All Tangled Up Inside
Chapter Two
April 2010
The team got no break after the case in Seattle. They had to be into the work the next morning. Derek did not want to be a prick to Penelope but he was pissed off and felt like he wouldn't even be able to look at her that day.
His jaw was tensed as he sat on his desk, drinking his coffee, and quietly chatting with Reid.
When Penelope went walking by he knew he wasn't going to engage in any flirty banter with her. Acting like this was not new for them. Ever since Battle came into there lives their were periods of time when nothing seemed to go right for them: after she got with Lynch, after New York when she didn't give a damn that she was his God given solace, after he met Tamara and she got upset about it, and during his temporary promotion.
They'd have a great moment together right before a hellish month of near silence and then they'd slowly go back to being them until the next perfect moment followed by the sad and sick feeling that followed when he realized that perfect moment didn't mean the same to her as him.
Now he was feeling that way again. And this time he didn't know how he'd get through his grief. When she walked by he didn't even spare her a glance.
XXXXXXXXXX
The team got a case in Milwaukee that afternoon. They decided to brief on the plane to save time. When Penelope's face came up on the screen Derek went rigid.
Her eyes were all puffy as if she had been sobbing.
After JJ told them all about the case she asked Penelope "Garcia, you okay today?" while throwing a look at Derek because surely he should know if something was wrong with their favorite hacker.
"No worries. Its just allergies. Garcia out."
After the briefing Derek got up and walked to the galley of the plane, dialing Penelope's number as he went.
As soon as she answered he said "Don't lie to me. You've been crying your guts out, haven't you?"
"Don't feel like getting into this right now."
"Too freaking bad. You know I can't work if all I'm thinking about is us fighting."
"Are we fighting?"
"No so stop crying. There's nothing to be upset about. I'm good. I'm over it."
"Oh."
"We got it out of our systems. Don't make this more than it is."
"Right. Okay."
"Baby girl…."
"Yeah?"
"Just don't cry anymore. We're all right. What happened was no big deal."
"Good to know. Glad this is no big deal."
"Garcia-"
"No, really, I'm glad you're over it. That works out great for me! Since I just dumped my boyfriend for you and all. Good to know I'm out of your system. You're such an ass!" Click.
He stared at his phone and shook his head. When he called back she didn't answer.
XXXXXXXXXX
That night Derek sat at the hotel bar. He was stuck sharing a hotel room with Reid so he couldn't call Penelope from there. He had Prentiss call her all day for work so that he could keep his mind as focused as possible on the case. When he spoke to her he wanted to really make it count.
But she didn't answer his call again. So he left her a message "Baby girl, I just want you to know that I miss you and I hate fighting with you. This should be the happiest time of our lives….when I get home go to dinner with me, please…..We can still work this out, girl. I know we can. I said everything wrong but you got to know why. Don't be hard headed., Penelope. Not this time…..When you go to bed tonight think about my arms around you. That's the way it should be, baby."
(You got someone here wants to make it all right.
Someone who loves you more than life right here.
-
You got willing arms that'll hold you tight.
A hand to lead you on through the night right here.
-
I know your heart
can get all tangled up inside
but don't you keep it to yourself
-
When your long day is over
and you can barely drag your feet,
the weight of the world is on your shoulders,
I know what you need.
-
Bring it on home to me) (Little Big Town)
After he hung up he sat there and thought about how very close they were to being together. And yet it still felt like they were so far apart. It ate at him when she was mad at him or when she was hurt. Tonight she was both and he was aching over the pain his baby girl was in.
XXXXXXXXXX
Derek woke up the next morning and checked his phone and e-mail. He could hear Reid in the shower.
Derek had an e-mail from Penelope:
Sweetness,
We always hurt the ones we love most. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was upset about arguing with Kevin and on edge about everything. I took it out on you.
I'd cook you dinner to make up for it but we both know if I get you anywhere near a bed I'd have my wicked way with you and the food would burn to a crisp. A restaurant is probably safer for now.
I miss you too, Hot Stuff, and I'm not over us kissing. It was a big deal. I know you tried to let me off the hook when you said otherwise but who says I want off the hook? Not me.
I want to get another taste of my sexy chocolate God of thunder. Don't play hard to get. You know you want my sugar lips on yours again too. Catch that bad guy and get back home to me as fast as you can. I'll be counting the seconds.
Smooches!
Loving you madly,
Your sweetheart
Derek was knocked out of his thoughts by Reid's voice. The younger man had just walked out of the bathroom and was drying his hair. He asked "What are you so happy about this early in the morning?"
With a big grin on his face Derek answered "This is gonna be a good day, kid."
XXXXXXXXXX
It was around nine pm that night when Derek walked into Penelope's office. "Baby girl."
She spun around. A smile graced her lips as her eyes searched his. He walked closer to her and stuck out his hand. She took it. He tugged her to her feet and pulled her flush against him.
First he let out a long, relieved breath and then he dropped his voice and told her "Girl, its good to be home."
Her eyes lit up and danced with happiness. "My hero back from the fight to save the world."
"I'm no hero, baby. You know that."
"Shhh. Don't argue with me when I'm all giddy."
He chuckled. "Oh yeah? Giddy? Lets just see if we can make you twice as giddy." He leaned toward her.
She whispered "Go for three times as giddy. You're a high achiever, Hot Stuff."
He was smiling as he caught her lips in slow tender kiss.
(You know I know you like the back of my hand
but did you know I'm gonna do
all that I can right here?
-
I'm gonna lie with you till you fall asleep.
When the morning comes
I'm still gonna be right here (yes I am)
So take your worries and just drop them at the door
-
Baby leave it all behind)
As Derek broke the kiss his hands were holding her face. "Thank you for being brave and for picking me."
"Thank you, baby, for my second chance."
He rested his forehead against hers. His voice was thick when he said "I've fallen in and out of love with you so many times, girl. I can't get over you."
"Out of love?"
"It never lasts, baby girl. It never could."
She gave him a sweet smile. "Lets try to keep you in love this time," she told him and then gave him another kiss.
(When your long day is over
and you can barely drag your feet,
the weight of the world is on your shoulders,
I know what you need.
-
Bring it on home to me
-
Baby let me be your safe harbor.
Don't let the water come and carry you away
-
You got someone here wants to make it alright
Someone who loves you more than life
right here )
THE END
Inspired by Mr. Brightside. Song by The Killers. Mvid by KateTodd 1989.