A/N: Hey guys! sorry I haven't gotten to responding to any of your reviews yet, I've had a lot going on with work and blah. I'll try to get to most of them soon! I just want to say again how much I appreciate all of the support!

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds. But I'm willing to make some suggestions if the writers ever need any ;)

Chapter 5: "Suspicion"

"Did you know that dreams can be linked to actual experiences-and even sensations?" the young man explained as people rushed by the bar the two profilers were currently seated at. The room was abuzz with excited chatter and busy service-certainly not the kind of atmosphere Derek Morgan needed. When Reid had asked him to come out with him after they had finished their paperwork that evening…he was definitely not in the mood for this. He had never expected this type of place to be Reid's...scene. Rolling his dark eyes slightly he took another swig of his beer. "-and did you know those sensations can even cross over into our dreams? For instance." He began. "If a phone in the same room as a sleeping person is ringing-"

"Reid."

"-the person dreaming can then actually hear a phone ringing in their dream?" he mused and took another small sip of the light beer in his hand. He smiled and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead "of course that was just something I read somewhere. I'm not sure if there was any sort of scientific support." He shrugged.

"Reid." Morgan tried again before Reid blinked in confusion.

"…yes?"

"I know you didn't ask me out here after being awake for nearly thirty six hours just so you could spout random bouts of crap in my ear." he hissed lowly and narrowed his eyes at the younger man sitting opposite of him. Reid flinched at the tone in his co-worker's voice and it hurt for a fraction of a second before he remembered the conversation he had had with JJ and Emily just a few hours earlier. They had come by his desk and practically begged him to take Morgan out. They had insisted that they suspected something was "up" with their technical analyst and the agent, and they were concerned (and likely innately hoping) to find out what it was. He had tried to protest, insinuating that they could simply pose the question to Morgan himself. Emily had other ideas. Reid had quickly been made aware of the picture in JJ's possession of him from last New Year's Eve and what had happened that night…he had quickly changed his mind.

He had brought Morgan here. It was a small sports bar on the outskirts of downtown Quantico, with its busy atmosphere and more than likely plentiful numbers of intoxicated women: he had suspected it would appeal to the older man. What Spencer had found though is that the tired expression in the man's eyes had deepened, and his posture had dropped even further as he drank his beer. He cleared his throat slightly before leaning closer to the exhausted looking agent. He spoke lowly as he tried to keep the conversation private.

"I-" he started before his voice cracked slightly in nervousness at Derek's accusatory glare. He knew he was past the point of lying why they were there "…JJ and Emily…we're all pretty concerned about you and Garcia." He spat out quickly and the other man's eyebrows furrowed before he shook his head, his lips caressing the rim of the beer bottle. He smirked slightly and his left eye ticked just slightly.

"What are you talking about kid?" He muttered lowly not giving the other man direct eye contact "There's nothing wrong with Garcia. Or me. Just…leave it alone man." He warned and Reid gulped at the defensive gaze that had made its presence onto Morgan's features. Reid blinked a couple times before sadly looking at the counter.

"I just-" he started and Morgan's features only hardened more.

"I said it's nothing kid. Drop it." He barked and Reid's eyes fell to his shoes. Swallowing hard his eyes started to glisten in the dim lighting of the bar as he spoke. Morgan looked at his disheartened stare and his brows furrowed, suddenly feeling regret for his harsh defense against his friend. Sighing deeply he nudged Reid so he would look up at him again. "Hey. I'm sorry alright? It's just been a long case this time. I'll-Garcia and I will be alright with some rest." He smiled slightly "it's…nothing. I promise."

Spencer could see the corners of Derek's mouth wavering making it very obvious to the genius the smile on his lips was forced. His eyes softened before leaning in closer to him, taking all the care he could to keep their conversation hidden from the other people sitting at the bar around them.

"Morgan-are you sure-"

He was cut off when a pair of extremely feminine looking arms snaked their way around the older man's muscular neck. Reid blinked and rolled his eyes slightly…that would certainly help sooth Morgan's bad mood. He took another sip off his beer and quietly observed the obviously buzzed blonde that was now hanging off of his friend's neck. Reid awkwardly looked at the young bartender who was currently staring at the stunning woman and Morgan and pressed his lips together, nodding slightly. "This is a frequent occurrence."

The bartender continued polishing the glass in her fingers and smirked slightly at the genius. "I wouldn't doubt it with a face like his." She giggled and walked away leaving Reid feeling increasingly more uncomfortable. He would never understand interaction in these types of places.

"Heya handsome." The blonde purred in his ear and drew a few light circles on the skin just above his ear. Derek took another long drink of his beer and blinked slowly.

"Hey." He said simply and continued staring at the many bottles of beer behind the counter on the shelves, contemplating his next drink. The blonde brought herself around to sit on the stool beside him and began drawing the same circles with her well-manicured nail on his chest.

"I don't think we've met…" she smirked and Morgan's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"No." he grunted slightly. He was not in the mood for this. "I don't believe we have."

"I'm René." She smiled and cocked her head to the side slightly questioningly "and you are…?"

"Morgan." He gruffly answered, keeping his eyes focused on the drink before him.

The blonde raised a brow before trying again by leaning in close to him her lips brushing his ear gingerly. "What is a handsome man like you doing all alone in a place like this tonight…?" she purred seductively into his ear before Reid's face furrowed. Hey!

Morgan's brow rose before he nodded over to his friend sitting next to him "I'm not." He muttered impatiently before the blonde sighed and rolled her eyes…why were the gorgeous ones always assholes?

She giggled falsely and lightly brushed his broad shoulder with her thin fingers "you're so funny! I mean…what are you doing all 'alone'?" she questioned, putting extra emphasis on the word 'alone' in an attempt to get her point across.

When he didn't answer and a look of offense crossed the perky woman's features Reid bit his lip before smiling pleasantly. He had to fix this…Morgan needed this! "-Er…did Morgan tell you? We're FBI agents!" he chimed and her lips curved into a smile. Reid's admission obviously peaked her interest and she tried once again to get the surly agent's attention.

"Ohhh." She smirked and began running her hand down his chest. "An agent? You know…I might have done something bad. I think you should investigate me and maybe arrest me while you're at it…" she giggled in his ear before a few other men seated at the bar looked over at the two, jealousy evident in their hardened features.

Derek sighed before he rubbed his temple with one of his hands. He reached into his pocket and put a couple of bills on the table before he turned to the woman perched increasingly close to sitting on his lap. Holding up his left hand his brow raised before shaking his head slightly. What was her name? "Look Robin…" he started before Reid bit his lip before whispering something in his ear. "Excuse me-Rene. I realize you're lookin' for some company tonight but I'm sorry-that's not gonna be me." Was all he said before slipping his worn leather jacket around his shoulders and heading towards the front entrance.

Rene's ruby lips formed a perfect 'o' before she glared at Reid. She had never been turned down before! How did that just happen! Mumbling to herself she jumped off the barstool, quickly exiting the scene towards the women's bathroom. Reid's features were equally stunned and he quickly put some money on the counter next to the couple bills and took after his friend.

When he reached the busying parking lot Spencer saw him straddling his black motorcycle. Due to the warmer weather and perfect streets he had been riding it to work more often these days. He jogged over and breathlessly put a hand on the other man's shoulder. "Morgan!" he panted. "What's going on!? That was-that was an attractive woman that wanted you to…what's the phrase…take her home!" his brows knitted with concern and he squeezed his friend's shoulder supportively, urging him on. "Please tell me what's wrong. I want to help." He frowned and his sincere tone silenced Morgan for a good minute and a half.

He kick-started the bike before placing his calloused hands on the handlebars, gripping them tightly. Pulling his helmet over his bald head he looked at the younger profiler, eyes narrowed and gaze hardened. "It's none of your business kid. I suggest you drop this. Like I told you back in there-I'm fine." Was all he muttered before he took off out of the parking lot, the sound of his bike ripping down the busy street echoing into the warm evening.

xxx

The time was beginning to crawl late into the evening but Aaron Hotchner still sat in his office, trying to get the last of his reports finished for the case they had just closed. The cases had been piling up higher and higher lately, which had only increased the time he needed to spend filing paperwork. Sighing deeply he pressed his fingers to his temples before continuing to scribble on the paper in front of him. 'Just 10 more pages' he assured himself as he flipped a page over that he had just finished. He continued to write quickly before there was a firm knock on his open door.

It was well past eleven, so the only sounds that could be heard in the darkened bullpen were the low humming of a vacuum cleaner in use a few offices over. He assumed he had been the last person working. He continued to write quickly and didn't acknowledge the person that had knocked by looking up.

"Come in." he said firmly before the thudding of footsteps stopped just in front of his desk. He looked up and his eyes caught glimpse of a pair of slender legs before they traced up, taking in the sight of section chief Agent Strauss he blinked once before she raised her brow questioningly, her lips pressed together seriously.

"May I have a word, Agent Hotchner?" she asked coolly before he nodded slightly, pointing to the chair behind her.

"Have a seat." He said politely before continuing to scrawl on the papers before him. "With all due respect though Ma'am, it's extremely late and once I finish this, I would like to get home to my son."

Crossing her legs upon sitting down Erin looked around his office before leaning back in the seat offered to her. "Certainly. I assure you this will not take long Agent. I just need to speak with you on this matter immediately as it is beginning to become an issue." She explained and Aaron looked up, his brow quirking in confusion.

"Is there a problem?" he asked and the older woman brushed a loose bang off of her forehead delicately before leaning forward in her chair.

"Hotchner…have you noticed that Agent Morgan and Ms. Garcia are becoming increasingly emotionally invested in one other?" Strauss asked casually before her eyes drifted down to her lap, her fingers smoothing over her tan skirt.

This caused him to stop writing and look up to meet the woman's stern gaze as she awaited an answer. He swallowed and contemplated his next words carefully. Truth be told he had definitely noticed Morgan's rapidly increasing mood swings and he questioned the lack of enthusiasm Garcia would answer his calls with. The confrontation he had with his agent yesterday that had ended in a heated exchange between the two of them had solidified his suspicions that there had to be something transpiring between the Morgan and Garcia. Between the emotions they were both exhibiting and the defensive tone Morgan had barked when questioned it was all too obvious to the senior profiler.

"Agent Hotchner!" Erin's cool voice snapped him from his thoughts. "I believe I asked you a question!"

Blinking a few times he regained his stern expression before looking back down at his paperwork. "I don't know what you are referring to Strauss. I apologize that I cannot but I believe it is necessary for me to say that Agent Morgan and Ms. Garcia are two core members of my team. They have always had a close relationship with one another but I can assure you that they are nothing but professional while on cases. They respect this job and the bureau Erin." He finished.

Her eyebrow shot up before her gaze hardened even more "Oh. Really? Is that why I spoke with someone yesterday-whom shall remain anonymous- who felt it was their duty to inform me they observed Agent Morgan and Ms. Garcia cuddling in his office with the shades drawn?" she crossed her arms, obviously not amused with obliviousness of the situation.

He didn't know what to say. On the one hand he knew it was wrong to lie to a superior, but it was certainly not the first time he had not been entirely honest with the older woman sitting in front of his desk. "I do not know anything about that, but can assure you Ma'am that there is nothing going on between my agents. I'm not sure if what that individual is saying is even entirely truthful, are you? That is entirely hearsay; I don't know what type of character that person is either. They could simply be trying to stir up some office gossip." He dismissed her.

Strauss's lips opened slightly in shock and she glared at the man sitting across from her. "I am highly doubtful of that Aaron. I will have you know this individual has been an employee here for many years and I resent the proposition that they are trying to stir the pot…so to speak." She fired back and rose to her heels, beginning to walk around the room as she spoke. "I have had my doubts about Agent Morgan's interactions with Ms. Garcia ever since she started with your team. They are completely inappropriate." she started "I still remember the time when I called her for some information and she answered the phone 'talk dirty to me'." She huffed.

The embarrassment he could hear in her voice caused a small smile to grace his studious lips. He remembered that day. It was moments like that that made the job they did easier. He smiled…so many of these moments were brought to them by the quirky technical analyst. It pained him immensely to see the sparkle fading from her eyes, and he was determined to help his two friends himself. They didn't need Strauss poking around in their emotions, Aaron was positive she would only intensify their feelings.

Her expression darkened at his smirk "Aaron. I do not appreciate your expression right now and I have to tell you I take offense to it. This is a serious matter and I need you to regain your composure." She snapped and he raised his hands in defeat.

"I apologize."

"-to which then she proceeded to tell me she was 'expecting it to be someone else'. Do I have to say who that was, or is it clear enough?" she questioned and Hotch nodded.

"I do recognize who she was talking about Ma'am. She was talking about Morgan."

"Exactly. She was answering a call – a business call- with talk dirty to me because she was expecting to be Agent Morgan." She concluded and leaned forward over the large wood desk. "I think that speaks for itself how inappropriate that is. It makes you as their boss look unprofessional that you would allow this to go on, and even worse: it makes me look bad." She said haughtily, crossing her arms.

He didn't know why but something inside him snapped. He wrote the last word on the page he was working on and forcibly closed the manila envelope. Standing up he put the folder on the increasing stack on the corner of his desk before he narrowed his eyes at his superior. He didn't usually allow his temper to overtake him, but he had had quite enough of the woman's defaming of his agents-and friends.

"Erin, I am going to need to stop you right there." He glared "Derek Morgan is one of the most passionate individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with. He takes this job extremely seriously, and everything he does is for the men, women and children we help on a daily basis. He is honorable, respectful and has been through things that most of us could only see in our nightmares." He said sternly and Strauss's expression softened slightly before regaining its determination.

"Yes, but-" she started but he continued his speech, cutting her off.

"And Penelope Garcia." He began "was lied to, lured and was shot by a disturbed individual who decided that hurting her was the best way to get what he wanted. Despite this, she continues to be a vital member of this team and has never once failed to cast light on the dark nature of this job. She is incredibly gifted at what she does and she has never failed to get us what we needed. I don't think I could count the amount of people she has probably saved with the information she has given us-just in time." He finished.

"Agent Hotchner! I know what-"

"I am aware." His brown eyes narrowed slightly "but what you are inferring is that two of my best agents are involved in a relationship that is harming this team. And I will tell you Ma'am: I take offense to that." He said bitterly "Morgan and Garcia are extremely important to me, and the rest of the members of my team. These two people helped me through the extreme loss I suffered earlier this year, and were there for everything. So now, I am going to be there for them. I am going to start by dismissing the ridiculous accusations that anonymous person made about them. I know my team. They would never knowingly do anything to compromise the integrity of the bureau." He finished before grabbing his briefcase that was sitting next to his desk on the floor. "Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to get home to my son. Good evening." Was all he said before he briskly left his office, heading towards the elevator.

Erin Strauss remained in her seat, completely stunned at what had just happened…what he had just said to her. Gaping slightly in bewilderment she bitterly shook her head and left to return to her own office.

xxx

Penelope sat on her large purple couch hugging her knees with her arms tightly. On her feet she wore her fuzzy white kitten slippers, and she shivered given the only thing she was wearing was her pale yellow nighty. She looked up at the man pacing the carpet in front of her and sighed deeply. They had been at this for nearly an hour now, and the time was approaching midnight at that point. She groaned inwardly. 'So much for going to bed early' she thought begrudgingly as Kevin continued his rant.

"-and then I proceed to come to your apartment and quietly let myself in with the key you gave meand you-" he gaped as he spoke "-you nearly stab me!" he whimpered fearfully and she sighed before running her fingers through her tangled locks.

"Kevin…I already apologized for that! I never meant for this to happen! I was half asleep and and…" she stammered, tears beginning to sting the corner of her eyes. "…I'd never hurt anybody…" she trailed off, a slight pout on her lips.

"You almost stabbed me!" he bit back "What would have you have done if I hadn't of stopped you! You could have punctured my eye-" he fearfully breathed and a hand made its way to his temple. "you could have killed me Penny!" he shouted and her arms encircled her knees tighter.

Warm tears were now falling and her lower lip trembled. "I don't know what I can say other than I'm sorry!" she blubbered and buried her forehead in her knees. She couldn't stand to look him in the eyes. A tight anxiety wrapped her heart and her thoughts raced with fear. First that terrible nightmare and now…this! She choked slightly. Could this day get any worse?

Probably not.

Kevin continued to ramble until he noticed his dishevelled girlfriend huddled on the couch before him. A pang of guilt twanged at his heart and he sighed before sitting down next to her. He put a hand weakly on her shoulder and he leaned in to her, putting a handle on his harsh tone. He recognized yelling at her didn't help the situation any and he realized that he would have to take a different approach. Shifting closer to her on the violet couch he didn't say anything as she continued to choke.

"I didn't mean to hurt anyone." She whimpered from her knees "I was just so terrified because of the nightmare and-" she cried and Kevin's head snapped towards her, his eyebrow raised in interest.

"Nightmare? You mean…you had another one?" he frowned and Garcia bit her lip nervously. She hadn't meant to tell him that! She sighed before nodding her head slowly.

"Yeah, it's no big deal though. It was just-"

She was cut off when she saw the jealousy flare into Kevin's eyes. He stood up and glared back at her as he once again picked up his rant "what was this one about, hm? Did Agent Morgan come riding in on his white steed to rescue you from the boogey man?" he almost mocked and crossed his arms over his chest, indicating his irritation. Biting her lip even harder she just looked at him…she wasn't sure what to say to him.

When she didn't answer him for a few moments of tense silence Kevin sighed in frustration. The pang of jealousy died down in his stomach and his eyes regained their sincerity and concern "You know what Penny, I am so sick of this. You're shutting everyone out! All we want to do is help you!" he frowned and leaned down on his knee in front of her, holding her hands in his. "I want to help you." He whispered softly and cleared a strand of fiery red hair from her eyes. His eyes remained sincere as he softly stroked her hand with his thumbs.

'More than fucking Derek Morgan has done.' His thoughts hissed bitterly and he smiled weakly at her as she looked up slowly. She was silent for a minute before sighing deeply.

"…Kevin…" her defenses came crashing down in front of her and she choked out a sob as her knees began to quake. "I'm just so scared." She whispered before starting to sob. She collapsed forward into his arms and he rubbed her shoulders slightly before helping her to sit back on the couch.

"Penny I need to you listen to me because I think I have someone that might be able to help you." He smiled a little and Penelope nodded weakly.

"You know my therapist? Dr. Bullard?" he grasped her hands again and she nodded wordlessly as he spoke "Well, I talked to her about us today and she wants you to come with me on Thursday. She'll be able to help us get through this Penny!" he exclaimed enthusiastically, his features brightening.

Garcia felt a weird feeling begin to grow in her chest…he'd discussed her nightmares with this woman? Her brow furrowed…she didn't even know this woman! Why was he discussing her business with her! She was about to speak when he continued "this will be great. She'll be able to help us through this. I'm sure of it." He nodded confidently "she said the nightmares could have come from anything. Work stress, personal stress, anything! I'm positive this will be just what we need."

Her brow furrowed…we. What did he mean by that word…we? These were nightmares that were plaguing her sleep. They had nothing to do with him! Her eyes narrowed slightly and she let his fingers go before she shook her head "Kevin…I don't know if this is a good idea. I mean, I don't even know her. She doesn't really have an idea of who I am, my feelings, and-!"

He shushed her. "Penny, it will be great-"

Kevin was interrupted mid-sentence where there was a series of sounds coming from the front door. His neck snapped towards the source and saw the lock beginning to turn. There were a distinct number of knocks that followed, three slow succeeded by one louder rap. The door swung open and Kevin's face went white as he saw Derek Morgan's statuesque form enter the apartment, gently closing the door behind him. Morgan was oblivious to the two seated in the living room and proceeded to remove his leather coat from his shoulders before hanging it on the hook near the door. He turned and looked at his phone smiling, still unaware of Garcia's gawking boyfriend.

"Hey Baby girl! I hope you don't mind me dropping in-" he stopped mid stride when he finally caught sight of the dumbfounded nerd. He blinked before uncomfortably shifting his stance. "Oh. Hey...Lynch."

Penelope was unable to speak as she observed the two men. The tension in the room was so thick you'd need more than a knife to cut through. Kevin's eyes burned with jealousy and his eyes shifted towards her accusingly.

Kevin seethed internally: Derek Morgan had a key to her apartment. Derek Morgan has a key to her apartment?! He gaped and threw his hands in the air before turning towards Penelope. "W-What is he doing here?! It's past midnight for Christ sakes!" he bellowed before harshly reaching out, grabbing her wrist in his tightly. She grimaced at his force before the other man stepped forward, getting in between them protectively.

"Look man. I know you're probably upset. And I'm sorry about that, I probably shouldn't have come this late. But that's no reason to take it out on Garcia. Cool off!" he warned before Kevin's mouth dropped again before he held up his hands. Not only was he slightly intimidated by the larger man's looming presence, he was frustrated. He grabbed his coat and his laptop bag from the floor before wordlessly stomping towards the door, forcefully slamming it behind him.

There were only a few moments of silence before Derek turned to the woman beside him, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Penelope." He said seriously "are you okay?" he asked softly and she sighed before nodding slowly sitting back down on the couch. She brought her fingers to her temples, massaging the stress out of them gently. She would definitely be hearing about this bright and early. His eyes softened and he sat down next to her on the couch, wrapping her in his strong arms. Burying buried his face in her messy hair he took a breath.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart." He muttered "I should've called first."

Eyes closed she gently shook her head in disagreement. "No Derek. I gave you that key for a reason. You're always welcome…wanted here." She smiled at him encouragingly and they were quiet for a split second, just staring into each other's gaze. It wasn't until she clapped softly once before an undoubtedly forced smile spread across her lips.

"Well. That only spawns a new question: what are you doing here hot stuff? Not that I mind but-is there anything you need from the all-knowing one?" She smirked flirtatiously before he felt his heart constrict in his chest. His eyes remained focused on her and his face remained solemn. Penelope's features softened with concern and she leaned forward. "Derek? What is it? Is something wrong…" she trailed off nervously and before she knew it she was passionately pulled into his arms again.

"I just needed to see your beautiful face."

A/N: Hope you liked it! And please drop me a review, I'd love to hear what you guys are thinking! I'd also like to mention I have another fic in the works right now, that I'm hoping I'll put up as soon as I'm done a few more chapters of this one (: stay tuned!