Chapter Six:

Penelope Garcia thought about the first time she met Derek Morgan. She'd never get how he had been in that interrogation room with her, and how she had flirted with him as the Black Queen. But, nothing in that moment could have prepared her for this. For the absolute devastation she felt walking into the hospital after a two hour flight.

"Where is he?" She asked, approaching her team in the waiting room.

"They took him back a while ago." Hotch informed her, rising from his seat. "I called his mom, she'll be here soon. They can't tell us much more because we aren't family."

"What happened?" Penelope inquired, her eyes growing blurry from the tears.

"He was checking out a lead with a local police officer. They were chased down, the SUV flipped and hit a tree. The officer died on impact, the unsub hit his side of the vehicle." Emily filled her in. Penelope took a deep breath.

"Did you catch him?"

"He's dead." Reid stated. "Didn't survive the accident."

She nodded and took a seat in one of the blue chairs. She tried to bring herself to ask what Derek's chances were, to find out how bad his injuries were, but she knew she wouldn't be here if it wasn't bad. If there wasn't a chance that he might not pull through.

"Derek Morgan?" A doctor came through a set of doors. "Is there a family member here for Mr. Morgan yet?"

Penelope couldn't wait for Fran to arrive. She had to know what was going on with Derek. The BAU was his family, and it was crazy that they weren't allowed to have any information. Derek was listed as her emergency contact, so if roles were reversed, he'd be allowed to see her. She couldn't stop herself.

"I'm his fiancee." Penelope said. She could imagine the surprised faces behind her. "Penelope Garcia."

"Penelope. Yes, he's been asking for you." The doctor gave her a smile. "Would you like to talk here or somewhere private?"

"This is good." Penelope replied.

"Mr. Morgan is lucky. He very easily could be in critical condition given the state of the accident, but he's stable. He's got a concussion and a dislocated shoulder. He is going to be sore for a while, and he will need to be out of the field for a few weeks while he recovers. Frankly, I'm surprised the injuries weren't worse. When they brought him in, I thought it would be much more extensive. He's very lucky." The doctor informed her. Penelope let out a breath of relief. "We can only let the family go back right now, but he should be released later tonight with some pain medication. Would you like to see him now?"

"Yes!" Penelope exclaimed.

She turned back to the rest of the team. They all gave her small nods, silently letting her know they'd be fine. She locked eyes with Luke for a split second, but turned away quickly. She couldn't deal with the confused look he was giving her right now. Not that she could blame him of course. Right now, though, her concern was seeing Derek. She wouldn't believe until she saw him with her own two eyes that he was actually okay.

She followed the doctor past a set of doors. They walked past a nurse's station and a few rooms. At the end of the hallway, the doctor stopped and motioned for her to go in. He told her he'd be back soon to look at sending Derek home. She thanked him and headed into the hospital room.

Derek was asleep in bed. She could hear his soft snores before she could actually see him. When she did, she felt a weight lift off of her. He had a few scrapes on his face, and they'd put his arm in a sling to stabilize his shoulder. But, he was okay. He was here with her, breathing. She sat in the chair next to his bed and watched him sleep for a while. After about twenty minutes, the door to his room opened again.

"Penelope?" A quiet voice said. She turned to see Fran Morgan. Penelope stood quietly, and crossed the room so she didn't wake up Derek. "Oh my, how is he?"

"He's stable. A concussion and a bum shoulder, but he's going to be alright." Penelope informed Derek's mom.

"Thank goodness." Fran breathed out. "They said he was okay, but I believe it more when you say it."

"Do you want some time alone with him?" Penelope asked. "I could go get us coffee or head out if you wanted. He's been asleep since I got here, but I'm sure he'll wake up soon."

"Don't be silly." Fran waved her off. "You aren't leaving."

"Okay." Penelope gave her a small smile. The pair moved over to sit beside Derek. "It's so nice to see you again. I'm sorry you had to fly out here under these circumstances, but I'm glad you're here."

"While I must agree, these circumstances are less than ideal, it's so nice to see you." Fran gave the blonde tech a small smile. She looked at her curiously. "They told me when I got here that Derek's fiance was with him."

"Oh." Penelope could feel her face turning red. She cleared her throat. "Only family was allowed back with him. And I didn't want him to be alone."

"Penelope, we both know you are family." Fran placed a hand on Penelope's leg. "So, does this mean you've made a decision?"

The tech looked at her in surprise. She knew Derek and his mother talked a lot, but she was shocked he'd told her what had been happening between them. Not that she was mad of course, it was just unexpected. Fran was so kind, and Penelope adored her. She worried this would change how Derek's mom saw her.

"Don't look so afraid, dear." Fran gave a small chuckle. "I understand. Derek's father and I were very good friends before we started dating. But, when he asked me out, I was already seeing someone. Oh, Hank was determined to win me over. I was afraid of losing him as a friend if our love life didn't work out, but he convinced me that I had to give it a chance. I'd say fifteen years of marriage and three beautiful children would prove he was right."

"What about the other guy?" Penelope asked. "Was he hurt?"

"He was." Fran admitted. "He was angry that I let him think he stood a chance when my heart always belonged to Hank. I wish I could say he came around, but I haven't spoken to him since."

Penelope thought about that. She wondered if Derek would cut her off if she chose Luke, or vice versa. She knew though, without a single doubt, that if she chose Luke, Derek would always be there for her. He would never leave her side, even if it broke his own heart. But, she didn't know about Luke. He was a good guy, she wouldn't like him if he wasn't, but she wasn't sure if he'd want to be her friend if she ended up with Derek. It left her thinking.

"Listen, it's late. I booked a hotel just across the street. I think I'm gonna get some sleep. I don't suppose I can convince you to take a break and join me?" Fran gave Penelope a pointed look. Penelope shook her head. "Honey, you should sleep in a real bed."

"I want to be here when he wakes up." Penelope said. "I know they said he'll probably be out until tomorrow, but you know how much Derek hates hospitals."

"Okay, if you change your mind, give me a call, okay?"

"Promise." Penelope smiled as Fran dropped a kiss on top of Penelope's head.

When Fran was gone, Penelope took Derek's hand in hers once again. Just a few days ago they'd been laughing on her living room floor over Mario Kart. And after, they'd made out like horny teens on her sofa. She knew how quickly life could turn on a dime. She'd seen it far too many times. And yet, she was shaken by Derek's injury. It could have been worse, and knowing he was going to pull through was all she could hope for, but she was still shocked this happened.

"I'm here, Derek." She assured him, even though the doctor had said he probably couldn't hear her. "I'm not going anywhere."

As expected, Derek slept on, not even moving a muscle as she spoke. It didn't stop her from talking to him, though. She knew when the tables were turned, he'd done the same, so whatever the medical professionals said didn't matter.

"When you wake up we'll have to have a talk about you breaking your promise. You swore you'd come home safe, and now I think you'll need a spanking." she cracked a smile. "Rest up, mister. Rest up while you can."

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The next morning, the doctors cleared Penelope and Fran, who had returned after some sleep, from the room. Derek's condition was good, they assured them, even if he was still asleep. It was the bodies way of recovering. But, they had some standard tests to run, so Penelope and Derek's mom headed to the waiting room where the team had also returned.

"How is he?" Reid asked, being the first to rise from his seat. "Is he awake?"

"No, but they said it's normal." Fran assured her son's best friend, with a squeeze of the hand. "They have some tests to run, and practically demanded we come to the cafeteria to get some breakfast."

"We'll join you." Hotch said.

The group made their way down to the cafeteria. Luke found his way over to Penelope, walking closely beside her. He'd been wondering how she was holding up since last night, but didn't want to push her. Even if Penelope chose Luke, Derek was her best friend. He would always be a huge part of her life, and that was something Luke accepted.

"You okay?" Luke whispered to her as the group entered the hospital cafeteria.

"Hanging in there." Penelope replied honestly, taking the tray Luke was handing her.

"So, fiancee?" Luke smirked at her. "I missed a lot."

"I didn't know when Fran would get here, and they'd only let family members back." Penelope said in defense. She scowled. "And that's such a bull. We are Derek's family. All of us, and they had to be technical about it? Instead of letting his work family be with him while he was hurt, they would rather have made him stay alone."

"It is a stupid rule." Luke agreed. "At least his mom is here now."

Penelope didn't say anything else. She grabbed a yogurt and banana, unsure if she could stomach anything more until Derek was awake. But coffee is a must. And while the hospital certainly didn't have her chai lattes, they had caffeine and that was enough.

When they'd finished eating breakfast, Hotch announced that the team was flying back to D.C. the next morning since Derek was stable. He assured Penelope that she could take the time off to stay with her friend. But, the rest of the team had families to return to, and work to finish up. The FBI was gracious enough to give them a few days to get home, but having a whole unit down was not functional.

"Penelope, can we talk?" Luke asked as the team was preparing to head home. He noticed her look hesitantly toward the hall that led to Derek's room. "Just for a second before we all leave."

"Sure." Penelope agreed. The team got the message and made themselves busy to give the pair some space.

"I just want to say that I know if you had to choose right now, you would pick Derek, and I get it. He's your best friend, and he was seriously injured. I like Derek, he's a good man, but I don't want to give up on what you and I could have. If you pick him, I'll step aside. But, don't make the choice now. Don't do it just because he's in a hospital bed. Choose who you want to be with when your head is clear, okay? We all deserve that."

"You're right." Penelope nodded. "If I had to choose right now, I would pick Derek. But, it's not because of what happened, Luke. It's because it's always been Derek for me. No matter how hard I've tried to imagine otherwise, Derek is the one I see a future with. I'm so sorry, but I think it's best that you and I just remain friends."

"Okay." Luke looked crushed, and Penelope felt awful for hurting him. She knew Luke deserved to find someone, though, who could give them their hearts fully. And that wasn't her. "I do want to be your friend, but I might need some space to work out my feelings."

"That's fair." Penelope said, hoping he'd come around soon. "Look Luke-"

"Penelope!" Fran was coming toward them. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but Derek is awake!"

"Go." Luke said, offering her a smile. "Go be happy, Garcia."

"Thank you, Luke." She smiled back, giving his hand a squeeze before hurrying off to see Derek.

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Penelope got to Derek's room to see he was sitting up in bed. His face was back to a normal shade, and he seemed to be on the mend now. She was relieved. It had been a rough few days, but she was ready for them to move past it together. More than she'd ever been sure of anything else, she was sure of her decision. Derek was the one she belonged with. It had been written in the stars, made obvious by the universe from the first time his voice uttered the words Baby Girl.

"Well, look at that handsome man." Penelope grinned, entering the room. Derek winced as he sat up straighter. "Easy there, cowboy."

"Hey, honey." He said, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. I can't believe you and Ma have been camped out here."

"Did you think I'd be anywhere other than by your side?" She asked, sitting on the perch of his hospital bed.

"Maybe." He said. "Penelope, you and I, we're always honest with each other, right?"

"Always, pumpkin."

"Than, I'm going to be honest now. Baby girl, I love you. I love you more than I have ever loved anything or anyone. Which is why…." He choked on what seemed to be tears. "Which is why I think you should be with Luke."

A/N So sorry for the Hiatus. I have been struggling to get inspiration for writing, but I am back! My goal is to finish this fic and then. finish my others! Thank you if you stuck around and are reading this update! 3