Chapter 3

Penelope fumbled the makeup bag in her hands as her door suddenly flew open then slammed shut. JJ leaned her back against it. Penelope glanced at her friend as she dumped the contents of her bag on the desk.

"You okay," Pen asked as she grabbed a makeup wipe and a mirror.

JJ took a deep breath and grinned. "Operations Reel Him In is in full effect," she announced.

"Operation what?" Garcia questioned. She paused mid-wipe on the mascara blotted under her eyes.

"Reel Him In," JJ repeated. She imitated a fisherman reeling in a fish.

"I don't remember that being decided as the name," Pen mumbled.

JJ crossed the room and plopped down on the chair across from Penelope. "It was less crude than 'Get Penelope Laid by Dave'. I'll give you 2 guesses who suggested that name."

"Emily," Penelope grinned as she picked up her mascara. "So, what's the scoop?"

"After leaving your office, Dave met up with Hotch in the kitchen and informed Hotch that you would be moving in with him this week," JJ reported.

"Oh, I'm moving in, am I? Interesting."

"You're not?"

Penelope paused her hand and gave JJ a look. "Of course, I am. If that's what David wants, I am happy to oblige him."

"As much fun as all of this is, I don't understand why you don't just tell him how you feel," JJ said. "David Rossi likes honestly."

"Yes, and he also likes being in charge and taking the lead," Penelope pointed out. "We have to make him believe that a relationship with me was his idea. You remember what Hotch said, don't you?"

JJ nods. "The reason Dave's marriages failed was that his wives made the first move and while Dave liked the novelty of his partner being in charge, he quickly realized it didn't work for him. The only relationships that work for Dave, are the ones he starts and at least feels like he controls. Are you sure that's the kind of relationship that you want?"

"Isn't that the kind of relationship that I already have with David? Haven't you noticed that I never do anything unless David suggests it first?"

"It just feels like we are deceiving him," JJ sighed.

"Aren't we always deceiving men," Penelope asked. She gestured towards the makeup lying on the desk in front of her. "We wear makeup, and fix our hair a certain way, put on perfume all to attract a man. Isn't that deception?"

JJ threw her hands in the air. "You're right. You always are. So, what's next?"

"I'm going to need help packing."

Dave glanced up from the file on his desk as a knock sounded on his door. Eyes narrowed he sat back in his chair as Derek Morgan stepped inside.

"Rossi," Morgan greeted.

"Morgan," Dave replied. "What can I do for you?"

"I saw you were in Penelope's office this morning," Morgan began.

"And?"

The younger agent made himself comfortable in one of the chairs across from Dave. He took a moment to gather his thoughts as he stared at the file on the desk before looking up. "Baby Girl is in a rough place right now, I'd hate it if she got in a situation she shouldn't be in right now, if you catch my drift."

"I have no clue as to what you are talking about," Dave said.

"You've got a reputation…"

"For what? Kicking your ass?" Dave growled.

"Of taking advantage of people. Women," Morgan corrected.

Dave raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you think so? I don't need to take advantage of women, Derek. And I am certain Penelope wouldn't like the way this conversation was going should she find out."

"I'm not going to tell her," Morgan said.

"Good. Neither am I."

Morgan stood and took a step towards the door.

"And another thing," Dave said stopping the agent in his tracks. "If Penelope and I were to start a relationship other than that of friends, it's none of your business."

Derek looked back over his shoulder. "If," he emphasized. "That were to happen it would only become my business if she were to get hurt. However, I have a feeling that hurting her isn't something you would intentionally do."

Dave watched Morgan step out of the office and disappear. His eyebrow lowered and his facial expression turned to a frown. "What the hell does that mean," he asked himself.

Morgan tapped on the door twice before popping it open and stepping inside. Penelope and JJ looked up from the pad of paper Penelope was scribbling on.

"Hello, my Chocolate God of Yumminess," Garcia crooned.

"What news have you brought for us?" JJ asked.

Derek swaggeed across the room and slipped into the open chair, lifting one leg over the arm and slouching into position. "I just left Dave's office. He has been subtly warned."

The girls grinned.

"Excellent," Penelope said. "Good job, Stud Muffin."

Derek wiped his face. "Baby Girl, are you sure about this? Because once you start something, there will be no turning back."

"Derek," she said seriously. "We have talked about this for how long? You know how I feel. How I have felt for a long time. And Hotch says that my feelings are not unrequited."

"I know," he replied as he gestures helplessly. "And I agree with Hotch, but we all know Dave's track record."

"Yes, we do," JJ cut in. "And we also know that Dave has changed. Ever since he admitted his feelings to Hotch, he hasn't been the same. He's stopped dating other women, he, dare I say it? Moons over Penelope when he thinks no one is watching."

Derek sighed. "You're right. You know I support you fully, Baby Girl. I only want you to be happy… and Dave too. He's had a difficult life, despite all his career success. You both deserve to be happy."

"Thank you, Derek. I know that's not easy for you to admit," Penelope said. She gives him a small genuine smile. "I want you to be happy too."

"Here, here," JJ added.

He grins. "At the moment, I'm happy to be playing the field. When that changes, I'll let you know."

Penelope grinned again. "Until that day, you can help us plan the packing and preparation to move into Dave's place."

Derek groaned as he leaned forward and slid the chair closer to the desk.

End Chapter 3