MAJOR TISSUE WARNING
TRIGGER WARNING FOR DEATH
I cried writing this snippet
Author's Notes: This is a stand alone, series of vignettes describing the growth of a relationship between David Rossi and Penelope Garcia. It starts in Season 13, no spoilers of Season 13, however, there are mentions of previous episodes particularly The Wheels on the Bus. Other than that it is all contrived by the author.
7 - The Comfort in Her Arms
He steps out of the shower, one morning, to find her standing in the bedroom doorway.
"I can't find Mudgie."
"He's probably outside," he replies without worry.
"I called him, he didn't come."
He finishes dressing. The ground is covered deep in snow. Bundled up, he steps outside and surveys the unmarked snow. His heart skips a beat. He calls for Mudgie to come. There's no bark, no movement in the snow. He glances at the doggy door searching for tracks but there are none.
He trudges through the snow headed for the forest at the back of his property. After several minutes he stops and calls again. A noise behind him makes him turn. She has followed him into the cold, bundled from head to foot in a bright pink parka and snow boots. He turns back to his search and continues on with her at his heels.
It takes thirty minutes but they finally locate the old dog curled up under a tree. He tries to convince himself that Mudgie is merely napping but the truth seeps out from his eyes.
She says nothing as he picks up his hunting partner and carries him back to the house. Together they make the long drive out to the cabin in the woods. She keeps him company as he digs a deep hole in the frost covered ground. She wraps Mudgie in his favorite blanket and adds a couple of toys.
Later that day he takes comfort in her arms. She strokes his back as he cries over the loss of his dog. Some women may think less of him for this, but he knows that she thinks just the opposite. It makes him love her even more.