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by JENTWCSINYFAN2

Derek Morgan and Tia Jennings relationship. He gets a blast from the past when Carl Buford is killed in prison and he has to figure out his feelings about that . Before Changes when they are a solid couple. This is when they are getting to know each other . The team has to investigate who killed Carl while Derek sits the case out.

1. Chapter 1

Derek Morgan was at his desk looking at paperwork that morning. It was a routine Wednesday. Then his desk phone rang. " Morgan." " Yes I know Carl Buford, what is this about?" " Wow, ok thank you warden for calling me. No I don't know about his family." Then he hung up the phone with a clunk. He sat there for a moment trying to process what he had just heard and didn't even notice footsteps outside his office doorway. A few seconds later lavender wafted into the room with a hint of vanilla. He looked up and saw Garcia there.

" Babygirl." He said distractedly. She replied " Hey hot stuff morning."

" Carl Buford is dead. I just got a phone call from the warden of the prison where he is. I don't really know what I feel about that." Then he was quiet for a moment but his hand pushed some files off of one corner of his desk.

Penelope clicked over on her usual heels and just hugged him. " You don't need to worry about what you are feeling right now. I'll go tell the team and let you have some time to think."

" Thank you Penelope, you know you're the best right ?" She smiled. " It's implied but you're anyway Derek." She patted his chest gently in her spot and then walked out the doorway of his office.

Derek was picking up the files that he had pushed to the floor when Rossi walked in. " Hey man."

" How are you kid?"

" Honestly numb right now. I could use some Jack but this is work time. "

" You might want to sit this one out. Here's a spare key to my some time and clear your head. "

" Thank you maybe I should get away for a few days. I would like some time with Tia."

" She'll be here as soon as she can, Penelope called her."

Derek nodded and was quiet again. " Her brother was hurt by Carl too. Jake didn't handle it well. Or should I say not like I did. I know you and Emily will handle the team well on this one. "

" Kid, you just focus on you right now and what you need. The job will always be here. Your family will check in on you more than likely too. " Dave gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze.

" I will and I know. As soon as my head is right I'll be back out there."

" Let someone else be Superman for a while Derek, it's ok to hang up the cape this time. We need you to be healthy and do what Derek needs not what everybody else thinks he should."