After Garcia's performance, it's a zoo. It makes Hotch remember high school. It makes him remember Haley. But it also makes him remember the case they worked earlier in the week. It isn't something he wishes to relive. This play, however, is. Hotch finds Garcia nothing short of remarkable. Certainly, much more impressive than he, himself was in a high school production of The Pirates of Penzance. So, the milling of people all around her is expected. It's appreciated, even. Because she has done so much for the team lately. It seems right that she should have this. That she should be recognized for something she is uniquely suited for.

He watches her soaking up the attention and is drawn back to earlier in the week, when a now confident Garcia who has just performed in front of a full house, was petrified at the thought of appearing in front of a video camera. Everyone has their strengths. Now, it seems, Hotch knows one more of hers.

It isn't just this, though, that impresses him. It's Garcia's utter fearlessness. It is her willingness to do things she is not required to do. It is the way she will drop everything to talk to Jack, if he is having a hard day. It is the way she loves her friends - without reservation or regret - that lets Hotch know he could stand to be a little more like her.

Hotch carefully weaves his way through the throng of people, a single pink rose in hand - an homage to her homemade pink stationary - and he hopes she will take it in the spirit it is given. It isn't his intent to embarrass her. It's his deeply rooted sense of tradition. When he and Haley did theatre in high school, there were roses available for the performers. Hotch never got one, but he always made sure Haley did, even if he had to buy it himself. For Garcia, it isn't a romantic gesture, but one of respect.

"Garcia?" he questions, interrupting her as she talks animatedly with her castmates. "I won't keep you," he apologizes. "I just wanted to let you know that you were excellent tonight." He extends the rose to her, waiting.

"Oh, sir. Thank you," she says, taking the flower and blushing in her heavy stage makeup. She surprises him, by moving off to a less crowded portion of the lobby. "It means a lot that you came tonight. All of you. I know I tried to keep it secret, but I'm kinda glad you told everyone. Tonight is that much more special because you all are here." She pauses, and the noise is lessening, as people make their way to the doors. "I didn't know you had an interest in theatre, sir."

"High school. I was in exactly one play. The-"

"-Pirates of Penzance! I remember! You mentioned it at…Haley's…" Garcia's excited speech slows and she averts her eyes. "I'm so sorry."

"No need to apologize," he reassures her. "I should really have done the apologizing then. As I was the worst Pirate Number Four in the history of the high school production," Hotch says, trying for levity.

"Oh, sir, I'm sure you weren't-" Garcia starts, but Hotch cuts her off.

"I was," he insists, offering her a small smile and shrugging into his coat. "I should get going. Enjoy tonight. You deserve it. And Garcia?" he calls at the last minute, turning to face her.

"Yes, sir?"

"Thank you for inviting us. It's been a privilege," he says, and means it.

And before Garcia can speak another word, Hotch makes his way out into the chilly Virginia night.

The End.