Troubled Soul, a criminal minds fanfic

Author's Note: Just a short story to promote the Profiler Choice Awards. Check out the info at the end!

Troubled Soul

"Do we really have to talk about this now?" Reid asked, staring down at his plate of linguine. "This is supposed to be a romantic dinner."

Rossi sighed. "It is a romantic dinner. But we've been putting this conversation off for months now. I'm not getting any younger, Spencer."

Reid rolled his eyes. "You are still young and spry, my love."

"You never sound natural when you say that," Rossi grumbled. "And I may still be able to take you in bed, dear heart, but that's not the same as running after a toddler all day. My mind may be as sharp as ever, Spencer, but my body is not. And it could take awhile before the in vitro takes in JJ."

"I'm enjoying it just being the two of us," Reid muttered.

Rossi sat back in his chair, studying Reid close. "Have you changed your mind? Do you no longer want to have a baby with me?"

Reid glanced away. "I don't know."

"Oh," Rossi said, simply. "When were you going to tell me?"

"I couldn't. You're so excited about this; I just... I couldn't break your heart like that," Reid explained, quietly.

His hands shaking, Rossi wiped his mouth. "I see. So, would it have been better to break my heart in a few months, a few years? Would it have been better to break my heart when there was no chance of me having a child?"

Reid's bottom lip quivered. "I didn't want you to leave if I changed my mind."

"I wouldn't- I-" Rossi stood. "I thought the one thing that you would always be with me was honest. Clearly, I was wrong."

"Dave, wait!" Reid called out, causing Rossi to stop in the doorway, though he refused to turn around. "I should have told you that I was having second thoughts."

Rossi's reply was curt. "Yes, you should have."

Reid grabbed his shoulder. "Would you please look at me?"

"I'm not sure I can," Rossi replied. Though he turned around, he refused to look up. "This was your idea, you know. Before you brought it up, I was happy being 'Uncle Dave'. I didn't think I needed any children of my own, especially after what happened with James."

"I know. I do."

Rossi frowned, finally moving his gaze to Reid's face. He studied Reid, silently. "What is this really about, Spencer?"

Shaking his head, Reid grimaced. "What if I'm not a good father? What if I'm my father and leave you and our child?" He swallowed. "What if I'm my mother? Is it really fair for me to have a child?"

"Spencer," Rossi breathed out, his heart reaching out to his love. "You are not your parents anymore than I am mine. You won't run because I won't let you. And even if it turns out that you are... like your mother, I will be here for both of you."

"I know you will," Reid whispered.

Rossi tucked a piece of hair behind Reid's ear. "But if you really have changed your mind, we can discuss that, too. I am in this for the long haul."

Reid smiled as he nodded. With a few simple words, Rossi was able to sooth his troubled soul. "What do you think about Ana for a girl?"

END

NOMINATIONS HAVE STARTED FOR PROFILER'S CHOICE CRIMINAL MINDS FANFIC AWARDS! Calling all CM readers and authors! Join us for the annual Profiler's Choice CM Awards on! Help us choose the best of the best of the CM stories on, and let your voice be heard. Please check out the nomination ballot and rules at the ProfilerChoiceAwards2013 Forum. All rules and information are on the forum. Nominations are due October 31st. All entries with ten or more categories filled out are eligible to win one of two Amazon gift cards!