They were silent on the walk down to the car park. Derek opened the car door and she got in unquestionly. He followed suit and let himself relax for a moment. Penelope reached over and squeezed his arm

'Are you ok sugar?' He smiled tiredly, turning the key in the ignition.

'I am now'

Country music was playing softly on the radio, things and to bad Penelope thought with a slight smile. Her stomach ought to be all tied up in knots but honestly she was too tired. Distracted it too her a few minutes to realise that Derek had stopped and was getting out the car.

'Thanks for the lift' she smiled as Morgan hoisted her bag up onto his arm.

'You can leave me here Adonis I know that even you are as exhausted as I am right now'

'Not a single chance' he murmured. Grabbing his own bag.

'Derek?' She turned those beautiful eyes questioning him and he stared back.

How in holy hell had it taken him so long to see her, really see her. He knew he was looking too long and far too hard. Even tired and crumpled she took his breath away. He knew they needed to talk but suddenly he has no words, he took a step forward, needing to touch her. Just as she took a step back, and didn't that hurt like a son of a bitch. Since when was his girl afraid of him?

Penelope quickly smiled. She saw the hurt flash over his face but she couldn't, she just couldn't. Not tonight, everything was too raw, too close to the surface. If he touched her she'd be defenceless and she couldn't lose him, not now, not ever. They couldn't do this. Maybe Derek realised the same she thought because he smiled back, and his easy 'C'mon lets get you inside' only cracked slightly, a fact they both studiously ignored.

—-

'Breakfast in bed, you spoil me my sweet' Penelope giggled as she took the plate he offered, filled with pancakes. Derek had barely slept but at least the early morning cooking was worth it if his babygirl was smiling at him again. He sat on the edge of the bed.

'What do you wanna do today?' Penelope shrugged her mouth half full, she swallowed.

'Don't you need to get home?'

'Nope I'm all yours, we deserve a break' she smiled again, actually at him this time and the relief he felt flood his chest was entirely disproportionate but man did it feel good to have her honestly looking at him.

'Let me shower and I'm all yours' Derek mock groaned and she hit him lightly on the arm.

'We can't all wake looking like choclate gods, this kinda perfection takes time' he laughed as she hoped he would.

Frustrated he could only watch her sidle off to the shower. Did she honestly not know how beautiful she was or did she just not want to hear it from him? Baby steps, he heard his mamas voice in his head, baby steps, patience.