Chapter Thirteen

So sorry for the long wait, Thanksgiving and a crazy schedule got in the way of updating. And a quick word: if you have something rude/highly critical to say about my stuff, you better not be anonymous. Don't be a coward and leave no way to PM back. This hasn't really happened to me but it has to a couple of my favorite authors on this site. Not to sound pissed off, say what you want about my stories but leave a name so I can respond back.

Now back to the story!

It was morning, and Derek was still sitting vigil-like at Penelope's bedside, traces of the tears he'd cried sporadically through the night lingering on his hollow face. His eyes were worn, bloodshot, yet prayerful. He hadn't given up on his Baby Girl. She was still there, still with him despite the coma, the bruising, the scars.

"It's morning, princess. Another morning that I haven't seen those beautiful eyes of yours. I miss them, baby, I really do." He leaned down and inhaled the smell of her hair. It was still sweet, refreshing, and it triggered so many memories of their times together.

It was New Years' Eve. The team had all gathered at Rossi's mansion to usher in the New Year, their separate families in tow.

"One minute left!" Penelope cried, glass of champagne at the ready. Derek laughed, marveling at the energy that she always radiated. They watched as the dazzling ball slowly inched its way down the pole in Times Square through the flat plane of the TV.

"One minute until we begin another year together," Derek whispered. He desperately wanted to kiss Penelope. Perhaps this was his chance, as Kevin had not been able to make it that night.

"TEN!" Heart fluttering, Derek scooted closer to Penelope and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"NINE!" Penelope turned abruptly, but smiled when she saw who it was.

"EIGHT!" Derek smiled at her, a huge grin that said everything that his words weren't able to.

"SEVEN!" Penelope smiled back knowingly and her eyes twinkled mischievously.

"SIX!" The two stepped a little closer together.

"FIVE!" Derek placed his arms once more around her.

"FOUR!" Penelope looked a bit nervous, but she reciprocated the action.

"THREE!" "Are you sure you want to?" Derek asked.

"TWO!" "Yes."

"ONE!" Earth-shattering silence.

Derek pressed his lips against hers. For a moment, the world stopped turning, because his life now revolved around Penelope. He could feel the chemistry; he could taste it on her irresistible lips.

And then they broke. Her eyes were wide and sparkling. She had felt it too, Derek was sure of it.

"Happy New Year, handsome."

"Happy New Year, Baby Girl." And that was it. Derek longed to hold her in his arms forever, capture her lips and never let her go. But she had Kevin now.

She wasn't Derek's to take.

"Remember New Years', a couple years ago? Remember that kiss we had? I want to go back to that moment, baby. Go back and pledge my love for you, go back and steal you away from Kevin so he would never have had the chance to hurt you. Because I love you, Penelope Garcia, more than you'll ever know. Seeing you so hurt, so broken is tearing me up inside. I need you to wake up so that I can show you how much I want you, how much I need you."

And then he felt her squeeze his hand. It was a very faint pressure, but it definitely was there. Heart racing, Derek desperately prayed that his most fervent wish had been granted. He watched as her eyelids fluttered open, revealing her luscious brown eyes. They darted around the room, confused.

"Hey there, Baby Girl." Her eyes fell upon Derek and instantly watered. He had saved her. He really had come for her. It wasn't an illusion. The ventilator was preventing her from speaking, so she lightly placed her hand on his wrist, an act that consumed much of her strength. The warmth of his body was a great comfort however.

With tears in his own eyes, Derek kissed the hand clutching his arm, and allowed his free thumb to make a circular motion on it.

"You're okay now, princess, you're going to be all right. I love you so much." Of course, she wasn't okay, but his words soothed her nonetheless, especially the last five. She found her eyelids slowly drooping, unable to stay open for very long. Derek saw it too.

"Go ahead, Baby Girl. Sleep. I'm going to be here. I'm always going to be here." He tenderly kissed her forehead as she fell asleep.

And then began to cry out loud as he came to the realization that he now had his everything back with him.