How to Deal

Twelve weeks after the break-up and Morgan is the only one showing signs of stress. He had become progressively angrier with little things and while the team had no clue as to his foul moods, they surmised that he will snap out of it soon enough. Prentiss showed no overt signs of anything but she effectively cut herself off from the outside world. It was always work and home. She even took some time off and went away on vacation; something she had been meaning to do for years but never found the motivation. While you cannot 'find' yourself on a beach, the ocean and breeze had a refreshing effect and she came back rejuvenated.

Derek was definitely going through a grunge phase; he sported a beard and then progressed to a goatee which surprised everyone. The ladies however seemed pleased. They were still falling over themselves to date him. But Morgan was not interested. He heard laughter, turned around and came close to hitting Rossi when he saw the agent place a hand on Emily's shoulder. With supreme control he turned away and stuffed his hands in his pockets. Morgan was having a difficult time dealing with his feelings because he was in love with Prentiss and couldn't imagine being with another woman. Her reaction towards him since she walked out of his apartment confused him. She worked alongside him with her usual professionalism not once slipping and bringing up their personal issues.

Late one night after the rest of the team left and finally deciding to talk, Derek followed Emily into the kitchenette. He invaded her personal space trapping her between the counter and his body. She took a sip of her coffee and waited for him to do whatever he came to accomplish. Realizing that she was not going to make it easy for him, he stated, "Em, I am so sorry for my actions and I apologize. I never meant to hurt you."

"Thanks for the apology Derek, but it doesn't change anything." She answered.

Ready to make his case, he opened his mouth to speak. Her hand clamped over his mouth and she shook her head. "Shh...Derek. I have forgiven you. I blame myself for letting you get so close to me. Everyone knows your reputation with women but I was always so attracted to you that I couldn't fight my emotions when you seemed to want me too." He wiped a tear making its way down her cheek as she continued, "I have never opened myself to anyone the way I did with you or done so many things with a partner that you got me to do. You may not have realized it, but I would have done anything for you. I kinda understand why you kept the information from me. But Derek, I briefly spoke to that man in the bookstore when he retrieved a book I had dropped. You were somewhere else and I was left vulnerable, that guy could have killed me before I thought him a threat. That is what affected me, the ease at which something bad could have happened. And I cannot leave myself open to those situations anymore. Your actions, however noble or protective, broke me Derek. I cannot describe to you what I am feeling. The only thing I know is I don't want to feel that way again, so please let's just be co-workers and do our jobs."

When she squeezed by him, his stomach felt like lead. He realized the truth in what she said. He had been kicking himself over not being there as Pruitt got so close and she was correct in that he could have found her lying in a pool of her blood in those minutes he was otherwise engaged. Watching her bare her emotions drained all his anger. A great sense of loss overwhelmed him and he decided to make an effort to get them back to a place where they may be friends again however difficult that will be.

The holiday season was fast approaching and the team was to be on call so no-one had any grand plans, just quiet time with their respective families. Morgan decided to chill out and do nothing constructive this Saturday morning. Hearing the doorbell, he reluctantly opened the door to the impeccable Ambassador Prentiss who entered without invitation and took a seat in his living room.

"Ma'am, whatever it is, you'd better go over to Emily's and tell her. I am not about to have her shoot me."

"This visit is a whole lot different from the last Derek. What are you doing?"

"I don't understand," he replied with confusion.

"Why are you allowing Emily to date that Stewart Nelson?"

"Ambassador I am lucky that we are on speaking terms, and even if that little excursion didn't blow up in my face, I couldn't dictate what Emily could do."

"Well he is an idiot. You need to set her straight." She replied.

"We talked and Emily told me in no uncertain terms that we are over, so there is nothing I can say to change her mind." He looked like such a kicked puppy that Elizabeth Prentiss actually felt sorry for him for a brief moment.

"Then don't say anything. Go over there, take her in your arms and show her how you feel."

Morgan's disbelief gave way to laughing. At the ambassador's raised eyebrow, he relayed, "this is the first time a girl's mother gave me permission to go after her daughter. So let me have my twilight zone moment."

"This is not permission Derek, more like a swift kick in the ass. Do you love my daughter?"

"Yes, definitely," he quickly responded.

"Then get over there, convince her that you are the right man for her and be the one on whose arm she attends my holiday party next week." As is her custom, she gets up and leaves Morgan as suddenly as she appeared. Elizabeth Prentiss cannot believe that two forty year olds can have as much drama as teenagers. If they didn't shape up within the week, she will have to bring out the 'big guns' on them.

Grinning to himself, Derek got spruced up and left for Emily's.

Thinking it was Stewart, Emily opened her door without checking who was on the other side. She came face to face with Derek Morgan and the next minute she was engulfed in his strong arms and being thoroughly kissed. Her body's reaction to him was immediate; it was like coming home after a long absence. Her brain shut down and she wrapped her hands around his neck. His fevered kisses were broken by words of love and apology. She was happy, scared and hopeful in his arms.

Their deliberate move to her bedroom was an acknowledgement on both their parts of the fear of talking. That would come later. Right now, they wanted to feel loved. Coming down from orgasm Derek apologized again. "No more apologies, Derek, let's just enjoy being here and move on." She said with a smile which he returned and pulled her closer to his body.

They spent the next few days talking after she broke up with Stewart. Derek finally disclosed the origin of the information. Emily was extremely angry at her mother but not surprised. She decided to give her mother a dressing down at her holiday party.

Elizabeth welcomed Emily and Derek to the party. She immediately directed them to an adjoining room for a chat.

"Emily," began her mother without preamble, "you have had horrible taste in men..."

"Stop right there, mother!" interjected Emily, "I could never do anything to please you. All my life I tried to be someone you can be proud of but nothing is ever enough. Somehow you sucked Derek into a plan you knew will make me furious at him when I found out. His family is not powerful and politically connected for you to approve. But you know what? I am a grown woman and tonight it ends; my insane need to please you. I love him and want to spend the rest of my life with him. I want to have his babies and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it."

Derek was elated to hear she wanted to have his babies, Emily was fuming and Elizabeth burst out laughing; a real laugh in a long time which confused the two in front of her.

"What is it with you two? Engaging mouth before brain?" asked the Ambassador. "As I was saying before being rudely interrupted; Emily you have had horrible taste in men until now. You complement each other and I know you will be happy together."

The looks of pure disbelief and shock radiating from the couple gave her the opportunity to continue, "I apologize, Derek, for putting you in a difficult position and look forward for those gorgeous grandbabies you are planning on having. If you'll excuse me, I have guests." Elizabeth planted kisses on both their cheeks and disappeared through the door to the party.

"Oh my God," said Emily, "she just apologized to you. That woman never apologizes. She must really like you."

"I am glad," replied Derek with a smirk, "and happy to know that you will be having my babies."

Emily proceeded to have a full body blush as she realized just how far in her mouth she had inserted her foot. Derek was amused and the look in his eyes told her that he will never let her forget this night. The party turned out to be the best Emily has ever attended. Her mother, ever the diplomat, made it her business to introduce them to all the power brokers. Emily and her boyfriend Derek spent most of the night on the dance floor being the centre of attention. Morgan's only fear is when her mother meets his; they will both be completely out-gunned. Yet he was the happiest man.

The End.

Thanks for reading and reviewing. This story went its own way from what I had originally planned. I actually completed it before posting so that I don't leave it incomplete or have it get stuck in my head.

Keep on writing folks. Changes in the show will change dynamics certainly but at least we have fanfiction ;)