Second chances – chapter five

As Emily waited for her phone to ring, she was tempted to just book herself on the next flight to DC, but with how busy work was, she could imagine the reaction Easter would have. During the nine months she'd been in London, she had been unable to take vacation time. Emily found it funny that while growing up she had never considered anywhere her home; her mothers' assignments moved them around so often she hadn't stayed anywhere long enough. But DC was home, it was where her family was. Now all she wanted to do was go home and see with her own eyes that everyone was okay.

Morgan's face lit up the screen of her phone as it started ringing. Emily answered on the second ring as she turned off the treadmill. "Hi," she answered, a little out of breath.

"Hey Princess, you okay?" Emily could hear his concern over the phone, which she laughed off hoping to reassure him.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just on my treadmill. It's hard trying to fit the gym in with the long hours."

"See that's the downside of being stuck behind a desk," Emily could hear his smile through the phone.

"I miss our weekly take down sessions," Emily admitted as she flopped down on the window seat, pulling the blanket around her shoulders. "Not that I've had much chance to go into the field here."

"Ah Princess," she could hear the smirk in his voice. "I miss you attempting to tackle me." She laughed at his teasing. It made her yearn for the times when they were training together.

"Derek Morgan, you have had your ass handed to you by me on several occasions."

"Okay, okay, whatever you say." Once their laughter died down, she turned serious.

"How is everyone?" Emily tried to keep her voice neutral.

"Everyone's okay," Morgan replied quickly.

"What about Spencer?"

"Who called?"

"JJ and PG. One after the other," she replied. "They're worried about him. And you." The silence on the other end made Emily think she may have over stepped.

"He's angry, this last case hit a little close to home. It reminded of him of what Maeve went through."

"So why is he avoiding you?" Emily could tell there was more than that.

"I went to find him after he got into it with the lead detective. And he admitted that he's been thinking about what ifs." Instantly Emily thought of the night she had been lying on the warehouse floor in Morgan's arms. She held her breath as Morgan continued. "He told me he was mad at me."

"He's grieving; this is not your fault," she told him gently.

"Actually it is my fault," she waited for him to continue. "Reid is angry with me because I got a second chance and never took it."

"Oh." Emily didn't know what else to say. She knew he was referring to them, and her thoughts immediately went back to when she was in his arms feeling safe and loved; his soft gentle kisses trailing down her throat; his hands caressing her; the way he held his breath as she traced her fingertips along the buttons of his shirt; her disappointment when his hands covered hers, stopping them, telling her he would never be able to let her go if they made love.

"I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable," Morgan told her, bringing her back to the present.

"I'm not uncomfortable," Emily tried to convince herself as well as Morgan. She snuggled deeper into her blanket, taking comfort in the protection it offered from the slight breeze drifting in through the window. "It's just we've never talked about the night after the wedding."

"It's not the kind of thing you talk about over the phone or Skype. When we talk about us I want to be in the same room as you."

"You promise?" Emily's voice was unintentionally small and hesitant, and she winced, hoping it didn't sound like she was pinning for him.

"I promise Emily." The sincerity in his voice made her shiver at the thought of their reunion.

Emily felt slightly nervous as she continued. "I know we never really talked about what you went through while I was gone, but you did refer to it as seven months of hell. I know that you blamed yourself, and it wasn't your fault. When I returned, you were angry but not at me."

"I couldn't be angry with you, you were back in my life, something I thought would never happen."

"When I came to you for advice on dealing with Reid, you urged me to tell him about what I experienced. That it would help him understand what I went through," she paused. "Maybe you should talk to him too."

There was silence from the other end as he thought about what she said. "I'll try; he's not that responsive to people trying to help."

"Maybe sharing your experiences will encourage him to open up."

"You're a good friend Emily." Emily felt the blush start to creep up her neck and was thankful he couldn't see her.

"I wish I could be of more help." She tried to hide the small yawn, but failed.

"Keeping you up Princess?" He was smirking.

"Different time zones, Morgan." She told him, chuckling slightly.

"Get some sleep Emily, and don't worry, you have been a great help," Morgan told her. "Hopefully we'll be in the same time zone soon." Morgan hesitated. "I really want to have that conversation with you." He sounded almost shy with his confession.

"Me too," she yawned again, and he chuckled. "Good night Morgan," she whispered.

"Night Princess."

Author Note – Thank you for the reviews. Just wanted to let you know the rating is going to go up with the next chapter.