big brothers

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing…if I did I'd be rich and not living in Ohio were it's FREEZING!

FOR: Everyone! It's my Christmas present to all of you! Merry Christmas everyone!

A/N: Ok so…I hope you all like this! Sorry I haven't written more! I hope to finish up this Fic soon…may take a day or two!

OoOoOoOo

PROLOGUE:

"Hotchner," The man answered his cell phone without looking at the number.

"First day back," The voice on the other end sounded, "Nervous?"

"Just ready," Hotch answered truthfully. He hated taking any time off and had pushed himself to be back as soon as he could.

The only the thing that stopped him from coming back sooner was that no doctor had been willing to sign off on his return. With that, and having his 'big brothers' down, he'd been forced to wait two weeks before heading back to the office.

"I'm about to run late, you know," Hotch intoned.

"Watch yourself pup," The voice warned.

"Ma-ack," Hotch rolled his eyes as the sound of his own voice whining, "I have to go."

"Fine, go," Mack grinned, "Just remember, no flying!"

"…" Hotch hesitated briefly.

"Aaron…" The voice held a stern warning.

"Uh…you do remember what my job is right?" Hotch asked, a hint of confusion and sarcasm to his voice.

"Line," Was the only worded muttered.

Hotch winced, "Sorry Mack. My job does require me to travel though."

"Then explain you can't." Mack ordered. "I mean it little brother. I know exactly what the doctor told you. You better listen to him; understand?"

"Got it," Hotch sighed knowing there was no use in arguing.

"Better take off before your late," The once stern voice was almost gentle (almost!), "Be careful out there pup."

"Bye," Hotch hung up and glared at his phone.

On the drive to the office he told himself over and over again that he wasn't sulking. So he couldn't fly? Who would care? Everyone in the office would understand and besides he could go without flying for another couple of weeks…couldn't he?

OoOoOoOo

"You are clear to fly…right?" The question from his subordinate played over and over in his head.

What had be been thinking when he got into the jet? He'd been asking himself that question forever now and he was no closer to an answer now then he was then.

Even though he'd shown that nothing was wrong when he informed his team that he would be driving back home, he was, in truth, hurting. With the pressure from the flight, the high squeals of the machines used to dig out the coffin, and the gun being fired next to his ear, it was no wonder he had such a horrific headache.

After driving for an hour, it was enough for FBI Agent Aaron Hotchner.

"Single bed please," Hotch told the hotel clerk.

"Yes, sir," The woman smiled. "Will that be just one night sir?"

Hotch shook his head, "Two for now."

"Yes, sir," The clerk quickly rang him up and handed over a key. "There's a complimentary newspaper in the room, a room service menu by the bed, and if you need anything you can call the front desk by pressing '0'. Have a nice night sir."

"You too," Hotch nodded as he picked up his bag and hurried to his room.

He never even looked at newspaper or menu. As soon as he'd locked the door and put his bag down, he undid his tie and lay on the bed. He was asleep before he knew it.

OoOoOoOo

Hotch woke up late the next morning, his whole body hurting. He got up and took a warm shower which didn't help him any.

Knowing there was only one way to feel better, Hotch made his way to the front desk.

"Excuse me," Hotch grabbed the clerk's attention.

"How can I help you sir?" A different woman asked.

"Can you tell me…um…?" Hotch swayed.

"Are you all right sir?" The woman took a deep breath as she tried to determine if Hotch was drunk or if it was something else.

"Can you tell me where a drug store is?" Hotch ignored the woman's question.

"It's about two blocks from here sir," She answered as she realized the man before her wasn't drunk. "Why don't you tell me what you need and I'll send someone to get it for you."

"I…" Hotch squeezed his eyes shut as the room starting to spin. "Maybe you should call for help. I think I'm…"

Seeing Hotch sway even worse the woman jumped up and rushed to the other side of the desk. She ushered Hotch into a plush single seat couch. "Just sit right there sir."

The woman left and came back two minutes later, "Sir, where does it hurt?"

"Head…" Hotch managed to whisper before darkness over took him.

The woman watched as he slumped in the chair before speaking on the phone and conveying everything she knew to the 911 operator on the phone, "Please hurry."

By the time the paramedics arrived, the desk clerk and two other patrons, had managed to get Hotch onto the floor, the top buttons on his shirt undone, and had him covered to keep him from going into shock.

"What do we have?" The first responder asked as he knelt by the still unconscious man.

The clerk once again explained what she knew; this time stating that she wasn't sure who he was or what room number he was in.

The paramedic searched Hotch's pockets as they noticed a thin trickle of blood coming from his ears.

"Aaron Hotchner," The paramedic read quickly. Hotch had left his FBI badge and gun in his vehicle, leaving his sole identification to his license. "Call it in, have someone contact his next of kin or emergency contact."

"Yes, sir," The second paramedic answered as he grabbed his walkie-talkie and did as ordered.

OoOoOoOo

ELSEWHERE:

Knowing that her husband wouldn't be home for a couple more weeks, Molly Blaine, did the only thing that she could think to do…she started to remodel the bathroom.

It was her third day of the task when her phone ringed, "Hello?"

"May I please speak to Jonas Blaine?" A voice intoned on the other end.

"He's not here right now," Molly replied. "May I take a message?"

"Is a Mack Gerhardt in?" The person on the other line ignored Molly's question.

Molly frowned into the phone, "Who is this?"

"My name is Karen Jones; I'm a nurse at Saint John's Medical Hospital." The woman quickly explained, "I'm looking for either Mack Gerhardt or Molly and Jonas Blaine."

"This is Molly Blaine," Molly's confusion was evident in her tone.

"Mrs. Blaine," Nurse Jones voice held her relief, "As I said my name is Karen Jones, I'm a nurse at Saint John's Medical Hospital. We have an Aaron Hotchner here…"

"What happened?" Molly interrupted.

"He was brought in an hour ago and the doctor would like for someone to come down," The nurse explained not wanting to give out to many details over the phone.

"Where are you exactly?"

The nurse answered the question and together they figured it was almost a two day drive out; only a few hours by plane.

"My husbands out of town," Molly explained, "I know Mack's around though…one of us will be there as soon as we can."

"Mr. Hotchner's file states that he has a specific order for those to be called. If Mr. Gerhardt is available…" The nurse trailed off. This was the first time she'd ever seen such notations on a file.

Molly chuckled, "It's alright; I understand. I'll have Mack call you if he can come otherwise I'll be there."

"Thank you ma'am," the nurse hung up and turned her attention back to the patient who had yet to wake up.

OoOoOoOo

Molly put the phone down before rushing across the street and all but banging on the Gerhard door.

"Molly…" Tiffy opened the door, "What's wrong?"

"Where's Mack?" Molly took a deep breath trying not to panic.

"He took the kids down the corner park," Tiffy answered, trying to figure out what was wrong. "What happened Molly; is it Jonas?"

Molly shook her head before taking off for the park that was almost two blocks away. Tiffy followed, having to jog at times to keep up with the older woman.

During the entire walk (which only took a few minutes) Molly could only think of the information she'd managed to trick the nurse into giving her. With that in her mind, when she saw Mack she couldn't stop herself from calling out with panic in her voice, "Mack…Mack!"

Mack Gerhardt is a man who is not easily scared. He can't be in his line of work. Sure, there are the times when, like any man who is a father, a certain fear washes over him but he was always able to defeat it. This time though it was a different type of fear.

He knew instantly when he heard Molly's tone that something was wrong. He was with his girls so he knew they were fine, Tiffy was slightly behind Molly, so he knew she was ok…if it'd been Jonas, the Colonel would have gone to him first. His only choice was Grey…

Mack's heart stopped for a split second…it wasn't Grey. If it was Grey, Molly would have come to him as calm as possible. No, the fear in Molly's voice could only mean one thing.

"Where is he?" Mack stopped short of the woman who was trembling. "Molly, where is he?"

"Saint John's hospital," Molly answered, "I couldn't get much because you're his second on the list. I know he passed out and they're worried. You need to get down there quickly."

Tiffy stared between her husband and her best friend not understanding what or who they were talking about.

"Girls," Mack called his daughters over, "I need to take off for a few days."

"But dad…" his oldest started to protest.

"I know baby," Mack gave her a hug, "but a friend's hurt and in the hospital and since Uncle Jonas isn't here, I have to go to him…Molly."

The two took off leaving the rest of Gerhardt family watching after them.

OoOoOoOo

Mack led the way back to his house. He grabbed the number Molly offered him and dialed it on his cell while they walked back. Both were oblivious to the three trailing behind them at a slower rate.

After getting Nurse Jones on the phone Mack explained, "This is Mack Gerhardt, you have Aaron Hotchner there. What's going on?"

The nurse quickly explained, this time in detail, about what she knew. One of the notations on the file stated that if any were speaking to either Jonas or Mack they were to explain everything to them.

"Mr. Hotchner was brought in a couple hours ago, unconscious. There was bleeding from his right ear. He had been staying at a local hotel. Thankfully, he just woke up shortly after my conversation with Mrs. Blaine. He is in a lot of pain but won't let the doctor give him anything. His file states that no doctor can go against his word unless you or Mr. Blaine agrees to it." The nurse hesitated briefly, "We would like your permission to sedate him sir. He's been agitated since he woke and since we don't know the cause we fear he could do more damage."

"No," Mack answered without thought, "I give you permission to give him something for the pain; just enough to take the edge off. You can NOT sedate him. Put a phone by his ear, I'll explain it to him so he'll listen to you."

"Yes, sir," The nurse answered. "One second sir and I'll put him on."

It was almost a full minute before Mack heard the steady breathing of the man he considered his kid brother. "Aaron, listen to me…you listening pup?"

'Mmm' was the only reply he got. It was good enough for the red head who smiled broadly, knowing his brother was at least slightly alert.

"I told the doctor's they couldn't sedate you but I gave them permission to give you a pain killer to take the edge off. You're going to let them; got it?"

The small whimper he heard let him know that Hotch didn't like what he'd been told. Deciding he didn't want to argue about it Mack ordered sternly, "You're going to behave yourself and let the doctor give you something for the pain." Mack heard another small 'Mmm' and knew Hotch would allow it. His voice softened, "I'll be there soon pup."

The nurse came back on the phone, "When can we expect you sir?"

"I'll be there in about…" Mack looked at his watch, "Eight to ten hours. Don't release him until I get there."

With that he hung up and placed another call. It was time for him to call in some favors. He had a brother to go see.

He left his wife and two daughters in the hands of Molly Blaine. He knew he should explain but he wasn't going to. Hotch needed him and that was only thing on his mind.

OoOoOoOo

Saint John's Medical Hospital –6 hours later

"If you'd just give me the damn AMA papers, I would be out of your hair by now!" It was said in a tone that let everyone within a mile radius know that the patient wasn't happy.

"Sir…" The doctor started only to be interrupted.

"Unless your next words are sign by the 'X', I'm going to sue this hospital for…" Hotch was going full steam ahead. So intent was he, that he didn't notice a familiar red head standing in the door way.

"Aaron Eric Hotchner," The three words were almost whispered but they had enough of an effect on Hotch to make him stop shouting.

If anyone knew what the FBI Agent Hotch was like they would have laughed him clear across to the other side of the world. Where the normally calm, stern man used to be, was now a nervous, abashed young man who knew he was in trouble.

Mack's eyes spoke volumes. Hotch gulped nervously as he shifted his eyes back to the doctor, "I'm sorry for yelling sir."

The doctor stared between the two men and nodded his head, "Yes, well…as I was saying, the tests show that you have some damage to the inner ear. It's more extensive then what it should be considering."

"What could cause it doc?" Mack sat down in the chair by his kid brother's bed.

"I would say it extreme pressure such as flying but Mr. Hotchner…" The doctor was once again interrupted.

"Agent Hotchner," Hotch muttered angrily.

"Line," Mack glared at his younger friend.

"Sorry," The doctor apologized ignoring the two interruptions before returning his attention to the red head, "Agent Hotchner says he hasn't flown but there were some loud noises that hurt his ears. The inner ear is just more inflamed for just that to have happened. I'm afraid to say I'm at a loss at the moment."

The doctor became nervous when Mack continued to stare at him, unblinking, for a whole two minutes. Before he could say anything, though, Mack's gaze shifted.

Hotch looked around the room, refusing to meet his big brother's eyes. He'd thought Mack would still be another couple of hours and he would be out of the hospital.

'I really should know better,' he growled to himself. Movement in the corner of his eyes brought his attention back to the present.

"You have three seconds," It was the only warning the red head gave as he took a step towards the bed.

Hotch looked around again, wondering if he could escape. Realizing that Mack would seriously spa…err…do that to him Hotch found his voice.

"I flew in the jet to get down here," The words were rushed but clear to understand. The younger man continued, "The pressure hurt my ears and my equilibrium was off. A machine was sending some high pitch whining noises that almost caused me to pass out."

The doctor tried his hardest not to glare at his patient, "Well that explains that. My advice it to have him stay the night so we can monitor him. I would say no flying for at least another two weeks."

"No," Hotch protested standing up and towering over the sitting doctor, "I'm not staying in this damn hospital! I'll sign the papers signing myself out."

"Give us a minute please," Mack intoned to the doctor who rushed out of the room before he lost his own temper.

The doctor clears everyone from the area of the room that held the two stubborn men. He didn't know what was going to happen but he knew that no one should be present for it.

(Poor) Hotch didn't have time to comprehend what had happened before he found himself spun around and tucked under an arm.

A strong hand met with backside with a stinging swat.

"No Mack," Hotch yelped as he tried to stand. Sadly for him, his 50 pound weight advantage made no difference to the man determined to make an impression on him.

"You had your warning. I told you, you were on the line but you decided to ignore me. This is what happens when you do." Mack swatted the backside a dozen times before stopping. "Are you done with your tantrum or do I need to keep going?"

""I'm done," Hotch answered instantly.

Mack pulled him up and gave him a stern look, "You are going to lie back in bed and do everything the doctor told you. If you step one toe out of line you will find yourself over my knee before you can say sorry. Don't think that just because I spank you now, you're going to get out of a spanking later for flying. Do you understand?"

"Mack…" Hotch started but stopped when his red headed friend raised an eyebrow, "I understand."

"Then do so immediately," Mack released his hold.

Hotch fairly flew onto the bed. He lay down and pulled the blankets up to his chin; his brown eyes watching the special ops man who was moving the only chair in the room from the side with windows to the side closest to the door. Though he'd just felt his big brother's strength it still shocked him to see Mack lift the recliner, a small one that still weighed enough, off the ground to move it.

Hotch bit his lower lip, wondering just how truthful Mack had been. Deciding he couldn't stand to wait any longer he finally spoke, "Mack?"

"What?" The answer was gruff.

"Are you…I mean…?" The agent let out what could only be described as a frustrated growl.

"Yes," Mack answered the unasked question. He looked up and into the eyes of the man he considered his little brother. "You knew what to expect if you flew before you were cleared. You decided to rebel. You get to pay the price."

"But Mack!" Hotch sat up in protest.

"I think you need a nap." Both knew it wasn't a suggestion. Realizing the Hotch wasn't about to lie down Mack raised an eyebrow, "Need help?"

Hotch's eyes went wide as he quickly lay down. 'This can't be happening,' Hotch thought to himself, 'it can't be happening.'

Of the two, Mack had always played the part of antagonizing older brother. Hell, when the two had first met they hadn't even liked each other! Even when they started to get along they fought. They played pranks on other people together and got in trouble together. That was their job…to cause trouble.

Jonas had always been the father figure; the one who handled all disciplinary matters. He was the one Hotch looked up to and tried to be like more often the not. It was Jonas, Hotch went to when he needed someone to tell him everything was ok.

To know Mack intended to punish him in a manner that only Jonas used…nope, he wasn't going to think about it. And with that Hotch finally fell into an uneasy sleep.

TBC...