Earth Hour

Disclaimer: I swear I have no ownership of Criminal Minds or CBS. I am simply borrowing the characters for a little fun.

A/N: This was inspired by comments made by a DJ on a local radio station in regard to how to spend Earth hour tonight. It fermented while I ran errands today and voila. It has not been betaed. All mistakes are truly my own.

I would love to know what you think.

A Gentle Nudge – chapter 1

"Okay, my lovelies, before we're off for the weekend, I wanted to remind you all that it is Earth Day tomorrow. Since it appears we are going to actually get our promised weekend off, please don't forget to observe Earth hour. Take the time to enjoy the darkness and do something fun," Penelope proclaimed, as she waved and made to exit the bullpen.

"There aren't any cases that are pending so Will and I are going to spend most of the day at home relaxing with Henry and that hour cuddling with him in our bed," I can hardly wait JJ said as she headed up to her office.

"Jack and I are going up to a cabin in the morning. We're going to spend 24 hours without electricity. Wish me luck," Hotch said, briefcase mysteriously missing as he made his way through the door leading to the elevators, a look of near peace on his face.

"There's only one way to spend an hour without needing electricity and have it be enjoyable. Enjoy all," Rossi said, as he followed Hotch out whistling.

"My mother has invited me to a dinner at the embassy to commemorate the occasion. We'll be using up all the electricity you all aren't," Emily snarked, as she went back to the cold case she had been reading through.

"You know, Emily, if you are that opposed to what they are doing why are you attending? There is any number of other events taking place around the district you could attend. I, myself plan to-"

"Reid!"

"Yes, Emily?"

"Shut up."

Penelope just shook her head at the exchange. She was passing through the desks heading for the hallway leading to her bunker when a hand wrapped around one of her wrists. "Hey, baby girl slow those heels of yours for a moment."

"Talk fast, sug. I want to power down my babies and escape, too before Chief Strauss finds something for us to do."

"You have a point there." Derek slipped off the corner of Reid's desk where he'd been perched, nodded his farewell and followed after her. "Give me a minute to grab my stuff and I'll walk out with you."

Penelope gave him a pointed look. "Something wrong, Hot Stuff?"

Derek shook his head. "Nope. I think I can honestly say for the first time in over two years that all is copasetic."

"You, too, huh. Funny that!" She smiled and her eyes twinkled. "Don't be long. I'll be waiting."

Derek grinned in return. "I believe you will be." He left her side at a steady jog, disappearing around the corner to his own office.

He was back, jacket on and bag slung over his shoulder in short order. Penelope was just shrugging into her coat, so he rushed to assist her. Holding her hair out of the way and guiding her remaining arm into the waiting sleeve. "Thanks. It's not everyday a girl has her own personal Adonis at her service. Do you do windows?" She laughed lightly, giving his closest arm a quick squeeze.

"You, baby girl, are too funny. I may not do windows but I make a mean steak."

"Grilling already, Derek? Or are you just planning to go all cave man tomorrow and play with fire?"

"You game?"

"I was planning to spend a quiet evening with candlelight, a bottle of wine and reading."

"Could I tempt you with the fireplace? You can bring the candles and the wine. We can have dinner and then spend the evening talking while we are being Earth friendly. What do ya say?" Derek raised an eyebrow and gave Penelope one of his most dazzling smiles.

"You want us to spend tomorrow evening together?"

He nodded. "In fact, if you want, you can bring your bag and we can watch a movie or two later instead of you heading home."

"Well, I have been reading this book for a week and it's not getting any better. Your offer is far more enticing."

"Woman, you wound me."

"I can think of lots of things I'd do to you, but cause injury is not one of them," Penelope replied.

Derek didn't say anything, but he was grinning with more than a hint of mischief in his eyes by the time they got on the elevator. "So, it's a date for tomorrow?"

"Sure. What time?"

"We can eat around six. Anytime before then is fine with me. Just let yourself in and get comfortable."

"If I get too comfortable, I might not want to leave."

"That's what I'm hoping," Derek responded.

Now an answering grin was plastered across Penelope's face. As the elevator doors opened she rushed out calling behind her, "You may well get your wish. See you tomorrow, love bug."