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The Fallout

Things had been difficult. But what else could you expect when someone died?

Luke was reeling. But he only took 3 days. 3 days to grieve and inform the relevant people about Phil's death. 3 days to work out in his mind everything that had happened before he was back to work at the BAU. Penelope had tried to take the time off to be with him but he told her not to. Said he wanted to be alone. She didn't want to push him so she respected his wishes.

Lou seemed to be coping. Having Roxy and Simon as playmates helped. Mickey had sent flowers and a card when she found out.

Lisa was… shocked, to say the least. She'd known Phil during his darkest days and watched him grow from strength to strength. And now she wouldn't see him anymore.

She'd come over and hugged Luke, tears streaming down her face. As she left, she pulled Penelope to the side. She handed her a card with her number on and made her promise to call if there was anything she could do to help.

The funeral was nice. As far as funerals can be nice. Penelope went as well as Lisa. They watched Luke give a speech about his best friend. It was tear-jerking but Penelope wiped the salty water from her eyes and when Luke had finished she held his hand.

Before they went to sleep, their legs intertwined and her small bed crowded from the two humans, two large dogs and one cat that had decided to reside there, Luke had cupped her face with his hands and whispered two words. "Thank you."

She didn't need him to thank her though. But once again, she held him close as sleep overcame them.

When Luke returned to the BAU, things were different. He was facing a demotion. Penelope couldn't lie. His actions had terrified her. What if Grant had got to him? Holding him that first night, she was selfishly pleased that he was alright.

Part of her was worried that he would try and do something reckless to prove himself.


That night, when Luke stepped into the shower, she followed.

Her hands went around his back to his stomach and he leaned against her, her fingers a comfort on his skin.

"Let me take care of you," she whispered.

Above her, Luke nodded.

She turned him around and pushed him under the spray, letting the warm water wash over him.

She opened up one of the shampoo bottles she had and squirted a generous amount on her hand before motioning for Luke to come closer.

He did as she asked and also bent slightly so she would have easier access to his hair.

Gently but with firm fingers, she soaped up his hair, massaging his scalp as she went.

Luke closed his eyes. It felt wonderful.

Once she had finished, Penelope placed a hand on his muscled chest, forcing him to step back under the spray as she washed the suds from his hair. Again, she made him step forward as she applied the conditioner and then soaped his body up, cleaning him with the body sponge that she had

Luke let her. It felt good to have someone look after him.

When they got out of the shower, Penelope continued. She dried him with a towel and then led him to the bed, pushing him down before she got on the soft mattress next to him.

She pulled him close and snuggled into him, nudging his face into her chest.

Her fingers ran through his hair and lulled him into a deep sleep.

I feel like we didn't get to see Luke being really taken care of and wanted to rectify that.