Penelope's smile faded as Rossi left, she and no idea what was up with Derek. She sighed, she was so tired.
Morgan came in, automatically taking her bag and swinging it up onto his arm.
'What did Rossi want?' Penelope shrugged
'Nothing sugar, just checking I was planning on getting some sleep tonight'
'Wanna grab a drink first?' Penelope shook her head
'Come back to mine, there's a pizza and movie with our name on them'
Derek gestured with a smile
'After you mama'
—
The bright colours of Penelope's apartment never ceased to make Derek smile. He followed her in and watched as she flicked on the string of lights that vaulted across the ceiling.
'Make yourself at home sugar, I'll ring for pizza' she bustled out and Derek slumped in his usual spot on the sofa. For something so frilly it sure was damn comfy. After ordering pizza she came in and handed him a beer. He took a deep pull, cexhaling deeply.
'Are you ok?' He opened his eyes to find Penelope watching him closely.
'You haven't been yourself since Canada, I'm worried about you hot stuff' she leaned over and squeezed his arm.
'I'm ok baby, promise' he turned planted a kiss on her hand.
'Hmmmmmm' her low grumbling told him she was far from convinced but to his relief she let it go. To be honest he wasn't even sure what was wrong, his dissatisfaction with everything was driving him crazy. He must have sighed again because his baby girl shot him another sharp look.
'That does it' she stood, holding out her looked up puzzled.
'Bed now'
'You only ever have to ask' he quipped but it sounded flat even to his own ears and Penelope didn't smile.
'I'm serious Derek, you're exhausted, whatever it is we can fix it but not until you've got some rest' she pulled his arm, and he stood.
'You're taking my bed tonight' she raised her hand
'No arguments'
'What about the pizza?'
'It'll reheat. Now go' gently she pushed him through her door.
'Baby girl?' She turned
'Thanks'. She flashed him her trademark grin and was gone.
—
'Baby!' The anguished shout had her awake and vaulting off the couch in seconds. It sounded again and she rushed into her bedroom
'Derek?' He was uncovered, sweat glistening on his skin, he tossed and turned frantically still clearly asleep.
'Derek wake up!' She shook his shoulder
'Wake up!' His eyes fluttered open, then he jerked out of her grasp.
'Babygirl?' The confusion in his eyes was clear.
'You were having a nightmare'
'Sorry?' His apology was automatic his eyes still glazed.
'Hush' she ran her hands over his forehead 'it's fine go back to sleep' he shook his head going to protest but Penelope simply drew his head onto her lap.
'Sleep now sugar'
—.
'Oww' Dereks eyes blinked open, his neck hurt like hell but, he blinked again, it was the first nights sleep he'd had in weeks. Penelope had clearly fallen asleep holding him, slumped against the backboard, her blond hair spilling over the pillow. She shifted as she felt him wake, and yawned. Her face broke into a smile when she saw him still there.
'You slept?' Derek nodded
'Thanks to you babygirl' she shrugged off his compliment same as she always did. Then moved, grimacing slightly
'Sorry I've crushed you' Derek sat up.
'How long has it been since you slept more than a few hours?'
'Since Canada' he admitted. Worry flooded her face
'You think you should talk to someone?'
'That's What Hotch said'
'Bossman is wise' she smiled again, lightening the mood.
'Breakfast?'
