Criminal Minds One Shots

*Family Dinner (RossixReader)

Requested by Shaley4321

You and the BAU had just finished a particularly jarring case; two parents went crazy and killed their children before faking their own deaths. The couple then moved on to capturing and killing anyone they figured could have been their blood family. The couple was convinced that their bloodline was destined for destruction, so the two took it upon themselves to seek out those they thought were family and kill them.

You managed to apprehend the couple before they killed their latest victim, but the scene was seared in all of your minds.

"The rotten tree produces only rotten fruit! If one is poison so must all be the same." The words of the mother played in your heads over and over.

You shook your head in an attempt to banish the sick mantra as Rossi pulled up a chair and sat across you at your desk.

"Rough case, huh?"

You sighed. "It happens."

"But this one especially. Family turning on family? That's just..."

You nodded in agreement.

"I think we all need a break after that," Rossi said, this time to the whole team.

"Yeah," Morgan scoffed. "Tell Strauss that."

That earned a chuckle from the team.

"My house. 6:30," Rossi continued once everyone quieted down. "Bring your families." Without waiting for a response, Rossi strutted out of the office.

~ at the party ~

"Hey! Y/n! Who'd you come with?" JJ asked. She was a little tipsy, giggling at everything.

"Oh uh... I- I came alone," you admitted.

"Aww how come? Couldn't bring that guy you're crushing on?"

Before you could respond, Henry called for his mother, whisking JJ away.

You sighed with relief. "Thank god."

"So why are you alone?" Rossi chimed in. "I find it hard to believe you didn't have anyone to bring."

"Well, you said bring our families and—"

"Y/n I didn't mean only blood relatives! I meant whoever you consider to be your family."

"I know." You were cut off from explaining further by Morgan and his girlfriend announcing their leave.

One by one each group left the party. Soon it was just you and Rossi.

"Y/n you don't have to do that."

You rolled your eyes as you continued to pick up the long-abandoned cups. "Please. You hosted and cooked. This is the least I can do."

Rossi laughed softly, going to the kitchen to begin washing up.

"Need some help?"

"No, but I know that won't stop you."

You smiled, grabbing a dish towel.

"So why didn't you bring anyone?"

"Because my family was already here." You didn't look up but you knew Rossi had stopped washing and faced you.

"Morgan is like my big brother. Reid is my kid brother. Kind of. JJ and Emily are my sisters, and Hotch is sort of my dad."

"Where does that leave me?"

"Something more?" you breathily whispered. Taking a slow breath, you bit the bullet and looked up at Rossi. He was staring right at you, a blank expression on his face.

Slowly, he reached for your hands, preventing you from drying the plate you picked up. He guided the dish down on the counter and, with a gentle tug, coaxed you into the living room.

"Do you mean that?" he asked tentatively once the two of you were on the couch.

You nodded, taking a deep breath.

The two of you held eye contact for a moment, Rossi's face slowly getting closer and closer to yours.

"Yes," you whispered with a smile.

Rossi smiled in response, closing the gap between the two of you.

"I think you should stay the night," Rossi managed when the two of you pulled away.

"Okay," you mumbled, pulling Rossi close against you.