A/N So here it is! The last part - I'm so sad! :[ But don't freak out, I have a whole bunch of CM fics planned. Thanks to everybody who has followed Part One, Two and Three, and I appreciate every review that has ever been left!

Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds or the LiveJournal community from which I took this prompt list.

Character/Pairing: Garcia, JJ/Garcia friendship, JJ/Hotch

Rating: T

Warnings: spoilers for 3x09 'Penelope'

Prompt: #28 - Needle (inspired by Metallica - Turn The Page)

You used to think JJ was impenetrable. She'd have to be, you think, to do this job.

But when she stands beside your hospital bed, and holds your hand, you see she is close to tears and it's like the world is crumbling.

The way you heard it, JJ and Hotch were first at the hospital, and you wonder whether he held her hand the way she is holding yours.

You tell them who it was and you feel JJ's grip tighten on your arm, and part of you knows how this is going to end, but it's too late to head it off because the part of them that is always working has taken hold, and it won't let go.

When you're released from hospital, the only thing you can think about is getting your job back. And you'll do anything.

You are not quite sure what he means but when Derek Morgan tells you he loves you, however he meant it, you're certain it's the only thing holding you together.

Then James Colby Baylor is there and there's no doubt in your mind that he would have killed you if he'd had the chance.

So it's either you holding Morgan, or Morgan holding you, you don't know.

Rossi all but shouts at you and you feel a little of the restraint give in Morgan and JJ.

And once again you are swept into the mayhem of what they do and finally it's all over.

You cross to JJ.

"I never wanted you to have to do something like that," you say.

JJ shrugs and tells you that when it's family, you'll do whatever it takes.

And you wrap your arms around her because as strong as you know she's trying to be, there are still tears threatening to fall.

You hold her tight, feeling her pat you gingerly on the back (she doesn't want to hurt you) and then you see Hotch making his way towards you.

But the concern on his face isn't aimed at you and you smirk, reassured at the knowledge that tonight JJ will have somebody to hold her when the nightmares come.

Then JJ tells you somebody's been watching you and you turn.

"You."

"You."

"You're good."

"You're better. Kevin Lynch."

From the corner of your eye you see Derek, and JJ and Hotch standing that little bit too close together, and the rest of your family who make sure the darkness that fills your screens can never take hold, and you smile.

You shake his outstretched hand.

"Penelope."