Criminals Minds In Love.

Chapter 7: Growing Closer

The following weeks were a whirlwind of emotions and events for Penelope Garcia. Her sister-in-law's illness weighed heavily on her mind, but she found strength and comfort in her growing relationship with Luke Alvez. They spent more time together, both in and out of the office, and their bond deepened with each passing day.

One weekend, Luke suggested they spend some time together outside of their usual routine. "How about we go hiking?" he proposed. "There's a great trail not too far from here. It's beautiful this time of year."

"Hiking sounds wonderful," Penelope replied, eager for a change of scenery and some fresh air.

They set out early on Saturday morning, the sun shining brightly as they drove to the trailhead. The hike started off gently, with a well-marked path winding through a lush forest. Penelope enjoyed the peace and quiet, the sound of birdsong and rustling leaves providing a soothing backdrop.

As they walked, Luke shared stories about his time in the K-9 unit, his love for animals evident in every word. Penelope, in turn, talked about her passion for technology and how she found her way to the BAU. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and moments of comfortable silence.

After a while, they reached a clearing with a breathtaking view of the valley below. They sat down on a large rock, taking in the scenery.

"This is incredible," Penelope said, her eyes wide with wonder. "Thank you for bringing me here, Luke."

"I'm glad you like it," Luke replied, smiling. "I thought you could use a little escape."

Penelope turned to him, her expression softening. "I really appreciate it. And I appreciate you, Luke. You've been such a rock for me these past few weeks."

Luke reached out and took her hand, his thumb gently stroking her palm. "I care about you, Penelope. And I want to be here for you, no matter what."

Penelope's heart swelled with emotion. "I care about you too, Luke. More than I can say."

They sat there, hand in hand, letting the silence speak for them. The connection between them felt strong and unbreakable, forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding.

As they made their way back down the trail, the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. They stopped for a moment to watch the sunset, the colors painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

"This has been a perfect day," Penelope said softly, leaning against Luke.

"It has," Luke agreed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "I'm glad we did this."

When they finally reached the end of the trail, they were both tired but content. The hike had been exactly what they needed—a chance to unwind and grow closer in the process.

As they drove back, Penelope couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Luke had become such an important part of her life, offering support and companionship in ways she hadn't expected. Their relationship was evolving, and she was eager to see where it would lead.