Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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August 2011:

When two and a half year old Henry Jareau develops a slight fever in the FBI day care and won't stop crying, day care worker Imogen Elwys makes the call to Agent Jennifer Jareau.

When repeated attempts at calling Agent Jareau's office phone, and then her mobile phone, end with voice messages or the call ringing out, Imogen turns to the emergency contact.

Entering the numbers, she put through a call to David Rossi. She didn't have time to wait or hope that Agent Jareau would be back in range of her cell phone or the office soon.

Sitting at his desk filling out paperwork, Special Agent Rossi answered his mobile with a curt 'Rossi speaking.'

'Mr Rossi? This is Imogen Elwys from the FBI daycare. We are unable to contact Henry Jareau's mother and you are listed as the emergency contact.'

'Yes that is correct. Agent Jareau is currently out mobile range at the moment,' explained Rossi. 'Is there something wrong with Henry?' he questioned anxiously.

'He is running a slight fever and won't be settled,' said Imogen. 'He's crying alot and I believe it is best that someone comes and picks him up.'

'I'll be there in five minutes,' promises Rossi, already standing up from his desk to reach for his badge. 'I'll see you soon Ms Elwys.'

Shutting his door, he walked down the stairs and rapidly crossed the near-empty bull pen on his way to the elevator. Hotch, Morgan and JJ were at a prison for the afternoon, whilst Reid was downstairs working with Garcia on something or other.

Stepping out of the elevator, Rossi flashes his credentials to the receptionist and signs the daycare logbook. After careful scrutiny, he is permitted out the back, and guided to the toddler room. Moving through the children playing on the mat, he moves into the sleeping room.

Entering the room, he spots Henry standing up in his cot, pulling on the bars as tears run down his cheeks. And when he spots Dave, he cries even harder, stretching his arms up to be held, signing 'Dave! Dave!'

The daycare worker standing next to the bed looks up at Henry's movements. 'David Rossi? Imogen Elwys,' she said. Nodding, Rossi moves past her as he reaches for the little boy. Pulling him into his arms, he rests him close against his chest as Henry continues to whimper.

Signing him out of daycare, Rossi carries his whiny bundle upstairs and spends the next hour pacing his office as Henry refuses to settle. After administering children's pain relieving medicine, Henry's crying abates slightly and he dozes lightly against Rossi's chest.

But when Rossi made a move to place him on the lounge to sleep, he starts screaming loudly, maintaining a death grip on Rossi. And so the next half an hour is filled by constant pacing of the office, Henry on his chest.

When Henry begins to doze once again, Rossi edges his way down onto his couch, this time keeping Henry in his grip the whole time. Henry doesn't settle completely until a further half an hour of back rubs from Rossi.

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Three hours after Special Agent David Rossi had picked up her son, Agent Jennifer Jareau was back in cell phone range and accessed her several voice messages.

Hurrying to Rossi's office, JJ stops at the door as she takes in the sight before her: Rossi is sleeping on his couch, Henry sound asleep against his chest, as his hand rests firmly on his back, preventing the baby from falling. A few folders are scattered, some on the couch and some on the floor, and Rossi's reading glasses are perched awkwardly on his nose.

Stepping into the office, JJ gathered up a few files as she made her way over to her son and the man who'd weaved his way into her life and become such a vital part of it. Sitting on the edge of the couch, she threads her hand through Rossi's hair. What would she do without this man?

When Rossi opens his eyes and looks around, momentarily disorientated, JJ smiles at him. 'Hey,' she said in a soft voice. 'Hey yourself,' he responded, careful not to disturb the bundle in his arms as he sat up. 'He's all yours.'

The next two nights are hell for JJ (and Rossi when he was able to) as Henry battles a fever and cries constantly.