Penelope Garcia and Derek Morgan had made a connection from the first day they met. Neither of them knew for sure when the connection went from best friends to being in love with each other. The team had sat back and enjoyed their word volley all these years. Each team member knew that it was more than just that but they dare not point out the obvious to Penelope and Derek. Perhaps it was this steady stream of compliments and insinuations that made it so easy for everyone to notice its absence. No one knew the exact day that the word exchange stopped but stop they did. On the surface Morgan and Garcia appeared to be just fine. Each came to work and did the job that was required of them. They were cordial to each other but spark was gone. Reid was the first to notice. They had just returned from a grueling female torture case in Nevada. The team was headed out for drinks to unwind. Reid had asked Morgan to go and see if Garcia would like to join them. Morgan had been reluctant and this is what caught Reid's attention. All before, Morgan would jump at the change to go and visit his baby girl but tonight something was different. Seeing that Reid sensed his hesitation, Morgan got up and headed to Garcia's office. He knocked on her door and waited for her to signal him in. He could tell by the way that she tensed; she knew he was there. She slowly turned around and gave him a slight smile. This was not the usual smile he loved to see; the one that touched her eyes. This was a 'what the hell do you want' smile. Deciding that now was not the time to get into an argument with her he merely stated
"The team is headed out for drinks to distress. I came to see if you would like to join us." Garcia took a slow deep breathe before replying 'Sure, why not" He waited and watched as she shut down her babies, grabbed her bag and locked her office. Morgan and Garcia walked in silence back to the bullpen. Reid was still there waiting. As they approached, he observed the lack of conversation and the care each of them took not to touch the other. After Morgan grabbed his back, they headed for the elevators. The ride in the elevator was tense to say the least. Reid's attempt at a joint conversation was slightly unsuccessful. They spoke but only in short closed end sentences. When they reached the parking garage, Reid noticed the absence of Esther. Garcia explained that she had taken the bus to work because Ester was in the shop. Before Reid could offer Garcia stated, 'Reid is it okay if I ride with you?" Nodding Reid moved around to open the door for her. As soon as Morgan heard what Garcia said about Esther, he just started walking towards his truck. He didn't seem the slightest bit concerned about how Garcia was going to get to the bar. Reid again observed this exchange and decided that he was definitely going to mention something to Hotch as soon as they reached the bar.