The Slow Burn

Chapter 6: Gone but Not Forgotten

The fateful day had come. The day the team had always dreading. Penelope Garcia's going away party. Of course David Rossi was the one to host it and everyone was invited. Megan had decided to don a simple black dress with her hair pulled up into a messy bun. For her it was a day of mourning. Penelope was truly one of her best friends and now she was no longer going to be apart of the team. "You look amazing darling." Darren said as he walked in and wrapped an arm around her waist. She smiled into the mirror she was currently standing in front of before tilting her head some. "I just can't believe she's actually leaving." she said softly as he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her temple. "I mean it is expected. You all have to deal with some much...ick on a daily basis. I'm surprised you all have done this job as long as you have." he said as he moved to sit on the bed behind the both of them, his eyes wandering over her for a moment before snapping upward to her face when she turned around. "Coming from the man who works in trauma." she said as she shifted over to grab her coat that laid on the bed next to him. "We should head over before they choose to send out a search party for us. Penelope would never forgive me if I showed up after her." she said, her hand outstretched for the dark haired man to take. He took it and hoisted himself up with her assistance before guiding her out of the bedroom.

The couple had managed to show up just seconds before Penelope and Luke pulled in. The two ladies giggled as they walked in together followed close behind by the guys. "I present our beautiful guest of honour!" Megan cheered as she walked in, her hand interlocked with Garcia's. Everyone turned to look at the small group that entered, large smiles spreading across their faces. Megan released Penelope's hand to let her go give hugs. Slowly she walked over to Darren who wrapped an arm around her waist just as he had earlier. "Talk about cutting it close you two." Emily said as her and Andrew walked over to the couple. "Thanks Emily." the younger woman said as she looked at the raven haired woman before her, a small smile tugging at her lips before she looked up at Andrew. "Good to see you could make it here." she said with a cold tone that almost went unnoticed. "Megan not tonight." the raven haired woman said as she gave the brunette a scolding look. "Please refrain from telling my girlfriend what to do Agent Prentiss." Darren said as he held Megan close to him. Andrew scoffed and gave the couple before him a glare before looking down at Emily. "Darren..."Megan warned softly, her head turning to look up at the dark haired man. "Yes Mr Carter. Please shut up." Emily snapped as her dark eyes board into the tall man. Darren stepped around his girlfriend some, Andrew following in suit. Both men looked like puffed out peacocks as they attempted to defend their women."I told you talking to them was a bad idea. I'm going to get a drink." he said as he offered out his hand for Emily to take. Megan watched as Emily took hold of his hand before she rolled her eyes and broke away from Darren before simply marching off to find Spencer and Tara.

"Woah. You okay?" Tara asked as Megan approached, her eyebrow raising as she looked over at Spencer. "Yeah. Great. I just wanted to see how you guys are doing." the younger woman said as she crossed her arms over her chest. Tara snorted as Spencer lifted a brow. "Megan I think it's time that the two of you put aside your differences and actually make up." Spencer said as he lifted his hand to gesture at Emily who now stood at the drink table with Andrew. "Can't. Not if Andrew is here playing protective boyfriend." she said as she glanced behind her to look at Emily. She sighed softly and looked forward once again just as Tara offered out her glass of scotch. "How about we play defense and you get her alone to have the conversation." she said as Megan took the glass. The younger woman looked down into the amber liquid before shaking her head. "No. Nobody needs to be dragged into this grand mess. I'll...figure something out." she said before lifting the glass to her mouth, downing the drink instantly. She pulled the cup away and coughed as her face scrunched up in slight disgust. "Christ Megs." Tara said as Spencer laughed heartily at Megan's mistake. "I was only offering a sip." Tara finished as she looked down at her empty glass before snatching it away. "Sorry.." The brunette said as she offered a sheepish smile.