Chapter 6

AN: Thank you for the reviews, folks. I have been trying to answer, but the site has been wacky, still. .. As for the story...Now we are starting to cook...

It was Friday, Penelope and Reid decided to put the plan into further motion. Everyone was meeting at the bar, where they'd dance, drink, have some fun. A lot of the women and men from the FBI headed to that hangout after work. The whole team was going to go, too: JJ and Will, Hotch, Rossi and his date du jour, Emily, and of course, Reid and herself.

Everyone, that is, but Derek. Everyone was pressing him to go, but he didn't feel like it. He knew he was being an ass, but he didn't want to watch Penelope with Reid. He thought he could, he really thought he could put it all aside and be happy for them. The last few days, especially after talking to Penelope, he realized that he couldn't.

"Not tonight," he said, shrugging. He knew he looked depressed the last few days, but he didn't care. He wasn't going to pretend he was happy when he wasn't. "I'm going out with Crystal ."

"Bring her with," Emily said, tugging on Derek's arm. "It'll be fun."

"Afraid we'll embarrass you?" Rossi asked, arching a brow. "What if we promise to be good?"

Derek snickered at that, still shaking his head. "Sorry. We're going to see a movie; Crystal really wanted to see it."

"It'll be out next weekend," JJ replied. "Come on."

Derek shook his head. "Not this time."

Penelope knew Reid needed this. He needed to be seen, by Crystal in particular. She pulled out the big guns, knowing Morgan couldn't resist. "Please, Hot Stuff? It'll be nice to hang with you. Like old times."

After she said it, she realized she meant it. More than anything, she missed Derek's hugs, Derek's laugh, Derek's smiles. She missed Derek, period, so very much.

She saw him melt after she said it. Without really thinking, he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her forehead. They held each other for a moment, Derek's cheek against the top of her head, her arms around his lean waist, just basking in the warmth they felt.

"Alright, Baby Girl," he murmured softly. "I'll go."

For that moment in time, Derek felt like everything was alright again. He was home; that was always how he felt when he held his Baby Girl.

That ended rather quickly with the next voice he heard.

"That's great!" Reid exclaimed excitedly.

Derek looked up, flushed, and let her go immediately. "Yeah. Crystal and I will be there."

Penelope had to fight against the pang in her chest. It sounded so strange, him being there with someone else. The two of them were always each others date at the bar. He didn't look happy about it either. Still, he was with Crystal ; there was nothing she could do.

"See you tonight," she replied in a wooden tone.

The team was sitting in their usual spot. Derek had Crystal sitting next to him, her long brown hair flowing down her back. From what she could see of her, she was a really pretty woman. She had her hand in Derek's, and they were talking to the rest of the team.

"Hey," she said, scooting into the booth next to JJ. Usually she sat next to Derek, but that spot was occupied. "We're here."

"Hey," Reid said, smiling and sitting next to Penelope. He reached for her hand, too. "What do you want to drink, Garcia?"

"Sex on the beach, no grenadine," Derek replied, meeting Penelope's eyes. He always knew exactly what she drank. "I ordered one for you."

Penelope blinked, feeling as if Derek claimed her in his own way, even if he was sitting across from her. She smiled a little nervously and answered, "Thanks."

"Did you get mine too?" Reid asked sarcastically.

Derek shot Reid a look that could kill. His eyes were narrowed, hot and angry. For a moment, the two glowered at each other. The rest of the team looked rather uncomfortable, noticing the palpable friction, but then the tension was broken.

"Spencer, it's nice to see you," Crystal said, smiling warmly at Reid. "I didn't know you worked in the same unit as Derek. You never mentioned that before."

"I didn't know you knew Morgan until a few weeks ago," he replied, smiling back at the beautiful brunette.

"We met at this bar, actually. He's very nice," she answered, patting Derek's hand.

"Oh, yes. Morgan is terrific," Reid said sincerely. "One of my best friends."

Feeling like a cad, Derek knew he had to do something. Something he should've done weeks ago. Meeting Reid's eyes, Derek pushed everything aside and smiled genuinely at the other man. "You're one of mine, too, Reid."

"We're a very close unit," JJ interjected. "Like a family."

"Oh, I know. Derek mentions all of you a lot." She looked over at Penelope, and smiled. "Especially you, Penelope."

Penelope felt like she was kicked in the gut. If he was talking to his girlfriend about her, she was obviously just a friend to him. She was grateful her drink came. She took a big sip, then answered, "Yep. We're the best of pals."

The conversation continued around the table, with everyone learning a lot more about Crystal and counter terrorism. The girl was a wizard, exactly like Reid in her mannerisms and her speaking pattern. It was incredible the similarities between the two.

To top things off, she spent the majority of her time looking at Reid. Spencer was missing his sweater and his tie, and the top few buttons of his shirt were undone. He was dressed like a skinny version of Derek, and it obviously appealed to Crystal . She was staring at his throat, and Reid was smirking back at her. Reid... smirking sensuously.

P wanted to clap, she was so proud of him.

Penelope glanced at Derek, who did not look at all happy. He wasn't saying anything; he was just frowning, sitting back and listening to the conversation. He'd occasionally fidget and shift in his chair. Pen would look over and try to smile at him, but he wasn't returning it. He would just stare at her blankly, which made her uncomfortable.

" Crystal ," Derek said, interrupting the conversation. It was obvious he needed to move, like he couldn't sit there a moment longer. "You want to dance?"

"That's a good idea," Reid answered, smiling at her. "Penelope?"

"P doesn't dance," Derek growled, glaring over at Reid. "You know that. I've asked. She never agrees to it."

"I'd love to dance," Pen retorted, glaring over at Morgan. He didn't have the right to answer for her. Besides, she wanted to dance with Reid. It would be another way for him to impress the ladies.

On the dance floor, Reid swallowed hard and croaked, "I don't know how to do this very well. Morgan was right; I asked because I knew you'd turn me down!"

"Trust me, you'll be fine," Pen said, giving him an encouraging grin. She looped her arms around his neck, and he placed his hands on her waist. "One hand higher on my waist, and the other on my butt and push me into you."

"Good Lord, Penelope," he squeaked, looking down at her. He complied, but started to blush.

"No! Reid, hide that blush," she ordered with mock sternness.

He chuckled. "Okay." A few moments later, he said, "You know, this is highly pleasurable."

"Mmm hmm," she murmured, smiling back at him.

He looked questioningly at her and asked, "Why don't you ever do it with Morgan, then?"

She sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder, trying to lose the tension she felt. "Too much chemistry. Wouldn't feel the same with him."

"Oh," he replied softly, patting her back, understanding.

"Switch partners," a familiar voice stated. She raised her head to see Derek and Crystal standing nearby. Derek had tapped Reid's shoulder with a thunk.

Reid hesitated, noticing Morgan's obvious aggression and Penelope's hesiation. "I don't think-"

Penelope saw the look of dejection on Crystal 's face. It was clear she wanted to dance with Reid, badly. Reid was obviously protecting her after the last comment she said, and from Morgan's wrath. Bless Reid's heart, but she had nothing to fear from Derek.

Pen smiled up at Reid. "Spence, it's okay."

"Are you sure?" he asked, his warm brown eyes questioning.

She nodded.

He smiled and touched her cheek. He gave her a little kiss near her mouth, and then looked at Morgan warningly. "Okay. She's yours."