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CHAPTER FOUR: The Family

When Derek is aware again, he feels very different from before. For once, he CAN feel. Physically. At this realization, he is ecstatic! He is elated! He is…in pain! Fuck! His head feels like a piñata after a Cinco De Mayo celebration. With extreme effort and discomfort, he turns his head to see Spencer sleeping beside him in his chair. Maybe it wasn't a dream. Moving his eyes around the room to the decorations strung about, he smiles despite his agony. It was real. It had to be. He tries to speak but nothing comes out at first. He swallows thickly and tries again.

"Reid." He says in a raspy wheeze.

Spencer doesn't stir. He clears his throat with a wince.

"Reid!"

Big, hazel orbs shoot open and blink several times, mind catching up to speed, before immediately whipping his head in Derek's direction. Eyes wide, his entire face lights up as he launches himself directly to Morgan's side, hovering.

"Morgan!" He exclaims, putting a hand to his friend's face before realizing it seems inappropriate, and pulling it away at once.

"Hey there." Derek replies with a small smile, which is all he can muster despite the overwhelming joy to be back in his corporeal form.

"Do you remember anything?"

"Yeah. Accident…big tree."

Spencer looks pleased that Derek is able to remember that much.

"I'd ask how you're feeling but I imagine that would be a stupid question. So, is there anything I can get you? I should let the nurses know…God, you had me…everyone so worried…"

"Reid…what day is it?"

"It's Christmas." He says glancing at the wall clock "Ten-twelve Christmas morning to be exact."

Spencer makes a grab for the call button when Derek's hand stills his.

"Wait."

"But I should tell them…"

"Please…"

"W-what's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm fine. But what happened to you?"

"What?"

"No offense kid, but you look like hell. I have an excuse, what's yours? Look like ya haven't slept in days."

"Oh. Um, well, I suppose worry will do that." He replies as if saying 'duh'.

"You having nightmares again?"

"Morgan, you just woke from a coma. I need to inform the nurse. We can talk about whatever you want later…"

"Spencer. Please."

Spencer blinks at him and the use of his first name along with the tone in which it was spoken. He takes a deep breath and momentarily relents.

"Yeah."

"Tell me."

Spencer doesn't want to think about it. He just wants to revel in the happiness welling in his chest and tell the whole world that Derek is okay.

"I-I don't really recall specifics." He lies. "I was restless and then they came in and took you for another CT scan. They said you were improving faster than they could've hoped and, once you were back to the room, I was finally able to get some descent sleep. And here you are." He summarizes with a deep sigh of relief, going once again for the call button.

"Hey." Derek says, halting the younger man once more.

He knows Spencer is full of shit but decides not to push. He already has confirmation that the astral phenomena had in fact taken place.

"Yeah?"

"Can you do something for me?"

"Anything."

Derek holds his arms out in a surprising and almost pleading gesture. Spencer considers him with a baffled expression. When what his friend is asking for finally dawns on him, his eyebrows shoot up and he moves hesitantly at first. When he's close enough for reassurance that no misunderstanding has been made, Derek pulls him down, hugging him close.

"Thank you." He whispers.

"For what?" Spencer asks.

"For staying. For everything. For being you." Derek replies, and Spencer relaxes into the embrace for a time, call button be damned.

….

By the time the doctor was finished with Derek, everyone had begun arriving. They had all been somewhat shocked and beyond relieved that their friend and fellow teammate was awake. Hotch managed to stay scowl free for the entire visit and even blinked a few times! Prentiss had slapped his arm and threatened his life if he ever scared them like that again. When he assured her that they needn't worry about losing their human battering ram, the comment seemed lost on her. JJ had hugged him and wept a bit as he rubbed her back and told her everything would be alright. Of course the meaning behind his consoling didn't seem to breach her shell of understanding any better than his comment to Emily. All would be dealt with in time, but for now, he had to get well.

Garcia had come running in delving out hugs, kisses and praising the heavens all at the same time. Everyone had to keep reminding her to calm down and let Derek breathe. He'd just laughed.

"Congratulations Baby Girl."

"What?" She'd asked clearly baffled. "How did you know?"

"The ring." He'd said smoothly.

"Oh. I'm so sorry."

"Why?"

"Because…I just…you were in here…and I was…"

"Hey beautiful. None of that. It's fine. You needed it. You always deserve to be happy."

"Thank you sugar. You know I love you right?"

"Never a doubt."

"Good. You're going to give me away right?"

"Absolutely. I'd he honored. Besides, it gives me the right to threaten Kevin within an inch of his life."

"Don't scare him too much love. I don't want him to wet himself at the altar."

"I've got two sisters, and countless hours of interrogation experience. I'm an expert by now."

"I'm sure. Derek Morgan is an expert of many things." She'd said with a sly grin. "I just hope I'm doing the right thing. I really want that kind of happiness my parents had."

"Well, just remember to respect one another and listen. The tricky part is keeping things fresh. But you're a creative girl. It's not like you'll ever have to resort to things like swingers clubs, a secret porn stash or anything embarrassing like…ass-less chaps." He'd said with a straight face as she about fell off the edge of the bed.

He was going to mess with her as long as he could and relish every minute of it.

Spencer had been sitting in the corner, quietly out of the way, with a cup of coffee Prentiss had brought him. He and Derek now make eye contact but before anything can be said, Fran runs in, Desiree and Sara right on her heels.

"Oh baby! I'm so glad you're alright! When I heard…oh, I was so scared!"

"It's okay mama. I'm fine. You shouldn't have wasted the money…"

"Bite your tongue young man! There's no way I wasn't going to be here to see my little Der-bear through this."

"Mama…" Derek cringes, scrunching his nose when he hears Spencer snort.

"I'll give you all some privacy." He says standing to leave.

"You stayed with him all night Dr. Reid?"

"Uh, please, Spencer. Yeah, I did. Did you have any questions?"

"Thank you." She says hugging him tightly. "Derek's lucky to have someone like you in his life."

Derek and his sisters snicker at the deer in headlights look on Spencer's face, which Fran seems oblivious of, as she rocks his frail frame to and fro in her arms.

"Um, really, it wasn't a big deal. H-he's done the same for me."

At this point the ladies are surveying the room.

"Who did all this?" Des asks.

"Santa, apparently." Sara answers, reading the tags on the gifts by the tree.

"I guess Jolly 'ol Saint Nick has a soft spot for our Derek." Fran says inspecting the stocking and it's chicken scratch. "Wouldn't you agree Spencer?"

"Uh, it would seem so." Spencer replies carefully, glancing at Derek.

"Well, I'll have to be sure to let Santa know just how much he's appreciated when I get outta here, won't I." He says looking directly at Reid who blushes fiercely.

"I'll let you visit." Spencer says moving to the door.

"Hey Reid, you'll come back right? I mean you don't have to but I would…"

"Of course. I'll be back later to see what Santa brought you." He says, smiling brightly before walking out.

….

Two days later, Derek is a free man. His family insists on staying until the New Year, despite his assurances that he will be fine on his own. His team members had dropped in periodically over the following couple days, to visit and bring goodies. The night of the thirtieth, Fran is hard at work in the kitchen making dinner when there is a soft knock at the door.

"Oh, hey Spencer!" Sara greets, stepping aside to let him in as a wall of hunger inducing aroma hits him.

"Hi. Um, I'm sorry, I didn't consider the time. You're obviously about to eat. I should have called first. I'll just see you all at Emily's tomorrow." He says, turning to leave.

"Spencer Reid! You get that skinny rear in here right now!" Fran calls from the kitchen.

Spencer freezes, barely catching his footing as Sara grabs his arm, pulling him inside.

"You heard the lady."

"Really, I just popped by to say hello. I won't keep you."

"Nonsense! You're staying for dinner and that's final. You look like you haven't had a descent meal in ages. Now come in and sit down. Derek! You've got a visitor!"

"Thank you but…"

"No buts! Shush! Sit!"

"Better do what she says. You don't want to incur the wrath of a Morgan woman. They're vicious." Derek chuckles, entering the room.

"O-okay." Spencer says with obvious discomfort.

"Loosen up Pretty Boy. Just smile, nod, and agree with everything they say and your chances of survival will increase ten fold."

"Derek! You're awful." Sara scolds.

Spencer shifts awkwardly on his feet, eyes darting around like a Chihuahua caught in a thunderstorm, searching for a safe place to take shelter. Derek takes pity and throws an arm around his shoulders, leading him to the living room. Once they're sat, chatting amiably, Spencer calms considerably, and notices what his friend is wearing.

"I'm glad you like the sweater."

"Oh yeah! Thanks! I was surprised you actually bought me clothes. But not as surprised as I was that it was something I would actually wear." Derek says with a wink and a playful nudge.

"Um, well, I can't really take the credit. The sales lady picked it out. I showed her a picture of you and she led me through the store going on about body types, coloring, and styles. I didn't really get it, but she seemed to know what she was talking about." He explains with a shy smile.

"Wait, you carry around a picture of Derek? Aw…how sweet." Des teases from the doorway.

"Des!" Sara chides, coming in behind her sister.

Spencer's cheeks redden and his eye's grow large as he fumbles quickly for his wallet. He flashes a picture of the whole team as they approach.

"It's an old picture but you can see it's not…"

"You don't have to explain anything to her." Sara says shoving Des gently. "She's just being a shit."

"Yeah, like you didn't think the same thing." Des mumbles.

"Well, you still took the time. I know how much you hate the mall. I really like it man. Thank you." Derek says sincerely.

"Are you girls giving our guest a hard time? Leave the poor thing alone. Dinner's almost ready. Get washed up." Fran orders.

They all sit down to eat, and Spencer is put at ease while he watches the Morgan family banter, as he scarfs down what's admittedly the best meal he's had in a very long time. When Fran talks him into seconds, Derek teases him relentlessly about losing his girlish figure, and how if he wasn't careful he might actually register on a scale, to which he receives what Garcia so lovingly referred to as his kitten glower. But the attempt fails to mask his happiness at having Morgan alive and well, and for that he would gladly endure everything in the mans joke arsenal. He's okay, and that's all that matters. Finally, the harassment ends, but is replaced by a barrage of endless questions from the females at the table. Spencer answers all of them to some degree, with an occasional pleading glance toward Derek who just sits back with an amused expression, offering up no salvation. By the time pie has been devoured and everyone is all laughed out, the young genius looks like he might collapse where he stands and politely excuses himself for the night. Derek walks him out to his car.

"You sure you're okay to drive?"

"I'm fine." He sighs. "Nothing a hot shower, two aspirin and few Xanax can't cure."

"Yeah, sorry about that. I kinda fed ya to the wolves in there didn't I?"

"You didn't just feed me to them, you tenderized and seasoned me first."

"Aw, come on Reid, we both know you can't stay mad at me. Besides, you had fun in there and you know it. They love you."

"Honestly, I did have fun. They're really great Morgan. You're lucky to have them."

"We are. That was your official initiation. They've accepted you into the pack. In fact next year, if you don't go see your mom and nobody's in a coma, I've been informed that you're expected at the Morgan household. I hope a year is enough notice." Derek smirks.

"I couldn't. I appreciate it, but I wouldn't feel right crashing your family ti…"

"You are family Reid. That's what I've been saying. Don't argue with me or I'll knock your ass out and shove you in my suitcase. It'll be great. I can show you around my old stomping grounds. But no more holidays spent alone, locked away ordering takeout, just waiting around for us to get back and work to start again. You're best Christmas shouldn't be one spent with a vegetable."

Spencer flinches and Derek realizes quickly that he'd just repeated something he wasn't supposed to have heard.

"Uh, thanks Der-Morgan. I-I'll um, see you tomorrow night." He stutters, as he turns on his heel nearly running to his car.

"Shit. Good going Derek. Of all the people to slip up to." He growls to himself as his friend drives away.

He walks back inside mentally berating himself, when his mothers voice brings him out of his musings.

"I really like him. He's a sweet man." Fran says thoughtfully. "He seems to care for you a great deal."

"Reid? Yeah, he's a good friend."

All of the women exchange a look.

"Derek, do you know that Penelope sends me pictures?"

"What! What pictures?"

"Now, nothing bad, don't get mad at her. Some time after your trouble in Chicago, I received an email from her with this wonderful picture of you. She introduced herself and wanted me to know you were doing fine, and after that, at my request, she began mailing me real photos every so often."

"She never told me she was talking to you. She had no right…"

"I told her not to say anything. She only wrote the first email because she knew it was a rough time for you and I was pestering you so she was just trying to help."

Derek blows out the tension building in his gut and just shakes his head.

"Anyway, I only bring it up because I kept them all and...Derek, can I show you something?" She asks, not waiting for an answer before disappearing down the hall.

She brings back a small photo album that she'd chosen to pack for some reason unbeknown to him. She sits on the sofa and pats the cushion next to her. They sit together and flip through the pages, as Derek's anger is replaced with laughter, his heart warmed by the memories of his team that he shares with his mother, and the stories behind each one. When they reach the end, she looks at him expectantly.

"What is it?" He asks confused.

"Didn't you see it?"

"See what mama? I saw pictures. Was there something I missed?"

She gives him a small smile and puts the album on his lap.

"Maybe you need to look a little closer." She says getting up to clear the table.

Derek looks at the pictures again and again until his family turns in for the night. Sitting once more, he eyes the album with a frown. Picking it up, he slowly turns each page one last time with a new perspective. There are forty pictures in the book, and he had come to see, that where he was obviously in every one, his most reoccurring companion was the brilliant Dr. Reid. Granted, it wasn't always just the two of them, but they are always together, usually candid shots, and often teasing one another. In several, one is considering the other with affection, and one in particular makes Derek's head spin and his heart pound. He is cupping Reid's chin in one hand playfully, grinning at the younger agent with adoration, while he smiles back sheepishly, bright eyes positively glowing. He hadn't offered a story for that picture, having skipped over it all together, but Derek definitely remembered it. Looking at it here, now, plain as day from an outsiders point of view, he did see it.

He closes the book and takes a deep, shaky breath as everything hiding in the darkest shadows of his mind, takes a giant leap forward into blinding, undeniable awareness. But it's late, he's tired, and he can hardly hope to make sense from the cyclone of sensory overload whirling through him at the moment, let alone the fact that his mother, of all people, was the one to finally put the storm in motion. He is going to bed. He would have to sift through the rubble later, when he has the clear mind and reserves to do so. Though he does make a mental note, as he lay down for sleep, that Penelope Garcia is going to receive a serious lecture about her picture fetish and compulsive meddling. Suddenly, a coma doesn't seem like such a bad thing, and closing his eyes, he settles for the next best thing.

Aw…I'm getting a tooth-ache from all of the sappy sweetness. Anyway, thank you for all of the lovely reviews! I figure two more chapters to go! I hope you'll bear with me! Next stop, Emily's New Years Eve party! WHEEEEEE!