Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds

Penelope was sat in the bullpen, at Derek's desk just waiting, it was coming down until a year since Battle and to say she was okay was an understatement.

The case this time was close to home which she was both thankful for and hated all the more. Her eyes flashed up to the clock, 14 minutes until the day marked a year. A year she'd survived him, the year she'd almost killed herself in and the year that she'd gained everything she wanted.

'Well is that a sexy Goddess in my seat or a mirage?'

'All great things in life are mirages handsome. Not learnt that one yet?' She teased back trying to keep a front on.

11 minutes.

Her walls were sliding up, her energy leaving her every pore and her shield was now faulty. She saw JJ and Emily flash her a look, a smile on their lips, their eyes showing them that they would be ready and waiting when she needed them. She missed Rossi's look as he headed for his office, she just caught Hotch's and she couldn't miss Reid's. Derek approached her and knelt down in front of her.

10 minutes.

'Remember our chat last night?' Derek asked and pushed a wild curl back out her face. 'You do not need to be strong for this.' He told her and squeezed her hand. 'You do not need to be brave.' He finished and took her into his embrace as she remained silent. He just held her there, her breathing just noticeable against his neck, it was calm and warm.

She pulled away, she was doing okay, she had him if she needed and right now she had everything she needed, everyone she needed.

6 minutes.

The clock was winding down and Derek sensed what she was doing immediately. 'Told you I'd be home didn't I?'

'You did and you don't know how happy I am to see your face.' She told him happily. 'Have you got a report to write? If yes, I'm waiting, I don't want to be alone.'

'Come on everyone, dinner.' Hotch said as he left his office and went down the stairs. Penelope looked shocked. 'We're a family, we haven't gone through all of this in a year to just sit and leave you be throughout tomorrow.' He replied with a small smile and Penelope almost beamed at him. 'See, so I say we go celebrate.' Penelope raised an eyebrow as everyone looked on quizzically. 'You survived Penelope.' He reiterated and her eyebrow dropped and she closed her eyes as Derek kissed her cheek.

'I got another small matter to raise.' Derek said clearing his throat.

'Not you too.' Penelope groaned. 'I'm starving.'

'Well baby girl, this one involves you.' He said turning to face her, he then casually got on one knee and pulled a little velvety box from his jacket pocket and he smirked. 'How do you fancy being Penelope Morgan?'

Penelope twisted on her spot, almost childlike, a smile growing larger and larger. 'Does that include baby Morgan's?'

1 minute.

'I bloody well hope so!'

'Well slide that ring on my finger cupcake you've got yourself a Penelope Morgan.' She retorted and Derek did so and stood up in one fluid movement.

0 minutes.

'Clock watching is never a wise idea mamma.' He said and tapped nose before moving into a kiss. He didn't care who saw, he's baby girl was officially his now.

As she felt the weight of the new ring on her finger and her eyes traced the ticking second hand on the clock she realised that even if it'd been a hard year they'd all made it, with memories to serve them both good and bad but memories none the less. She now had what she wanted, she had what she needed. It might have taken her almost losing them but she got them back.

Now she had a future and thanks to her best friend he'd just eclipsed what Battle did, he'd just shadowed every doubt she ever carried from that night.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The End!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A/N: So there it is, the flip side to The Domino Effect Of A Man! Hope you enjoyed!!