The Georgian Hotel -Afternoon –

Artemis Maker was a determined man and while he downed his drink, he mentally planned his next move. His longtime friends who were also his clients, wanted custody of their grandson and they knew that he was their best chance at making that happen; but Artemis had more than their friendship as his motivation; Charles and Lydia had no idea of the real stakes and what he was willing to do and in fact, what he had already done to position himself for a win.

Time was of the essence because Derek Morgan and his friends were fighters, and he had no doubt that they were already building an air-tight case on his behalf. Artemis poured himself another drink and downed it.

Another custody hearing had been scheduled two days from now and with the team away on a case, Artemis felt he had a huge advantage. Surely no one was left to uncover his deeds and he'd been careful. By the time Derek's friends returned, Hank would be living permanently in Boston.

BAU Headquarters –

"We need to bring these monsters in!" Elle insisted.

"We're not supposed to be involved!" Emily reminded them.

"So, what are we supposed to do, sit on our hands?" Derek asked.

"We turn over what we have to your attorney and have him give it to the local PD," Emily replied."

As if on cue, Delman Cranston, Derek's attorney knocked on the glass window that looked into the large conference room. The group waved him inside.

"I had a feeling I'd find you all here."

"We have some information for you. We thought you'd be kind enough to make sure Det. Baines got it; he's in charge of Derek's case," Elle replied.

"I know who he is, but you all have been ordered to stay away from this case."

"I no longer work for the bureau," Emily began.

"And I'm a free agent," Elle added sarcastically.

"Still, you need to tread lightly," then looking around the room, "we all do."

Home of Penelope Garcia – Evening –

"Thanks for letting me stay, Baby Girl."

Penelope turned the key and let them into her apartment. He lingered near the door until she turned on the lights. They spent countless evenings here alone watching movies, eating, relaxing, and feeling safe in each other's company. Nothing had ever happened between them, but it wasn't because he didn't want it too. The chemistry between them was undeniable but their timing sucked; both were too afraid to admit that the heat between them was far beyond playful flirtations.

"No thanks needed. Besides, that's what friends are for, right?"

She saw something in his eyes; a light that flickered then went out. Was she crazy? She'd hidden her feelings for him for so long, holding hope and fear in a non-stop dance around her heart. His marriage to Savannah had convinced Penelope that he didn't feel the same for her.

"Friends...yeah, right."

Had she been wrong...was her heart playing tricks on her...maybe it was too late to know for sure.

Derek moved to the couch which would be his bed for the night and collapsed. His life was in shambles, and he was on the verge of losing everything; his son, his job...his mind. One thing was certain, he didn't want to be her friend.

Penelope joined him on the couch taking his hand in hers and then lightly laying her head on his shoulder. The two sat quietly for an hour in silence. There was so much that needed to be said; both were too afraid to speak the words.

Derek pulled her close against his side. He closed his eyes and inhaled her lavender and vanilla perfume. He loved how she smelled and how she felt against him. He'd been a fool; all the years he'd known her he knew his life would never be the same.

He smiled watching her sleep slightly snoring. She had promised him a movie and mindless conversation, but she had fallen asleep during the opening credits. Derek wasn't aware that he was running his hand up and down her arm until she moaned and slowly opened her eyes.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

He waited but she didn't answer. Penelope looked into his eyes searching for something. He wasn't sure what she needed to know but he indulged her because he was searching for something too.

"I didn't mean to fall asleep."

"No worries, Baby Girl; it's been a long day."

"No that's not what I meant."

"Okay?"

"I didn't mean to fall asleep before doing this."

Derek watched her slowly but confidently pull herself toward him kissing him lightly on the lips. Glancing up she saw the surprise on his face. Undaunted, she kissed him again and again before deepening the kiss.

Pulling away, Derek looked at her.

"Pen..."

"You're right, Derek it has been a long day. As a matter of fact, it's been a long month, a long year! Damn Derek it's been a long twelve years!"

"What's going on?"

"I want you Derek and unless I'm crazy, you want me too."

"I...I... are you sure about this Garcia?" He watched a smile spread across her face. "I need to know you're not playing games."

Penelope placed her hand on his knee and kissed him again. Derek jumped slightly as her hand slid up his inner thigh.

"Oh, Baby Boy, I'm not playing."

His breathing began to increase as her hand began to move again.

"Pen..."

"I need you, Derek."

The sound of his zipper pulled him from his trance."

"Baby...Girl...Pen..."

Penelope carefully got up; he was exhausted, and she was certain that he hadn't slept in days. Smiling down on him, she covered him with a blanket. He had already begun tossing and turning; for a second, she thought he'd called her name. She'd seen firsthand what his nightmares looked like and there were countless nights she'd forced him awake to free him from the clutches of his demons. Tonight, was different as she listened to him call her name again. She was afraid for him, and her nightmare was that she would not be able to save him this time.

"Pen..."

"Derek!" She whispered lightly placing her hand on his shoulder and sitting down next to him.

"Penel..."

"I'm here, I'm right, here Handsome."

He jerked; his eyes opened staring wildly at the woman next him. Without thinking he pulled her into his arms and held her desperately against his body. She could feel him struggling to breathe.

"It's okay, it's okay...I'm right here...okay?"

Derek nodded against her and increased his hold on her.

"I love you Baby Girl; I love you!" He moaned.

She stiffened slightly before relaxing again against him.

"I love you too, Handsome; I love you too."