As soon as her clock showed nine, Penelope began to look at her cell phone anxiously. George's mix tape for her was on constant loop in her office, his voice helping to soothe her nerves as he told her about the music. Emily came in and rested her arms on the back of Penelope's chair.

"Have you heard anything yet?"

"No, but it's only just past nine. I wouldn't hear before then, right?"

"Not usually. Do you mind if I stay here with you? Sometimes, it's easier to wait with a friend." She touched Penelope's shoulder and smiled.

"Of course you're welcome to wait with me. I had to be without you for so long." She turned to face her friend, falling silent once more as they listened to the end of 'Jumpin' at the Woodside'. She sighed as she listened to George's commentary on 'Clarinet Candy'. He'd recorded it before he'd known she played the clarinet as well, and she loved hearing him describe the joy of playing this piece.

"Who's speaking, PG? His voice is so soothing." Emily sand down onto the couch, listening to him.

"That's Erin's brother, George. He made all of us mix tapes before coming up here. I think Lizzie said mine's the longest, since there're both jazz and classical pieces on it." She felt her smile spread over her face and she broke eye contact with Emily, looking down at her hands.

"Hey, Mama," Morgan said as he came into her office. "So this is where you disappeared to, Prentiss. What are you grinning at?"

"Garcia. I think she has a crush on someone."

"Emily!"

"What? You are so smitten. It's written all over your face, oh Oracle of All Knowing."

Penelope shook her head as Morgan laughed uproariously. "So, who is your mystery man?"

"Strauss's brother," Emily replied teasingly, and Penelope stuck her tongue out at her friend. "So, what does he look like?"

Penelope turned back to her computers, quickly calling up his faculty profile. "Whoa, Baby Girl, he's a professor?"

"Uh huh. I figured I needed someone stable what with the job I do," she replied absently, and then clapped her hand over her mouth. Slowly, she turned to face her friends, only to see Rossi reclining against the doorjamb as well. "Will my humiliation never end?" she wailed dramatically.

"Kitten, he's a good man. If you're happy, we'll be happy. I just stopped in to say that Hotch wants us in the round room. We're not getting anything done waiting for your phone call. We might as well do nothing together." She nodded and stood up, following her friends out of the room.

"George!" she cried happily as she entered the room, seeing him talking to Reid. He turned and she stepped up next to him, wrapping her arm around his waist. "How?"

"Philip reminded me you were going to get the call today. He's with Erin, but I thought I'd come here to support you at this moment. And I come bearing good news. Dr. Wormeldorf says we've finally beaten this thing. Her fever broke last night!"

"Really?" He nodded and she buried her face in his shoulder, suddenly overcome with emotion. As she cried, she felt her phone vibrate, then ring. She held out her phone from her body, letting someone take it.

"Hello?" she heard Morgan say. "She's a little occupied at the moment, one second, please." He touched her shoulder and she looked up at him. "It's Dr. Langworthy."

She took the phone, still clinging to George. "Hi Dr. Langworthy. What news do you have for me?"

"Thoroughly wonderful news, Penelope. You have more than enough matching markers to make me want to move forward with the transplant. The surgery will be Tuesday at nine in the morning, and you'll be out by five. I'll want you to be here at the hospital about seven thirty. Remember, only water after nine pm on Monday. If you can think of any questions, do not hesitate to call."

"Thank you, Dr. Langworthy." She hung up and looked into George's face and nodded. He released the breath he'd been holding and wrapped her up into a tight hug. "It's a go," she whispered in his ear and she felt him nod against her head.

A few minutes passed and then Rossi coughed discreetly. "I take it this means you'll be out of the office on Tuesday?"

She let go of George, blushing slightly as she looked at the rest of her friends. "Yeah. At least this time, I'm willingly going under the knife," she said with a slight giggle.

"Go and tell Erin, Penelope. You won't be able to run any searches until you get this out of your system," Hotch said, giving her a half smile as he reached out and patted her shoulder. Morgan held out his arm and she stepped forward into his warm embrace.

"Baby Girl, I'm so proud of you for doing this."

"It's what friends do for each other, Sugar. Are you ready to go, George?" She held out her hand and he clasped it. Morgan shook his head and smiled at them. "I'll be back in a few hours, my doves."

Together, Penelope and George exited the bullpen and he escorted her to the rental car he was driving. "So, what song do you like the most? I tried to pick things you might like, but didn't know what you liked, musically."

"Rhapsody in Blue is my favorite right now. Though you made the perfect mix for me, a little stuff I knew and a little stuff I didn't. I kind of hate to admit I only knew Jumpin' at the Woodside from the jazz pieces. I need to have more jazz in my life." She sank back into the seat as he drove, a smile on her face.

"I think jazz suits you, Penny. The sultriness about you screams it to the heavens."

Penelope didn't know what to say to the compliment, so she just sighed happily. It was nice to feel loved in this moment, especially when she had such wonderful news to tell. "Can we go out for coffee after we've left Erin?"

"Whatever you want, Penny." He pulled into a parking spot and opened her door, helping her to stand. She put her arm through the crook of his and they went into the hospital and up to the eighth floor. Phil was in the room with Erin and looked up at them, smiling.

"Honey, George and Penelope are here," he said, and Erin turned her head to look at them, a weak smile on her lips.

"Phil, George, would you mind leaving us alone for a little bit?" Erin asked, locking eyes with Penelope.

"Certainly, Rin-Rin. Come on, Phil, let's take a walk."

Once they'd left the room, Penelope sat down next to Erin, clasping her hand. "I have some most excellent news, Angel Face. I'm going to have surgery on Tuesday and then, we'll be bound by blood forever."

"So, you're going to brave needles for me?" Erin said hoarsely.

"Oh, I'm not going to see a single needle, I'll be under general anesthesia before they even break those evil things out," Penelope replied, resorting to her usual giggle to brighten up the room.

"Somehow, I knew it would be you, my darling girl. I owe you so much, and I hate having debts to pay."

"There's nothing to repay, Erin. Friends do this for each other. But if you want to feel like you've paid me back, you could go a little easier on Alpha when you get back to work." Erin cocked her eyebrow as she looked at Penelope. "Well, they are starting to thaw towards you, since I like you."

"That's because there's magic about you, Penelope." She sighed contentedly and spoke once more. "I suppose I could be nicer to them. Perhaps."

"All I ask is that you try." Erin's eyes began to flutter and Penelope smiled. "You can't fight exhaustion, Angel Face. Go to sleep and get strong again, because I cannot wait to bust you from this joint." Erin smiled as she let sleep claim her, her tight grip on Penelope's hand relaxing.

The men returned a few minutes later to find Penelope putting the finishing touches on the turquoise blanket. "When did she fall asleep?" Philip asked as she started to cast off.

"About ten minutes ago."

"Ah. George told me the good news. I'll ask Dr. Wormeldorf if you can do you post-op recovery in here, with her. There should be room for another bed."

Penelope smiled up at him as she cast off the last stitch. "That would mean the world to me, Phil. Thank you." She stood and spread the blanket over Erin, and then hugged Philip. "Do you want to stay for a little while longer, George?"

"No, I can see her later this afternoon." She nodded and they left the room. He took hold of her hand on the elevator, and she threaded her fingers through his. "Your team is your family, aren't they?"

"Uh huh. Why?"

"I got the talk from Dave today, about how no one hurts his Kitten and lives to tell about it. I would never hurt you, Penny."

"I know you wouldn't, George. This may sound silly, since we've only known each other such a short time, but I trust you completely."

The doors opened and they stepped out into the lobby. "And you've made my heart feel so at ease about everything. Would it be too forward of me to ask if I may kiss you?"

"No," she replied simply, tears pricking her eyes as she smiled up into his face.

"Good." As his lips touched hers, she knew he was the one. The kiss deepened and she felt her foot pop up as she leaned closer to him.

"I thought that only happened in the movies," she said lowly as they continued on their way, his arm around her waist. She heard him sigh. "What's wrong?"

"I have to go back to Iowa on Sunday. I wasn't able to get as much time off as I wanted. I don't want to leave Erin or you."

"But you have to take care of your lambs." He nodded and pulled her tighter to him. "I understand, I fell the same way about my teams. Besides, if God means for us to be together, we will be." They turned into the coffee shop and Penelope claimed a booth while he got their tea. When he joined her, he sat next to her and she curled up into him.

"Let me take you on a real and proper date tomorrow night. Phil told me about this really nice restaurant and he gave me their tickets to the symphony."

"I'd love that, George."

"I'll pick you up at six, then?" She nodded and drank her tea, excitement bubbling in her heart.

They walked back to the parking ramp hand in hand, and she let go only long enough for him to drive back to the BAU. "I'll see you tomorrow night," she said as she leaned over to hug him. He kissed her once more and she smiled against his lips.

"Have a blessed day, Penny."

"You too, George." She got out of the car and waved to him, then turned and found herself running into Kevin. "Hi," she said awkwardly, the smile fading from her lips.

"Hi. So, you've moved on."

"I have. What are you doing back here?"

"I had to see the Director about my transfer. I guess there's no point in my saying the other position is still open."

"No, there's not, Kevin. Be happy." She patted him on the shoulder and went into the building. Stepping inside the bullpen, she was met by Rossi. "Let me guess, there's a new case to brief," she said, her smile returning.

"No; actually I wanted to ask you who you wanted to take you to the hospital on Tuesday."

"Would you mind doing that for me? George is going home Sunday, or I'd have him."

"I'd be delighted to, Kitten."

"I suppose I should be grateful he wants to take me out tomorrow evening after he got the talk from you."

"So, he told you about that." She nodded. "Well, you don't have a father to look out for you. I really don't want to see you hurt."

"I know, but he's nothing like Battle or Kevin. Like I told JJ, I think he's the one."

"Don't rush into things too quickly."

"How can you rush what's right, Dave?"

"Just be careful then."

"Yes, Dad," she said teasingly as she made her way up to her office. She heard him laugh and giggled a little herself. Opening her door, she saw Emily sitting in her chair, swiveling back and forth. "Oh good, you're here. Are you busy tomorrow night?"

"No, why?"

"Will you help me get ready for my date? I want to leave the best of impressions on him before he goes back to Iowa." Emily nodded and they began planning.

The next evening, Penelope paced her living room nervously. "You look beautiful, sunshine, and are going to knock his socks off."

"Really?" she asked as she smoothed the lilac silk dress. Then she adjusted the feather fascinator in her hair and looked at Emily.

"Yes. Now sit down and wait, you don't want to key yourself up."

"I think it's too late for that, Em," she replied as she sat down, tapping her foot. Emily touched her leg, and Penelope stilled, smiling at the other woman.

Minutes later, the doorbell chimed and she popped up, going to the door. Through the peephole she saw George, looking as nervous as she felt. Hurriedly, she opened the door, knowing there was a silly grin plastered on her face. "Hi, Penny."

"Hi, George. Come on in, you've met my friend, Emily." He nodded at her and she smiled in response.

"I brought you flowers," he said, handing her a colorful bouquet. She took them and brought the bouquet up to her nose, breathing in the sweet scent. "Are you ready?"

She nodded, handing the flowers to Emily. "Put these in water for me, will you?" she asked, not taking her eyes off George. He helped her into her coat, and then escorted her out the door.

"Have fun you crazy kids!" Emily called out from the open door before closing it.

"So, what is the symphony playing this evening? I forgot to look up the program," Penelope said as he opened his car door for her.

"Vivaldi and Bach."

"Oh."

"How much do you know about classical music?" he asked, starting the car.

"I recognize a lot of the famous pieces, of course. Plus, I know Bach wrote this really awesome cello piece that Shinji played in Neon Genesis Evangelion. And I started a classical music station on Pandora."

"Do you like it?"

"I'm trying to. There's some things I like more than others, of course." She looked over at him, "Surely there are some pieces you enjoy and some you don't."

"Oh, certainly." He smiled at her as he stopped at the light. "I really hope you don't feel you have to change for me, Penny. Classical music is my field of study, and I wouldn't…"

"George, it's been fun listening to different music," she said, interrupting him. "And I wouldn't do anything I didn't want to." She turned up the radio in the middle of 'Wonderwall'. "I love this song!"

"Pop music is my guilty pleasure. Besides, you have to see where music's going along with where it's been." He pulled into a spot in front of a fancy Italian restaurant and helped her out of the car. "Shall we?"

"Yes." After they'd gone inside, he gave his name to the maître d, and they were seated within five minutes. "Thank you," she softly said as George held out her chair. Looking over the menu, she suddenly realized she was too nervous to eat much of anything. Finally, she decided on the Linguine con le Vongole and set the menu to the side.

George was looking over the wine list, and he glanced up at her. "What type of wine were you thinking of ordering?"

"I thought Chardonnay, since it goes will with seafood."

"Sounds good to me," he said and then told their waiter. When he'd brought back the bottle, they put their order in, and Penelope sat back in her chair, holding on to her wine glass. "So, when did you know that computers were your thing?"

"My freshmen year of high school. I didn't realize you weren't supposed to rewrite the code to make the assignment easier. Mr. Groh was not very amused at first, but when I showed him it was my own doing, he taught me everything he knew. Why did you choose music history?"

"To combine my two passions, music and history. I guess you could say I've always been stuck in the past."

"Then we'll complement each other quite nicely, won't we?" she asked, surprised by her boldness.

"Exactly." Their meals came, and they lapsed into a comfortable silence. "Did you want dessert?" he asked when they'd finished their food.

"No, not really." George settled the bill while she stood and went to the ladies room. Once more, her nerves were acting up and she didn't want to make a bad impression. Pulling out her cell phone, she quickly dialed Erin's room.

"Hello?"

"Erin! Say something to calm me down!"

"Penelope? Aren't you out with George?"

"Yeah, and I'm so frakking worried I'll mess up somehow and make him not like me."

She heard Erin laugh. "If you like him half as much as he likes you, then you have nothing to worry about, my darling girl. Now go, have a good night, and enjoy our box. I'm still upset at missing this concert. I've never heard Concerto 129 live."

"Thanks, Angel Face, you always know how to set my heart at ease. I'll see you Tuesday, if not before." She put the phone back in her purse and took a deep breath before rejoining George. Taking his arm, she smiled brilliantly at him. "All right, I'm ready to go now."

He drove them to the symphony hall and let the valet park the car. "Did Erin tell you we have box seats?"

"Yes. I'm going to feel like royalty."

"Wonderful, that's exactly what you should feel like." He opened the door for her and then took their winter coats to the coat check. When he returned, she clasped his hand and they went in to find their seats.

Once in the box, she didn't mind at all when George pushed their seats close together. He gave her a running commentary on the music before each piece started and she found herself enjoying the music more because of the insight he gave.

On the ride home, she couldn't stop humming the Vivaldi piece, and soon, George joined in with an expert harmony. As he walked her up to her door, Penelope couldn't help but cleave closely to him, knowing their time together was nearing an end. They stopped in front of her door and she opened her purse, pulling out a card. "Here."

"What's this?"

"All my contact information. I know how to get a hold of you, and now, you know how to get a hold of me." She put her hand over his heart, looking at his chin, not daring to meet his eyes. "I just don't want to lose this connection I've found with you."

George wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight to him. "And I don't want to lose contact with you." He kissed the top of her head and she sighed, resting her head on his chest. "There's only two and a half more months until summer break and then I'll be back."

"And if I email you every day, you won't think I'm a stalker?"

"No, I promise I won't. I should probably get going, though, I have to leave early tomorrow. It's a fifteen hour drive."

"Stay safe, George." He nodded against her head and she stepped back from him, finally looking into his eyes. Penelope felt herself tear up and he lowered his lips, softly brushing her. She pressed her tighter to his, feeling her foot pop once more. "Call me Monday, so I know you're home."

"I will. And as soon as you're able to, call me about the surgery."

"Of course." Penelope hugged him once more and then lifted her head for another kiss. "Until Monday."

"Monday, my lovely one." He stroked her face lovingly and then turned to leave. Penelope unlocked her door and stepped inside her apartment. Emily was curled up on her couch watching a movie.

"So, you've finally returned. How was it?" she asked, looking up from the television.

"Wonderful. He's going to call Monday to let me know he got home safe." She sat next to Emily, kicking off her heels.

JJ came out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of popcorn. "And how was the music?"

"Lovely, more so because George kept telling me back stories to the songs. I just wish Erin had been well enough to see it, since it was amazing."

"There's always the next concert, Garcy. So, did he kiss you?"

Penelope nodded, blushing. "That was amazing, too."

"What was?" Ashley asked as she stepped out of the bathroom, a smile on her face.

"When PG and George played tonsil hockey," Emily teased, pushing on Penelope, who smiled. "I thought tonight would be a good night for a girl's gathering. I hope you don't mind."

"Not a bit." She smiled as JJ asked for details, eager to fill them in on her night.

When she woke up Tuesday morning, her stomach was full of butterflies. She quickly dressed in comfortable clothes, knowing she wouldn't be in them long. She went out into the living room and picked up her cell phone. Penelope looked at the display and saw she had a new text from George. Calling up her messages, she read 'I'll be praying for you today, my lovely one. I know God will keep you safe as you perform this sweet, selfless act. Love, George.'

Instantly, she felt better about the day ahead. Sticking her phone in her go bag, she waited and watched for Rossi. Ten minutes later, he rolled up in a company SUV and she practically flew down the stairs.

Outside, she began to walk to the vehicle when the doors opened. "Let me get your bag, Mama," Derek said as he came up to her side. She handed it over and looked at her team, tears stinging her eyes.

"Why?" she managed to ask, looking into Hotch's eyes.

"Because you are family, Penelope. You should always try to be there for your family." She stepped forward and pulled him into a tight hug.

"Thank you," she whispered in his ear.

"Of course, Penelope," he whispered back. "Now, we have a surgery to get to. Your carriage awaits." Hotch opened the door for her and she stepped up into the SUV. Moments later, they were under way and Penelope listened to them talk about nothing, obviously trying to set her nerves at ease.

"So, did you hear from George this morning?" Emily asked as they neared the hospital. Everyone fell silent and looked at her expectantly.

She paused, blushing, and then responded. "Yes. He's praying for me."

"In our own way, we all are, Baby Girl." They went back to their chatter pattern and she felt Dave reach out and clasp her hand. She smiled and squeezed back.

"I'll be with you until they wheel you into surgery, Kitten."

"Thanks, Dave." He pulled into a parking spot and they all got out. Morgan carried her bag inside while Penelope checked in at the desk. "All right, I'm going to be recovering in Erin's room in the ICU. Go up to the eighth floor and wait for me there. Are you ready, Dave?"

He nodded and she took his arm once more, leading him to her pre-op room. She sat down on the edge of the bed and swung her feet nervously. "David, please tell me there's nothing to worry about," she said, not looking at him.

She felt him sit next to her and she laid her head on his shoulder. "Kitten, I understand the nerves, but you will be fine. I'm not promising it won't hurt come tomorrow, but I know you'll be fine. You're doing a good thing."

"That's what George said." She smiled and sighed. "I know you'll be praying for me, too. That gives me much comfort."

Dr. Langworthy entered the room, wearing scrubs. Her long hair had been pulled back into a tight braid, and she smiled at them. "Hello, Penelope. Are you ready for today?"

"As I'll ever be. You are going to completely sedate me, right?"

"That's what you wanted. Do you have any other last minute questions?"

"Just one. Dr. Wormeldorf said something about me recovering in Erin's room. Were the two of you able to arrange that?"

"Yes, Penelope, we were able to clear that. When you wake up, you'll be with your friend."

"Oh, thank you."

"All right, my nurse is going to be by in a few minutes to get your signature on some forms and give you some instructions on the surgery and then the anesthesiologist will come to put you under." Penelope nodded and Dr. Langworthy left the room.

The nurse came in moments later, holding a sheaf of papers. "Hello, I'm Bonnie. I need you to sign these release forms, please."

Penelope held her hand out and took the documents from her, signing with a flourish. "Anything else?"

"Yes. I don't want to alarm you, this is a standard question we ask all surgery patients. Besides those waiting for you here, is there anyone you want us to contact should something happen?"

"George Fernlund, 515-555-1460," she said without hesitation watching Bonnie write the number down.

"Okay, you'll need to get changed into the gown now. You can leave your undergarments on." She smiled at Penelope and left the room.

"I'll give you some privacy as well," Rossi started to say, getting up off the bed.

"No, I'm going to need your help tying this thing. Just turn around until I tell you I'm decent." He did as she bade and she quickly pulled off her top and skirt, pushing her arms through the holes in the thin cotton gown. "This so does nothing for my complexion. You can turn now, Dave." She presented her back to him and he quickly tied the two sets of ribbons.

They sat back down on the bed and waited for the anesthesiologist to come in. Penelope clasped Rossi's hand once more as her butterflies started to flutter once more in her stomach. "Okay, Ms. Garcia, are you ready for this?" the man asked as he entered, wheeling a machine in front of him.

"Yes."

"Good. I'll need you to lie on your stomach and turn your head to the right." Rossi stood up and she did as instructed. She felt someone cover her with a blanket and then the man was in front of her, affixing a mask to her face. "Breathe in and out deeply and count backward from three hundred. When you wake up, you'll be in recovery."

Penelope nodded and began to count. "300, 299, 298, 297…"

"…up, my darling girl, you have people who wish to see your smiling face."

Hearing Erin's voice, she sat up and blinked rapidly. Her lower back ached and she rubbed it delicately as she turned her head to look at Erin. "How long have I been out?"

"Not too long. You were awake when they wheeled you in here, but fell asleep shortly after that. Your team is quite anxious to see you." Penelope looked to where Erin pointed and saw everyone crowding around the window, nervous smiles on their faces.

She waved at them and then heard Philip explain the gloves and mask rule to them in the outer room. Derek was the first one through the door, two bouquets of flowers in his hands. "Pretty flowers for pretty women," he said as he handed Penelope the first arrangement. "Ma'am," he said, holding out the other to Erin, who smiled genuinely, blushing somewhat.

"Thank you, Agent Morgan."

"Derek, please, Ma'am."

"Erin, then." He nodded and sat on the edge of Penelope's bed while the rest of the tem filed in. Dave came in last, holding on to her bag.

"Here, PG, George called just about ten minutes ago," Emily said, handing over her phone.

"Did you answer, Em?"

She shook her head vehemently. "No, it was all pretty boy here. He brought up his eidetic memory and how that could come back to haunt him should he hurt you in any way."

"Oh my gosh, you guys, he's going to think I have psycho friends." She called up his number and dialed it, holding the phone to her ear. "Hello, George."

"Hi, sweetheart. How are you feeling?"

"A little tired still, but that will pass. I'm here with Erin until Dr. Langworthy releases me. Did your classes go well today?"

"Yes. My students were glad to see me back. Though they weren't happy about the surprise quiz I had them take this afternoon."

Penelope giggled. "Is anyone happy to take a surprise quiz?" She looked over at Erin. "Here, talk to your sister for a little bit, she's motioning for the phone." Erin took the phone from Penelope's hand and she focused on her team.

"I'm not going to see you in the office tomorrow, Garcia. You need a little time to recuperate, all right?"

"Yes, Hotch." He bent and hugged her, then stood.

"I have to go pick up Jack. See you on Thursday." The others took this as their cue to leave as well and got up, hugging her as they went.

"I'll be hanging out with Phil, Kitten. As soon as you get the work, we'll leave."

"Thanks, Dave." She looked back over at Erin and saw she was still on the phone. Penelope smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Yes, I think she would like that, Georgie. I know I will. I'm trying. Love you, too." Erin handed the phone back to Penelope and then swung her legs off the bed, standing up and going over to Penelope's bed. "Why is it that thank you seems so inadequate?"

"Because your heart wants to find words to express the inexpressible. Sit with me, Angel Face?" She scooted over to make room for Erin's slight form, and sighed as she sat, spreading her blanket over them.

"I didn't realize you and George had hit it off quite that well, Penny."

Penelope rested her head on Erin's shoulder. "Your brother's really sweet. I think people would be hard-pressed not to like him." She yawned, still feeling tired. "I didn't realize surgery took this much out of you."

"I know the feeling," Erin replied as she stroked Penelope's hair lightly. Penelope fell quickly back asleep under the soothing touch of her friend, a sweet smile on her lips.