Summary: Derek and Penelope have a little chat.

Words: 887

Rating: T

Author's Notes: Please review! I'm interested in what you guys think of this so far. [:

Chapter 4

When Derek walked back inside Spencer's humble apartment, Penelope had sat down on the couch and had Spencer's head laying in her lap. The young genius was fast asleep. Derek smiled to himself before picking up the empty mug and bowl.

"Can I get you anything, mama?" He whispered.

"Just a cup of tea, please," she responded, her fingers gently weaving their way through Spencer's hair.

"Alright," he said, taking the dishes into the kitchenette and rinsing them off. He grabbed a mug from one of the cupboards and checked that the water was still hot in the kettle before grabbing the opened box of tea packages and draping one of the packets in. He poured water into the mug and let it steep for a couple of minutes before taking the mug back to his favorite girl. He handed her the mug. She took it gratefully, setting it next to her on the side table.

"He still feverish?" He asked, sitting on the love seat.

"Yeah, poor baby, but he's sleeping. Which is something he doesn't do a lot of." She said softly.

"I know," looking at the resting man.

"Do you think he dreams?" Penelope asked.

"He has nightmares, Pen."

"No. Like, actual dreams."

"I don't know. Why?"

"I feel like his brain works on over drive and that sometimes, since he is so young and he's seen so much, that his brain compensates it for nightmares. He's so young Derek. He should be living life to the fullest, but he's burdened with the gift of a brilliant mind."

"Aw, Pen, don't do that to yourself. Spencer wouldn't be Spencer without that brilliant mind and you know it. It makes him special."

"At what cost though?"

Derek remained silent. Penelope had a point. The young male has aged considerably, despite being under thirty. Even though he was a kid in Derek's eyes, he knew he was wiser and more aware of what exactly the world was.

"Just be thankful he's around us. People who can support him and understand him. The world is cruel place for people like him. No tolerance for different people." Derek finally said.

When Spencer woke up, Derek was watching TV and Penelope was still carding her fingers through his hair. He shifted.

"Hey boy genius, how are you feeling?" Penelope asked softly.

Spencer thought about how he felt. He was still achy, but his throat wasn't as sore and his nose wasn't dripping anymore. "Better."

"Good. Would you like some more tea and soup?"

"Yeah, that would be nice."

In all honesty, Spencer wasn't use to this kind of treatment. Being taken care of was different, but welcomed.

"I'll take care of it Pen, stay with Pretty Boy."

Penelope thanked him before resuming carding through his hair again.

"Why aren't you at work?" Spencer asked.

"Hotch let us stay with you. He agreed that us helping you get better would be more beneficial than being at the office."

"Thanks," he mumbled.

"Anything for you sweetie," she said.

Spencer laid there, watching the television screen. Of course, some sort of sport was on. That wasn't surprising. Derek loved keeping up on his sports.

"Alright, kid, here you are," Derek said, placing the bowl and mug down.

"Thanks," Spencer said, sitting up. He took the bowl of soup and began to drink it up. His appetite had returned, that was a good sign.

"Don't forget the tea. Do you need more medicine?" Penelope asked.

"Okay. I think I'm alright. What time is it?" He asked.

Derek looked at his watch, "Five in the afternoon."

Spencer sighed, "I slept for eight hours?"

"You needed it," Penelope answered.

Spencer merely nodded, picking up the mug of tea and sipping at it.

After finishing his meal and hot drink, he cringed. He felt disgusting. "I think I'm going to go and take a shower."

"Good idea, make sure it's hot. That'll help clear up congestion," Penelope replied.

He smiled at her before standing up and moving to his bedroom. He grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and headed into his bathroom. He followed Penelope's instructions and turned the water hot.

Meanwhile, Derek and Penelope were in their own conversation.

"Derek, honey, you know you're going to have to tell him sometime." Penelope whispered to him.

Derek sighed, he knew this would be brought up. "I know, I know, when he's better I will."

"You need to tell him now."

"Why?"

"Because the sooner you do, the sooner you guys can work out whatever issues that arise and harmony can be restored."

"Baby, I can't just…" he sighed, continuing on in a whisper, "I can't just tell him I like the male gender and that I like him in particular. The kid is probably asexual and would turn me down in a second."

"Or, your pride is keeping you from having a chance at an actual relationship. Do you even know Spencer, Derek?" Penelope said, her tone baffled.

"Yes, I know him."

"Than open your eyes and take in your surroundings. Some king of profiler you are." She said, her eyes showing a glint of amusement.

"You know the rules. Profilers aren't allowed to profile profilers."

"No one will blame you for this one. Trust me on this Derek."

Derek sighed, "Yeah, alright."