Inspiration comes from the strangest of sources, and this story is no exception. Back in 1996, I was bored and flipping thru cable stations when I came across a "soft porn" movie on HBO. It was about a couple trying to "set the mood" and create a baby. Of course, EVERYTHING that could go wrong did! It was actually a cute movie with a perfect ending. Flash forward 15 years, and I'm bored again - with nothing to watch - and this movie plays in my head! Automatically, I saw Dave and Em - the compartmentalizing, anal-retentive, fussy, by the book, planners that they are - doing everything they could to make sure that everything goes right. But someone forgot to call Murphy's Law and let him know. I changed it up but left the premise the same. I hope you enjoy.

I don't own Criminal Minds…but this could make an excellent episode!

Song prompt: (and the perfect prompt!) "In The Mood" by Chicago (originally done by Glenn Miller).

P.s. Sorry for the short chapter, but it sets the…um…well, the mood. Pardon the pun!

In The Mood

Making a baby was supposed to be easy…man sets the mood, woman gets in the mood, they create a mood…and nine months later a little bundle of joy arrives on their doorstep. Easier said than done.

Damn those 'How To' books, Dave Rossi muttered silently to himself as he snuggled under the thick blanket. The sound of clicking keyboards, telephones ringing, and voices shouting filled the spacious area outside the office where he sat. This definitely had to be his definition of hell. Letting out a sigh, he cursed himself. There was no way he could ever spin this for a novel…even he wasn't that good.

"Agent Rossi?" The desk sergeant inquired as he poked his head around the doorway. Dave looked up with a blank expression at the middle aged gentleman who wore a barely concealed smile but his eyes danced with humour. "I contacted Aaron Hotchner, per your request; he'll be here in half an hour."

Half an hour? Dave groused. He started to say something but when he glanced at Emily, he bit his tongue and remained silent. It wouldn't do any good to say what was on his mind and make the situation worse than it already was. Worse? Hell, Dave, your dog is in the pound, the house nearly burned down, and now you and Em are sitting in a police station waiting for your best friend to come and bail you out. How could it be any worse?

Looking at the pale faced woman beside him, tear tracks down her cheeks, Dave's heart constricted painfully. He covered her slight hand with his large one and held on to give her comfort.

"What is Hotch going to say?" Em whispered and wrapped the corners of her blanket tighter around her shoulders. "Worse, what is Strauss going to say?" Tears sparkled in her dark brown eyes and threatened to break loose. Dave struggled to come up with a witty response, but couldn't.

Good question… Dave closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the cool cinder block wall. How did I end up here, is the better question…