A little oneshot , takes place at the end of "Run". It's in Emily's POV. Disclaimer: Just another reminder I don't own any of the characters, episodes, or any rights to Criminal Minds.
I was in Derek's arms for over half of that night, the night of JJ's wedding. The feel of his arms around me and swaying softly to the music still sends shivers down my spine. Derek's smile that night was brighter than the lamps that were hanging above our heads , but I knew it was all for show. Derek didn't want me to leave just as much as I wanted to go, but we both had our reasons. His smile may have looked normal to everyone else there, but I know when he's lying to save someones feelings, and that person he was trying to save was most definitely me. I had only one true reason to stay , for Derek. He had only one to reason to let me go, because he wanted what was best for me. In that moment , the small amount of time where we let our feelings show means more to me than the six years leading up to that day. Some days I still question , why did our paths cross? Why did Derek meet Emily? I wish I knew the answer to that question , but all I know is how I felt under the warm glow of lamps, in the cool of a summer night , and in Derek's arms.
I remember spending most of the night on the dance floor. I reluctantly danced with everyone , but my eyes still on Derek. We all laughed , and some cried. I talked with everyone, while we were dancing, except for Derek. It didn't seem right to speak while I was in his arms, because no words could explain it. It was everything to me , but in reality just a simple dance between friends who wanted to be more. It was just a dance between two people , one in a dark suit and the other in a floral dress.
Derek and I had talked earlier that night. He was the first that knew I was planning on leaving, when I had wanted to tell him last. He was the hardest to tell goodbye, even though the others cried or gave me sad speeches. He just smiled at me , and made me promise to call. There was nothing I could say , so I imagined him waving goodbye when the plane took off into the clear blue sky.
Every once in a while I think back to that night , but it always leads me to the same place. I'm so far away from them all , but the bad memories don't hurt as much, and I can be Emily again. I don't know if I'll ever be with Derek Morgan, or if I will ever admit my feelings. So tonight when he calls , I'll try not to think about the dance but when it all comes flooding back , I'll smile, just thankful for that one night I had with Derek.
