Previous part of Ready Or Not.

***

"They're on their way up," Garcia said as she rushed into the bullpen.

"Were you watching them on the security cameras, Pen?" Emily asked.

"Maybe?" Garcia admitted blushing.

"Are they back yet?" JJ asked as she entered the bullpen.

"Not yet, but they're in the building," Reid told her. Looking up, Emily saw Hotch standing at the railing.

"Come join us, Hotch. You want to know if they found out what they're having just as badly as the rest of us," Emily teased.

"Yes, I do," Hotch admitted easily as he walked down the stairs and joined the rest of the team. Just then the door opened and the expectant couple walked in.

"I get the feeling they've been waiting for us, how about you, Dave?" Morgan teased.

"Yeah, I think so."

"Tell us, do you know what you're having?" Garcia practically demanded.

"Does this answer your question?" Morgan asked as he reached into the bag he held and pulled out a pink onesie that said "FBI agent in training."

"A little girl!" Garcia shouted. All three women began squealing and rushed towards Morgan hugging him as tightly as his expanding belly would allow.

"Help me," he mouthed desperately at Rossi.

"Ladies, let him breathe," Rossi called out. The three women let go of Morgan and turned their squealing and hugs on to Rossi. Both Reid and Hotch shook the men's hands in congratulations.

"You know what this means?" Garcia asked.

"What?" JJ wondered.

"A shopping trip," Garcia said gleefully.

"The best kind of shopping trip. One for baby things," Emily threw in.

"I can't wait!" JJ exclaimed. Both men looked at the girls then groaned. There was no doubt in either of their minds that their house would soon be overrun with baby clothes, toys, and anything else the girls could find. They knew fighting was futile and with a resigned sigh, they accepted their fait.

XXXX

Meanwhile later that night. Dave woke up to find the spot next to him in bed empty. Frowning he got out of bed and went in search of his husband. He found him in the kitchen eating what looked like a bowl of chereos with chocolate syrup over them instead of milk.

"What exactly is that?" he asked slightly disgusted.

"Chereos with chocolate syrup over it. Oh, and some grapes mixed in," Derek responded before eating another spoonful.

"I hate to say it, but that's disgusting, babe," the older man said as he tried not to throw up at the thought of the concoction.

"No, it's fantastic," his husband answered as he finished the last bite and carried his bowl to the sink. Turning towards Dave after he put water in the bowl he leaned in for a kiss but was stopped by his lover.

"No, I love you, but no kissing until you brush your teeth and use mouth wash," Dave instructed following the expectant father back to their bedroom. Nodding in agreement, Derek made his way to the bathroom to do what he was told. Climbing into bed after he'd brushed his teeth and used the bathroom he pulled Dave in for a kiss before drifting off to sleep. Dave just hoped that was the worst of Derek's cravings or he wasn't sure he'd be able to make it through the rest of the pregnancy without throwing up at least once.

***

"Please tell me you have something, Baby Girl," Morgan begged. The team was on a case involving an unsub who kidnapped little girls, beat them, then drowned them leaving their bodies to be found in parks. Garcia could hear the emotions in her friend's voice.

"How are you doing, sweetness?" she checked.

"I hate cases with children," Morgan said as they talked on the phone.

"I know, so do I," Garcia said comfortingly.

"Every time I see another little girl, I can't help but think that one day it could be mine and Dave's little girl." Garcia could hear Morgan's voice cracking and her heart broke for him.

"You can't think like that, sweetheart. You know that. If you do, it won't help. It'll only make things worse," Garcia reminded him gently.

"I know, but it's hard," Morgan replied trying to fight back the tears.

"Yeah, I know it is, but try and hang in there. What did you need from me, anyway?" the tech wondered.

"I wanted to know if you had anything off that partial plate I gave you," he answered.

"No, not yet, but you'll be the first one to know when I do," she promised.

"Okay, talk to you later, Baby girl," Morgan said hanging up. Once he'd gathered his composure, he made his way back to the conference room where the rest of the team was.

XXXX

"This is your last case in the field until the baby is born, correct?" Hotch asked as they all sat on the plane. The case had ended but not with the outcome everyone had hoped for. The last little girl was dead by the time they got to her.

"Yeah, Dr. Palmer said at six and a half months I had to stop flying and work from the office." Morgan said with a slight pout.

"Just make sure you follow Garcia's rules or you'll wind up on her bad side," Reid cautioned.

"Spence's right. When I was pregnant and had to stay back in her bat cave I learned that the hard way," JJ said with a slight smile.

"Don't worry, I don't want to do anything to get on my baby girl's bad side," Morgan assured them. An angry Penelope Garcia wasn't something to be messed with and he was damn sure he would do his best not to make her mad.

XXXX

The constant tapping of Morgan's hands on the desk was driving Garcia crazy. Reaching out she placed her hand on top of his, stopping the movement.

"You've got to stop that or I'm going to go crazy," the tech informed the fidgety agent.

"Sorry, Baby Girl. It's just that I'm bored. I'm not used to being out of the field while the team is on a case. I'm used to being in the thick of things, you know?"

"I understand that, but it's for yours and the baby's health," she reminded him.

"Yeah, I know, but I'm still bored," he argued.

"How about we talk about the baby while we wait for this search to finish?" she suggested.

"Okay," the expectant father agreed.

"Have you and Rossi decided on any names?" Garcia questioned eagerly.

"Not yet, we have a few in mind, but we can't agree on one. We do know what color we're painting the nursery, though," Morgan shared.

"What color?" Garcia asked in interest.

"A pale green with a frog border," Morgan described. "My mom and sisters helped pick it out when they came for a visit last week. Since I'm almost seven months along and can't fly they figured it would be better to come see me."

"How about the furniture?" the tech questioned.

"We've bought a crib and a changing table/dresser combination thing. The store will deliver it in a couple of weeks. Mom is sending me the rocking chair she had with my sister's and I."

"That's nice," Garcia commented.

"Yeah it is," Morgan agreed.

"How's the fearless Rossi handling impending fatherhood?" the tech teased.

"He's doing fine, driving me crazy, though."

"What do you mean?" Garcia wondered.

"He's really overprotective and it's getting on my nerves," Morgan admitted.

"It's his way of showing he cares, you know that," Garcia told him.

"Yeah I do," Morgan answered.

"Is your mom coming to help out when the baby comes?" Garcia wondered.

"Yeah, I'm glad she is. I have a feeling Dave and I are going to need as much help as we can get," the profiler admitted.

"The team will do whatever we can to help, you know that," she replied.

"I certainly do," Morgan replied, just as the computer beeped indicating the search had finished. Morgan was glad they finally had something to do. How Garcia kept from going out of her mind with boredom on a daily basis was a mystery to him.

XXXX

"How are you handling being away from Morgan?" Emily asked as she sat next to Rossi on the jet heading back to Quantico after the case.

"It's hard, but we're managing. I worry about him overdoing it, though."

"I'm sure he's fine, you know Pen wouldn't let anything happen to either of them," Emily soothed.

"Yeah, I know, but it doesn't make it any easier," Dave lamented.

"No, I'm sure it doesn't. Just think, before you know it we'll be back at the BAU and once you finish your report you can head home to them," Emily said as she settled back to enjoy the rest of the flight.

"Can I give you some advice?" JJ asked sitting behind Rossi.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Don't hover over Morgan. I know you're worried about him, but it will only drive him crazy."

"Thanks for the advice, I'll take it and do my best to remember that," Rossi said giving her a smile before settling into his seat and began reading the book he'd brought with him.

XXXX

"As soon as I finish the report on the case and hand it to Hotch, I'll head home," Dave said. The case had taken four days to solve, but the team was finally home. It was around 6:00 and Garcia had ordered Derek home at 5:00 to rest and get something to eat.

"I've missed you and can't wait to see you," Derek said huskily. Dave gulped; he recognized the hitch in his husband's voice. Derek was horny and if Dave was being honest with himself so was he.

"I'll be there as soon as I can," he replied after taking a deep breath to calm his racing pulse.

"See you then," Derek replied just before hanging up the phone and finishing the apple and carrot slices with peanut butter he'd fixed.

XXXX

The moment Dave entered the house he could hear the moans and whimpers coming from their bedroom. If Derek was this vocal, it meant he was even more aroused than Dave had originally thought. Quickly toeing off his shoes and securing his gun and badge, he made his way silently to their room. He didn't want to alert Derek to his presence just yet. He enjoyed watching the younger man pleasuring himself. As he walked down the hall he stripped until by the time he reached the bedroom door he was completely naked and his dick was hard. A soft moan left his lips when he saw Derek sprawled across the bed. His right hand was teasing and pinching his nipples while his left hand was taking turns stroking his very hard cock and fondling his balls. After watching him for another moment, Dave strode across the room and stood next to the bed.

"Do you have any idea how fucking hot that is?" he demanded his voice husky with arousal.

"How long have you been standing there?" Derek asked slightly embarrassed.

"Long enough to watch my husband pleasure himself and make me very aroused," Dave responded.

"Then come over here and fuck me, I need you so bad," Derek whimpered.

"I'll fuck you, but only after you do something for me," Dave bargained.

"What's that?" Derek asked.

"Make yourself come then I'll fuck you." Derek moaned at his husband's words. He needed Dave to fuck him right then, but he knew this would be as close to getting what he wanted as he would get so he complied. The moment he'd come Dave was on him and they were fucking. Neither of them lasted long and they came simultaneously before collapsing on the bed satisfied and smiling.

"How does homemade pizza sound for dinner?" Derek suggested.

"Sounds good to me. Why don't we go fix it," Dave replied.

"Okay," Derek said placing one more kiss on Dave's mouth before heading for the kitchen leaving his husband to stare at his naked backside. Making dinner was definitely going to be fun.

***

"Are you glad that this is your last day before you start leave?" Garcia asked as she and Morgan sat in her office. The team had been called to a case a few hours away. The eight month pregnant man nodded.

"I love my job, but this little girl is wearing me out," he said with a yawn.

"I can imagine," Garcia said sympathetically.

"Sleeping has become a luxury," Morgan commented.

"Have you finally decided on a name?" the tech wondered.

"Yes, but we aren't telling anyone until she's born."

"Oh come on, I can't wait that long," Garcia whined.

"Sorry, baby girl, you're going to have to," Morgan informed her. Garcia pouted but then smiled.

"Okay, if that's how you want to play it. I guess I'll go along with that. Expect something with her name on it once she's born, though," the tech warned. The expectant father nodded at his friends words.

"It is, did I thank you for the baby shower? Now we have everything we need for her," Morgan said giving his friend a smile.

"You're very welcome. I enjoyed doing it. You know how much I love throwing a party and decorating."

"That's very true," Morgan agreed. Glancing at her clock, Garcia made a decision.

"Why don't you go grab lunch? The search still has a ways to go."

"That's a good idea. Do you want me to bring something back for you?"

"Are you going to the diner across the street?" she questioned.

"Yeah, it's close and their food sounds great right now.

"Bring me back a BLT, please?"

"Sure thing, Mama. See you in a bit," he said slowly getting out of his chair and walking out of the office in search of lunch.

XXXX

He had just ordered his food when his phone rang. Taking it out of his pocket, he smiled when he saw JJ's name on the screen.

"Hey, what's up, JJ?" he asked.

"I'm calling for Rossi; Hotch is on the phone with him. Are you eating?"

"I just ordered lunch, tell Dave to stop worrying about me so much, the profiler requested.

"Will do, I'll let you get to eating, see you when we get back. I think we're close to solving this case," she said.

"See you then, Jayje," Morgan replied hanging up and turning to collect his food. Knowing Garcia would understand, Morgan decided to eat his food at the diner before heading back to the bureau.

***

"I brought back lunch," Morgan called out as he walked back into Garcia's office. At the sound of his voice, she turned to face him. Instantly Morgan could tell something was wrong and the bag of food slipped from his hand and hit the floor.

"What's wrong, baby girl?" he asked through a tight throat.

"Rossi and Emily were in an accident. They were chasing the unsub and he ran them off the road. The car flipped several times before landing right side up. They were taken to the hospital and after the unsub was caught and handed over to the local police, the rest of the team went to the hospital," she informed him.

"How bad are they hurt?" the scared agent whispered.

"I'm not sure, sweetie. Hotch said to drive down there as soon as you were back with me," she explained.

"Well, then, let's go," Morgan said grabbing his coat once again then hurrying out of the office as fast as his pregnant belly would allow, Garcia right behind him.

XXXX

Morgan was ringing his hands together in his lap. He didn't know a three hour drive could take so long.

"They're both going to be fine, they're both fighters. If anyone will make it it's going to be Rossi and Em," Garcia said trying to reassure him.

"I hope so, I sure hope so," Morgan said quietly. "Have you heard anything else?" he asked, even though he knew she hadn't.

"No, not yet," she answered. Just then, her phone rang and she answered it after seeing JJ's name pop up.

"Talk to me, Jayje," she said briskly.

XXXX

"This waiting is driving me crazy," Reid complained.

"I know, but think about how Morgan feels. He's got to be climbing the walls by now," JJ told him.

"Yeah, that's true," the genius agreed.

"Have you called them to let them know both Prentiss and Dave are in surgery?" Hotch asked addressing the media liaison.

"No, I haven't yet. I'll go do that right now," JJ said getting to her feet and exiting the waiting room, pulling out her cell phone as she went.

XXXX

It barely finished the first ring when JJ's call to Garcia was answered.

"Talk to me, Jayje," the tech answered briskly. JJ frowned, she could hear the stress in her friend's voice, but she knew Garcia was doing her best to keep the stress level to a minimum considering Morgan's current condition.

"Am I on speaker?" JJ asked.

"No, is it safe for me to put you on?" Garcia asked. She was checking to see if she needed to sensor the conversation to protect Morgan. It wouldn't be good for him or the baby if he became extremely upset or stressed.

"Its fine, go ahead and put me on speaker, Garcia," the media liaison assured.

"Okay, you're on speaker, talk to us. What do you know?"

"We don't really know a lot right now. The only thing we do know is that both Emily and Rossi are in surgery," she told them.

"How bad are their injuries?" Morgan wanted to know.

"I don't know," she told him.

"Thanks for the update, we should be there in half an hour or so," Garcia informed the blonde.

"Okay, see you then, drive careful."

"We will, bye, JJ," Garcia said disconnecting the call.

XXXX

"They're about half an hour away," JJ informed her remaining colleagues as she settled back into her seat in the waiting room. The others nodded to acknowledge her words.

"How's Morgan doing?" Reid asked in concern.

"He's worried, they both are, but for now he's holding up pretty well," the media liaison assured them. They continued to wait for a few more minutes. Reid was about to get some coffee, but Just then two doctors walked into the room.

"Emily Prentiss and David Rossi?" Everyone stood up and walked over to the two doctors.

"How are they? Can we see them?" JJ asked anxiously.

"Both of them are very lucky. Agent Prentiss has a broken ankle and several cuts on her face. Agent Rossi has a broken arm, two broken ribs, and his left wrist is sprained. Their seatbelts saved their lives," the doctors informed the anxious group.

"How long will they have to be in the hospital?" came Morgan's voice. Everyone turned towards the door where Garcia and Morgan were standing.

"I want to keep them here for a couple of days, but then they can go home. I want them out of work at least for this week. After that they can return to the job, but only desk duty for a few weeks," the doctor instructed. Morgan nodded satisfied with the answer.

"When can we see them?" Reid questioned.

"They've just been settled in rooms. Take the elevator to the third floor, get off and turn right. They were in separate rooms, but when they woke up, they demanded to be put in the same room so it was easier for you guys to visit them. The room number is 350. If you'll excuse me, we have rounds to make, but we'll be available if you have questions." The team shook their heads.

"Thank you," Hotch said shaking both doctor's hands before turning and leading the team to the elevator.

XXXX

"Next time you two want a few days off, just ask Hotch, huh?" Morgan teased as they entered the room. Both injured agents laughed.

"Thanks for the tip, babe," Rossi said holding out his left hand.

"The doctor's keeping you two here for a couple of days, then you have the rest of the week off," Hotch told them. "Then you're on desk duty for the next few weeks after that."

"Sorry to leave you so many agents down," Emily apologized.

"It wasn't your fault," Reid told her.

"Did you get the unsub?" Rossi wondered.

"Yeah, and after some badgering from Hotch he confessed," JJ replied.

"I didn't badger him. I just subtly suggested he should answer my questions," the unit chief defended. Everyone laughed and the last bit of the tension in the room eased. They stayed for a while until Rossi caught Morgan yawning.

"Go home, everyone needs their rest," he said jerking his head in Morgan's direction.

"Come on, hot stuff, I'll drive you home," Garcia offered holding out a hand to pull him up.

"No, I don't want to leave Dave," the expectant father argued.

"These chairs aren't comfortable and you and our daughter need your rest. Have Garcia take you home. You can come back tomorrow, okay?" Rossi compromised.

"I'll make sure he listens to the nurses and doctors," Emily promised her best friend.

"Then who's going to make sure you listen," Morgan shot back.

"Oh, I see how it is. Get out of here, Morgan," she instructed.

"For once listen to us," Dave requested. "You know I'm right," Dave added. Morgan pouted, but he knew his lover was right.

"Okay, fine, I'll go home. Love you," he said kissing Dave gently before allowing Garcia to help him up

"Take it easy, princess," he said kissing Emily's cheek on one of the few spots where there wasn't a bruise.

"Will do, see you Morgan," she replied. Nodding, Morgan headed out of the room along with the rest of the team calling their goodbyes back to the two left behind. As promised both agents were released from the hospital two days later and they were back at work a week after that.

XXXX

"How are you feeling?" Dave asked as he sat at his desk filling out paperwork and talking to Derek on the phone.

"Tired, but okay, she's really active today. I can't believe I'm nine months pregnant," he said.

"Neither can I, but look at it this way, in a couple of weeks, we'll have our daughter in our arms," Dave reminded him.

"That's very true; I just wish it was sooner rather than later. She's been constantly using my bladder as a soccer ball and that's really getting old."

"I have to go. Paperwork doesn't get filled out by itself, unfortunately. I love you and call me if you need anything," Dave told him.

"I will, love you and see you tonight," Derek replied hanging up with a smile on his face.

XXXX

Derek had just finished fixing himself lunch when his phone rang. He didn't look at the screen before answering it.

"Dave, I'm fine. You don't have to call every hour. If I go into labor while you're at work I'll call you," Derek answered exasperatedly.

"This isn't Dave," came a slightly amused female voice.

"Oh, hi, Mama. Sorry I thought you were Dave," the expectant father apologized.

"Obviously, I get the feeling your well-meaning husband has been a bit over protective, huh?" Fran asked.

"Most definitely," Derek agreed. "What are you calling for?" he wondered.

"I was just calling to let you know that my plane will be landing around 4:00 this afternoon. I'm in the airport on my layover. My next flight will take off in an hour or so."

"I can try and come pick you up from the airport if you want," her son offered.

"Nonsense, you need to rest," Fran argued.

"You and Dave," Derek grumbled.

"We're both right, now do as we say. I'll get a cab to take me to the house. See you around 4:30 or so. I have to go. Love you, Der."

"Love you to, Mama. Have a safe trip and I'll see you when you get here.

XXXX

The doorbell rang a couple hours later alerting Derek to his mother's arrival. Clooney began barking excitedly and ran for the door.

"Hi Mama, it's so good to see you. Clooney, down! Here, let me take one of those," Derek offered reaching for one of the suitcases Fran carried.

"Don't worry about it. I've got this. Just head back into the living room and I'll be there in a moment." Giving her a small smile Derek took her suggestion and headed back into the living room.

"Hey boy, want to come with me?" Fran asked giving Clooney a scratch behind the ears. The dog panted happily and ran alongside Fran as she headed to the guest room.

***

"How long are you staying with us, Fran?" Dave asked as the three of them enjoyed dinner.

"I was planning on staying until the baby is a month old or so. That is if you two don't mind? I don't want to step on your toes or intrude on your bonding time with your little girl," she told them.

"A month would be perfect. I think we can both use your help. You won't be intruding, Mama. I promise," Derek assured her.

"Derek's right, we will be glad to have you for as long as you'll stay," Dave interjected.

"Thank you both so much. Now go relax and find something on TV to watch. I'll just wash up these dishes then come join you," Fran said motioning them out of the kitchen.

XXXX

"Ouch, take it easy there, little one. You don't have to kick daddy so hard," Morgan said rubbing his swollen stomach.

"Really active today, huh?" Dave asked. Derek nodded and took his husband's hand placing it over his stomach where his had just been. A strong kick greeted the Italian.

"Hey there, baby girl. Settle down, kiddo. You don't have to kick so hard." As he was talking he was rubbing circular patterns on Derek's stomach. "I think she's calming down," he commented.

"It seems that way. Guess she just needed to hear her Papa's voice," Derek replied.

"You were just as active," Fran said as she settled in one of the armchairs, and began watching the movie the guys had chosen.

***

A loud yawn caught Dave and Fran's attention. Derek was falling sideways on the couch and his eyes were nearly closed. Dave was surprised his husband had made it through as much of the movie as he had. One hand was placed protectively over his growing child and one hand was clasped with Dave's. Both his mom and Dave gave him sympathetic looks. They both knew he'd had difficulty sleeping of late. Between how big the baby was getting and his constant need to use the bathroom, Derek was completely worn out.

"Why don't you head on to bed, babe. You and the baby can use the rest. I think she's trying to tell you in her own way," Dave said.

"Listen to your husband. Get as much sleep as you can now. Once she's here, you'll wish you had this time to sleep back. Trust me," Fran advised.

"Okay, I think I will. Goodnight, Dave, Mama. See you in the morning," Derek said kissing Dave then holding out a hand so his lover could pull him up. Once he was sure his lover was steady on his feet, Dave sat back down. After walking over and kissing his mom on the cheek, Derek turned and headed upstairs to their bed. He was definitely tired and sleeping never sounded so good. Being pregnant sure was tiring; he mused as he climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep.

XXXX

"Are you ready to become a father?" Fran asked the man sitting across from her. The movie had ended and they were enjoying a drink before they both headed off to bed as well.

"Yeah, but I'm also scared. Does that make sense?" he asked.

"It makes perfect sense. I'd worry about you if you weren't scared," his mother-in-law assured him.

"Were you scared when you had Derek and his sisters?" Dave wondered.

"I was terrified, I cried for the entire night before Derek was born. I knew how to raise a girl, but I knew nothing about boys. It took his dad nearly the entire night to calm me down," she reported. A soft smile crossed Dave's face.

"They're a lot of work, though," the Italian stated.

"Yes they are," Fran agreed, but listen to me," she instructed.

"You've got my complete attention," the profiler told her. Nodding in satisfaction, the mother of three spoke.

"Having a baby is the most terrifying but also the most rewarding thing you will ever do. This little life is completely depending on you for everything, but along with that, she will love you unconditionally and you will do the same."

"But what if I screw up? I'm sure Derek's told you about my three failed marriages. Until he and I got together, I had no plans to really invest myself into a relationship, let alone have kids," Dave explained.

"The fact that you're that concerned tells me all I need to know. You and Derek will both be excellent fathers. He's just as scared as you are," Fran confided. "He thinks because his dad died when he was so young that he won't make a good father. Especially considering what Buford did to him," she explained. At the mention of Carl Buford, both of them fell silent. "Feel better now?" Fran questioned.

"Yeah, thanks for the pep talk. I think I'm going to head off to bed. Have a goodnight's sleep and I'll see you in the morning," Dave said kissing her cheek before heading off to join his lover in bed.

XXXXX

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Dave asked as he stood in their bathroom getting ready the next day.

"Yes, for the thousandth time, I'll be fine. Mom's here, and if I go into labor, I'll call you. Just go to work before you're late," Derek admonished. Dave huffed in annoyance, but he knew the other man was right.

"Fine, I'll go, but you promise that either you or Fran will call me if something happens?" he requested.

"We'll call you, now go to work!" Fran demanded in a stern voice as she entered the bedroom with a plate of food for her son.

"I love you, see you tonight," Dave said kissing Derek as he walked by where he was lying in bed.

"Love you to, babe," Derek replied.

"Thanks for everything," he said kissing Fran's cheek as he walked by.

"Don't mention it, have a good day and we'll see you this evening."

***

Dave sighed as he sat in his office. He was trying to work on the pile of files that JJ had so kindly dropped on his desk that morning, but it wasn't working. All he could think about was Derek and their unborn child. Instinctively he reached for the phone, but stopped as his hand touched the receiver. He'd called so much since he'd gotten to the office only two hours before that his husband had threatened to cut him off for the first six months after the baby was born if he called again. A knock on his door made him look up from the file he wasn't actually reading.

"Come in," he called as he closed the file and pushed it away. The door opened and Hotch walked in.

"Is there something I can do for you, Aaron?" Dave asked his best friend.

"No, I just wanted to check in, see how you're doing," Hotch answered.

"I'm not sure what you mean, but I'm fine," Dave replied.

"I mean that Morgan called me and practically begged me to come in here and give you something to do so you'd stop calling him," the unit chief explained.

"Is it so wrong for me to want to check on my husband and our unborn child?" Dave defended. Hotch shook his head.

"No it isn't, but didn't one of the girls remind you about what a bad idea hovering was?" the unit chief checked.

"Yes they did," Dave responded. "It's just hard, Derek doesn't know when to take it easy and I worry about him," Dave explained.

"And you do?" Hotch asked in disbelief. Dave shook his head in answer. He knew the other man was right. "You'll make a great dad; just ease up on Morgan a bit, okay?" Hotch suggested.

"Yeah, okay," Dave agreed. Patting his best friend on the shoulder, Hotch took his leave. Sighing, Dave picked up his pen and began working on the file he'd pushed away when Hotch had walked in.

XXXX

Fran was making her and Derek some lunch when she heard a cry from the living room.

"Aaaaah!" came her son's pained voice. Dropping the knife she was cutting the tomato with, Fran rushed into the living room to find Derek doubled over clutching at his stomach.

"Derek, what is it?" she asked worriedly "I think it's time, oh god, it hurts," he whimpered.

"First babies can take a while is this the first contraction you've had?" his mother questioned.

"No, but the others weren't as bad."

"Okay, let's get you up and head to the hospital," Fran instructed putting an arm around the expectant father she helped him to his feet and guided him over to the front door. "Can you stay here while I go grab your bag?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," Derek said through gritted teeth. Nodding, Fran rushed off to grab her son's hospital bag as well as his wallet, and her cell phone.

"Oh my," Derek gasped as his mother reappeared in the living room.

"What happened, sweetheart?" Fran wondered.

"I think my water just broke," Derek said shakily. Glancing at the puddle forming on the floor, Fran nodded in agreement. Quickly as they could, they got Derek into the car and they headed off to the hospital. Pulling out her cell at a stop light, Fran scrolled through her contacts until she found Dave's number then hit send.

XXXX

"Rossi," came his clipped response. He'd finally managed to push his worries out of his mind enough to work on the stack of files.

"Dave, its Fran. Derek's gone into labor. We're on our way to the hospital right now," she informed him.

"I'll be there as soon as I can. Tell Derek I love him and to hang in there," Dave requested.

"Will do, drive safe and we'll see you there," Fran said hanging up. Grabbing his belongings, Dave ran out of his office and down the stairs.

XXXX

"What's the hurry, Rossi?" Reid asked as he ran by his desk.

"Derek's in labor. Will you tell Hotch for me?" the nervous father-to-be requested

"Yeah, go on. We'll all stop by as soon as we can," the genius told him. Nodding in acknowledgement, Dave continued his fast pace out of the bullpen and towards the stairs. The elevator would be way too slow right now.

XXXX

Arriving at the hospital Fran jumped out of the car and ran for a nurse and a wheelchair. When she got out to the car she found Derek hunched over in pain trying to breathe.

"C'mon, son take a deep breath for me," she coached.

"I can't, it hurts too much," he panted.

"Yes you can," his mother encouraged. Slowly Derek breathed in then let it out. He continued this until the contraction ended. Once it ended he allowed the nurse and his mom to help him into the wheelchair and into the hospital.

"Why didn't you tell me this would hurt so much, Mom?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Even if I'd told you you wouldn't have believed me. Unfortunately this was one lesson you had to learn on your own," she explained patting his hand in comfort. Derek just glared at her and moaned in pain as another contraction hit. Shortly after arriving he was settled in a room and Dr. Palmer was checking his progress.

***

"I'm here, how are you doing? What has the doctor said?" Dave asked as he rushed into his husband's hospital room.

"Dave, breathe, I'm doing okay. The epidural is a wonderful thing," Derek said with a goofy smile.

"He's a bit loopy," his mother-in-law explained with a smile.

"I can see that," Dave commented wryly.

"The doctor was just in here a little while ago. He's at five centimeters, so he's halfway there," she informed the anxious father-to-be.

"So the baby and Derek are okay?" Dave checked.

"Yes, they're both fine. Um, I have a question, but I'm not sure how to ask it," Fran admitted, blushing slightly. Dave thought he knew what it was so he helped her out.

"You mean how is he going to deliver our daughter?" he asked.

"Yes," Fran responded.

"Well, I won't get graphic, but according to Dr. Palmer, the male body will create a birth canal where the baby will come out. It will go away once the baby is born until the man is pregnant again and it's time to deliver," he explained.

"Oh, okay," Fran said settling back into her seat eager to see her grandchild whenever she chose to make her entrance into the world.

XXXX

Dave noticed that Derek was getting wrestless and easily frustrated. The doctor had just stopped in and checked him once again. He was at seven CM but was still progressing rather slow.

"Do you want to take a walk?" Dave suggested.

"I don't know, maybe," Derek replied.

"Sometimes that can help speed up labor," Fran offered helpfully.

"Okay then, if it means getting her out faster then I'm all for it," Derek said as he struggled to sit up. Instantly Dave was helping him and after a moment they had him standing and with his IV stand next to him they began walking the halls.

XXXX

Garcia smiled as she saw them near the waiting room.

"Hey there, sweetness. How are you doing?" she called out drawing the others attention.

"Okay I guess," Derek panted. He could feel another contraction coming and he whimpered.

"Shh, easy, babe. Just lean on me and breathe," Dave soothed.

"God this hurts. I think the epidural is wearing off," Derek stated. "They also feel like they're getting stronger. Fuck!" he growled as he crushed his husband's hand so hard Dave was sure he could feel bones shifting. Catching Hotch's eye, Dave saw the frown of sympathy cross the unit chief's face. He knew just how hard a person in labor could squeeze ones hand and he didn't envy Dave one bit.

"Maybe it's time for you to go back to your room," JJ suggested.

"That's probably not a bad idea," Derek replied as soon as the contraction had let up enough for him to speak.

"Good luck and we love you. See you and our little angel soon," Emily said walking over and giving her partner a kiss on the cheek before allowing his husband to guide him back to his room.

XXXX

It had been a long 10 hours and it was nearly midnight. Dave walked into the waiting room to give the team the news.

"Do we have a baby yet?" Garcia demanded.

"No, but he's at 10 centimeters, so he's about to deliver. He asked me to come let you all know. I'll come back when we have a baby," Dave promised.

"Dave, he's asking for you," the nurse called from the door to Derek's room. Nodding, Dave placed a quick kiss on Fran's cheek before heading back to his husband.

XXXX

"Is Mom with you?" Derek wondered.

"She's in the waiting room, do you want her in here?" his husband checked.

"Yes, and hurry, I don't think she's going to wait much longer," Derek replied as sweat dripped from his face. Nodding, Dave called to Fran who quickly made her way into the room.

"I'm here, baby," she said gently wiping her son's face and smiling at him. The laboring man gave his mother a quick smile before it fell away and was replaced by a grimace of pain.

"I feel a lot of pressure," Derek said as he shifted in the bed. "Oh, god, I can feel her. She's right there. Please get her out," he whimpered in pain.

"Take it easy, babe," Dave soothed.

"Don't you tell me to take it easy, David Rossi!" Morgan growled as another contraction hit and he cried out in pain.

"If I could just push it would help," he whined. He began to push but was stopped by the nurse.

"No, you have to wait for Dr. Palmer," she instructed. Reluctantly Derek listened to the nurse and forced himself to take deep breaths until the contraction ended. Just then Dr. Palmer walked in and took her place at the foot of the bed.

"Okay, Derek it's time to push. On the next contraction, I want you to put your chin to your chest and push as hard as you can, do you understand?" the doctor instructed

"Yes, oh god, I have to push," Derek said squeezing his eyes shut and beginning to push.

"Dave, why don't you get behind him and support him," the nurse suggested. Doing what he was told; Dave moved into position and supported the laboring man.

"Fuck that hurt," Derek panted as he tried to catch his breath inbetween contractions.

"You're doing great," Fran encouraged.

"Here comes another one. I'm pushing," Derek said as he began to push. After three more pushes, the doctor told them she could see the head.

"Give me one good push and the head will be out," Dr. Palmer told her patient.

"I can't, I'm so tired," Derek protested.

"Yes you can, babe," Dave encouraged.

"Fine, one push," Derek reluctantly agreed. When the next contraction hit he pushed as hard as he could and cried out in pain when he felt the head come out. Once the head was free, Derek gave one hard push and the shoulders were free.

"One more little push and your daughter will be here," Dr. Palmer told the exhausted and sweating man. Nodding in determination, Derek pushed and cried out as he felt his daughter slip from his body. The nurse instantly began cleaning out the babies mouth and she let out a loud cry.

"Congratulations, it's a girl, born at 11:55 PM on June 8th, 2012," the nurse called out.

"She's here," Dave said tears threatening to fall.

"Do you want to cut the chord, Dad?" the doctor asked. Dave nodded as he stood on wobbly legs and made his way to where the doctor was. Taking the scissors, he cut where he was instructed to and the little girl was finally free of her father. The nurse took her to get cleaned up and weighed.

"You have a seven pound five ounce 20 inch long little girl. Here you go, Dad," the nurse said placing the tiny infant in Dave's arms.

"Hey there, baby girl, I'm your Papa. How about we go see your Daddy? He's the one who has been carrying you around for the last nine months," he explained as he carried the little girl over to Derek and placed her in his arms.

"Welcome to the world, little one. I'm your daddy and I love you so much," Derek breathed.

"She's perfect, isn't she?" he commented to his husband.

"That she is, babe. If you'll be okay, I'm going to go get the team so they can see her before she's taken away for all her newborn tests," Dave told him. Derek nodded as he stared transfixed at the baby girl wrapped in a pink blanket.

XXXX

"We have a baby girl," Dave called out happily as he entered the waiting room.

"That's wonderful, are her and Morgan okay?" Emily asked.

"They're both fine. Derek wants all of you to come see her before they take her for all her newborn tests," Dave told the group. Everyone got up and hurried down the hall eager to meet the newest member of their family.

XXXX

"Awww, she's so beautiful," JJ cooed as she held the newborn.

"Thanks, JJ," Derek said tiredly.

"Does she have a name?" Garcia asked as she took the baby from JJ's arms.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Brenna Grace Rossi, born at 11:55 Pm. June 8th, 2012. She weighs seven pounds five ounces and is 20 inches long," Dave introduced.

"That's a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl," Hotch complimented.

"Thank you, Brenna was my grandmother on my mom's side middle name," Dave explained.

"And Grace is Mom's middle name," Derek explained. Tears of gratitude and pride filled Fran's eyes as she heard her son's words. Everyone took turns holding the baby until the nurse came in and said she had to take her for some tests so Derek could feed her when she got hungry. Emily who was currently holding the tiny girl reluctantly gave her to the nurse.

"We'll let you get some rest," Hotch said giving the exhausted new parents a rare smile.

"Before you go, we wanted to talk to you and Emily about something," Derek admitted.

"What is it," Emily wondered.

"I know Garcia and Reid are Henry's godparents, and Dave and I were wondering if you and Hotch would be Brenna's?" Derek asked.

"Oh, I'd love to," Emily said blinking back tears. Moving to the bed, she kissed Derek's cheek and gave him a smile.

"I would be honored to, thank you," Hotch said smiling once again before guiding the group out of the room just as the nurse was bringing Brenna and a bottle in for Derek to feed her. After making sure they were comfortable, she took her leave allowing the new family a chance to bond.

XXXX

"Are we ready for this?" Derek asked as he looked down at their now fed and sleeping daughter as she lay in his arms.

"I guess we're about to find out, but with you by my side, I know we'll be just fine," Dave said as he settled next to his husband and their daughter ready for some much needed sleep. He knew that was something he wouldn't get enough of for a long time, but he wouldn't change that for anything in the world.

Finished!

***