Chapter 7

Penelope stands nervously in the bullpen surrounded by her friends, and as much as she loves them, she really just wants them to shut up and go away. This was the first case since she and Dave had begun dating. All she wants is to lay her eyes, and maybe, her hands on him to ensure that he is okay. It really sucks that Strauss had called him immediately to her office.

She hears the elevator door open. Her eyes eagerly search for him. The glass door opens and Chief Strauss strides through the door with a determined look on her face. Penelope looks behind Strauss, but no one follows her through the door.

Strauss stops at the edge of the little group gathered in the bullpen. "Miss Garcia, please come with me to SSA Hotchners' office."

Without waiting for acknowledgement, Strauss spins on her heel and heads towards the senior agent's office.

Eyes wide, Penelope follows at a slower pace, walking through her now silent friends, she locks eyes with Derek.

"Find David," she whispers.

The team members exchange worried looks. Derek pulls out his phone and dials Dave's number.

Penelope enters the room to find Hotch standing behind his desk and Strauss standing stiffly in front of it.

"Close the door and have a seat," Strauss orders with little warmth in her voice.

"What's going on," Hotch asks.

"Let's all sit," Strauss deflects. She sits in one chair, Penelope gently lowers herself into the other chair as Hotch remains standing behind his desk.

"Am I in trouble," Penelope asks softly.

Strauss looks at her. "Not at all," Strauss says, her features softening slightly. She glances at Hotch and back to Penelope. "What I am about to tell you both is strictly need to know, and no one needs to know except the three of us at this time. Is that understood?"

Penelope nods.

"Yes, ma'am," Hotch agrees.

"A complaint has been filed against Agent Rossi," Strauss begins.

"What kind of complaint," Hotch frowns.

"Harassment," Strauss states. She looks at Penelope. "Sexual harassment."

"What," Penelope gasps.

"Excuse me," Hotch interjects. He steps around to the front of his desk, leans on the edge and crosses his arms. "Who's the complainant."

Strauss purses her lips. "It was made anonymously."

"I don't understand," Penelope cuts in. "Why am I here?"

"You are listed as the victim," Strauss says succinctly.

Penelope looks at her in shock. Slowly, her features change to understanding and then anger. "Kevin," she growls.

"We don't know that," Strauss denies shaking her head back and forth.

"David Rossi is not harassing me in any way, shape or form. I can assure you of that," Penelope tells the older woman.

Strauss sighs. "An investigation has been started. Agent Rossi has been suspended and warned that he is not to contact you. I expect you to let myself or Agent Hotchner know immediately if he tries to contact you. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am," Penelope replies automatically.

"Chief Strauss, I assure you, this is just a misunderstanding. Nothing out of the rules of the FBI has happened," Hotch says in defense of his friends and co-workers. "I've been aware of their relationship from the beginning and have kept a close eye on it."

"Thank you," Strauss says reluctantly. "I'm certain that everything will be straightened out at the end of the investigation. In the meantime, Agent Hotchner, your team will be shorthanded for a while."

She stands and looks down at the top of Penelope's head until the younger woman looks up. "You should take this time to re-evaluate your relationship with Agent Rossi. Take it from someone who has been there, it's better to break it off now than to wait and get hurt later."

Strauss heads for the door. It pops open and Dave strides in.

"Agent Rossi!"

"Dave!"

"David," Penelope squeals. She jumps out of the chair and into the arms of her would-be lover. Dave wraps his arms around her and kisses her.

"Agent Rossi," Strauss growls again.

Hotch watches with a hint of a smile on his face. Dave breaks the kiss and pulls back to look at Penelope.

"I'm sorry," he says. "Am I harassing you?"

She giggles. "Not at all." She snuggles into his arms.

"How did you get up here," Strauss demands.

"I have my ways," Dave tells her. "You didn't really think I was going to slink away and let you ruin my career, did you Erin?"

"No one is trying to ruin your career, David. Except you. This is grounds for termination."

He raises an eyebrow at her. "Try it," he challenges her.

"Dave," Hotch says warningly.

Dave ignores the younger man. "You know as well as everyone else that these accusations are not true. You, better than anyone else, know that I am not that kind of man."

Dave and Erin glare at each other for several seconds. She blinks first. Her eyes drop to take in the way Dave and Penelope are wrapped around each other.

"Is this the way the two of normally act at work," she asks with less snark in her voice.

"No," Dave replies. "But it's the first time we've seen each other after being apart for the first time since we began dating."

"So, you haven't been together for very long," Strauss muses.

Dave shakes his head.

Strauss looks directly at Penelope. "It was my understanding, that you were dating technical analyst Kevin Lynch. When did you break up?"

"Officially? Last Saturday," Penelope answers. "However, I think we mentally broke up a long time ago."

"I see," Strauss nods. "And you think Mr. Lynch is responsible for these accusations?"

"Yes ma'am," Penelope nods. "In fact, I'd bet my Hello Kitty collection on it."

"That won't be necessary," Strauss says. "David, I'd still like to know why you are here. I told you to leave."

"I have a right to face my accuser," Dave replies.

"What does that mean," Strauss asks.

"Dave, what did you do," Hotch asks reluctantly.

"You'll see," he replies. He steps out of the embrace with Penelope. "I could use some coffee."

Dave exits the room. Penelope stares at the door. Strauss stares at Penelope and Hotch stares out the window into the bullpen.

"Oh my God," Hotch swears. He rushes for the door. Penelope and Strauss follow him.

Dave stands next to Emily's desk as Kevin walks into the bullpen. Kevin scans the room, he freezes when his eyes land on David Rossi.

"What are you doing here," Kevin asks unsteadily.

"Waiting to talk to you," Dave replies. He takes a few steps towards the younger man. Hotch, Penelope and Strauss watch from the raised walkway. The team watches from their desks.

"Me? Why would you want to talk to me," Kevin says.

"Oh, I think you know what, or should I say who, I want to talk about," Dave smiles.

Kevin swallows hard. "Fine. Let's talk."

"Say your piece," Dave prompts.

"Let's go to your office," Kevin suggests.

Dave shakes his head. "No, we're going to say this in front of witnesses. You have a problem with me, so spit it out."

Kevin looks past Dave for the first time and spies Penelope. His face softens for a moment, he gathers himself. He looks back at Dave and sneers. "Yeah, I have a problem with you. My life was great. I have a good job and a girlfriend who loves me. Well, she used to love me. Then you came along and poked your nose where it shouldn't be and ruined everything! Penelope is my girlfriend. I love her, and I want her back."

"And you're willing to lie to get her back," Dave asks.

"I don't have to lie to get her back," Kevin snarls. He stomps over to stand toe to toe with Dave. "I just have to show her what a womanizing jerk you are. You don't love her. You're just trying to fuck her and then you'll throw her away. Well, I'm not going to let that happen."

Penelope moves down the stairs, her eyes focused on the two men. She stops next to JJ and Emily. JJ wraps an arm around Penelope's waist.

"You know nothing about how I feel or what I want," Dave states quietly. "If you were a man, I never would have been able to take her from you. If you need to blame someone for your situation, blame yourself."

The two men glare at each other. Kevin, bright red with beads of sweat dripping down his face, balls his hands into fists. Dave stands relaxed, hands open, face calm; he is in total control of himself.

Dave continues. "If you spent more time courting Penelope and less time living in your fantasy world your life would be a lot different."

"Stop blaming this on me," Kevin shouted. He pokes a finger into Dave's chest. "This is your fault! You caused all of this."

Dave chuckles and shakes his head again. "You have no idea what you are doing. Filing a sexual harassment case against me has backfired. I'm sure you thought that Penelope would come running into your arms. Penelope is going home with me tonight and in a few hours, you'll just be a forgotten memory."

Kevin gasps. He looks over at Penelope then back at Dave. "You son of a bitch, I hate you!"

Kevin swings his fist at Dave. The older man ducks and sidesteps him. Morgan begins to rise from his chair. Kevin takes another swing; this time Dave grabs his arm twists it and spins the younger man around and to the floor. Dave holds Kevin down.

"Damn," Morgan swears. "If I knew you could do that, I would have let you take down more unsubs."

"That's all you," Dave assures his friend. "I'm a lover, not a fighter."

Dave glances over his shoulder at Penelope and winks.

Kevin tries to squirm free. Dave applies some pressure. Kevin screams.

"That's enough," Strauss cuts in. She steps down from the platform. "Agent Rossi let the man up."

Dave releases Kevin, giving him one last shove before rising to his feet. Kevin stands up slowly. He rubs his shoulder and glares at Dave.

"Don't even think about it," Strauss warns. "You're in enough trouble as it is."

Kevin blinks. His eyes focus on Strauss. He glances at the other agents as if seeing them for the first time. "Ma'am?"

Strauss gives him her patented glare. "Filing a false report is just one thing we'll be dealing with, attempted assault on a federal officer is another."

Kevin pales. He looks at Penelope. "Penny, please…"

Penelope looks at him. She shakes her head slowly back and forth. "You brought this on yourself, Kevin. I told you, our relationship was over. There was nothing you could do to fix it or make it like it used to be. You should count yourself lucky that Director Strauss is dealing with this and not me."

She moves away from her friends stopping directly in front of Kevin. "I promise you this, if you try anything in the future against me or David – I will take you down. Capice?"

Kevin stares at her and swallows the lump in his throat. He nods and lowers his head.

Strauss looks over at Derek. "Agent Morgan, would you escort Mr. Lynch to my office please?"

Derek nods. "My pleasure, ma'am."

Derek takes hold of Kevin's arm and leads him out of the bullpen. Strauss looks at Dave. The glare has left her face and there is a hint of a smile on her lips.

"I forgot what a bastard you can be," she tells him. "I didn't forget that you have a black belt in judo. I nearly laughed out loud when he took a swing at you. I'll get you reinstated but you should probably take a few days off to get your head clear."

Dave smirks at her. "Thank you, Erin." He sidles over to Penelope and slips his arm around her.

"You're welcome." She looks over at Penelope. "Take care of each other. David… don't mess this up. She's probably the best thing that has ever happened to you."

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Dave walks Penelope up the stairs to her apartment. He watches the gentle sway of her hips as she climbs to her floor. She unlocks the door and steps inside leaving it open for him. He steps in and flips the switch for the light. Nothing happens.

"Is the power out," he asks.

"No," she replies softly. There is a click and a flicker of flame appears from the lighter in her hand. "I wanted this to be a surprise."

He watches from the open doorway as she lights several candles throughout the room. She flicks on her CD player filling the room with the sounds of Sinatra.

He closes the door and pulls her into his arms as she attempts to pass him on her way to the kitchen. "My dear, Penelope, are you trying to seduce me?"

She giggles and wraps her arms around his neck. "Oh, Sugar Lips, you are a smart man."

He chuckles as he dips his head and captures her lips with his. They kiss softly for several seconds swaying to the music. He breaks the kiss and proceeds to nips his way to her ear where he sucks the lobe into his mouth.

Penelope moans. "I have never missed anyone as much as I have missed you."

"Ditto," he says. Someone to Watch Over Me begins to play. Dave pulls her closer. "Will you watch over me, Kitten?"

"Always."

Dave pulls back and looks directly in her eyes. "I love you, Penelope."

"I love you too."

They kiss again, opened mouthed, tongues touching and exploring. Penelope tugs his jacket down his arms dropping it to the floor. She begins to unbutton his shirt.

Dave smooths his hands over her round ass. He pulls her hips tight to his. She moans again at the feeling of his erection pressing against her.

He breaks the kiss, sucking and licking his way down her neck. His hands slide up her back until he finds the top of the zipper on her dress, slowly he slides it down with one hand allowing the fingers of his other hand to trail down the now exposed skin.

Penelope shudders at his touch. Her fingers shake as she pulls the bottom of his shirt free of his pants. She places her hands on his stomach. A frown forms on her forehead as her fingers encounters cloth.

"You're wearing a t-shirt?"

"I get cold easily," he replies between nips.

She yanks the t-shirt up and slips her hands underneath the cloth. "You are so warm," she moans. "And soft."

He jerks back. "Soft?"

He presses his hips harder to hers. "Does that feel soft to you?"

She glances down at the hard bulge pressing against her. "You know I wasn't talking about that."

She tugs his t-shirt higher. "Can we get a few of these layers off of you?"

He smirks at her as he pulls back to unbutton the cuffs of his shirt. "You know, we don't have to do this just yet."

She takes a step back from him. The candle light flickers behind her casting her face into the shadows. She watches his face as she slips the dress down her shoulders, over her hips and to the floor. She stands there wearing high heels and a matching bra and panty set.

Dave's expression has changed from indulgent to lustful in mere tenths of a second.

"Are you sure," she asks.

She reaches out and moves his stilled hands. She finishes unbuttoning his cuffs then removes his shirt and t-shirt.

She runs her hands up and down his arms as he stares at her in silence. She explores his shoulders and neck, then moves her hands over his chest. Her fingers tangle in the hair between his pecs. Softly and slowly she explores every inch of his exposed skin, teasing his nipples she causes him to moan and shudder. She moves closer to explore him once again, this time with her tongue.

Dave thrusts his hands in her hair. He gently guides her to the more sensitive areas of his body. She unbuckles his belt.

Dave forcefully pushes her away. "Bed. Naked. Now!"

Penelope grins saucily. "What's the hurry?"

He spins her around and gives her a smack on her ass making her jump. She giggles and hustles to the bedroom. Dave slips out of his shoes as he watches her disappear. Taking a moment to slow his breathing, he slips off his socks, locks the front door and heads to the bedroom.

Penelope has turned on a strand of white lights that hang over her bed. She lays, stretched out on her back, still wearing the panties and bra but not the shoes.

Dave stops at the edge of the bed and lets his eyes savor every inch of her. She wriggles higher on the pillows. Dave's eyes narrow as he watches her.

"See anything you like," she teases.

Instead of answering, he opens his pants and lets them drop to the floor. She watches wide eyed as his boxers join the pants.

He crawls onto the bed on hands and knees moving up her body until his mouth hovers over hers. Dave removes her glasses, gently placing them on the bedside table.

Penelope reminds herself to breath as Dave traces her features with one finger. He slides the feature from temple to chin, down one side and up the other, over her nose to her lips. Softly, he traces the outline of her lips. She gasps at the sensation.

"What part of naked do you not understand?"

She sucks in a shuddery breath. She reaches up and slides the straps of her bra down her arms.

Dave slides an arm behind her and with two fingers unsnaps the bra.

"Let me," he growls as she starts to remove the bra.

She lowers her arms to the bed, keeping her eyes on him.

Dave kisses her mouth. He moves slowly down her neck kissing and nipping his way across her body. Teasing his way over the top of her breasts he nudges the bra lower with his chin. The gentle scraping of his goatee reddens her skin and heightens her pleasure.

Her eyes close halfway as the nips and kisses turn to sucking and licking. She thrusts her fingers into his hair and strokes his scalp as he moves further down her body. He tugs her panties off, tossing them to the side. She resists momentarily as he presses her knees apart.

"Oh," she moans lifting her hips to meet his lips and fingers now exploring between her legs.

"You like that, Kitten?"

"Oh yes," she moans again. "Less talky, more of what you were just doing."

He chuckles, breathing against her wet skin, causing her to moan again. He resumes his exploration of her body until he makes her come. She bounces and wriggles so hard she nearly knocks him onto the floor.

Dave slides off the bed and pads into the bathroom as Penelope catches her breath. He washes his face in the sink, grabs a towel and dries off. He eyes a book sitting on the back of the toilet. He drops the towel on the sink and grabs the book.

"What to expect when you're expecting," he reads aloud. His face goes blank as he looks into the mirror.

Still holding the book, he steps out of the bathroom. Penelope is still breathing deeply. Her legs shake every few seconds.

"Kitten," he says gently. "We should talk before we go any further."

"About what," she smiles. She rolls her head towards him. She eyes the book. "What's that?"

He holds the book out for her to read.

"That's not… I'm not…" she stammers. "I got that when JJ was pregnant with Henry."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," she replies.

He lets out a rush of air. "I don't know if I was more worried that you were already pregnant or that you were hoping to get pregnant," he confesses.

"You don't want kids," she asks.

"Not tonight." He tosses the book onto the table next to her glasses then sits down beside her.

She reaches for him, tugging him down by the shoulders so that she can kiss him. They kiss for several seconds before she releases him.

"What's wrong?"

He smiles and strokes the hair back from her face. "I wasn't expecting this… I don't have any condoms with me."

She looks at him in mock shock. "The great David Rossi, lothario of the FBI is not prepared for sex?"

"Ha-ha," he replies. "We've talked about this before; my reputation is far larger than actuality."

She rubs her hand up and down his arm. "I know. I'm just teasing. We're okay to have sex."

"You have condoms?"

"I have protection. I have an IUD," she explains.

"You're not worried about STD's?"

"Do you have an STD?"

He shakes his head. "I've always been very careful."

"Same. Actually, you would be the first guy I had sex with and didn't use a condom," she confesses.

He stares at her for a moment. "You know, IUD's aren't always one hundred percent effective."

"I know. There's a one percent or less chance of getting pregnant."

"And you want to take that chance?"

"With you? Absolutely."

He stretches out on the bed next to her. "I don't know why but the idea of possibly getting you pregnant is a big turn on for me right now."

He wraps his arms around her and rolls them so that she is lying on top of him. She leans down and kisses him hard. Bodies pressed tightly together, he deepens the kiss.

She spreads her legs and rubs her crotch against his. Her body is alive with electricity as she can feel every hard, aching inch of him.

Dave breaks the kiss and rolls his hips up into hers. "Sweetheart do you have any idea what you are doing to me?"

She kisses and nibbles at his neck and ears. "I think I can feel something."

He chokes out a laugh. Gently, he tilts her head up so he can look into her eyes. "You are a siren, dragging me into the abyss."

"Make love to me, David."

He smiles slyly. "You're in charge here, Honey. Take control."

"You want me… like this?"

He nods. "Take me. Use me any way you want. I'm yours. I surrender."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

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Dave sits in his chair pretending to read a case file.

"Must be some case. You've been staring at the same page for half an hour," Aaron said.

Dave looked up to see his best friend leaning against the door frame. "What the hell do you want?"

"I'm headed out to lunch, want to go with me?"

Dave shakes his head. "I'm taking Penelope to the doctor's in a bit."

Aaron straightens and enters the room. Concern lines his face. "Is everything okay?"

Dave looks up again and studies the younger man. He glances in the bullpen and back. "Everything's fine. Just a routine checkup."

"Routine, huh? Why don't I believe that?"

Dave sighs and motions his head towards the door. "Close that, will you?"

Aaron closes the door and settles into a chair.

Dave leans forward, elbows on the desk. A small smile forms on his lips. "We think she might be pregnant."

"Already," Aaron grins.

Dave shrugs looking bashful. "She had the IUD removed almost three months ago. We were told that because of both of our ages it may take a year before it happens. However…" He shrugs again.

Aaron starts to laugh. He looks at Dave and shakes his head. "You've barely been dating for three months."

"Officially, it's been three months and ten days," Dave defended.

"You coming back after the doctors?"

"Nah, I'm going to head home."

Aaron stands and heads for the door. "I guess I will see you tomorrow."

"Don't be late," Dave growls.

"Same to you," Aaron says as he heads out the door.

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The entire team sits at a long table. The men wearing tuxedos and the women dressed to the nines. Dave and Penelope sit at the head of the table. Dave stands, getting everyone's attention.

"Thank you all for coming here today. Penelope and I love all of you and are extremely happy to have you with us on our wedding day."

Cheers and raised glasses fill the air. Penelope smiles and laughs but mostly keeps her eyes on her new husband.

Dave continues. "We have one more thing to share with you…"

"You bought us all cars," Morgan asks hopefully.

"We're all going on the honeymoon," Emily shouts.

"No," Dave says to Morgan. "And hell no."

Everyone laughs.

"Penelope and I, are going to be parents."