Sorry for the delay, real life gets in the way all too often. I make no money from this story of mine, just reviews, and for me that is good enough. For my beta, WmGeorge, I thank you for repairing all my mistakes, you are heaven sent.

It was after ten pm, and the team was still an hour away from the airport. Having been away for the last four days, they were all tired and wanted nothing more than to get something to eat that wasn't take out, and to sleep in their own beds.

"God I hope Penelope is there waiting for us. She said she would make a frittata and fry up a ham steak for me." Tony sighed, just before he placed a full house on the table.

"She won't be there," Rossi said as he gathered the cards to shuffle.

"Why won't she be there? Did something happen to her?"

Rossi can't help but smile at the reaction of his friend. "She was called in to understudy for the play her theater group is doing; one of the leads is sick."

Tony relaxed. "I know how much she enjoys her theater group. Did she happen to say what play?"

Rossi looked at Hotch before he answered. "She tried to opt out of it, going as far as to tell them she was on call because two of techs were being transferred. But they had a sold out house; she had to go."

Hearing Rossi give and answer but not really answering the question, the rest of the team leaned forward and glared at the man until he relented. "The play is the Graduate. It was on Broadway not long ago"

JJ raised her eyebrows in surprise. "She told you?"

"No, not really, but she asked me for a favor." He saw the frown on Tony and Derek leveled at him, bit the bullet, and told them the rest. "She asked me to try and stall getting on the plane for at least thirty minutes. I got it out of her after I threatened her."

"Why? I don't get it." Morgan's frown was still there.

"Because there is a nude scene in the play. At least there was when the play was on Broadway, I saw it with Beth." Hotch looked up briefly and then turned his attention back to the file in front of him.

"Just so you know, she didn't tell me what part she was playing and I didn't ask." Rossi put the cards down on the table. "I'm done I need a nap." Closing his eyes he leaned against the window and waited for the inevitable conversation from the younger team members.

"JJ?" Tony looked at the blond.

"She's my friend Tony, and I keep her secrets just like she keeps mine. Yes, I knew about the play, and I knew she was the understudy. I also know that she campaigned against this play being used. There is only one other woman in the troupe who's in the right age bracket to play Mrs. Robinson. And Rossi isn't the only one she asked to stall for a half an hour."

Reid spoke up. "I'm assuming that by delaying us for half an hour, the play would be over and she would be in her home by the time we get back?"

"Yes," JJ answered softly.

Reid shrugged. "Garcia never struck me as someone who would have trouble being nude on stage, or anywhere else for that matter. I could be wrong in my assumption, but I kind of doubt it."

Reid finished his report and left the bureau an hour of walking into the bullpen. He started to pack up his briefcase with his laptop and some files he wanted to look over.

"Don't forget we have Monday off, Tony. And … I'm sorry if I said something about Garcia that upset you."

"You didn't Spencer. Enjoy your time off, I'll see you on Tuesday." Tony left with a small smile gracing his features.

"Is he all right?" JJ asked, joining Reid with a cup of coffee.

"I don't know, I tried to apologize for what I said about Penelope. He said he wasn't upset, but I think he was. They've been dating for what, three months now?"

"Three months of real dating, not just hanging out together. That's the problem, Spence. They haven't reached that stage yet, and Penelope is afraid. Tony is very attractive and she thinks she's not the one for him, that he can do better. She doesn't want to get her heart broken again."

Reid huffed. "He loves her, anyone can see that."

"From your mouth to God's ear."

Tony wasn't angry with Penelope, he just wanted her to tell him why. Why she could be naked on stage, but not with him. He wanted to make love with her, but every time they made plans to step up their relationship, something happened, or she would ask him to wait. It was looking like it wasn't in the cards for them. Cold showers and extra time in the gym weren't cutting it anymore. He wasn't an idiot, and her excuses were just making it harder to be with her.

Using his key he opened the door to her home. He reset the alarm, petted the kittens, and went in search of her.

He stepped into her bedroom and found her brushing her wet hair as she sat on her bed wearing only a towel.

"I thought you'd be longer writing your report." She reached for the robe laying next to her.

Tony was quicker, he snatched the robe and tossed it on top of the dresser on the other side of the room. "So, you can be naked on stage but not in front of me? Why Penelope? I love you and I'm not going anywhere."

She pulled the towel tighter around herself. "I wasn't naked on stage. The audience only saw my bare back, the rest of me was covered with a robe. That's the only way I was going to do that scene and the director knew that."

"Are you afraid to be with me?"

"No, God no, it's just that ... Tony it's the scars, they're ugly." Her head is lowered and her voice is barely above a whisper.

He shook his head, sat beside her and took her hand in his. "Penelope, if we're going to talk about scars I think you're going to be in for a rude awakening. You have what, three or four tops?" When she nodded, he kissed her hand. "Cookie, I'm covered with them. Knife wounds, bullet scars, and my leg where it was broken in college. So how about you show me yours and I'll show you mine?"

"I'd like that Tony."

"Good. But first I need a shower and food, please. Because I'll need the fuel to show you just how much I love you and your scars."