David Rossi's Halloween Party

Disclaimer: Criminal Minds and all the Music I allude to in this story belong to their owners. None of which are me. I just typed up the story as the figments of the Criminal Minds creator/writers' imagination, aka the characters, dictated it to me. I make no money off of this. Heck I don't even get to spend any time with the actors who bring these characters to life and who wouldn't want to spend time with the men of the BAU's Alpha Team.

A/N: I will post the links to the websites I researched and the songs I allude to in this story at the end of the last part. At this moment, I only foresee two parts and the second part is mostly written, they just have to tell me the end. I would also like to thank a couple of my good friends who are non Criminal Minds watchers for talking me through some discussions on the Catholic Church. I am not Catholic and I had started this story just before Halloween but a few days after Thanksgiving, I was sitting at work and working on this on my lunch and went, wait will a Priest be allowed to do what I want him to do due to not all the characters being Catholic. This led me to research the subject on-line and I spent the better part of my lunch doing that. It was a good thing I had brought lunch that day as I could take my time and just explore the subject. Even though, I was fascinated with what I learned could not be done, the characters insisted what they had hinted to me happened, had indeed happened the way they said it did, and since there seemed to be some parts of my research that said discretion could be used under certain circumstances, I decided to consult a couple of my Catholic friends and get their opinions on the ideal. I want to state once again, I am not of the Catholic faith, and follow that up by it is not and was not my intention to offend anyone who is with this story or any parts of it. David Rossi told me before I even got to that part to write it down, that he is Catholic and that one of his oldest and dearest friends is the Priest, Father Jimmy, so there is no one else he would want to ask to help him out in this situation. So I know some of part two may seem like it wouldn't be possible in the Catholic Church, but under these circumstances, I can see them happening. Also remember this is fan fic not the real life so I ask your indulgence when I take a little Literary License. I don't want to give too much of the story away so I will address the issue more at the end of part two. Thanks again to Redcat and Rangeramps for your invaluable listening ear and advice on this story and all the things you have listened to me ramble about over these many years we have been friends.

Visit the Strauss/Rossi Forum, You Give Me Fever You Give Me Fever: forum/You-Give-Me-Fever/120042/ . Feel free to adopt, take over and/or use any of the plot bunnies or add your own you would like to see someone write.

Part One: Halloween

So JJ, what is my Godson going to be for Halloween this year? Reid asked as most of Alpha team sat around the Bull Pen waiting for Hotch to get off his conference call so they could decide where they were going for drinks that night. It was a Friday night about two weeks before Halloween and they didn't have to work tomorrow so they decided to go out and have a good time relaxing after a week of non-stop paperwork.

Halloween was Reid's favorite holiday and he wanted to know what their plans were so he could spend some time with his Godson if they were not on a case.

Things have been so crazy with work for both Will and I that we haven't had a chance to pick out anything yet Spence, but we promised Henry that we would go Sunday before we have an afternoon picnic.

Are you taking him trick or treating, Prentiss asked?

"Of course". "His preschool has been making decorations and talking about it all month. So, he is super excited".

"Ooh make sure you take lots of pictures of my little Sugar Dumpling," Garcia chimed in.

"Will do PG"

"I can't believe you let your kid go to the houses of strangers trick or treating with all that we see" Morgan threw in.

"Are you still creeped out by the holiday Hot Stuff"

"I for one agree with Morgan" said Rossi, who had heard the conversation and he walked up to the group.

"As much as I want to guys, I can't wrap him up in cotton-wool, and besides he is only going to the houses of our neighbors, most of which we know, and Will and I both will be with him.

By this time Hotch had finished his call and had come down to the Bull Pen and he added his two cents, "I take Jack every year I am home. Jessica takes him if we are away on a case. With all we see on a daily basis, it can be easy to never let them out of the house but it is not fair to make them a virtual prisoner in their own home. Besides they need to get out and interact socially to build the important skills that will prevent them from turning into the type of person we want to protect them from".

Well lucky for you, there is no need to worry about that this year because you are all invited to a Halloween Party at my house.

His team all looked at him like he had grown another head.

"Say what?" asked Morgan

"Um Rossi, did you forget, you HATE Halloween" Prentiss said.

"Nope". "I was already convinced to throw the party and since I was planning on inviting you anyway - this seems to be the perfect solution".

"Rossi?" "How on earth did someone convince you to throw a Halloween party?" Reid inquired.

"Yeah I'd like to know that one myself", smirked Hotch.

"You're not old enough to hear about it" Rossi retorted to Reid. You mind your own business, He mock glared at Hotch.

Halloween night approached and the BAU members all left work on time that evening to get ready for the evening at Dave's home. Those who had kids were glad to be in town to share the holiday with them. Henry LaMontagne was in his ELMO phase still so JJ had found him a costume and dressed him as the red furry creature. Jack Hotchner was into the Avengers series and Hotch had him decked out as Iron Man. Halloween was on a Friday night this year and the BAU had the next day off so Dave had invited everyone to spend the night so the adults could party after the little ones went to sleep. One of Dave's stipulations was that the adults had to come in costume also (but bring a nice dressy outfit for the adult party). JJ chose to be little Red Riding Hood so Will chose to match her by going as the Big Bad Wolf. Hotch and Emily were now seeing each other so Emily convinced him to dress up as the Fonz. She dressed as Superwoman.

Across town, Derek and Penelope were adorning themselves with the outfits Penelope had chosen for them. Every since Penelope had discovered that Derek's mother Fran was part Scottish, she had been teasing him about wanting to peek and see what a real Scotsman wore under his kilt. For Halloween Penelope had chosen him a sexy Scotsman outfit. Morgan had groaned and grumbled at first as he knew the guys were going to give him grief for wearing a 'skirt' but Penelope used her special negotiation skills (it involved some warm massage oil, some ice cubes and a certain part of his lower anatomy) and Derek agreed to the outfit. She took pity on him since it was rather cool this evening and let him wear a pair of black pants under the Kilt. Since Garcia is once again a red head, she decides Rose Red would be the perfect character for her to dress up as.

Spenser Reid loved Halloween. In fact it was his favorite holiday. He looked at his girlfriend and realized how lucky he was to have found a kindred spirit. No, Halloween wasn't Jordan's favorite holiday, Christmas was actually, but that didn't mean she didn't get into the spirit of Halloween as much as Reid did. In fact she seemed to love the holiday even more as it was his favorite. Reid was going as Clark Gable and Jordan as Cleopatra. They had debated on a lot of costumes, including him going as Edward , and King Kong but being an old film buff decided to go with Clark who narrowly beat out Cary Grant from the movie I was a Male War Bride.

Everyone had agreed to meet at Rossi's at 7:00pm so they all pulled up about the same time. After hugs and kisses were shared and costumes admired, the group proceeded to the front door and Hotch picked Jack up so he could ring the bell. Little Henry was in awe looking around at all the decorations he saw on Uncle Dave's front lawn. The door opened and they were greeted by Prince Charming, normally known to them as David Rossi. Welcome to my Enchanted Castle he stated with a courtly bow. Please come in. How lovely you ladies and Gentlemen look tonight. When they were all in the foyer, Rossi closed the door, took everyone's coats and hung them on the coat rack by the door. Once this was accomplished, he ushered them to the back of his mansion where they came upon his Cinderella, handing out candy. To say the group of profilers were shocked to see their normally no nonsense Section Chief, not only dressed in costume but warmly smiling at them, was an understatement. David who was at the front of the group, walked up to Erin, kissed her on the cheek, stood by her side and upon seeing the look of surprise on his teammates faces, quipped, well what kind of Happily Ever After would it be if the Prince didn't have his princess to share it with. His words and the way Erin's face lit up had the women "aaaaaahhhhhhhhing". Jack and Henry were more interested in the Candy Dish that she was holding than the adult mush so Jack took Henry's hand and they went up and they said "Trick or Treat".

Strauss bent down and said, "Hello Jack, Henry. Aren't you two the cutest", while gently pinching their cheek.

"Hi both boys responded and thanked her with hugs after she generously filled their candy buckets. She hugged them back, bent down and whispered that Uncle Dave had a special surprise for them in the backyard but they could only have it if they had been good. Both boys hurriedly assured her they had been on their best behavior and looked to their parents for back up. Everyone laughed at the Ernest and Pleading looks the two littlest members of the BAU family were giving their parents. Hotch turned his head slightly and winked at JJ and Will and then pretended to think about it. Henry's parents caught on and did the same. They only kept it up for a few seconds as they saw the looks on the boys' faces and knew how bad they wanted the surprise and answered with an affirmation of the boys good behavior.

"Cruel guys, just cruel" Dave said as gave them a mock glare. Everyone Greeted Strauss, who playfully said, it appears Auntie Erin is going to have to tell Santa to bring your mommy and daddies a lump of coal for being naughty. She took both young boys hands and told them to close their eyes as she led them out the back door.

Once everyone was outside, Rossi told Jack and Henry they could open their eyes. As soon as they did, the boys eyes got big as saucers. Everyone's mouths were hanging open. David Rossi had created a Halloween Carnival in his backyard. I can't believe you did all this, enthused Penelope. Way cool stated, Morgan. This is totally awesome was Reid and Jordan's response. JJ and Will just shook their heads and Hotch quipped, nice of you not to go overboard, Dave. Emily asked him if he could adopt her.

The boys had already run off to the Bounce house. Jack helped Henry off with his socks and shoes and they joined the few kids that were already in there.

Rossi said, "Before the big kids run off and play, There is plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages on the tables to the left, we will bring out the adult beverages after the kids are all asleep and their friends have gone home, don't worry the pool is covered and I hired a guard to make sure no one goes near it, as you can see I fenced in this whole area for the evening so none of the kids can get out of the yard and my housekeeper and her husband are handing out candy at the front door so they will make sure none of the kids accidentally wander out that way, so just relax and enjoy yourselves.

"This is great Dave, thanks for inviting us again" said JJ.

"Yeah, I always knew you were the best but I had no ideal," said Jordan giving him a hug before she took Reid's hand and proceeded to the shooting gallery listening as Spenser promised to win her a teddy bear.

"You Rock Rossi", Garcia gushed grabbing Derek's hand as she mentally planned what they would do first.

"Speaking of Kids, Rossi, where did all these kids come from? Morgan questioned him as it was about 20 other kids there besides, Jack and Henry.

Rossi who had been holding Strauss' hand, brought it to his mouth and kissed it before answering with a shrug, "Neither Erin nor I felt too comfortable with her kids going trick or treating, with all we see at work, but we didn't want to deprive the kids of having fun due to our hang-ups, so we decided to host a Halloween party for them at home and let them each invite five friends along with their two cousins that live in the area".

"And this was his ideal of a 'little' party" Strauss joked.

"Only the best for those I care about, dear" Rossi teased her as he brought his lips to hers in a stolen kiss.

Strauss was blushing but the rest of the group pretended not to notice as they wandered away to enjoy the midway games. Since Jack and Henry were younger than the Strauss children and their friends, Dave had special games and rides just for the two young boys.

Strauss and Rossi strolled around the grounds holding hands and enjoying watching their friends and the children have a good time. David won her a light blue teddy bear and playfully grumbled that it better not take up his side of the bed as he already has to fight his dog for it when the kids spend the night away from home. She reached up and bussed him on the lips telling him the bear he won is cute but she prefers to snuggle up with her human teddy bear as she squeezed his side. They rode a few rides and grabbed a bite to eat. He fed her a Foot long Corn Dog and whispered naughty comments to her about other things he liked to watch go into her mouth. She laughed and lightly smacked his arm, admonishing him that there were children present, but he would just retort that there were none within hearing distance and continued to make her blush. She was thanking him again for doing this for her and her kids when JJ and Hotch walked up with their two sleepy little boys asking Dave what bedrooms he had set up for them for the night. Dave looked to his lover as she had taken care of all the room assignments for the night. She spoke up and told them that Rossi had redecorated several of the rooms and the third door on the left as the came up the stair now contained two Race-car beds for the boys when the team stayed over. "Why don't I just walk you up their and I can show you what rooms we assigned to each of you. As the small group made their way in the house and up the stairs she told them that clean towels and wash clothes had been sat out on everyone's beds and reminded them where the linen closet was if they needed more. "There's scented kids bubble bath in the bathroom, I asked David and he told me that neither boy had any allergies that he knew of so I hope that is okay and for the adults there are an array of bath products, deodorants and shampoos so feel free to help yourself to anything you see. Oh and if anyone forgot a toothbrush, just look in the top right drawer of the vanity cabinet and you will find some brand new ones, along with toothpaste. Should you need anything else, just ask either David, myself or Mrs. Goodson the housekeeper. There are a few books with bedtime stories on the shelf with books I used to read to my kids when they were younger in case you forgot to bring a good night story to read to the boys. After making sure they had everything they needed, Strauss left them to get the boys ready for bed and headed down the stairs. She had almost asked them if they needed any help getting the boys ready for bed, but stopped herself as they were starting to warm up to her, but the bridge of friendship hadn't been fully crossed yet. Erin was just grateful that they had given her a chance. His team meant a lot to David, they truly were a family to him. Seeing them happy made him happy and Erin Strauss knew one thing for sure, she loved David Rossi enough to do almost anything to make him happy.

Descending the stairs, Strauss noticed that her children's friends were starting to get picked up by their parents. She made her way over to the door and took her place next to David, thanking the parents for letting their kids come. It was now 10:00 and the only people left at the house were Rossi, Strauss, her kids and the Team. The Strauss kids were still wired even though it was past the normal 9:30 bedtime for the two youngest of the three. Erin told them in her no nonsense mother voice that they had 20 minutes to shower dress and get into bed before she came up to tuck them in. She then softened her tone and said that if they go to bed like they were told, she would let them stay up until 10pm for family movie night tomorrow. The promise of getting to stay up late two nights in a row had them scampering up the stairs quickly.

While Erin and Dave were inside saying goodbye to the last of the kids, The other BAU members had broken out the beer and were sitting round discussing the interesting things they had learned about those two tonight. In other words, they were gossiping. Not that any of the guys would admit to that. Rossi walked out overhearing the conversation and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. Thanks for coming to night. I hope everyone had a great time so far. There is actually more to come.

Listen guys, there is plenty of beer and later on I will be bringing out the wine, liquor and Champagne along with a midnight supper. I just ask everyone to limit it to one beer until after the midnight festivities as I have something very special planned and I would like you all to be awake and sober to experience it with me. Sorry to be a bad host but I have to let Muggi out of the basement and take him for his nightly walk and Erin is busy upstairs tucking her kids in. And as I can tell you are wondering from the conversation I walked in on, yes Erin and her kids live here now. We were finally able to convince the judge that living with us was in the kids' best interest. It also didn't hurt that the kids state a preference to living with their mother and the judge found out about their father and his soon to be ex-wife trying to brainwash the kids into saying awful, untrue things about Erin. She got custody three months ago. Since she had already sold the condo she bought after the judge ordered the family home sold and the proceeds split between her and her ex during the divorce, she was thinking about moving out and buying a place for her and the kids, but there was no way I was going to let her go now that I had finally gotten her to agree to live with me so I let her know that our home was big enough and had enough love to raise her kids in and that we could be one big happy family. It takes some compromise as the kids only knew me as their mothers companion for about 6 months before she got custody and as you know I have never lived with children, but I tell you guys despite the give and take and yes sometimes the headaches, it is worth it. They are great kids and they bring me so much joy.

Dave had started to get a little misty eyed during his speech and the women were all wiping tears from their eyes. The guys were all touched too, even though they were trying to hide it. Everyone told Rossi how happy they were for him and reassured him that 'no secrets' would leave the family. Rossi left to walk his dog after telling everyone that they were more than welcome to adjourn to the den to continue the party and not to worry about clean up as the catering company would take care of it and the rest would be handles by the clean up crew that would come in the morning along with the people who would dismantle the rides. It was getting a little nippy in the air so the group made their way into the den. It doubled as a library so those who didn't want to watch tv could always find something to read in Dave's eclectic collection of books. Everyone got comfortable while Garcia popped in the DVD that they had agreed on. Dave might not be a technophile but he loved his creature comforts and therefore had the latest in audiovisual equipment in his home theaters. He had a matching system in the family room next door and in all of the bedrooms. Strauss came in shortly after the movie started with two small bowls of popcorn and pretzels. She told everyone that if they needed more she would make it but she wanted everyone to save room for the light midnight supper that had been prepared.

After walking the dog, Dave brought him upstairs and waited to see which of the children's rooms he chose to sleep in that night. Every since the kids moved in, Muggi would through some system known only to him rotate the nights in which he spent in each child's bedroom by going up to the door and scratching the door and whining if the door wasn't open so he could just nudge his way in. He would occasionally choose to sleep in the room with David and Erin but most of the time he chose one of the kids. After Muggi got settled for the night, Dave showered and made his way down to the family room to make sure everything was set up as planned. He then walked into the den and after getting everyone's attention he stated "Remember how I asked everyone to bring a nice outfit for the adult party as I had planned something special, well after I reveal to you what the plan is, I am going to need everyone to go upstairs and quickly, into those outfits.

As you know, due to the frat rules at work, Erin and I can't get legally married and work together. Technically the relationship we have now is playing fast and dangerous with the rules but we love each other and this is not a fling. We have decided that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. By this time David had walked over to Erin and took her hand, helping her up, so she could stand beside him. "We would ask you to go up stair and change out of your costumes and rejoin us downstairs at midnight in the family room for a Commitment Ceremony. Now I know that their are other couples in this room who are in the same position we are and so we invite you, should you feel the same desire to spend the rest of you life with your partner as I do mine, to join in the ceremony by making your own commitment to each other".

Erin took over the conversation, "Since we can't wear wedding rings Dave and I decided to do commitment rings, to be worn on our right ring finger. Should you choose to participate, in the ceremony as a couple tonight, then you can be measured for a personalized ring also. To keep suspicions down at work, we designed the ring to look like the rings that you received a memo at work about the whole BAU getting, starting with Alpha team, as the prototype group, to create a greater sense of solidarity and fraternity. The rings will be 14K gold and will have the inscription: Commitment and Fidelity in between two hearts. To everyone else, the rings will be a sign of loyalty to the Bureau but to those of us who choose to commit ourselves to each other tonight; our rings will have a double meaning. Those of us who choose to pledge ourselves tonight will get our rings in about two weeks as it will take the Jeweler who measures your fingers tonight that long to get them ready. Also ladies, you can, if you would like to, have your initials, well what they would be if you were legally marrying your mate, inscribed in tiny print on the inside of the ring. Since my middle name is Michelle and David's last name is Rossi, my ring with have a tiny E.M.R inscribed inside".

David took back over. "It will be midnight soon and I promised Father Jimmy that he could be on his way home to bed no later than12:30 so please everyone go change and think about if you want to take this step. Jen and Will, I know you guys are already legally married but feel free to participate if you want to". Everyone but Dave went upstairs to get ready. He double checked the preparations; including the two voice-activated camcorders and let the priest in when the doorbell rang.