Hello guys, so this is in fact the first story I ever wrote (before the ones I posted). I am still working my way towards the end but I thought it's time I start posting. This fanfic is merged into the actual story line but I have rearranged the timeline of show and of course made up somethings and cut some parts out. Hopefully, it makes sense in the story but I'll give you a bit of info that won't ruin the story.
So the story takes place 3 months after Rossi wedding. However in this story, everything that happened in season 15, except for what was related to Lynch, happened before Rossi wedding. Furthermore, Luke and Lisa breaking up, Reid ending up in the hospital and Penelope quitting never happened. Lynch does die but 3 months after Rossi wedding as you will be reading shortly.
Hopefully it's not confusing. Enjoy! Hope you guys like it!
✦XO✦
It was late at night and the storm clouds were beginning to roll in when the shuttle cart came to a stop on top of a dry patch of grass. Everyone eagerly got out one by one grabbing their bags from the cargo trailer attached to the shuttle cart. They all stood next to one another taking in the view of the campsite where they were going to spend the weekend. There were 6 cabins lined up a few yards away from each other on the grassy plains surrounded by a forest. There was a huge fire pit surrounded by patio chairs that sparked everyone imagination. Sitting under the stars toasting marshmallows or enjoying a glass of wine. This was a vacation that was long over due and Luke's friend John inviting them to stay at his new resort for free couldn't come at a better time. They had finally closed the case on Everett Lynch and the bureau gave them some time off to recover.
"Thank you all for coming. I really appreciate your help in reviewing my resort before the grand opening that's one month from now. Luke probably told you I am planning to run it as a resort and hopefully one day, with the money, I can run it as a free camp for kids every summer. I am looking into that with the state but until then this is Meadowland Camping Resort." He walked with them away from the cart and towards the cabins. "As you seen on your way in the bridge is too small to have a normal car drive up here. If you need anything from your car, feel free to take the shuttle cart back to the parking lot. I will hang the keys in that shed behind you." pointing to the large shed that stood along the driveway. It had gone unnoticed in all the excitement and the darkness of the night. The group turned back to look at him as he continued, "There isn't really any service up here but I do have two satellite phone, I wanted this resort to be a 'no tech' resort."
The group was well aware of the 'no tech' resort when they accepted the invitation. As long as they were able to check in on their loved ones through out the day they would be fine. Penelope, whose life revolved around everything tech, was excited to unplug. This was her chance for that technology fast she had spoken to her parents about when she went to visit them at their grave. She really missed the evening when she first unplugged with Rossi, drinking scotch while listening to Tony Bennett on vinyl. She was looking forward to this weekend where she could unwind and hopefully let go. She wanted to go back to living life to the fullest. In the past 3 months she had become someone she didn't recognize. She was holding on to a secret and it had turned her into a monster. She knew this time letting go wouldn't be easy but the hopes were high on the mini vacation to be the start.
John placed his hand into his pant pocket, "I currently have 6 cabins up and running and hope to double it by the grand opening. Each cabin is the same, each cabin has a queen size bed, a living area, a small kitchen and a bathroom. It's pretty much like a studio apartment." He pulls out 6 pairs of keys from his pocket. "JJ & Will are in Cabin 1. Emily and Mendoza will be in Cabin 2. Spencer and Max will be in Cabin 3. Matt and Kristy Cabin 4. Rossi and Krystall Cabin 5. Me and Tara will be in Cabin 6." Each couple thanked him and grabbed their keys, hugging their partners back in excitement.
Luke and Penelope eyes widen as their hands were left empty. Penelope mentally began to count everyone and was about to say something when Luke spoke up. "Umm John, I know you are in love and everything but you're forgetting your army buddy here." Everyone turned to look him. "Bro, come on, I am the reason you even got a chance to meet Tara. Where is my cabin?" he asked crossing his arms. Penelope placed her hands on her hips following suit.
Everyone begin to look at one another realizing they had forgotten about Penelope and Luke. Whom were both single and unusually quiet on the drive up here. Actually Penelope was the only single one. Luke, however being in a relationship, was single. Lisa had invited or had been invited to multiple occasions, the housewarming, the baby shower, Rossi's wedding but due to a double or an emergency shift was never present, leaving Luke to his lonesome.
There was a bigger cabin in viewing distance that John started pointing to a few seconds after Luke questioned him. It was bigger then the rest of the cabins. It kind of looked like two cabins connected. "Each cabin here holds only one bed ideal for couples. That's the main cabin, my cabin, over there, follow me." He took Penelope bags from her as he lead Penelope and Luke to their cabin. The rest of the group looked at each other stunned soon realizing it was just one really big cabin.
Luke and Penelope hadn't really looked at the cabin. They were just relieved they had a cabin and weren't expected to camp out in a tent. Even thru it wouldn't have been difficult for Luke but he would prefer a bed over a tent any day.
Rossi grabs Krystall waist as he began to lead her to their cabin, talking to the others, taking that one step up to his cabin, "This is going to be interesting." Turning to Tara from the door, "Tara, does your boyfriend knows he playing with fire? I really hope he knows what he is doing." Everyone giggled however they were all still worried, not for John but Penelope. She hadn't been herself for a couple of months now. At first they thought it was the ill effects of Everett Lynch, seeing what that case did to them. But when she slowly started pulling away from them, the people she called family, it's worried them. She began to fake her smile and her speech was dry, not as tasteful. The more they pushed the more she hid. They watched them walk away as they retired into their cabins for the night before the storm started.
Penelope began her interrogation with John as they walked towards the cabin. Fact checking the information she found out about him along with threatening him to never hurt Tara. John didn't mind because he was warned a long time back about Penelope Garcia. But he couldn't help but look over to Luke, scared. She was telling him about things he, himself, had long forgotten. The threats weren't any less scary. As they got closer to the cabin, John throws Penelope bag over his shoulder as he walked in between Luke and Penelope. He dropped his shoulder and sighed before speaking "I am sorry about keeping you this far from everyone." Penelope turned to look at him looking into the distance. She remembered Tara telling them how excited he had gotten when he was approved to continue building more cabins before heading up here. So she didn't mind staying so far. He was kind enough to invite them. He continued as she turned to look at the floor before her. "..but we will be able to see you and you will be able to see us. The cabins are really just for rest. We have hiking, trails, a lake, rafting to look forward to. You can also take a walk in the woods or do some stargazing, bird watching. Since its only you two and Lisa wasnt able to make it, I had decided to give you my cabin, it has two beds, one in the living area and one in the bedroom. The kitchen is all the way in the back next to my office, where you will find.."
Penelope couldnt believe her ears, she grabbed John arm, cutting him off, bringing him to a halt in front of the cabin, "Wait so you are telling me that I have to share a cabin with.. with.." pointing to Luke, horrified. "with that guy."
Luke rolls his eyes as he grabs John's arm away from Penelope leading him into the cabin. "Dont mind her." Luke turns to look back at Penelope, annoyed. Over the past 3 months, Penelope had been nothing but rude to him. She was even down right nasty to him when they were alone. He had thought he was finally on her good side. He had finally made his way to her heart. He didn't know what happen over night, 3 months ago, that made her become colder then ice. He never thought she could be worse then when he first started working with the BAU but he was wrong. Outside of work, she ignored him completely & if she had acknowledged his existence, it was just so she could shut him down. He tried to approach her at first but then gave up, hoping she would come around one day. From what he learned about her, if something horrible was happening or if she was suffering, she would do so in silence. Probably due to the cases and everything the team had gone thru, she didn't want to trouble anyone with her problems. She wouldn't open up until someone pushed and pried. Luke even asked JJ to find out what was going on with Penelope. But JJ just came back with "She just loves picking on you Newbie."
Luke turned back around leaving her standing there with her mouth left open. She followed them stomping her feet in protest, "I can't even.."
✦XO✦