A/N: Here's next chapter. I hope you all like it!

Special thanks to jenny crum, K8e1, Westie80, BAUMember and Christiangirl!

I don't own criminal minds!

Chapter 7: Turn of events

JJ entered the building with much difficulty, knowing another day of boring work was coming her way. But that wasn't the worst of all. She had to wait a long time before she was going to see Hotch again, and a part of her missed his presence. She had barely been able to sleep through the night. It existed out of tossing, turning and thinking about the new man in her life. Something in her life was going into the right direction, which wasn't supposed to happen to her. She chose a different life. A life without love, family and true happiness. But JJ had realized she wasn't an officer for the CIA when she was with Hotch, she was simply Jennifer Jareau. The girl who had been hidden nearly her entire existence. JJ hadn't been herself for what seemed like ages and Hotch brought out that side to her. It was something she enjoyed and she hoped it wasn't a onetime deal.

She stepped out of the elevator and walked towards her office. JJ worked on the Eastside of the entire building, where the representatives of the company worked. One the other side of the building was the where the labs were and the place where most scientist did their work. Unfortunately, JJ didn't have any access to that part, which was exactly what she needed. It seemed more plausible that someone with access was behind the illegal sell of chemical weapons. But deep down JJ started to suspect her boss because he was the one in charge of the company. The CEO would know about any missing chemicals and if he did, he hadn't reported anything. The urge to break in and check out the lab had become overwhelming, but her boss ordered her to do nothing. She wasn't activated. It wasn't her job to do anything, which led JJ to wonder if Collins had put Owen in as an active agent.

JJ sat down behind her desk and noticed the new stack of files, meaning she had more problems to solve. It seemed to be a never ending flow of problems with Chemicaltech Industries and it was slowly becoming more boring. But JJ was assigned this case, so she was going to be with it till the end, no matter how long it would take. It also meant she got spent more time with the FBI agent, which was definitely becoming more interesting. So she actually didn't have that much to complain about.

She turned on her computer and opened the first file on her desk. Seriously? A sexual harassment suit? This job is going to kill me… she imagined. But her imagination was cut short when Warren walked into her office. He knocked first and stepped inside after JJ gave him a quick nod.

''How can I help you, sir?'' JJ asked as she saw Owen appear next to her boss. She had no idea why he was in her office, let alone in that exact part of the building. She knew he was working as a security guard, she just didn't expect him to be so close. ''Who's this?''

She rose from the chair as Owen stepped forward to introduce himself. Like we have to! He grinned inwardly. ''I'm Owen Riley.'' he said. He felt her hand in his, and the spark was reignited. Well, it was for him. JJ looked completely unimpressed. He knew she stopped feeling the same a very long time ago. ''It's nice to meet you….''

''Jennifer Allen.'' she said as she turned to her boss.

''Owen is the new security guard for this side of the building.'' Warren explained quickly. ''He will be on this floor for surveillance.

''Why?'' JJ asked with concern. Something must have happened if they suddenly decided to hire a new security guard.

''A break-in was reported last night.'' he replied. ''It's just a precaution. Don't worry about it. It's why Mr. Riley is here.'' he assured as he put his hand on JJ's shoulder. ''You'll be fine, Jennifer. Nothing will happen.''

She nodded in response and waited for Warren to leave her office. She was left with Owen, which made her very uncomfortable. ''Is this an active mission for you?'' she asked boldly.

Owen stepped towards JJ with hopes that she was going to accept his presence. He didn't think she would. But it was worth giving a shot. ''No, it's not. Collins gave me the same orders, JJ.'' he said easily. It was the truth. They were both inactive and had to wait for the mission to become active. It wasn't the best part of their jobs, but he asked to be assigned close to her. Once upon a time they were the best team. ''Just give me a shot.''

''Have you forgotten what happened in Paris?'' she demanded. ''Or do I need to sum it up for you?''

Owen realized she would bring it up sooner or later, but he decided to ignore it. Paris had definitely not been his proudest moment. ''You don't need to remind of it, JJ. I haven't forgotten it if that's what you're asking.'' he shot back in anger. ''I just wonder if you can remember what a great team we were together.''

She sat back down in her chair. Of course I didn't forget. I would never… she whispered to herself as she stared at the brown-haired man in front of her. He wasn't the type of guy you would easily pass by on the street. All eyes were on him when he entered a room. It was all because of his looks. He always seemed like the perfect partner. Loyal and honest. But he betrayed JJ in a way she never expected from him. She trusted him with her life and for a short time, with her heart as well. ''It was a long time ago, Owen. I've moved on and realized that being alone on missions is much better.'' she said flatly. ''I think you should go!''

''What's happening to you?'' he asked. She didn't seem like the person he knew. She seemed so different that it made him ache. What is happening to her? he wondered.

''I am just working. I suggest you do the same.''

''Fine.'' he said, on his way out the door when he turned around one last time. ''We should discuss this case further. Tonight?''

''Sorry, I have plans.'' she responded as her eyes were on her work at all times. She didn't even take a single second to look at him. ''Maybe tomorrow.''

''We need to work out our problems, JJ.'' Owen said simply. ''We can't make this partnership work without a normal conversation.''

She rose from the chair in anger and stepped right in front of him. ''I don't need to talk to you. This case isn't active. We are both supposed to do the jobs we're assigned to do and nothing more!'' she began. ''I'm trying to live this life away from you, so leave me alone!'' she begged.

Owen turned around and left the room without saying another word. JJ had been very clear and he wasn't about to make her livid. He had seen when JJ was like when she was angry, and he didn't want to experience it again. But he knew he deserved to be ignored by her. He had done wrong to her and he wondered if there would ever be a way to redeem himself.

Hotch slipped into the bullpen and took a seat behind his desk. He grabbed the new stack of reports to fill out, feeling a set of eyes on him from across the room. He looked up to see one of his team members smirking at him. So Hotch returned his focus to his work when he heard whispers coming from his way.

''What do you want, Baker?'' Hotch asked stoically. He wasn't the type to gossip during work hours. He wasn't the type to ever do it.

''You just look really happy. You have this glow, Aaron.'' Baker replied, grinning through the sentence. He knew the younger profiler as stoic and cranky, but something seemed different about him. ''Did you finally get laid?''

Hotch sighed in response and he tried to keep his annoyance to himself. As great as his team was, he still hated the dynamics. The constant gossiping, and antagonizing each other was getting to him. At one point he felt like yelling, but he had been able to keep himself together for the sake of his job. ''What's going on in Rossi's office?'' Hotch observed out loud. He noticed an upset Erin Strauss sitting across from his Unit Chief, and it made Hotch wonder what was going on.

''I have no idea.'' Baker replied absently.

Hotch stared into the office, investigating the body language of the two adults. They both looked tense and rigid. When Rossi walked to his door, Hotch turned around and pretended to work on the reports.

''Hotch, can you come into my office?'' Rossi asked.

He turned around and nodded hesitantly. He rose from his chair and hurried his way to the office up the catwalk. He stepped inside the office and was stared down by Section Chief Erin Strauss. Hotch had always felt that the woman despised him. ''What's going on?''

''Have a seat!'' Strauss ordered, her voice harsh of tone.

Hotch sat down in confusion as he searched for an explanation on the faces of his bosses. Rossi looked serious, and Strauss was stern as always. He had never seen her in a different way.

''I have decided to retire.'' Rossi began and he noticed the shock on his colleagues face. It was a shock to him as well, but he needed time away from the BAU in order to stay sane. His job had become his life. ''Erin and I have discussed who should be taking my place and we both agree you're the best for the job.''

His mouth widened. Rossi is retiring? Me as unit chief? It was unbelievable. He didn't believe it. He had only been with the unit for little over a year and he was the youngest in the group. It seemed like a prank. ''What about Baker or Fowler? Or Cooper?'' he wondered out loud. ''I don't understand.''

''It's my job to leave this unit in the right hands.'' Rossi replied. ''You're ambitious, a hard worker and you're better at this job than anyone else in this team. You deserve this chance.''

''If you decide to pass this opportunity we'll look for an agent from another unit to lead the BAU.'' Strauss said flatly. She hated the fact that Hotch was rising the ranks quickly. She knew from experience what a threat he could be to her own position within even five years into the future. ''It's your choice.''

Hotch was bombarded. They didn't give him a second to think about it. But what was there to think about? It was everything he ever dreamed of. It was taking another step into the right direction, and he didn't know what should ever hold him back. ''I'll do it.''

''That's great!'' Rossi said as he shook Hotch's hand happily. Seeing his job go to the younger profiler was something he always imagined to happen. Well, he hoped it would if he'd ever leave. And now that time had finally come.

Strauss rose from the chair and gave both men an appreciative nod. ''I'll put the papers in.''

Rossi stepped around the desk as Hotch stared around the office in disbelief. ''Welcome to your office, Aaron.'' he said. ''You've worked hard for this.''

''Thanks, sir.'' Hotch said eagerly.

''Call me, Dave.'' he corrected. ''I haven't been the easiest boss, but it's to keep my team the best and I expect you to do the same.''

''I will. I am going to do my absolute best on this job.'' he assured.

''Okay then.'' Rossi sighed as he walked back to his chair, knowing this was his very last day. A part of him was saddened about his retirement, but he was ready to live a life outside of the BAU. ''I can update you on everything tonight.''

''Uh, sir!'' Hotch began as he realized he had to make a choice. ''Sorry, tonight sounds fine.''

''Good.''

Hotch turned around and slowly walked out of the office as if he was dreaming. He didn't even notice the stares from his colleagues. He could only think about the sudden promotion. But his mind suddenly jumped to the pretty blonde. He hated to disappoint her, but he needed to be in the office that night. It was extremely important and he felt that his job had to go ahead of his date. He had told himself to focus on work and not women. JJ was just one woman, a special one, but his job felt more important in that moment.