The rest of their week went smoothly, though she did get more emails from Kevin. Even Rossi had given her a wider berth, though she had begun to notice Hotch checking in on her more often, which would explain that. On Friday, the team was called away on a case, and this time, Erin stepped in so that she would not have to go with them. Hotch looked relieved, but Rossi was ticked off by the interference.
Saturday morning, she woke up first, having to pee badly. After she'd finished, she stepped back into the bedroom, watching Erin sleep. She sat on the bed crossed legged, a contented smile on her face. Slowly, Erin came to wakefulness, smiling at Penelope. "Good morning."
"Morning." Erin looked at the clock, then sat up. "I didn't realize it was so late."
"Yeah, I never set the alarm on Saturdays. I love sleeping in."
"Normally, I'd say I do, too, but we've places to be today."
"We do?"
"Yes. Karen wants to meet for coffee, and I couldn't say no. I told her I was bringing a friend along." She looked down at the sheets. "I hope you don't mind. I just want her to get used to you, before we tell her about our relationship. It's not that I want to keep us a secret, but if word got back to Christopher, I feel like they'd ramp things up to another level. That would destroy me, if they hurt you further."
"I understand, completely. Do you want to go shopping after? I need to pick up some yarn, and look for some shoes, and maybe an outfit or two."
Erin rolled her eyes slightly. "You and clothes. I'd like it, though, if you'd wear the new sweater that's in your dresser."
"You finished it?" Penelope asked excitedly, standing up and rushing over to her dresser. She tore off her nightie and pulled the sweater on. It fit her perfectly and she looked over at Erin, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Thank you," she said simply, not trusting her voice to say more than that. The bright aqua complimented her skin tone, and she breathed in Erin's scent, as it permeated the garment.
"I didn't realize something so small would make you so happy."
"This is not small, Erin. This is your time and effort poured into something exquisitely lovely just for me." Erin blushed and Penelope went to her side, bending down to kiss her. Erin returned the kiss with fervor, pulling Penelope down on the bed. When she felt just about kissed senseless, Erin stopped kissing her, and smiled mischievously.
"Dibs on the bathroom," she whispered, then stood up and sashayed into the bathroom. As Penelope lay there, trying to calm her racing heart, she heard the shower turn on. Standing up, she gently removed the sweater, setting it on the edge of the bed. She pulled on fresh panties and dug out a matching bra to them. Fastening it, she then pulled the sweater back on, going to her closet to look for a skirt to match. Finally, she settled on a dark purple skirt. She pulled it on and then rooted through her hosiery for something to wear on her legs. She settled on black fishnets, and slipped them on.
Erin was still not finished showering, so she crept into the bathroom to do her hair and makeup. Wiping off the bottom half of the mirror, she applied her makeup, muting her usually bright colors in favor of a more subdued look. For some reason, she really wanted to impress Karen, to leave a positive image of herself in the other woman's mind. She was just pulling on her headband when she heard the water shut off. Looking up into the mirror, Penelope watched Erin pull back the curtain and wipe her body free of water. Desire pooled in Penelope's stomach as Erin stepped out of the tub. Penelope turned and watched Erin step into a pair of panties (those maddeningly sexy black lace ones) and then fasten a matching lace bra.
"I thought you might have joined me," Erin said as she pulled out her own makeup, putting it on.
"I'll have to remember that for next time," Penelope replied is a somewhat unsteady voice, holding on to the sink tightly.
"You will," Erin whispered, before she went out. Penelope trailed after her and watched her pull on a long brown skirt and beige wraparound shirt. Bending, she took out her knee high suede boots and set them on the bed.
"Let me," Penelope found herself saying, and Erin handed the boots over. Slowly, she slid the first boot on, pulling the zipper up. She could feel Erin's skin jump as she ran her fingers down her leg to grab the second boot. Penelope watched Erin's face as she slowly zipped the second boot. She watched her bite her lower lip, her cheeks flushing as Penelope dragged her hands up further, brushing her thumb against her center.
"We'll never leave if you continue to do that," Erin said a bit breathlessly as she dug her hands into the covers. Penelope drew her hand back, listening to Erin whimper at the withdrawal. Penelope held out her hand and Erin took it, standing a bit unsteadily. "I know what we're doing when we get home," she whispered in Penelope's ear.
Penelope blushed and nodded. They went into the living room and grabbed their purses. "Do you want to drive? I mean, seeing as how you know where we're going and all."
"So do you. I told her to meet us over at our coffee shop. Should we bring out mugs with us today?"
"Might as well. Save a tree and all that." Penelope went into the kitchen and grabbed their mugs from the counter. Erin drove to the shop and found a table while Penelope went up to the counter and grabbed their drinks. As she took a seat next to Erin, she saw a tall, dark-haired woman come in. When she turned to look at them, she knew it was Karen – she looked exactly like her mother.
Erin raised a hand in greeting and Karen joined them at the table. She hung her coat over a chair and then went up and grabbed a cup of the house blend. She took a seat and wrapped her hands around the mug, looking at both of them analytically. "So, you've finally left the bastard."
"The bastard is still your father, Karen. I'll thank you to remember that."
"God, Mother, he beats you and yet you still defend him? What kind of spell does he have over you?"
"A broken one. Remember? I've moved out and as soon as this year has passed, I'm filing for divorce."
"Good. So, who's this?"
"Penelope Garcia. I'm a friend of your mother."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Karen Strauss, eldest of the Strauss children. I'm currently attending…"
"Georgetown University, I know."
She looked a little more closely at Penelope, narrowing her eyes slightly. "And here I know nothing about you besides your name."
Penelope smiled slightly. "I'm a technical analyst in the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI."
"Oh, is that how you met my mother?"
"Yes. We've been colleagues for years now. Is there anything else you'd like to know about me?" She tried to diffuse the tension, but felt like she was failing miserably.
"No, I think I know everything I need to now," she replied, relaxing into her seat and looking pointedly at their clasped hands. Penelope felt herself blush and she drew her hand back from Erin's, wrapping it around her mug and taking a sip. Karen turned her eyes upon her mother. "Are you in a safe place? He's called me a few times, asking if I knew where you were."
"Yes, I'm safe. No one knows where I'm staying right now." They chatted on for a few more minutes, Karen growing more comfortable around them as time went on. When they were finished, Karen surprised her by hugging both her mother and her.
"Keep her safe," Karen whispered in her ear, and Penelope nodded. "It was nice meeting you, Penelope. I look forward to doing this again, soon," she said as she let her go. "See you later, Mother." They watched her leave, and then Erin clasped Penelope's hand once more.
"That went better than I thought it would. I'm glad she seems to like you."
"I like her, too. She reminds me so much of you."
"A lot of people say that," Erin replied as they got in the car. "So, where to first?"
"The craft store, please." Erin nodded and pulled out into traffic. She parked close to the door when they got to the Yarn Barn, and Penelope grabbed a basket as soon as they entered, disappearing into the yarn. She picked up a few brightly colored skeins and then looked through the pattern books. Nothing really caught her eye, so she went to find Erin. She was holding four skeins of lilac yarn, and smile when she saw Penelope.
"Do you like this color?"
"Pastels usually aren't my thing, but I honestly love that color."
"Good." After a few more minutes of browsing together, they went up and paid for their items. Penelope took both bags and they walked back out to the car.
"Do you have any siblings?" Penelope suddenly asked, not looking over at Erin.
"No, I was an only child. And you?"
"I might as well be. I have four brothers who I haven't seen since I went underground. When I got recruited by the FBI, they wanted nothing to do with me. My oldest brother told me I was an embarrassment to my parents' memory." Her eyes began to well up and she brushed away the tears before they could fall. "This shouldn't hurt any longer; it's been more than fifteen years since I last saw any of them."
"They're your family, Penny. It will probably always hurt."
Penelope tried to smile, but found her lower lip quavering. "You know, I've never even met my nieces and nephews? After the first few birthday cards came back to me unopened, I didn't bother sending anymore out. It hurt so much."
Erin pulled into a parking lot and put the car in park. Leaning over, she wrapped Penelope in a loving embrace. "Oh, my sweet peacock, how long have you hid this pain by smiling at the world?" she sweetly said.
"It was either smile or cry. And as you have seen all too often, I am not exactly the most elegant of criers." Erin reached up and wiped away her tears, then kissed her gently. Penelope sighed and settled back in the seat. "Do you mind if we head home? I just don't feel like shopping right now."
"Of course we can." Erin put the car in drive and as she drove home, held out her hand for Penelope to take. Penelope held on, trying to get control of her emotions. Once home, Erin wrapped her arm around Penelope's waist, drawing her close. They walked together up to the apartment and once inside, Erin led her over to the bed. Gently, she removed the headband, setting it on the nightstand. Then she sat down and removed her boots, putting them at the foot of the bed.
Penelope kicked off her own shoes, then swung her legs up on the bed, wrapping her arms around her knees. Erin copied her, and Penelope leaned against her, putting her head on Erin's shoulder. They sat like that for a few minutes, and then she felt Erin turn towards her, nuzzling her lips against her cheek. Penelope turned her head slightly and kissed her.
The kiss started out sweet, but then Erin deepened it, pushing her back onto the headboard. Penelope buried her hands in Erin's hair, bringing her closer. She felt Erin's hands creep up under the sweater and she arched into the touch, urging her upwards. Erin obliged her, cupping her breasts through the bra. Penelope whimpered as she felt her nipples tighten in response to Erin's touch.
She untied Erin's blouse, slipping it off her shoulders, then made short work of the zipper on her skirt. Erin broke the kiss and smiled at her. "I think you are decidedly overdressed, my dear." Penelope nodded and let Erin pull her sweater off, tossing it to the foot of the bed.
As soon as her skirt was removed, Erin fitted her body between Penelope's legs, reaching behind her to unhook her bra. Once that was gone, she buried her face in Penelope's breasts, kissing wildly. Penelope couldn't hold back her moan when Erin drew one erect nipple into her mouth, flicking the taut nub with her tongue.
Penelope had to stifle a sharp scream as Erin ran her thumb up and down her slit, exciting her further. As Erin kissed her way back up to Penelope's lips, Penelope fumbled with the hooks on Erin's bra, tugging it off. She thumbed already erect nipples and felt Erin moan against her lips. "Fuck. Me." Erin panted out, breaking the kiss.
"Gladly," Penelope breathed out, turning Erin over onto her back. She began placing butterfly kisses on Erin's face, then worked down her neck, stopping to lick and nip at the hollow of her throat. Erin urged her to continue on, and Penelope obliged her, continuing down her body. She kissed around Erin's breasts, avoiding her nipples until Erin sharply tugged on her hair. She suckled on one breast while she thumbed the other nipple absently, causing Erin to arch up into her. Penelope switched breasts, gently scoring the nipple with her teeth. Erin let out a keening moan at the sensation, and she giggled slightly before releasing her breasts.
She kissed in a straight line down Erin's stomach, stopping just above the lace of her panties. Taking a deep breath, she hooked her thumbs into the panties and tugged them down her legs. When the panties were removed, Erin's legs opened before her in invitation. Hesitantly, Penelope reached out, touching her hand to the other woman's mound. It was so warm and Penelope ran her thumb along her. Erin shuddered, still whimpering and moaning as her hips moved restlessly.
She slipped her thumb between Erin's folds, seeking out her clitoris. Erin's body bowed when Penelope made contact, and she screamed loudly. It took a few gentle strokes to send Erin over the edge into an orgasm and Penelope watched, fascinated by how her dove looked in the throes of passion. Almost before the orgasm passed, Penelope found herself leaning forward and running her tongue along Erin's folds. Erin buried her hands in Penelope's hair, holding her there.
Erin tasted salty and musky and Penelope found she couldn't get enough. Unerringly, her tongue found Erin's button and flicked it to an internal beat. Around her, Erin's muscles tightened, and she heard her moan in pleasure. Quickly, she sucked it into her mouth, swirling around it with her tongue. She could feel Erin's orgasm explode around her, building up the tension in her own body.
Gently, Erin pulled her up, kissing her soundly. As they kissed, Erin maneuvered her onto her back. Penelope dug her hands into the covers as Erin began a leisurely exploration of her body. She whimpered when Erin blew gently on her nipples, the cool air causing them to tighten even more. "Please," she begged and Erin obliged her, sucking one inside her mouth. The gentle flicking of Erin's tongue drove Penelope over the edge into her orgasm.
Erin didn't let up for a moment, pulling off Penelope's panties as she dragged her tongue down her stomach, drawing patterns on her skin. She could feel her next orgasm build as Erin moved her legs apart and delicately flicked her clitoris with her tongue. "Oh, god, Erin!" she screamed as the orgasm washed over her, leaving her breathless. She watched Erin smile as she stalked back up the bed to her side, pulling her body flush against Penelope's.
Penelope turned to her, pushing sweat dampened hair out of her face. "I never took you for a screamer, Erin," she said, once she'd gotten her breath back. Erin shrugged, turning red. She giggled a little and leaned forward, kissing her as her stomach growled. "I so don't want to get up right now. Do you mind if we stay here like this for a time? I-I'm afraid if I move, I'll wake up and find this was all just a really odd, beautiful dream."
Erin reached up and tweaked Penelope's nose gently. "If this were a dream, I would never want to wake up." As Penelope watched, her eyes welled up. "Oh, great, now I'm crying," she said with a watery laugh. "I never thought I'd find such happiness this late in my life. I don't deserve this."
"Yes, you do, my dove." Penelope kissed her again, sweetly, tasting the salty tang of tears on her lips. She sat up against the headboard, and Erin snuggled close to her, putting her head on her chest as she pulled the quilt over them. "Have you thought about what we're going to do in a year? If we're even together then."
"We will be, if you want that." She heard Erin take a deep breath. "I think I want that very much. I tend to put down roots rather quickly."
Penelope released the breath she'd been holding. "I do want that. I think I always knew I wasn't meant for the white dress, the fancy wedding, all that rigmarole. I just never thought it would be because I met someone like you. Morgan might not talk to me for a while when he finds out about us."
"And you want to say that it doesn't matter to you, but it does."
"No," she replied, startling herself as the truth of the word hit her. "I don't need his approval for this. If he doesn't like it, then too bad. But if he's my friend, it won't matter to him in the end, truly it won't." She held Erin closer to her, relishing the feel of skin on skin. It had been too long since she'd found sweet release like this.
"Ah, omina vincit amor. How I wish I could be so optimistic. I'm trying, though."
Penelope kissed the top of Erin's head and they let silence settle about them comfortably. Some time passed, and they were finally roused out of bed by Erin's cell phone ringing. Erin pushed away from her and got up, jogging over to where her phone was. As she answered, Penelope got up and slipped her sweater back on before going out into the living room.
"No, I won't be coming home, Paul. There was only so much I could take. Yes, I still love you, I just can't live with him any longer. What do you mean, you don't believe me? Would you like to see the charts from my stay in the emergency room? I am ending this conversation now, Paul, before I say something I regret. Good bye."
Penelope watched her throw the phone into the couch, then stuff her fists in front of her mouth to keep from screaming. Penelope opened her arms and Erin stepped into them, her arms still up around her chest, trying to keep from sobbing. Penelope stroked her hair softly as the moment passed and she felt Erin's fists open to splay against her chest. "I take it your son wants you to come home?" she asked quietly.
Erin nodded. "He thinks that if I come home, everything will be okay. He would kill me if I returned there now; especially since this much time had passed. Paul believes I faked the injuries that landed me in the hospital, his father told him I was seeking attention." Her voice had that small, broken sound to it once more, and Penelope just shook her head, feeling her heart break.
Gripping Erin's shoulders lightly, she stepped back from her one step, then kissed her forehead. "Do not let them tag-team you like this. Christopher is trying to use your son to control you. He knows, or thinks he knows, how much you love your son. This is such a cruel trick to play on you," she softly said as she led Erin into the kitchen. She opened their last bottle of red wine and poured two glasses.
Erin gratefully accepted her glass, heedless of her nudity, and sat on the table, sipping the wine. Penelope reached for her own glass when Erin's cell rang once more. She put up her hand. "Let me," she said, going over to the couch and looking at the display. "It's Karen."
Erin held out her hand and Penelope put the phone in it. "Hello, Karen. Yes, your brother just called me. He wants me home. I know I can't do that, I'm not stupid for God's sake. And besides, this time I have a support system. Yes, I do trust her that much. Oh, god, how did you figure that out? You should try and become a member of our Behavioral Analysis Unit, since you can read people so well." A dreamy smile crept over her face. "Yes, I kind of do. Yes, I am being careful, but after shielding my heart for so long, it's nice to feel once more. Thanks for checking in with us, sweetie. I love you, too."
Erin hung up, the smile still on her face. "So?" Penelope asked hesitantly.
"She knows about us. And I think she's okay with it. That's a good thing, right?" Penelope nodded and watched as Erin downed the rest of her wine. "Suddenly, I'm randy as a teenager. Shall we?" She held her hand out to Penelope, who took it, letting herself be led back into the bedroom.