A matter of time

I want to thank you for your reviews for « Dilemma ».

Now, I'm back with a sequel. It takes place several months after the end of Dilemma. Hope you'll like it. Like always I don't own CM.

Chap 1. Date

Several months after her rapt, Penelope Garcia thanks to her efforts and her friends support, totally recovered from her injuries. Now she walked normally and was coming back to work.

"Hey Baby Girl. How are you today?"

"Perfectly fine sweetheart."

"I'm happy you're back baby."

"Me too."

"Dinner at mine, tonight?"

"Hem… well…" she seemed obviously embarrassed.

"What?"

"I know that we used to get dinner together these past few months, but Sean asked me out tonight. I agreed and I think that you could going out again without caring about me."

"Sean?"

"Yes. Sean. My physical therapist. Now that I've finished the rehabilitation it's allowed. And well he asked me, he's so cute."

"Oh… okay. I thought…"

"Yes?"

"Nothing… nothing. Well, we'll have dinner another day."

"Sounds good. Wish me luck." She said chuckling.

"Yeah… enjoy it baby girl."

Derek left her office. He was visibly down.

"Derek, you're alright?" Emily asked.

"Yes. Thank you Em." Emily was not convinced he sounded off but she let it pass.

The days went on, as they didn't have a case they made some paperwork.

Penelope left early, she waved to the team while leaving.

"Goodbye everybody."

"Where are you going Pen?" Reid asked.

"Home silly boy. I have a date…"

"Oh. Who's the lucky guy?" Emily asked while looking at Derek.

"Sean, Em. It's Sean."

"Oh. You're indeed lucky"

"Thanks. Well guys I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodbye Penelope."

Hotch who had witnessed the scene called for Derek.

"Morgan in my office."

Derek sighed and stood up.

"Yes Hotch?"

"Sit down. How could you have let this happened?"

"What?"

"Penelope! And that Sean. What were you waiting for?"

"Nothing… Just…She was healing. I didn't want to rush her…"

"You've been constantly with her, these past six months. Helping her, dinning with her. So why?"

"She doesn't share my feelings. I guess."

"I don't think so… but if you didn't make her realize…. Why didn't you make a move?"

"I don't know. Pen is not like the other women I met. She's the woman I love."

Hotch seemed surprised that Derek admitted his feelings aloud, all above in front of him.

"Derek, I don't want to interfere in your personal life, but I know that if she build a relationship with that guy, it will affect you. Maybe it's not too late. You could do something?"

"Maybe. Only time will say it."