The Last Best Days, Hotch/Rossi, NC-17 (5/21)

[innerslytherin]

Title: The Last Best Days
Author: innerslytherin and severity_softly
Artist: tli
Pairing: Hotch/Rossi
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 147,800
Summary: Futurefic--Shortly before Dave turns sixty, he is diagnosed with a grade III brain tumor. He and Aaron have to come to terms with what this means for their relationship. Eventually the team has to help Aaron say goodbye.
Notes: Heavy angst. Lots of medical detail. Character death. This fic would not exist without the extensive help, support, encouragement, and hand-holding from resolucidity, who served as our medical consultant throughout.

Master post



Chapter Five

Aaron spent the following days in a bit of a haze. Time didn't seem to mean much in a hospital. Dave got poked and prodded as much at night as he did during the day. Aaron hadn't wanted to leave at all, but Haley and JJ had both made him go home for short periods. He needed to shower and sleep a little, because sleeping crunched into Dave's bed or in the chair in the room wasn't very restful. Dave didn't seem to mind, but he was on drugs.

Slowly, Dave started to make improvements, and within a few days he was eating all right and walking on his own. The doctors released him, and Aaron knew they were both ready to be home.

As they drove home, it felt strange to have Dave sitting in the car next to him with the thick bandage still on his head. It gave a surreal quality to the otherwise normal scene. Dave had his eyes closed against the bright sunshine, but he was smiling. At one point his fingers closed around Aaron's on the gearshift.

When they got home, Fuzzy seemed glad to see Dave, jumping up into his lap the minute he settled into his recliner. Haley had offered to move to a hotel, but Dave and Aaron wouldn't let her, so Jack was there to chatter happily at Dave.

Haley seemed awkward now that Dave and Aaron were home, but eventually she found her way into the kitchen, where Aaron was cleaning out the refrigerator to give himself something to do besides hover over Dave.

"Do you need any help out here?" she asked, leaning against the counter.

Aaron sighed. "Unless you want to empty the dishwasher," he teased. There really wasn't even that much in the refrigerator for him to clear out. He was sure it was obvious he was just looking for something to keep himself occupied.

She smiled faintly and pulled it open, though she moved slowly. "He's strong," she said quietly. "I have a feeling this is going to bring him and Jack closer together. Jack's been pretty worried about him." She pulled out a glass and turned it slowly in her hands. "He asked if it was his fault Dave got sick." She uttered a sad laugh. "Because he was embarrassed by Dave. I told him of course not. But I thought you ought to know, in case he asks you too."

Those words sent a new frisson of sadness through Aaron, and he shook his head. "I never know what the right choice is, if it would have been better to have talked to him about it or not." He shut the fridge and turned to look at her. "Dave was probably right to let him come around on his own, but this... isn't the way it should have happened."

She shrugged. "Maybe it made it happen sooner than it would have, though." She shook her head. "He just needed to realize that his family's more important than what anyone else thinks."

"I know," Aaron said. He stood there for a moment, then crossed the room and leaned against the counter next to her. "Do we have plans for his birthday yet?"

"I was going to have a party with all his friends, but I hadn't made final plans yet. Now..." She trailed off, smiling sadly. "Maybe we should see what he wants, and make sure Dave's up to it."

"If he isn't, I'm sure Jack wouldn't mind doing a quiet birthday dinner sometime after his party. I think we should still have one if he wants one, though, even if Dave and I can't come." Truthfully, Aaron was certain Dave would insist Aaron go if there was a party. Aaron would just have to get someone to stay with Dave if he still wasn't well.

"We have a few weeks left to decide," Haley said. She looked over at him, then hugged him suddenly. "You're going to be fine, Aaron."

Aaron's eyes were a little wide as she hugged him, and he returned it belatedly. "I hope you're right," he said, then squeezed her a little tighter. "Thank you for being here."

She pulled back and gave him a tiny smile. "Jack loves him. And I can put up with him sometimes." The smile widened and he knew she was joking.

He grinned slowly, then after a moment he laughed and shook his head. "That's probably for the best. I don't need bloodshed at home too."

She nudged him in the ribs and pulled away. "You actually get enough of it at work?" But she was grinning back at him as she leaned down to pull the silverware tray out of the dishwasher.

He snorted and took it from her, then moved to the silverware drawer. She followed and they started putting it up together. It was strange. Years ago, this would have either been a little romantic, or a fucking miracle. Now it was neither, but it felt comfortable. It was nice, considering Haley was his oldest friend, but it still gave Aaron pause from time to time.

"We really ought to head home tomorrow or the next day, if you think it'll be okay with Dave," she said after a moment. "It isn't that I mind taking Jack out of school for this, but he only has a few more weeks before the year's over, and then he can come stay as long as you want." She glanced at him. "As long as he's not too much work."

Aaron shook his head and smiled. "No. I love having him. Morgan's leading the team while I'm out, so unless there's an emergency, I'll be here."

She nodded. "Please tell me if there's anything I can do. No matter how big or small, Aaron. Let me know." She held his gaze, her expression serious. "Promise me."

"I promise," he said, gripping her arm briefly, and then there was a loud cheering in the living room and laughter. Aaron glanced back at the kitchen entryway and grinned. "That would be Sean. I hope you and Dave got your fill of Jack for the day."

She groaned. "Oh, great, so I'm going to have to fight with Jack about the length of his hair for the rest of the week," she teased. Then she made a shooing motion. "Go on, go greet your brother. I can take care of the dishes."

"You don't have to--" Aaron stopped and laughed at the stubborn expression she put on. "Okay," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Thank you."

When he got out to the living room, Sean was flipping Jack upside down in his arms, then leaning over to shake Dave's hand once Jack was dangling and shrieking happily.

"I thought I heard trouble walk in the door," he teased, grinning at his brother. "One of these days you're going to throw your back out."

Sean just grinned back and acted like he was going to drop Jack, provoking another shriek. Then he lowered Jack to the couch and crossed the room to hug Aaron tightly. "Hey," he murmured, holding onto him.

"Hey," Aaron returned, squeezing Sean, then pulling away. "I'm glad you're here."

"Couldn't have kept me away if you'd tried," Sean said. "I know damn well you'd starve without Dave cooking for you." He exchanged grins with Dave, who was starting to look tired. "Hey, Jackaroo, you want to learn how to make grilled cheese sandwiches tonight?"

Jack cheered again, and Aaron didn't missed the way Dave flinched a little. Aaron was going to have to get him some more pain medication. "Oh, what? We get a professional chef in the house and he makes us grilled cheese?" he said.

Sean laughed. "Hey, I just got here. I'll have to see what's in the cabinets and probably take the monster to the grocery with me in order to really cook for you guys." He grinned at Dave and grabbed Jack, hauling him back up over his shoulder. "C'mon, monster, let's see what's in the kitchen."

"Mooooooooom!" Jack hollered, and Dave winced, but fortunately Sean was carrying Jack into the kitchen. Aaron made a mental note to clarify noise levels for Jack.

Aaron walked over and leaned down to brush his lips against Dave's. "I'll get you something."

"My hero," Dave said, sliding his fingers into Aaron's hair.

"You know, next time you can just say something." Aaron kissed Dave again. "Unless you're just trying to make sure I'm paying attention."

"Ah, I just didn't want to spoil their fun." Dave shrugged. "It's okay."

"You tired?" Aaron murmured.

Dave smiled at him. "A little, but I'll rest while they're cooking." He brushed his fingers across Aaron's cheek. "Come back and sit with me for a little while."

"Mmm," Aaron hummed, then went to the kitchen for Dave's medicine and a glass of water. He grabbed Jack in the middle of a run around the kitchen and told him to keep it down, then gave Sean a look that told him he had to enforce that. Jack got a little hyper around Sean, but Aaron knew Sean could come up with a way to make staying quiet a game.

God, everyone looked so happy. It felt like an incredible blessing.

Aaron went back to the living room and handed the water and pills over to Dave, then settled in the chair next to him.

As soon as he'd swallowed the pills, Dave reached out and curled his finger around Aaron's. "Not used to having a houseful these days," he said, resting his head back against the recliner but smiling at Aaron. "It's nice. Reminds me of my family, in a funny sort of way."

Aaron laughed quietly. "Except no one is fighting for a seat or cursing in Italian."

"True." Dave grinned. "You want me to swear a little to fix that?"

Aaron grinned back. "Just don't translate it for Jack."

Dave laughed. "You know, I'm obviously going to have to pick up my timetable for teaching the kid to speak the language. Clearly I'll have to give him strenuous lessons this summer when he's staying with us." He closed his eyes, still smiling. "I'll have Nonna Rosa come for a stay and she can refuse to speak anything but Italian to him. It's how she does all the grandkids."

Aaron laughed. "You're the one who's going to have to deal with the tantrum when he gets frustrated."

"Mmm. He's gonna have to learn. Won't be a real Rossi if he doesn't." Dave cracked open one eye just long enough to wink at Aaron. "Or Rossi-Hotchner, I guess."

Aaron squeezed Dave's hand, relaxing into the couch. This was the first time he'd really been relaxed in days, and it was wonderful. "I love you."

"I love you too," Dave replied, smiling. "You're taking good care of me. Make sure you tell Mama that when she calls tonight." She'd been calling the hospital every night so far. Tonight would probably be the same.

"I think she trusts me by now. If I've kept you from getting shot for this long..."

Dave chuckled. "I'm pretty sure she does. But you ought to brag about yourself more." He opened his eyes and looked over at Aaron. "I want to sit with you. You got room over there?"

Aaron glanced at the empty cushions next to him, then back, smiling. "Always. Need help?"

Dave considered for a moment. "Nah, I think I can do it." He pushed himself out of the chair and shuffled over towards Aaron. He'd been walking better when he left the hospital, but he'd also mentioned earlier that stepping too heavily jarred his brain a little bit; Aaron supposed that until the pain medication kicked in, it would hurt to move.

Dave settled down on the couch next to him with a sigh. "I'm looking forward to sleeping all night in our bed without someone poking me awake," he muttered.

"You're not the only one," Aaron said. In the kitchen, Haley, Jack and Sean all laughed, then settled back into a murmur of happy conversation.

"We oughta have an early night," Dave said, snuggling against Aaron. "After all, I'm sick. I have a right to go to bed early." He grinned and kissed Aaron's jaw.

"You do. I wish you were up to letting me take extra special care of you once we get there," Aaron whispered.

Dave laughed. "Let's wait til Jack and Haley are gone," he murmured, kissing Aaron softly. "Just to be polite."

Aaron grinned, then slid an arm around Dave and kissed him slowly.

"Oh, yuck, mushy," said Sean's cheerful voice. "Fine, I can see there's no point in asking what vegetables you want, so you're going to get broccoli."

Dave laughed against Aaron's mouth and slid his fingers into Aaron's hair. From the way Sean laughed and retreated, Aaron imagined that Dave had just flipped him off.

Aaron chuckled into the kiss and, fairly certain no one was going to walk right back in, deepened it, taking comfort in the press of Dave's mouth and Dave's hand against his skin.

Dave hummed as their tongues slid together. God, it was good just to kiss Dave like this, to relax together and hold each other. "I love you," Dave whispered between kisses.

"Love you," Aaron whispered back, then kissed Dave briefly before he added, "Sometimes I think Jack and Sean get along so well because they're mentally the same age."

Dave burst out laughing, then winced and toned it down to a chuckle. "You might be on to something there," he said, leaning into Aaron's embrace.

Aaron laughed softly, then kissed Dave's cheek. "Sorry. Meds not kicking in yet?"

"Mmm, not quite yet," Dave murmured. "Not your fault though." Dave stroked a hand against Aaron's cheek. "We ought to put a movie in after supper. Don't know if I'll feel like talking much."

"Okay," Aaron said. He turned and kissed Dave's fingertips, then brushed his lips against Dave's. "We can do whatever you want."

"Careful what you promise. I may take you up on that." Dave's lips curled in a smile, then he shifted to rest against Aaron's shoulder. After a moment he sighed and relaxed.

Aaron smiled and lifted a hand to run it through Dave's hair, then remembered the bandage and dropped his hand to Dave's shoulder instead, stroking lightly.

They sat that way for some time before Sean brought their supper out. Dave could have sat at the table, but Aaron preferred to eat in the living room instead and make it easier on him. After supper they put in a movie. Dave and Jack both fell asleep in the middle of it, and after the movie was over, everyone said their goodnights. Sean was sleeping on the couch until Jack and Haley left, but he said he didn't mind. Haley had to threaten Jack's TV time to stop him from sleeping on the living room floor next to his uncle.

Dave shifted around a lot once they got into bed. Finally he grunted and sighed. "Can't get comfortable."

Aaron pulled back to look at him. "What can I do?"

"Don't know." Dave shifted again and then looked over at him. "Talk to me about something. I don't care what. Just distract me."

"Well, I doubt you want made up stories about dinosaurs. Jack likes those." Aaron lifted a hand to stroke Dave's cheek.

Dave grunted a laugh. "Tell me what you're going to do with all the unexpected time off you have."

"Mmm, as soon as you're feeling up to it, I plan to make love to you as often as possible, or at the very least please you, considering I wouldn't fulfill your hospital fantasy." Aaron grinned slowly. "I'd imagine we're going to be having company on and off." He kissed Dave slowly. "Read..."

"Mmm." Dave's arm looped around Aaron. "Careful, you'll get me excited." He kissed Aaron. "Have a whole stack of books waiting for you?"

"I don't read nearly enough on cases. I get to the hotel and work on the case some more, then eventually collapse. There are several I have somewhere."

Dave hummed and shifted closer to Aaron. "You could get started now. There's probably some in your stack that I'd enjoy."

Aaron laughed softly. "I'll have to turn on the light."

"I don't care. It won't stop me falling asleep if I finally get comfortable." Dave let him shift to flip on the bedside light, then Aaron found a book and settled back against the headboard. After a while he felt Dave relaxing against him, though his hand kept stroking Aaron's skin as he listened. Some time later he realized Dave had fallen asleep. With a smile, Aaron turned out the light and shifted carefully to keep from waking him. Holding his lover gently, Aaron slept.


***


The house was definitely quieter the next day, after Jack and Haley went back to Georgia and Sean got settled in the guest room. It was a little more melancholy too, in Dave's opinion. He wasn't sure how to help Aaron, who seemed a little bit lost whenever Dave caught him unawares. Partway through the afternoon, Sean said he was going out to buy groceries. Aaron was in his study doing something, so Dave settled on the couch for a nap. He wasn't sure how long he slept, but he woke sweaty and shaking, with the feeling that he'd had bad dreams.

He sat up, frowning, and held in a groan. His head was throbbing so painfully that he felt a little sick to his stomach. He thought about looking for the pain medicine, but he wasn't sure where Aaron had put it, or even what time he'd taken it last. Besides, he was never averse to having a little bit of fussing done over him.

He got up and shuffled down the hall to find his lover.

Aaron's expression was blank as he read over some legal journal in the office, and when Dave moved into his field of vision, he glanced up. He started to look back, but quickly did a double take and shut the magazine, concern crossing his face. "What's wrong?" he asked, standing.

Dave squinted at him. "Head hurts," he said. "And I wasn't sure what you did with the pill bottle." He lowered himself gingerly into a chair and let out a long breath. "I thought it was easier to find you than to hunt for the pills."

Aaron sighed and squeezed Dave's shoulder. "You could have called for me." He smiled faintly. "Do I need to get you a bell to ring?"

It hurt too bad to laugh, but Dave grinned faintly at him. "You'd end up regretting it. Nah, it's probably good for me to make myself get up."

Aaron leaned down and kissed him softly. "I'll be right back," he whispered. "Unless you want to go settle somewhere else with me."

Dave's grin widened. "Actually I think your brother's gone for groceries," he said, giving Aaron a suggestive look.

Aaron's eyebrows lifted, then lowered again and he stroked his finger over Dave's jaw. "You sure?"

"Mmm, you did promise to make it up to me later," Dave said, and turned his head to kiss Aaron's fingertip.

Aaron's smile widened. "Let's take care of your head first. I'll get your medicine and you can meet me in the bedroom?"

"What was that, you're going to give me head first?" Dave joked, reaching down to the front of his pants like he actually thought that's what Aaron had said.

"Just because you have a hole in your head doesn't mean you're deaf," Aaron said, giving Dave a look, though there was amusement--and hunger--in Aaron's eyes.

Dave chuckled and winked at him. "Fine, go get my pills then. I'll see you in bed." He hoped to God Sean wouldn't show up now, but he fully intended to make Aaron go through with it even if he did.

He did his best to ignore the pounding of his head as he headed to the bedroom, already unbuttoning his shirt. When he got to the bedroom he decided to make things easier, so he removed both his shirt and pants, folding them carefully before putting them on the dresser. He sat on the bed in just his boxers, then sprawled back, thinking naughty thoughts.

Aaron stopped in the doorway, staring at Dave for a moment. "God," he murmured, then shut the door and walked over. He tugged Dave up gently to take his medicine. Once Dave had, Aaron stretched out next to him, stroking his hand over Dave's chest down to his hip, and kissing him.

Dave wrapped an arm around Aaron, smiling faintly. "Wanted to make sure I kept you interested," he murmured. "I'm just glad you weren't Sean coming back to find out if I like arugula and mangoes." He nibbled lightly at Aaron's lip.

Aaron laughed, and kissed Dave again. "You've never lost my interest. You won't ever. You had it well before we were even together." He kissed Dave's chin, his hand sliding down Dave's thigh. "Tell me when the headache starts to fade."

"Mmm, well before, hmm?" Dave stroked his fingers through Aaron's hair. "I think you ought to elaborate on that while you're taking your clothes off. Because you've got way too many of them on, and I'm not sure I feel like messing with more buttons just now."

"You're not easy to ignore, Dave," Aaron said, and shifted to work open his button, parting his shirt and shrugging it off, then stripping out of his undershirt. "You're passionate, and good at what you do." He kissed Dave's jaw. "Even when you piss me off, I love you."

"Lucky for me, since I'm good at pissing people off," Dave murmured. He let his gaze travel down Aaron's body, then followed it with his fingers. "God, you're sexy."

Aaron sucked in a slow breath. "I've wanted to touch you so much. Taste you..." he whispered. He kissed Dave with a little more hunger, though Dave could tell he was still holding back and waiting for Dave's word that he was starting to feel better. "I can't make anything right, but I want to make you feel good."

Dave let out a quiet moan, slipping his other arm around Aaron and pulling him closer. "You make everything right," he corrected, and kissed him. "Touch me now. Let me touch you." The pills would kick in soon, and once they did, Dave would be good for more than just touching. "I want you so much."

Aaron hummed a needy noise, then licked along Dave's jaw. "I don't need anything other than to make you happy." His fingers brushed over Dave's nipple, plucking lightly. Dave let out another little pleased groan, then Aaron's hand slid over the top of his boxers.

God, he loved how Aaron touched him. Dave stroked his foot against Aaron's ankle and traced with one finger the lines at the corner of Aaron's eye. "You always make me happy. Every day that I wake up and know you're here with me." It was sappy, but it was true. All Aaron ever had to do was put up with him. That he did more, that he loved Dave, still made Dave feel like the luckiest guy in the world, even after six years.

Aaron made a pleased noise, then shifted to suck lightly at Dave's throat. His lips moved down along Dave's collar bone and over his chest. "I missed this," he murmured, licking at a nipple.

"You could have sucked me off in the hospital," Dave muttered back, grinning. "I would've let you." He ran his fingers through Aaron's hair, then down to stroke over his broad shoulders. He loved Aaron's shoulders. They were shoulders that carried the weight of the world every day and never faltered; they were shoulders that were always available if Dave needed to lean on them. "Aaron..." he breathed, letting his eyes fall closed.

"Mmm, Dave." Aaron bit gently, then stroked his hand down to play with the waistband of Dave's boxers. "I'm pretty sure the nurses wouldn't have appreciated this." He kissed across Dave's chest. "You feeling okay?"

"I dunno, that Nurse Kate might not'a minded," Dave teased breathlessly. "I'm feeling great, don't worry. I'll let you know if I don't feel great." He stroked a hand down Aaron's cheek. "Course that'll just mean you need more practice."

Aaron chuckled. "Maybe it just means I'm trying not to wear an old man out," he teased quietly, and gave Dave's boxers a little tug, waiting for Dave to lift his hips so he could pull them down.

"Old man?" Dave repeated, trying to sound wounded. He lifted his hips obediently, though, running his fingers through Aaron's hair. "You really know how to win a guy's heart."

"You're here letting me strip you naked, aren't you?" Aaron said, smiling up at Dave. He ducked his head again after a moment and licked a stripe from Dave's hip to his belly button.

Dave just groaned, brushing his fingers over the back of Aaron's head, teasing at the short hairs at the nape of his neck. God, he was sexy.

Aaron's hands moved to cup Dave's balls, massaging lightly, and then Aaron kissed the head of Dave's cock. His tongue slid out and circled before Aaron started to plant open-mouthed kissed from root to tip. "I love you," Aaron whispered, then sucked Dave's head into his mouth, his lips sliding down Dave's shaft almost too slowly.

"Oh, God," Dave managed, twisting his fingers into the covers. His hips canted a little, but his head was still aching, and he didn't want to move too much. "Ah, love, yeah," he muttered, one leg moving to give Aaron better access.

Aaron laughed softly around his cock, and Dave sucked in a breath at the vibrations that sent a little shiver through him, then Aaron started truly sucking. He was making little noises of pleasure, obviously enjoying what he was doing as his tongue snaked up Dave's prick.

Dave stroked his free hand over Aaron's skin and back up into his hair. "So good," he murmured, relishing the heat of his lover's mouth. He could definitely tell the pain medication was kicking in now.

Aaron continued to work over him, switching from fast to slow, and every once in a while pulling off to kiss along Dave's thighs and hips. Dave could tell he was trying to make it last, and he was breathless from it, wondering how he got so lucky. At the same time he couldn't help but feel a bit useless, since he wasn't in any shape to reciprocate exactly.

"Aaron, yes..." His body was slowly tensing as his need built, and the slow waves of lust that were pulsing through him began to grow more urgent. "Soon," Dave murmured. He couldn't hold his head up any longer to watch Aaron, so he lowered it back to the pillow and closed his eyes, still envisioning the way Aaron looked.

Aaron moaned and Dave felt him shift his hips against the bed. Dave lifted his leg to run his foot along the back of Aaron's thigh and Aaron's hand squeezed his balls a little more firmly. It only took a few more swipes of Aaron's lips and tongue to send Dave over the edge, and then he was coming, moaning as Aaron continued to suck until Dave was done.

He sprawled, loose-limbed from release and from the medication, trying to catch his breath. It was probably all in his head, but it seemed like that was the best orgasm he'd had in a long time. As he started gathering his wits, Dave stroked his fingers through Aaron's hair again. "C'mere," he murmured. "Let me touch you."

Aaron shook his head. "I'm fine," he murmured. He looked a little flushed, but he slid up the bed to kiss Dave and settle at his side. Aaron was still in his pants, but Dave could feel his erection against his hip. "Don't need anything; I just wanted to make you happy."

"You do," Dave whispered. "You did." He smoothed a palm down Aaron's side, then cupped Aaron's ass. "Let me touch you. I love touching you."

"I know, but you-- I'm happy just having done that," Aaron whispered, kissing Dave's jaw. "You don't feel well."

Dave held in a sigh. Aaron wanted to give to him; he could understand that. Instead of arguing he turned his head to kiss Aaron slowly, curling his fingers into his lover's short hair. "If you're going to bring yourself off, you'd sure as hell better let me watch," he murmured.

"That would sort of defeat the purpose of sucking you off and then letting you relax," Aaron replied, snuggling up to Dave's side.

Dave did sigh then, but he smiled at his lover. "I can never decide if I love you because of or in spite of your stubbornness," he murmured fondly. He shifted to wrap his arms tightly around Aaron.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Aaron replied, resting his head against Dave's shoulder, though Dave could hear the smile in his voice.

"Huh." Dave kissed his forehead. "Either way, I love you," he whispered.

***

Aaron was in the kitchen when the doorbell rang, wrist-deep in soapy water, so he called for Sean to answer the door. Dave was lying down; the pain had gotten pretty bad this afternoon. Aaron had a feeling it was at least partly because Dave was getting anxious about his first treatment appointment the next day.

"Well, hi." Sean's voice had that quality it took on when he was talking to an attractive woman. "My brother didn't say he was expecting anyone."

"Oh, Sean! Um, hi." It was Penelope's voice that answered, and Aaron grinned. He hadn't forgotten the way the women had clustered together to size Sean up the time he'd shown up at in the bullpen.

"Hi, Garcia," he called out from the kitchen. "I'll be right there." He could hear them talking, but the sound of the water drowned out the words as he rinsed one last plate and then washed the soap suds off his hands.

When he went out to the front room, she was clutching her over-sized bag in front of her like a shield or a security blanket, he thought. "Oh, sir. Hi." She gave him a bright but brief smile. She looked nervous.

Aaron lifted his eyebrows and gave her a questioning look. "Everything all right?" he asked. He hoped she hadn't come to drag him away on a case, but he knew Sean would be able to handle things. He just didn't want to miss Dave's first appointment if possible.

She nodded. "I worked through lunch and took off early because I wanted to bring this over for Dave," she said, and pulled open her bag. "Maybe it's silly, but..." She pulled out an afghan knitted in blue, brown, and green. "I've read about people getting cold when they go through chemotherapy, so I thought..." She trailed off, biting her lip.

Aaron stared at her for a moment, his chest feeling like it was swelling. He sort of wanted to hug her, but he never really felt like it was appropriate behavior with his team, especially the women, even 'off the clock'. "That's not silly at all," he said. "That's... so thoughtful. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. I'll see if he's feeling up to coming out."

She beamed at him. "You don't have to disturb him if he's resting," she said quickly. "I'd like to see him, though, if he feels all right."

He nodded and gave her a reassuring smile, then headed down the hallway, where he found Dave sitting on the edge of the bed, rubbing the back of his head and looking disheveled and adorably bewildered.

"Is someone here?" Dave asked. "I thought I heard the doorbell."

Aaron smiled, taking in the sight of his lover for a moment. "Garcia is here. She brought you something if you feel up to coming out to see her."

Dave brightened. "Yeah, that sounds nice. She brought me something?" He stood up and looked around for his robe, then pulled it on and tied the belt. "Am I presentable?"

"You're gorgeous," Aaron murmured, then leaned in to kiss Dave before standing aside and letting Dave out ahead of him.

Dave chuckled and groped him casually as he went past. "Penelope," he said, and let her hug him. Aaron spared a moment to wonder how all this hugging would change the team dynamic when Dave got back to work. "It's nice to see you."

"You look good," Penelope said, beaming at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Eh, I have bad days and good days, and today's a not-so-good one," Dave admitted. "But I've been worse, and here in about an hour Aaron's going to let me take more narcotics, so it's all right."

"Should I go? I can go."

Dave waved a hand and settled into his recliner. "I wouldn't have got out of bed if I hadn't wanted to see you. How are things? Morgan's not bossing you all around too much, is he?"

"Are you kidding? It's been a party without you two," Garcia said, then smiled slowly, almost as if she wasn't sure she was supposed to make a joke.

Dave laughed. "Why am I not surprised? He's probably letting Reid launch film canisters on an hourly basis, isn't he?"

"Mmm, he's moved on to rockets," she said, finally grinning and looking more herself.

"Oh, great, we're going to get back and find out the ceiling's got holes in it and the Office of Professional Responsibility people can throw things down at us, all thanks to Reid." Dave grinned back at her. Aaron thought he looked tired, but he knew he tended to worry more than he had to.

"You seem to have very little faith in Morgan's skills where it comes to fixing up buildings," she told him. "Reid says they rival his skills elsewhere." She paused, made a curious face, then shook her head and laughed loudly, seeming to realized how what she said sounded.

Dave's eyebrows went up. "Oh really?" he asked, obviously liking the double entendre. "And what other skills do you think the good doctor meant?"

"If I told you that, I'd have to kill you," she said, then waggled her eyebrows. Aaron pressed his hand to his head in mock exasperation.

Dave snickered. "Well, look, if the chemo doesn't work, you'd sure as hell better tell me," he said. He immediately winced as Penelope's happy expression fell apart. "Hey, look," he said quickly, reaching out to touch her wrist. "If I can't joke about it, how can I fight it, huh?" His voice was gentle.

She stared at him for a moment, looking unhappy. "You--" She shook her head, then said, "Okay." Her lips twisted. "I, um, I brought you something, since we're on the subject."

"I get a present just for being sick? This is really working out for me." He patted her arm and looked expectant.

"It's not because you're sick. Well, it is. Shut up." She flapped a hand at him. "Close your eyes; I didn't wrap it."

Dave chuckled and closed his eyes obediently, grinning. Aaron smiled as she draped the afghan over Dave's hands. Dave opened his eyes and stared down at it for a long moment, then lifted it to brush against his face.

He opened his mouth, then shook his head slowly and took a couple of deep breaths. Aaron wasn't sure if Penelope would realize how emotional Dave was feeling, but it was obvious to him. Finally Dave looked up at her, his gaze warm. "It's perfect, Penelope," he murmured. "Thank you."

She smiled faintly. "I thought it might help. I hope it's long enough," she said. "I think it will be, but what's long to me, isn't for you two."

Dave reached up and brushed his knuckles against her cheek. "You have a good heart," he told her, and wrapped the afghan around him. Then he grinned at her. "If I get too bored with sick leave, I'll make you teach me how to knit," he teased.

He smile widened, but she looked like she didn't know what to do with his compliment. "I will have you knitting washcloths in no time," she promised.

"That would be good, considering how fussy these two are," Sean said. "They have a dishwasher, but I was instructed to put only silverware and plates in there. Everything else gets washed by hand."

Dave snorted. "We're not that bad," he protested. "Glasses and bowls can go in the machine too."

"Except for the wine glasses your mother gave us," Aaron said.

Sean let out a long-suffering sigh and Garcia laughed. "Oh my God, it's amazing no one thought you two might have been a little gay before you told us!"

"I beg your pardon," Dave said, giving her an affronted look. "Fussy does not automatically mean gay."

"Right, and being a biped with the ability to reason does not automatically mean you're human, but most of the time..."

Dave glared at her but didn't reply, at which point Sean burst out laughing. "Oh, Penelope, you're officially my new favorite person. I've never met anyone who could get Dave to shut up."

She grinned at him. "Why do you think they call me the Duchess of Awesome?" She made a thoughtful face. "Actually, I should start spreading that one around. Has a nice ring."

"You're lucky I like you," Dave muttered, but he was fingering the edge of his afghan, and Aaron knew they could all tell he wasn't really upset.

"I know," she said. "It's lucky I'm so witty and charming."

He snorted and grinned. "That too."

Comments

[thelana.livejournal.com]

Interesting. I have no idea what exactly that means, but I hadn't realized till now that Rossi's family hasn't played a role in this story. Probably because the BAU family has been so present I just forgot.

[innerslytherin]

Yeah, Rossi's families are both pretty cool. :) But don't worry, you'll see plenty of his blood family here in future chapters.

[severity-softly.livejournal.com]

Like Steph said, they'll definitely be around more.