Disclaimer I hate you so much for making me keep saying this: I do not own Criminal Minds.


Everyone settled down as the door opened, everyone quietened as it shut and they readied as the footsteps got closer. Then just as she made it into the kitchen they all jumped out and yelled one thing. 'Surprise!' Penelope took a step back in shock; there in front of her were all of her family and friends.

It was her 16th birthday and she couldn't have felt more down but then her mood lifted as JJ came towards her and she looked at whose hand was in hers and smiled more, Derek was there too. Penelope just gawped then.

Coming towards her was her best friend of 16 years and a boy that was her best friend of nearly 2 years, a boy she'd come to love, a boy she knew she wanted more from but would never seek it, he was too precious to her now. She let the smile grow on her face; this would be why she didn't get a phone call from them on her birthday.

Soon she found JJ's arm wrapped around her neck hugging her close and not letting up on letting go but Penelope was holding onto JJ, it'd been 3 months since she'd last seen her properly and she hated it. As soon as she let go she looked at Derek and just engulfed him in a hug.

'I've missed you.' She said as she hugged them both at the same time, both JJ and Derek saying the same thing back. 'What are you doing here?'

'It's your birthday California, we couldn't miss it.' JJ told her with a big smile.

'And well, we couldn't leave my baby girl alone on her birthday. No parties a party without us two.' Derek teased and Penelope laughed and looked up at her mom who gestured to her brother Dale. She just went over to him and hugged him tightly.

'Thanks.'

'No problem kiddo, just give us a smile now.'

'Oh she wasn't sad was she?' Derek asked, he was a household name, a family member after multiple visits to California.

'I admit it, I was, I didn't get a phone call or anything off either of you.'

'Now you really think I'd forget something that's like a public holiday?' JJ asked placing her hands on her hips and Penelope shrugged. 'I can't believe you'd think that.'

'She's just sad that her two best friends are on nearly opposite sides of the country.' Penelope's brother Adam said allowed and smirked at the look Penelope shot him. 'But for now, its party time.' He said and led the procession outside as the music came on loud and the BBQ was put on.

'I'll be right back.' Penelope said and ran from the room and upstairs, she felt embarrassed that she could really doubt either of them, even just doubt JJ but seeing them there she realised how close they were even after 2 years of living in different states. She went and sat on her bed as she berated herself, she was mad at herself for thinking that of them and she was sad that she knew they'd have to go back and she wouldn't see them for ages all over again. She looked at the photo of them all together at their last trip to Chicago and she couldn't help but smile.

'Hey.' Derek's voice came from behind her and she straightened up and looked at him. 'What's got the birthday girl up here all on her own?'

'Nothing, I'll be down in a minute.'

'Don't wanna hear it California, what's got you up here?'

'Stupidity that's what.' She said and before she knew it he was sat next to her, arm around her shoulder pulling her close to him. 'It's really stupid but come on let's go down.'

'No we're talking this out P.' She sighed. 'Come on we need to talk anyway.'

'About?'

'You're mood.' Penelope looked at him aghast. 'Oh come on, it's been well off however much you wanna cover it up. So come on, since when have we not be able to talk to one another?'

'This, I really can't talk to you about.'

Derek frowned and looked away. 'And why the hell not?'

'It's embarrassing.'

'Look, whatever it is, I bet it's not embarrassing at all.' Penelope nodded her head and continued to look away. 'Come on, I want you to smile, especially today.' He bent down and looked up at her and she looked at him and smiled a little. 'Come on California.'

'I really can't.'

'Fine, but when you can let me know and I'll be there.'

Penelope sighed and ran her hands over her head before falling back onto her bed; Derek looked at her before copying. 'I've got a crush.'

Derek breathed out then. 'Is this a JJ problem?'

'No.'

'Sure?'

'Yeah.' Penelope told him but continued to look up at her ceiling. 'I've had a crush for like 2 years.'

'Whoa... wait a minute.' Derek said and sat on his side with a smile on his face. 'Call me big headed but... we've known one another 2 years.' Penelope put her hands over her head and huffed as she nodded. 'Penelope...'

'Just ask it Derek.'

'Do you have a crush on me?' Penelope nodded but remained in the same position. 'Look at me.' Penelope did so slowly and as she did Derek's lips crashed onto hers. 'Gotta say I've had a 2 year crush too.'

'Excuse me?'

'Since the first day I saw you, out in the yard, jeans, converse, hoodie messing around and then when you were at the park, no girls ever stepped up and back chatted me but you did and didn't care, I liked it.'

'Well, I like to put people in their places, especially bad boys.'

He laughed at her. 'Then when Rodney tried to get one over and you stood up for yourself I've never seen that done and you came to my aid there and then with Buford, you've given me hope all over the place.'

'It's a two way street that one Handsome.' Penelope said as she finally looked at him.

'I'm glad the day JJ moved to Chicago because if she hadn't I'd never have had the opportunity to know such an amazing person.' Penelope blushed then. 'I love it when you blush baby girl, love it when you speak to me, love it when you laugh, love when you're happy.' The blush got more. 'I think this is what love feels like.'

'Can't say love, you haven't tested the water.'

'What if I don't want to test the waters because I've found what I want?'

'Then I'd say... kiss me.' Penelope jumped in the deep end with that and he kissed her, he didn't know how long he was doing it but he liked it.

'Guys!' JJ chimed as she came through the door. 'Oh God!' She said and stepped back as she saw her two best friends locking lips and suddenly pull apart. 'Sorry!' She said giggling and looking at Penelope. 'Me and you need a BIG talk later sister!' She then disappeared and Derek and Penelope collapsed into laughter.

'I'm gonna pay for that later.' Penelope said and then looked at Derek. 'So...'

'Penelope, will you be my girlfriend?' Penelope looked at him then, intently and slowly nodded and then hastily nodded, Derek then kissed her again before standing up and pulling her up. 'Come on birthday girl you have presents to open and a party to attend to.'