Forever & Always

Asshole

The team gives Lena a small grin as they all make their way to the living room. They all sit in a circle and give Matt their full attention.

"So, uh, Matt, is it? What story are you looking for?"

"Ah, you must be JJ! Mr.Rossi thinks of you very highly."

JJ raises her eyebrow and gives Rossi an 'oh really' look. Rossi smiled and shrugged his shoulders and they all refocus when Matt starts up again. 

"I'm interested in you two." He points toward Aaron and Lena, "The Hotchners. No one will tell me your story, so I figure why not go straight to the source?"

 Lena and Aarons's heads shot up and eye the editor and then glance back at each other. After a minute of thinking and staring Aaron nods his head. "Why not Le? It might be fun going down memory lane." She smiles, "Okay, but Pen&Paper, I sure hope you like sticky stories and roller coaster rides!"

Everyone grabs their drinks and leans in, Derek rubs his hands together, "This is my favorite story. We're all in it!" Penelope gives Morgan a small slap to the back of his head. 

"Alright, baby girl we're ready. Tell the story!"

...........

Lena's POV

I laugh at the team's excitement, they were acting like children waiting for a bedtime story. 

"Okay, I had worked my way up to what I considered to be the top. By that time I had my doctorate in Psychology, Occupational Therapy, and Law. You have to understand, I was twenty-three and considered a genius. But in all reality, I just worked overtime trying to make a name for myself, to make sure my life had meaning."

Reid immediately raised his brow, "Based on our stats, I'm the genius and you just use your wit to get the upper hand."

"Yeah, okay Reaid, but please explain to me how I'm able to beat you at chess? Wheres the wit in that?"

 Reid takes a deep breath in and gestures his hand telling Lena to continue. Hotchner tries to hide his laugh by taking a sip of his scotch. Lena can't help but appreciate the people around her. She leans back into the couch and wraps her arms around Aarons's torso.

"So, I was thrilled when I got excepted into the BAU. I had a strange feeling that it was exactly where I needed to be. Little did I know, the unit chief would be so handsome and the team would be so amazing."

*Time To Travel Back In time*

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It's my first day at the BAU, Director Erin Strauss had approved my application without an interview. My resume had spoken for itself, but to say I was thrilled was an understatement. I walk through those big glass doors and make my way down into the bullpen. I was greeted by a thin scruffy looking guy.

"You must be Lena Evergreen? The new member of our team?"

"And you must be the kid genius, Spencer Reid?"

We mirrored each other's quizzical expressions, I let out a laugh. 

"Yes, that's me Lena Evergreen, nice to meet you. Tell me, where could I find SSA Aaron Hotchner?" Spencer gives me a quick smile and points towards the stairs, " You'll find Hotch right through that door, front and center." I politely nod and say a quick thank you.

Making my way up the few steps I can't help but observe every inch of the headquarters. It was busy, but not overwhelming. Friendly faces passed by and the bustle of agents trying to tie together pieces of their cases gave me the motivation to make today amazing. I was truly happy, and I felt relieved knowing I had a special secret weapon. I had some outside training that had always benefited my profiling skills, but that was my secret to keep.

I have now come face to face with a wooden door with the name plaque reading 'Unit Cheif Aaron Hotchner,' I take a deep breath and knock.

Here goes nothing Le, you got this. A monotone voice then reaches my ear, "Come in."

*Current Day*

"I remember that day so well," Aaron interrupts. "I was not excited about this, "new team member," it was done completely behind my back. I had no say and no idea who the director hired. I wasn't the most welcoming..." Lena smiles at Hotch and gives him a peck on the cheek.

"You were a real asshole and my day was only just beginning."

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*Time To Travel Back In time* (Again)

I walk into Agent Hotchner's office giving him my most confident smile. He was still looking down at his files, while I was just standing there. He finally speaks to me but in a stern tone, "Sit down, resume?"

 Still not looking at me, he reaches his hand out for my resume. I swiftly hand it to him and take a seat. 

"It says here that you worked in New York before coming back to Virginia?"

 "Yes, I worked in New York for about two years, but due to family matters, I decided it was best to move back home. I needed to get back on track." 

Agent Hotchner finally lifts his head and makes eye contact with me. His eyes were a sweet soft brown, his hair framed his face perfectly. God he could make any women swoon; well, if not, at least this woman. I am snapped out of my thoughts when he begins talking again.

 "Ms. Evergreen... Ms. Evergreen? Are you listening to me? I hope you prove to be a better teammate than you are a listener." 

I tense up and sit up even straighter, "I'm sorry sir, I promise it won't happen again. What was it you were saying?" 

He scoffed, "I was asking what is your track? What was your previous focus before going to New York?" 

"Oh, yes! I was to become a profiler for the government. I never minded where the FBI placed me, but when I got a phone call from Eri- Director Strauss telling me she needed someone for THE IT team. I jumped at the opportunity." 

The whole time I was talking he just stared at me. When I mentioned the director his face scrunched up, making it clear he was not happy about my being here. 

"I see, well since you're here fill out these papers and have Derek Morgan, downstairs, show you around. You can show yourself out."

 "Oh Hotch, I've already filled these out. Here, I always come prepared." I smile trying to calm my nerves. 

"That's Agent Hotchner to you... now out." I swallow the big lump in my throat and leave immediately. "Asshole, what did I do?"

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A/N:

What do we think so far? I hope it's reading well! The juicy stuff is coming up! This may be a slow burner or a very detailed short story we shall see! I'm working on the next chapter as you read! Thanks for reading! - Cassie