Criminal Minds One Shots

*Birthday Card (Morganxmale)

Requested by @TheJokerReject

"Okay, here's the plan. Rossi, you and Reid will go through the front. JJ, you and I'll take the back. Morgan, you and Samson have the garage, okay?"

Everyone responded with some form of, "yes, Hotch," before splitting up into their positions.

Morgan walked in behind his husband on high alert. Just as the two of them rounded the corner into the house, Morgan saw a glint of light.

"ROBBIE DOWN!" he shouted, diving to push him out of the way.

Robbie couldn't process what was happening fast enough. One moment he was sneaking into the house, the next he was on the ground, his ears ringing. After a minute he sat up and looked at Morgan.

"DEREK!" he screamed. "WE NEED A MEDIC! Come on baby, stay with me," Robbie cried. Morgan's chest was bleeding badly.

"I don't think I can," Morgan whimpered.

"Yes you can," Robbie sobbed. "You- you're gonna be okay. I- I love you. I love you so much. So does Alice. Come on baby stay with me! Stay for her! Please."

Morgan slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry I can't, bu- but I'm not s- sorry f- for," Morgan grunted, "for ta- taking the bullet."

"The ambulance is here, the paramedics are on their way in," Hotch frantically informed.

Morgan died en route to the hospital. Robbie watched, perched by his side in the ambulance, as Morgan desperately tried to tell Robbie he loves him as the light faded from his eyes.

Weeping and shaking, he assured Morgan that he knew and that Alice would always know and that he loved Morgan too.

When he arrived home, Robbie was greeted by his sister who was watching Alice.

"I'm so sorry, Rocks," she whispered as she hugged him. "I can take her for now if you'd like."

"Does she know yet?" Robbie asked shakily.

"No."

Robbie nodded. "I- it's okay. I can watch her. But, can you stay with us? F- for now?"

"Of course. I'll call Sam to bring by some of my things."

"Daddy, Daddy!" Alice yelled, running down the hall toward Robbie.

"Hey, cutie," he called rather deflatedly.

"Where's Papa?"

Robbie swallowed hard. "H- he's not coming home. He's sp- spending, um, uh- uh- uh- time with h- his daddy, okay?"

"Oh okay. Why are you crying? He's coming back."

Robbie looked into his four-year-old daughter's eyes and let out a short sad laugh. "I know baby. Daddy's just gonna miss him while he's gone."

~ 12 years later ~

"Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! Make a wish sweetheart."

Alice closed her eyes and blew out the candles.

"Yay! Okay, who wants cake?" Robbie asked as he readied the knife.

"Before that, I have a present for you, Dad."

"Oh, okay?" Robbie stood in front of his now 16-year-old daughter confused. Moments later he was presented with an envelope.

"What's this ba—" Robbie choked on a sob. He'd recognize that handwriting anywhere.

"I found it in a box in the back of my closet one day. There was a note attached that said 'Just in case'. Open it, Dad."

Robbie looked at the rest of the BAU and nodded for him to open the letter.

"Okay. H- here goes... everything." Robbie gingerly slid his finger under the flap to open it. He read the letter slowly. When he finished he sat down and put his head in his hands. Alice hugged him tightly, as did everyone else, all crying.

"Thank you," Alice whispered. "I know it wasn't easy, but you made it. You did it. I love you so much. Thank you."

Robbie said nothing as he was crying too hard.

"Do you wanna know what I wished for?" Alice asked. "I wished that I'll love someone like you love Papa and that they'll love me like Papa loves you."

---

Robbie,

I'm sorry you had to read this. I'm sorry I left so soon. I'm sorry I left you and Alice.

I love you both so much and I'm sorry I can't be there to protect you or her or be there for those big moments. But, no matter how much time I didn't get, at least I got what I did.

It's up to you now. You call the shots, handsome. I know you'll be amazing.

Promise me one thing? You won't let grief consume you, okay? Be strong for Alice. She needs her Dad.

This isn't goodbye, got that? It's just a see you later.

I love you forever and always,
Derek