A/N: So this my new story. I have a few chapters ready and I am really curious to see what the response will be to this, so I thought I'd just post it and see what happens. Of course I hope everyone likes it. The first two times publising this story the site said ''no story located'', so I hope it works this time.
As always this is JJ/Hotch. And it contains romance/drama/suspense/angst. It's a lot wrapped into one story and it will turn into a long one.
I don't own criminal minds!
"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light."
~ Brené Brown
Prologue
''What's the assignment?'' JJ asked simply. Her boss turned around with a thick folder and she got the message. Another big case, probably deep cover and extremely dangerous. ''Where am I going?''
Collins handed her the file with a smirk on his face, knowing JJ would love her next mission. She had complained about the constant moving around the world and now she had a chance to break away from it. ''It's not a foreign mission, JJ.'' he let her know. ''It's right here in DC.''
Her mouth opened in surprise. She was surprised, shocked even, about the words that fell from his mouth. ''DC? Right here?'' she repeated.
He shook his head. He slowly sat down in his chair and waited for JJ to follow his lead. He leaned back comfortably and returned her flushed gaze. ''You just returned from Russia after living six months with a deep cover.'' he recalled. ''I thought you could use something fresh yet familiar.''
JJ smiled widely as she opened the file. ''What's this?'' she asked holding up a picture of a company logo.
''That's the company you'll be working for.'' he began to explain. ''We're placing you as a sleeper agent, which means you'll be living a completely normal life away from the CIA and you'll be reactivated when necessary.''
''For how long?'' she asked curiously.
''We don't know. And that's why we need someone on the inside for as long as it takes.'' he replied. ''We received intel from British SIS that someone within the company has been selling bio toxins and chemical weapons to terrorists.''
At first JJ suspected it would be an easy job, but the more details were revealed the more she was doubting her first inkling. Bio toxins and chemical weapons were threats against any Nation and it was her job to eliminate them. ''What's going to be my cover?''
Collins leaned forward and put his elbows on the desk, preparing to give JJ a quick summary of her new mission. ''We will provide you with a clean passport so you can live of a new alias.'' he started. ''You're name will be Jennifer Jane Allen.'' he went on. ''You're age and university history will be the same. The only difference is that you've been working for a multimillion dollar law firm in London. One of our agents in London acted as your reference and provided a working history for you.''
''So, I will finally be able to put my law degree to use.'' she joked. ''It was about time, Collins.''
''I am glad to hear that.'' he said. ''You'll be acting as the company's legal advisor.''
''Sounds good.'' JJ said happily as she rose from the chair. She turned around and looked through the office window, seeing some of her colleagues eying her. She was brought into Collins' office before she could speak to any of them. She returned from her assignment in Russia four hours earlier and she was already thrown into something new. But it sounded refreshing, with a taste of the real world. Sure, as a CIA Operative she had freedom, but she never had a chance to stay in one place for long. Making friends was impossible in her field and she ached for the real world. Maybe, she would hate it. Of course that would be a possibility! She thought to herself. Real life can become absolutely boring…
But she was taking the assignment. She would do anything to serve her country. JJ had been a dedicated CIA Agent for two years. Not once did she imagine she would end up with the CIA, but after finishing college she signed up and was shocked when she got in. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and she grabbed it. And if she was honest, life as an agent hadn't been disappointing. Far from it actually. She was free. Free from the rules. Free from prying eyes. But most of all, free from her past and family. That was the most important thing to her. She had built her own life from the ground up and she was pretty damn proud of it.
''Your apartment is being set up as we speak.'' Collins called out when JJ had been daydreaming in front of him. ''You'll find everything you need in the apartment.'' he explained further. ''Are you ready for this?''
''I am.'' she replied in a hurry, her voice filled with joy and excitement. ''Thank you for this opportunity, sir!''
Collins gave JJ a friendly wink and she turned around, ready to leave. So he rose from the chair. He had forgotten to give JJ his short but important speech. She was going to live somewhat of a normal life but she could never forget who she truly was. She would always be Jennifer Jareau, agent for the CIA. ''JJ, you've exceeded all my expectations in the past two years. You're one of the best and brightest I have seen in years. You deserve this chance.'' he said kindly. ''But don't forget your mission. Make friends with the new people in your life. Go out and celebrate the tiniest things, but never forget to keep your cover. Don't risk your emotions. Stay away from any serious relationships and keep your head up!'' he ended. Collins knew JJ would never risk her cover under any circumstance. She was responsible and reliable. But he had seen his best agents fall in love and lose sight of the real mission. He realized JJ wouldn't let that happen. He had known her since she started at the CIA and she barely showed any true emotions. She was professional and stoic, just like he needed his agents to be. He simply trusted her.
''I will, sir!'' JJ promised. ''I'll talk to you…'' she stopped there when she realized she didn't know when she would speak with him again.
''It can be a while, JJ.'' he interrupted. ''You will only keep your handler updated, but that's all. No visits to Langley, no contact with co-workers and friends!'' he warned.
''Yeah, of course.'' she agreed. She thought it couldn't be hard at all. She didn't see her friends and co-workers for months at a time. How hard could it be? I can stick it out.
JJ walked out of the office with the files under her arms. She decided to say hello to her friends before she would leave. It would also be goodbye again. But deep down she didn't mind. An exciting new part of her life was starting and she couldn't wait to see what would happen.
