Shattered

Disclaimer: Yeah, I don't own these guys. Plot bunny's mine though!

Notes: Watched "Secrets and Lies", thought about that and "100" popped into my head... Yeah. You'll see it once you read it. What I'm aiming at with this ficlet, I mean. Set between "100" and "The Slave to Duty". Hope you enjoy!

Oh, reviews would be great. Don't know what happened with "Yeah Boy and Doll Face", because LOTS of people favorited it, but nobody reviewed. Was it just too good to review? No idea. LOL. And this is my first non-slash story so I really need the feedback.

"Sir?" She looked up from her seat as Hotch shambled into her office, collapsing onto his knees in front of her. Hesistated to reach out to comfort him, unsure of what this was about.

He couldn't even look at her. "Penelope, can you still see the good in me?" The question was so quietly asked, it told Garcia just how broken her boss really was. Shattered, like safety glass would be. All the pieces held together by the thinnest sheet of plastic, but still not whole.

"Sir, you did what you felt you had to do." Slipping down onto the floor in front of him, she did the only thing that came to mind and wrapped her arms around Hotch.

At first her boss didn't respond, but after a few minutes, he returned it. "I beat him to death with my bare hands, Penelope."

Now she understood. "Aaron, he got what he deserved. He was a mad dog." She held him a little tighter. "Of course you're still a good person." Finally Hotch did what she was expecting. He cried. Not the loud, racking sobs that was needed, just quiet tears.

It took awhile before Hotch finished. Heaving a great sigh, he wiped a hand over his face. "I'm sorry." He sounded stuffy.

Penelope laughed quietly as she pulled her purse over, fishing out a bright and multi-colored handkerchief. Hotch rolled his eyes at the square of cloth, but used it to blow his nose anyways. "I should have known it would be tie-dye," he told her with a very small smile as he stood up.

"At least it's not pink."

He laughed a little and pulled Penelope onto her feet, into a fierce embrace. "Thank you," he whispered.

Stepping back once Hotch let go of her, she gave her boss a stern look. "Come down here anytime you need a hug or a willing ear. Don't be shy or frugal with the privilege either, I except you to abuse it. I don't like you getting this badly out of sorts before you come to me."

Hotch ducked his head, wearing a slight blush. "I'm sorry. I'll try to not let myself get this out of hand next time." He grabbed her hand, gave it a squeeze and turn to go. Stopping for a moment, Hotch threw an odd look over his shoulder at Penelope. "You're a great person, you know. I couldn't do this without you."

She gave Hotch a bright smile. "Thank you, Sir. It's only because I'm just that awesome."

He chuckled and gave her a short wave as he left.

Giving a sad smile to his retreating back, she silently promised to help Hotch in whatever way was necessary. Then she got back to work.