I still own NOTHING

Penelope had suffered too many disappointments throughout her life. He'd said those same words before, giving them a fraternal meaning. Derek had the ability to make her heart beat, with both happiness and sadness. He could do anything with it because it was his. Her soul was his, her body was his. Every corner of her mind belonged to that man.

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes.

"Derek, don't pity me" Her voice sounded broken but firm. Penelope didn't want his compassion. She already had too much of it. "I don't want you to say things you don't feel just because you can't stand me crying"

Her body quickly felt his warmth loss. He stood up, placing himself in front of her. His eyes widened, nailing on her face. "Is that what you think of me?"

If the situation had been less painful for her, maybe she'd have laughed. His words seemed like a bad joke.

Is that what you think of me?

He had refused her love. He left her behind, half-naked and crying about their break up.

He said not once, but twice, the ugly truth. 'I am not in love with you'.

Apparently, everything changed when Sam came into her life, stealing his territory. Derek couldn't figure out his own feelings, he didn't realize that it was not love, but a habit.

He was used to her, to be her guardian angel, her hero, her rock. He had lost his privileged place in her life.

"Penelope"

She smiled, but her eyes were heavy with tears. "You don't love me"

Derek scowled as he walked slowly toward her. He seemed hopeless, looking for words with which define his feelings, desperate for one last chance. He looked like a completely different man.

But he quickly recovered his pride. His gestures hardened again, his eyes no longer seemed the one of a wounded man. Derek returned to be the confident, unshakable man she knew.

"I'm sorry," he shook his head slowly, letting out a little laugh. "I think I got carried away by ..." his voice was silent for a little time "this whole situation"

"I know" Penelope promised herself that she'd not cry. After all, she had her pride. Although it was crushed, and wounded by him. "I'm going to bed"

He gave a slight nod, before flopping down on the couch. His eyes followed her silhouette as she walked to her room. He'd have it all. In fact, her heart belonged to him once. Her heart was still loving him. But she couldn't trust him.

And he couldn't help but think how ironic life was. She was so important in his life, he couldn't risk losing her. He couldn't risk having a relationship with her. If that didn't work out well they could fall apart.

And he needed her. He couldn't lose her smile. He didn't risk anything, but nonetheless, he lost everything.

FOUR MONTHS LATER

Derek stood behind the last bench, his eyes focused on nothing. Twenty minutes ago, he couldn't take off his eyes from Penelope. She looked really beautiful, just like a bride should look. She seemed happy, too.

"This church is perfectly decorated" a male voice said behind him, getting closer "With all those flowers and bows... It's pretty encouraging, right? Suddenly, you feel like getting married"

"Yes, I was thinking the same thing" he replied sarcastically, not turning to look at the man.

Brian stood by his side, watching the tightness of his face. His brown eyes looked at his saddened eyes.

"Since when are you in love with my sister?"

He laughed without humor, shaking his head. "I'm not in love with Penelope. She is a wonderful woman and she deserves all the best. I'm really happy for her"

"Are you happy? Excuse me, man. But you seem anything but happy" Brian patted his back, before looking for a place to sit. Derek chose to leave the church.

"You're not going to do anything, do you?" Spencer wondered looking into his eyes.

"She's happy. End of story" He looked up from the sidewalk, "Go back inside"

Spencer swallowed, a little nervous. "As a behavior analyst, you lie badly. No one is happy here. Here's just a coward. A ridiculous coward who prefers to swallow his feelings rather than fighting"

Derek tightened his jaw furiously, whispering in obvious rage "Nobody asked your fucking opinion, Spencer. Move your skinny ass away from me and leave me alone"

Placing a yellow rose in the lapel of his black jacket, Spencer came back into the church. Derek stood there, trying to hold back his bitter tears.

Don't worry, here's a happy ending. I promise it.

Thank you very much for your reviews and alerts. Right now I have no internet, only from cyber cafes. So I have just long enough to update and comment on other fics. Hope you understand.

From Monday to Thursday I can answer all of your reviews, and update two fics at once.

Anyway, thanks for your patience with me!

-GeekGirl88-