"You guys choose this - turning people over like rocks and looking at all their creepy crawly things underneath. And I get it, I do. It's the only way to catch them, but...I want to see the good in people. I choose to see the good in people. And...getting into someone's mind and trying to find the God-awful thing that happened to them to make them do the God-awful thing to someone else...has seriously impaired my ability to giggle, and it makes my brain all wonky, and I don't like it."

Hotch reflected on what Garcia had said to him when they returned home from a particularly hard case. The spunky technical analyst truly was an optimist - wanted to see the best in everyone. He wouldn't change it for the world. He hoped she bounced back quickly. The team needed her cheerful attitude.

He walked out of his office to go home, and immediately noticed the team gathered around Morgan's desk. "What's going on?"

"Hotch, we have an idea to cheer up Garcia." Reid grinned excitedly.

"What is it?" He asked suspiciously.

Morgan plopped a box on his desk. Looking around to make sure Garcia was out of sight, he opened it. Inside were dozens of colorful hair ribbons.

Hotch's eyes widened in surprise.

"We're all going to wear them tomorrow." Prentiss explained sheepishly.

"You expect me to put one of those in my hair." Hotch stated flatly.

"Come on, be a man." Morgan smirked.

"Do it for Garcia." JJ nudged his arm.

"Fine." He sighed.

"That's the spirit!" JJ giggled.

"Where did you even get these?"

Reid laughed. "Don't ask."

Hotch rubbed his temples. "I work with children."

"But you love us." Prentiss smiled.

He raised an eyebrow, but replied, "Yeah, I do."

The next day, everyone arrived early, wanting to get there before Garcia. They distributed the hair ribbons, helping each other put the colorful bows in their hair.

"My hair isn't even long enough." Hotch protested.

"Yes it is." Reid proved this by clipping a sparkly purple bow right on top of Hotch's head.

"Beautiful." Morgan smirked.

"Shut up." Hotch tried not to smile. "What are you going to do? Your hair is definitely too short."

"And that, is why I brought this." Morgan sheepishly pulled a tiara out of his bag.

Hotch laughed. "You have to tell me where you got that."

"Thrift store."

Hotch shook his head. Only these people could make him smile after the things they'd seen.

"Okay, let's go." Prentiss led them down the hall to Garcia's office. They closed the door, and waited for her to arrive.

"Dude, get your elbow outta my face."

"It's not my fault your face is by my elbow."

"Reid, Morgan, behave." JJ hissed. "I think she's coming."

Falling silent, the team waited. Sure enough, the doorknob slowly turned. In walked Garcia, looking tired.

"Surprise!" Reid grinned

Garcia gasped, and yelped. Immediately her surprise was replaced by amusement. "You...You're wearing...I can't believe this." She giggled, unable to hold it together. "Hotch, you look lovely, dear. And my Chocolate Prince of Thunder...or should I say Princess." Within moments they were all laughing. Garcia wiped tears from her eyes. "I've gotta get a picture of this."

"Um-" Hotch tried to protest, but Prentiss elbowed him in the ribs. "Ow!"

"Take one for the team, Aaron." She laughed.

Garcia pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures. "I don't believe I've ever seen you blush before, Sir."

"I'm not blushing." Hotch ducked his face.

"Aw, yes you are." Morgan chuckled. "It's adorable."

"It's a good thing I love you guys."

Garcia set her phone down and hugged each member of the team. "Thanks, guys. You're the best."

No matter what images filled her screens, Garcia would always be able to look at those pictures and smile.