Criminal Minds One-Shots

We're Family

Derek Morgan was in his usual element, pouring over case files in the BAU office, when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw a text from an unfamiliar number. It was a photo of a bright, smiling woman with a backdrop of an international summit, and a message underneath:

*"Stateside for a few weeks. Crash at your place? Miss you. - NeeNee"*

Derek's face broke into a rare, genuine smile. He typed a quick response:

*"You know you're always welcome. See you soon, NeeNee."*

Derek had known Nevaeh, or NeeNee as he called her, since she was a child. She wasn't technically his cousin, but she was family in every sense that mattered. Nevaeh had been a foster child taken in by the Morgan family's neighbors, and over the years, she had become a cherished part of their lives.

As he was wrapping up his work, he thought about how much had changed. NeeNee had grown from a shy little girl into a poised and influential diplomat. Her current job involved traveling to far-off countries, representing the U.S. in high-stakes debates and treaties. Derek was proud of her, and he had missed her since her last visit.

~~~~~~~~~

It was late afternoon when Derek arrived home, and the familiar sound of laughter greeted him as he walked in. He was met with the sight of NeeNee in his kitchen, her presence as vibrant as ever.

"Hey, little cousin," Derek said, his voice filled with warmth. He dropped his keys on the counter and pulled her into a hug.

"Hey, big brother," NeeNee responded, returning the hug with equal enthusiasm. "I missed you!"

Derek looked at her with a smile. "You look like you've been working hard. How's the diplomat life treating you?"

"Busy, but good. Lots of traveling, lots of meetings. It's a whirlwind, but I love it," she said, as she set down a bag and started to unpack. "But being here, in the U.S., without a permanent address... I figured it was the perfect time to crash at your place."

Derek nodded, his smile never fading. "Well, make yourself at home. The guest room is yours for as long as you need it."

~~~~~~The first few days were a whirlwind of catching up, sharing stories, and reliving old memories. Derek and NeeNee fell into their old routine, filled with laughter and easy camaraderie. They cooked meals together, watched movies, and even took long walks around the city, reminiscing about the days when they were inseparable.

One night, after a particularly long day, they sat on the couch, relaxing. Derek was flipping through channels while NeeNee was curled up with a book.

"So, I need to know WAY more about what you've been up to lately. Spill it. Any juicy stories?" Derek asked, his tone light but curious.

NeeNee laughed softly. "Well, there's always something. I met with some pretty high-profile figures recently. It's amazing how many different personalities and politics come into play."

Derek raised an eyebrow. "Anything that made you think twice?"

"There are always moments," she said thoughtfully. "But it's part of the job. I've learned to handle them with grace and a touch of humor."

~~~~~The peace and comfort of the reunion were interrupted by a call from the BAU. Derek had to leave for an urgent case. He told NeeNee, who insisted on accompanying him to the office."I haven't been to a crime scene in ages. Let me help out," she said with a determined glint in her eye.

At the BAU office, Derek introduced NeeNee to his team. They were intrigued by her charisma and impressed by her presence. Spencer Reid was particularly fascinated by her diplomatic experiences.

"Do you find that understanding people's motives helps in negotiations?" Reid asked as he and NeeNee engaged in a deep conversation.

"Absolutely," NeeNee said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Understanding the other side's perspective is crucial, whether it's in diplomacy or criminal profiling."

As they worked on the case, NeeNee's insights proved valuable. Her ability to read people and her quick thinking provided a fresh perspective on the investigation. The team was grateful for her help, and Derek was proud to see how well she integrated with his professional world.

~~~~~

As the case came to a close and the team wrapped up their work, Derek and NeeNee found themselves alone in his living room again, catching their breath after the intense few days.

"You were amazing," Derek said, leaning back in his chair. "I knew you were good, but seeing you in action with the BAU... it's impressive."

NeeNee smiled, her eyes soft with gratitude. "Thanks, Derek. I just wanted to help. And being here, with you and your team—it reminds me of home, in the best way."

Derek nodded, feeling a pang of realization. "You know, having you here makes me appreciate how important family is. No matter where life takes us, we're always connected."

"Always," NeeNee agreed, reaching out to squeeze his hand.

As they sat together, enjoying the peace after the storm of the case, they both knew that no matter how far apart they were in their respective worlds, the bond they shared was unbreakable. They were more than family—they were each other's anchor in the whirlwind of life.

And as NeeNee prepared to head back to her diplomatic duties, she left behind a reminder of home and the enduring strength of family.