Awwwwwwww, this is so sweet!

There's so many little details about this story that I love. Hotch picking a pink rose, in a nod to the stationery Garcia sent her resume to him on (that is super cute and seems very much like something Hotch would do), Garcia getting so excited to discuss Hotch's own theater past with him only to recal the painful memories and try and pull back-so like her, Hotch's memory of always seeing to it Haley got flowers after her theater productions in school (awwwwww), Garcia trying to reassure Hotch he likely wasn't as bad as he claims (and of course he'd insist otherwise)...it's moments like that that are a great glimpse into these two characters and their personalities. Those details explain why we love them so much :).

And it's so touching to see Hotch's reflections of Garcia here, too. Noting the change from how scared she was to speak on camera to her confidence in that play, admiring her fearlessness, how good she is with his son, how she can cheer people up and make their days better. There's always been a subtle respect and admiration Hotch has held for Garcia over the years, to where he's actively defended her to people who didn't "get" her, and his thoughts here are a perfect example of that respect and admiration.

I also loved these lines: "It seems right that she should have this. That she should be recognized for something she is uniquely suited for." Yes. Spot on. And again, true to Hotch's character, in that he always tailors his praise and admiration for anything his team does, on and off the job, to their individual characters, instead of making it a blanket thing. Garcia isn't the type who deserves average praise, and it's a sign of Hotch's great profiling skills as well as his genuine friendship with her that he knows that.

I could also hear Hotch and Garcia's voices so perfectly in this story. I'm glad Garcia found the upside to Hotch revealing her secret, and was happy to have her friends there to support her. She would be the sort to look on the bright side and forgive easily. And it's cute that she blushes when he compliments her and gives her the rose-for all her typical confidence, it's sweet to see her modest side come out around him.

And I like how Hotch is to the point in his praise, yet you can hear the sincerity in his comments to her. The end line-I can easily imagine him saying that, complete with a little nod, before walking away. He may not be a man of many words, but when he does speak, he always makes them count, and that comes through nicely here.

These two bring out the best in each other, and this story reflected that so well. Very lovely.

great story

red.

This was lovely. I think you captured Hotch so well. I can see him doing just that. Loved the mention of his high school production.

ahhhh, this is really good; very simple, but you did a good job of capturing them both and capturing the way they interact. nice job, there isn't enough hotch/garcia out there, friendship or otherwise.

Aww I like the how he felt about her-Hotch finds Garcia nothing short of remarkable. 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.

So many great lines here :) Very sweet and I loved it :)

Aw! That was so sweet! Love the little details you can put in one scene that make it so unique and complete... Haley, pirate #4, the latest case, pink stationary, the tradition of the roses, etc.

Loved this - (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.)

Wonderful friendship between these two. Hotchcia are a good friends-with-benefits couple. Great work!

This was great! I loved that it was a perfect mix of things and I loved the characters. It was amazing.

LOVE IT! Hotch and Garcia bring such an interesting vibe. I love their shared theater roots. I love how Garcia seems flustered at the very sight of him and calls him "sir" the whole time. Heartsssssssss!

Aw, I really liked this! It was great! It's really sweet that he got her the rose, it definitely made me smile! Great work! D

This is lovely.

I liked this one. Sweet of you to pay homage to both Penelope and Haley at once. I'd never made the connection between Hotch and Penelope before, and I always thought they should have followed up on the 6x08 storyline with her better. What an inventive way to do it. Thanks for the great read!

me gusta, pero me gustaria que continuara!

I loved it! Great job!

This was sweet. You captured their relationship perfectly. Well, at least how I see it in my head.