Chapter 11
Day in and day out, the team continued to visit Garcia. Cruz even gave Hotch a month off to be with Garcia. Michael took care of Garcia when Hotch couldn't. After all, he did have to take Jack to school.
"Oh my gosh!" Garcia exclaimed, "what if Jack doesn't recognize me? What if he's afraid of me?"
"Relax, Pen," Michael said, "Jack's a wonderful young boy and he loves his Aunt Pen. He'll love you and he'll know that face anywhere."
"Yeah, my drooping and red face," Garcia wept bitterly.
"This isn't just about Jack, is it?" Michael asked. Garcia shook her head.
"Sis," Michael started, "Aaron loves you."
"But what if he doesn't, now?"
"He loved you before the attack and he loves you now," Michael assured, "that man would do anything for you. And if anybody should understand what you're going through, it's him."
As if on cue, Hotch and Jack walked in the door.
"Honey, I'm home!" Hotch yelled.
"Oh, that is so cliche," Garcia retorted.
"Aunt Penelope!" Jack yelled, throwing his tiny arms around her.
"Jack!"
"Daddy told me what happened," Jack said, "don't worry. I'll kiss the boo-boo away."
He kissed her face.
"Aww, thank you Jack," Garcia said.
"Well, I'm gonna leave you two lovebirds alone," Michael said, exiting the apartment.
"Jack, how about you work on that big project that's due, okay buddy?"
"Ok!"
"Sweetie, what's wrong?" Hotch asked.
"It's nothing," Garcia lied.
"First of all, you're speaking to a profiler," Hotch chided, "and second of all, I don't give a damn about these burns." He enveloped her face with kisses.
"But-but what if the skin gratfs don't turn out right and-"
"Then I will still love you no matter what," Hotch affirmed, "I chose you because you are quirky and fun. You are a damn good woman Penelope Garcia." He traced her body.
"You're so innocent and pure," he mumbled against her neck.
"I'm not so innocent right now," Garcia retorted, kissing him back.
"There's the Penelope I know," Hotch smirked, "don't let them take that away from you. Promise me?"
"Promise," Garcia muttered, "bedroom."
"Are you sure?" Hotch asked.
"I need to know-"
"Penelope Margaret Garcia," Hotch scolded, "I will want you forever and always. Nothing will change that. Nothing. You are the most beautiful woman."
"Then make me feel that way again," Garcia begged.
"Are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure in my life.
Minutes later, Hotch was going over her with a fine tooth comb.
"Aaron," she cried when he got to her chest.
"Shh," Hotch said, "I'll be careful."
He traced every inch of her scars.
"We match now!" Garcia giggled.
"Mmm. We match," Hotch muttered.
He kissed her all over and said, "I'm thinking about something Dave said."
"Shouldn't you be thinking about your godess?" Garcia asked, playfully. She giggled.
"He said, 'Scars remind us of where we've been. They don't have to dictate where we're going.' I love you Penelope."
"I love you too, Aaron."