When Reid caught up to him Morgan was speaking to a nurse, getting an update on Hart. She was being monitored for concussion, but aside from this there were no real concerns – just a few cuts and bruises that would heal in time. She had been extremely lucky.

'The police are in with her at the moment, but if you'd like I can come and take you to her once they're done?'

Morgan smiled for the first time since he had received the text message that night and thanked the kind nurse. He ran his hand across his head, smile still lingering slightly as relief hit him – it was okay, they were all going to be fine. He startled slightly as Reid placed his hand comfortingly on his shoulder with a smile. Morgan let out a bark of laughter in response before he sighed and his smile faded somewhat.

'I should go apologise properly huh? I know I took it too far, everyone makes mistakes – hell I know I've made my share... I mean they were probably already feeling guilty about the whole ordeal let alone having to deal with my blame as well. They didn't deserve that.'

'Morgan, they understand. They get why you were so hard on them. They're our family and they made a terrible judgement – drunk or not – that could have led to us losing them. And that's not even taking into account how you feel about Hart. You can go apologise because in all fairness you probably should. But I guarantee they will understand.'

'Thanks pretty boy.' Morgan winked at the younger man, and drew him into a brief yet firm hug. 'I'm going to go talk to them. Could you stay and wait for that nurse to come back? Let me know when we can see Hart?'

'Of course, I'll come and get you straight away.'

'Thanks.'

***break***

Morgan paused in the doorway on his return to the girls' room. They had huddled together on JJ's bed, with Kevin at Garcia's side whispering comfortingly to her while JJ finished off her conversation with Will. He watched them for a moment, simply relishing in the knowledge that they were safe and well. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat to gain their attention. The trio immediately turned towards the doorway taking in their rather sheepish-looking friend.

'Derek –' JJ started but was promptly interrupted.

'No wait, I need to get this out. Look, I'm really sorry about the way I spoke to you earlier. I was angry and I just –' he sighed deeply. 'I took it out on you and that wasn't fair, I should never have done that. I wish I could take it back, I really do. You're both like sisters to me and I was scared; I love you, I can't just lose you like that! Promise me you'll be more careful from now on?'

He was promptly sandwiched between the two women as they rushed to his side and embraced him. 'We're so sorry, and you were right – it was a really stupid decision and we promise we will never do it again!' JJ exclaimed as Morgan wrapped his arms around them and relaxed.

'Yeah we really are sorry, and we understand completely Gorgeous. We know how much you care about us – you really are like an annoying older brother – and we love you too.' Garcia stated with a wink. 'More importantly, we know how you feel about Hart – your reaction was more than understandable. You really don't need to apologise at all,' she finished with a beaming smile at his slight blush and squeezed him firmly once more before happily returning to Kevin's side. JJ giggled as she felt Morgan sag with relief, 'he obviously thought he was in for a rough time with us' she thought. He turned to her and smiled softly at her in response.

At that moment Reid returned to the room, thoroughly relieved to find such a content and relaxed atmosphere. 'I see your apology went down well then? I told you they would understand.'

Morgan gave him a mischievous grin and a wink, 'well you do know everything after all.'

Reid laughed, 'nice to see you've got your sense of humour back, although I can assure you I do not know everything... just a lot more than you...' he ended with a smirk at Morgan's mixed expression, clearly unsure whether or not to be offended or amused. 'The police have left Hart's room; we're free to go in whenever we're ready, so I suggest you go on through while I help Kevin here keep these two company.'

'Go get her tiger!' Came Garcia's shout from her corner followed by laughter.

'Send her our love, Morgan. Tell her we're sorry and we'll try to get out to see her soon.' JJ said with a gentle smile. Morgan nodded and made his way out of the room swiftly.

***break***

When he entered Hart's room she was gazing out of the window, lost in thought, and hadn't noticed his presence at all.

Once the police had left her she had all but collapsed back onto her pillows, she felt completely drained. 'What a night,' she thought as she watched the sun begin to rise. She couldn't believe how well it had all ended, in a weird way. the girls were fine; she'd kept them safe when it mattered the most and they had thankfully had no apparent reactions to the drugs – and she was fine, a bit bruised and battered sure, but fine. Morgan had reached her in time to ensure that. All in all, considering the situation, the results were definitely positive. It was on that thought that Hart finally noticed that she had company.

She smiles brightly at the sight, wincing sharply as it caused her cheek to ache. 'Well, if it isn't my very own knight in shining armour. Come to save me from my boredom?'

Morgan laughed and moved closer to her bedside, 'good to see you're still as witty as ever' he noted in amusement.

'How're the girls doing? The nurse was very brief when I asked.'

'Straight to the point as always,' Morgan thought. 'I've just come from them now, they're just fine. They had their stomachs pumped and no lasting effects have been noted. They should be free to leave within the next hour or so.' He smiled. 'They asked me to give you their love and let you know how sorry they were. I uh... may have laid it on a bit thick with them when I first went in to see them.' He shrugged sheepishly at her stern glare before adding defensively. 'I apologised and everything.'

'It was a mistake Morgan, come on. It's not as though they did it on purpose, it as a really messed up situation that could have happened to anyone – we were just unlucky.' Hart sighed, 'look – what they did was stupid, no doubt, and I am annoyed. But it's over now and we're all okay, that's all that matters.' She squeezed his hand reassuringly. He looked at her silently for a moment and she was taken aback by the amount of pain she saw shining through.

'I know. And I'm so glad that you had the sense not to drink the shot... but... could you just never do this ever again? I can't lose you Hart, and I – what if I hadn't checked my phone until later or something? You were in bad enough shape when I get there, I was so scared.'

Hart couldn't believe what was happening; she had no idea that he would be so upset. It was surreal. 'Hey now, come on Morgan. You can't think like that and you know it. At the end of the day, you did get there in time and we are all going to be just fine – thanks to you.'

'Yea, I just wish you could've locked yourself in the car safely as well... I'm sorry Hart, it's just... I – care – about you a lot and while I know you're fine, seeing you like this –' he gestured at her bruised face and watched knowingly as she winced trying to sit up. 'It's killing me, beautiful. Knowing that that asshole did this to you... Why did you have to rile him up so much? The girls were safe; you could've come back in for us.'

Hart pulled Morgan down to sit on the bed with her and laid her head on his shoulder, seeking comfort. 'I...' she sighed deeply. 'I could have I suppose, hell I probably should have but I didn't want to risk it – they were so vulnerable. What if he broke into the car while I was getting you? Their safety was the most important thing at that moment.' She snuggled further into him, ignoring any pain or discomfort as she paused for a second or two. 'As for your other question, I figured if I antagonised him, belittled him and made him see just how pathetic he was, he wouldn't actually... you know... rape me... Sure he might turn violent but I could handle that.

Morgan, he needed to use drugs to control women enough that he could prey on them. He couldn't handle it when he realised that I was neither drugged nor submissive in any way – I imagine he felt pretty impotent in that moment and tried to regain control using violence; he knew I was drunk and wouldn't be able to properly fight back. Of course, he wasn't counting on you showing up and saving the day- night – whatever.' Hart finished with a wink.

Morgan looked down at her smirking slightly, only a hint of sadness remaining in his eyes. 'I guess I can understand that then,' he said softly before he continued, eyes glinting mischievously. 'Guess I'm your hero then huh? In that case, I do believe it is time for you to rest fair maiden. Your fellow damsels in distress shall visit you in the morning.' Hart burst into giggles, happy that the serious conversation had ended and Morgan was back to normal.

'Okay. I'm exhausted anyway. Could you... never mind.' She ended swiftly looking away.

'What is it princess? Could I what? You know I'd do anything for you.' this just caused a faint blush to appear, to Morgan's thorough amusement and heightening his curiosity even further.

'Could you stay? Just until I fall asleep I mean, obviously you need to go home and get your rest as well so i don't expect you to stay all night but –'

'I'll stay.' Morgan interrupted.

Hart relaxed slightly, 'thank you. You're the best Morgan, I don't know what I would've done without you and Reid tonight. I'm so lucky to have friends like you.' She smiled fondly at Morgan once more before settling back down and closing her eyes peacefully. He settled himself in the seat by the bed, carefully taking Hart's hand into his own and became lost in his thoughts. Tomorrow would bring reality with it, Hotch would need to be notified and Rossi, the girls would be released properly and the police would no doubt be back. No matter what though, Morgan knew he would remain by her side – as a friend and nothing more if that was what she wanted. As long as she was safe and happy he would be glad to be involved in her life in any way he can, and someday he hoped she would realise just how perfect they would be together... 'Someday soon, preferably' he thought with a smirk.