When Hotch, Emily and JJ returned from New York, a part of Derek had hoped that she would be in tow, and when she wasn't he realized he almost expected that she wouldn't return. He absorbed all that they relayed to the rest of the team as Rossi and Reid asked after her, both feeling as guilty as the rest of them for having driven her away. Emily watched Derek from the corner of her eye as his face remained neutral the whole time. She knew that his distrust in all of them made him mask and calculate the reactions he revealed.

For the weeks that followed the rest of them learned to once again work with each other. In time Spencer had forgiven JJ for having kept the circumstances around Emily's death a secret. Like Penelope he realized that it was the only way to keep Emily safe till Doyle was dead and all that really mattered was that Emily was alive and that she was safe.

Though Derek was glad that Emily was alive and safe, he was finding it hard to trust any of them and found himself keeping a safe distance. He knew the one person he trusted most in the world was now living a life without him, and he was to blame for that.

"Hey Derek, we're about to get some lunch did you want to join us?" Emily asked,

"No thanks. I'll see you guys later," he replied politely heading out the door. Emily's heart sank. She missed Derek but understood his anger. He believed for seven months that she had died in his arms, only to find out that she lied about that and so much more.

"Don't take It to heart, it's not just about you. He's buried a long list of issues in that mind of his that only a minefield explosion can dig up. He'll get there. He loves you and he's happy you're home. He's just a stubborn ass hat sometimes." Emily turned around surprised not expecting to see Penelope who was standing before her.

"Oh my gosh! What are you doing here? It's so good to see you! I'm so glad you're here." Emily squealed in excitement throwing her arms around her friend.

"I had a meeting with Strauss, tie up a few loose ends what not. I also had to meet with the real estate agent to prep my place for sale this morning."

"Lunch?" Penelope looped an arm through Emily's ad grinned,

"Lead the way my friend."

With the exception of Hotch, everyone else looked up in surprise as she and Emily entered one of their favourite haunts Halliwell's which was a pub near the Bureau. They had spent many lunches and many nights at Halliwell's. A lot of good memories lived there, fond moments for all.

"Garcie!" JJ exclaimed excitedly jumping to her feet being the first one to spot them.

"Hey Jayje! It's good to see you too." Penelope replied with a chuckle as JJ hugged her tightly, Rossi close behind

"It's good to see you Bella."

"Garcia..." Reid began uncertainly,

"It's okay Junior G, really. It's okay." she assured him as she pulled him into a hug. Reid held on to her tightly his chin resting on her shoulder.

"I've really missed you."

"Me too Reid. Me too."

After she had hugged them all they sat down to lunch. Penelope caught Reid and Rossi up with what was new with her and vice versa.

"So how long are you in town for?" Rossi asked

"A few days at most. I have another meeting with the board tomorrow and the tenant who was renting out my apartment moved out over the weekend so I'm just getting it ready for sale. I took most of my stuff when I moved to New York, like the big things but I left what was in the attic up there along with other things I couldn't bring at the time."

"The Board PG?" Penelope looked over at Hotch knowing that he left it up to her to explain the details,

"Derek was convinced that the only way we would ever catch Doyle was through his son. He knew that because Emily had confirmed he would be alive, he would go looking for her. So from the get go I've been keeping an eye out on him. Derek knew that if I could find Declan, Doyle would be able to find him too. Which is how we were able to take Doyle into custody."

"So you worked this from New York?"

"Well I started it and it felt like it would be a disservice to you if I just dropped it, and somehow after I found Declan I felt responsible for him."

"Thank you." Emily said gratefully knowing if it wasn't for Penelope or Derek she may never have been able to come back and that Doyle would have eventually gotten his hands on Declan.

Needless to say that lunch lasted longer than usual as they were all reluctant to say goodbye to her.

"Dinner tonight?" Hotch asked

"I would love to but I'll actually be working for the rest of the afternoon and possibly evening. I'm overseeing a couple of projects and we're up to the testing stages and I said I'd do them whilst I was here. And if I want to be packed up and ready to go the day after tomorrow I should really do that tonight."

"How about tomorrow? I'll cook dinner at mine." David offered,

"That sounds great. It's been awhile since I've had decent Italian."

"Awesome, we will see you there." Emily said as they hugged goodbye.

"Hotch and Jayje I'd really like to see the boys while I'm here. Is it okay if I drop by tomorrow after my meeting and hang with Henry for a bit and Hotch I'd really like to pick up Jack from school tomorrow and maybe take him out for ice cream. "

"Jack would love it Penelope. I'll let Jessica and the school know."

"Will and Henry will be home tomorrow so come whenever you're done." JJ replied,

"Thank you. See you guys tomorrow."

They all watched her rather longingly as they parted on the ground floor as she headed in one direction and they in another. Running late himself, Derek caught the guys at the lobby. His gaze followed theirs in curiosity. He stopped in his tracks recognising the departing figure. Though she looked different than he remembered there was no doubt that it was Penelope. The tightening of his heart confirmed as much.

"Is that?"

"Yes," they answered in unison,

"Sorry Hotch, I may be a little late coming back from lunch," he said before bolting after her.

"Take your time." Hotch answered somewhat unnecessarily as Derek was long gone.

"That'll be an interesting conversation," Rossi commented as the rest of them nodded in agreement heading back to their office.

Derek had to present his badge at the entrance point of Crime Scene Investigations almost losing Penelope as she was about to turn a corner.

"Baby Girl," he called out loud enough for her to hear. Penelope stopped in her tracks, her heart dropping to the floor. Though she had prepared herself for the possibility of seeing him again, she wasn't quite ready at that very moment. She thought about just continuing on and pretending she didn't hear him, but she knew that he would know that she did. Taking a huge breath, Penelope turned and saw him running towards her.

"Hey," he said as he stood before her. He wanted to pull her into his arms, tell her he was sorry, but all he could do was say 'hey'

"Hey," she replied back uncertain as to what he was expecting for her to say or do at that point. They had not parted in the best of terms, and though she had forgiven him for his transgressions and understood his behaviour, she no longer trusted in him or their friendship.

"It's good to see you." He managed to say, as though he was sifting through his mind for what to say.

"You too Derek," when no words followed from that Penelope regretfully looked towards the door knowing she was about to run late.

"I'm sorry Derek, but I have to be in there. I have a meeting in five minutes. We're having dinner at Rossi's tomorrow night. You should join us." She said apologetically, and out of habit she gave his arm a squeeze before walking into the sliding doors that led to the labs leaving Derek somewhat dumbfounded. It was not how he had pictured their meeting to be. For one he expected rage. He almost expected that she would slap him, yell at him, but what he got was worse than he could have imagined. She was resolved.