A/N: Ugh I know, I probably shouldn't be starting another fanfic, no matter how long or short but I've had this idea for a while and needed to let it out.
IMPORTANT: This IS an AU that takes place somewhere in season 9 except Emily never left at the end of season 7 so there is no Blake (Though I did grow to love her but she's too hard to write for me), obviously Rossi's son James never died, instead Carolyn died after giving birth to him. Rossi still went on to marry Hayden (his second wife) but with James in the picture it went differently for them. They stayed married but still had Joy so Rossi was around from the beginning. The years of all that may be off, but I tried.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
James David Rossi didn't need a lot to make him happy. He didn't need things like money or fancy things. All he needed was the people he loved surrounding him with genuine smiles on their faces.
James sat on a chair on the backyard patio, a small smile on his lips as he watched his family.
His father David Rossi had his arm wrapped around his wife, Hayden Montgomery who was technically James' stepmother but he had called her mom for as long as he could remember. His father's first wife Carolyn was his biological mother, but she had died shortly after giving birth to him. Hayden and his father had got married when he was 4 years old, she was the only mother he's ever known. Though he had a habit of calling her mom out loud and to others, but she was always Hayden in his own head even though she was so much more.
Her own gaze was on the three beside them.
A woman who looked so much like Hayden was one of them. His halfsister Joy Struthers. He had rarely met any woman who was more beautiful than his younger sister. Though that may have been because he didn't have an interest in woman like that. Hayden always liked to joked about how he was 35 years old and hadn't started a family yet, but how Joy was only 28 and already had her own little family. He didn't mind so much, his little sister deserved it.
Next to Joy was her husband Shawn. James considered Shawn a good friend, he honestly thought there would be no better guy for his sister. Joy and Shawn were both bent over showing a little boy how to hold the light sparkler.
Their son Kai Struthers had turned 4 this year. A smile was rarely ever not on the little boy's face. James had always spoiled his nephew, no matter if he was there in person or on an assignment. James felt his smile grow as he watched his nephew squeal about how the sparkler colors reminded him of a police car, his latest obsession.
"Doing alright, son?" James blinked, not even noticing his dad had come up to him.
"I'm perfect."
Dave sighed. "I know that's not true. Anyone can see you're happy to be here, but you already feel it don't you?"
James didn't have to answer for his dad to have the answer to that question. If anyone knew how he felt about leaving the job, it was his dad. Even though James hadn't been doing it as long as his dad had before he retired for those few years.
"I shouldn't even feel like this, I still have my job. Just no more going out on assignments. I'll be sitting in the office with my team."
"You could always switch to the FBI." Dave joked.
James chuckled. "No thanks, I know you're not the biggest fan of the CIA but I like my agency just fine."
Honestly James wouldn't have minded changing agencies but he liked the team he was in. It was a childish reason to stay in the CIA just for the friends he had, but it wasn't like his job was terrible.
"How about you wait to decided till after you've met my team."
James looked at his dad with wide eyes, "What?"
His dad smirked. "I already cleared it for you to come visit and meet my team tomorrow."
"Cases!" James exclaimed. "Don't you have cases to do...paperwork to fill out...people to give profiles to?!"
James only got a laugh in response before his dad walked away.
He groaned.
James didn't have anything against his dad's team of profilers who were practically family to him, he hadn't even met any of them yet except for the team leader. But it had been years since he had last seen Aaron Hotchner. James' job kept him away from home almost constantly. While most of his team stayed at or around the office, James always volunteered to be the one sent on the far away assignments. Rarely being around meant he hadn't yet met the BAU family.
His dad had pictures scattered in the halls of the mansion of his team so he knew what each of them looked like, and listened to the stories he was told.
Aaron Hotchner, or Hotch as everyone called him, was the team leader. A guy who looked like he never laughed a day in his life and could murder you with one glare but was really a caring guy who was a big softie inside. James came to that conclusion himself after meeting him a couple of times when Hotch's son Jack was around.
Derek Morgan. The muscle, flirt, and playboy of the team. Or former playboy as James was told when his dad told him about Derek's girlfriend Savannah. He would do anything for the people he loved, and would not hesitate to risk his life for the members of his team.
Jennifer Jareau, or JJ as she liked to be called. The woman on the team who may look the most delicate but could knock you down on your ass in a second. James' dad had shown him pictures of her wedding that had happened in the backyard of the mansion, James always smiled whenever he looked at the picture of everyone gathered around smiling. Her son Henry was almost more adorable than Kai.
Emily Prentiss. A woman who James would hope he never made angry or got on the bad side of. She could probably murder him 50 ways with a paperclip. James had a feeling his own muscles wouldn't save him if he ever went against the dark haired woman. She knew multiple languages and had been on her own fair share of assignments during her Interpol days.
Penelope Garcia. Someone who could take you down with just her computer in seconds. James knew she was the light of the team, the one who kept things bright and happy no matter how bad of a case they were sent on. He also heard countless stories about the flirty platonic relationship she had with Derek, some of the things he heard them say to each other during work even made him blush.
Then there was Spencer Reid.
James was nervous about meeting the youngest member of the BAU team. He had taken notice of how much Spencer had grown as the years of pictures went by. At first James found him adorable like a puppy. But then his dad had shown him a picture of a party they had thrown for Spencer at the office for his 30th birthday. A wide grin was on his face as his teammates arms were thrown around him. James could swear he stopped breathing for a few seconds. Spencer Reid had grown up. James had been caught staring too long at the picture, his dad's eyes had watched him with a certain look. He didn't have to be a profiler to know his dad knew of his slight crush on the guy even though he'd never met him. His dad could go on forever with stories about Spencer. His smarts, how odd he was at times but endearing at the same time, and how his dad found him highly annoying the first time he met the young BAU member but had grown to think of him as a son.
James would just have to play the confident CIA Agent when he met the 32 year old genius.
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James was taken to Quantico early the next morning. His dad seemed excited about finally introducing him to his BAU family, James just tried to keep his nerves down. There was a chance they wouldn't like him afterall. And if they didn't well..things would be awkward.
"Are you sure about this?" James couldn't help but ask when they were on the elevator.
"Son, they're going to love you. Stop worrying." Dave said, his hand squeezing James' shoulder for support.
"I hope so." He mumbled under his breath.
When they finally reached their floor, his dad practically dragged him to the glass doors. Oh yeah...confident CIA Agent indeed.
James took in the quick glance he would get of the team before he was finally introduced. They were all crowded around one of the desks in the bullpen.
Hotch stood slightly more off to the side, his lips pulled up slightly with his arms crossed. His head was shaking as if the sight in front of him was humorous and ridiculous. Derek stood close to him, laughter shown on his face with a wide smile. JJ and Emily both leaned against the desk on opposite sides, grinning at Spencer that sat at the desk while Penelope was bouncing in her spot. They were all staring intently at something on the desk. James moved slightly to the side to see what it was.
Only to hear a pop noise and feel something hit his forehead.
James blinked. A black cylinder object was in front of his feet.
His dad bursting into laughter shook him out of his thoughts.
"What...in the hell was that?" James blinked. "And who said you could laugh old man?"
Dave snickered. "Your face."
"I...I-I'm so sorry!"
James gulped when he realized it was Spencer who talked.
"It's fine!" James said quickly, ignoring the look he got from his dad. James leaned down and picked up the black object. "But what in the hell was that?"
He tried to ignore the snickering the team was trying to hide...and failing at it. Even Hotch looked like he was trying not to laugh out loud.
"Uh...science magic?" Spencer said sheepishly.
James raised an eyebrow. "You do realize if that thing had enough force it could take someone's eye out?"
"Actually, technically it couldn't take a person's eye out. The object is too wide and-"
"Dear god Pretty Boy, let me have some coffee first before you go on a rant." Derek said with a laugh.
Spencer wrinkled his nose. "Then you should have grabbed some instead of coming right over here to see what I was doing."
"I was curious!"
"Curiosity killed the cat." JJ said with a grin.
"Oh hush you!" Derek said.
Hotch shook his head. "Well if you're all done arguing...It's nice to see you again, James. It's been a while."
James shook the hand Hotch offered him. "You too, Hotch. How's Jack?"
"Good, he asked about you a few weeks ago."
James couldn't help but grin. Jack was an adorable kid. This team must have damn good genes when it came to making cute kids.
James glanced over at the team to see them trying not to butt in and ask questions.
"Guys." Dave said, his hand landing on James shoulder. "This is my son, James Rossi."
"Oh my god! Mini Rossi!" Penelope squealed, James had to catch himself as the colorful woman jumped at him in a hug.
"Uh..hi." He laughed, looking at the team when she finally let him go. "My dad told me all about you guys."
"I hope it was all good." Derek said with a grin.
"Of course!" Dave gave Derek a look that had the man laughing and raising his hands.
"Penny, I don't think you could really call him a Mini Rossi…" Emily said with a snicker. James felt his cheeks turn color when he noticed all three girls staring at him. So he had some muscles, so what? He shifted uncomfortably. Usually he didn't care if girls stared at him, he didn't like them anyway. But these three girls weren't just some stranger or a target for a case.
"Can you all stop checking my son out?" Dave said, his eyebrow raised.
At least they looked a little sheepish about it.
"I'm a girl, so sue me." Emily said.
"Hey, I'm married." JJ said with her hands up in surrender.
"I always enjoy another stud muffin to stare at." Penelope said with a shrug. James tried not to laugh at how she didn't sound ashamed what so ever.
"Hey!" Derek said, pouting slightly at her.
"Aw don't worry my Chocolate Muffin, you're still my favorite to stare at."
James' eyes wandered over to Spencer who still sat in the chair, the younger man quickly averted his gaze. James bit his lip to keep from smiling when he noticed the redness of Spencer's cheeks. The genius was checking him out. An accomplishment indeed.
It was an hour later that found them all gathered in the conference room sitting at the round table. They had been getting to know each other a bit, but had avoided the subject of work until now.
"So, Rossi said you were with another agency but didn't tell us which one." Derek asked.
"CIA." James said simply.
"Really?" Penelope asked. "Why the CIA?"
James shrugged. "I was planning on joining the FBI like dad but I went to this lecture and the guy was an Agent. He made me interested so I checked it out, met some great people, and decided it was right for me."
"Why the long assignments?" Spencer asked, James noticed he really was generally interested. In him or the subject he didn't know but he was glad for it either way.
"I realized that I didn't like sitting in the office, I had to keep moving or I'd drive myself insane. I liked doing what I do, and although it pulled me away from my family, I wanted to do it for as long as I could."
Spencer looked confused. "So why stop?"
James was confused until he realized he was talking in past tense. "I miss home. I realized...it's time to settle down a bit. I'm still going to be an Agent and go on assignments, but no longer any out of state or country long term ones."
"Yup, my boy is sticking around." Dave said with a smile. James kicked his dad's leg when he noticed him giving Spencer a look as he said those words. Spencer cleared his throat.
Oh god his dad was embarrassing. He was a grown man, he didn't need his dad to set him up!
Then again, he hadn't had a relationship in years…
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Two weeks later was when James saw Spencer again. He was rushing towards the stairs of his new apartment building when he collided with someone.
"Oh fuc-" His words died when he saw who it was. How could he have not seen Spencer in front of him?
"James!" Spencer exclaimed in shock.
"What are you doing here?" He asked confused.
Spencer had the same look of confusion. "I live in the building, only right down the hall."
James gaped at him. "I live right down the hall!"
"Apartment 23."
"25." James laughed. "Looks like we're neighbors."
"When did you move in here?"
"Only about a week ago. Dad didn't tell me you lived in this building…"
Oh his dad was going to hear it.
"Though…" James said. "Maybe it was a good thing he didn't. I mean, I get to be neighbors with you afterall."
Spencer blushed. "Um...not sure why that'd be a good thing."
"I get to see you more." James winked at him. The younger boy blushed more.
Damn he was cute. Especially with his short hair messed up in different directions. He wondered if Spencer's hair was like that in the morning too…
"W-What's that look for?" Spencer asked.
"Nothing." James laughed it off.
"Weren't you rushing somewhere?"
"Oh! I was supposed to be meeting with my dad for dinner."
"Shouldn't you be going then?"
"What about you? Any plans." James asked. Spencer shook his head.
"How about I ask my dad for a rain check, and make us something?"
"W-Why would you-"
"I want to." James quickly said. "My dad was just going to sit and finish his next book today anyway, this will give him more time."
"If...if it's okay, I think I'd like that."
James tried not to grin at the breaks in Spencer's voice. He was nervous.
Not wasting any time, James took out his phone to text his dad.
Need a rain check on dinner, gonna stay in and cook instead.
It didn't take long for a response.
Good. I wasn't planning on showing up anyway.
James let out a noise of exasperation.
"What is it?" Spencer asked, looking slightly worried.
Just wait until we get to the gun range next week, I'm kicking your ass old man!
Funny. Have fun with Reid...just not TOO much fun.
James blushed. "Uh my dad never planned on coming to dinner anyway...he had a feeling i'd run into you…"
He watched as it took a few seconds for realization to form on Spencer's face.
Spencer cleared his throat. "Oh.."
Now that's none of your business.
James put his phone on silent and slipped it into his pocket. "Come on, I'll even make you a huge cup of coffee."
Spencer grinned, immediately racing towards his apartment.
"I see...more excited for the coffee than spending a night with me?" James teased.
Spencer blushed at his words. Instead of asking him to move away from the door that he was standing in front of, James leaned close to him to unlock the door. His face only inches away from Spencer's.
"The coffee's only an added bonus."
James' mouth opened a little in shock before he grinned.
"Are you flirting with me, Dr. Reid?"
Spencer only bit his lip in response. James barely held in a groan at the image of him biting his lip added to his blushing.
If only his co-workers could see how foreword their awkward genius could actually be.
Then again, he'd rather like to keep this Spencer all to himself.
James felt his heart beat faster when he noticed Spencer glance at his lips if only for a second.
This man would be the death of him.
A/N: Tell me if you guys want this to be continued.
Also, for any of you reading this who have read my fanfic Quantico Academy, I was thinking of writing more for it but I found myself disliking where I went with it so if I DO continue it, I'll make it like the pregnancy storyline was all just a dream. Unless enough of you want to keep it the way it is.
Let me know! :)
