A/N: Hello once again friends! It's been a while since I updated this collection. Sorry for the delay! Thanks to the great Falcon-121, we have a new prompt to play with and this was the first thing that came to my head. It's about Garcia, which is a change for me, but of course my favorite Unit Chief is involved as well! =) It's called "Garcia's Strength" and it takes place in between "The Internet Is Forever" and "Our Darkest Hour". Hope you guys like it! Leave me a line and let me know!

Prompt: The show begins and ends with a quote (as we all know). So think of some of your favorite quotes, then pick one out and write a one-shot centered around it. The quote can be used at the beginning or the end (like the show), or you can get a little more creative (maybe have the character say it as a line of dialogue within the story or something like that). If you post it on this page, I would suggest perhaps making the quote a different color so that it stands out (though that is optional). This is about as open-ended as my prompts get, the only requirement is that it is related to CM in some way and it includes a quote. Good luck!

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love."

Washington Irving (From 5x11 – Retaliation)

.

Garcia sat in her office in front of blank computer screens. The last two cases had taken their toll, and as much as Derek had tried lifting her spirits, tonight she just wasn't feeling her chipper self. She was shaken to her core. The case in Alaska had shaken her personally and emotionally. The case in Idaho had shaken her confidence in her professional abilities. Not to mention witnessing a murder in back to back cases, one directly in front of her, the other through her screens. She couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

The team had returned from Boise, Idaho about two hours ago. She greeted them, as always, but she knew they all saw through the fake smile she plastered on her face. They would not mention it. They would all spend a few minutes finishing up paperwork and probably head to the nearest bar to unwind. Well, Morgan, Prentiss, Reid and Rossi would. JJ would go home to Will and Henry, Hotch to Jack.

She was sure they'd all gone by now, so the unexpected knock on her door made her jump. She sighed as she wiped the tears off her face, not really wanting to see anyone, but she got up anyway and answered the door. She was surprised to see Hotch on the other side.

"Sir? What are you still doing here? I thought everyone had gone already."

He stood with his hands in his pockets looking at his Technical Analyst with concern in his eyes. "I was finishing a report. May I come in?"

She stepped aside allowing him into her color-filled sanctuary. He looked around and couldn't help but smile at the troll doll collection lining the top shelf – each with different color fluorescent hair sticking out wildly in all directions. This week, Garcia's hair color matched the bright red one. A few weeks ago her streaks matched the hot pink one. He silently wondered if she would ever come to work reflecting the appearance of the electric blue one.

He looked back to her and noticed for the second time tonight that her smile did not meet her eyes. Her eyes were troubled. Sad. He noticed the dried tear tracks on her cheeks. He hated seeing any of his team distressed, but especially her. She was the bright light in all of their lives. If her light ever went out, they were all screwed. He hoped that what he needed to say to her would make that look go away.

"You're the strongest one of us all, you know."

Garcia looked at him, stunned by his statement. Surely he did not just say that. "I'm sorry?"

"You are."

"How is that even anywhere near the realm of being remotely possible, sir?"

"Because you still have your heart and your spirit."

She looked at him quizzically, so he continued.

"You're not jaded like the rest of us. Your heart's not encased in ice like mine or full of cynicism like Rossi's. You don't constantly question your faith like Morgan. You don't shut off your heart to protect yourself like Prentiss or JJ. You haven't developed a protective edge like Reid. You still believe that the good in people will always win, and when it doesn't, you take it very personally."

He saw her dip her head, trying to hide her tears yet again. "That's not a bad thing, Penelope," Hotch continued. "You grieve for total strangers and you are undeniably fierce when you care about something or someone. You put your heart out there for everyone to see. And every day that you're able to do that, you grow stronger and stronger. You refuse to let this job eat you up. I have great admiration for that. I wish I still had that ability."

She finally looked back at him, and while the tears still ran down her cheeks, the light was returning to her eyes. Hotch went over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't ever lose that, Garcia. Don't ever let that go."

"Yes, sir," she sniffled.

"Now, go home. Get some rest. Enjoy this weekend."

"You too, sir."

He turned to leave but stopped at the door.

"One more thing," he said. "You should know that Kevin is still waiting for you in the parking garage."

"He's still here?" she asked with surprise. Hotch smiled.

"He's how I knew you were still here. I was heading out when I saw him."

That brought the smile back to her face, along with a giggle. Hotch chuckled and started out the door.

"Hey, Hotch," she called to him. He turned.

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

He nodded. "Goodnight, Garcia."

"Goodnight, sir."

.

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength."

Ralph W. Sockman (From 5x21 – Exit Wounds)