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Knock. Knock. Knock. Uhg. If this was Reid at her door again she was going to be really pissed, being woken before Hotch had a chance to even nuzzle her.

She opened the door to find Rossi. "Pumpkin. Spent the night I see." He couldn't hide his knowing smile. The prospect of Hotch finally moving on and being with someone made him happy on many levels and that it is with Penelope was just icing on the cake. She could counterbalance him, yet understand the demands of his job.

"I-Uh." She forgot she stayed in Hotch's room last night. Damn it, she was going to have to post signs or something if they spent another night together. "I guess everyone knows then."

"I already knew. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I thinks it's great actually." Emily had told him all about it last night, he was up an extra hour just listening to her worries about their progress.

"Ah-ok. What brings you here?" she pulled on her robe and shuffled quickly into the hall so as to not wake Aaron.

"Actually I wanted to offer him a ride to the station if he was up, give me a chance to talk to him about you. Do you want to maybe take his SUV to give me the excuse?" he held up the keys tauntingly. Somehow, Rossi always managed to swipe keys off other FBI agents.

She agreed and shuffled off toward her own room to change. It would be best for everyone if she and Aaron each had a place to vent. Right now Emily seemed her best option. Sure, hot sugar seemed invested in her and Hotch but something wasn't quite the same as discussing the girly stuff.

So, after she dressed she offered Emily a ride to the station and met her at the car.

"So you used a condom right?" Emily rushed it out before Garcia switched into drive. She didn't want to startle her when on the road.

"Umm. No." she quickly amended. "I mean there was no need. We just talked and slept. How do you even know I stayed there last night?" She set off now, knowing Emily would probably tone down the shock factor with their lives in her hands.

Emily smiled in an expression that Garcia never quite saw on her friend before. "Rossi."

"Hmm. Did you tell him about what I said yesterday?" The single trio seemed to be sharing lots lately.

"I-uh." Crap, she had promised she wouldn't say anything but she couldn't help herself.

"I'm not mad. I am just wondering how much Hotch is going to learn about how I feel when they talk today." It was starting to feel like high school again with all this gossipy drama.

Emily had worried about that too when she let Rossi go over there this morning. But an upside to Hotch's confidant having knowledge about PG's feelings was that he could gently encourage them without putting his foot on the line. They really needed this push. Pen was afraid, Hotch was too uptight. Maybe if the group, which now have all acknowledged they would be good together, could push them it would happen. She desperately wanted it to happen. They deserved happiness. Jack deserved someone who could be a mother without robbing him of Haley's memory. Hotch deserved someone who could love and accept his devotion to work and see his devotion to family in the small things. And Penelope deserved someone who would love her for her kookiness, someone who would support her emotionally, someone to give her a family of her own.

They pulled through at McDonald's at Emily's request. She was badly craving McGriddles this morning. Then they made their way to the station. The whole ride, Garcia was trying to get up the nerve to ask if something was going on with her and Rossi. Or her and Derek. There was evidence and lots of questions either way but Em changed topics too easily.

"JJ can move her legs now. She can't walk or anything but she can wiggle and her grunts are now somewhat audible as far as vowels go." She read from a text from Reid, all the while slurping at her OJ.

"I can't even tell you how happy I am she's alright."

"Yeah, but no one knows just how much went down there." Who would even ask? Reid certainly didn't want to scar her. He forbid them all from asking, stating she would talk to a therapist once that was possible and if JJ wanted anyone to know, she would say it on her own.

"She said she wasn't raped when I asked, but was assaulted."

Emily let out a relived sigh as they walked into the station now, her McGriddles long gone and her fingers still slightly sticky and delicious. She pulled Garcia into a hug. "I didn't have the nerve to ask. Thank you. I don't know how I would deal if she had been."

"Neither do I. But we need to stick around and offer help." She spotted Reid staring at the case board. "For both of them."

Emily agreed and they both set out to work on getting the unsub as Rossi and Hotch arrived, the later fixing Pen with an odd smirk.

Hotch had been surprised that the hand to shake him awake was Rossi but he had been thankful for the ride there. Sometimes their friendship seemed so one sided, like now as Rossi lent his ear as council but what he got from their conversation was encouraging.

Apparently everyone knew something was going on, and everyone wanted them together. And when he told Rossi how Jack feels the same the older man lit up. "That is wonderful! Another barrier down."

"Yeah, but I don't know how she feels." He could guess. But what if he was wrong? Or what if he was more into this than she was? He had a child to think of. His son had already become so attached to her through the babysitting and visits to the office that if she became a figure in his life and it didn't work out it could spell trouble for his son, to lose another mother figure.

"Then just keep doing what you are doing. She is receptive to it all isn't she?"

"Yeah. I just don't want her thinking all I have is sex on the brain, though she seems pleased with those intentions at least."

Rossi shook his head happily. "That's a good thing. She is receptive. But don't play with her heart. She needs love not just a lay and she needs to know that's what she's getting."

At the word love Hotch could feel his stomach clench. Could he give her that? Could he open his heart like he once had and risk being trampled because someone didn't understand his job? He tried all he could with Haley to be the best he could be. He left work out of home life when he was there. As much as he had moved on from Haley and their relationship (which had more problems than just that), he was tender in the area where it came to home/work balance.

There was no need to get ahead of himself. They hadn't even had a date yet, well if you don't count Valentine's day. He asked Rossi if he thought it count.

Rossi loved this little story. It really was romantic, mostly because he never expected Hotch would just take a mistake like that in stride, that alone must make Pumpkin feel special. And personally, he thought it certainly counted as a date. It seemed Hotch had begun treating her like a girlfriend since then.

When they got to the station and were walking down the hall to their conference room , Rossi had an idea. "Tell you what. Emily and I will take the late shift tonight. You have dinner with Garcia and make your position clear."

"How clear do I have to be?"

"Just tell her you want to pursue something. That's all you really need to say."

Looking at Garcia as they entered the conference room, he couldn't help but think that was sage advice. A warm smile spread across his face.

-Criminal Minds-

"Will you have dinner with me tonight?"

Garcia looked up at the brunette beauty of a man she had been falling for over the last few days and arched a brow at him. Of course she would be having dinner with him. They were doing almost everything together these days, other than a few key activities in which she was only too eager to partake. She just now began to understand why everyone was referring to them as a couple, when clearly they weren't there yet.

He must have thought the action was funny because he giggled, actually giggled, before lowering to her ear. "Let's have a quick lunch too. About half an hour?"

She agreed audibly this time and dismissed him so she could do more work. She was making progress in identifying some of those missing tax records. It wasn't much, but it was a step to finding any potential relationship our unsub could have had to the house. And with JJ still not able to really communicate, it was all they could really do other than postulate why he goes after mothers or to continue to warn hotel guests to be vigilant in their security.

She was exhausted and found her head on her keyboard before the end of the half hour. Emily shook her with a wry grin. "You sure condoms weren't necessary last night? You look like you've gotten no sleep."

"I didn't get much. Aaron talks in his sleep. He's worried about Jack so much, poor guy." She noticed the time. "I gotta get going. Crap, where did he want to meet me?"

Emily removed one of her hands reluctantly from around her coffee cup to point to Hotch poking his head out of the office he had been given for his use.

"Are we going out for lunch?" she nearly skipped over there. She wasn't entirely sure what was off right now, but something seemed… lighter… about the situation. She didn't have time to think it over though. His hand snaked around her wrist, pulling her into his office and he pressed her firmly against the door. His hands began a tender exploration of her sides from her thighs over the roundness of her breasts and tangling into her hair.

This is not what she was expecting at all. But she wasn't really in the frame of mind to complain, nor did she want to as she felt his hot gaze run along her body and finally make contact with her own.

"Can I kiss you Garcia?" Breathlessly, he was looking desperately into her eyes, obviously fully aroused but still awaiting consent.

No words. None. She could only slightly nod her head and almost feared that reflex wasn't working but thankfully Hotch caught the slight movement and was on her instantly, his lips warm and moist against her own.

She moaned aloud, the noise opening her lips just enough for him to take advantage and plunge his tongue into her. But he didn't seem content on just kissing or rubbing. He slid the front of her dress down, pulled out her breast from its cup and began suckling her in one fluid movement. Next came other his hand, making its way under her skirt and, wow he snapped her panties right off her. Could this man be anymore hot? Yes, it certainly did get much more intense as she felt a finger strategically stroking between her lower lips.

The suddenness, the neediness of his movements was astounding. She was flying high as his fondling began sending all signals go to her nether regions, making her flood. She reached out to stroke him through his pants but they were already dropped to the floor. Once she felt his length she looked up into his eyes and she knew.

He picked her up by cupping her ass and forced her ever more against the door. She wrapped her legs around his back eagerly, having wished for this for what seemed like forever now. But that wait was worth it as she looked into his eyes, his face set in steady control as he watched her reactions to him, slowly allowing his erection to penetrate her dripping—

"Baby girl wake up."

Oh Fuck! Another dream. Son. Of. A. Bitch. She really hoped she doesn't talk in her sleep like Aaron does. What was real? Last she remembers doing was her searches. Ok, so she dreamed up Emily which is good. There was something off about dream Emily.

"Hotch wanted me to tell you 'change of plans'. We are all taking lunch at the hospital. JJ is sitting up now, almost fully speaking again." His excitement was palpable.

She was excited too. She couldn't imagine how terrifying it must be to have no control over your body, know you are in danger and still be able to feel everything bad happening. Until now she wasn't even able to get help. She wouldn't even try blinking to a psychologist at the hospital. 'I suppose blinking about your near rape situation would be a little much to deal with.' Still, she learned in her support groups for victims that she volunteered at that talking sooner after the incident was better than later. She just wanted to be there for JJ.

"Hey Garcia?" Poor Reid, he was visibly shaken by everything that happened over the last few days. "Would you drive me in Hotch's SUV? Alone?"

She could tell he was asking to have time to talk. She looked over at Hotch and gave him a pleading eye. She knew he heard the request from his spot three yards away. He gave a single nod for his consent before announcing. "Morgan and Emily, I want an update on the ride there. Rossi's our ride."

With a wink exchanged between them they loaded into their cars and started off to the hospital.

"How are you and Hotch doing?" Reid wasn't quite ready to spill the beans to Garcia just yet.

"I'm not sure what we are doing but whatever it is, we have all of you behind us." She patted his hand in thanksgiving for her family with her during this most confusing time. "But that's not why you wanted to see me is it?"

He hung his head. "No."

"Tell me what's on your mind my delightful genius boy."

"I'm a father." He was reverent of the fact, she could tell by his tone.

"Henry." She stated it plainly, not wanting to taint Reid's thoughts with her own emotions.

"Henry is my son." He was almost unbelieving. He was a father, the boy he had come to think of as what could be the closest to a son he had was his son. Not just a god son, a son.

"Are you happy about that?"

"Entirely. I mean, I can't believe it—I had just been thinking that with the fertility problems JJ might have after all this—and I used to wonder sometimes if JJ had her dates wrong—and I always wanted—" he was visibly excited, beyond what she normally saw of him. Never before were his thoughts so disjointly relayed.

"I am so happy for you Reid. You and JJ and Henry will make a wonderful family."

"Do you know Will has been cheating on her?"

"Well, that sucks. I mean, its not like she hasn't done that too, but—" she hoped that didn't sound judgmental.

"No. I don't mean anything against him. I just mean, I would never do that."

"I know sweetie. You would never hurt JJ." She saw him adjusting in his seat nervously. "What is it?"

"Will I be a good dad? I'm a recovering drug addict. I may or may not exhibit my mother's schizophrenia. And I have been short with everyone, unable to really forgive."

"But do you forgive JJ for holding out on Henry's paternity all these years?"

"Of course."

"Reid. You will, you are a great dad. And you will be a great husband too." He really will/is.

The hospital was in sight, Rossi's car pulled in right ahead of them to the parking lot.

"So before we go in. Since I can't be Henry's godfather while actually being his father. And since you are his godmother…" He trailed off, realizing this might be pushy.

"What?"

"You think Hotch would want the job?"

"Are you teasing me you weasel?" she jabbed his arm playfully and he smiled.

"No. I really mean it."

"I'll let him know the offer is on the table, so long as JJ agrees."

"It was her idea. And she doesn't know about you two yet. I figured you would both enjoy it more if it came from you."

She pulled him into a long thankful hug. Yeppers, Reid was definitely going to be a great husband for JJ.

-Criminal Minds-

"Huh—huii." JJ was so horse, and hardly able to push herself anymore. It felt like her entire body was dried out and she was simply exhausted from all the procedures they had to do to purge her system. It seemed to be working at least.

"Oh god JJ I am so glad to see you sitting up." Garcia engulfed her in a hug. It was her turn to be alone with JJ. The doctor was talking with Hotch and Rossi and Reid about her care and Emily and Morgan had gone off somewhere to give her time.

"Ho-Hotch." She struggled but she got a whole real word out. She could manage about one an hour before, but now it was about one every five minutes.

"He's with Reid."

JJ shot her an incredulous look. Just because her boyfriend forbid anyone from telling her what was going on, didn't mean she didn't hear what topic was forbidden, particularly when Hotch informed her that he was in the same boat she and Reid were in when it came to fraternization at the workplace.

"Don't you worry about me. I am going to talk to him at dinner. And when I know more, you will. Now, are you going to talk to someone soon about what happened?"

JJ shook her head. "D.C."

"I think you waited long enough, don't you? But if that's what you need ok. Just know I am here for you, I love you and so does everyone else."

"Luuv." Her voice was killing her. She couldn't finish but Pen always could see those things in people without explanation.

"I will leave you to rest ok. Everyone else had their turn?"

JJ nodded yes. It was so like Pen to make sure everyone else got time alone before she did.

"Well good. I skyped Will and he said he hopes you feel better. But Henry said he misses you and Reid. He's in class now, but I can have him come on later if you want?"

JJ adamantly shook her head no. She didn't want her son to see her like this. After a second Pen got that.

"Ok. Well I just keep reminding him that you love him and told him you are getting the bad guys."

JJ hoped her expression matched her gratitude.

"Don't worry about it. That's what godmothers are for. Maybe someday you can do the same for me, if that ever happens."

JJ grabbed Pen's arm. It was a sweet gesture, but Garcia knew that she was supposed to be comforting JJ, not the other way around. "Don't worry. I haven't given up hope yet."

She lowered the head of JJ's bed remotely after the blonde yawned. "Take a nice siesta there chicky. I'll send in that rockstar husband in waiting for ya."

And as Reid did join back up with JJ in her room Garcia and Hotch spared a glance inside and then to one another. Things might just work out for them after all. It took a long and dramatic route with lots of pain, but it could still happen.

-Criminal Minds-

She had been surprised that Rossi and Emily insisted that she and Hotch go home earlier tonight. But she was thankful. It gave her enough time to take the long and relaxing shower that she needed after a long day at work.

As she finished off her makeup she decided it would be a good time to organize her findings from the day and give them to Hotch when he came to pick her up, before they left for dinner. She had a few breaks when it came to those missing tax documents and she had a short list of potential suspects, only about sixteen in total. She figured with his input tonight that she could narrow it further tomorrow morning.

The list was an odd composite of personalities, something she did not like. Four of the potential unsubs were from the area all their lives and she suspected it would most likely be one of them. The first was at the tail end of the target age range, forty five next week. He had been molested by his mother for years, but is an upstanding member of the community now, counseling children of domestic violence in his spare time. In fact, all four seemed to have a head on their shoulders and a past of sexual abuse with their mothers… and all could vaguely be related to ownership of the house at one point in time. It exchanged hands eight times during the twenty five years of missing tax documents.

She sighed. Sometimes none of this made much sense until after the unsub is caught and they can diagnose him with whatever. She didn't fully understand everything when it came to how her chosen family came up with these profiles. But it was interesting.

This case though, it was just strange to her. There are plenty of children who have been the victims of sex crimes from their parents and they don't all turn out like this. Heck, there are four just in the immediate area and only one was the unsub. What makes people break like this? What makes a man screen calls to find the easiest blonde female to target that just also happens to be a mother? It's like talking a child isn't even safe anymore.

It was when she heard the brief hum from her door that her brain went into over drive. Right at that moment a dozen things flashed through her. JJ's description to the team about the unsub wanting to suck from a teat. Reid's explanation that his next victim could very well be a woman not lactating so that he could force it, or just punish JJ by doing so to this woman. The fear she has felt for days in being alone in her room. Her phone call to Henry that to an outsider could have made her seem like a mother. The fact that she had been expecting Hotch at any second and failed to engage the deadbolt on her door.

She didn't have a gun. She didn't have a knife or any sort of weapon. What could she use?

He was on her faster than she thought possible for her distance from the door. She reached for the first item she could grasp, swinging her pink laptop around and down unto the unsub's head, effectively making him drop the syringe in his hand and giving her a chance to run for the door.

When her hand fell onto the door handle she felt a glimmer of hope. The hall could provide protection, somehow. The hall would be more public, easier to get caught. She talked herself into believing the unsub was acting rationally and wouldn't continue his pursuit if only to allow her the mental energy to run toward the west elevator or the stairwell. She almost made it to the stairs when her hopes came crashing down and she felt his crushing weight ensnare her like a vice in his arms.

"Shhsh there, sweetpea." Oh god, that is what JJ said he called her. "Your baby is here now."

She was kicking and scratching and writhing with all her might but once she felt the prick of the syringe in the side of her neck she knew it was over. She felt herself calm almost instantly as the drugs began to take hold, but through it all she still tried to fight.

Hotch had a spring in his step as he left the east elevator and prepared to turn the corner of the hall that housed Garcia's room. Tonight, he was certain, would be special. He would tell her he wants something between them, wants to really date her. It would make him happy, Jack happy if she would say yes and he dared to think she would be happy as well. He had to hope at that because he was falling for her faster than life was allowing their state to catch up.

He knew how he would say it too. And imagined the look in her eyes when he finally bent his lips to hers and—

"Freeze. FBI. Let the lady go." It came out instantly, having been drilled into him over years and years of training and field work. Had it not been for that muscle memory to pull his gun and say the words he probably would have frozen at the sight of Penelope wriggling weakly in the man's arms, obviously trying fight the drugs. The syringe was still in her neck and only partially dispensed. The unsub's thumb was poised on it.

"Back away agent." The unsub warned territorially as he continued to walk backwards towards the west elevator bank on the other end of the hall. "Neither of us wants to hurt momma."

"I said let her go." He retracted the safety, adjusted his aim but he knew it was for show. The unsub held Penelope directly in front of him, rending Hotch without a shot.

"I could lower my thumb you know. Put the rest of this into her. She wouldn't feel anything ever again, I swear."

Hotch wasn't sure if the unsub was trying to make that seem like a good thing or a threat. "Don't do it."

"She would die. And I would hate that right now." He was matter of fact, almost uncaring but somewhat regretful. He needed her.

He kissed her forehead as he backed them onto the empty and now open elevator, pressing the 'close doors' button. "I always take care of my ladies Agent."

Hotch had no choice, no shot. He was helpless as he watched the woman he loves fade away the world from a drugged stupor, trapped in the arms of a mad man.

Yep, leaving you with a cliff hanger. But I post at least once a day, it won't be a long wait.