In the morning, she woke up first and sat up. Erin was facing the doorway, snuggled up close to Penelope. Her face was losing that haunted look it had worn and Penelope felt her heart lurch in her chest. The nagging voice in her head chose to speak up in that moment and she wondered what was happening. The few times she'd interacted with Erin before this, the woman had been so cold and stand-offish. Now, here she was, opening up like a flower to her. Had there really been no one in her life that would show her some modicum of kindness? Over the years, had she learned to be lonely? And was Penelope's desire for her stemming from her desire to protect all who trusted her?
"No, I think this is very much real," she whispered, watching Erin's eyes open slowly.
"Of course I'm real," Erin said as she sat up, slipping her hand beneath the pillows for a moment. Penelope wondered what she had touched under there, but knew better than to pry. If Erin wanted her to know, she'd tell her, and Penelope had to be all right with that. Erin got out of bed and walked over to the closet. She pulled out a maroon wrap-around blouse and black wool skirt. "You know, we have to leave in about forty minutes."
Penelope looked at the bedside clock and realized she'd forgotten to set an alarm the night before. "Crap," she said lowly as she scrambled out of bed. She went over to the closet and pulled out a long sleeved green dress. She threw it on the bed and dug out shoes, tights, and jewelry to go with it. Erin had disappeared into the bathroom and so Penelope quickly shed her night clothes, then dressed. She stood in front of her dresser mirror and put her hair up, then put on makeup. Picking out a pair of glasses, she put them on as she slipped her feet into her shoes.
By the time Erin came out, both were ready to go. "Grab a travel mug from the cupboard. We'll have to stop at my coffee shop on the way in today." Erin nodded and grabbed a light blue mug covered in gold stars. Penelope took out her standard mug and they went out, grabbing their coats from the hooks. Erin held onto her mug and purse while Penelope locked the door. As they went downstairs, they put their coats on. Esther had a fine dusting of snow on her that Penelope brushed off. Erin got in and started the car, turning the heat on full blast.
"May I turn on the radio?" Erin asked, looking over at Penelope.
"Sure. I'm not certain what I left it on, though."
Erin shrugged and turned up the volume until they were listening to a hard rock station. Erin quickly changed the channel to the local jazz one, and Penelope smiled as she recognized 'Peel Me a Grape'. She had a hard time focusing on the drive as she listened to the words being sung. She could feel herself blushing at the sensuality of the song, something she'd never thought about before. She was the first one out of the car when she pulled into a spot outside her coffee shop.
She held to door for Erin and then went up to the counter, getting her usual. "I'll have what she's having," Erin said as she handed the mug over to the smiling barista.
"Of course, doll face," she replied, and Erin blushed a little at the term of endearment.
"This is my friend, Erin. She'll be coming in with me more often, now," Penelope said as she paid for their drinks. The barista nodded and smiled even wider. They took their cups and went back outside. The drive to work was quiet as they listened to the music. Penelope parked as close to the entrances as she could, not wanting to take any chances with Erin's life. As they cleared security, Penelope said, "I'm going with you up to your office. I know he won't make it past Mike and his team, but I'll have more peace of mind if I do this."
Erin nodded sharply, pulling her façade around her as she carried the star mug clenched in her fist. They were actually given some space in the elevator, since Erin, well, since everyone knew Erin and her reputation. They slipped into her office unseen and Penelope closed the door. "I'm usually done by five."
"That's fine. I can just work from home if my teams need anything. Meet me out by Esther; we shouldn't have anyone to worry about today. Rossi's still on the field and Christopher is bound by the PPO. Have a good day." Penelope went to leave, and her hand was on the doorknob when she felt Erin's hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked at her.
Erin smiled and quickly kissed her cheek. Penelope smiled back and left the room. She took the stairs down to the BAU bullpen and slipped into her office, setting her purse on the floor. She booted up her machines and then checked her email. She found two messages from Kevin there, and wondered what he could want after all this time.
As she read the vitriolic, nasty comments he'd written in the two letters, she grew sick to her stomach. "Rossi sure moves fast," she said under her breath as she created a new folder called 'Harassment', and moved them there. "But Kevin will hang himself with his own words soon enough," she whispered. She got to work and was soon finding information for her teams.
At lunchtime she called Mike and asked him to keep an eye out for Lynch. "Why, is he bothering you again?"
"Sort of. I just received two ugly emails from him today, and I just want to make sure that you won't let him in. He still makes me nervous."
"I understand. Everyone on the security team knows to keep him away from you."
"Thanks Mike. Oh, and Chief Strauss is heading out to Esther about five o'clock. Discreetly watch her, would you? I might not be able to get out there right away, and it's so open out there."
"Will do, Penelope. That animal will get nowhere near her on my watch, I can promise you that."
"I knew I could depend on you, thanks again." She hung up the phone and pulled out her lunch from her drawer. Granola bars weren't much, but there hadn't been time to grab anything. She ate two and then went back to her work. The rest of the day passed uneventfully, though she did get a call from one of the other teams at five to five. She went as fast as she could, finding their information in record time. As she shut her machines down, she switched the calls over to her cell and put her coat on. Sticking her phone in her purse, she turned the lights off and stepped into the bullpen. She made her way over to the elevator bank and made small talk with the people waiting there.
She quickly walked over to Esther, passing Mike, nodding to him as she walked past. Erin was leaning against her car, mug in hand, a faraway look on her face. "So, do anything interesting today?" she asked as she unlocked the car and got in.
"Not really. I had quite a lot of paperwork to catch up on from my week off. I might finish it by Thursday. And you?"
Penelope backed up and then pulled out into traffic. "Just a few easy searches today. Sometimes I think the unsubs get sloppy just knowing we're there. Did he leave you any more voicemails or emails or anything?"
"No, thank God. But Mike came to see me. He really wants me to press charges against Chris, since he did violate the PPO. I told him I'd think about it; he didn't really like that answer."
"I hate to say this, but Mike is right. You need to send him the message that if he bothers you now, there will be consequences he won't like. I'll go with you to court, if it comes to that. I wouldn't let you go through it alone."
"I know you wouldn't. I just don't want Paul to be alone in the house."
"I'm sure Rossi would bail Christopher out of jail, since they're so close. Plus, it would give you more leverage in the divorce proceedings. However, it is your decision to make. Do whatever you feel best, Erin." She smiled and Erin touched her hand lightly.
"What's Mike's number? He said he'd get the ball rolling for me."
"It's in my contact list. You can use my phone." Penelope watched her root through the bag and pull out the phone. As she listened, Erin spoke with Mike, confirming that she did want to go ahead and press charges. Erin smiled in relief as she set the phone down in her lap. "Well, what did he say?"
"He's going to work out the details and go before the judge on my behalf so I don't have to deal with seeing him. Mike really is a gem. I'll have to see about getting him a raise." Erin put the phone back in Penelope's purse and settled back in the seat. "This really takes a load off my shoulders." She pulled out her planner from her purse and crossed off another day. "January twentieth cannot come soon enough."
"That's our filing date, correct?"
"Yes."
"We so need to plan a party for that night; live it up in celebration."
"Who would we invite?"
"Anyone you wanted, but I'm sure Mike and Reid would like to be there." She pulled into her parking spot and they got out, going up to her apartment. Penelope unlocked the door and they went in, Erin locking the door after them. While Penelope fussed around in the kitchen, fixing supper, she heard the television snap on. Erin flipped until she found the local news channel, stopping to listen. "We see so many bad things in the course of our jobs and you still want to watch the news?"
"Yes. I have to stay on top of what's going on in the world. As long as something worse is happening out there, I can deal with whatever is going on here," Erin replied, joining Penelope in the kitchen. "What can I do to help?"
"Set the table and then grab the milk out of the fridge. I need to thin this sauce." Erin got the milk out first, setting it on the counter next to the stove and then set their places.
"Excuse me, I need to grab the glasses," Erin said, coming up next to Penelope, bumping hips. Penelope smiled and bumped back gently, then moved so she could get out the glasses. "I'm having water tonight, what do you want?"
"That will be fine," Penelope said as she stirred in the milk. Once the food was ready, she served them then took a seat. As she ate, she thought aloud. "So, we should probably come up with a code just in case something happens to one of us when we're out. We can't live our lives in fear, but we can be a little smart about our situation."
"Like what?"
"Well, if one of us is in danger, we could text a number to the other person to let them know. Something like '4379'. But you have to think about Christopher, I have to keep Kevin in mind, and we both have to deal with David."
"Wait, what's this about Kevin? I thought he was with the NSA now?"
"Oh, he is, but it's my fault he had to leave the FBI. I really know how to pick total creepers for people I date, let me tell you. He got too demanding and I began to rebuff him until I finally broke up with him. Dude did not take rejection well, and I had to have Mike step in. His supervisor gave him the option of the NSA and a rather large pay cut or no job at all. He jumped for the NSA job and Mike looks out for me now. I got two emails from Kevin today, Rossi's gotten to him already it seems. He's using him to get to me, but it won't work."
"All right," Erin sighed, her lips curling into a moue. "So, if either of us get into trouble, text '4379' to the other. Though I really wish you'd learn how to use a gun. You don't have to fire it to make it effective."
"Nope, too unsettling. Why do you think I keep Derek around?" she said with a wink. "Seriously, though, guns weird me out."
They ate in silence and quickly did the dishes, then went into the living room. Erin picked up the knitting again, listening to the television. After a few minutes passed, Penelope got up and grabbed some pajamas, going into the bathroom to shower. When she came out, Erin was also in pajamas and curled up in Penelope's chair. She was working on the blanket Penelope had begun for Henry, making quick progress on it. On the coffee table was a large flower headband made from the purple mohair.
"My goodness, Erin, this is beautiful. And you did it so quickly. That's it, you are a keeper."
"At least you know I'm not a creeper," she retorted, a smirk on her face,
"Then maybe I have found the someone just for me," Penelope whispered as she picked up the band and put in on. It fit perfectly, though she was not surprised by that in the least. Erin looked up from the blanket and smiled at her, the stitches flying under her fingers.
"Come here, I want to fluff that flower out a little." Penelope sat on the floor in front of Erin, smiling as she felt Erin's hands run through her hair, massaging her scalp. It was nice just to let go and feel for once, even if it was crazy. She leaned back against the chair and Erin gently rubbed her temples. She sighed in pleasure and Erin ran her finger down her nose, tweaking the tip. Penelope yawned and Erin prodded her up. "Sleepy time for our computer analyst. What time do you want me to set the alarm for?"
"6:30 should be fine, I would think," Penelope said as she stretched. She shuffled over to the bed and climbed in, facing the wall again. Erin got in moments later after turning all the lights off. She curled up next to Penelope, curving her body to fit hers. Penelope felt her arm wrap around her waist, and she slipped her hand over Erin's, drifting off to sleep in a state of contentment.
She woke up several hours later by their phones ringing. Groggily, she sat up and reached for her glasses. Penelope climbed out of bed and went to where the cells were charging and looked at the caller ids. Not recognizing either number, she turned the phones to vibrate and stumbled back to bed.
"What is it?" Erin asked hoarsely as she began to get up.
"Go back to sleep. It was just someone's idea of a prank. I put our phones on silent, so if they call again, it won't bother us," she replied as she got back in bed. She faced Erin this time, brushing her hair out of her face. Erin smiled and relaxed into her, her eyes fluttering closed. Penelope followed her into slumber soon after.
In the morning, while Erin washed her face and got dressed, Penelope fixed breakfast for them. She set a plate down in front of Erin and ate while she made lunches for them. "Penelope, sit. Eat with me, we can do that later," Erin said. Penelope did turn and looked at her.
"I suppose I could." She sat with Erin and they continued to eat, yawning a bit as they did so.
"Why don't I finish making the lunches while you get ready? I'll set everything on the table so we're ready as soon as you're done." She picked up their dishes and put them in the sink. Penelope went into the bedroom and picked out an outfit that matched her new headband. She wanted to show off how much she was cared for, even if she couldn't say who. Once she had her clothes on, she rejoined Erin in the kitchen. She was putting the finishing touches on their lunches when Penelope's phone lit up. She picked it up, recognizing Reid's number. "Hello?"
"We're headed home right now, Garcia. We should be back by the time you get in the office today. I'll try to keep him occupied, but can't make any promises. Try to stay under his radar as much as you can, he's still pissed about whatever you said to him."
"Thanks, Reid. I appreciate the heads up." She hung up and slipped the phone in her purse. "Let's roll."
They picked up the lunch bags and travel mugs and headed out. As Penelope locked the door, Erin said, "They're coming home today, aren't they?" Penelope nodded. "Be careful. You have no idea what he's capable of."
"I'm beginning to think I do. How does Hotch not see the dark side of him? Is he really that good at covering it up?"
"Agent Hotchner has his own demons to fight, and having someone support you can help you overlook certain flaws in them. It is human nature to do that, just don't paint him with the same brush as David. At their core, they're nothing alike."
"I'll try. I've known Hotch longer than him, so that will make it a little easier," she said as she handed the keys over to Erin. "I thought you might like to drive today." Erin smiled and took the keys, getting in the driver's seat. Penelope held onto their purses while Erin drove. Without having to say a word, she made it to the coffee shop.
"Good morning, ladies. How are you today?" the barista asked as she took their mugs.
"Better than the day before," Erin said as she paid for their drinks.
"That's always good to hear. Penelope, I love your hair bow."
"She made it, just for me. Isn't it wonderful?"
"Yes, it is. Have a wonderful day, you two!"
They waved to the barista and got back in Esther. They parted ways in the security lines, Penelope going to a shorter line so as to get up to the bullpen sooner and hopefully avoid Rossi. Mike was waiting for her on the other side. "Hi, Mike. Is anything wrong?"
"I'm not sure. Lynch was here earlier, but he wasn't looking for you. He wanted to see Agent Rossi. What is going on here, Penelope?"
"Unfortunately, I can't say. I don't know enough about what's going on. But keep an eye on him still. Who knows what they are planning." She tried to smile at him, but she was too worried for it to reach her eyes. She went up to the bullpen, sipping her tea, pensively thinking. If Kevin was getting caught up in all of this, nothing good could come of it. She looked through the double doors and didn't see anyone from her team in there, so she opened the door, stepping inside.
"Miss me, Kitten?"
She turned quickly to look at him. Plastering on a fake smile, she replied. "Of course I did, but you always show up like a bad penny. How was the case?"
"We spent much too long a time away from home. Paul was alone last night, you know."
"And he's sixteen, almost seventeen. He'll live. Though I'm sure his father had a lovely night."
"If you know what's good for you, Penelope, you'll drop this. No good can come to you as a result of what you're doing."
"Damn the consequences, David. She needs someone to defend her, since he's systematically destroyed any friendships she had. She's not going back there, and that is final. Do your worst, you will never change my mind." She stepped away from him and he grabbed her arm, squeezing tightly. "Let go of me," she hissed, wrenching her arm out of his grasp, all pretense at niceties gone. Thankfully, Reid saw them and came ambling up to where they were, a cold smile on his face.
"Rossi, aren't you supposed to be filling out those reports for Hotch? I finished mine on the plane. Good morning, Penelope," he said to her, slipping his arm through hers, leading her away from the other man. "I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner. Morgan was asking me something. He didn't threaten you again, did he?"
Penelope nodded. "But I can handle him, Spencer. It's Erin I'm more concerned about. If one of them were to get their hands on her," she trailed off, sighing. "I've vowed to keep her safe. I don't know if that was smart of me, or not, but I had to. Who else would? And now, on top of Christopher and David, I have to worry about Kevin. He called us last night, must have been two in the morning. Why David would bring him into this." She shook her head and let go of his arm.
"Make sure you lock your door at all times, Penelope. I don't trust him not to make a move here, where he thinks he's safe."
"You're profiling him, aren't you?"
"If it will keep you safe, then I will. You're my friend, Penelope. Just like you couldn't bear to see Strauss hurt, I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."
"Thanks, Reid. Happy hunting." She unlocked her door and stepped inside her sanctuary. She took Reid's advice and locked the door behind her, something she never thought she'd have to do. Penelope booted up her computers and checked her work email. There was another nasty letter from Kevin that she ignored and moved to his folder. As she got settled for the day, her first team called and she was off and searching for them.
At lunchtime, she pulled the paper sack out of her purse and went to her couch. Erin had packed everything so neatly that she hated to disturb it, but her stomach growled loudly in protest. She pulled out the apple and bit into it, smiling at the heart Erin had carved into the skin. Her sandwich was cut diagonally and was perfectly crafted, as if Erin was old hat at making lunches. Then she saw the note lying in the bottom of the bag.
'My kids outgrew notes from me when they were seven. I hope you'll indulge me and let me write these for you. I know this seems like we're moving so fast, but I can't help but feel right about it. This puts me in a vulnerable position, Penelope, and I don't do vulnerable well. Have a good day.'
Penelope smiled, holding the note close to her chest and breathing deeply. Erin trusted her, much more than she'd realized, from the tone of the short note. And so what if things were moving fast? Sometimes it just went that way. She put the note in her purse and went back to work, finding out what her teams needed.