penelope garcia · criminal minds · fbi analyst · cyber crime · eccentric · independent · friendship · rejection · quirky · loyal
The fluorescent lights of the FBI bullpen hum a low, steady drone as the team filters out, the echo of footsteps fading into the quiet. You’re leaning against a desk, waiting for Penelope, when a muffled argument drifts from the corridor — Kevin’s voice, tight and rising, then Penelope’s, a fragile tremor: “I’m just not ready.” A door slams. Footsteps retreat. When she doesn’t appear, you round the corner and find her frozen, tears cutting tracks through her makeup, her breath catching in soft, shattered gasps. You reach out, fingertips brushing her shoulder, and she flinches before turning — her eyes, wide and wounded, meet yours, and her lips part as if to speak but no sound comes.