A/N I do not own Criminal Minds! Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful support! Next chapter will be out shortly!

Please, enjoy!

Kismet

Chapter VII: Part I

Adjusting his Aviator sunglasses, Derek took one furtive glance around the decorated backyard, only to purse his lips and frown, as he continued to flip the burgers on the grill.

"Don't worry Romeo," Dave smirked, placing the plate of freshly seasoned steaks down next to him. "She'll be here."

"Who?" he grunted; using the back of his hand to wipe off his sweaty brow, as he willed his cheeks not to heat from being caught.

Dave gave him a pointed look, and then a firm pat on the back, as he took off to chase Henry across the yard.

Looking at his watch, he shook his head and chuckled. It was only twenty minutes past noon, and the party had barely begun. Adding cheese to some of the cooked burgers and starting up the hot dogs, he was just about to throw the steaks on the grill when he felt a little hand tug on his navy swim trunks.

Thinking it was Jack, or one of Henry's little friends, he was surprised to find Garcia's twins; wearing superhero shirts and their own matching blue and red swim trunks, staring up at him with beaming grins.

"Hi Dee," Liam shouted excitedly, holding his hands up in the air.

"Hey, lil man," Derek plopped down the spatula and swung the boy up onto his hips; smiling when he received a big hug in return.

"What ya doing?" blonde curls bouncing, as he peered over his shoulder to look at the large silver grill.

"Cooking up some delicious grub," turning the hotdogs over, before putting the steaks on.

"I love gub!" clapping his hands, eyes going wide, as a puff of steam billowed over them.

Noticing the tike's brother standing on his tip toes next to them, he put Liam back down, and crouched in front of the shy little boy.

"Hey, Ollie," gently ruffling his strawberry blonde hair, that looked red in the sunlight. "How you doing, buddy?"

He shrugged, while his hands fiddled with his t-shirt, and Derek had to chuckle at the similarity he had with his mother's nervous habit.

"You wanna see too?" standing up, holding out his hands; proud to see the boy nod eagerly and reach out to him.

"I love doggers!" Ollie shouted, when he spotted the tray of food. "'Specially when they not burns."

"Hey now!" that sweet, throaty voice called over them. "You saying you don't like your Mom's cooking?"

Ollie shot his hand over his mouth, Liam giggled, and Derek wisely remained quiet.

"I see how it is," she tutted, feigning hurt, as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"I sorry, Mama!" Ollie sighed, batting his long lashes and pouting his lips.

"Forgiven," giving him a kiss on the forehead. "How about you two, go put Henry's presents on that table over there, and say Happy Birthday to him."

Handing over the two colorful gifts with extravagant bows, she smiled, as she watched them happily race each other across the yard.

Derek put his shades atop his head, and took a moment to look her over.

Admiring the white spaghetti strap sundress, that hugged her large breasts perfectly – giving just a tantalizing peek of cleavage, while the bodice cinched in her waist, only to flare out over her hips and end just above her bare knees. The beautiful sparse, red floral design matched the simple red rose clip in her hair, which was pinning back half her curls, while the rest hung perfectly past her shoulders.

"Like what you see?" she purred seductively, giving him a teasing spin.

Waggling his brows, having no shame in getting caught staring – though ogling was more like it. He looked her up and down once more, and he finally noticed the cute white wedges, with the pretty ribbon that was wrapped around her ankle and tied into two big bows. When he licked his lips and nearly dropped the spatula, she smirked victoriously.

Stepping closer, fingers scratching at his bare side, only to sneak around his waist and play with the firm indents of his abs, and whisper. "You don't look so bad yourself."

And before he could react, she had whirled away from him, and was heading back towards the house.

"Is that your, Baby Girl?" came Will's thick N'awlins accent.

Derek fumbled with the steak that he was flipping, and glared.

Taking a swig of his beer, holding up his hand jokingly. "JJ told me all 'bout her."

"We're not dating," he stated, shrugging his shoulder nonchalantly.

"How come?" sitting down on one of the coolers next to him. "She's pretty cute."

Derek gripped the handle of the utensil, and snapped his head towards the other man, about to tell him to keep his blue eyes on his own damn woman, only for Will to shake his head and hoot with laughter.

"Maaan," dragging it out, eyes dancing with mischief. "You got it bad."

As his cheeks flared with heat, he walked over to the other cooler, dug around for a cold beer and then plopped down on top of it.

"You ask her out yet?" breaking the silence, as they watched Penelope pick up Henry and tickle him into a fit of giggles.

"It's…complicated," twisting the cap off the bottle, before swigging half of it down.

"That hasn't stopped ya before," he snorted, giving Derek a pointed look.

The agent was about to respond, when Rossi smiled directly at them from across the yard – giving Derek a quick wave, before putting his hand on Penelope's hip and leading her back inside the kitchen.

"Hold this," tossing the spatula in Will's lap, as he chugged the rest of the beer and took off towards the house.

Passing Hotch, Reid and Prentiss who were busy filling up the water guns and balloons, as the little boys chatted excitedly around them. Only for Liam, to chase him with an empty toy and shoot air at him.

"Oww, you got me!" he shouted, clutching his chest dramatically, before stumbling towards the large glass doors of the kitchen.

Liam giggled and then screamed, running to hide behind Emily, when Derek raised his hands high above his head and roared back to life.

Prentiss snatched up one of the filled water guns, quickly pumping it, as she aimed it directly at Morgan.

"One more step, towards this here, lil critter," she drawled out, with a horrible southern accent. "And I'ma hafta shoot ya."

"You know there are several phonologically advanced variations of the that accent, which originates from-…" Spencer started, only to accidentally drop a balloon and splash water all over his mismatched socks.

"Reid!" everyone shouted, stopping his inquisitive rant, before it could even begin.

Spencer looked up, blinking away his confusion, only to yelp in surprise. "D-Did, you just…shoot me?" turning around, to stare at Hotch accusingly.

Hotch pursed his lips, only to lower his gaze towards his son, who was proudly holding a bright neon soaker in his hands.

"No, I did!" the five-year-old giggled, causing all the little boys to take off running, as the adults grabbed the poorly filled balloons and took off after them.

Derek having been quick enough to snag up a water gun, was able to soak Reid and Hotch, before daring to get Prentiss in the face. Chuckling, when she let out a high pitched squeal, only to curse under his breath when she picked up the water hose, turned it on blast and aimed it right at him.

Getting hit with the cold spray, he nearly stumbled over a few screaming children, only to grab the nearest one; which happened to be Henry, and hold him out in front of him, like a tiny shield.

"Hey, now!" he laughed, peeking his head behind the boy's little shoulder. "You wouldn't get the birthday boy all wet, now would you!"

"Oh, smooth Morgan," Emily growled, though her lips quirked with amusement. "Hiding behind an innocent child."

"Put the hose down!"

"Put the boy down!"

So much for negotiation!

"On the count of three," he reasoned, smiling as Henry stared wide eyed between the two.

"One…" Emily started, hand touching the spigot.

"Two…" he continued, slowly lowering the boy to the ground.

"Three!" they shouted.

Though the minute, Henry's feet hit the floor and he ran off, water rained down upon Derek's back from a surprise attack; led by Hotch and Reid, with the help of a giggling Jack and the twins.

"I save you, Dee!" Liam yelled excitedly, running over to him with a mini squirt gun.

"Thanks, Pal," ruffling his hair, he swung the boy onto his back and ran for safety towards the patio, only to drop him down gently in front of him. "Okay, take this!" grabbing a giant water gun, making sure it was filled, before handing it over. "Go that way," pointing towards the giant yellow, blue and red castle jumper off to the side. "Hide over there, and get anyone who gets too close!"

Liam's face lit up; chin jutted out like his mother's, blonde curls bouncing with determination, as he nodded his head and took off running.

Snagging a cartoon towel off a lawn chair, Morgan dried himself up while watching the water fight for a few more minutes, before entering into the refreshing coolness of the kitchen.

The room was filled with laughter and feminine chatter, and he smiled. Walking towards the center island, where Penelope was perched on a stool; feet dangling, fingers wrapped around a fruity drink, as she listened intently to one of JJ's stories.

He took a minute to watch her, feeling relief that she was enjoying herself; glad to see that smile back on her face, considering the last case had been a tough one. They had found three other bodies, before barely saving the seventh victim. Penelope had been connected via headset the whole time, listening to the harrowing rescue and the gun shots that had ended the UnSub's life.

Which was all due to Garcia's quick thinking, of her ability to discover a second hidden property, that had allowed them to find the perpetrator and end his sadistic game. The team was grateful; JJ especially, who was thrilled to be back a day early for her son's birthday party. Derek on the other hand, though proud of her, had spent most of the week worried about her.

Now, watching her toss her head back in laughter – eyes sparkling, looking more rested than when he last saw her the other night at the BAU, when they had arrived to do paperwork – he was finally able to relax.

"Hey, Baby Girl," he cooed, stepping up next to her; ignoring Dave and JJ's knowing smirks.

"Hiya, Hot Stuff," she chirped, eyes going wide at the nickname, only to giggle cutely – cheeks bloomed with a cute little blush; revealing that she was obviously a lightweight drinker, as she sipped her drink and stared over her cute, red frames at him. "Did you have fun out there?"

"It would've been better, if you had been playing," flashing his pearly whites, waggling his brows suggestively.

"You two…" Beth, Aaron's new girlfriend, waved the cocktail umbrella at them. "Are just adorable."

"Aren't they?" JJ added, smiling at them brightly, while she cut up the watermelon.

"Almost makes me sick," Beth hiccuped, then laughed, as she fanned herself. "Sorry, Vodka makes me…giddy."

"And honest," Dave chuckled, as he mixed a sweet smelling glaze for his famous puff pastries.

"Soo…how long have you lovebirds been dating?" Beth smiled, arching a brow, as she nibbled on some deviled eggs.

"Oh, we're not," Penelope started, sloshing her icy drink all over her hands in panic.

Only for Derek to shake his head, at the same time and blurt out. "We're not ready-…"

The kitchen got quiet. Rossi and JJ pretended to be busy. Beth sipped her drink. While Penelope had her mouth flapping open like a surprised fish, face flushed pink, as she stared at Derek, like he had just sprouted another head.

"Ah, okay…that's…cool," Beth grabbed another egg, before continuing. "Soo, how'd you two meet?"

"I sold her a house," Derek smiled, while he handed Penelope napkins to clean up the sticky mess.

"Aww," Beth cooed.

"I didn't know that!" JJ spun around looking perplexed. "And then you two ended up working together!"

"See, they are adorable!" Beth pouted, though her eyes were teasing.

"Tell me about it," Rossi added, wiping his fingers on the dish towel that was folded neatly over his shoulder. "Any time we have to call Kitten…" smirking, when Derek narrowed his eyes at the older man's favorite affectionate nickname. "It's Morgan who calls…and then it's Baby Girl this, Baby Girl that."

"Oh, and don't forget Hot Stuff," JJ laughed, stealing a sugary treat. "And what was it she called him the other day…" snapping her fingers, as she pretended to search towards the ceiling for the answer. "Chocolate…lightning?"

"Chocolate…thunder," Derek grumbled, crossing his arms.

Causing Beth to snort, only to wink over her martini glass at JJ – obviously feeling happy about their playful remarks.

"Oh, are they making fun of my, Baby," Fran cooed, emerging with her granddaughter from the living room.

"Yeah, Mama," Derek pouted, giving his friends a smug, cheesy grin. "They are."

"Well did you ask your pretty friend out?" gesturing towards Penelope, who was now blushing furiously.

"M-Maaa!" Derek sputtered, rubbing his hand over his head, only to cover his eyes.

"I take that, as a no," she tutted, shifting Gabriella to her other hip. "Then you're not receiving any help from me."

"Gaa!" the baby gurgled; eyes going wide, little hands opening and closing excitedly, when she spotted Penelope. "Ahh!" starting to cry, when she wasn't immediately handed over.

"Oh," Fran smiled happily, giving her son a pointed look, before holding the baby out at arm's length. "She seems to really like you."

Penelope fumbled to her feet, as she quickly reached for the squirming little girl. Tucking her safely against her hip; shocked when the baby loudly babbled and lightly smacked her palm over her breast, only to tug on her dress and unknowingly reveal most of Penelope's cleavage and a peep of bright red lace, to everyone.

"Oh, no no…" Penelope giggled nervously, as she pulled the fabric up, and held a hand over her chest.

"You've raised a smart one there, Morgan," Rossi joked, only to get a gentle swat on the arm from JJ.

"Sorry! Do you want me to take her?" Derek looked concerned; not wanting to upset the woman – that he swore – he was not trying to impress.

"It's okay," giving him a smile and a wink. "Two boys remember. Used to happen all the time."

"Oh, I can't wait to meet your little ones," Fran patted Derek's arm, eyes glimmering with mischief. "I've heard so much about them."

"You have?" Penelope's eyes shot open.

And Derek blanched, shaking his head fervently, as he quickly led Fran towards the backyard.

"Oh, look!" he shouted. "Foods ready!" flinging the door wide open and pushing his mother outside.

JJ and Beth giggled, as they picked up the fruit platters and salad bowls, and followed pursuit, leaving Penelope behind with a smirking Rossi and a clingy baby.

An hour later, Penelope was sitting between Derek and Fran, with Gabriella on her lap; who was amusing herself by blowing raspberry kisses all over Penelope's arm and giggling happily at the slobbery noises.

Taking a sip of her fresh drink, she glanced down the long picnic table and smiled. Catching Ollie, who had taken an instant liking to Reid, gladly sitting on the young man's lap and listening intently to the origins of watermelons, while his twin brother, sat perched between JJ and Emily and across from Beth; happily eating up all the extra attention.

Feeling a heavy gaze on her, she glanced around, only to find Derek smirking at her. Munching on some potato chips, she nudged him with her shoulder.

"What?" she whispered.

He leaned in close, so only she could hear. "I just pictured you, in your cute dress…jumping around in that castle," breath hot as it tickled her neck.

Rolling her eyes, she smacked his shoulder and laughed – getting ready to come back with her own naughty comment, only for her son's voice to stop her.

"Ooo Mama," Ollie shouted across the table. "No hitting!"

Derek leaned back, looking smug and he even played it up by rubbing his arm in mock pain.

"Yeah, Garcia," clicking his tongue in disapproval. "Violence is not the answer."

"Mama 'sposed to 'pologize!" Liam waved his plastic fork in the air, while grinning proudly at Derek.

Penelope pursed her lips; ignoring the amused chuckles of the adults around the table, and nodded her head in agreement.

Good going Garcie! Teaching your kids manners!

"Thank you, Oliver and William, for reminding me," she gritted out; enjoying their shocked faces at the use of their first names. Giving them a warm smile, before turning to face the man who had gotten her into trouble. "Derek," she purred, peering over her frames, as she grabbed his arm and squeezed it firmly. "I am very, very sorry…that I hit you," batting her lashes, loving the way he licked his lips and narrowed those expressive brows. "Please, forgive me."

He sat forward, face inches away from hers and pouted. "Hmm…it does hurt."

She snorted at that.

"Mama, you has to kiss it betters!" Ollie stated seriously.

"Kid's got a point," Rossi chuckled, as he came out of the house with a new batch of baked treats.

"It hurts…" Derek pointed at his shoulder, with those long, lithe fingers of his. "Right here," imitating her, by comically batting his lashes.

"Oh, leave the poor girl alone," Fran fussed, giving her son a pointed glare.

"Yes Ma'am," stealing some chips off of Penelope's plate, he gave her a look that clearly said: don't worry Baby Girl I'ma get that kiss, and twisted away, so he could talk to Will.

The conversation slowly picked back up, and Penelope was helping Briella eat her smooshed vegetables, when her son's innate curiosity, once again, brought the chatter to a dead halt.

"Mama," Ollie started, chewing over a chunk of watermelon. "Is Dee spending the night again?"

Derek choked on his drink, coughing and sputtering – making Fran lean behind Penelope to helpfully smack his back.

"Ooh," JJ piped up, beaming excitedly. "Has Dee, spent the night before?"

"Mmhmm," Liam nodded, holding his hot dog with both hands, only to drop ketchup on his shirt. "Lots of times!"

"Really?" Prentiss joined in, interested in the juicy gossip that had her partner blushing with embarrassment.

"Yeah!" Liam grinned. "He scares away the monsters in Mama's room!"

"Monsters?" Emily gasped, trying and failing, to hide her laughter.

"They come out at night times," Ollie shrugged, looking at the adults like it was obvious.

"O-Oliver!" Penelope stuttered, only for her other son to continue.

"Mama groans, 'cause they hurts her," Liam added; eyes wide with concern, only to point proudly at Derek. "But Dee uses his gun to get rid of them."

"Oh, I bet he does!" Beth cackled, smacking her leg, as she gasped for air.

Causing the table to erupt in laughter – hell, even Aaron and the normally socially inept Spencer chuckled, while Derek and Penelope sat there red faced in complete mortification.

"And you two," JJ wiped her eyes. "Aren't dating?"

"Hey kids!" Morgan shouted, standing up and clapping his hands. "Who wants to go swimming?"

That got a chorus of excited cheers, as all the little boys jumped up and ran towards the pool.

"Don't go in without an adult!" Hotch shouted, wiping his hands, as he grabbed Reid to help get floaties on all of the kids.

Derek picked up his baby, tucking the little girl against his hip – giving a piercing glare to the amused adults, before reaching his hand out towards Penelope.

"Care to take a cool dip?" he smirked.

She jumped up; scarlet with embarrassment, grateful to get away from the heated inquisition. "I'd love to!"

And with that, the two headed back towards the house, so Penelope could change.

To be continued…