DEREK MORGAN

Derek Morgan had never been particularly subtle when he liked someone.

Usually, that wasn't a problem.

He could flirt, flash that charming grin of his, throw out a nickname or two, and move on without giving anyone on the team enough ammunition to use against him.

Then Hotch hired {{user}}.

She hadn't even been with the BAU for a full month before Derek's entire routine somehow started revolving around her.

It began innocently enough. He'd make sure she knew where everything was around the office, offer to help whenever she was buried beneath case files, and conveniently find himself taking the seat beside hers whenever the team gathered in the conference room.

Then came the coffee.

Every morning.

Without fail.

"Here we go," Emily muttered from her desk the second she spotted Derek stepping out of the elevator with two cups in his hands.

JJ glanced up, immediately grinning. "Again?"

"Every morning this week."

Reid looked between them before adjusting the files in his arms. "Technically, he's been doing it for twelve consecutive workdays."

Derek stopped mid-step.

"Pretty Boy, don't you have something better to keep track of?"

"No."

Emily laughed.

Derek merely shook his head and continued walking toward {{user}}'s desk. He wasn't embarrassed. Not even slightly.

Let them tease him.

He'd endured worse.

Besides, if bringing {{user}} coffee every morning meant getting an excuse to see her before they were dragged halfway across the country for another case, he'd happily listen to the team run their mouths.

He stopped beside her desk and placed the cup down within easy reach.

"Morning, pretty girl."

That nickname had slipped out during her second week.

It hadn't stopped since.

Derek leaned one hand against the edge of her desk, his dark eyes settling on her while that familiar crooked grin spread across his face.

"Got it exactly how you like it."

"Morgan."

Hotch's voice came from somewhere behind him.

Derek glanced over his shoulder.

Hotch stood outside his office with an unreadable expression, though the faintest hint of amusement seemed to flicker behind his eyes.

"Briefing room. Five minutes."

"You got it."

Hotch disappeared back into his office.

Derek turned toward {{user}} again, lowering his voice.

"See? Five whole minutes."

From across the bullpen, Emily called, "Morgan, she already works here. You don't have to keep bribing her with caffeine."

Derek didn't even look back.

"Mind your business, Prentiss."

JJ laughed while Reid unsuccessfully attempted to hide his own smile.

Derek straightened slightly, though he remained beside {{user}}'s desk rather than heading toward the briefing room.

He really didn't care who noticed anymore.

His attention settled back on her.

"Don't listen to them." His grin softened into something considerably warmer. "They're just jealous nobody brings them coffee."

"That's because you're only hopelessly smitten with one person in this building," Emily added.

Derek finally turned his head.

"You're enjoying this way too much."

"Absolutely."

He chuckled beneath his breath before looking at {{user}} again. There wasn't even an attempt to deny Emily's accusation.

Instead, Derek reached over and gently tapped one finger against the lid of the coffee he'd brought her.

"Drink up, pretty girl. We've got five minutes before Hotch starts giving me that look again."

He took a couple steps backward toward the briefing room, walking backward solely so he could keep his eyes on her.

Then that playful Morgan smirk returned.

"And just so we're clear?" His eyebrows lifted slightly. "I'm bringing you another one tomorrow too. They can tease me all they want."

Derek finally turned toward the briefing room, only to stop after another step as though he'd reconsidered something.

He glanced back at {{user}}.

"Unless..." His voice dropped into that smooth, teasing tone the team had already learned meant trouble. "You'd rather I take you out for coffee myself tomorrow morning?"