"How's he doing?" Derek asked as she came out of the study.
"Devastated, as to be expected." Penelope answered gratefully taking the cup of tea he offered to her.
"My favourite," she said softy with a smile after taking a sip. Derek grinned,
"I found it in Dave's pantry. I assume he keeps it there for you." Penelope nodded.
"He came with me on a snack run a little while ago and he saw me pick one up for the office because I was running low and ever since then he's always kept a stash here at home and his office."
"It's good to see you P, despite the crappy circumstances."
"You too Morgs." she replied. Taking him by complete surprise ad she stepped closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck pulling him into a hug. Instinctively he wrapped his arms tightly around her, burying his face into her shoulder, breathing her in as if his life depended on it. The last time he had held her so close and so desperately was at the hospital, as they waited for the news on Emily.
"God I miss you." he confessed brokenly into her.
"I've miss you too Morgs."she replied as she stroked the back of his head with her hand somewhat habitually.
In that moment, there was a white flag. For that instance they allowed themselves to be who they naturally were. Who they've always been, and much as it hurt that it was no longer as easy as it once, it was comforting for moments such as these, they were able to revert back, if only temporarily. If only for that moment.
Em walked in and stopped still in her tracks not wanting to ruin the moment knowing that the moment it was broken, everything would turn back into what it has been. She also wanted to give Derek that moment for as long as she could. She had hoped it would restore him, knowing if anything could. It would be Penelope.
Derek saw her and caught her gaze. His eyes conveyed the gratefulness he had. He couldn't help but hug Penelope that little bit tighter, savoring every second.