Thank you for the continued support and reviews as always….. Sorry for the long wait… I got caught up in other stories and some personal stuff going on…. But here is the next chapter. Hope you like it.
He took a deep breath, his eyes still closed, and reached his arm out to the side. He frowned when all he felt was the cold, exposed sheet. Turning his head to the side on the soft pillow, he opened one eye and saw the empty space next to him.
"Emily?" He called out, his voice tired and raspy, still bathed in sleep.
He lay there for a short while, listening to the quiet of the house and allowing himself to wake up a little more, but the silence was eventually broken by the sound of a kitchen cupboard door slamming shut.
He tossed the sheet off him and pulled some joggers on, then making his way down the stairs carefully on his crutches.
"What are you doing?" He asked as he hobbled in to the kitchen, spying her stood up against the work surface with her back to him, dressed in just her knee length ivory silk robe.
"Making pancakes." She told him without turning round.
"Pancakes eh?" He smiled, placing the crutches to the side and snaking his arms around her waist so his naked torso was pressed against her back.
"Yeah." She uttered with a contemplative smile, cocking her head to one side as she stirred the mixture, "Thought I'd treat you before I left."
He turned his head so his face was snuggled in her hair and inhaled her sweet scent, "Do you have to go back to London? I could get used to this." He sighed.
"Yes." She whispered sorrily, "I don't want to though." She added, turning her head to place a small but warm kiss on his forehead.
"So don't go then." He offered.
She exhaled a breathy chuckled, "That simple eh? I think someone may notice."
"They'll cope." He mockingly waved away.
"I'm glad you think I'm so unimportant that they don't need me." She scolded playfully.
"No." He said removing one hand from her tummy and reaching for the spoon in her hand, "I just need you more." He uttered.
"What are you doing?" She frowned as her took the spoon out of her grasp and moved the bowl out of her reach.
He then slipped one hand underneath the silk robe she had loosely tied around her waist.
"What about the breakfast?" She half protested, a slight giggle in her tone.
"It can wait." He mumbled into her skin as he placed tiny kisses up and down her long neck. "We've three days left until you have to go back to London and I don't intend wasting any of them."
"I can see that." She smiled as his hand brushed her skin just above her waist.
"Yeah." He breathed, distracted, tugging at the robe's belt lightly, but just enough for it to fall to the ground causing the fabric to separate.
She twisted around so she was facing him and grinned as he pushed the silk off her shoulders leaving her naked all but a pair of cream silk panties.
She rested her arms across his shoulders and wound her hand around his neck, "Derek Morgan." She began, placing a kiss to his lips, "What are you doing?"
"Finishing off what you started this morning." He uttered, with a quick raise of his brow.
"I don't know what you mean." She smiled coyly.
"Miss Prentiss." He said, tracing his hands downwards and letting his palms rest upon the plump flesh of her bottom. "You gave me a pretty rude awakening if I remember correctly. And believe me, I won't be forgetting that any time soon."
She bit her bottom lip and looked downward shyly, "I hate it when I'm awake and you're asleep so I just wanted to wake you."
"Well it did the trick." He chuckled lightly, "You are a wicked woman." He said pressing his lips to hers much more firmly, "Don't ever change." He uttered before hooking a hand under one of her thighs, and raising her leg, wrapping it around his hip.
"Good job your family left this morning." She laughed.
"They didn't." His words muffled.
She placed her hands suddenly on his shoulders and pushed him away, "What?" she exclaimed.
"Why did you think I didn't wake you in the middle of the night?"
Her eyes widened and she stared at him for a couple of seconds before ducking down to pick up her silk robe from the floor, holding it over her naked form.
"I can't believe you let me…."
She stopped as she saw him trying desperately to stop the smirk creeping across his lips.
"They did go didn't they?" She said, playfully slapping his chest with her palm.
"Of course they went." He chuckled, "But your face was a picture just then."
"Very funny Derek." She scolded, "And you should of woken me before they left."
He prised the silk fabric out of her hands and let if fall to the floor once again, "You were dead to the world." He muttered, replacing his hands around her waist and nuzzling into her neck, "And you said your goodbyes last night."
"Yeah, I know but…."
She gave up talking as his nifty fingers worked their way under the fabric of her panties and took to work.
About half an hour later, he was laid back on his sofa, gently stroking her hair as she dozed atop him, her head against his chest.
"What?" She uttered, sensing the big smile that was now painted on his face.
"As much as I loved having my family here, I am so glad to finally have the place to ourselves."
She lightly chuckled, "Yeah. It was good seeing them though."
"You mean you actually enjoyed having my family here?"
"Of course. Why are you so surprised?" She asked.
"Well, you're just so…"
"What?" She protested, lifting her head to look his in the eyes, "Anti social?"
He could hear her tone change and see the mix of defence and disappointment in her stare.
"No." He tutted, "I was going to say independent. I just didn't think you'd be one for enjoying having the in laws around."
"Well…" She began, laying her head back on his chest, "Your family are different."
"Different how?"
She paused momentarily, "Well they're probably not different. They're probably normal. Just not what I'm used to."
He chuckled, "You think my family are normal?"
"I don't know…. But whatever they are, it's good being around them. I can't even think about spending that kind of time with my family without wanting to drown myself in a bottle of whisky."
"What about when the baby comes? You're gonna wanna see your family then right?"
He felt her shrug, "My mother isn't exactly the gooey type over babies. I'm sure she'll be pleased…. Actually, more relieved that her only daughter is finally doing something normal. But I don't think she'll be around much. She's married to her job."
He lay a hand gently atop her head, "You never know." He stared, stroking lightly, "She may surprise you."
He felt her warm breath brush his skin as she half laughed, "Yeah, I doubt that…. It's ironic really though."
"What is?"
"Your family, who would be all over this baby, are hundreds of miles away and my family, who we'll probably see once a month at best, will be round the corner."
"Hmmmm…" He mused, but his thought was broken by the sound of his cell ringing out.
He reached down to the floor, and retrieved it from the pocket of his joggers that were left in a heap on the floor.
He looked at the screen before answering;
"Hey Rossi."
"How are you Morgan?"
"I'm good. Very good. You?"
The older profiler could hear the smile in Derek's tone and silently chuckled, "I'm good thanks. So, do you and Emily have plans for tomorrow night?"
"Tomorrow night?"
"Morgan, it's new years eve. I know you took a knock to the head but…"
"Oh sorry man, of course."
"I guess you're a little distracted." Rossi stated, hearing a light chuckle from his team mate at the other end, "So I take it you don't have any plans?"
"No."
"Good. Well I'm going to a charity dinner for Veterans and a bunch of tickets have become available last minute. All the team are coming. Do you two fancy it?"
"I'll check with Emily, but I'm sure she'll be up for that."
"There'll be good food, good wine and dancing. It'll be a nice night…. And it's for charity." He stressed.
"Ok. You've sold it Rossi. Thanks for inviting us."
"It'll be good to see you both."
"You too Rossi. See you tomorrow."
Emily lifted her head up and balanced her chin on his chest as he placed the cell back on the floor, "What did Rossi want?"
"To invite us to a dinner tomorrow for New Years Eve."
He watched as her face scrunched up and he then tweaked a lock of her hair that was at the side of his face, "It's for charity." He bargained. "And everyone's going."
She exhaled a laboured sigh, "Ok." She conceded, beginning to lay her head back down, but in a split second lifted it again. "But I have nothing to wear."
"I'm sure you'll have something."
"No. If this is one of Rossi's events, it will be black tie and fancy dresses. I need a fancy dress. I haven't bought anything like that with me."
He raised his brow and without answering her, lifted his cell once again and pressed the screen.
"Morgan?"
"Yeah baby girl. How you doing?"
"Super. More importantly how is my damaged chocolate lollipop?"
He chuckled upon seeing Emily roll her eyes, as she heard their friend at the other end. "I'm great Garcia."
"Of course you are. Who wouldn't be having the delicious Emily Prentiss on tap? I want details by the way."
"Yeah, I'm not sure about that, but anyway, have you got any plans for today?"
"Me and Kevin are having a DVD day. Why what's up?"
"Just wondering if you could spare an hour or so to go with Emily to buy a dress for tomorrow night, but if you're busy it really doesn't matter."
"Dress shopping with Emily? You bet I can go…. Oh and if you think it's gonna take an hour, you can think again buddy."
"Ok." He chuckled, "Thank you."
"No probs. I'll call JJ too." She said excitedly, "Tell Em I'll pick her up in a couple of hours."
"I will. Thanks Penelope."
He cut the call off and placed his cell on the floor next to the sofa, raising his eyebrows with a smile, "Sorted."
"You think I can't dress shop on my own?"
"Oh no. I think you can, however one, you will enjoy it more with JJ and Garcia. Two, you'll think you look fat in everything, which you'll look nothing of the sort and you need those two to tell you how beautiful you look, and three, you miss them and they miss you so it's an opportunity to spend time with them."
She stared at him for a few seconds and then a smile danced upon her lips, "Ok." She uttered, "And thank you."
~~CM~~
It was late at night. The room was dark but for the glitter ball lights and the glow surrounding the five piece jazz band at one end of the dance floor. At the other end, the profilers of the BAU and their respective guests were sat around two large round tables, all relaxed from the copious amounts of beautiful food and some a little giddy from the wine.
Derek slouched in his seat, top button undone with his bad leg outstretched in front of him with Emily sat next to him talking to JJ.
They were interrupted as Rossi came to stand in front of them;
"Can I borrow her for a dance?" The older profiler asked Derek, holding his hand out to the brunette.
Derek smiled from his team mate to Emily, "Of course. I can't exactly fulfil my dancing duties tonight." He said glancing down to his leg.
"Too bad mister." Rossi winked, "Your loss is my gain."
"What's Strauss gonna say about that?" Derek laughed, he and Emily never missing the opportunity to tease the older man about that relationship.
"You wanna be careful Morgan. You may not get this one back." He said nodding towards Emily, "Remember, I was wooing the first future ex misses Rossi whilst you were in diapers boy."
Derek laughed and held his hands up in surrender to Rossi as Emily rolled her eyes, "Ok, enough of the testosterone guys." She said, leaning over and placing one hand on Derek's knee, kissing him sweetly on the cheek, "Be back soon." She whispered, standing up.
"You better be." He replied with a wink.
"So." Rossi began, as he slowly motioned her around the dance floor, "You happy?"
She pressed her lips together, subduing a smile, "Yeah." She uttered.
"You look happy." He told her.
She smiled and glanced back momentarily to Derek who sat deep in conversation with Hotch.
"Honestly?" She said looking back to the older man, "I can't believe this is happening."
"Neither can any of us." Rossi chuckled.
"Oi." She playfully protested as he released his grip of one hand and twirled her around and under his arm.
"But seriously." Rossi uttered, placing his free hand back around her waist, "I'm so happy for you both, but I know this can't be easy."
"It isn't." She conceded, "But there's no other option than to make it work. Him not being a part of this is inconceivable."
Rossi nodded, raising an understanding brow, "I don't think he would let that happen. I don't think you know how much he loves you."
"I do." She stressed.
"Do you know how long he's loved you?"
She shook her head with a shrug.
"All I can tell you is that from the moment joined this team, I could see it. Only problem was you two being too stubborn for your own good."
"Oh really?" She smirked.
"Yes really, but I am a believer in fate. I always knew it would happen one day."
She just smiled at him sweetly and let him glide her around the floor, until she asked him to take her back to Derek.
"What's the matter?" The dark profiler asked as she walked towards him, her face pale and Rossi's concerned arm around her shoulders.
"Nothing really. I just feel a bit sick."
"You think you can hold out till midnight?" Rossi asked, "It's just a few minutes away."
She looked at him with sorry eyes and shook her head, then turned back to Derek with an expectant stare.
"Ok." He said softly, placing one hand on her back and reaching for his crutches with the other, "Let's go outside. Get some fresh air."
She nodded and turned, leading them both out of the grand room and out into the cold night air.
She put one hand against the bare brick wall and hunched over, taking in deep breaths.
"You ok?" He asked gently, slipping his jacket off and placing it over her shoulders.
"Yeah." She whispered, standing upright and turning to face him, "I think it was just a little hot in there."
He shrugged his shoulders, "Ok, we'll just give it a few minutes out here."
"Sorry."
"Hey, don't be silly." He said, reaching his arm out to her and pulling her into him, "I'm happy right here."
She smiled into his chest and closed her eyes as she felt his lips press against her hair. They remained like that for a short while and she almost began to drift away but her eyes shot open as she heard the band begin their next song.
"Oh, I love this song." mumbled into him.
"You do?" He asked, his voice barely a murmur.
She nodded.
"Well in that case…." He said, prising their bodies apart, removing the crutches from underneath his arms and placing them against the wall.
"What are you doing?" She asked, a small inquisitive frown across her forehead.
"We're dancing." He said, slipping an arm around her waist and under the jacket, taking her hand in his and holding it to his chest…. just as he did those few months ago.
"But what about your leg."
"Shhhh." He hushed, placing a soft kiss to her lips, "I'll live." He whispered.
She smiled at him then let her head fall upon his shoulder, wrapping her free arm around his back and holding on to him… just as she did those few months ago.
As they swayed slowly to the dim sound of the music, both could not help but let their mind wander forward to a few days ahead…. They'd be apart again. They wouldn't just be able to reach out and touch one another, the tiniest amount of contact, seemingly making everything feel better at times. He wouldn't be there to rub her back gently when she felt sick. She wouldn't be there to brush the side of his face with the back of her hand and smile at him to make him feel better after a bad case. He wouldn't be there to hold her all night long… or in the morning…. Or the afternoon…. Or anytime. Just like he did now. There would be nothing for weeks…
So as the music stopped, she held onto him a little tighter, letting him know she wasn't ready to let go and they could both hear the voices of the people inside as they began the countdown to midnight.
They didn't move until they heard the cheers and the bangs from the party poppers as the clock struck midnight.
"Thank you." He whispered.
"What for?" She asked, pulling away just slightly so she could see his face.
He smiled and took both of her hands in his, staring into her eyes, "I know that this year is going to be the best of my life…. Where ever in the world we are…. And that's because of you."
"I didn't do anything." She uttered.
"Yes you did. This could have turned out a whole many different ways, but it turned out this way… and it's perfect."
"Really?"
"Yes really." He told her, closing the gap and placing a soft kiss to her lips. "Em, we're never going to be normal are we?"
Her smile widened, "I guess not….. and I kinda like it that way too."
As the fireworks began to explode, she closed the gap between the once again. She was about to tell him she loved him, but decided she would prefer to show him. The kiss was long and deep and pure and at that moment it felt like they were the only two people in existence…. But only for that moment….. Until they heard the awkward cough of Doctor Reid and turned to see the entire team glaring at them, quickly averting their gaze to the fireworks above. All but Rossi, who approached, giving Derek a pat on the back and a big Rossi smile, "No one was ever going to make her feel that way but you." He whispered in the younger Agent's ear, "You deserve it Derek and I'm really proud of you."
~~CM~~
Emily sat at her desk at Interpol, tapping her fingers as she stared at her screen, blowing air into her cheeks as she waited.
"Oh at last." She almost groaned as Derek sat down at his desk in Quantico and appeared.
"Sorry, I had to take that call. It was Hotch."
"You got a case?"
"Yeah. Briefing in ten minutes."
"Too bad." She smirked.
"What are you smiling at?" He asked, a thin smile forming upon his own lips.
She shook her head, "Nothing."
"Oh I know what it is. You think that means I don't have time for the unveiling."
"Don't say it like that." She scolded, her features scrunching up.
"Come on show me." He grinned, ignoring her protests.
"No." She stated, thin lines appearing on her forehead as she frowned.
"I haven't seen it for a few days now. Let me see." He insisted.
"No." She repeated.
"What do you mean, no?"
She frowned, "I don't want to."
"Emily, I know it's going to be bigger. And I love it."
"You won't when you see it." She said in a sulky tone.
"It's just your tummy."
"Oh no." She said shaking her head and leaning in closer to the screen, "It's not just a tummy. It's a horrible mess. An alien invasion."
"What on earth are you talking about?"
He watched as she pursed her lips and glanced sidewards awkwardly.
"Emily…. just show me."
"Ok. But don't say I didn't warn you."
An inquisitive smirk crept across his lips as he nodded in encouragement.
She gripped the base of her silk blouse and lifted the fabric to expose her rounding belly that had grown considerably over the five weeks she had been back in London.
He stared at her; She had never looked so beautiful to him and he was still having trouble comprehending there was a person inside there which was half of him.
"So?" He heard her say, snapping him out of his trance.
"So what?"
"This. Look at it." She exclaimed, pointed to her protruding belly button.
He chuckled. "Is that what you're sulking about?"
"I'm not sulking." She defended.
"Oh really? Because I haven't seen a pout like that since JJ told Henry he couldn't have anymore cookie dough at Garcia's birthday party."
"Not funny Derek."
"Your belly button is cute."
"Cute!? It's ugly. It's like some little alien creature is trying to get out of there."
"You know, you really need to stop referring to our child as an alien. You do know he or she can hear you right?"
"Don't be silly." She waved away.
"No, it's true." He said reaching to his side, out of sight, "I got this." He told her, revealing a book.
"The mother of all pregnancy books." She read as she squinted at the screen. "Haven't we got enough baby books?"
"Yes, but listen. It says that our baby now has it's eyes open and has eyelashes and eyebrows. And, most importantly, it can hear your voice and heart beat."
"Wow." She uttered, widening her eyes.
"Yeah, pretty amazing right?"
"It can really hear me?"
"Yeah. So quit with the 'alien' references." He smiled with a wink.
She bit her bottom lip, smiled at him coyly and then looked down, laying a hand on her tummy, "Sorry baby." She started, patting her bump, "I promise I won't call you an alien again….. even if you do look like one."
"Emily." Derek scolded, earning a sweet chuckle from the brunette.
"May be that's why he or she keeps kicking me."
"It still doing that?"
"Still doing it? I think we've got a budding soccer player in here." She chuckled.
She looked up to him and watched as his smile faded, "I'm sorry you can't feel it, but I'll be back over there soon."
"Has Clyde said when he can let you go?"
"Well if he has his way, it'll be the day before I'm due, but I've told him I don't want to fly after thirty two weeks."
"So, that's six weeks away."
"Yeah."
"Six weeks too long." He winked.
She smiled warmly, and moved closer to the screen, "I know. I'm sorry." She uttered, "I just need to get stuff sorted here."
"I know. I'm not having a go at you. I just miss you."
"I miss you too." She whispered.
His smile widened and then he quickly glanced down at his watch, "Gotta go baby. I'll call you as soon as I get up tomorrow."
"Ok."
"Text me when you get in."
"I will."
She smiled as he said that to her every time they finished a call. She had once tried to tell that he didn't need to remind her, but he just chuckled and told her she had baby brain so he would always have to remind her. She had never forgotten once.
~~CM~~
Their routine did not change. And that was good for them both as there was no routine in any other part of their lives….. Him not knowing which State he would be waking up in the next day. Her not knowing what turn her current live operation would take today; What decision she would have to make that could make or break it or even put her team members in a life or death situation.
But this routine was good. Her sat at her desk. Him sat at his…..
The conversation had lasted ten minutes or so and he kept getting distracted by the strange faces she was pulling, but every time he asked if there was something up, she'd wave him away…. But it just kept happening;
"Emily. What's wrong?" He asked firmly.
He watched her grimace and begin to exhale labouredly. She shook her head slowly, "I don't know." She uttered.
"I knew there was something wrong."
"It's probably just something I ate." She forced the words out as she huffed.
"That is not indigestion." He stated, his eyes widening as she let out the smallest of yelps, trying to subdue them so as not to worry him. But of course it didn't work.
"Is anyone still there? In the office?" He asked.
She nodded and he could see her face begin to break, "Daniel." She breathed.
"Ok. Call him. Now." He said slowly and firmly.
He watched as she reached over to the phone on her desk and her hand shake as she pressed the speed dial.
"Daniel, can you come here please. Quick."
She dropped the receiver on the desk as another bolt of pain ripped through her stomach.
"Emily. Just breathe. It's gonna be ok." Derek said calmly even though his heart was racing.
Her hand grasped the desk in front of her as the other gripped at her tummy and then Derek heard the other man's voice.
"Emily?" Daniel said, rushing to her side and crouching down at the side of her, "What's wrong?"
"I don't know." She stuttered between deep breaths.
"Daniel." Derek called out, grabbing the man's attention. He turned to look at the screen on the desk, initially with confusion, but it quickly disappeared.
"Derek?" Daniel asked.
"Yeah." The profiler responded. "Listen, can you please take her to the hospital."
Daniel nodded, "Of course. Do you know what's wrong?"
Derek shook his head, a look of bewilderment on his face.
"Ok." Daniel nodded, turning his attention back to the brunette and placing one hand gently on her back. "Emily." He said softly, "Can you get up for me?"
Her chest heaved and she closed her eyes, "Can you just give me a few seconds. Just let this wave pass."
"Sure." Daniel uttered, turning back to the profiler, "She'll be ok. I'll take care of her." He tried to assure.
Derek nodded, "Can you ring me as soon as you get to the hospital?"
"Of course."
Daniel watched the profiler on the screen. He knew so much about him and had seen his picture, but the two men had never spoken. The strong, capable and charming man that Emily had spoken of, right now look petrified and helpless, but was trying so hard to keep it together.
"Listen." Daniel continued, "Have you got a pen?"
"Yeah." Derek responded.
"Take my number. It's 732-757-2993. Call me whenever you want ok?"
"Ok." Derek uttered after scribbling the number down.
Emily began to attempt to stand, but struggling, she grabbed hold of Daniel's strong arm to steady herself.
"Emily." Derek called to her.
Her eyes shot up to meet his.
"You're gonna be ok and so is the baby alright?"
Her bottom lip began to quiver and her eyes filled with moisture, "Derek I'm scared." She almost cried, her words coarse and broken.
He inhaled, trying to calm himself, not wanting her to see the panic throbbing around his body, "It's ok. Just do as the doctors tell you ok?"
She nodded, "I wish you were here."
"I am here baby." He said, "I promise. I'm not going anywhere. Just call me as soon as you can."
"Ok." She breathed.
"Daniel's gonna take care of you just fine. I'll speak to you in a bit ok?"
She nodded and began to walk away slowly and out of his view. Daniel hung back and leant down to the screen. "It'll be ok. The hospital isn't far. We should be there in fifteen minutes tops."
Derek just stared at the man and Daniel could see the fear in the profiler's face. "Make that ten." He continued, attempting some sort of reassuring smile, "I'll speak to you in a bit." He assured.
Derek nodded and just as Daniel began to move out of view, he called out to him, "Daniel!"
"Yes?" He said, looking back, "Thank you."
"Hey, no problem man."
And the screen went blank and Daniel cut it off before grabbing something off Emily's desk and rushing out after her.
~~CM~~
Twenty minutes later, Derek sat staring at his cell that was in front of him on the desk. He was so consumed he didn't hear the gentle knock on his door from JJ, who was now stood just inside the office.
"Morgan?"
His eyes darted to her and she was taken aback by the horror on his face.
"What's wrong?" She asked, quickly closing the gap between them.
"I don't know." He replied, shaking his head, "Something's wrong with Emily. She's on the way to the hospital. I'm just waiting for a phone call."
"Oh my God. What was wrong?"
"She was in a lot of pain JJ. I mean real pain."
"Was there any blood?"
"I don't know. I don't think so."
"Is anyone with her?"
"Daniel. From her office…."
He halted as his cell rang out.
"Daniel?"
"Hey Derek. We're at the hospital now."
"What's happening?"
"She's in a cubicle, just waiting for the Doctor."
"Can I speak to her?"
"I can do one better than that. Are you by your computer?"
"Yes."
"Hang on."
The line went silent for a few long seconds and then his desktop screen began ring out, him hastily answering.
He dropped the cell on the desk and waited until Daniel's face appeared.
"I'll take you to her." He said as he walked along the short corridor, Derek just seeing the edge of a curtain flap open.
Daniel said nothing further and handed the iPad to Emily and Derek's heart broke just a little bit more seeing her frightened face.
"Derek." She cried, his name barely audible.
"Hey baby. You ok?" He asked, cursing himself inside for asking the dumbest question he could possibly ask right now.
She shook her head and her eyes scrunched up as the moisture fell from her eyes, "I think there's something really wrong Derek."
"You don't know that." He said softly, "Has the Doctor been in yet?"
She shook her head.
"Listen I'm sure there's a perfectly reasonable explanation."
"Stop saying that. You don't know that." She yelled as the tears streamed down her face.
Lost for words, Derek put his hand to his forehead and rubbed, the pounding behind his eyes getting worse and worse every second.
After a few moments of silence he removed his hand and looked at the screen upon hearing her tiny, broken voice, "I'm sorry."
"Hey don't be sorry. The Doctor will be there soon and then we'll know what's going on."
He felt his eyes begin to sting as the tears welled up watching her break in front of him. She could no longer respond to him….. her shoulders were juddering, her head hanging forward and he could hear her sobs.
"Emily." He said softly, "Pass me back to Daniel."
Without looking at him, she did as he said and the profiler was face to face once again with Emily's team mate.
"Derek."
"Listen. Can you do something for me?" The profiler asked, his tone serious, but so so sad.
"Anything."
"She thinks her worse nightmare's coming true."
Daniel nodded, encouraging Derek to continue.
He swallowed before answering, "Put your arms around her for me….. She needs that right now."
"Of course." He whispered, then placing the screen on the bed, Derek losing view of them both.
Daniel took one step closer to the bed and put one arm around the brunette, pulling her closer to him and then whispered in her ear, "This is from Derek."
She gripped on to his forearm as he wrapped his other arm around her, holding her as she shook, sobbing into his chest.
Derek listened to her and closed his eyes, hating himself for not being there with her.
And as his own tears began to fall, he felt the warm embrace of JJ encircle him.
"She will be ok Morgan." She whispered, "Whatever happens."
~~CM~~
An agonising hour later, Daniel having checked in with Derek every ten minutes to tell him he still knew nothing, finally he appeared on the screen with a somewhat more relaxed face having some news.
"Derek, she's ok and so is the baby."
Derek closed his eyes and exhaled a long sigh of relief, "So what was it?" He asked, opening his eyes to look at the other man.
"I'll let Emily tell you."
The screen blurred from the motion of being passed through the air and eventually her face came in to focus. It was pale and tired, but a far cry from the pained and broken vision before.
"Emily? Are you ok?"
She nodded and a small, sad smile formed upon her lips.
"So what happened?" He asked.
"I went in to labour." She uttered.
"What!" He exclaimed, a similar sentiment leaving JJ's lips who was sat next to him. "But you're only thirty weeks."
"They stopped it."
"They can do that?"
"Yeah, if they catch it early enough."
"And everything's ok now. With you and the baby?"
"Yeah it should be."
"Well the sooner you get here the better."
He watched as she paused and bit down on her bottom lip.
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head, "I can't come back."
"What?"
"I can't fly. There's every chance I will still have this baby early. They won't allow me to fly now."
She watched him place both hands over his mouth and close his eyes. It was as if she could see the disappointment pouring out of him.
"I'm sorry Derek."
His eyes shot open, "You've got nothing to be sorry about. The most important thing is that you and the baby are ok right?"
She nodded with a forced half smile.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there. But I promise you that won't happen again."
"What do you mean?"
"Well I'm coming out there of course."
"But what about work?"
"I don't care." He shrugged, "I'll quit my job if I have to. But you are not going through one more minute of this alone."
To be continued…
Sorry if that seemed rushed…. It took me a while to figure out where to go with this… what do you think?