*A/N: Hey there guys! Welcome back! So I thought that I was done with Kara and Hotch's story but apparently I'm not. So I hope you all enjoy this "prequel" to my other story: "Agent Kara Morgan."

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds, although I should…I mean I'd be so much closer to Shemar Moore if I did.*

Derek Morgan shook his head at his cousin affectionately. "You do realize that your parents are going to kill you?"

Kara Morgan, affectionately called "Apple Head" by her favorite cousin, Derek, grinned and pulled her hair up into a ponytail swiftly before bending over to tie her shoelaces. "Well, they are just going to have to get over it," she shrugged, "This is what I want to do. It's what I was made to do. Morgans are heroes. We're warriors, protectors by nature. Is it my fault that I'm a Morgan? Or that my parents never had a son who could do what I'm doing? No, it's not." Kara turned and smiled sweetly at Derek, "And since I'm totally innocent, you will have no problem being there when I tell them."

Derek shook his head with a laugh and raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, "Oh no! Not me. I won't be there. You can do this all on your own Apple Head," he balked.

"Derek," Kara pleaded as she wrapped her arms around one of Derek's muscled ones, "Pwetty pwetty pwease," she begged in a childish tone.

Derek groaned and rolled his eyes, "Fine, I'll go with you when you tell your parents that you're going to be leaving The Force to join The Bureau."

Squealing Kara leapt into Derek's arms and wrapped her arms around his neck as she allowed him to pull her into a tight hug. "Oh thank you Derek! Thank you!! I just know that this is going to change my life forever and yours too! Thank you!"

Shaking his head in mock consternation, Derek wrapped an arm around Kara's shoulders and walked with her to the starting line on the track at Chicago University where the two cousins had gone to work out. "Alright Apple Head, stop stalling. You were talking a lot of trash while I was off on my case, now put some action behind your words and show me that you're faster than me." Chuckling, Kara crouched down in the starting position, prepared to take off, laughing delightedly when Derek cheated and took off running before she'd finished counting to three. She quickly gave chase and in no time at all she overtook him and passed him on the track with a graceful gait, turning around to run backwards for the last few feet. Winning their impromptu race, Kara laughed aloud when Derek yelled out "Show off!" before running towards her and playfully tackling her in the grass. The two cousins wrestled and then playfully boxed before walking towards Derek's rental, their arms intertwined as they discussed Kara's newest job opportunity and the best way to handle the upcoming conversation.

"So it went well?" Penelope Garcia asked Derek as she cradled the phone between her cheek and shoulder, laying down on her bed.

"Yeah, amazingly it did. They actually told her that they had figured that she would join the FBI since I did," Derek laughed softly remembering Kara's look of denial and frustration at her parents' words.

"I bet she hated that," Penelope guessed as she laughed with Derek.

"Of course she did," Derek smiled as Kara flopped down on the couch next to him, pointing at the phone and raising her eyebrows questioningly. Derek mouthed "Penelope" to her before speaking into the phone as Kara stuck out her hand to take the phone, "Baby Girl, Kara wants to talk to you, I'll talk to you later," he said speaking rapidly as Kara dragged the phone away from him. He grunted in mock anger as Kara sat back and began to speak excitedly to Penelope about their meeting with her parents and how they'd accepted her news as if they'd always known that she would wind up in the Bureau. He was happy that Penelope and Kara got along so well. They were both very important to him. Between the two of them, his mother, his aunt, and his two sisters, he knew that Kara and Penelope both held very special places in his heart, both for totally different reasons. Kara because she was his baby cousin, his "shadow," "his right hand," one of his best friends. And Penelope…well…Penelope because she was his best friend, his coworker and….the love of his life. She didn't know how he felt about her, had no idea whatsoever that his feelings and his affection for her went way beyond friendship as she suspected, he was in love with her, he'd told her that he loved her and she had of course thought that he meant it in friendship, when his intentions were romantic in nature. Sighing, Derek settled back against the back of the couch in Kara's apartment and closed his eyes to sleep, Kara's words and excitement and her conversation with Penelope washing over him as sleep swiftly came to claim him.

Six Months Later

Aaron Hotchner closed his hotel room door with a firm click and sighed. Another FBI director and leaders conference, another four weeks to smile charmingly at the women and to nudge the men in jest before dropping information and hints from his resume in the hopes that one of them had the right connections to get him where he wanted to be. Walking over to the wet bar, he poured himself a drink and tossed it back before striding quickly over to the briefcase that he'd laid on the bed next to his luggage and opened it. Pulling out the notes and reports for his presentation, Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner or "Hotch" as he was called by the members of his team, quickly got them in order, jumped into the shower and after showering quickly, he rushed out of the bathroom and to his bag where he quickly grabbed clothes and got dressed in his customary business suit and tie before snatching up his papers, room key, wallet, and badge and rushed from the room to head downstairs to the conference room where the Leadership Conference was taking place.

As he walked in he nodded his head to a few agents that he knew from previous assignments and headed to the front and walked onto the dais and took his seat. He would be speaking for the first session, discussing the mindset of the criminal. As he was introduced, he stood with ready smile and stepped forward to the microphone. "Good morning agents. I am Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner. I am the Unit Chief for one of the teams of the FBI known as the BAU, the Behavioral Analysis Unit. My team connects murders and through psychological evaluation of the victims, the crime scene and the evidence we are able to deduce a profile for the UnSub, or the Unidentified Subject or the criminal. After obtaining the profile from us, law enforcement can then take that profile into the community and to the family and friends of the victims to obtain a list of possible suspects and eventually capture the correct one."

Noticing that he had the full attention of the other agents, Hotch continued speaking of his team, what they did and basic profiling procedures, before moving onto UnSubs that kill for religious purposes. His eyes scanned the group passing over the features of one female agent who while amazingly beautiful was also vaguely familiar. Not able to place her name, Hotch finished his seminar and dismissed the class. Walking down off the platform he accepted the compliments and praises of the participants before allowing his eyes to wander again. That's when he saw her again, this time he fully saw her. She was talking with another agent and had a gorgeous smile on her face. Unlike the other agents who all wore pantsuits, she wore a skirt suit. A white suit with black stripes, it seemed to suit her. Hotch found himself appraising her, taking in the vision of her from her head to her feet. Her hair was pulled up on the top of her hair and pinned with curls falling down around her face. Her hair was light brown, her milk chocolate skin looked soft to the touch, her lips covered in a light pink lipstick. The suit clung to her figure. She definitely was a woman with curves, and while in shape, you could definitely tell that she appreciated food, from her generous bustline to her ample behind, Hotch found himself appreciating it all. His eyes slowly moved down her long legs, encased in nude stockings to the black high heeled shoes that she wore on her feet. Feeling eyes on him, Hotch looked up and found the object of his perusal looking back at him, a slight smirk on her face. Thanking those that stood around him, praising his presentation, he excused himself and walked towards her, meeting her halfway.

"SSA Aaron Hotchner," he said, sticking out his hand.

"Agent Kara…Johnson," she'd answered, hesitating.

"Nice to meet you Kara," he'd responded, too enamored with her husky voice to pay any attention to her slight hesitation.

"You too Aaron," she'd smiled at him.

"So…how long have you been on the force?" he'd questioned, stumbling over the conversation. It'd been quite a while since he'd flirted with someone. Not since Hailey…a wave of sadness poured over him as he thought about his failed marriage, focusing back on Kara, Hotch found all thoughts of Hailey washed from his mind.

"How about this Aaron…let's go have a drink and you can interrogate me all you want as I relax from my day. How about that?" Kara suggested, a laugh in her voice.

Nodding his head, Hotch stated, "Sounds like a great plan to me."

Back at the BAU

Derek looked at his phone in confusion as he heard Kara's voicemail come on yet again. She always answered her phone when he called. Always. Grunting in frustration, he turned his attention back to JJ who was speaking about another case that they had, another one that they'd be doing without Hotch because of his presentation in Chicago. Maybe I should ask him to check on Kara for me, Derek considered, something's definitely going on, especially if she's not answering her phone.

"And then Morgan's going to pay attention and we'll get ready to leave," JJ teased, snapping Derek out of his pensive thoughts.

Looking up and around Derek noticed the looks of the rest of the BAU team on him. Grinning sheepishly he shrugged and focused on JJ, nodding his head for her to continue. The door opened then and in walked Penelope Garcia, the heart and soul of the team. Derek's heart sped up in his chest and he grinned widely as she came to sit next to him, the scent of her perfume wafting over him. He closed his eyes as he inhaled feeling his groin tighten with need. He was so hopelessly in love with her that it was embarrassing. He was Derek Morgan, FBI Playboy Extraordinaire, he didn't do love and relationships, he definitely didn't do marriage and babies, but that's all he thought about whenever she was around.

"Hey there Handsome," Garcia leaned over to whisper.

"Good morning Goddess," he whispered back, his voice husky and seductive.

"I'll show you a good morning," Garcia replied cheekily.

Chuckling, Derek turned his focus back onto the screen and the case, struggling to maintain his cool demeanor. He could never let Garcia know how much he cared about her, how much he loved her, how he priced homes for the two of them, he wasn't good for her. He was emotionally scarred and fearful of any real type of loving relationship outside of his family, Kara often teased him calling him an emotional cripple and telling him that he would one day stand up and stop Garcia's wedding to Kevin Lynch because he wouldn't tell her any other way. He sighed as he remembered Garcia's boyfriend, computer tech Kevin Lynch. He seemed like a likeable fellow but Derek hated him purely on principle. He was dating Garcia, Derek's "Baby Girl," his "Goddess," which means that he was Derek's enemy.

Standing with everyone preparing to board the plane, he glanced down at his phone when it began to vibrate. Answering the phone, he smiled to hear Kara's voice.

"What's up Apple Head? I've been calling you, why haven't you answered the phone?" he questioned without preamble, his voice a perfect blend of love, affection, concern, and frustration.

"Because I was busy Derek," Kara's voice came through over the phone lines, her tone annoyed. Derek smiled at that. He knew that Kara hated for him to get all protective over her but he couldn't help it, they'd been through so much together, the two of them, and she'd suffered so much, he had to be protective of her, he didn't know any other way to be.

"Busy doing what?" he asked as he stepped onto the jet.

"Busy doing whom, you mean?" Kara replied chuckling.

"What?!" Derek spluttered angrily. His eyes narrowed as he stopped in the hallway.

"Calm down Derek, I'm just joking. The Higher Ups wanted me to go to this Leadership Seminar and when it was over I went and had a few drinks with a fellow agent. Now I'm going to bed and I'll talk to you later okay? I only called because I saw that you called. This conference is three weeks long so I'm going to need my sleep."

Laughing Derek shook his head, "Okay, okay. I love you. Have a good night's rest and I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Derek hung up the phone and sat down on the couch, pulling out his iPod and putting on his Garcia play list as he watched her talk to and tease Reid. She was exquisite, absolutely breathtaking. With thoughts of her in mind, he closed his eyes and took a quick nap.

Back in Chicago…at the Hilton Hotel…In Room 608

Kara sighed and hung up the phone, grimacing at the thought that she'd blatantly lied to her favorite cousin. Besides her father, her cousin Derek was the most important man in her life. She hated lying to him. Looking at the bathroom door that was slowly opening, Kara grinned. She'd just have to be super nice to Derek as a way of alleviating her guilt, she watched as Aaron Hotchner, clad in only his black boxer briefs made his way towards her. He was totally worth it. After having a few drinks they'd gotten into the elevator and hadn't been able to keep their hands to themselves. He'd pressed her against the side of the elevator wall, his lips kissing down her neck, his hands ripping open the jacket of her suit, buttons flying all over the place, his hands gripping her lace encrusted breasts, lifting them up to his lowering head as he kissed the full and firm globes. If it hadn't been for the elevator coming to a stop, they would have made love in the elevator.

Moaning in female appreciation, Kara watched as Hotch sauntered over to the bed, his eyes trained on hers. Kara's hands unconsciously began to fondle her curves as she watched him walk towards her. She wore a black lace bra and panty set from Frederick's of Hollywood and lay back on the bed, pillows behind her head, one leg straight out, one leg bent, the foot rest on the bed. Her eyes gleamed appreciatively of Hotch's muscles that bunched and strained as he walked closer to her. "You look so delicious," she murmured as she moved to kneel on the bed, placing her hands on his shoulders.

Hotch smiled, his eyes moving over her curves, "And you look sexy, beautiful, and so tasty that my mouth is watering," he stated lustfully before lowering his head and allowing his lips to capture hers. The kiss started off seductive, gentle, luring Kara into a languorous state before he deepened the kiss and changed the tenor of it. All at once it became explosive, earth shattering and Kara felt her toes curl and groaned deep in her throat, Hotch capturing the sound with his mouth. Lowering her down onto the bed, Hotch allowed his hand to caress first her calf then trailed up to her thigh before hovering over her center. He grinned when Kara whimpered in protest of his hesitation before settling his hand over her intimate place, his finger tracing and rubbing her nub of pleasure. It wasn't long before her hips began to thrust upwards, her hands clutching at his shoulders.

Tearing her mouth away from his, Kara growled at him in frustration, "Dispense with all the foreplay Aaron! We can do that later! I just want you inside of me now!" Then taking control she rolled until she was on top, jerking off his underwear before tossing off her bra and her panties. Grabbing his manhood in a firm grasp she caressed him a few times before sinking down onto him. They both moaned in satisfaction when he was fully embedded within her. Moving her hips, Kara began to rise and fall upon Hotch's shaft, rotating her hips every so often. Feeling his orgasm building within him, Hotch moved his fingers down to rub at Kara's clit as he thrust deeper and harder into her. Feeling her clench around him, her head thrown back he knew that she was as close as he was. Leaning forward he sucked her nipple into his mouth, his fingers still rubbing her as he moved within her faster. His eyes clenched closed, he threw his head back as his orgasm washed over him, groaning out her name as he heard Kara scream his name as her orgasm exploded within her. It wasn't long before Hotch felt himself growing hard within her again, shocking not only her but himself as well. Lifting her head from where it lay on his chest, Kara raised an incredulous eyebrow before grinning. "Why Agent, are you saying you want me again?" she asked flirtatiously. Thrusting into her slightly he grinned, "Do you really have to ask?" he teased before capturing her lips with his and moving within her again, this time intending to go slowly.

Hours later Hotch laughed as Kara flopped back on the bed, groaning loudly, their bodies covered in sweat after their "energetic" physical workout of the last few hours. He watched as she closed her eyes and began to softly hum and then began to sing softly.

"What are you singing?" he'd asked her after listening to her for a few minutes.

"Unforgettable by Nat King Cole," she'd answered smiling softly at him.

"You have a beautiful voice," he'd told her before kissing her gently on the lips.

"Why thank you. If you keep complimenting me though, I'm going to have to thank you properly," she'd laughed.

"Did I mention that you're beautiful also?" he'd said his face a picture of seriousness.

She'd looked at him then and rolled on top of him, "Why Agent Hotchner, let me thank you for that wonderful compliment."

An hour later he felt properly thanked. Kara watched as he slept peacefully before sliding quietly out of bed, putting on her black silk robe and grabbing her phone from where it lay on the nightstand. Sometime during her third lovemaking session with Hotch on the room's dining table, her phone had rang. She'd ignored it, knowing that it was either Derek or her parents and knowing that neither of them would be happy if they knew what she was doing. Glancing at Hotch once more she stepped out onto the balcony and checked to see who had called. Smiling at the number she quickly redialed Derek.

"Hullo?" she heard Derek's sleepy voice answer.

"Wake up Big Head. What'd you call me for?" she laughed.

"Kara? Oh…she came with us…on the case…she's sleeping right next door," he whispered.

"Penelope?" Kara gasped, "Oh D, I'm so sorry. How're you holding up?"

She heard Derek's sigh and felt a lump form in her throat at her cousin's frustration and pain. She knew that he'd been in love with Penelope Garcia for years but had never told her, regardless of any advice that she'd given him to the contrary. She felt bad for him and wanted to comfort him, even though her body still hummed with sexual satisfaction and pleasure.

"As well as can be expected. I love her so much Kara I really, really do. I'm just lost right now," Derek sighed agonizingly.

"I know Derek. But have you ever considered what might happen if you told her how you felt? Maybe you won't feel so lost anymore. Maybe Penelope can help find you," she stated, noticing that Hotch was beginning to wake up and longing to be in his arms when he did. Which was strange. After losing Richard in Iraq she hadn't wanted to wake up in any man's arms, but she did with Hotch. Shaking her head she focused back on her conversation with Derek.

"I know, you're right Apple Head, that's just a little easier said than done," Derek sighed, "I just needed someone to vent to. Go to bed, I'm sure you're exhausted, as am I. We'll talk later."

"Okay. Love you D-Man," she said affectionately.

"Love you too, Apple Head," he replied lovingly before disconnecting the call. Hanging up, Kara looked out over the skyline of the city. She could have stayed in her apartment, but when she found out that the Bureau was paying for her room, she knew that she had to take them up on their offer. Hearing the door to the room open, she smiled as she felt Hotch's arms wrap around her, pressing his lips into the curve of her neck.

"Mmmm," she moaned.

"What are you doing out here?" he questioned.

"My cousin was in crisis mode, so I came out to talk to him," she explained vaguely.

"Is he okay now?"

Turning in his arms, Kara smiled up at Hotch, "Much better. Now," she stated, kissing his chin, "I've always wanted to make love on the balcony. Care to indulge me?"