Hatched

Chapter Thirty-Two

July 3rd, 2021

0900 hours

"This is awkward as hell." Garcia grumbled, tucking his elbows in to avoid brushing against Barnes' side. They were once again crammed into the small operations office, awaiting an important update from the FBI unit.

Of course, the pompous leader always seemed to have urgent information to glean upon the rest of the group. At this point, Garcia was getting accustomed to Quinn's egotistical attitude, though he still harbored mild resentment towards the holier than thou attitude.

So, Garcia and the rest found themselves shoved together like sardines in the stifling, cramped room. It made the lieutenant cranky.

"Get over it, Lieutenant." Quinn spoke shortly, quicker to raise a temper than usual. He frowned and folded his arms in agitation, glaring pointedly at the officer. "This is the largest space we could find."

Garcia chortled and glared back evenly, holding his ground. "I meant the way you two are tiptoeing around one another." He gestured to Robyn, who was staring unabashedly at the handsome FBI agent. She blushed and quickly averted her gaze.

Garcia saw a hint of something flash in Quinn's eyes, and could have sworn a pink tint flushed the agent's face.

The two had been avoiding each other the past five minutes while they waited for everyone to arrive. Garcia, having been the first to show up, stood in uncomfortable silence while the couple traded longing looks, staring at each other in turn. It felt like he was back on the playground in grade school while adolescent crushes awkwardly courted during recess.

"Leave them alone, Garcia." Shepp groaned, rubbing his sleep addled eyes with a large hand.

"He's got a point, though." Barnes piped up, voice right in Garcia's ear. "They're acting strange."

"Shut up, Barnes." Garcia grumbled, turning to the deputy and almost head butting him from how close they were.

"No, I think Garcia is right." Quinn's stare bore hotly into Robyn's eyes. Garcia rolled his eyes, realization dawning in his mind. "It would behoove us to clear the air."

"I get it." Garcia laughed gravely, overcome with amusement. "You two bumped uglies."

"What?" Robyn gasped, palming her further reddening cheeks, burying her face in her hands. Garcia heard Barnes stifle a childish snort.

"I'll have to correct your statement, Garcia." Quinn's lips twitched as he stifled a laugh. "Dr. Bourke any myself have not, as you said, 'bumped uglies'".

A cacophony of embarrassed groans and protests filled the small room.

"Please stop, Quinn." Robyn begged, ducking behind Gordon's large frame.

Garcia grimaced. "I didn't need to know any of that."

"I have no intention to stop, Robyn." Quinn was smiling now, gaze fixed determinedly on her retreating form as he ignored Garcia's comment. "When this is over, I fully intend to talk about that ki-."

"You have to bring that up now?" She interrupted, crossing her arms as she peered around Gordon's shoulder.

Quinn's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Should we play this childish game a bit longer, or shall I just get it out in the open?"

"Neither." Robyn growled, face positively scarlet.

Garcia thought he was going to puke. "Great. Interesting as this is, I'd rather talk about the investigation, since you have summoned us here at this ungodly hour."