A/N: hey guys! sorry this took me so long to get up. It's been hectic for me! but on with the show!

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.

Chapter 3 "Concern"

The sky was a bright mixture of bright orange and yellow by the time the jet landed back in Quantico the next morning carrying the exhausted members of the BAU. When he woke up he found his head was slumped uncomfortably against the window and he blinked a few times, before wincing at the morning light pouring into his eyes. He rubbed them a few times and looked around the jet to discover that only Emily remained just getting up out of her seat. Grabbing her go bag from the floor she made her way quietly down the aisle.

As she passed she realized he was awake and gave Morgan a concerned look before leaning on the back of a seat, she smiled weakly "Hey." She said quietly "how'd you end up sleeping?" thinking that he might be in a better mood.

Morgan shoved his headphones and Ipod back in his bag and quickly got up, heading towards the exit of the plane. Giving her a fleeting look he proceeded to walk by her not saying anything as he left the cabin. Emily closed her eyes and sighed once again feeling defeated.

The entire ride back to the BAU was mostly awkward silence save for the casual chatter between Reid and Prentiss about some book he was reading. Derek's eyes were fixed out the window and he watched the people, cars and buildings fly by as they drove. He grunted and rubbed his eyes again, clearly catching the stern gaze of Aaron in the rear view mirror. Hotch's lips pressed together in a frown and he spoke, immediately ceasing all conversation within the moving vehicle.

"Morgan."

There was a thick veil of silence that fell over the SUV and everyone's eyes turned away from the two men, desperately trying to pretend that they weren't suspecting anything. But the fact of the matter is the entire team had been noticing Derek's weird behavior. If it was possible he seemed even more emotional about the cases they worked on. They all noticed his pained expressions and the team knew he was like a time bomb. His behavior on their last case had been collected and focused, but they could see even more pain intensifying in his gaze as he would look over the photos at a briefing. They would notice the slight quiver in his voice when they were too late to save someone. They saw the way Derek Morgan's trademark smile had been turned into one of false security. Emily stole a glance at him at his form sitting next to her. His face was focused and intense as he stared at the back of the car seat.

"Yes?" his tone was cold and defensive as his eyes didn't move their gaze.

Hotch's brown eyes flickered from the rear view mirror to the road in front of the SUV as he drove "Is something going on?" he sternly asked in a tone that would suggest he was not really asking Morgan, more like telling him. Morgan's dark eyes narrowed and his lips pressed together, his shoulders tensing.

"No, everything's fine." He raised a brow "why wouldn't it be?" he questioned suspiciously and Aaron's knuckles gripped the steering wheel tightly as he maneuvered the truck around a corner. The vehicle ceased its movement at a red light and that gave him an opportunity to shift right around in his seat, staring at the dark skinned profiler.

"I need to speak with you. In my office." Was all Hotchner said on the subject before turning back around just in time for the light to turn green. Emily shot the blonde girl sitting on the other side of her a look and JJ shrugged, they had certainly been noticing something wrong with their co-worker, but neither one of them had the guts to ask him about it seriously. Emily blinked sadly and looked down at the floor of the truck shifting slightly in her seat. The way Morgan was clearly so hurt by something was beginning to impact her emotionally. Her eyes drifted down to her fidgeting feet and she shook her head slightly. She wanted so desperately to help him…but how could she when he was shutting everyone out?

xxx

"So…"

Emily Prentiss's dark eyes gazed over at her friend and co-worker puzzled by the vague word. Her eyebrow rose and she shifted in her desk chair continuing to type her report "what?" she asked and JJ sighed deeply before shifting her body up and onto Emily's desk crossing her legs.

"Morgan" JJ's expression rolled before clearing some blonde hair out of her eyes. When the raven haired woman didn't answer her and simply looked at her unknowingly she let out a frustrated groan, pointing across the bullpen towards their boss's office. Through the blinds covering the glass wall two shadows could be seen. One of the profiles was sitting and the other was standing as it was obvious they were conversing. Before long the man that had been sitting stood up hastily, his arms waving with the obvious heated emotion going on between the two of them. The two women watched as the door opened feverously and the dark skinned man walked out quickly, his shoes making loud thudding sounds as he walked back to his office.

Their boss emerged moments later and walked briskly after the distressed Morgan, obviously trying to diffuse his mild scene he had just caused among the bustling bullpen. When Morgan's door closed in his face he sighed, running a tired palm down his forehead. Emily watched him look around at all of the questioning glances and a stern look was sent their way. They all went back to their previous engagements and he turned to head back to his office when he became aware of two of his own observing the entire situation. His eyes drifted over to Prentiss and their gaze locked with one another. Aaron's eyes were narrowed slightly and there was frustration evident in his clenching hands and tightening neck muscles but Emily could see an inherent sparkle of worry in his disheartened stare. Breaking their wordless conversation he proceeded back to his own office gently closing the door.

JJ's neck snapped towards Emily, her mouth hanging open as she blinked a few times. "…What…was that?" she covered her mouth and worriedly looked at her friend "What do you think is wrong with Morgan?" JJ said quietly to her and bit her lip worriedly. Prentiss's hand reached out for the steaming cup of coffee sitting on her desk beside the keyboard and took a sip before stirring it with a small stir stick. The strong aftertaste of the hot beverage caused her to smack her lips before she looked up at JJ.

Prentiss was torn. She had two roads in front of her that she could travel down. She could participate in cheap office gossip about her partner, or she could just play oblivious and pretend she didn't even know what her friend was talking about. Emily blinked and her lips opened "I…" she muttered.

JJ's expression softened and she leaned in closer to prevent anyone else from hearing "do you know something…?" she started "come on Em, what is it?"

Emily swallowed a lump that was forming in her throat and all of a sudden felt really bad for even considering keeping this to herself. What was she thinking? This is JJ, her friend, not only hers but Morgan's as well. Shifting in her seat uncomfortably she put her cup down on the desk again and took a breath in, looking JJ straight in her bright blue orbs.

"Well, last night on the plane…"

Emily began the long story of what she had seen on the plane just last night. She told JJ that while the entire team had been sleeping peacefully, absolutely exhausted after their last case she had woken up briefly. She explained that she had wakened to their sounds of their co-worker's distress and she had seen him dreaming.

"Dreaming…?" JJ's thin brow rose questioningly and Emily nodded, leaning in closer to her friend. She shook her head slightly and looked at Emily "But what does a dream have to do with anything?"

"Let me finish." Prentiss said quickly and her eyes drifted over to Morgan's closed office door as she told the rest of her story. She bit her lip and her eyes softened as she spoke "It was…bad JJ." She frowned and looked down at the carpet "He was sweating like crazy…and shaking!" she exclaimed and JJ's confused expression softened into one of concern.

She shifted on the desk and looked in the same direction as her friend as she spoke. "That's…not good. But…what makes you think that that had anything to do with what just happened between him and Hotch?" she inquired and her soft lips pressed together as she thought "I mean, we all have dreams…scratch that…nightmares. Don't we? I mean, especially with what we see. Aren't nightmares just a part of the general job description by now?" she smiled weakly trying to slice the somber air with a light joke. Emily remained silent as she looked at her friends confused frown "…I mean, we weren't able to save the last victim…couldn't that have had something to do with it? Morgan was the closest one to catching the creep…" she trailed off and held up her hand when she saw Emily's eyes darken "-not that I mean it was his fault, but he could be thinking it…"she inquired and Emily sighed deeply running a hand through her straight bangs. She was silent for a moment before looking back up at the blonde sitting on her desk.

"I guess you could be right…" she smiled weakly and JJ returned the expression weakly.

"I think I am. He's just-we've had a hard few days is all. He just needs some rest." JJ finished and stretched slightly before going to hop off the desk. "I better get to that file Hotch asked me for before I take off…"

No sooner than JJ went to step away from Emily's desk did she almost get knocked over by a figure rushing across the busy bullpen. Steadying herself on the corner of the desk JJ blinked at Emily before looking after the rushing figure. It was none other than Penelope Garcia. Feeling confused and slightly annoyed she had almost crashed into her-without even a welcome back! JJ narrowed her eyes and reached a hand out after the fast-moving red-head.

"Garcia-!" she called out before Emily's delicate hand rested on her shoulder gently, stopping her from going any further. JJ's eyes narrowed a little and she looked back at her before realizing Prentiss was pointing after their colourful tech analyst. Her eyes softened as her gaze turned back to watch as Penelope rushed about.

Penelope's usually perfectly applied; expressive makeup had long been smudged and wiped off with a Kleenex leaving slightly dark rings of colour around her eyes. Her gaze was bloodshot and tired looking and her hair had come out of the style it had been fastened into and was now falling limply around her shoulders in wavy strands of bright red. The two women watched as she stumbled on her bright yellow heels hurrying over to Morgan's office door. Emily saw her swallow a lump in her throat as she lightly rapped on the closed door. JJ watched as the door opened just a bit at first before it opened all the way.

Emily and JJ observed as the man that stood on the inside of the office appear in the doorway. His eyebrows furrowed at the sight of the frazzled redhead and his dark eyes blinked before smiling lightly. Emily saw Garcia discreetly wipe the edge of her eye before she stood up straight, smiling in return. JJ's eyes snapped towards the other woman and her lips parted in slight shock. She mouthed "what the" before looking back at their two co-workers who were standing just inside Morgan's office door.

JJ went to walk over to them but she stopped when she felt a delicate hand come to rest on her shoulder. Turning her head she raised a brow in confusion at the other woman and Emily smiled weakly. "We'll talk to him later JJ." Was all she said before turning back to her computer and regaining her focus on the report she had been typing. JJ opened her lips slightly to protest and took a second glance back at the two who were now lightly talking amongst themselves. She nodded slightly and turned to head back to her own desk.

His dark eyes stared down at the colourfully dressed woman standing in front of him and she smiled a little, bringing her palm up to caress his cheek. "You my love need to learn how to return a lady's phone calls." She pouted and he smirked only slightly before grabbing her wrist gently before squeezing her hand. He smiled; they had talked on the plane for about an hour last night enough the drain the battery from his phone. His brow furrowed and he closed his eyes before rubbing his forehead with his other palm.

"Sorry baby girl." He smiled "my phone died." He explained and Garcia's mouth dropped open and the back of her left hand pressed against her forehead in dramatics.

"Derek Morgan why must you hurt me with your callous lies?" she joked and Morgan smirked a little before closing his eyes proceeding to shake his head at her antics.

"Woman you are insane-" he started but he soon realized that she was staring at him intently her lips parted slightly in a frown. Her eyes were fixed on his and she raised her hand to his eye, gently touching the blue-ish bruise over his eye. An ache shot from the sore area and he winced. Penelope's hand retracted from his eye and she frowned.

"Derek Morgan!" She pouted and went to touch the sore spot again with her fingers "You didn't mention this on the phone." She said quietly and there was concern sparkling in her gaze. Gritting his teeth at her gentle touch he smiled weakly.

"It's nothing baby girl." he put his large hand on her shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly "really." He had noticed the smudged makeup and frazzled hair and he knew that while he should tell her about what had happened to him yesterday but he didn't want her to worry about him.

Her brown eyes remained fixed on his and he noticed them shimmering in the dim light of his office. Her fists clenched slightly and she took a shaking breath in before her expression hardened. His lips parted slightly in anticipation of what was to come and Garcia bit her lip, her voice low she blinked slowly. "Just tell me what happened." She said seriously before a heavy sigh escaped her lips "…please." She muttered quietly.

Running a sweaty palm over his bald head he looked out into the bustling bullpen and noticed a few people stealing glances at the two agents. Narrowing his eyes slightly he stepped forward, gently closing the door behind them. He sat down on his large office chair and invited the frazzled redhead a chair on the opposite side of his obsessively orderly desk. Looking at the offered chair she furrowed her brow before walking over to him, plopping herself down on his knee instead. He smirked weakly before shaking his head at her. Her eyes narrowed and she shoved him slightly "Now tell me!"

When Penelope noticed him seethe in pain she covered her mouth before staring down at her canary heels before biting her lip slightly "…sorry sweetness."

Morgan took a deep breath before placing his hand on her back in order to support her sitting on his lap. His deep eyes blinked sadly before he opted to stare at the floor instead of the eyes of his best friend. "It was Lisa." He said simply before Penelope's eyebrows shot up in concern at his statement.

"Lisa…the last victim Lisa?" she asked softly, slightly shocked at his thought. Nodding slightly he continued.

"Trenton-"

"…The Unsub?"

"Yea. Him." He said bitterly and continued staring at the carpet "as I'm sure you heard we got him." He stated and she nodded slightly before he sighed "we had tracked him to an office building off of 4th. It was closed for renos or something so it was dark…and empty. I was the first to see him so I took off after him inside…I just knew he had her somewhere in there." He narrowed his eyes and Penelope blinked slowly.

"What happened then?" she asked quietly and Derek's onyx eyes sparkled with unshed hurt. She knew what had happened as Hotch had told her when he had called to let her know they were coming home. But Morgan and her other profiler family were not the only ones that knew one or two things about reading people. She knew deep down something was wrong with her superman, and deduced from his pained expression he needed to let it out.

"…he had her on the third floor. I remember running after him up the stairs, desperately trying to catch up with him but…he disappeared on me! He just-" he started before sighing, his strong shoulders slumping as he spoke "-I just-the last thing I remember was falling." He held his forehead "…and lots of pain." He winced.

Her expression twisted into a mixture of horror and concern for her upset friend. Hotch hadn't mentioned that on the phone! She leaned forward and gingerly placed her hand on his clenched jaw. She ran her fingers over the course stubble beginning to grow in from his unshaven chin. Penelope brought her other hand onto his bald head caressing it delicately. There was a sick feeling forming in her stomach and her heart was heavy with anxiety. "Falling…?" she heard her voice rasp and he nodded slightly in response.

"He pushed me down the stairs." Morgan's expression remained unchanged and Penelope's stomach dropped.

In almost an instant she could see what he had just described before her. Her mind taunted her with pictures of the cocky grinning man she had seen on her screens push Morgan forcefully down a towering flight of stairs. Her heartbeat thudded in her ears as she saw his form tumble its long descent downwards before making a sick crunching noise, landing in a dishevelled heap. She pictured him motionless, his face still and his breath slowing.

Morgan's eyes looked up at the redhead sitting in his lap and he blinked slowly before clearing his throat. "…So, that was what happened." He smirked weakly and motioned to his slightly swollen eye. When she didn't say anything his expression dropped, and he nudged her shoulder gently. "Baby girl…you alright?" he asked and Penelope's expression suddenly changed from stoic to one of concern.

"Why does it always happen to you?" she choked a little, pain evident in her hoarse voice. "why do you always have to go after them first?" she rasped and his eyebrows rose.

He wasn't sure what the woman balanced in his lap meant by them but he could only assume it meant the unsubs. Derek opened his lips to speak and defend to her that it was his job, but when he heard the quiet whimpers and heavy breaths she breathed into his sculpted chest he decided against it. Instead he said nothing and brought his strong arms around her back, pulling her in closer to him securely.

The room was covered in a heavy silence as the two agents sat together. The only sounds that could be heard were Penelope's soft cries into Derek's chest as she let all of her pent up emotion out in her sobs. He frowned and murmured into her ear to try and calm her distress but to no avail. His heart heavy with pained anxiety Morgan sighed as he rubbed her back comfortingly. He knew something was wrong with his baby girl and it was killing him to hear her broken cries. Bringing his large palm up to rest on her fiery red curls he closed his eyes sadly.

Something was wrong with both of them. But neither Penelope Garcia nor Derek Morgan knew how they could say it.


A/N: that is chapter 3! let me know what you guys think! I love hearing from you. I'll try my best to get back to all of you but as I mentioned things are pretty nuts at the moment, tis the season I suppose!