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With a large file box in her hand from the file room. Penelope was making her way back to her office when she saw Strauss in the Cyber

Crimes supervisor's office. Penelope could tell by Strauss's body language that the woman was mad. Penelope inched her way closer to the

office keeping herself out of sight until she could just make out some of the conversation. She heard Strauss telling him that Agent Michaels

was completely out of line and had no business threatening another employee and that whatever Penelope decided to do was completely up to

her and to keep Agent Michaels away from the BAU and most definitely away from Penelope.

"A formal complaint is not out of the question!" Erin told the man as she turned quickly and headed for the door so quickly that Penelope had

no chance to move from her spot and was caught immediately.

"Penelope!" The older woman was caught off guard.

"I'm sorry Ma'am,…I, I...,"Penelope was caught and really didn't know what to say. She held out the file box to show why she was even

there in the first place.

Strauss immediately took the box from her. "I don't think you should be carrying things like this right now."

Penelope still couldn't really speak; she was stunned by what she just heard and saw. Strauss standing up for her was overwhelming. She tried

not to cry, but she couldn't help herself. Strauss noticed and steered her into the nearest ladies room.

Strauss put the file box down and handed Penelope some tissues. Penelope removed her glasses to dab at her eyes.

"Ma'am,…I really do appreciate you sticking up for me in there, I do. It's just I really don't want everyone to know what happened."

"I know that Penelope and I completely understand, but you have to understand that the people who work for me; well, their safety is

paramount to me." Strauss waited for Penelope to acknowledge what she said. The younger woman gave a small nod of understanding.

"Also, God forbid this escalates and Agent Michaels tries to do something to hurt you. We need to have followed protocol so we can protect

you better."

Penelope wiped her eyes and put her glasses back on. "I don't think it would come to that," she said sadly.

"But you always have to be prepared in case it does, and I highly doubt his supervisor will tell anyone; it doesn't look good for their

department."

Penelope nodded and used a tissue to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.

Erin moved closer to Penelope embracing her in a comforting hug. Penelope who had been trying to fight her tears let them flow, finding a

motherly comfort in the embrace.

"All that crying and your makeup still looks amazing. I might have to ask you for a lesson someday," Erin said as the hug ended.

Penelope managed a smile. "Ok."

Erin smiled back at her. "You will get through this. I promise you. Now let's get back to work.

Penelope followed Erin and the two walked in silence as Erin carried the box to Penelope's office.

The rest of the team watched very curiously as the most unusual pairing of people walked past. Strauss carrying the file box they knew

Penelope had left quite a while ago to get had their curiosity even more piqued.

Aaron also noticed the strange pair as they went past his office and quickly went to catch up. This also did not go unnoticed.

"What the hell is going on? There are some strange happenings here today," Emily asked the stunned team, who were still trying to digest

what they just saw.

"I have no idea, but I plan to find out," Derek answered not moving his gaze until the women and Hotch were well out of sight.

"Everything ok?" Aaron asked as he followed the women into Penelope's office.

"Everything is fine, Aaron. I just had a talk with Agent Michael's supervisor and asked him to make sure his agent stays away. I didn't want

Penelope to carry this heavy box, that's all." Erin gave Penelope's shoulder a comforting squeeze. "If you will excuse me, I have some work

to do," the older woman said as she left.

Aaron waited for the door to close. "Is everything really ok?"

"I just wish she hadn't talked to James' supervisor," Penelope lamented.

"Penelope, she has to do what she thinks is right, and I fully agree with her decision on this."

Penelope wrapped her arms tightly around herself and then absentmindedly ran a hand over her stomach.

"How far along are you…if you don't mind my asking?"

"Twelve weeks."

"How are you feeling?"

"Physically, just a little morning sickness and some lightheadedness at times, but ok. Emotionally though, I'm a bit of a mess."

"If it makes you feel any better, Haley was an emotional mess, too."

Penelope smiled. "Thank you, it does make me feel better."

A couple of days later Penelope had settled into a comfortable routine Strauss and Hotch were the only people at the BAU who knew what

was going on.

The team had been away on a case for a few days, but it was going well and would likely be wrapped up in no time. While she missed the

team, her secret was easier to keep when they were away.

Penelope had just hung up with Reid when she felt a little hungry and nauseous. She realized the snacks she had been hiding in her purse for

the nausea were gone so she opted to head for the break room.

She was eyeing up the vending machine choices when she heard someone angrily call her name. She turned to see Agent Michaels

approaching her quickly.