"Are you almost ready?" Morgan's voice echoed into the hospital bathroom when Athena was re-doing her makeup for the fourth time before they left for his mom's house.

"Can't you just hire someone to pretend to be me?" She half joked back in-between changing her natural lip to a dark satin red one and wiping off her eyeshadow to just leave a simple lid with a small wing of eyeliner at the end of it before puffing up her hair that was freshly washed from the bathroom sink.

It wasn't the most glamorous way she'd ever washed blood out of her hair before but it certainly wasn't the worst.

She had spent most of the day busy getting scans done and followup tests, unable to even think about showering before getting ready in the early evening for his mom's- a visit she was dreading.

She had told Morgan that it was just a general check-up when he was let out of the hospital before her and started asking questions, eventually getting him to leave to go get the clothes she had left at the station.

"It's astounding how many times I've had to say this today-" Morgan laughed as he rounded the corner, "-but I'm not hiring a prostitute to pretend to be you to meet my family."

"You're such a bad boyfriend" she joked, turning just in time to catch him staring in awe at her caramel midi cotton wrap dress with a shirred waist and sleeves that flowed up to her elbows.

It looked like it was made perfectly for her, paired it with a pair of white Nike air forces she had brought on a previous case, ironically with Morgan's old credit card.

"Wow! You look... wow" he couldn't stop gawking at her up and down her, "just... wow!"

"Derek Morgan is speechless? That's a first" she teased before he planted a kiss on her forehead, being met instead with a slap of his arm, "hey! Where are your crutches? You're not meant to be walking without them- you could tear your stitches on your leg, you dumbass."

"Will you ever stop calling me a dumbass?" He rolled his eyes with chuckle, reluctantly taking the crutches that he was being forced to use from her.

"Only when you stop acting like one; so no" she smile, standing on her tip toes to give him a quick peck on the lips before continuing to fix her hair moments before the Xray doctor tapped on the room door.

"Miss Adams? Are you in here?"

"Hiya" Athena suddenly turned, quickly walking past Morgan into the room to greet the doctor at the door, "let's talk out here, be right back!"

The doctor gave her a confused look as she dragged him to the hallway, quickly closing the door and making sure no one else was around.

"Sorry about that- you were saying?" 

"Miss Adams-" 

"Please, call me Athena" 

"Athena, unfortunately the re-scans came back with the same results" he spoke solemnly, surprised at her simple nod of response.

"I think it would be best if you stayed here so we could discuss treatment but you're not from Chicago are you?"

"No, I'm from Ireland but I'm- well I guess I'm from Virginia now, I guess I live there" she rambled, unsure how to take the news, her top priority still somehow was to make sure Morgan couldn't listen in.

"Okay well I know great doctors in Virginia that I can transfer you to who can go over options of occupational, physical and psychological therapy as well as medical treatments to stop the spiral in the first 3 months if those don't work as quickly we hope-"

"Yeah sure, that's great, thanks."

"Athena, are you okay? You're taking this very well."

"I guess that's the brain damage" she joked, clearing her throat when he didn't laugh, "I mean no I'm not okay, it sucks obviously, but there's nothing I can do by being upset so."

"How has your team and partner taken it?" 

"About that... I would really appreciate it if you could keep it off the physical records that you give my boss and on the sign out sheet- I'll take care of keeping it off the digital records."

"You haven't told them?" 

"Nope and I don't plan on doing so, so like I said- please keep it low-key; for all he knows, we're talking about blood test results that have come back clear and nothing else- okay?"

"In my professional opinion, I don't think that's a good idea. Going through this alone is very traumatising and draining-" he tried to argue with her.

"No. I'm not asking for your 'professional opinion" she snapped suddenly before glancing into the room to see Morgan looking over at them, quickly putting on a fake smile as she turned back to the doctor with an unsettling threat.

"If you even think about telling him, the team or anyone who doesn't need to know Doctor, I will find you and I will make you regret ever quitting your job as a plumber and joining medical school 10 years ago."

"H-how did you know that?" 

"Smile, pretend I said something funny and laugh" she placed a hand on his arm, pretending to laugh, her tone still threatening through her smile.

He tried to chuckle casually, scared of how she knew that about him and what else she could know about him.

"So we're in agreement that this stays between us and the medical professionals in Virginia, yes?" She nodded eagerly, her smile too wide for her face, "or do I have to let your wife, Kelly, know about your little mistake with her sister last year? The one that comes in the form of her niece looking an awful lot like you."

The man nodded slowly, now terrified of the woman in front of him and how quickly she was able to blackmail him with something he was sure no one knew about, terrified more of how she was able to do it with the most sincere of smiles before walking back into the hospital room.

"Thank you for all of your help- all good to go" she smiled at Morgan who briefly spotted the doctor staring with a terrified expression at Athena before quickly turning and walking down the corridor to call his wife.

"What was he talking about?" He tried to ask casually as he finished packing their bags, "everything okay?"

"Just talking about symptoms from the blood tests, I may be a bit dizzy is all" she lied with a smile, ignoring his not entirely convinced nod.

"You about ready to go? We're meant to be there at 6pm and it's like 5:55pm now, we're gonna be late anyway so take your time" he said instead, walking to the door on his crutches before Athena swooped his bag from his hands as she walked next to him.

"I can carry that."

"What kind of a lady would I be if I let you carry your own bags whilst you were on crutches?" 

"I don't even need the crutches, I can walk fine" he shook his head as they went down the lift and out to the SUV that had been left for them.

"Yeah and I can juggle elephant" she mocked, pulling out the keys she had stolen from his bag, hopping into the driver's seat.

"Nuh-no, you're not driving" Morgan laughed standing outside the door.

"Get in or shut the door because there's no way I'm letting you drive and there's no way I'm being late to meet your mom properly for the first time."

"You're not even allowed to drive, I'm not getting into a death trap with you behind the wheels- switch to the passenger seat" Morgan rolled his eyes, jumping back as she drove forward slightly with a shrug.

"Suit yourself."

"Woah, woah, woah!" 

"Are you gonna get in now? Or do I have to reverse and actually aim to hit you this time?"

"You're insane" he laughed, hopping into the passengers seat.

"You're god damn right" she chuckled as they drove.

"Keep an eye on the mirrors- careful of the lane change, watch out for that car."

"Dude! Stop micromanaging my driving- I've only crashed like 5 times."

"That's a lot of times for a 23 year old- I've never crashed my car" Morgan smugly boasted.

"Oh no- I meant 5 times within the last year" she corrected, his face dropped which made her let out a laugh, "I'm kidding! It's more like 10, plus- it may be a lot of times for a 23-year old but it's a good thing I'm not."

"What?"

"I'm not 23."

"Oh my god please don't tell me you're younger- I can deal with the 7 year age difference, I can't deal with more" he half joked.

"No" she laughed "I'm 24, dummy."

"Wait what? Since when?" He asked with surprise.

"Like two months ago."

"What!?" He exclaimed "in September? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't really do birthdays, it's no biggie."

"It is a 'biggie,' I missed your birthday- I'm sorry, we should celebrate in someway when we get back- I need to get you a gift at least."

"Honestly man, it's cool- we were on a case anyway so I barely remembered it myself."

"Nuh-uh missy" he shook his head, "I'm getting you the best 'I'm sorry I missed your birthday because you were saving the world" gift this town's ever seen."

"That's going to be a long banner" she joked before feeling her chest tighten when the SAT nav told her they were about to turn into the street, feeling Morgan's hand place gently on her knee from her nerves.

"Hey, it's going to be fine- my family aren't that scary."

"You mean your mom, right? You keep saying 'family' but you just mean your mom, yeah?" She prompted.

"No?" Morgan tilted his head with confusion "my sisters and their partners are going to be there."

"What?!" Athena exclaimed, slamming on the breaks as she turned to him.

"Hey! Eyes on the road!" 

"I didn't know this! I didn't prepare for this! Why would you do this to me?" She started to panic, ignoring the horns blaring around them as Morgan chuckled.

"You're going to be fine, they'll love you, they love everyone."

"That's easy for you to say- you're their brother!" 

"Your destination is located on the right" the SAT nav spoke, Athena's eyes snapping to the house she had somehow slammed on her breaks right in front of.

"Fuck."

"Hey, it's going to be fine- you're worrying too much" Morgan soothed as they slowly turned into the driveway.

"I don't think you're worrying enough- what if I say something embarrassing? What if I do that thing where I something that I think is funny but people find depressing and sad? Shit, what if I accidentally flirt with them?! I accidentally flirt with everyone all of the time dude! I have no filter Morgan, none! I might end up fucking your mum! I don't wanna fuck Fran!"

"You won't say anything embarrassing, they'll find you charming- and please don't fuck my mom" he laughed, patting her leg before getting out of the car, holding her door as she took a deep breath of anxiety before hopping out.

"Oi! Crutches" she called up the path as he tried to walk from the car.

"Stop caring for my physical health, it's really annoying" he joked, rolling his eyes as she tucked them under his arms.

"Maybe there's still time to get a prostitute to pretend to be me?" Athena turned to him and pleaded, stepping back slightly before the door opened without Morgan realising.

"Well, well, well; look who finally turned up after not seeing us in a year" Morgan's older sister, Sarah, teased as she opened the door with a hand on her hip.

"I can't help that I've been busy with work" he chuckled out a half apology, pulling her into a hug.

"And all the missed calls? Was that work too? Or are your thumbs too busy to text back too?" His younger sister, Desiree, mocked as she walked around the corner, quickly being pulled into the hug.

"Hey, just be lucky I turned up today" he joked before looking back, gesturing to introduce Athena but when he looked where she was just stood, she was gone.

"Athena?" 

"Who's Athena?" Desiree tilted her head, "isn't that an old goddess or something?"

"This Athena is my girlfriend, but basically the same thing" Morgan joked before turning back to them, "surely mom told you she was coming?" 

"You have a girlfriend?" Sarah mocked in surprise, "no way."

"Did mom really not tell you?" He asked, putting his crutches down against the door before walking over to the car to see if she was there, "Athena?"

"It's starting to sound like you made her up" Desiree teased, "does she go to a different school too?"

"Athena? Please don't tell me you're trying to hire a prostate to pretend to-" Morgan called out, jumping back with surprise when Athena's head popped out from the trunk.

"Not yet" she smiled before following him, "sorry, was just grabbing the flowers."

"The flowers?"

"Yeah, I grabbed your mom some flowers from the hospital earlier in-between blood tests- you'll get a credit card report about it" she winked before turning to his sister's with a bubble of anxiety as they reached the front door.

"Guys, this is Athena, my totally not fake girlfriend" Morgan introduced, rolling his eyes at their pure silence of shock, "stop staring at her, you're being rude."

"Sorry! She's just way too pretty for you" Sarah chuckled bluntly, shaking Athena's hand- pausing slightly at the bandage on it and the various bruises on her arms, not knowing about the case.

"Bad paper cut" Athena joked awkwardly, being immediately swept into the house by Desiree who mocked her brother over her shoulder.

"Derek how did your crusty self manage to get her? She's gorgeous!" 

"I like how much they insult you" Athena chuckled up at him before Sarah grabbed her arm excitedly.

"Wait- are you Irish?" 

"What? Oh yeah, good spot, I am- most people have a hard time placing it."

"I love the Irish accent- do you know how to speak any Irish? Can you say something for us?!"

"She's not some kind of dancing puppet to keep you entertained Sarah" Morgan rolled his eyes before being interrupted by a surprisingly nodding Athena.

"Níl a fhios agam ach beagán ón am a raibh mé i mo chónaí ann - na focail mhionn den chuid is mó."

"Wait- you speak Irish?" Morgan looked down at her in an impressed shock, unable to help his small smile whilst Sarah and Desiree prompted more.

"Oh my god that was so cool!" 

"What did that mean?"

"I said that 'I only know a little bit from when I grew up there- mostly the swear words;" Athena explained before hearing a familiar warm voice from the kitchen.

"Do I hear Irish?" Fran paused as she came through the hallway, "oh well don't you look lovely! Welcome to our home dear."

"T-thank you, it's a lot better than the bloodied jeans and ripped top."

"What?" Sarah asked with confusion that Morgan chuckled at.

"Long story."

"Does it have something to do with the crutches you hid in the bushes?" Desiree asked, laughing when Athena shot him a scolding glare before going to get them, pausing to give Fran her flowers first.

"For me? Wow- they're beautiful, thank you so much" Fran took in the fragrance, smiling with warmth as Athena left before being nudged by her Daughter with an urgent whisper.

"Why didn't you tell us Derek was bringing a girl home?!"

"I thought you knew he was dating her, Derek- did you not tell your sisters?" 

"No he didn't and now this is about to get really fucking awkward" Desiree looked up the stairs with a shaking of her head.

"Wait- why will it be awkward?" Morgan went to ask before a familiar set of legs entered down the stair hallway.

"Hi Der-y."

"What. The. Hell?" He turned to his sisters with a stern whisper.

"I'm sorry! We didn't know you were dating anyone!" 

"So you invited her?!" He whispered with anger at her back before the woman walked over and hugged him without invitation.

"It's so nice to see you again- it's been a while baby" she smirked, tilting her head as he stepped back from her with an awkward chuckle.

"Ah,ha- yeah, work will do that..."

"I can't find them so you're just going to have to pray your cuts don't open up because I'm not stitching you back up in this dress" the front door opened before anyone could suffocate from the tension, Athena turning to see the tall, tan woman with long, straight black hair down to the bottom of her short red body con dress, "Hi?"

"Uh, hi? Who are you?" The woman gave an equally confused look back whilst Desiree whispered to Morgan.

"I told you it would be awkward..."

"Athena, hey, this is Mindy my, uh, old friend" he took a purposeful step towards Athena with a shaky smile that she tilted her head at with confusion before turning to 'Mindy' with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, I didn't know how many people would be here but it's nice to-"

"Oh come on now Derek" she interrupted with a laugh, "we were a little more than 'friends.'"

"Oh shit, so you guys were-" Athena went to speak, being interrupted once again.

"We used to date, pretty seriously" Mindy forcefully 'cleared it up' for her, Morgan's now wide eyes quickly dropping to Athena, expecting a blow up or at lease an eye twitch but oddly her natural, real glow of an amused smile he always loved to see spread across her face.

"That was my second guess" she joked before nodding, "but that's dope- not sure how you put up with him, he's a nightmare."

"Wait, how do you two know each other? I don't think I've heard of a 'Athena' before, not that anyone probably has before right" Mindy asked, her tone ever the slightest condescending.

"I guess I'm technically his co-worker" Athena chuckled, clearing her throat at how odd it was to be introducing herself as anything but an 'evil mastermind' or 'former cult member,' "I guess I'm sorta a consultant with the BAU; he just breaks down doors and gets in my way."

"And she's my girlfriend" Morgan added with a rolling of his eyes at her joke, not noticing Mindy's face dropped before quickly trying to hide it with an unnaturally high pitched laugh.

"Girlfriend? That's crazy- I mean it's super 'dope' I've just really never heard of you before, and Derek tells me everything normally."

"Okaay- should we set the table for you mom?" Desiree tried to pass her mother, wanting to get out of the awkward conversation but being led further into it as Fran sent them into the sitting room.

"It's already set, just waiting for the beef to roast- come and sit in the lounge; I've got wine and champagne for you all."

"This is why you always lose at poker" Athena whispered with a chuckle up at Morgan's awkward face before pointing at herself, "see this? The face of a winner right here."

"How are you not freaking-" He went to say as he took his seat, the spot next to him being swooped on by Mindy before Athena could.

"Oh my gosh- were you going to sit here? I'm so sorry I didn't even see you- you're so... little" Mindy laughed a sickly-sweet smile knowing exactly what she was doing.

"It's all good, there's plenty of seats- really is a beautiful space Fran" Athena just smiled, patting Morgans mom's arm before taking her seat the other side of the coffee table, chuckling at Morgan's confused, urgent look.

It wasn't that he wanted her to blow up at Mindy per say, but he was confused at how calm she was being with his ex-girlfriend, who was obviously trying to remind Athena in every way that they used to date, being there.

"So Derry-" Mindy shuffled closer to Morgan, reaching over him to grab her glass of wine as he lent back with a purposeful push back of his body away from her, "-let's catch up, I feel like it's been forever since we last... talked."

"Desiree, Sarah- can you help me in the kitchen? Now" Fran quickly stood up, giving her daughter's a stern look which told them they were about to get rightfully told off.

"So... Athena, where are you from?" Mindy turned her attention across the table when Morgan ignored her conversation, "and how did you get into the FBI and get a chance to work with the incredible Derek over here? I'm sure it's a real treat every day."

"I'm from Ireland originally but moved here when I was around 16 and have been moving around a lot since... my FBI enrolment story is kind of a long one, very boring" she chuckled, Morgan let out a laugh at her 'boring' story.

Mindy's eyes flared with a hint of jealously before she joined in the laughter she had no point being in.

"What are we all giggling about?" A tall man's voice called down the stairs, followed by a shorter man.

"How many people are hiding in this house Jesus Christ" Athena mumbled to herself as Morgan jumped up to hug his sisters' partners.

"Derek! My man- how are you?" John greeted before pausing when he saw Athena, doing a double take across the room, "well hello there."

"You're dating my sister" Morgan reminded him with a playful eyeroll before introducing them, "this is Athena, Athena- this is John and Keith. They're Desiree and Sarah's partners. Athena's my girlfriend."

"Good work Derek-" John nodded at him with shock before turning to her, "hi Athena, lovely to meet you."

"You're putting a label on it? That's unheard of for you" Keith chuckled before greeting Athena too, being quickly interrupted by a wide eyed smiling Mindy. 

"Do you guys want some wine?"

"Thanks Minds" John took the seat next to Athena as the group settled back into the living room, Keith the other side of her leaning on the book shelf.

"Athena dear, would you like a drink? Or are you too young?" Mindy gave a mocking pout, that the two new members of the room exchanged glances over.

"Thanks but I'm driving and I don't think getting thrashed in front of a FBI agent and his family before driving would be very wise of me" Athena chuckled past the obvious taunt from Mindy before Morgan looked between her and Athena and got up.

"I'm going to see if mom needs any help..."

"What the hell?!" His exclamation in a poorly controlled whisper at his sisters echoed around the pleasantly decorated kitchen.

"We're so sorry! We really didn't know you were going to bring someone!" 

"Yeah, we just felt bad that you would be the only sibling without someone since you normally just sleep around. You should have told us that you stopped being a whore" Sarah joked, jumping when Fran snapped a glare her way.

"Sarah!" 

"Sorry..."

"Why did you call Mindy of all people though?!" 

"I didn't have anyone else you've dated numbers! You don't exactly share who you date with us- you barley even talk to us anymore" Sarah huffed.

"Don't play that card now, you should have known this was a bad idea; whether I was in a relationship or not- inviting Mindy is always a bad idea."

"I'm sorry Derek honey, I had no idea or I would have warned you and Athena" Fran apologised as she plated up the food, the group hearing Mind's snarky comments call out from the other room.

"So what's your bra size? Are you a natural redhead? What size are you? Don't feel bad just because I'm a model- it's literally my job to look this good-"

"Hey-" Morgan quickly rushed back in, pausing for a moment at Athena's amused smile before clearing his throat, "-uh, dinners ready."

"Wow, good luck sorting that out" Keith laughed to Morgan as he walked past and sat next to Sarah at the table, Morgan quickly moving Athena to sit next to him before Mindy could.

"Am I your human shield now?" She whispered with amusement up at him.

"How are you so-" Morgan went to whisper down into her ear before Mindy sparked up in the seat front of them.

"So Athena, meeting the family already- how exciting."

"Yeah, I guess it is- I was pretty nervous but everyone's really nice" Athena nodded, kicking herself for the automatic sass that wanted to come next.

Except you, bitch.

She found it strange trying to hide her spiteful and sassy side, she found this whole thing... strange. 

It felt like an identity crisis of sorts, was this really her? Or was the criminal who taunted and flirted in the cruelest ways really her? Was she pretending to be someone else? Who was Athena really-

Woah, now is not the time to have a quarter life crisis- get it together.

"It's a pretty bold move to meet a guys family that fast- but you seem like girl who moves pretty fast, am I right?" Mindy smiled after the food was handed out, popping a spoonful of stew in her mouth smugly, making Keith choke on his drink at her double meaning remark which caused Sarah to hit his arm.

"I guess so" Athena raised her eyebrow with that same smile, begging her to continue, eating up everything she said with an almost comical amount of control.

"I assume you've told your parents about our Derek then?" Mindy pressed further, gasping when Athena glanced down at her plate awkwardly, unsure about how to explain her situation before Mindy continued anyway.

"Oh my god- you didn't? Sorry Derek- guess she's not as into you" she giggled, enjoying the glance Desiree and Sarah exchanged, upset that Athena hadn't told her parents about him.

"Actually she-" Morgan went to defend before Athena spoke with a casual chuckle. 

"I mean my parents are both dead so it would be a bit tricky to tell them without learning how to talk beyond the grave, but I'll try that next time- good idea."

The tables face's froze in shock as she causally sipped her stew, watching with a cocky smile Morgan knew too well as Mindy mumbled something and drank her wine.

"I'm sorry Athena, that's awful- was it recently?" Fran asked softly.

"Mom, I'm sure she doesn't want to talk about it-"

"It's chill, I mean it's fine" Athena smiled, trying to sound less 'like her' after Mindy had mocked her casual tone earlier, "William is- I mean, my father's death was somewhat recent."

She cleared her throat, correcting her mistake of calling her father by his name that she had trained her brain to, never having called him 'dad,' only 'William,' and 'sir.'

"But my mom passed when I was pretty young so I don't remember her much which I guess is a good thing when it comes to the whole grieving thing."

"I'm very sorry about that, I'm sorry about your father's recent death" Fran nodded, not noticing Athena's fake smile, finding it tricky to bring up the fact she was the one who killed him so wasn't that torn up about his parting. 

"You okay?" Morgan mouthed, giving Athena a comforting pat on her leg under the table which made her smile and Mindy frown.

"So how did you guys meet?" Keith asked Morgan whilst Athena failed to hide her burst of laughter at the thought of his family finding out the real story of their meeting.

"They met at work, she's a consultant or something" Mindy answered for them with a fake grin to get back into the family's good books.

"Wow, so no bar pick up? Very different from your usual tactics" John joked, their relationship feeling more brotherly than his and Keith's.

"Well Athena is very different from your usual girl, she doesn't seem the type you would be interested in, she's very... short, unique, quirky I guess" Mindy tilted her head with a snarky smile that only turned to a small grumble when Athena surprisingly just laughed, only half listening.

She wasn't sure why she wasn't getting worked up or sassing back, she was well known for both after all.

But there was an odd feeling in her stomach, a need to have his family like her, a need to have his family like this version of her.

To scrub the past away, to not be impulsive or snarky, or sassy.

To not be the 'bad girl.'

It felt like playing pretend, or maybe it was before, she didn't quite know.

But she knew how to smile, how to force a laugh, how to pretend to be what they wanted- and that felt safer than figuring out which version was real.

"I'm glad you didn't pick up another chick from a bar, maybe this one has a chance- plus she's a lot prettier than your usual bar girls" Desiree gave Athena a warm smile as she pushed the question of her own existence out of her mind.

"You guys say it like I used to pick up a different woman every night" Morgan rolled his eyes as Sarah wiggled her shoulders.

"I'm pretty sure you did back in college."

"Aren't you jealous of that? Of all the women he's taken home?" Mindy turned to Athena with a mischievous, jealous grin, hoping to rile her up.

"Me?" She spoke mid attempt of a spoonful of stew before putting it back down with a shrug, "I mean no, not really, it's not really my business who he's been with before."

"Ohhh, I get it-" Mindy nodded with fake sympathy, "-this is just a little fling for you, don't want to make your first 'relationship' too serious, I get it."

Athena couldn't help but let out a laugh at the thought, a thought Morgan didn't even know the full extent of before smiling once again.

This is you now, you're not her, you're a good girl, be her.

"This isn't my first relationship, I've unluckily had my share of that, I guess."

"Aren't you like 19? How many people could you have dated? Do you like to get around or something? You look like the type to."

"She's 19?!" Desiree glared at Morgan with judgement before Athena shuffled with a chuckle.

"She's not 19" Morgan shook his head at his family, "what has gotten into you guys-"

"I'll take that as a compliment but no- I'm 24" Athena interrupted with a pat of his hand, smiling almost too widely at the now awkward looking table before clearing her throat with a forced laugh, "no need to start calling him a creep, I do that on the daily so don't worry."

"That's not something to joke about Athena, millions of people get perved on every year" Mindy folded her arms across the table, John raising an eyebrow at her mid sip of wine.

"Did you just use 'perv' as a verb?"

"Is that what a verb is?" Keith tilted his head, "that doesn't sound right."

"That's what a verb is darling" Desiree rolled her eyes with a playful pat of his arm.

"Okay miss medical school" he teased with a bragging kiss of her cheek, turning to Athena who was more than glad for the conversation change, "Des is a nurse."

"That's really cool" she smiled with genuine interest, "have you always wanted to be that?"

"I'm hoping to be" she nodded, tucking her hair behind her ears, "it's taking a little longer since I had to save up so much money for medical school so I'm a fair few years behind but... it's been my dream since I was little."

"And you will, one day" Fran smiled encouragingly. 

"Not if she doesn't fight for the grade she deserves" Morgan rolled his eyes.

"Just because I don't threaten my teachers for the grades I should have got doesn't mean I don't fight for them- not everything can be solve by car chases and fighting like your job" Desiree teased, slightly shocked at Athena's burst of laughter at Morgan. 

"What? She's got a point- all you do is break down doors and scowl into the distance for a living."

"I like this one, she understands you D" Sarah laughed as Morgan rolled his eyes with a smile he couldn't help.

"I bet you find that so annoying about Derek-" Mindy interrupted, "-the eye rolls, I got used to it after a while- now I find it cute."

"Pardon?" Athena turned back to her, "his eye rolls?"

"He always rolls his eyes- they basically lived at the back of his head when we were together."

"You two were together? Really? You never mentioned that before" Athena let her sarcastic side slip before sipping her water, feeling momentarily guilty before Morgan burst out laughing, thankful to have 'sassy Athena' back even just for a moment.

"That's more like it" he whispered down to her before she could mentally scold herself.

"W-what? Yes- of course we were, I was his first love" Mindy scoffed, missing the sarcasm completely, shooting Sarah a glare as she burst out laughing.

"Oh yeah and so were the 6 girls before you."

"It's true! Tell them boo bear!" Mindy defended, looking at Morgan for help but he was too busy trying not to laugh with Athena who teased him that she was going to make the rest of the team call him 'boo bear' now.

"I'll get the apple pie- you guys go to the lounge and pour some more wine" Fran stood up to end the conversation, "Athena dear, would you mind helping me?"

"Of course, thanks for dinner- it was delicious, I don't think I've had a home cooked meal like this in- well, ever" Athena laughed, going to pick up the dishes before a long nailed Mindy snatched hers back.

"I'll clean the dishes for you Franny, as a thank you for such a beautifully prepared meal, perfect as usual."

"I think Athena and I can handle it but-"

"It's no worries Franny-" Mindy had already gathered the plates, nudging Athena out the way with her hip, "you were always like a mother to me."

"Does that make you her brother or husband?" Athena mumbled to Morgan who couldn't help his laughter, "or maybe both."

"That's so gross."

"What's gross?" Mindy's head snapped across the room, glaring daggers whilst wearing marigold gloves.

"The, uh, state of the condensation-" Morgan stood up, finding a quick conversation changer with an awkward glance at Athena before turning to his mom, "-I told you to get these double glazed."

"They're original Derek, I'm not putting the frames at risk" Fran rolled her eyes.

"Wait, wait, wait-" Athena joined them by the bay window, "-these are original? That's so cool!"

"Thank you dear, it's hand sculpted- or at least that's what the realtor told me."

"I mean it looks like it's had a few coats of paint but, pretty much the original state, which isn't great for the heating-" Morgan went to say, being interrupted by his mother's giggles at Athena's eye roll, "-I'm sorry for caring about window safety!"

"But you're not understanding dude-" Athena dramatically gestured at the ridged window frame, "-it's so pretty!"

"Athena just moved into a new apartment herself so she thinks she's an expert now" Morgan turned to his mom and sister's whilst Mindy tried to listen in from the kitchen, "she also needs new windows."

"Really? What's it like?" Fran asked excitedly, sharing Morgan's love for house restorations.

"Tiny" Athena laughed "the hot water doesn't work and I'm pretty sure I have rats living in my kitchen cabinets but I love it- I've never had my own place before so it's really nice."

"What? You've never lived on your own before?" Mindy walked back in, still gloved with the dishes long abandoned in the sink, immediately standing by Morgan, "that's like really weird, kind of childish- no offence."

"Mindy."

"What? I said no offence" she pretended to be shocked at the way Morgan took her comment, "it's not my fault if she's sensitive."

"I've actually lived on my own since I was 15-" Athena shrugged, "- this is just the first time I've had an apartment to live in on my own so I guess you're partly right, it's pretty dope though."

"Were you homeless or something?" Mindy scoffed with disgust, Morgan watching as Athena's smile faltered with a twitch before falling back into its 'perfect' mask.

"Or something..."

"Athena, did you want a glass?" Fran offered across the living room as the evening grew, chatter somehow staying fairly civil even with all of a certain someone's many quips.

"She's driving so she can't" Mindy quickly said, hoping that would somehow turn Fran against Athena.

"Where? What?"

"Uh- back to the airport in a bit, Athena's a crazy enough driver without drinking as it is" Morgan laughed.

"I'm not! I'm a really good driver, I promise- passed my test and everything, I think..."

"You literally went through a stop sign on the way here."

"Did I?" She asked with genuine confusion before the group burst into laughter- except Mindy who glared at her.

"That seems awfully dangerous- since when did you start liking girls who broke the law?" 

You have no idea how many laws I've broken.

 Athena tilted her head, having to bite her tongue to keep her thoughts in as Morgan chuckled.

"I guess I'm starting to have a thing for them."

"Relax Mindy, he's obviously joking" Sarah chuckled, "Athena's with the BAU, she can't break laws.

"What do you mean you're going home in a bit darling-" Fran interrupted with a pat on her son's knee, "-I've made up a guest room for you two to spend the night, the other two are staying as well."

"I don't want to intrude or anything" Athena tried to decline Fran's push of the wine bottle her way to no avail.

"Then don't" Mindy mumbled through her wine,

"Nonsense, I insist" Fran smiled "plus, it means you get to have a drink."

"O-okay, cheers" Athena chuckled awkwardly, Morgan clinking their glasses together with a wink, unable to stop himself watching her slowly sip her drink, her red lips pressing gently against the glass, his eyes glanced down her neck as she softly swallowed.

"What happened to you at work then?" Desiree turned to Morgan with a teasing tone, "What's with the crutches? Did you fall on your ass at the skater rink again?"

"Desiree! Be respectful, your brother had a very hard case-" Fran told her off before whispering far too loudly, "-he was kidnapped by a maniac."

"You what?!"

"Uh- mom we're not really supposed to talk about it outside of work" Morgan chuckled at the well known gossip of his family.

"Are we not?" Athena joked "I should probably take down my live tweets then."

"It's actually very insensitive to joke about this stuff, Derek could have been killed or something! Do you even try to understand what he went through?" Mindy scolded, placing a hand on Morgan's arm with defence, "he's very brave for going what he goes through at work- I can't believe you got kidnapped Derry, you must have been so scared."

"Oh don't worry sweetie-" Athena chuckled with a slight glare, "-I kinda do know what he went through since I was literally there too."

"What? Why would they have a consultant on a case? Aren't you like a receptionist or something not as important?" Mindy scoffed.

"Mindy- that's so rude" Desiree shook her head, "she's just as valid of an employee even if she isn't an agent."

"She is an agent" Morgan corrected.

"First of all ew" Athena laughed at him before turning to the group, "a consultant is just an underpaid agent; I still have to do everything Morgan, I mean Derek does- including going on cases, but just without the cool title and paperwork- I've certainly got the bruises that go with the job."

"She's been kidnapped, shot, beaten up and caught unsubs all on her own on cases more times than I can count, she's defiantly an agent and a pretty good one at that" he added with a smile, clearly enjoying how much he could brag about her now.

"Did you say she has been shot?!" John exclaimed in shock.

"Mhm, twice in one night in the same bullet hole once" she spoke casually like it wasn't a big deal, "I've got a metal shoulder now and everything, like a cool robot."

"Jesus Christ" Keith shook his head "that's pretty awesome not gonna lie."

"Thank you! That's what I try to tell the team but they're too busy being worried about my 'life' and 'general well-being' to see how cool it is."

"Is that why you've got a handprint on your neck? From your last case, where you were kidnapped?" Desiree asked, Athena quickly tucking her hair in an attempt to cover it, a sweat coming to her palms, Morgan noticing a strange amount of nerves from talking about that specific injury that confused him.

"Oh shit, I'm so sorry I thought I put more concealer on that-  just a pretty big criminal with some pent up rage- it was but it's no biggie, I was shot with an arrow in my shoulder one time and a lot worse when I was a kid so this really is nothing- I'm sure you guys don't all want to talk about this, it's kind of boring after the first few injuries."

"That's insane- have you ever broken a bone on a case?" Sarah exclaimed with deep interest.

"I feel like you're defiantly breaking some sort of FBI confidentiality here" Morgan laughed.

"Good thing I'm not an agent then" she winked before Mindy stood up dramatically.

"I'm just going to the bathroom- Derek?"

"Uh yeah? Go ahead?"

"Do you also need the bathroom?" She urged, the whole group looking around with confused and awkward faces.

"Uh- I'm fine? Thanks?"

"Are you sure, Derry bear? You used to like our little 'chats' on the way to the toilet."

"Uhh..." Morgan turned to Athena with a 'help me' expression, almost begging her to pull one of her classic Athena freak outs, not expecting her laughter instead.

"Hey- go have a fun time in the toilet- don't let me stop you, Derry bear."

"I'll get more wine!" Fran jumped to her feet as the group disbanded, shuffling to the kitchen.

"I'm gonna go grab our clothes from the car since it's getting dark out now" Morgan went to stand up before Athena pushed him back down.

"Sit down hobble boy, let someone without gashes through their legs do it."

"This is when she doesn't come back" Sarah joked as the front door shut, "knew it was too good to be true."

"Wouldn't blame her with how Mindy has been" John sat back in his chair "why did you ever think it was a good idea to invite her?" 

"I didn't at first, she came up to me at the supermarket and I accidentally let it slip that Derek was coming for dinner this week and it sort of spiralled... I also didn't know about Athena since Derek hardly talks to us anymore."

"But you know who Mindy is, even if Athena wasn't here it was a bad idea to invite her" he sighed, the group coming to an awkward silence as Athena came back in.

"I'm gonna and pop these in the bedroom so you can finish your presumably totally not gossipy convo" she chuckled, going to head up the stairs before pausing, "shit- where is the bedroom?"

"I'll show you" Morgan chuckled, taking any excuse to leave before Mindy could come back, swooping the bags from her up the stairs.

"I can carry them- I'm not the one with doctor's orders to be on crutches-"

"Meebooopmoop" Morgan mocked over his shoulder, "that's what you sound like."

"I do not!" She couldn't help laughing as they made their way into the annex, standing in shock before she could mock him back, "shit dude- this is so fancy!"

"Thanks, added it in myself."

"What? You renovated this house? That's kinda... dope" she looked around in awe at the beachy styled white room completed with a skylight window.

"Thanks- 'dope' is definitely what I was going for" he joked, placing the bags on the bed before turning to her as she looked around the room, "hey, I'm really sorry about Mindy, I had no idea she would be here and I definitely wouldn't have come if I knew."

"Oh no, I think she's a hoot-" she joked over her shoulder at him, "-seems like a real 'swell' gal."

"I'm really sorry she's being such a dick to you, I understand if you want to go- we can call a taxi and-"

"Absolutely not" she chuckled, turning to him with a wiggle of her shoulders, "I'm enjoying the drama."

"You very good at not retaliating tonight for someone who once broke a unsubs nose because he 'looked at you funny' in the holding cell" he tilted his head down at her with a confused smile.

"I'm a very emotionally controlled person."

"Mhm, and when did that begin?" He teased.

"Honestly, I don't mind her comments or gawking at you- I kind of feel bad for the girl."

"What? You can't be serious."

"I mean she's obviously got some issues in her own life to come to an ex-boyfriends dinner with his family- your family are pretty cool by the way."

"I'm glad you're getting on with them- I told you it would be fine" he stepped closer, tucking her hair behind her ear, "they like you."

"I'm still terrified of them, I don't want to say the wrong thing or be 'too me'" she chuckled, following him out of the room to the stairs where he paused, looking down at her with a sweet smile.

"You could never be 'too you.'"

"Ew- that was so gross, loser."

"You will never let me just be nice to you, will you?" 

"Absolutely not- we started this relationship by being bitches to each other and that's how I intend to continue" she smiled brightly, nudging his arm as they rejoined Fran in the living room who was cleaning up wine that a now very drunken Desiree had spilt.

"Do you need a hand Fran?"

"No, no dear it's fine- thank you though, you go see the others I think they're in the garden."

"Here, let me help you mom- you go ahead Athena" Morgan knelt next to her, already getting ready to come back to rip up the carpets.

"Oh! Hand on a minute" Athena disappeared into the kitchen before appearing with a concoction in a small bowl, quickly scrubbing it on the floor that almost immediately cleaned up.

"Wow! That's incredible- what's in that?" Fran asked in shock.

"Top secret" Athena joked over her shoulder, "it's just dish soap, white vinegar, warm water and the super secret ingredients; porridge oats and a splash of the thing that caused the stain, bleach free rug saver."

"That's incredible! What an odd mixture of ingredients, how did you ever figure that out? I've been searching for a good wine staining solution for years, I usually just put a plant over it."

"I learnt it when I was a kid, comes in handy."

Morgan paused, realising only then that she had just created a homemade solution that got rid of blood evidence that her father probably made her do, holding out his hand to help her up.

"Come on Cinderella, did you say they were in the garden mom?"

"I did- John's making cocktails but I think I'm going to head to bed" Fran chuckled, hugging her son goodnight, "I haven't been up this late in years."

"Night mom, thanks for having us round" he kissed the top of her head before she yanked Athena into another surprising hug with a whisper in her ear.

"Thank you for making my boy happy."

"O-oh, I uh-" she cleared her throat, unsure how to take that kind of compliment that filled her with a confusing light, "t-thank you for everything this evening, it's been lovely to get to know you."

"Watch out for the mosquitos!" Fran warned before disappearing up the stairs, Morgan turning to Athena with a sly smile.

"Did you want to go outside and see everyone or..." 

"Or?" 

"Or, we could go to bed" his eyes flickered from her eyes to her lips like they had been begging to all night with a flirtatious wink.

"Wow, Derek Morgan- we're literally in your mother's kitchen, I can't believe your dirty mind."

"Me? I was simply talking about going up stairs and sleeping- in separate beds of course" he joked, "after prayer."

"Ah yes, to make room for Jesus" she laughed as he stepped closer to her, his eyes wondering around her body and pausing where the tie for her dress was, his hands placing gently around her waist.

"You know it really is a wonderful bedroom, it would be a shame to not see it again" Athena teased, her lips itching closer to his before the back door swiped open.

"You're back! John's making strong cocktails- come on!" A very tipsy Sarah called out, making Morgan roll his eyes with a chuckle before following Athena out onto the fairy lighted patio where the group had taken the few seats in front of the fire pit.

"I feel like I'm in a Disney movie" Athena chuckled, unable to help looking around the garden in awe, Morgan smiling at her delight before siting in one of the chairs around the struggling fire.

"Why won't it light properly?" Keith huffed before Athena joined him with a bottle of vodka from the bar.

"Little life hack I learnt in my teens" she winked, soaking the match in vodka before scraping a rock near it, the frames immediately roaring so much that they had to step back.

"Wooah!" Desiree and Sarah cheered from their seats, "this girl gets it!"

Mindy crossed her arms with an evil eye at Athena who made her way back to the bar to return the bottle, greeted by a fairly tipsy John.

"What can I get ya? Was that a good old time-y voice?" 

"Perfect" she chuckled, "whatever the fruitiest cocktail you have is Mr barkeep."

"A cocktail? How girly" Mindy mocked, somehow behind her again, "John, I'll skip the kiddy cocktails and I'll have a beer."

"Uh- okay? They're in the fridge" John brushed her off before turning back to Athena as he prepared his drink.

"Ah so you're a bartender- no wait, a mixologist in a restaurant- and a fancy one at that."

"Wow, how did you know? Yeah I'm the head mixologist at Gino's here in Chicago."

"Your technique is different to most nightclub bartenders, you're more focused on the execution and craft of the drink rather than getting it out as quickly as possible" she explained her accidental profile, "and I guessed it's a fancy place because you're not skimping on the alcohol."

"Good eye" he chuckled, placing a small umbrella in said drink as per her request.

"Woah! What is it?" She asked as she sipped it once, hiding her disgust at the drink which was surprising for her- she usually liked every drink, it was in her Irish blood.

"No idea, I just like to throw things together and try to make it match something key and unique of the customer if they don't order anything specific."

"Ah- so what was my key?" 

"Your name- it's pretty unique, I don't think I've ever met another person named Athena. It means 'goddess of war' right? I thought the sweet and spicy with a hint of fruity would match that- plus it made a really nice red colour to match your hair."

"You're like the profiler of the mixology world" she chuckled before sitting next to the fire near Morgan.

"Want a seat?" Morgan offered before Mindy slid back into the conversation.

"I'll take your seat, or we could share it."

"Good try babes" Sarah joked, Desiree let out a loud drunken laugh as Athena tucked into the rest of her apple pie, watching the conversations around the fire before sneaking her rest of the drink into the plant behind her.

"Hey- you're empty, here's another one" John somehow appeared with a new cocktail that somehow tasted worse, waddling back to his seat as Athena pretended to drink it before her phone rang.

"Oh thank fuck-" she quickly jumped up, closing her eyes when a dizzy spell she would just blame on being 'drunk' hit, quickly heading to the end of the garden to answer Garica's call- and to avoid the poison in a cup she had left for Morgan to deal with.

"Hey P."

"Hiya my little buttercup- Hotch told me you were meeting Morgan's mom for dinner, how's it going?!"

"His sisters and their partners are here" she whispered back urgently, "I didn't know anything about it!"

"Oh my god! That must have been scary- but Desiree and Sarah are super sweet, how's it going with them?" 

"It's going good with them, I think- it's just the other one who's being a bit of a bitch."

"The other one?" 

"Yeah, his sisters didn't know that I was coming so they invited one of his exes and Jesus Christ this woman not like me- and that's saying something because I've met a lot of people who don't like me."

"What?!" She squawked, "Who?! That's not fair! Morgan didn't know, did he? I will rip off his head if he knew- why would they do that?!"

"Calm down P, it's okay" Athena laughed "no he didn't know, he seems more pissed than I should be that she's here- and I don't know much about her, although she certainly seems to want him back, it's pretty funny if I'm honest."

"Wait- it's not Mindy is it?" 

"How did you know?" 

"Oh no! Listen, I don't condone violence by any means but please know that if you want to punch her in the face I will wipe any record of the assault charge for you-" she shook her head, "-she deserves a wack in the face. I can't believe Sarah and Desiree! They should have known better."

"You sound really peed off about her- what did she do?"

"The relationship was just plain bad; always arguing, super controlling- he wasn't allowed any female friends and she even tried to get him to stop talking to me- even though she was the one who was cheating on him the entire time" She explained, "he found out a year into the relationship and cut all ties with her but she kept showing up-"

"She did what?!" Athena interrupted turning sharply to look up the garden at the woman who was trying to flirt with a sighing Morgan, "okay, time to rip out her silky smooth hair."

"I'm right there with you but you can't do that, you don't want to upset his family or anything. Fran hates violence, like really hates it."

"And I hate people hurting Morgan, sometimes violence is the answer."

"I know, I'm sorry- I shouldn't have told you" Garcia apologised "but I don't think Morgan would want you to make a big deal out of it anyways, he spent a long time trying to move past it."

"You're right" Athena sighed, shaking her head, "it would be selfish for me to make a scene- god I wish I was allowed to be my old selfish, violent self without thinking of the consequences."

"It's a bummer being a good person, isn't it?" Garcia chuckled.

"What do I do? I can't even get drunk to distract myself from wanting to pummel her face in."

"Why can't you get drunk? You love getting drunk."

"I, uh-" Athena paused before quickly coming up with a lie as she rubbed her neck, "I have to have more blood tests before I go tomorrow just to be sure all the blood is mine and there's no risks of infection- I'm not allowed to drink before though."

"Oh... well you've done undercover work, you've had to pretend to like sleezy douchebags and the criminally insane- just think of this as that!"

"I mean she's pretty close to the criminally insane- Jesus Christ!" Athena jumped as she turned back to the garden only to see Mindy now stood right behind her.

"I was told to ask if you wanted smores."

"Uh- I'm fine thanks."

"I told them you wouldn't want them, it just seems like something you would do..."

"What the hell was that?" Garcia asked down the phone as Athena watched her head back to the fire with a sway of her hips.

"I have no idea- she's been saying stuff like that all night, stuff that's sneakily insulting in a way I don't understand but I know I should be offended- please come save me."

"I don't doubt for a second that you can't out passive aggressive that bitch, even if you can't beat her up, you can still make fun of her- you're good at that" Garcia smiled before catching herself "that sounded like an insult- I meant it as a compliment!"

Athena couldn't help her laugh, spotting Morgan waving her back, saying her goodbyes before reluctantly joining the rest of the group.

"Thanks P- I'll call you if I need you to hire me a lawyer or bury a body."

"Got my spade at the ready."

"Hey, was Penelope alright?" Morgan greeted as Athena sat back down with a quick lie.

"Yeah, just wanted to check you were okay."

"She needs to get a hobby" he laughed before flinching when Mindy's cold hands rested on his shoulders.

"I did the honours of roasting yours for you, just as you like them." 

"I'm okay, thanks..." Morgan shook of her hands, doing a double take at her almost scary fake smile before walking away with a hair toss.

"Did you see that look in her eye? I think she's going to murder me in my sleep" Athena joked in a whisper before he nudged her arm.

"Is there something wrong with your drink? You haven't drank much tonight, you okay?"

"Oh, no- it's really nice actually, you should try it" she lied, "I just have a bit of a headache but waste not want not- here, you have it."

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" He teased.

"Of course- that's the only reason I'm here" she joked as he leant down to kiss her, being interrupted by Mindy's hands once again on his arms.

"Derek- oh, sorry am I interrupting something? I just wanted to tell you I found our playlist that you made us, the one you said we would play at our wedding one day."

The speakers burst into John Legend as she glared at Athena for a reaction but she looked unbothered, or, lost in a way.

Her gaze was locked onto the fire, the noise around her turning into nothing but a buzz that seemed to shake her head, thumping her brain as the flames grew.

A panic bubbled in her chest, one she didn't understand, one that seemed to hold her by her throat and slam her head into the wall into the garden changed back and forth.

Nelly's room.

The garden.

Gas station.

The garden.

Basement.

The garden.

Her cult room-

"Turn it off" Morgan's cross voice dragged her back to the garden with a small gasp of pain, squinting as she looked up at him arguing with Mindy, "you're going to wake the neighbours."

There was no denying that they looked like the type who would date, she was beautiful and tall in a way that complimented his beautiful and tall, her beautifully sun-kissed tan skin seemed to glisten even in the low light. 

Athena felt a small pit in her stomach. A pit of jealously and insecurity that she hated, that she had been fighting all evening.

No, this is dumb. Morgan likes you, he said he likes how you look- stop it.

"Oh come on- just a couple of songs, for old time sake" Mindy brushed his arm which he pulled back.

"No, it's late- Athena's got a headache and I don't want to listen to a shitty playlist."

"Oh so we're all supposed to stop having fun because your precious little girlfriend has a headache?" Mindy rolled her eyes, John calling across the fire pit with two beers in hand.

"Actually can we turn that off? We're trying to have a conversation over here."

"Fine!" She snapped, turning it off in a huff before yelling down at Athena, "there, happy now!?"

"I didn't say anything?"

"No but you've done this, all evening you've been trying to take them away from me- to take Derek away from me!" 

"Woah" Athena could't help chuckling as she stood up next to Morgan, "someone's lost the passive part of passive aggression I see."

"Okay- that's enough now, leave Athena alone- she's not done anything wrong" Morgan scolded sternly, the group watching as Mindy blew up.

"Why are you even with her?! I-I mean look at her! She's like half my height, super freaking pale, she looks nothing like me or the women you like- why are you even with her?! I excel in comparison to her in every single way! Is she like amazing in bed for something something?!" 

"Jesus Christ Mindy" John half spit the beer out his mouth in shock.

"Don't you talk to my brother like that" Desiree stood up.

"I would never talk to Derek like that, I'm talking about this little bitch" Mindy turned to Athena who was looking around in confusion.

"What is happening? Am I about to get punched?" 

"Did daddy the cult leader teach you to use that humour in the brothel you grew up in, whore?" Mindy spat, not noticing Athena's face drop to one all too familiar for the 'old Athena' she was trying to be anything other than tonight.

But now she couldn't, now she wouldn't.

Nelly's room.

Gas station.

Cult basement.

Hands.

Squeeze.

Men.

Men. 

Men-

"That's enough" Morgan snapped with anger at Mindy as his sister's looked around with confusion.

"What's she talking about Derek?"

"That's right- one google search and I found little miss things entire history. Is that why you picked her? Because you think you can 'fix' her? News flash Derek, she's a wack job criminal who can't be fixed. Just look who her father was, look who she is! She's just a pathetic girl with a pathetic little life- she's no woman for you! You can use her for her body all you like but you know she can't touch your heart like I can!"

"I said that's enough!" He yelled, his voice was full of defence and anger at her, looking down to check on Athena, surprised not to find her zoning out or furious, instead she looked... bored? 

Her mask carefully crafted yet again, her head tilted in a way he recognised from a time long ago, a part of Athena she had been hiding for a while.

"Are you quite done?" Her voice threatened with boredom as she looked Mindy up and down with a half mocking smile, "my turn now?"

"Uh, I-I" Mindy stammered with confusion of her own slight fear as Athena stepped forward, a wide-eyed sparkle that Morgan hadn't seen since before Garcia's engagement brunch.

"I want you to think about what you saw on that google search, I mean really think about it, yeah? About the things I've done, the things I'm able to do?" She stared up at Mindy with a misplaced wide smile, a sinister level of calm, "I want you to know that it is all true, every last bit of it, no matter how impossible it sounded, no matter how absurdly made up it seems; I want you to take every little bit of information on there as a threat, take me as a threat."

"T-this is crazy, Derek you need to-" Mindy stammered as she stepped back but Athena followed.

"Oh I'm not finished darling-" she followed until Mindy's back was against the house wall, standing an inch from her, "-you know that 'little brothel,' the one full of horrific, fucked up things- do you know one rule that even those fucking psychopaths could follow? Don't cheat."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about-" 

"I've spent my entire 'pathetic little life' surrounded by evil that I know how to spot good" Athena's voice turned serious, far more serious than she had ever been, "I was born into evil, I have lived with evil and I have been the evil. But I would never purposely hurt someone with as much good, pure good, as Derek to make myself feel good about myself- that's the difference between us, not our height, not the fact I'm definitely better in bed than you, it's really quite simple; I'm just not a mythical level bitch."

The group stared in a silenced gawk as Athena reached up, slowly wiping the burnt marshmallow off a terrified looking Mindy's face with a wink before turning back into the house.

"Have such a lovely evening dear, so nice to meet you." 

"You can't let her talk to me like that!" Mindy screeched at Morgan who had already pushed past her with a surprising smile after Athena.

"I don't let her do anything- get out Mindy, stop contacting me and get a life."

"D-Derek! This isn't fair!"

"You heard him-" Fran's voice called from the upstairs window with a proud smile, "-get out of my house before I get my garden hose out, and wash my dishes up properly this time!"

You stupid, stupid idiot.

Athena sat on the edge of the bed with head in hands.

You just had to do that, you just had to be her again, you stupid-

The door opened as her chest started to rise and fall, looking up to see Morgan locking it behind her before turning with a surprising smile. 

"Listen man I'm really, really sorry-" she went to apologise with an agony in her chest before being cut off by his hands on her face, pulling her into a passionate kiss. 

His hands cupped the back of her neck as the kiss grew more passionate, her legs opening to wrap around his as he pulled their bodies closer at the end of the bed. 

"Woah wait-" Athena couldn't help her confused smile against her lips before he pulled away with concern, "-you're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad? That was incredible, you're incredible" he cupped her jaw gently, scanning her features with an almost teary appreciative smile.

"Aren't you mad that your siblings are going to search me now because of what I said? They're going to find out everything I did to you guys, everything I did to you and I don't think they're going to exactly approve of me then and then you're going to leave me and-"

"I don't care" he interrupted with a level of glee she'd never seen before, "they were going to find out eventually, I really don't care- I just am in such awe of you. No one's ever done anything like that for me- you're incredible Athena."

"That's... not the reaction I was expecting" she chuckled, the panic in her chest filtering out as he stroked her hair, thanking her in between kisses.

"For what? Messing up a nice evening by being me?" She sat back with a head shake of frustration before he pulled her back up, kneeling on the floor with her hands in his as he stared at her adoringly.

"For loving me the way that you do- for making me laugh every damn moment I'm with you, for understanding how to get me to talk about things, for being the most incredible person I've ever met; for being you."

Athena paused, her hand slowly moving to his cheek as she tilted her head.

She realised then, with his warm face in the palm of her hand, that she had never had a family like his, a home like he had grown up in.

She had never experienced home cooked meals, someone tucking her into bed, siblings to survive past adolescence with, a home created with people.

She had felt strange from the moment she walked into this house, like an alien in a museum of something she had never had- but something felt even stranger than that.

Because she had never had that, but it felt somehow familiar by his side.

"I think..." Her voice whispered against his lips as she leaned in, "I think you're my home."