Series 11 One-shots: Future Perfect

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the ideas

We are waiting for episodes to start showing over here in the UK again – not sure when it will start again. So this is the last update until we get some more. So please no spoilers for what is to come, as I will just have to wait and see.

I will update as soon as I can see another episode.

Before anyone picks me up on it there is no mention of Elle Greenaway in this as I am not aware that Rossi and Elle would ever have met. This will make sense soon – I hope.

Enjoy.

. . .

Prompt

Rossi: Dear Diary, Just when I thought I'd heard it all. . .

. . .

Sat in the warmth of his Little Creek cabin, David Rossi felt fully satisfied. The short break away from the realities of his working world was just what he needed. He would be able to face the manic world they lived in tomorrow. Sometimes he just needed to escape the mania and recharge his sanity. You couldn't do this job for as long has he had without it taking its toll.

As he sat watching the flickering flames of the fire he began to wonder what the limit to all of this was. It had been obvious that Gideon had met his limit, walking out and seeming to leave it all behind, though now they all knew he had continued to let the life they had shared eat away at him until it was literally the death of him.

Others had been wise to see that the BAU was not the place for them. Agent Todd had been quick to crack under the pressure. Seaver had given it her best shot but it was not for her either. More recently Blake had stepped away, having returned to prove herself once more, which she had more than done in his eyes. He wasn't willing to rule out the return of Callahan at some point, though there was no telling the impact the kidnapping would have on her and her family long term and they had to come first. He knew Lewis was struggling, juggling duel roles, he had to wonder which would give in the end.

Of course there were many more over the years that he had seen come and go. After all he was the only 'Founding Father of the BAU' left traipsing the Quantico corridors. His lips twitched from smiles to grimaces and back again as he recalled the fate of those he had worked alongside over the years. Sadly he wiped a solitary tear as he took a moment to remember Erin and all she had meant to him. She had changed so much, it was heart breaking to recall her fate.

He sipped the slug of whiskey he held in his hand as a sly smile graced his face. Emily Prentiss. Well no one could accuse her of taking the easy route out. Add to that the effort she had put into returning to the team, such a shame things just couldn't be the same after the deceit and lies. It wasn't that they hadn't understood why, it was more the concern that it was possible. Once bitten twice shy and all that. He sent a silent toast her way, wishing her well in the murky world she now frequented.

Dave knew he could retire, once more, without shame or embarrassment. He had more than done his time. Not that he intended on taking that route anytime soon. In all honestly he knew he should be the next one to go – but would it be him?

Getting up from the comfort of his armchair, Dave made his way over to the open bottle, refilling his glass. He wasn't ready for bed and was enjoying the company of his canine companion. It was aiding his calmness even more.

Returning to his fireside seat, Dave settled down, having brought the bottle back with him, he felt he might be in for a long night. He was content and right now that was all that mattered. Creature comforts, all a man of his maturity needed. Letting a foot rest against Mudgie, slowly ruffling his flat chocolate fur, Dave let his mind wonder once more to the team he cares so much about.

Aaron Hotchner had come a long way since they had first met, not that it was any surprise to Dave, he always knew the man was destined for the top, he could have easily stepped into Erin's shoes should he have so wished. Though there were days that Dave wondered how their Unit Chief was still with them. He had taken more than his fair share of batterings over the years, physically and mentally. It was amazing that he wasn't sectioned when you think about it. Yet he seemed to be stronger then ever. All that and still be a brilliant Dad to young Jack. The boy adored his father, and why wouldn't he?

He had Derek, albeit loved up now, who was equally as strong and constantly in his superiors shadow ready to support as necessary. The younger man had come a long way over the years. He was older and wiser, though still as headstrong as ever. Derek wore his heart on his sleeve. He wouldn't easily admit it but he was ruled by his emotions, but that made him good at what he did. It would be interesting to see how things panned out once Derek settled down and had a family of his own to defend.

Of course he couldn't forget the genius that is Dr Spencer Reid. Dave openly admitted he liked the lad, what was there not to like? The boy done good, Gideon had obviously been able to see past the stereotypical sweater vests and awkwardness. Though not as physically strong as his alpha male colleagues Reid was stronger mentally then many gave him credit for. He had to be to or he wouldn't still be with them. He rolled with every punch that life hit him with and came back ready to do it all again. Add to all of that the guilt and responsibility he felt for his mother and it was amazing the kid was still standing. Dave respected him for all he did.

Then there was JJ, media expert, profiler, mother and wife. Dave's mind boggled at how she managed to juggle all of that and find a balance. She was back from maternity leave, looking fabulous and fighting fit when many people would be on their knees begging for a good night's sleep. He wished he had half her stamina. Dave openly admitted he had never managed to balance being a husband and an Agent, yet she made all of this look so easy.

Lastly there was his own tech kitten, the girl was a genius in her own right. The one and only Penelope Garcia, no one compared to her. Right now she was the one he worried about the most. She was under immense pressure and they didn't seem to be getting any closer to solving the problem for her. He hated the thought of her all alone hidden in the offices, though it was better then her being hidden away with strangers, which was the only option Witness Protection could give. Penelope needed them all, right now, more than ever. It was the least they could do. After all she would be there for them, doing whatever was in her power to keep them safe. And not just them, their family too. She would ensure that no harm came to any of them. She was an amazing woman, the last person you would expect to find in the FBI, other then Reid of course.

Placing his empty glass down, Dave contemplated getting up and making his way to bed, but it would be a waste of a roaring fire. So instead he pulled a blanket over himself and settled in for the night. He'd regret it in the morning, he wasn't as young as he use to be, but it would be worth it.

Then tomorrow would be a fresh start. A chance to make a difference all over again. He wasn't ready to call it a day yet. His time hadn't come, even if it was hard to believe that he hadn't seen it all by now.

. . .

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

Martin Luther King, Jr.