I do not own Criminal Minds or its characters, including Theo.

Chapter 1: Theo Holston

As Theo walked into the huge auditorium, his mind was filled with excitement of seeing his favorite professor again. Spencer Reid always gave out very detailed facts that every Behavior Analysis Unit member had to know about the criminals they dealt with. Whenever he wasn't teaching something new, he talked about past cases that his team handled.

He had been so intrigued by studying the behavior of different criminals ever since he started attending these classes in freshmen year. Although, back then, it was for a different purpose.

His parents had been part of this cult that was all about pleasing their former cult leader by killing innocent people. His own parents wanted their son to become the masia or leader. So they kidnapped an FBI agent named Special Agent Owen Quinn and kept him in their house. Theo was left to care for him. Owen said that he liked his company and that he was the only one to treat him like a real person. In return, he taught him a few skills, like how to slow your heart rate long enough for people to think that you were dead. That actually came in handy.

About a year after they kept the agent in their home, Theo's parents kidnapped April, a girl that he really liked and showed him that there was more in this world than the cult. They made him choose between killing her or the agent. In the end, he chose to kill his own parents. Truth be told, they would have killed him just to stay in that cult.

Afterwards, him and April fled the scene and went into hiding. Only to be found by Spencer Reid and the FBI. Spencer figured out that Theo had attended his classes to get insight on what he knew about profiling. But, Theo became inspired by his teachings and wanted to follow in his professor's footsteps instead of following the path his parents set him on.

However, some of the cult members found them and took them to one of their hideouts. After refusing to be a part of them, the members tried to kill him. Thanks to professor Reid and Emily Prentiss, Theo had on a bullet-proof vest and was able to use the agent's skills he learned to fake his own death. Emily put him into witness protection until they were sure that all the members of the cult were gone.

Now, after years of hiding, Theo returned to his college. Most of his classmates were stunned to find that he was still alive. But that didn't bother him.

The only thing that did was finding out that April moved to Florida after what she had to go through. He did feel bad about putting her in danger. Then again, he really missed being with her.

But, it was time to move on and focus on school. Besides, his dream was to become be part of the BAU, just like professor Reid. Which was why he was so excited about seeing his professor today.

He had just turned 23 during the weekend, which meant he was now old enough to become part of the FBI. He planned on turning in his resume to Prentiss this week and wanted to ask Reid if he could help recommend him to the team.

Most take years to get into such positions. But, maybe since Reid knew him, there was a chance for him. He did help to capture an entire killing cult.

Which was why he got to class extra early in order to talk to Reid before class began.

Reid usually went to the FBI headquarters to get heads up on paper work. If Theo discussed his proposal early, he may even be allowed a tore around where the magic happens.

When he got to the room, only five other students were there. Everyone was in their seat, either reading notes or looking at their phones. Reid was double checking his power slides, as usual. This was the perfect time to talk to him.

Theo casually walked over to him and smiled. "Hello, Professor Reid."

"You can call me Spencer outside of class, Theo" Spencer said without looking up at him.

Theo took in a deep breath. "I wanted to get your opinion on something."

Spencer still didn't look up. "Ask away."

"You know that I just turned 23. So, maybe it's time that I get a real job. I mean, I graduate this year. Best to get ahead of the world while I can."

Spencer finally looked up. "Sounds like a good idea."

"There's this one job that I think I am qualified for. And I think you can help me get into it." He handed him his resume.

Spencer took only a few seconds to read over the whole sheet. That was one of his many talents. He seemed very serious when Theo stated on it about why he wishes to be a part of the BAU.

"So, what do you think?" he asked. "Think Prentiss would consider me? I know she's a friend of yours, so you can voice for me. I know I got big shoes to fit in. But, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to be a part of your team."

Spencer gave him back the paper. "Theo, I knew the moment you started attending my classes that you have potential. More people like you are needed. It's just that, you may need to consider other opportunities."

Theo nodded. "I know that I may have to go through extra training to do what your team does. But, I'm willing to do it."

"You don't understand. The BAU is made up of individuals that are specialized on analyzing a criminal's thoughts and know what they will do before they do it. It takes more than just a single sheet of paper to be in the same level as us."

Theo frowned. "But, you were part of the team when you were my age."

"True. But, that was because I managed to graduate high school and college at early ages."

He became upset. "So, because I'm not a genius, I can't be on the same level as you."

"It has nothing to do with being a genius. It has to deal with experience, knowledge and skill. Stuff that takes years to develop."

Theo calmed a bit. "So, how long do you think it will take me till I get this job?"

"Best case scenario, about five years."

Theo rolled his eyes. Five more years. But he was ready now. Why didn't his own professor believe he could be capable of doing a job like his?

"My advice" Spencer went on. "Just keep studying and eventually the opportunity will present itself. You just need to keep an open mind."

Theo shook his head. He didn't say anything more as he got to his seat. Keep an open mind, Spencer told him. What exactly did that mean? Why was it so hard to make his professor believe that he was able to be an FBI agent? Didn't he know that he helped save him and the team? What more was needed to convince him?

"Looks like the hot doctor disappointed you."

Theo looked to his right. Just his luck. Jackie Shepherd sat right next to him.