A/N: It's been a while, my apologies. Work has gotten busy, keeping me away from my beloved Morcia... But I've stolen a moment to continue this story... Thanks to ddgorgeous who gave me some great ideas, I will attempt to continue this story!

Thank you to those who nominated me for the Profiler's Choice Awards 2016 - I'm up for Best Garcia/Morgan for my very first story, 'Derek Reimagined.' Words cannot express how truly grateful I am to be nominated! Thank you, thank you, thank you! - Now go vote, see details at the end of this chapter!

The next few days were a blur for Penelope, as she sorted through her feelings and let everything sink in. The team had been called away for a case, so she could be alone with her thoughts when she wasn't scouring her searches.

Visiting baby Michael in hospital shifted things for her and Derek, and she was worried. Worried that the shift wasn't positive, worried that Derek would bolt; worried that she wouldn't get her fairy-tale ending. The two had slowly shifted from the flirty name-calling and sweet gestures, to what she would consider dating. -Wait. Maybe? She didn't know. They spent time at each other's places, and their physical chemistry was incredible, but what were they? She couldn't define their relationship, and it scared her. What was equally terrible was that she couldn't talk to Emily or JJ about it. Was there even anything to talk about? They'd probably shrug it off and tell her she was imagining things. Just scratching an itch. The worst part of it, was – was she the scratch or the itch for Derek?

She grumbled at her thoughts as she entered her apartment. "Add on top of that my hysterical melt down in his truck, it's no wonder he hasn't called." She grumbled aloud, to her empty apartment. Upon Emily's return she had reclaimed Sergio, so Penelope was once again alone. She had scared Derek away. And really, who could blame him?

"If you want a baby, then... you know..." his words rung out in her mind, as she changed out of her work clothes. She was only paying half attention to their conversation that evening, but she could fill in the blanks. Would he support her? Did he even want a family? Was he saying what she thought he was saying? "Do you really want a baby without getting married?" There it was. The doubt she knew he felt all along. He wasn't the type to settle down. She didn't even know what was happening between them; surely, she couldn't expect him to jump on board the baby train? Could she? He would never want more, let alone with her… He didn't even answer the text she sent the day before to check in. She knew they were busy on an active case, but he usually called or they'd FaceTime at the end of the night. Not this time. Probably because he wants to bolt… she thought sadly, as she trudged to the kitchen. Her favourite wine would be her comfort tonight. As she reached for a glass, even that didn't settle her nerves.

Three glasses in, she sadly looked at her phone's screen. Nothing. Just the time, staring right back at her. Ticking away, and increasing her negative thoughts. He's probably out with the team, picking up a random stranger to keep him company for the night. She shook her head sadly as she got in bed. She shouldn't think so little of her Hot Stuff. And yet, a nagging feeling would keep her restless that night…

TBC...

On the short side, I know, but let me know what you think! The next chapter will be from Morgan's POV. We'll see what's going on in that beautiful mind of his.

I got an idea while watching a rerun the other day and it hasn't left my head. So I'll post that in the next few days as well.

Seeing as I'm still new to posting my stories, any feedback at all that you have, positive or constructive, is fuel to my love for writing. Even if you have ideas, I'm open! Let me know what you think.

The 2016 Profiler's Choice Awards are on! Calling all CM readers and Authors! Join us for the final round in our annual Profiler's Choice CM Awards; help us choose the best of the best Criminal Minds fanfiction and let your voice be heard. Check out the final ballot and rules at the Profilers choice Awards 2016 Forum. All rules and information can be found there. Voting ends February 28 2017.