Disclaimer: I own nothing but the words. This is a story where only my warped mind takes me.

This is a short chapter, but I like it. Reviews are appreciated, but be nice.

Chapter 10

Erin could tell by the way Dave moved he'd done more than sit in a chair while at the BAU, she figured as long as he could move she wouldn't say anything. She was sure he would eventually tell her. Whatever it was, the team had been involved and they would each one lay down their life for the man beside her, so it must not be too bad and the smile on his ridiculously handsome face was worth everything. She hadn't seen that smile in weeks.

Dave sat in the passenger seat watching out the window. It had been a good afternoon; he needed to somehow thank Erin for giving in and taking him. He enjoyed his time at Quantico; he missed the camaraderie that he had with this team. He knew it would probably be a couple more weeks before he could even think about going back to work, but this day had given his moral a huge boost. Shifting, he felt the twinge of pain in his arm and chest. Somehow he would have to pretend everything was fine and work through it or tell Erin what he had done; he really didn't want to do that.

They entered the house through the garage, greeted by Mudgie, who had learned for now not to jump up on his master. Dave rubbed his ears, and then put down some food and fresh water. Erin watched, keeping a close eye out for any signs he may have done any damage to his chest, not seeing anything that alarmed her she headed to the other room, calling over her shoulder. "I'm going to put these files away, then change into more comfortable clothes. Think about what you might like for dinner."

Dave went into his den, taking a bottle of water with him. He pulled a pain pill out of his pocket, swallowing it before she came in, and then sat on the brown leather sofa. He reached for the remote, turned on the TV, flipped the channels several time, before leaving it on the news. It wasn't long before Erin came in, sat next to him, taking his hand in hers. "Any ideas what you'd like to have for dinner?" she asked.

"Something simple or we can order something delivered." Dave answered not taking his eyes off the screen, the report he was watching was a murder in Fairfax.

"I'll order something in a little while." She said leaning against him. "The kids would like to come and hangout for the weekend if you think you'll feel up to it."

"Sure, they don't bother me, I like having them here." Dave answered. It was quiet for a while, when he spoke again. "Thank you, Miele, thank you for getting me out of the house today. I know I don't make your life easy, but I do appreciate you. I value all that you do for me; I never want you to feel taken for granted. I love you with all that I am and all I will be." He leaned over and kissed her, slow and sweet.

Erin, loved kissing David Rossi, loved holding his hand, loved touching him and loved seeing this side of him. The side she wondered if anyone had ever seen. She knew he had been married 3 times, but he told her once she brought this side of him out. That age had something to do with it as well. He had mellowed with age. He'd become more aware of others feelings. She figured his BAU family had helped change him. She wondered if having her children around helped mellow him also.

The pair continued to make out like two teenagers, on a date. They weren't desperate, animalistic, all over each other kisses, but slow, erotic, sexy, sensual, playful kisses. Dave moved until he was lying on the couch with Erin in front of him. He kissed the back of her neck and she squirmed. When the news was over, to his surprise Erin found Sergeants 3 on the DVR, hitting the play button, she settled against him. He wrapped his arm around her pulling her closer. They watched the movie content just to be together. Unconsciously Dave began to draw lazy circles with his hand on her stomach, he wasn't even aware he'd slipped his hand under the hem of her shirt.

Erin didn't really care about the movie; The Rat Pack was his favorites. What she cared about was the man lying behind her. She loved the feel of Dave's touch; concentrating on the caress of his hand on her body. When realizing he wasn't aware of his movements, that made it that much better, sweeter. She closed her eyes and let the sensations wash over her. She gave a slight moan; it was so low she was sure he hadn't heard it. Moments like this made all the times she wanted to strangle him or walk away worth it. In times like this she knew he wasn't the same man she knew years ago, he had improved, mellowed with age and it made her feel special, beautiful, loved that he wanted her. He could have any woman he wanted, regardless of age and he wanted her. Times like this let her know he was there for the duration; he wasn't going to walk away when things got too much. Today, like so many others had proven that for both. They had fought, and compromised and still wanted to be together and they loved each other. In the past if they had fought like they had earlier one or both would have walked away. Erin Strauss loved David Rossi with all that she was. She wanted to be with him the rest of her life, and she knew he felt the same. He had told her, she could see it in his eyes when he looked at her, she could see it when he interacted with her children, and she could feel it when he touched her, especially in times like now. She was lost in thought when she was brought back to the here and now. Dave had fallen asleep; she could hear the slight snore as he rested his chin on top of her head. She smiled when she felt him move his hand from her abdomen to cup her breast. That's when she knew he was truly sleeping; Dave often in sleep rested his hand under her bosom. She looked at the clock, it was only 7:38 PM, not wanting to wake him, she pulled the throw off the back of the sofa, covered them both and drifted off herself.