A/N: Hi all. So, this fic is an entry to ilovetvalot and tonnie2001969's "Dealer's Choice Challenge" at Chit Chat on Authors Corner. The requirements:

Pairing: Hotch/Garica (I chose the friendship angle)

Three items to include: ring, lube, wallet.

It's a 6 chapter fic so the three items to include won't be in the first chapter but will make appearances later on. Each chapter alternates between Hotch and Garcia's perspectives but will include both characters. So I hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds. And this is my first time participating in a challenge.

Chapter 1: Garcia

Penelope Garcia, BAU technical analyst, spunky, energetic, and owner of multi-colour hair, watched as her boss and best friend bumbled along blindly through the dark alley that was their love lives. Currently, the setting of the dark alleyway was the tiny break-room where they all made their daily coffee. Garcia was stirring up her own, discreetly as possible in the far corner, while she listened to Hotch try to fish for answers with JJ about her weekend plans.

"So… uh…" Hotch continued so eloquently. "You're umm… not doing anything?"

Garcia wanted to smack her forehead at the painfulness of the conversation. Her boss, usually so well spoken when dealing with his day to day responsibilities, was a stuttering machine when speaking to the object of his affection.

"Yeah…" JJ said slowly. Garcia snuck a peak over shoulder. Yep. JJ's expression was one of contained amusement. "I guess I'm not…"

Come on Hotch, do it now. Ask her, ask her out, Garcia silently chanted her encouragement.

She turned around fully eyeing the situation in ardent fascination. It was like straight out of a movie. That kind where you desperately want the hero and heroine to admit their feelings for each other, but both are so clueless that it takes an hour and 40 minutes for them to come to their senses.

Now, here were Hotch and JJ, hero and heroine, at the climax of the movie. This was the moment where cheesy music would begin to play, eyes would sparkle, and feelings would be confessed. All followed by a super fantastic kiss!

Oh, where was the popcorn?

"Uh… Garcia… is everything all right?" Hotch asked.

What? Why was he saying her name? No, he needs to be facing JJ. Talking to her, confessing his undying love for her. Not talking to me!

Garcia blinked a couple of times. Both Hotch and JJ were staring at her strangely. It was then that she noticed that she'd left her spot in the far corner. "Uh… fine, fine… I'm completely fine," she assured. "Go on, pretend I'm not here."

They continued to give her that "is she from outer space?" look.

"I have to get back to work," Hotch said instead; he backed away slowly as if he didn't want to make any sudden movements.

"All right Hotch, see you later," JJ said, painfully polite.

Garcia held her groan at the lameness of the situation. This was so not a movie she'd be paying for.

Garcia continued to stand there. JJ turned to the counter to finish whatever she had been doing before Hotch had come in. She didn't say anything, but Garcia didn't miss the longing sigh that JJ suddenly let out. JJ was clearly disappointed at the movies ending.

That's it! Garcia thought. This movie needs a sequel and it needs a helpful, beautiful best friend to get it going.

"Everything ok, JJ?" Garcia asked knowingly.

JJ looked up at her, surprised at first, and then she gave her a brilliant—but fake—smile. "Oh… uh yeah."

Garcia wanted to continue, but just then they were joined by Reid.

"Hey JJ, Garcia," he greeted. "Are you guys ready for Emily and Morgan's wedding?"

Oh, she did not have time for couples who were well and good. She needed to help the two wayward souls that were the unit-chief and media liaison.

"Uh… I've got to…" she interrupted Reid and JJ's conversation not finishing her sentence as she walked quickly away.

"What's with her?" she heard Reid ask.

"She's been werid-ing me out all morning," was JJ's answer.

Garcia ignored the shot at her character and continued to march to her intended destination. In all her gusto, Garcia did what she would normally never even consider doing next.

"Sir," Garcia near shouted as she barged into Hotch's office. "I need—"

She stopped abruptly at the sight in front of her. Hotch on his side of the desk and his guest, Section Chief Erin Strauss, on the other. They had been deep in serious conversation when she'd committed her rude act. They were staring at her like she had three heads. Well… in hindsight at least she'd called him "Sir."

"Technical Analyst Garcia," Hotch began.

Uh oh, he'd used her full title, she was in trouble now.

"Is there something we can help you with?" Hotch asked; he didn't sound mad, but annoyed he was.

"Umm…" she stammered.

"Garcia, please wait outside, I'll speak with you in a moment," he finished sternly.

Aww… busted.

So, that's the first chapter. I'm trying to make them short but sweet (I hope). And I plan on updating a chapter a day so I can get them in before the challenge's deadline. So, you won't have to wait long for the next one.

Next up: Hotch's perspective.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks!