AN: Thanks for reading and reviewing, and again, thanks to Naidoo for letting me join in on this European adventure... - Kricket

Penelope finally got over the overwhelmed feeling of going on a month's long trip with her best friend, and started enjoying herself. She was doing a lot of shopping. She wondered how smart that was when she would probably shop like crazy when she got to Europe.

Still, she wanted new clothes for her new adventure. That changed, too. She started seeing it as an adventure, one that could be life enhancing. She'd always wanted to see Paris, wanted a chance to really use her French and walk the sunny, apple blossom covered streets.

Well, maybe not apple blossom covered. That was Paris in the springtime, and this was summertime. She couldn't help but be somewhat fanciful. She realized how fortunate she was; not many Americans got the chance to take a month long trip to Europe.

"How does this one look, Em?" she said, holding up a navy blue dress. "Does this one scream gay Paree to you? Elegant, sophisticated. If I smoked, I'd have to have a cigarette holder for this!"

Prentiss rolled her eyes. "Comfortable. Bring comfortable clothes that you can travel around in. Stuff that doesn't wrinkle. A blue linen dress is not in that category, Garcie."

Pen frowned at her, then turned and held the dress up at Reid, who was dragged with under duress. "What do you think?"

"I think Prentiss is right." He gulped when he saw the look on Penelope's face. "I'm just saying!"

"You two are no fun," she pouted. "How am I going to look like a European if I don't have advice from my well-traveled friends?"

Penelope was a touch worried. Derek had elegant European friends that she had to meet, many whom she guessed were women, and she didn't want to appear gauche and pedestrian in comparison.

"Honey," JJ said, patting her arm. "Be yourself."

"No one there knows you." Prentiss grinned. "If you're going to be different, wear stuff you wouldn't dare to wear here."

Reid took a slurp of his Orange Julius, looked like he was in deep thought, then said, "Personally, I think Europe would want to know the Garcia we all know and love."

Penelope's eyes watered at the sentimental statement. "Oh, Reid!" she said as she threw her arms around him, splashing his orange drink on his shirt.

"Hey! Be careful," he answered, smiling begrudgingly as he wiped himself off.

"Here," JJ remarked, handing Reid a napkin.

"How about this one?" Prentiss held up a gorgeous, colorful sundress that was exactly what Penelope usually wore. Her eyes were twinkling and she was smiling. "This one doesn't scream gay Paree, but it definitely screams PG."

Penelope took the dress out of her hands and headed to the dressing room, floating on cloud nine.

Derek had far less luggage than Penelope. She had four satchels in comparison to his two. He wondered what on earth she had in the bags. Tossing them in the back of the taxi from the park and ride near the airport, he opened her door and slid in.

"You think I am being excessive, don't you?" she asked rather bluntly.

"They do have Laundromats over there, you know."

She stiffened. "That is just the basics, Derek."

"Sure," he quipped.

"Swimsuit, cover up, four skirts, multiple shirts, some Capri pants, a few pairs of shorts, a wash and wear dress, one elegant dress, pajamas-"

"Why do you need pajamas?" he interrupted, with a devilish grin. "Sleep naked like I do."

"Oh, you'd just love that, mon chér," she replied sarcastically. "They'd have a fire, and I'd run out, buck naked, scaring the Parisians half to death at the sight of my big white butt."

"Sexy white butt, sweetheart," he corrected. "And if you don't like your butt pale, we'll hit some nude beaches and tan it to a golden brown."

"You make me sound like toast."

He laughed. "Are you tired? You're kind of grumpy."

He watched her grumble, then look out the window, before she answered. "I didn't sleep last night. I was too excited."

Derek's heart sung. He was happy that she was so excited she didn't sleep. It showed him that she was finally adjusting to making this trip with him, finally wanting to go.

For weeks before, she was questioning his every move. "Are you sure, Hot Stuff?" and "Do you really want to do this?" It was driving him bat shit crazy; he was ready to take her ass on a red eye flight immediately to stop her incessant inquiring.

Now, she was ready, if not a bit resigned, but excited, too. He loved it; he was going to have his best friend with him now.

Because an excited, happy Garcia was the greatest thing on earth. There was no one else he would ever want to be with.

Slinging an arm around her shoulders, Derek drug her to his side, so that she was leaning against him. "Here. Rest now, pretty soon we'll be wheels up and on our way to England."

She protested only for a second, before he felt her melt into his side. Soon, he heard her gentle snoring.

He smiled, leaned his head back, and took a nap.