Chapter Nine
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Anxious, Emily straightened her posture, smoothed down her skirt, and picked up her box of office supplies. I can do this, she told herself. A quick elevator ride later and she was walking through the glass doors of the Behavioural Analysis Unit.
She headed up the walk away to the Unit Chief's office, knocking lightly on the door frame as the door was already open.
"Come in."
Taking a deep breath, she stepped into his office. Despite the twelve years that passed, he looked almost the same. His hair was still precisely combed and he wore a dark suit, only this suit was tailored to fit perfectly. Missing was his smirk and dancing eyes. His face was schooled into a stoic expression.
"SSA Hotchner, I'm Agent Emily Prentiss."
His eyebrows shot up as he stared at her for a long moment, "Miss Prentiss. This is a surprise."
She smiled nervously, "Blast from the past!"
"Please sit," he waved her to the chairs in front of his desk. "How are you? How is the Ambassador doing?"
Small talk out of the way, she explained that she had been transferred to the BAU.
Looking confused, he reviewed her paperwork. "Agent Prentiss, I'm afraid I didn't sign off on this transfer.
Crestfallen, Emily stacked her employee file on top of the box. She hesitated, wondering if she should stand up before deciding to try again. Squaring her shoulders, she looked him directly in the eye, "I belong in this unit. And all I'm asking you for is the chance to show that."
The corner of his mouth twitched, "based on your experience, I do think you will be an asset to the team. We will need to clear this up with Human Resources."
"Thank you, Sir. I will follow up directly with them."
They stood and as she turned to leave, he asked, "Agent Prentiss, I am curious. Why did you join the FBI? From what I recall, you were interested in pursuing a career in academia, specifically Russian literature."
"You did, Sir. Your dedication to helping people. You protected me and taught me to protect myself. That summer had a profound effect on me. I decided to pursue law enforcement so I could help others."
A hint of color graced his cheeks before he shook her hand, "I am glad you are here. We'll get this straightened out."
Emily nodded, "Thank you, Sir. You won't be disappointed."
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The End
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A/N: So I am going to leave it here. What happens next will be up to Hotch and Emily...
Also, I stole dialogue from the show, Season 2, Episode: The Last Word.
