Disclaimer: I do not own nor ever likely will Criminal Minds. Just borrowing the characters for the sole purpose of entertainment. No profit is being made in any way, shape, or form.

A/N: KricketWilliams challenged me quite some time ago to write a story for Derek and Penelope, which paralleled my own love story with my hubby. That's the story I started to write and this is the story Derek and Penelope choose to tell instead. The initial premise is the same, but that's where the similarities end. Hope you like it.

One Of The Boys

"Hey, Mama, what are your feelings on baseball?"

"American pastime. Great way to spend an evening. Why?"

"Do you play?"

Penelope laughed. "Sugar, take a good look. Do I look like the athletic type to you?"

Derek's playful expression turned serious. "Woman, I know I did not just hear you disparage my best friend."

She sputtered, but said nothing else. Derek had really been on her, more than ever about any even slightly negative comment she might make about herself. She liked to watch sports, especially any sports Derek was taking part in, but not play. She was no athlete. Why tempt fate?

"Let's try this again, shall we?"

She nodded. No need to piss off her chocolate Adonis.

"Good," he said, apparently satisfied that she had acquiesced. "Penelope, my baseball team is down one female player. I'd love it if you'd fill the post."

"Why not JJ or Emily?"

"Why not you?" He raised an eyebrow as he spoke making it clear he wasn't pleased with her suggestion. "I don't hang with them. I hang with you and with my boys."

"Oh, I get it," Penelope replied, as she gave him a saucy smile. "You just need those of us who adore you to pad the team, so celebrations afterwards are a real party."

"Exactly!"

"So, I wouldn't need to play; just be on the roster." The happy smile she gave him lit her whole face. It quickly faded with his answer.

"What gave you that idea?"

"I'd have to play?"

"Third base has your name all over it."

"But, Derek," she said, not even trying to keep the pout from her tone.

"You're who I want Penelope."

Even though, she knew he didn't mean for there to be a sexual innuendo in his words, her heart still beat faster, until she heard the rest of what he was saying.

"You're my best bud."

Her heart plummeted, but how could she deny him?

"You're going to have to coach me, hot stuff."

"My pleasure."

"When's the next game?" There was no hiding the hesitation in her pitch, as she voiced the question.

"Be ready to go at 5:30 unless we catch a case."

"What!"

"Problem, sweetness?" Mischief was obvious in Derek's eyes, the devilish smile he reserved solely for her gracing his handsome face.

"I'll problem you, Agent Morgan! I'm not dressed to play baseball." She indicated the floral skirt and hot pink blouse she was wearing with matching pumps.

"Gorgeous as always. No worries. We'll swing by your house for you to change, grab a quick snack and a bit of practice before the game starts at seven. We'll have dinner with the team afterward."

"You owe me," she said, trying to look stern, but she couldn't maintain it once he replied.

"I like being indebted to you, Goddess." With that he winked and was gone once more.

"Just one of the guys. Great," Penelope murmured, as she got back to work.

TBC…