"Hey, Em, mind getting that for me?" Garcia called out through her open bedroom door when her bell rang.
To her delight, Prentiss had managed to free her evening at the last minute to keep her promise. To make it up to her for missing her birthday bash. They had stopped on their way back to her apartment to pick up some snacks. Especially the liquid, alcoholic kind! Each promising they wouldn't let the other drink too much since they were due back in the office the following day. They both knew they were lying, but neither could care less (!). So naturally, Pen had decided to change into her pajamas before she would be too unsteady on her feet to do so.
Ever safety conscious, Prentiss had glanced at the tablet showing the other side of the front door. "It looks like a delivery driver with a package. Expecting anything?" She confirmed before opening the door.
"Yeah. You're gonna love this." - "Go ahead, open the parcel." Pen urged Em when she heard the door closing again. "It was a last minute birthday present to myself. When I saw it, I just couldn't help myself. I had to have it." She said in a muffled voice, whilst removing her t-shirt over her head. She had reached for her robe to cover herself instead. No point in changing into her jammies now.
She was tying her hair up in a bun when she heard Prentiss laugh from the living room. "This is different!"
"What!?" PG asked surprised. Probably the item would be considered 'different' by most people (especially her age) standards. However, Em shouldn't have been surprised by Garcia's choice. Pen had gifted herself the cutest Panda onesie she had ever seen. Complete with ears topped hoodie and a falling face mask that covered the wearer's eyes. As luck would have it, the garment came in varied color combinations. She had obviously opted for the purple & black combo. She wasn't about to wear it in public. But it was perfect for a relaxing night in, followed by a cozy -alcohol assisted- sleep.
"I never realized you had caught Gideon's bug." Chortled Emily as Pen emerged from her bedroom.
"What are you talking about? Sir G was all about birds, not pandas." She replied, baffled.
"Well these must be the weirdest pandas I've ever seen then." Emily stated teasingly.
Her eyebrow raised, Garcia wondered whether the company had messed up her order. She then noticed Emily looking up at her, pointing at the item on her coffee table, whilst carefully turning its pages.
"What's that!?" Pen asked in confusion.
"Shouldn't you know, since you've ordered it!?" Asked Prentiss.
"I- I didn't, not that -" She sat next to her Boss, confounded by the item.
She glanced at the top lid of the delivery box. It definitely had her name on it. Her full (Penelope Grace Garcia! Who called her that?) name even.
An almost impossible thought crossed her mind. A bittersweet tinge enveloped her heart. Was Gideon reaching out to her from the beyond!? There wasn't much the man couldn't do. Though, this maybe was pushing it a bit. It was a birthday milestone of sorts for her after all. 45. She indulged her fancy to run with that implausible thought for a little while. How amazing would it be if Gideon had arranged for this delivery all those years ago, before he…!? Would there be more gifts in the future (when she turned 50, 60!?)?... it didn't take long for her logic, clawing its way out of her fond memories' fog, to point out the obvious. She didn't live at her current address then. Although… Weren't ghosts all knowing!? Countered her still suffering (at Gideon's loss) heart.
She was finally shaken out of that internal monologue by Em's comment. "There's a card." She said, handing the blonde the envelope.
Garcia opened it as Emily continued in her hunt for clues. Em closed the book. Taking a moment to read the title out loud. "The Double Elephant Folio: The Story of Audubon's Birds of America" - "I don't get the elephant/bird connection. I've only seen birds thus far?" Prentiss turned to PG, noticing the spreading blush taking over her milky complexion. The unsettled woman just stared back at her with widened eyes as she whispered. " Is he kidding me!? "
"You got something?" Asked her Boss, lifting the front cover. On the end paper, there was a little cardboard pocket housing a purple label. No sooner had Emily pulled at the string to reveal the writing that she began to chuckle. The sender wasn't that much of a surprise. The whole thing just felt… weird (even for their usual antics). For example, why would this get Garcia so worked up? It was merely a book. Quite an innocuous one at that. "From the library of Luke Pablo Alvez-" She grinned, goading the Tech Analyst into revealing what was happening. "Oh my!" Prentiss squeaked. "There's something in parenthesis-" She waited for the blonde to look at her before she continued. "& Penelope Grace Garcia? There's even an emoji- the fingers crossed one. And…" Emily had to stifle her laughter the more she read. The usually stoic, Macho, unflappable man being so open and doubling down on the mushy feely stuff!? That was a beautiful thing to witness. Sweet, but overly funny nonetheless! "Awww, the question mark has a heart instead of a dot at the bottom! How cute is that!?" She mocked in a sickly voice. "What did you do to this guy!?" Emily finally broke into laughter.
"NOTHING! It's not- It's not… it's not cute- it's- it's mocking- yeah that's what it is. It's just… a joke- that's all… and it's not even his inside joke…" Garcia replied unconvincingly.
"What do you mean?" - "Gar-ci-aaa!? What does the card say!?"
Prentiss watched impatiently as PG re-read the card a few times mouthing the words silently. Glancing up every so often, pausing, looking in her direction and opening her mouth, shutting it, before returning her attention to the card's contents.
Penelope was trying her hardest to quell her restless (optimistic) heart. Steady her stuttering breathing. Tame her anxious thoughts.
He couldn't-
He could -
NO-
surely he couldn't mean it - not like that …
Not like she wished him to mean it. That would be too - too fracking fortuitous to be true.
"Let's hear it. I can see the wheels spinning out of control in that beautiful brain of yours. If you don't slow down, steam is gonna come out of your ears." Emily tried to coax the obviously shaken blonde to share. "I can make it an order if it helps." She smiled at her friend. Reaching to place her hand on her forearm comfortingly.
After a long pause, Garcia sighed. "Ok, how drunk are you right now?"
"I can still give advice." Confirmed Prentiss.
"No, I mean, on a scale from -1- to -'I'll-have-forgotten-all-that-is-said-tonight-by-tomorrow-when-we'll-see-each-other-at-work-where-I-am-your-Boss-who's-gonna-have-a-massive headache'-!? How drunk are you? "
Emily just giggled in resignation. FUCK! What did it mean when her friends and colleagues made more trouble for her than serial killers did? Maybe she should just take the hint and let the matter slide. Let PG deal with it on her own.
Damn it!
She was such a sucker! Prentiss shook her head, she couldn't abandon Garcia. Not when she could read the worry all over her face.
She ensured her tone remained gentle and supportive. "Tonight, right here, I'm just your friend. Tomorrow, at work, as your Boss- it would be unprofessional of me to discuss anything you've divulged to me as your confidant." "C'mon. I just want to help." She concluded sincerely.
After she handed over his birthday card to Prentiss to read, Pen squeezed her eyes shut, held her breath and waited for the scorn.
I've search engined the meaning of 'Significant Size', this is the definition:
'something that is of a large enough amount or size to be of importance'
Ergo, I believe my book is of way more significance than anything you've ever read before…
"Ok-" Said Emily patiently. "I think I need a bit more context. I'm guessing there's more!?" She giggled when Garcia finally took a breath! She was concerned for a moment when the blonde had begun turning purple.
Penelope picked up her phone, sliding it open, entering the longest screen lock security password Prentiss had ever seen (Tech geeks!). She then proceeded to open the chat with Green.
His last message had been the one the day of her party.
…..
TG: Happy Birthday! 📗
…..
"Sooo!?"
"So what!? Lay out the scene for me-" Emily prompted.
"K- the night of my party, Newbie caught me reading the message from Green. He asked about the significance of the book emoji - so I told him that it's an inside joke, because one time, I put a cookbook on his - I mean Green's- junk right over there. A Significant size cookbook."
"I don't know that I needed to know that! " Em scrunched up her face thinking of Tyler's pasty body spread out on the kitchen island where she had sat at, eaten, draped herself over whilst chatting with her friends… countless times.
"Emily- you ok?" Asked Garcia worriedly. Was she having a drunken seizure?
"Yeah, no- YES-. Just, next time give me a warning before you share something like that. Anyway, moving on to the more pressing matters." Prentiss trailed off, picking up Luke's card and comparing it to the text message.
She smirked. Fuck! Her senses were indeed dulled slightly by the wine. Conclusions were slower to bubble up through the drink. "He's not being subtle about it, is he!?" She eventually stated.
"What do you mean?" Asked a confused PG. She was still trying not to over think the whole shebang.
"Well, let's start with the emojis stickers. Similar, yet different. The cake upgrade for starters-" Em held the card and the phone next to each other.
"Isn't a baked good the same as another baked good!? Maybe Newbie couldn't find the correct designs." When Prentiss held her smirk, PG continued. "Do you think his choices were deliberate !?"
"I'd say." Scoffed Emily at her friend's uncharacteristic naïveté. "I would put money on the fact he had those especially printed out. The design and sizes…incrementally bigger- c'mon- with the book the biggest!? " Em paused for effect, looking sideways at PG. Why couldn't the very smart and quick witted Tech Analyst interpret Alvez's message. Better yet, why wouldn't she allow herself to!? Prentiss shook her head and continued with her explanation. "Tyler sent you a cupcake-" When she saw the blonde's thoroughly confused look she changed her tactic slightly. Wanting Garcia to arrive at the same conclusion as her, but on her own. "How long does a cupcake last you for?"
"Well, ummm- a standard size… maybe 4-5 bites."
"It gets eaten in one sitting." Emily suggested. When Garcia nodded, she then asked. "How long would a full size (a magnum of cake looks like from the sticker size ) cake last you for?"
"How many people are eating it?" Asked PG.
" Ooohhh trust me, you're the only one that gets to eat that!"
"Wh-" PG had to pause. "Ummm-" The sudden comprehension of Emily's meaning finally sinking in had left her gasping wide eyed. "Oh, ummm- multiple sittings, over a few days…"
"Bingo!" Quipped Prentiss. "And of course, last but not least - the pièce de résistance - the freakishly oversized book. Both the sticker, the actual book he sent you-" She nodded to the tome on the coffee table, "-not to mention the inference of what else is of the same size - or shall I say plus (pluuus!) size- " She gestured to accentuate her words, measuring the book with her hands and putting them in the gap between herself and Garcia with a lick of her lips.
"AH-oh- OMG- EMILY! Don't talk about your employee like that, it's gross." Garcia scrunched up her face in a blush.
"But that's not me talking. That's him telling you. And that's just what you can deduce from the emojis. The content of the written message is very hard to misinterpret too." She allowed PG a few moments to let her statement sink in before she concluded. "He really wants you to read his book." She chortled.
"You- you think!?" Asked Garcia.
"Why send you this, along with all the little clues and obvious comparisons otherwise?"
Garcia closed her eyes. Her hands moved to hide her face. She shook her head with a long exhale. "What shall I do?"
"I would bloody well pick up a measuring tape and go and investigate the size for myself-" Emily laughed when Garcia spread her fingers enough to peek at her with stunned eyes. "Listen, if what he hints at is even half the size of what he alludes to… As you yourself would say Miss G, FRACK! That's a looot of… book! "
"You're absurd." The blonde squeaked gob-smacked.
"You asked for my opinion… take it from someone for whom it's been too long a while since anyone has read to them… When the narrator you've been longing for offers to read to you, just let him-" She concluded with an encouraging look.
"You really think Newbie wants to ' read ' to…" She gulped, her mouth suddenly dry at the possibility. " ...me!? "
" To you, at you, with you. My guess!? He has 8 years worth of (pent up) stories to recount and he can't wait to start. At least give him a chance to read you the blurb." Emily smiled wickedly, pouring herself another glass of wine. Hey, a headache was looming on the horizon no matter what, she might as well enjoy her tipple! Making a silent toast to Alvez for finally having enough cojones to take the first step towards achieving their 'happily ever after'. Emily had thought that when Luke would finally make his move, he'd go all soft, declaring his feelings (that no one doubted he had) first. But cheeky and forward could actually be what would finally shake PG out of her own comfort zone. Allowing her to let go of her apprehension and actually respond positively to his overture. It had taken long enough! She thought, gulping down the whole glass in one go and promptly refilling it and taking it back to her lips.
"Why not just chug directly from the bottle!?" The blonde teased. Amused at the fact her silver haired friend was doing her best to stick to literary themed metaphors to elucidate her point. Though rather than for her sake, Garcia postulated, it was a way for Prentiss herself to get the 'Boss' side of her brain to cope with the thought of the myriad of forms and calls from HR ( Julie! ) she would have to endure once their relationship had to be disclosed at work.
Fudgsicles! Was she already thinking about a relationship with Newbie!?
Maybe it would be wise to slow down. Take the time to think things through. By herself.
She was glad she had opened up to Emily and asked for her opinion. PG knew she would probably have inferred a similar meaning for his gift, eventually . However, she was too aware she would've quickly discarded the thought as (though totally awesome) utterly improbable.
Nonetheless, even in her intoxicated stupor, there was no denying that Emily was still one of the best profilers she had ever met. Thus it was impossible to overlook or dismiss her findings outright simply as nonsensical inebriated rumblings. Not when added to the other lil hints Luke had been dropping ever since they clinked their glasses a few weeks prior. After he had quoted that quote, with that wide smile and those bright eyes. His whole look and demeanor at the time. Him finding new and inventive excuses to turn up at her place more often. Him turning out to effectively be her Tyler shield.
Always present, never overbearing, helping her keep to her 'corrected course'. Listening to her affirmations over and over again. Patiently. Never shaming her. Though, at times, firmly (shiver inducing really!) reminding her of her own resolutions to keep her on track.
It had never felt pushy or admonishing. Perhaps slightly jealous at times. If she were to be honest with herself, she kind of liked that part. His protectiveness, his concern. Consistently making her feel cherished and valued. Something she hadn't felt for a long time. Not even whilst in that so-called relationship with Green.
"Penny for your thoughts." Emily's statement brought her back to the present. Garcia took a deep sigh.
Her friend had carved some precious time out of her busy schedule to be with her. She should concentrate on that, on her and the remaining time they had to celebrate.
Was it a cop out?
Most definitely.
However there was some truth to it. She wanted to enjoy some time with a relaxed Emily. She had been tense and stressed out since Gold Star had been mentioned. Prentiss did deserve a night off- talking rubbish, making fun of whatever they watched on telly, eating and drinking merrily with a friend.
Besides, Pen was still too scared to allow her thoughts about Luke into her conscious mind, god forbid, allow them to be spoken out loud. That would make them a reality. If she was so worried about what all of those, his gift could mean. Perhaps a reality she was not ready yet to grapple with (?).
It hadn't taken much for Pen to sway the conversation back onto lighter subjects.
With the excuse of needing some sustenance to soak up the alcohol, she had distracted Emily long enough. Another bottle uncorked and the matter had been put to bed. Just like Prentiss.
Soon after the third bottle had been 'killed off' (mostly by The Boss Lady), Garcia had convinced her friend it would be safer to spend the night at her place. She had lent her some jammies and reminded Em she could wear something from her go-bag the following day at work.
PG had spent the remainder of the evening sipping on her drink as slowly as she could. In the end only downing (not even filled to the top) one and a half glasses of wine. Yep, Emily had finished her second half too- "No wasting Garcia, this is the good stuff!" She had admonished her on her way to the ensuite to get ready for bed.
If only it had been as easy for Garcia to succumb to slumber.
"What are you wearing?" Luke asked in a chuckle. Amused at the sight when he opened his front door.
"Are you mocking me Alvez? Do you think I'm ridiculous?" She asked, annoyed. She had received her onesie a couple of hours after his delivery, she had of course worn it straight out of the box. When her insomniac brain finally decided to make its way to Newbie's place, it hadn't reminded her about the outfit she was wearing. Nor of the fact that maybe (just maybe) it would've been best to change into more suitable attire.
Or maybe not!? She was surprised by his reply.
"More like- ridiculously adorable!" He clarified. "Come in-" He invited, taking a side step to let her in.
"N-no, ummm, I think I-ummm- better -stay out here-" She stammered.
He reached for her hand, slowly coaxing her inside his apartment far enough so that he could at least close his door. "I don't need my neighbors to see you dressed like that and draw the wrong conclusions- they're gonna think I'm a furry…" He teased her.
"Hey they're cute-"
"You're cuter-" He stated, tugging on the hoody's ears.
He had received the notification from the courier that his package had been delivered. He had tempted fate and ventured to take the first step. Mk, maybe second, if one counted that dinner invite at her leaving do (sometimes he wished he didn't have to- hell he'd rather altogether plain forget about that date). This time though he had gone all in. Bolder. Clearer. Fuck! He hoped unambiguous, in his message. Oh well, what was done was done. When he hadn't heard from her since the delivery, he had begun to worry he had gone too far. However, there she was. At his door in the middle of the night… He crossed everything he could think of and wished that was a good sign. It certainly wasn't time for him to retreat nor play it safe.
"What are you sending me? Why are you sending me…" Her hand movements were getting more animated as her tone shrieked ever louder. "What does that mean?" All the while she pointed behind her, as if that meant in the direction of her place. Her hands and arms were flailing in the air. Gesturing and tracing the shape of a rectangle. Like a very loud mime.
"What!? Am I not 'sexy secret code' worthy material !?" He posed.
"We don't do that-"
"Are you sure?" He asked in a serious demeanor.
"Ye- what? Yeah, NO- when did we ever do that?" She asked, perplexed.
"We've been doing it since I stepped in that elevator-"
" What elevator? " Garcia was trying her hardest to remain aloof. She had come to his place to have a calm, thorough, friendly discussion to clear the air. Help her understand what was happening. His intended meaning behind that (surely only intended humorously?) gift. Those words. Things were not going as predicted at all. "No, I was professional." She doubted herself for a moment as she thought back to their first encounter. "Yes, I kept it professional." She finally trailed off.
"Really!? So you discuss- quite suggestively might I add - about fingering techniques with everyone when you first meet them?" Luke chuckled.
"I didn't - I wasn't suggesting anything. You asked about my weekend and I told you about my clarinet lesson with my boyfriend."
"Yeah, the Canadian guy!" He mocked.
"He- wh-" Alvez loved to see how flustered she was getting. He raked his gaze over her body just like he had done then. She was still the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. In her Panda outfit -even more so.
In that moment, he vowed to himself he wouldn't repeat the same mistake he made then (and ever since). He wasn't about to let her walk away from him.
He grasped her face, pulling her closer to him. His lips ghosting hers.
"No, wait-" She begged feebly as he halted. She opened her eyes- frack he was so close. Unable to take a full breath, her heart pounding, she barely managed to continue. "I came here to discuss the present, the message. The way it compares to Ty-"
Luke interrupted her brusquely. "Don't sully my apartment by uttering that name."
"We still need to talk." She stated sincerely.
"Not about him. " He replied crossly.
"Then what are the gift and message about?"
" Us- "
"There's an us!?" She asked, stupefied.
"Hasn't there always been!?"
When she just stood there looking at him unsure, he pulled her in closer. This time there was no remonstration. He took one last glance at her expectant face before placing his lips on hers.
Luke never put much stock in the fairytale idea of how it would feel to finally kiss his person. This experience, at long last, had dispelled that myth for him. How wrong he had been. There were bells and whistles. Maybe even fireworks. Or that's how his body felt anyhow. Filled to the brim with joy, sensations he couldn't quite quantify. Just pure happiness at having her in his arms. Kissing her. Tentatively, his tongue peeked out and brushed against her mouth. ( Oh yeah, sparks were definitely flying now ) She had parted her lips to allow him access. Her tongue found his. At first following his lead. Letting him in to taste her mouth. Then pushing back, tasting him inside his.
"Ok, there might be an us… " She agreed breathily in a moan as he parted from her.
He smiled at her contented face. He had to take a look to ensure she was still there. That this was real. Satisfied, he lowered his head to kiss her again.
Her eyes still closed, she could feel his cock growing against her. His hands, wandering around her body. She was surprised when she found herself moving along with him. Unwilling to part from his lips she opened one eye. She pulled back from the kiss once she realized he was walking backward, towards the direction of his bedroom.
"I thought we were gonna talk about the book." She noted, unable to stifle a giggle. He was too cute when he pouted.
"Don't worry, I'm gonna make you forget any previous books you ever read-" He began, in what he thought was a sensual and teasing way.
Boy, was he wrong!
"Is this all it is for you?" She asked angrily. "Some warped Alpha male contest to see who has the biggest…ummm - book? Just a need to show me that you are better than Green in that department !? Cos if it is-"
"I am better than him. In that and other departments." He stated firmly. "But no, I've already told you- this is about so much more- about us being... more-" He repeated sincerely.
She nodded unsurely. Hesitant for her next statement. "I didn't bring the book…"
"That's ok, I have bed sheets that should be big enough." He grinned.
"I'm not going to ummm- read with you."
"I don't want to do that either-" When she just stared at him confused he resumed. " I just wanna fuck you! " He quickly pecked her pursed lips before she would have a chance to tell him off.
"Pablooo!" She scolded him as soon as her lips recovered from the loss of his soft ones.
"Wow!" He noted in surprise. " No Luke, no Alvez either side to soften the blow- straight to Pablo, uh? This must be serious."
"It is! It's our beginning- I don't want to spoil it by…" She didn't know how to finish that sentence. She had already made so many mistakes that could've messed things up with Luke. She was trying to improve, to show him how much she cared. But Alvez being that forward, his lips being that yummy, his touch sending pleasurable waves all around her body. Frack! Everything was so fricking hazy. What was she supposed to do - or not do- again!?
He smiled softly at her. "If you haven't spoiled it yet-" He replied cheekily, pointing between the two of them. "I think we're good." Underlining his words with a tender kiss.
"I'm still not gonna read with you-" She reiterated. "Is that a deal breaker?" She posed worriedly.
"Not necessarily-" He began humorously, halting and changing his tone when he noticed the panic in her eyes. "I was just wondering- tonight or ever?"
"Wh- I- Ummm-"
He grabbed her hands, taking them to his lips. Kissed them and placed them on his chest. He lowered his forehead to hers. "That's ok- I can wait. Happy to wait even for your answer." He declared supportively.
"You're happy to wait - indefinitely !?" She asked surprised.
"Of course. I have been waiting this long." He saw her relax slightly, time to lighten the mood further. "I've pretty much been reading to myself the past few years so… yeah I can wait for you…"
" Why? "
"Because I don't want to spoil this either." - "I want to do it right - when we both feel it…" He confirmed earnestly.
"Well you certainly feel it." Garcia replied, her confidence and sass fueled by his honest words and obvious desire (pushing against her) for her.
"To be fair- I've been in this relationship much longer." He jested. There was no hiding his obvious arousal. Might as well own up to it. She didn't seem to be put off by it and his brain couldn't bother to conjure up any disgusting images to get rid of it.
When she smiled shyly at his confession he pushed for a bit more. He wasn't willing to part from her that soon. "It's getting really late and we have work in the morning. Stay? "
"Newbie-" She whispered. Wanting to, but unsure she could keep her own resolution if she stayed. Too aware it would only take the tiniest amount of coaxing for her to give in.
"Will you stay if I promise to behave?" He pleaded.
"Define 'behave' …" She repeated his word in air quotes.
"We'll have to share my bed, but I'm only gonna hold you-"
"Only hold me!?" She clarified.
"Yes- all chaste above the clothes hugging." He smiled innocently.
"Mmm- and that's all?" She asked playfully, almost disappointed.
"I might whisper sweet nothings in your ear…" Her hands still in his, he punctuated each utterance with a kiss. Starting on the dorsal side of her left hand, then the palmar, moving to her right hand in turn, repeating the cycle. "-tell you all those things I've wanted to tell you for so long." - "How beautiful you are," - "How amazingly sexy you are," - "the way you make me feel." - "And-"
" And… " She enquired, captivated by the feel of his lips on her skin, the low drawl of his voice.
"Maybe a few chaste pecks… a few kisses" - "Nuzzle your hair-" - " inhale your scent until my lungs burst and your essence fills my soul-"
"You-mmmhhh- you'll have to be pretty close to do all that-" She wasn't remonstrating. It just felt like she had to say something at that juncture.
"Yeah, but remember- I said I will keep it chaste. All above the belt." He grinned, pleased by hearing the little moans he was eliciting from her.
She sniggered at his latest statement. "Unlike the guys you spar with in the ring, Newbie- I have squishy things above the belt."
"Yeah, I'm fully aware and can feel those-" He said, licking his lips. "Ouch!" Luke cried out jokingly as she lightly swatted him on his biceps.
He laughed at her " fraaack! Mmmphhh! " muttered after he squeezed her in his arms. Her eyes half lidded. Her bosom responded to him instantly. She blushed, feeling her nipples hardening at the mere contact against his well defined chest.
"I'll limit my touches to your upper back and face, no cherries. " He promised irreverently.
"Newbieee!" She whined. "I was describing a victim's decolletage-" She noted, remembering exactly what he referred to.
"Yeah, but you did so very vividly. Pointing at your own, very awe inspiring cherries." He pecked at her gaping mouth. "I always try my best to be respectful. But that time. Fuck! Everyone was gawking. I had to go and splash water on my face. Luckily we still had paper folders then, so I could cover my… you know…" He trailed off bashfully. He didn't want her to think he was a creep, he always admired her. Desired her. But he never crossed the line. He had always respected her.
She shook her head. Deciding to skip over his comments. She knew him too well to think any less of him. He was probably chastising himself hard enough already for having lusted after her that time. Besides, she might end up confessing to all the unchaste looks, thoughts, dreams she had about him over the years. "Fine… I'll stay." Garcia agreed, trying to sound nonchalant. Though her knees weakened slightly at his blinding smile.
After a couple of steps towards his room, he turned to look at her with a serious demeanor. "By the way-" He began. "There are no limits here-" He said, waving his free hand around his body. "But I've got to tell you- the best part is below the belt." He grinned smugly.
PG splayed one hand on his face, lightly pushing him back. "Who is the ridiculous one now, Newbie!?"
"Still you, Chica!" He replied mischievously. Bringing her in for a hug and a kiss when she huffed, rolling her eyes at him.
They had made it to his bed. Lying supine next to each other. After he turned off the lamp on his bedside table, Luke turned on his side, facing Garcia's side. He reached over to her, for one last goodnight kiss. When he felt her stiffen, he quickly placed a peck on her temple. "Night" He sighed, shifting back, leaving a gap between them.
After a few minutes Garcia couldn't take the silence any longer. Nor the separation. "Full disclosure, Emily knows -"
"Knows what?" He asked, startled by her suddenly talking.
"About the book. She was at my place when I received the parcel. She actually signed for it. Ummm- she might have been brought into the circle of trust- given deets-"
Still mindful of keeping space between them, he only turned his face to look at her. In the almost complete darkness, all he could make out was her silhouette. She was still in the same position she had first taken. Though he couldn't see it clearly, he could feel her apprehension. The bedsheet was moving slightly, probably due to Garcia fidgeting with it.
"Ok." He stated unconcerned.
" OK!? " She asked, confounded. She thought someone as guarded as him would've been horrified by the revelation. "You don't have an issue she found out about- your- you- me- the message- what it means?"
"I'm sure she didn't need to see that to know. Did she yell 'fucking finally'!?" Luke chuckled, picturing their friend.
"Not in as many words- no- she profiled your message and gave me advice."
"Interesting. What did she say? That you'd be crazy to let all this go to waste?" Pointing at himself even though Garcia probably couldn't see.
"She actually suggested I bring a measuring tape."
"HAHAHA!" He laughed so heartily that the whole mattress vibrated under them. "Have at it!" He offered, pulling the bedsheet up off his body.
" What has gotten into you today? " She asked in a giggle. Moving to push down his hand holding on to the sheet. Kissing his cheek. Finally relaxing in their banter. Bringing the rest of her body closer to him, on her side, her hand splayed on his abdomen, her leg coiled with his, below his knee. "Staying well away from the whole 'shorts' area', Newbie. So don't get any ideas!"
"No, Ma'am." He joked.
"By the by-" She said after a few more minutes lapsed. Cocooned in his arm, her face buried in the side of his chest. She was loath to let that magical moment end. After all the years spent together as colleagues, frenemies/friends, part of the same found family, there wasn't much they didn't know about the other. Still, she wanted to prolong their discourse. Him doing his utmost to keep to his promise to her, had him kiss and caress her continuously. A girl could get used to that treatment. "I've done some search engining of my own… You spent 90 dollars on a book for a joke!? "
"Totally worth it!" He replied, squeezing her, placing a kiss on top of her head.
He felt her head shake just before she lifted herself to kiss him.
Pen had gone in fully intent to stop at a short, demure peck. Nonetheless, the kiss turned out to be the most passionate of the night. Keeping his word, he had kept one arm to his side, his hand clutching the mattress tightly so not to be tempted to reach for her. The arm that was already holding her, only just flexing to help her balance when she laid halfway on top of him. His hand sitting primly on her waist.
Her hand moved from his abdomen to his face to keep him tight against her. The other moved between his pillow and the nape of his neck. Keeping herself from sliding off his toned torso. Her leg moved up, between his slowly parting lower limbs. Allowing her to nest her knee just below his crotch. The heft of his engorged cock deliciously weighing against her leg. Grinding her throbbing pussy against his hard hip bone each time she deepened the kiss.
" So totally worth it! " He reiterated as she parted from him. Sliding back into her previous position. Her head resting on his pecs.
"Still not reading with you, Newbie!" She jested.
"This is much better." He proclaimed.
"That doesn't fill me with much confidence of what to expect when things actually- progress." She goaded.
"HAHA! Look who's a comedian now." He teased her softly. "I'm just saying, I love this- holding you in my arms openly without having to come up with some lame excuse. Being able to kiss you when I want to. Not having to fight off my urges- well not all of them at least." He trailed off, lifting her hand to kiss her palm.
"You looove it!?" She stressed the verb.
"M-mmm-" He mumbled in confirmation. "It and you-" He said louder in a self assured tone. Almost glad he couldn't see her reaction. Events had unfolded in a much smoother way that he had envisioned. But he knew his Chica well. Knew she was going to need time to adjust. He just hoped he had conveyed clearly to her he was willing to wait for her to catch up to him, at her own pace. What he wasn't willing to do any longer though, was to wait to take his own steps. Hopefully that meant he would be a few paces ahead, ready and able to help her along the way when she would be ready.
She grinned to herself, overjoyed by his admission. "That's a relief!" She quipped. "I'm glad we've established the pecking order this early in our relationship."
"What do you mean?" He asked curiously.
"Now we know who's in charge!" She chuckled, taking a few nibbles of his side, causing him to groan softly in pleasure.
"That means you're gonna tie me up?" He posed intrigued.
"Actually, I'm thinking more on the lines of ordering you to cuff me to the bed. Then having you pleasure me all day and night long." She replied. Caressing him sensually throughout her statement.
"Fuuuck!" He growled. Holding her hand in his. Keeping her in place. He wasn't gonna be able to restrain himself much longer, if she kept up her ministrations. "Mi Amor, if you are still dead set against us reading tonight, you better stop talking and touching me like that!" He warned her.
Garcia let out a knowing giggle. "Suit yourself, Newbie." Desisting, after one last chaste kiss on his lips.
It had been a long time since Luke had managed to fall asleep so soundly and serenely. Before slumber set in, he had just enough time to quickly ponder the day's happenings. The fact that his Chica was lightly snoring on his chest. That they had kissed with the promise of more to come. That he had unequivocally declared his feelings.
Granted, Garcia hadn't reciprocated. However, for the first time in years, he was sure that it was more a question of when - rather than if she would do the same.
" Penelope Grace Garcia! " She heard Prentiss huff from the glass doors, as she entered the bullpen.
"Present and accounted for, My Lady!" Garcia turned to face her Boss, saluting her.
"You gave me a scare."
"What do you mean?" The blonde asked, baffled. Feeling her colleagues' stares on her. She had been chatting to Tara and JJ, each wondering where their Boss was since Garcia was already in. Them knowing they had spent the evening celebrating together. PG doing her best to evade their questions.
"I went to bed with you last night-" She pointedly looked at the BAU ladies when they began to wolf whistle and made noises following her statement. When they settled down, she continued. "I then woke up to an empty bed, with Sergio on my head." "If I hadn't been that hung over, I would've worried much sooner. Wondering whether you had been abducted." She scolded Pen.
Emily had woken up later than usual for her liking. Though still earlier than the time PG had told her she would usually wake up at, to get ready and go to work. Prentiss had waited for a while in bed. Catching up with her work e-mails on her phone whilst scratching Sergio's tummy. The feline was getting more demanding the older he got. She had thought Garcia might have gone out to buy them breakfast. When she hadn't returned twenty minutes later, Prentiss had decided to get herself ready. She had tried to call and message her friend to no avail. The texts went unread, the calls straight to voicemail. It had been pointed out to Em that she had been getting too caught up in their latest case. Losing her sense of perspective. So, though she was worried, she had tried not to think of worst case scenarios nor send out a search party for her blonde friend. Already in work mode, she had not really delved into the events of the previous night. Once behind her wheel, she had eventually called Quantico's Security, ascertaining that PG had indeed arrived at work and was already on their floor. Thankful that everything was ok, she had finally allowed herself to mull over what had transpired the previous evening. All Em could think of was that perhaps Garcia had felt embarrassed to face her after she had shared details of Alvez's unexpected present. Those messages and their meanings. She studied her friend's appearance. Something had been off. Hence Emily's inability to curb her frustration.
Thus, she stood in front of the Tech Analyst. Hands on hips, waiting for an explanation.
"Frack!" Garcia whispered to herself. Her brain was desperately trying to conjure up an excuse. "I-ummm- yes-" She thought she had come up with the perfect rebuttal. "I went out early to buy us breakfast. By the time I came back, you were missing. So I'm the one that was worried sick." She countered, positive she had covered for her absence in a satisfying way.
"Oh please!" Chuckled Emily when she saw Garcia's posture change as Alvez walked out of the kitchenette. The goofy smile PG exchanged with an elated Luke. Softly thanking him for bringing her a cup of coffee. All the clues fell into place, shining a bright light on the crystalline truth of what had actually transpired the previous night. "You're clearly wearing a crumpled up 'go bag ensemble', Alvez looks like he's floating on a cloud…" She paused glancing from one friend to the other. " Need I continue? Start pointing out glows and at long last expunged frustrations?" She alluded not so subtly about the well known vibes between Garcia and Alvez.
"Ooohhh-" Resounded around them as Dr Lewis and JJ fell into a fit of giggles.
Garcia was glad that they were the only people around. She didn't want Rossi to witness that spectacle. For all intents and purposes he had been her father figure for the past decade and a half. She still blushed like a 'caught' teenager anytime he would become aware of any of her paramours. Not to mention their consultant- fudge- she just wasn't in the mood to deal with him finding out about her and her Newbie. Despite her best efforts, Tyler didn't seem to get the memo that she was no longer interested in him.
Flustered by all the expectant attention from her friends, her Boss' profiling, Luke's smug handsome face, she went into one of her babbling rants. "You said you wouldn't use private knowledge against me at work. That's very unprofessional of you, Emily! Anyhoo- shows what you know! Frustrations are still there cos it was an ' all above the belt deal '- chaste kisses, nothing more- besides-" - "Aaargh!" She stopped herself, stomping her foot into the ground in frustration as everyone laughed at her admissions. "Ufff! And that's why I hate profilers!" She screeched.
"What, even me? " Luke asked in a chuckle.
"Get over yourself, Newbie! You don't get any special consideration just because I'm in love with you!"
"I would never dream of that, Mi Amor!" He quipped. Stealing a quick kiss from her before Garcia or Emily would have a chance to stop him.
"For fuck's sake! Doesn't anyone care about me and my splitting headache!?" Prentiss mewled behind them. "Garcia- go to your lair, I'm sure there are searches you need to input somewhere." She looked at the smiling blonde taking a few steps away from the SSA, who in turn, was gazing at her like a love sick puppy about to take a step to follow her. "Alvez, you stay! "
Shaken out of his rapture, he pulled his hands up to his shoulders. His smile didn't fade. It probably wouldn't for quite a while - he thought to himself. Not after she had told him she loved him. In front of their friends no less. The statement expressed as if it were old news. Not something she was still fretting over. For Luke, it couldn't get any better than that.
Until it did.
He sat in his chair watching her walk towards the side exit closer to her lair.
Halfway to the door, Garcia felt compelled to glance back. Upon turning, she was greeted by a devilishly crooked smile on Alvez's face. Grinning smugly, she waited for his gaze to travel up her body. Frack that was a deliciously, spine tingling glare.
She stared in his eyes intently for a couple of minutes. "Do you know what I have a sudden hankering for?" She watched as he licked his lips, tilting his head upwards slightly, signaling he was listening, waiting for more. " Reading a good book. " Garcia teased with a wink as Luke wiped his face with a groan.
Their little bubble burst when she heard his statement.
"I could lend you a nice cookbook , Penelope." Green stated as he came in from the corridor.
Keeping her gaze trained on Alvez, she lifted her palm in Tyler's direction. "No need. I already have a far superior book to read from!" The blissed out reaction from Luke at her words, had erased Green's comment into oblivion.
Elated, she continued her trek to her lair. Thinking of all the stories she and Luke would read from that night onwards.