Title: The Play's The Thing
By: nancy
Pairing: Morgin/Gracia/Kevin
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Kevin and Morgan support Garcia's newfound expression in her drama role.

***

Kevin had a traditional bouquet of roses with him for the performance, the scent of them teasing his nose even though his entire focus was on Penny's performance. It was dark, no doubt about that, and it was a little scary to see his normally vibrant lover so contained and, well, evil. The black wig wasn't something he ever wanted to see make an appearance in real life, that was for sure. He wasn't even sure he wanted to see her in Goth makeup ever again.

As if reading his thoughts, Morgan took hold of his free hand and laced their fingers together. Kevin let out a shaky sigh at the contact, relieved by it, and relaxed a little even as the play wound down to its inevitable, violent ending.

He about jumped to his feet even before the lights came up, clapping as best he could with the roses in his arms. It was a standing ovation, not that he was surprised; Penny had been spectacularly scary and perfect in her role. So much so that he wasn't sure he wanted to know where all that had come from. Morgan whistled when she and the other actors came on the stage for bows, loud enough for Kevin to wince, but he kept clapping.

The applause wound down and Morgan gave him a shrew look as he asked, “You okay, baby?”

Kevin shrugged self-consciously and said, “Yeah. It's just a play, right? It's a role. That's not really her.”

Morgan gazed at him a moment longer before putting an arm around his shoulder and kissing his temple. “She might be working out a few issues, but no, it's not her up there. Our Penny is exactly who we know and love.”

Kevin couldn't help a small sigh of relief at the profiler's statement. It was one of those, “If Morgan says it, it's true,” things. He willingly bowed to the other man's experience in matters like this.

They made their way backstage and Morgan's arm remained where it was even though they were in public, something he still had trouble getting his head around. Being in a triad? Sure. No problem, even if it did still boggle his mind a little that they both wanted him. Being public about it? What the hell? He personally didn't care, but knew that Morgan's career could take a serious hit if they were ever revealed, probably Penny's too. Still, neither of them seemed to care about that and he could only be grateful they didn't.

Thankfully, Penny was already out of the wig and her makeup by the time they got to her dressing room. Kevin breathed a small sigh of relief at that, even feeling stupid about feeling like he did. To cover it, he presented the roses with a flourish and said, “For you, m'lady, you were incredible.”

Penelope grinned and accepted the roses with a curtsey. “Why thank you, m'lord.”

Morgan chuckled and kissed her on the mouth before echoing, “You were great, Garcia. Really. You nailed it. Gave me chills, baby girl.”

She dimpled at that and said, “Thanks, guys, that means...it means a lot that you came.”

“Helps for us to actually know about things like this in order to support you,” Morgan observed, just a little pointed.

Considering the hurt not-quite-argument they'd had at home when Penny had come clean about all the “working nights” she'd lied to them about, it was a pretty mild dig. Kevin still didn't want them to get into anything and so said hastily, “And we'll be supporting you on all future gigs, too, you better believe it.”

She gave him a grateful look and then said to Morgan, “I thought we were done about that.”

Morgan let out a short, sharp sigh and then a rueful smile surfaced. “You're right. Sorry. So. Get that sexy butt of yours dressed. Time for some champagne to celebrate your new career as Broadway starlet.”

Penelope grinned and said, “Unless you're planning on getting into something more than champagne, you should leave while I get dressed.”

Kevin snickered at the patent leer Morgan gave her as he said, “No reason we can't do both.”

She shooed them out of the dressing room and, in the hall, Kevin asked, “You okay?”

Morgan cupped Kevin's face briefly and said, “Yeah, baby, I'm good. Gotta learn to let go. Still got issues with that, but I'm workin' on it.”

Reassured, Kevin smiled and leaned against the wall as they waited for Penny to finish getting dressed. Their relationship wasn't perfect, but it was still the best thing he'd ever been part of and he had every intention of hanging onto it as long as possible.

Maybe sensing his thoughts, Morgan closed the distance and put his arm over Kevin's shoulder again. Resting his cheek on Kevin's hair, he said, “Love you, man.”

Kevin grinned fit to break his face and leaned against his lover. “Love you back.”

And when Penny joined them, he'd be sure and tell her the same thing.