After The Prince of Darkness:
Billy Flynn was one of those unsubs who would live in the mind of Derek Morgan forever. The case shook him more than he had expected, and he knew it was something he'd be haunted by. He didn't often lose his temper, especially not with Penelope, and he felt awful that this case made him snap at her. She didn't do anything to deserve that. She was the one person who was always there for Derek, and being mean to her was like being mean to a puppy. He knew he had to make it up to her.
"Sweetheart, I know I messed up, but I promise, your superhero has returned to make it up to you." Derek announced entering the tech's lair. She spun around in her chair and grinned when she saw what he was holding. He'd gotten her a bouquet of roses, and stuffed unicorn.
"Aww, honey bunches, you didn't have to do that. I know you didn't mean to get snippy with me." She took the gifts and sat them on her desk before turning back toward Derek. She stood and hugged him. "This was a horrible, horrible case. And that little girl needed you to save her. I can take on a grumpy superhero now and then."
"Still, let me treat you to dinner and a movie." He insisted. She grinned.
"Okay, sug."
She shut down her computers and gathered up her belongings. Derek held his hand out to her and she gripped it tightly. The pair, to anyone on the outside, looked like a happy couple. Even their team wondered if the two of them would ever get their heads together, and finally admit their feelings. Derek and Penelope insisted they were just friends, but it was hard to believe when anyone saw the way they interacted with each other.
CMCMCMCMCMCMCMCMCM
Derek drove them to her place so she could change into some comfy clothes. He would have taken her out to dinner, but he knew they both needed to retreat into their own world for the night. He was gonna make her his momma's eggplant ravioli, and to make up for the way he'd behaved, he was letting her pick whatever rom-com her heart desired.
"Good lookin, whatcha cookin?" Penelope asked in a singsong voice. She'd just changed her clothes and wandered into his kitchen.
"It's a surprise." He replied with a smile. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Only the best for my favorite girl."
"Aw, lover, I bet you say that to all of us gals."
"Nope, just you." He said honestly. She grinned. "Sit down and relax. Give Clooney a good belly rub. Just enjoy."
Penelope did as she was told. She adored Derek's German Shepherd, and he loved her right back. Derek would often ask Penelope to look after his furry companion while he was away with the team. While Derek cooked, the pair chatted. He told her about the case in more depth, and she listened. She knew that when a case hit Derek particularly hard, he just needed to talk about it.
When dinner was done, Derek poured them both a glass of Penelope's favorite wine. Derek always kept it stocked at his house for her. She appreciated it, and she knew even though wine wasn't his first choice, he'd always drink it with her.
"You really outdid yourself." Penelope complimented after they'd finished dinner.
"I told you I was going to make it up to you." He said.
"Baby cakes, what did I tell you?" Penelope asked him. He took her hand.
"I know, but listen, okay?" Derek said. Penelope nodded. "I keep seeing Flynn's face in my head. It's like my mind can't turn off for a second, unless that is, if I'm with you. When you are around, the scary thoughts go away. And the idea that I hurt you, even momentarily, makes me sick because I never want there to be a day where you aren't there."
"That's never going to happen." She promised.
It happened quickly. He leaned in, or maybe she did, either way, in a moment, they were kissing. The sparks that people talk about when it comes to kisses were not present. No, there were full blown fireworks when their lips met for the first time.
"Wow." Penelope smiled, pulling back.
"Wow is right." Derek replied with a smug look.
"Sometimes, you just need to be kissed, right?"
"Right, sometimes you just need a kiss."
CMCMCMCMCMCMCMCMCM
The kissing continued. They didn't talk about what it meant. They just knew that after a hard day, a kissing session would take place. It was nice, but it wasn't what either of them necessarily wanted, but both were too afraid to ask for more. So, kissing was good enough for the time being.
Ellie Spicer came back into their lives a few months later. She'd run away from her foster home after they mistreated her. Derek, unable to take Ellie with him on the case, left her in Penelope's care, promising he'd help her when he returned. Penelope went to work searching for the young girl's mom, and taking care of her in the meantime.
"Is she doing okay?" Derek asked on the phone. Ellie was asleep in Penelope's guest room.
"As well as can be expected." Penelope sighed. She felt bad for Ellie, and was really hoping they could find her mom. "She's been having nightmares, poor things."
"I promised her dad I'd look after her, and look at what's happening." Derek said.
"Hot stuff, what can you do aside from what you already are?"
"I don't know, I just, we can't let her go back into the system, P."
"We won't, sweetie. We're going to figure something out. Right now, you focus on the case and trust me to help Ellie, okay?"
"Alright, you're right. I should get some sleep, or try to. I'll call you tomorrow," Derek said. "And Pen? I'm gonna need a big kiss after this one."
Penelope was shocked. They hadn't outwardly talked about their kissing before. What did this mean? She tried not to let her mind wander too much. She did, though, wonder if maybe things were looking up for them.
CMCMCMCMCMCMCMCMCM
Ellie and her mother were reunited, and even though they had a lot of healing to do, everyone was glad they were getting another chance. Derek was happy to see the little girl with her mom, and felt like it was what Matt would have wanted. Penelope had been glad to help Ellie, and was optimistic about her future.
"So, Ellie and her mom are off to a new life." Penelope commented as they watched the pair enter the elevator.
"This was the ending I was hoping for." Derek smiled, putting an arm around his best friend. He kissed her temple. "So, goddess, my place or yours?"
"We can go to yours," Penelope said. "Let me just gather up my stuff."
Derek went to finish up filing some papers from the latest case while Penelope finished some stuff up in her office. She was gathering up her belongings when there was a knock on the office door. Penelope called for them to enter, expecting it to be Derek, but it wasn't. Instead, Kevin Lynch entered her lair.
Penelope and Kevin had broken up just before the Prince of Darkness case. He hadn't taken it very well, claiming she'd come crawling back. Since then, he showed up at least once a week to see if she'd changed her mind. Of course, she hadn't, but Kevin didn't seem to take a hint.
"Hey Penny," He smiled. "I heard what you did for that little girl. That was really sweet of you."
"Oh, thanks." Penelope replied with a tight smile. Kevin hadn't been a bad boyfriend per say. He just had different ideas of romance, and to be honest, Penelope realized they didn't have a future together. There wasn't chemistry there, and she didn't want to settle.
"Let's get dinner and celebrate," Kevin suggested. "We can get Indian takeout and watch Star Trek."
"Kevin, that doesn't sound like my idea of celebrating, and I already have plans." She replied. She saw Derek walking their way. Kevin noticed too.
"Of course you do, because super special agent Morgan is always around."
"Is there a problem?" Derek asked, looking at Kevin like he was about to size him up.
"I was just asking Plum Sauce if she'd join me for the evening." Kevin said, not backing down. Derek scoffed. "Is that funny to you, Agent Morgan?"
"Kevin, stop. I told you, I have plans." Penelope said. Derek took a step closer to her. He put an arm around her waist, eyeing Kevin. Penelope felt like Derek was challenging her ex to say something, and she knew Kevin was stupid enough to do it. "Derek, are you ready?"
"Sure, baby girl. But first," Before Penelope could register what was happening, Derek pulled her to his body and placed a long, passionate kiss on her mouth. Penelope, despite her shock, let out a moan. Derek smiled against her lips and then pulled back. "I couldn't wait to get home to do that."
"I uh, I'm gonna go." Kevin stammered, practically running from the office.
CMCMCMCMCMCMCMCMCM
Penelope hadn't said a word to Derek the entire drive to his house. She was fuming. Derek Morgan was an ass, and his pride would be the death of them all. She wanted to whack him upside the head, but for now she was settling for the silent treatment. When they got to his house, she was going to have a serious talk with him.
Derek tried to keep a conversation going, but eventually realized he had done something to piss off his baby girl. When they got to his house she exited his truck and practically marched up the steps. Derek followed her and once they were inside, she let him have it.
"You are an ass." She said. Derek started to argue, but she held her hand up to silence him. "No, where do you get off? You think you can kiss me and then send me into a spiral when you don't do anything about it? And I could have gotten over the first kiss, but when you kept kissing me it got a little hard to pretend it wasn't happening. I'm not complaining about the kisses, trust me I very much enjoy kissing you. But, you clearly don't want more. You just use the kissing to make Kevin mad because you're a jealous asshole!"
"Permission to respond?" Derek asked with a smirk.
"See, this is all one big joke to you!"
"Penelope, you are not a joke to me," Derek said, the joking gone from his voice. She allowed herself to look him in the eyes as he continued. "Kissing you has been the biggest relief for me. I've dreamt of what it would be like to kiss you since we first met. I hear you when you say you were confused, but baby, I was confused. I wasn't sure what the kiss meant to you, and you never brought it up either. You and Lynch hadn't been broken up for long, so I assumed you needed time. And, well, I just couldn't stop kissing you. You are like a drug to me, sweetheart."
"So…you want more?" She asked timidly.
"I always have." He said honestly. He stepped closer, holding her by the waist.
"How long?" She wondered. He didn't respond right away. "Derek?"
"When you got shot, I told you I loved you. I thought you understood what I meant, but I know I wasn't very clear. When Lynch came into the picture I took it as a sign that you would never fall for someone like me. The next time I tried to tell you was in New York. Remember when the ambulance almost blew me up?"
"Of course I remember, I thought you had died."
"Penelope, you are my god given solace. No matter what happens, that will always be true. I couldn't imagine my life without you, and when I thought I might not make it out, I needed you to know that."
"Derek, why didn't you come out and say it?" Penelope asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
"Because you're Penelope Garcia. You are a genius, gorgeous, and the kindest person I have ever met. I am damaged, bruised, and we both know I have a history with women. I thought you were too good for me."
"God Derek, I thought you were too good for me," Penelope replied. "That's why I never told you."
"Told me what?"
"That I am hopelessly in love with you." She replied with a sob. Derek pulled her against his chest and held her tightly as she cried against him. "We wasted so much time."
"Baby girl, we have the rest of our lives." Derek vowed. She looked up at him. "Can I kiss you?"
"Now you're asking?" She teased. He gave her a serious look. She smiled. "Never ask me again, the answer is always yes for you."
With that, he leaned down and kissed her, hoping he could pour all the love he felt into the kiss. She kissed him back, and the fireworks returned. He lifted her off the ground and brought her into his bedroom. They heatedly made out on his bed for a long time. He was above her, kissing her and making both of their dreams come true.
"I meant what I said about the rest of our lives," Derek said, pulling back. "I want to marry you, Pen."
"Is that the lust talking?" She asked, panting. Derek shook his head.
"Do you want to pick out a ring tomorrow?" Derek suggested. She grinned.
"That's not the question you're supposed to ask."
"Penelope, will you marry me?" He replied. She lifted her head from the pillow and kissed him. "I need a verbal yes."
"I'm trying to seduce my fiance." She pouted.
"Say that again." Derek said.
"I want my future husband to make love to me." She told him.
That was all the encouragement Derek needed.
CMCMCMCMCMCMCMCMCM
The next morning, Derek woke Penelope up early. She groaned in protest until he reminded her that they needed to go to the jewelry store. She convinced him to shower with her first, and after two rounds in the steaming water, the finally emerged. They headed off to the store where Derek was determined to find the perfect ring.
"Honey, if you changed your mind it's okay. I don't want to rush you into something." Penelope reassured him as he drove.
"Woman, do I look like I changed my mind? Besides, I think I'd be the one rushing you. This is what you want right?"
"That's a silly question, hot stuff."
After that, neither of them asked again. Derek and Penelope were both certain this was that they wanted. Besides, could nearly 7 years be considered rushing? This was perfect for them, and if others were surprised, well let them be surprised.
They were the only ones in D.C. Diamonds when they arrived. Penelope looked at all the displays carefully, and Derek inspected nearly every ring. They found the perfect ring at the exact same time. With a shared smile, they knew. Derek asked to see the ring closer.
Derek slipped the ring onto her finger. It was a pink diamond. A pear oval shaped halo ring that was set into a silver band. The smaller diamonds that surrounded the large gem were the perfect touch, and seeing it on her hand made Derek emotional. He fought the tears trying to slip out.
"Is this the one?" The man helping them asked. Derek looked at Penelope and she nodded.
"This is the one." Derek confirmed.
After buying the ring, Derek refused to let her put it back on. She tried to protest but he promised she'd get it soon. She pouted, but even her pout wasn't enough. They spent the rest of the day lounging on the sofa and making up for lost time.
On Monday morning, the pair drove separately to work. It was mostly out of convenience. Penelope had needed to go home and grab some clothes and necessities, plus she needed her car in case the team had a case they needed to travel for.
When Penelope arrived, later than Derek for a change. She headed into the bullpen where the rest of the team was chatting. She smiled when she saw Derek, even though she'd seen him an hour ago. She joined her team and winked at Derek.
"Guys, I have something to say," Derek announced. Penelope looked at him in confusion. They hadn't decided when or how to tell everyone about their relationship. But, she trusted Derek. "I have found someone."
"Wow, congratulations, she must be special if you're telling us about her." Emily said.
"There's more." Derek said with a smile. "I asked her to marry me, and she said yes, but I denied her the perfect proposal so I need some help."
"Wow, uhm, okay," Emily stuttered.
"That's kind of fast, are you sure this is what you want?" Spencer added.
"Positive." Derek grinned.
"Well, what do you need us to do?" Rossi asked.
"Stand right here, and watch." Derek said. Everyone looked very confused. Derek dropped to one knee in front of Penelope. "Baby girl, I know you already said yes, but you said yes to me when we were all alone. I know what means the most to you is this family we have found here at the BAU, and having them be a part of this is what you'd want. So, I'm asking you again in front of our team, at the place where it all started. You are everything to me, and I know we wasted time figuring out how much we meant to each other, but we know now. I don't want to waste another second of our future together. So, Penelope Grace Garcia, I am asking you again, will you marry me?"
"Give me back my ring, hot stuff." Penelope sniffed, tears rolling down her eyes. Derek grinned, slipping the ring back where it belonged, and standing to kiss his fiancee.
"Is this some bad idea of a joke?" Hotch asked seriously. Derek stood beside Penelope, and shook his head. "When did this all happen?"
"We kissed after the Billy Flynn case, and we've been building up to this ever since," Penelope explained. "Like Derek said, it took us a long time to realize what we wanted and to admit it to ourselves."
"Okay, but marriage? Already?" Emily asked.
"You're not going to date first? You know, test the waters?" Rossi asked.
"We have been testing the waters for seven years." Derek replied.
"They're right, we all saw this coming." Spencer said.
"I guess the proposal just wasn't what we expected." Emily said.
"I know it seems crazy, but we're really happy. And, I want you to be a part of this. Please say you'll support us." Penelope replied. No one could deny Penelope.
"Of course we support you, Kitten. We just were surprised, but now that it's sinking in, it's really not that surprising at all." Rossi told her with a smile.
"Congratulations you two. We have some paperwork we'll need to fill out, but I don't see any problems coming from this." Hotch said. He gave them a rare smile. "I'm happy for you both."
"Yeah, it really is about time." Emily said.
"You know what is disappointing?" Spencer asked. "JJ isn't here, and she just won the betting pool."
CMCMCMCMCMCMCMCMCM
"Daddy!" Ellie Morgan exclaimed when her dad came into the house. He had been away on a case for two days, and his daughter had missed him. He swept her up in his arms and kissed the top of her head.
"Hey baby doll, where's momma?" He asked her.
"She's making me some mac and cheese." Ellie said in excitement.
The case had wrapped up late the night before, so the team had waited until morning to fly back. Derek had been said to have to spend another night away from his family, but he was glad they now had a few days off. He was hoping he could convince Penelope to spend their time away somewhere, just their family.
"Baby girl, I'm home." He sang while walking into the kitchen. She turned and smiled at him. He kissed her and then kissed the baby she was wearing around her body. "Hi Katie, daddy missed you."
It was the first time he'd gone away on a case since their baby had been born three months ago. Penelope was back to work, but was working from her home office until Katie was a little older. Derek hadn't felt ready to leave again, but he knew the team needed him. Penelope gently lifted the baby from the carried and passed her to Derek.
"We missed you," Penelope told her husband. "How's Spence?"
"He's okay, a few bruises from the encounter with the unsub, but nothing serious."
"See, hot stuff, it's a good thing you were there." Penelope replied. Derek nodded.
"I know, it's just hard to be away from my girls."
"Well, we have five whole days to spend together, and your girls are going to milk it." Penelope promised.
"Good." Derek grinned.
They spent the day snuggling up on the couch with lots of princess movies at the request of their four year old. Derek didn't care, as long as he was with his wife and daughters, nothing else mattered. He made dinner for them, and helped Ellie get all ready for bed while Penelope put Katie down.
Once the girls were asleep, Derek and Penelope got nice and comfy in their bed. Derek hated sleeping without his wife. He always tossed and turned when they were apart, and he counted down the minutes until he was back home.
"I told Hotch." He said as he rubbed his wife's arm while she laid on his chest.
"I thought you were going to think about it a bit longer." She replied looking up at him.
"There's nothing to think about. I want to be home more with the girls and with you. I've done my time in the field. I'm ready for this new opportunity to spend time at home and to not worry about missing birthdays or holidays or dance recitals."
"This is what you want?" Penelope asked.
"100%," Derek said. "I belong here with you and Ellie and Katie, and any other babies we have."
Penelope grinned. She didn't want to influence his choice, but she was glad he'd be able to spend more time at home. She hated being apart and she knew Ellie missed her daddy when he was away. Ellie was Derek's mini me and she followed him everywhere. The pair had an unbreakable bond, and Penelope loved to see Derek with their daughters. They adored him just like she did.
"Well, in that case, I think this calls for celebration." She smiled, she kissed him and moved to climb over him.
"Is that right, Mrs. Morgan?"
"Well, I do know how much you love my kisses."
A/N It's been a while! I have gotten back into writing Penelope and Derek and I am hoping to update other fics soon. I also have the next chapter decided for this series. I think it's going to be the 100th episode so stay tuned!