Apologies for the delay – I just tied the knot and life has been crazy – this isn't the entire chapter I wanted to post – but I wanted to give the fans of this story something (especially lwilson1933 & smurfgirlx) – I hope you like it and there is more to come!

I own nothing in either worlds (CM or DK) unfortunately.

Penelope looked out the window and tapped her fingers trying to quell her anxiety. Alfred was out there in the hands of a crazy unsub—who didn't want money or things—just to make Bruce jump through hoops. This would have Jack's M-O all over it – only if it didn't involve her. Jack would never put her in danger—well at least intentionally – but that was years ago – maybe he changed. Maybe it really was about the both of them. No, it couldn't be – Jack isn't involved—she could feel it... she had to.

Bruce watched her fingers dance and he knew on a scale of 1-10 her nerves must be at 15. He was just about to cover her dancing fingers with his when Derek took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She moved over instinctively and he filled the space between Bruce and Penelope.

Derek placed her hand on his thigh as he continued to stroke her palm. She gave him that smile that melted hearts around the world and he whispered something to her that removed all of her anxiety from her shoulders – she just sunk into Derek.

Her face relaxed and color returned to her cheeks.

Bruce remembered the moment he knew… he knew he lost her. After he could walk Alfred made this big production of him moving to DC and getting her back in some big romantic gesture. But Bruce knew he couldn't approach her that way. He remembered Brooklyn… how happy she was with James. Bruce destroyed that happiness like a bull in a china shop. He turned her world upside down and put her through the ringer—but they made it to the other side. He promised himself that he would never hurt her again. Never would he ruin her happiness.

He smiled a small smile as he thought about their happily ever after – her coming to meet him in London – her standing by him through each surgery and then settling down in Paris—he didn't know his world could have so much sunshine… He didn't know she could actually be his.

So instead of wrecking her life again… See, Alfred wanted him to land a helicopter on her roof and wait for her to come and simply say I'm back and I love you. Instead of that grand gesture he decided to observe her and see if she was happy. She worked for the FBI so real surveillance wasn't an option. He observed but Alfred thought he was stalling because of fear. Which Bruce denied vehemently even though … there were elements of truth in Alfred's rants.

Bruce walked to her house wearing her favorite outfit—jeans, tron t-shirt, and a grey sweater with elbow patches. She loved him looking relaxed, he thought even though he was anything but that. As he forced his feet to approach the curb his hands started to strangle the bouquet of snap dragons . He exhaled a deep breath—he remembered her jumping on the bed screaming I love you – a vision that had gotten him through so many things… and like clockwork – his pulse slowed down, his breathing became regular—he was Bruce again. He opened his eyes and looked at her building – he was ready. As he stepped off the curb… he saw them. He saw her with the same guy he saw her with at her parents graves. There she was making someone else world shine.

Bruce tried to get closer to them to see if he was right –

Derek had loaded the last of Garcia's stuff into the truck. And she was flustered about something so she was pacing and prattling off a list. Derek put a finger on her lips as they were still forming sentences. He gave her this look that made her quiet… well for a second … she tried to talk and he said not another word hard-head and he tapped her butt firmly with his hand… then gestured for her to get in the cab of the truck. She protested and he cocked his eyebrows and she smiled, then she uttered the words that broke his heart.

"You know I love your right?"

Derek chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders… "Everyday, it's implied, sweetness." Derek kissed the top of her head and helped her enter the cab.

Bruce gave a little girl the bouquet of slightly strangled snap dragons he bought for Penelope and made his way home – his vision was blurred by the tears that just wouldn't fall.

Watching them together… right now… in this limo….. brought back that memory. Alfred disagreed and threated to go to her and end these shenanigans. If Bruce didn't resolve this before thanksgiving… Alfred promised he would. But Alfred couldn't see what he saw—they had something special.

Derek said something else and she laughed.

Bruce couldn't watch the lovers any longer and he straightened his tie and gazed out the window. Alfred believed she was his happily ever after – but guys like him don't get those kinds of things, he reminded himself. Alfred is his world… Bruce just wished he said something before he was taken.

"We should test the gadgets," Garcia announced.

The CIA gave them these earpieces that are the size of 1/20 of a micro SIM card. When Garcia put it behind her ear, she clicked it on with pen in her purse,

"Testing 1, 2, 3…. Testing."

"Copy, Eagle One"

"Alrighty then, it works over and out," she clicked the pen and turned off the ear piece.

"I can't believe Alex creates this mission impossible gadget-y things."

"Alex?" Derek asked

"Alejandro… one of the suspects. He works with the Russians.. I mean when I joined the FBI I thought we would do mission impossible things but the only thing close to that is you kicking down doors and I actually don't get to see that? I hear about it," she said absentmindedly, as her fingers start to dance.

Her nerves were back, Bruce thought. Whenever she starts rambling … it means she's nervous, Derek must know it too, he thought. Derek teased her to put her at ease.

"I could come over and give you the Agent Morgan special."

"But then I'd have to put the doors back on and where's the fun in that?" she pouted as she really considered letting Derek kick down her door.

"We could make a night of it—watch Bourne."

She put her leg up on the seat and turned towards Derek

"I think after this, I'd want to revisit Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I mean my thigh is currently holding a 9mm baby pistol. I'm feeling a bit like Mrs. Pitt."

"What?" Derek and Bruce said at the same time

"Clancy was like all I have to protect you" she said waving in Bruce's direction " 'the scorpion' I don't know why we can't just use our names." She sighed and continued, "So he gave me this baby gun – I'm your Kevin Costner."

When they didn't smile or laugh she continued, "I'm kidding, but I do have a gun strapped to my thigh—so should we go over the timeline again."

Derek tapped her nose and leaned closer "Baby Girl" he began as he rested his hands on her hips, "the gun stays in the limo—I've seen you at target practice – It's for Mr. Wayne's safety."

"Call me, Bruce." He looked long and hard at Penelope, "we don't," he exhaled, "I don't believe in guns"

"I passed the test, Mr." she said slightly offended

"Barely," he countered with a smile that would have moistened a few panties.

"I don't believe in guns but if Clancy thinks we need them - we do – plus it just feels like a bow on my garter belt."

"Now that's a visual," Derek said chuckling. His hand slowly made their way to her thigh. He removed the gun and returned the skirt of her dress back to it proper place. Bruce couldn't help but wonder how many times Derek's hands made a similar trip.

"It won't get that serious baby girl, and if it does I'll be right there."

She looked up.

And he added promise with as squeeze.

"So the timeline," Emily prompted knowing they could do this all day. She did enjoy watching Bruce's reaction… his eyes volleyed from them to the window. Like most people he thought they were a thing and Emily was content in letting him think so since he chose to let Penelope think he was dead for 4 years.

Penelope has bad 'dude-luck', Emily thought,—Kevin wasn't worthy. Theo is cute but controlling and possessive. Only she and JJ see Theo's flaw– the guys think they're nuts because he is so wonderful but – there is something off about him. Maybe it's the way he campaigned to speed things up and used breaking up with her as leverage to get her back. But she admired Penelope for sticking to her guns – she didn't accept any of his proposals – Penelope told them she didn't believe in marriage but Emily had a feeling she was once bitten twice shy kind of girl. Theo's un-subby, Bruce un-loving, and Kevin un-worthy – I'm choosing the next guy—Emily thought.

"I know it by heart, Em. Bruce and I mingle for an hour to an hour and a half – our mission is to talk with Charlie and Alex—get their temperature while allowing for folks to engage us – the unsub will talk to us tonight.. which is so creepy to actually know… Then when the galleries open make our way to the 12th century chessboard in the room off of the gallery terrace level and retrieve the riddle."

"We give the riddle to Reid and the team at basecamp who will start to decipher as we head to the Luthor party and upload the files so Robbie has access. We regroup in the morning solve the riddle and attend CES tradeshow."

"We should be in bed by 10:30 – see I listen" she said giving Bruce a playful squeeze.

"Easy as pie."

As they exited the limousine, Derek and Emily fell into their roles as bodyguards while Bruce and Penelope fell into their roles as a happy couple…. Or they tried.

Bruce decided they shouldn't walk the carpet because he never did – but they did hover by the entrance for a nice photo-op for the smarter paparazzi.

She turned off her mic and signaled for Bruce to do the same.

"The story of us being an item will work on everyone except Alex – who is a suspect too – so don't over do it."

She was about to turn back on her mic and stopped her as he asked, "why"

"When Derek and I – well even before Derek and I started—" she couldn't put it into words "we just never talked about you because he knew it hurt so it would be weird if I'm the over the top posing for pics girlfriend… I mean he knows I thought you were dead and mourned you – we can't be over the top with him."

Derek could see them talking and not hear them. He tapped his ear and shook his head.

She nodded, "so just do be all billionaire playboy in front of him because – he won't buy it and I can't pull that off. Charlie will believe it."

Derek came over quickly, "guys are your pieces down?"

"No," I just need to talk to Bruce without it being added to the scary FBI database."

"None of that Baby- Garcia." He said correcting himself yet still in that intimidating Derek Morgan tone, "Hotch gave us one rule – Lines of communication must be kept open."

"Ok but," Penelope began

"no buts," he gave her a wicked smile and said, "I don't want to have to spank you in front of all of these people."

She laughed, "fine."

Derek looked at Bruce and Penelope and said as you were.

As Derek walked away he heard the photogs start to murmur, "that's Bruce Wayne,"

"Gotham's golden boy has resurrected himself again."

He kissed her temple and gave her this golden smile.

She was slightly perplexed—"the curtains are up," he informed her and she returned his smile with a glowing bright one, "shows on Synergy."

She placed a few strands of his hair in place and said "ready?"

"Ready,"He replied as the paparazzi started to focus on them as they dipped into the main Ballroom.

The ballroom was opulence to the max. Orchids dangling from the ceiling - forming faux vines across the room. The room shades volleyed between cream and champagne. "This is the Wayne Fundraiser?" She asked.

"Alfred knew I would be attendance- he thought this would be a good platform to re-introduce me into society."

"Wow," she said – she forgot this was the usual for Bruce.

Before she could take it all in, A gorgeous woman approached them, She was a shorter than Penelope but had the most striking hazel green eyes, brown hair with gold highlights that matched her dress. Her dress was sequins and lace… sexy and conservative. She looked like a nude mermaid. When she knew that she had their attention she added more sway to her hips.

"Bruce," the shimmering mermaid purred as her dramatic approach was completed.

"Miranda," he said with his million dollar smile.

She leaned in to kiss his cheek and then paused and looked at him then kissed his other cheek making sure she gave him a good view of her breast.

"When did you get back?" Miranda asked.

"A few days ago," he looked towards Penelope, "Miranda this is.."

Miranda took a step closer and pressed into Bruce's body, "DC is such a bore without you," She picked invisible lint off of his lapel and began to seductively stroke the out edges of his lapels as she pouted, "I have no one to cook for."

Penelope's eyes arched into a question.

Bruce took a step back and said, "Miranda this is Penelope Garcia- Penelope this is Miranda she is one of Wayne Enterprises potential energy partners."

"Charmed," Miranda murmured not even looking at Penelope.

"So when can we finish our conversation—Tate Industries has several core fusion concepts that we would like to walk you through. Imagine what how free energy could liberate the people."

"I do love your passion Miranda but Lucius is the person you need to speak to."

"Fine," she purred, "but dinner I haven't seen you since you last disappeared. Dinner tomorrow I'm staying at your hotel."

"I'm booked up with CES," he said apologetically

"Lunch then. Don't make me stalk you," she teased. She brushed his bicep, "I want to hear all about your adventures."

She kissed him on his cheek again both sides and then exited the same way that she entered.

"She's" Bruce began to explain.

"Charming," Penelope said with a slight eye roll.

David interrupted them through the headpieces, "I thought no one knew you were around."

"She saw me in DC and sorry I forgot—she was pitching her wares."

"Sounds like she was pitching more than her wares – we will discuss tomorrow," Hotch said as Clancy nodded in agreement.

"Sorry she slipped my mind."

"She they type of woman who lives to make an impression," Derek added.

Penelope and Bruce, walked further into the room, and took a glass of champagne from the waiter.

"You do throw a fancy fundraiser Bruce," Penelope said in her best Miranda Tate voice.

He eyes became dark and unreadable, "Alfred did all this."

"He loved preserving the legacy of my parents—I squandered it and he preserved it," Bruce said chastising himself slightly.

"I miss him too Bruce – remember when I taught him the art of a key lime pie?

"Still on of his favorite deserts," he said in a small smile

"Remember his take on American Chili… a bit too much like bean soup – but I enjoyed it."

"He also makes a mean martini," Charlie added

Penelope gasped, "Charlie," she said as she gave him a huge hug

"Charles," he corrected her

"Excuse me," she said as she poked him in the ribs "Where's Bev?"

"She hates these things," Charles added with a shrug

He looked over at Bruce "Wayne," he said with a smile that didn't quiet reach his eyes.

"So when did you return? How was Jupiter? I mean Mars," Charles teased

Bruce said "dry" absentmindedly

"Did you separate the sand from the glass and sell it to the highest bidder?" Charles asked with a laugh.

"I don't get it," Penelope said slightly confused.

"Bruce likes to take my toys before I'm done playing with them."

"So," Charles said dramatically, "I decided to return the favor"

Bruce's gaze roamed the crowd, "Charles sends Lucius his skeleton programs after the final hit the consumers."

"I don't get it," Penelope said looking between the two of them

"Bruce bought – well Wayne acquired majority shares of my company four and half years ago and then forced me out."

"What are you talking about? Alex and I worked for you right after your gig at apple – that was your company. You secured all of those investors—I know we had many a tequila night celebrations."

"Do you want to explain old chap or should I?" Charles asked with a grimace to his tone.

"Lu, it was business"

"Felt pretty personal to me," Charles quipped back.

"He acquired 54% share of my company through four dummy firms and then tried to incorporate it the Applied Sciences."

"So all that venture capital was… " Penelope trailed off"

"All Wayne," he tilted his head slowly.

"It wasn't personal Mr. Reese – we need a music property and your was the most promising – so we acquired it."

"But at what cost Wayne?"

"You seem to be happy with Luthor?"

"Extremely – but who doesn't want to be the master of their own domain. I wish I could say it was a pleasure but," he trailed off.

Charles turned his soft grey eyes to Penelope, "Penelope we must lunch – Bev will definitely come up from LA for that – maybe she'll bring the boys."

"Boys?" Penelope smiled loving the idea of kids.

"We have two beautiful boys Corey and Hunter."

"I'm here till Wednesday or Thursday – we have to," she said kissing him on the cheek.

His eyes turned cold as ice and he said, "Leave the log at home," he whispered as he pulled away.

She smiled and nodded

She watched him go and wondered how many enemies of Bruce filled this room. Her dearest friend hated him.

"What did you do to him?"

"Add that to the list," Bruce answered coldly.

"No, this actually pertains to the case," she said not budging.

"When you started working for him – when we returned from France – I had his company investigated—discovered a few projects he was working on and acquired 3 of them for Wayne enterprises. He had good concepts."

"Why would you snoop on a start-up? Especially one as small as Charlie's?"

"You were working there and I had to make sure it was," he said looking at het, "It was safe."

"I had Lucius begin the process of acquiring it –,"Bruce continued when Penelope put the pieces together.

"And that's the reason," he folded Penelope said shaking her head

"He could've sold to us," Bruce said defending his actions.

"But it was his baby Bruce and you," she said raising her eyebrow to scold him.

"It was business Penelope – deals like that happen all of the time."

He looked away from her judgmental eyes and to the crowd.

Penelope watched him for a few minutes more – he often lacked heart when it came to business dealings – she never knew why – why wouldn't you invest in Charlie instead of breaking his dream to pieces and selling it – and then thinking you could be cordial. What world did Bruce live in?

Penelope could see Charles animosity towards Bruce and it was valid – but he couldn't be the unsub – Could he?

She was pulled from her thought when she felt her waist being grabbed – "Live and Direct," a familiar voice said boisterously.

She turned around and hugged "Alex – Alejandro De Papidras!"

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes" – He kissed her cheek and grabbed her hand.

"What brings you to CES – you never come out – did the FBI release you?" He chuckled doing a horrible True Blood impersonation.

"Actually Bruce brought me to CES," she said smiling.

She gestured towards Bruce who turned and Alex was surprised

"Adios Mio—resurrected again—" Alex said as his green eyes took in the missing billionaire. After running his fingers through his jet black hair- he slapped his shoulder firmly and said "Welcome back!"

The firm slap and the warm greeting surprised Bruce – he forgot being with Lulu often meant people treated him like a person instead of a Wayne. Alex was a classic Spanish man tall, golden, and attractive. He was always jealous of the relationship they had – their friends tried to match them up a few times – even though it didn't pan out they had a unique friendship. Bruce remembers their last fight when he thought she moved on with him. Penelope wasn't interested in Alex but Bruce always that Alex was just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"How long are you back? And where did you go? Sophie is going to believe he went to the other side of the rainbow."

Penelope laugher filled room, "Sophie, his daughter, believes missing people and socks live on the other side of the rainbow and only eat brownies."

Penelope turned back to Alex, "How's Ava? Maybe we can visit?"

"Thanksgiving is better. My business partners," He gestured to the 2 Russians coming in at 6 ft tall, "really want to horse and pony show our new products—they are hoping to acquire more investors."

"Oh," Penelope said disappointedly.

"But maybe breakfast tomorrow before the trade show opens? I have a suite at the Thomas."

Penelope wondered why was he staying there when they lived like 15 minutes away, "Oh we're staying there too – perfect. "

"Good to see you Penelope!," He turned to Bruce, "It always interesting is it not?"

Alex chuckled – and headed over to his partners.

Garcia groaned, "she back."

"Who?" Bruce said looking out at the crowd.

"Your long lost love—Ms. Tate. I'm going to mingle. Adios," Penelope said as she kissed his cheek and left him by the silver column.

Garcia mingled and smiled for what seemed like forever – but was really only 15 minutes before she made it outside to the balcony for some air—She took a sip and looked out at the city.

"Bruce again mamacita?" Alex asked

"I know you don't like him but," Garcia said aware that the entire team and Bruce could hear this conversation.

"He's tortured mija."

"Don't you mija me. Why are you staying at the Thomas?"

"He is. You think you can fix him but he is damaged—"

"Why are you at the Thomas Hotel?"

"Ava and I – we hit a bump in the road," Alex said looking said,"well I should say she hit a bump in the road called Robert and I'm at the Thomas hotel trying to figure out the power of forgiveness. Bruce isn't worth any more of your forgiveness and tears- neither is Ava."

"Bruce doesn't need forgiveness from me—He's done nothing wrong." Penelope caressed his face "I'm sorry about Ava but…"

Alex grabbed her hand and pulled her closer, "Mija, he's deprived you of all the things you love, a life, a family – he flits in and out of your life like a butterfly and you stare at it's wings. You deserve more than moments strung together by year gaps… you need someone like…"

Before Alex could finish his tirade, they turned to the footsteps and saw Bruce.

"Was looking all over for you Lu,"

"What happened lost your butler?" Alex asked off the cuff

Penelope's head snapped up and did he just say what she thought he said, "What?" Alex asked, "he never does anything himself?"

"Breakfast tomorrow?"

"Maybe, I'll text you in the AM"

Bruce placed his hand around her waist, "We have 5 minutes till the guards switch rotation—we need to be in place by the gallery"

"Gotcha," Penelope said as she allowed Bruce to guide her through the crowd.

"Clancy chimed in their ears you have 3 minutes to get the first riddle"

More to come - like next week.

Apologies for the typos - If you enjoyed the chapter leave a review - they motivate me. What do you think of Bruce and Penelope so far- are you rooting for them or are you hoping that Jack is healed, or that magically Savannah is the unsub? Check out my other stories too - they will be updated this weekend too!