THE HALLS ARE NEARLY EMPTY. Which would make the dimly lit building almost peaceful, if it wasn't for the overwhelming anxiety of the day ahead of me. I'm beginning my new job today. In a new city, with new people, and a new job description. So much is banking on this going well- for me doing well here. But not too well. I bite the inside of my cheek and force a breath into my tight lungs, reminding myself that I don't have time to be nervous and I can't afford to be weighed down with anxiety this time. Squaring my shoulders I try to walk purposely through the deserted FBI building, acting like I'm not entirely lost as I search for my new districts offices.

Despite the day not even beginning yet, I feel drained and even more frazzled than I normally would have been. Sleep escaped me as it so often does the few days before something important. It was a chore getting inside— my badge hadn't been issued to me despite my orders to begin here today, and the officers stationed out front have a thing about letting in random people. No matter how much you beg or plead. I finally had to call- Erin Strauss the woman assigned to be my handler while I'm in the FBI. It took her voice on speakerphone, and a list of codes being sent to the computer the two guards used in order for her to get them to look me up in the system.

How embarrassing. But that's not all.

Today is an unusually cool day of summer, the sun hidden behind a blanket of low hanging gray clouds. That should have been my first warning, because throughout the entire interaction, it had begun raining. Hard.

I love the rain. The feeling of the droplets hitting skin, the scent of freshly fallen rain, the pools of water forming on the pavement. It's refreshing. But in this case it is inconvenient to get caught up in it when you are on your way to a new job, it's just another thing to go wrong, another thing to worry about, another bad omen that makes you want to turn around. It's going to be difficult to make a good first impression when you look like you've just took a stroll through a hurricane. My clothes are now damp, and my hair is a mess. I'm so thankful that I came in early. There is hardly anyone in the building yet, and I have bought some extra time to fix myself up in the washroom.

Fortunately, after a long while of wondering I finally stumble across the BAU wing. I breathe out a relieved sigh as I glance around at the abandoned area. A large bullpen with sparsely decorated desks, and a second floor loft leading to a strip of rooms which I'm guessing is a conference area centered between two offices. It is a relief to set down the heavy crate of coffees I brought in to try and get into their good graces.

Because who doesn't wan't caffeine, especially at a high stress job? Unfortunately that's all I have to offer, seeing as the rain completely ruined the paper box of donuts I had brought too. But now, the coffees are most likely cold, and I am a wreak. So much for a good first impression.

It takes a bit of searching, but I finally come across a washroom. My hair that I styled into a cute bun is no longer recognizable from earlier this morning. I let down the tie, and attempt to scrunch some of the water out of the long messy curls. And of course I didn't think to bring my 'go bag' or whatever they call it, essentials to being for when we will be traveling for cases. Now seeing the mess the humidity and rain has done, I'm wishing I skipped out on the coffee and donuts which by now are probably redundant, and grabbed my bag instead. At least then I'd have my curl cream to try to look more presentable. All I can do now is hope and pray that my natural curls won't dry weird today and won't get too frizzy. I soon find myself fiddling with the sleeves of my damp cardigan, worry coiling in my chest about my choice in attire.

Tank top, black jeans, a comfy cropped cardigan, and combat boots.

Sure I would dress like this for my last job... but this is Quantico. This is the FBI. I pause as I catch a glimpse of myself in a the smudged mirror. Squinted judgmental eyes stare back at me.

Yep. I'm dressed far too casually.

There is nothing I can do about that now. And I don't have long to dwell on it, because my phone buzzes in my pocket a reminder to check in bringing me back to reality. Who cares what I look like? You're not here to impress anyone. You're here to learn. With a short reply back on the encrypted platform I check in, starting the clock. When I check the time I see its already six thirty. The unit chief is supposed to be here by now.

Quickly I exit the washroom and try to find my way back to the offices I had left. I really hope the team is nice, and I especially hope the unit chief is understanding, and not abusive over their small head of power. Unlike some people I know. It will be easier if they are horrible, but kindness can be a potent weakness as well.

When I return to the BAU wing I see the lights have been switched on, aluminizing the bullpen and one of the offices on the upper floor. With a deep breath I open the door and make my way to introduce myself to the unit chief.

As I pear in through the window of the office I can see a tall man with dark hair, his back turned to me as he rummages through a large file cabinet. Although the door is wide open, I don't dare step inside yet. That would be intrusive, and weird. Maybe I'm just overthinking everything. Still I settle for standing in the doorway, knocking on the door frame to make myself known.

It takes a few moments for me to realize he isn't going to initiate the conversation.

"Sir?" I begin the word like a bad taste in my mouth. At the sound of my unfamiliar voice his attention is finally dragged to me. "I'm your new transfer. Erin Strauss should have informed you about my arrival? I-It's my first day."

He stares at me, eyes searching my facial features as if trying to memorize them, his brows knitted together. As seconds tick by I find myself hoping he would say something, or do something to relieve the tension in the air. Seconds tick by slowly. I shift uncomfortably under his strong gaze, wrapping my arms around myself. Finally his mouth opens and he takes a step forward.

"Ms. Cypher I assume?" He asks hesitantly, eyes still boring into me as if he's trying to read my thoughts.

"You're safe now, I'm right here. My name is Aaron by the way. Aaron Hotchner."

"Aaron? Aaron Hotchner?" The realization shocks me, and I find my breath catching in my throat the sound of his voice confirming it is him. No one said he was going to be my unit chief. A wave of conflicting emotions pull at my stomach like a twisted game of tug of war. On one hand I'm glad to see him again... on the other this is going to be so much harder.

"Yes." His eyes are still searching, trying to place me.

"I'm Nicolette Lae Cypher. Well Loxley would have been my surname when.. when you saw me last." I connect the dots for him. I can see the wave of emotions pass through his normally passive eyes. Confusion. Realization. Disbelief. "You were on my ca—" I don't get a chance to finish before his face breaks out into a small smile, and I am engulfed in a hug.

I wrap my stiff arms around him in return, finding myself quite surprised that instead of the soul crushing panic I normally experience when someone touches me, I feel safe in his presence.

But he isn't just anyone. He is Aaron Hotchner. He saved me.

"Of course it's you, I should have known it was you!" He says after he pulls away. "You've changed your last name?"

"Yes." I breathe a laugh. "My mothers maiden name was Cypher-Castellanos. It was just easier to keep the first part." I explain as he gestures for me to sit down at his desk chair. He takes a seat opposite to me, his eyes never leaving my face.

"You've grown." He states after a moment of silence, before laughing at how ridiculous that sounded. He used to come visit me often in the hospital. He even came out when I was assigned a new foster home, to make sure it was going to be a safe environment, unlike the previous one. The last visit we had, face to face was when I was eleven years old.

So yes, I imagine I've grown considerably since then.

"You have too." I say. Remembering the younger man in his twenties that thought he was invincible.

"You never mentioned in any of your letters that you had interest in joining the Bureau."

Thats because I never had any interest in joining the bureau, but I can't say that. "It was... k-kind of sudden." I say vaguely. "They didn't give you the background of the newbie?"

"No. I was not responsible for your hire, my boss was." He explained. "She only gave me your last name, qualifications, and your start date. You've done very very well. When reading over the paperwork it doesn't surprise me in the slightest you've accomplished all of that. I always knew you were brilliant. I'm glad you decided to use that to be here and help people."

I shift uncomfortably, my 'brilliance' has been a drowning weight around my neck all of my life. "Thank you, sir."

"Nicolette." His voice became serious, and his gaze was concerned. "Your job as a consultant will mostly intel you to be here, or at the police station in the cities we travel to. I have to ask-- do you feel like you will be able to preform, given your history, and the job description?" He features remain soft, and his voice is kind as if he is still speaking to the child he pulled out of a fire.

It docent matter if I don't feel like I can or not. I have too, I don't have another choice. "Yes I do." I say with a nod, trying to make my smile convincing.

Before anymore can be said our attentions turn as voices start to flood in from the bullpen.

"Are you ready to meet the team?" Aaron gives me a small smile and stands from his desk.

I nod, swallowing down the anxiety tightening in my throat as following after him.

"Hotch!" A well built man calls immediately after Aaron stepped out of the office. The man holds one of the cups of coffee I brought in above his head. "You trying to brace us for bad news or something? What's with these fancy drinks?"

Ah, they have discovered the 'please like me' coffees that I left on a random desk.

"It's so goood."

"Paperwork might actually be bearable now."

"How have you never heard of this coffee place? You're a coffee addict."

"Alright guys." Aaron's voice sounds authoritative over the mess of conversation that broke out among my new team members- who have yet too noticed me behind their unit chief. "I have an announcement to make."

"I told you, the coffee is a cop out."

"I didn't bring the coffee." His monotoned voice sleek with a hint of frustration. I have to imagine they get on his nerves a lot. "The new hire did." At this, everyone glanced around, searching for this supposed new hire.

I cleared my throat, and stepped out from behind Aaron. I give a little wave to the group of people before my arms wrap around myself tightly. Hesitantly looking over all the unfamiliar faces.

"This is our new consultant, Dr. Nicolette Cypher." I cringe as he mentions my title. "Nicolette, this is the team. Penelope Garcia, Derek Morgan, David Rossi, Jennifer Jareau, Dr. Spencer Reid, and Emily Prentiss."

"Hi." I say after they silently stared at me for a long while. "Jareau, Morgan, Reid, Rossi, Prentiss, Garcia." I go around the room, nodding to each of them as of list off their names.

"You catch on quick." Derek Morgan smirks.

"Thank you for the coffee!" Penelope Garcia who is closest to me, comes forward. "It's delicious!"

"Oh good." I laugh awkwardly. "I was worried it would be cold."

"On average the common cup of coffee cools from its two hundred and five degrees fahrenheit to a optimal drinking temperature one hundred and ten degrees fahrenheit in about five to ten minutes." The one introduced as Dr Spencer Reid mutters. His voice grows louder end a bit more confident as he glances around the room, realizing no one is going to interrupt him. "These however are in a thermal cup which seals and insulates the liquid, protecting it from any external factors that will cause it to cool. Even with in a thermal which causes the heat to bounce back and forth keeping the liquid hot, that energy slowly reduces over the course of an hour. So assuming you brought it forty-five minutes ago, the temperature is now.. perfect."

His eyes momentarily meet mine before he quickly draws his gaze on the ground, he grimaces after his spiel is over. Almost as if he is disappointed in himself for talking so much.

"Huh." It's amazing that someone can know so much about coffee temperature statistics. "Interesting. I'm glad."

"H-Hi, hi... um I'm Spencer... Reid. Spencer Reid. That's me."

"It's nice to meet you, Spencer Reid." He smiles to himself, eyes meeting mine again. My breath catches at the deep onyx color of his eyes, so dark I cannot see where his irises end and his pupils begin. Our eyes linger for a second or for an eternity, I couldn't tell, his eyes like deep pools of ink that I could get lost in easily.

Awe.

Wait no. No, no, no, no. This isn't right. Why did one of them have to be Aaron Hotchner, and why did one of them have to be so handsome? No it's okay, I can salvage this. He probably has a terrible personality. Yeah. I can fix this. I cannot afford any distractions, not by Aaron, and not by a pretty face. I thought this was going to be difficult before, but now...

Its the first day-- and I'm screwed.

"You all know the drill. Today is paperwork day, not too exciting. Morgan, show her the ropes today, her desk will be closest to yours." Aaron pauses, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Cypher if you need anything come find me. It's great to have you here." I nod and give him a small smile which he returns. And with that he dismisses the group.

"Hey." Derek came up to me, coffee in hand. "Want to check out your desk?"

"Mmhm." I follow him around the large bullpen, watching as everyone bustles about in what I can only assume is their normal everyday work routine.

"Here it is," He leans against the empty desk, outstretching his arms in a grand gesture. "In all its glory."

"It's amazing." I laugh as I take a seat in the rolling chair.

"And that," he points to the desk adjacent. "Is where I do my best work."

"Oh, I assumed that would be in the field. Maybe the conference room when you are profiling, and or arresting serial offenders. But okay, paperwork is where you shine. I'll take your word for it." He is visibly taken back by my response, and for a second I'm afraid I rubbed him the wrong way. That is, before he breaks into a wide smile.

"Oh I like you, sunshine."
••••

The day went far better then I was expecting.

After Aaron introduced me, everyone immediately got started on the mountains of paperwork that flooded their desks. I watch as they settle into their day, all so comfortable in their familiar environment. Derek and the older man named Rossi took me through a few files, going over how each folder is filed after the end of a case.

Everyone seemed very adamant about getting the paperwork done, so no one has had the time to pester me with the millions of questions about my personal life that I know must be weighing on their minds. Although I have caught all of them staring at me at one point or another through out the day. But I guess that's expected.

"Aaaaand- done!" Derek cheers as he slams the last completed file on his desk.

"Finally." Rossi cracks his neck.

"I'd rather die than look at another piece of paper again." Emily groans.

"Good work today everyone." Aaron says as he makes his way to his office from the conference room after gathering some files. "I'll see you all tomorrow."

"Alright, alright!" Penelope sweeps into the room, a big colorful bag on her shoulder. "I declare we take our new teammate out tonight! To celebrate her first day!"

"Yeah!" JJ agrees.

"Sounds fun."

"I'm in."

"Drinks!"

They all turn to Spencer, who hadn't jumped at the idea to go out after a long day of paperwork. "I-I don't know... You know clubs aren't my thing." He stutters, wide eyes scanning the eager people in the room.

"You're going, pretty boy." Morgan orders as he puts his hand on his shoulder, dragging him out of his chair.

"What do you say Niki?" Penelope looks at me excitedly.

"Um.. a club?" I ask hesitantly.

"See! I'm not the only one! They are loud, unsanitary, not to mention how much higher your likelihood is to be robbed, drugged, murdered-"

"Okay killjoy." Emily cuts him off as she rolls her eyes and gives a sarcastic smile. "We get your distain."

"That's true." I agree with Spencer. "It doesn't seem like my scene. Too loud and crowded... But honestly I wouldn't know anyways. Besides, I'm kind of tired?"

"What? You've never been? Why? Oh it dosent matter we have to go now!" Penelope giggles in excitement.

"She's not old enough to get into a club. Besides Reid is right, they are dangerous and overrated." Everyone stares at me in shock when Aaron said that. So much for keeping my age a secret for long.

"I just thought you had a baby face like Reid." Rossi finally says.

"Wait how old are you?" Emily crosses her arms.

"Ninety-three." No one laughs. I may have whispered the remark too quietly for anyone to hear, but in the wake of their silence I decide I don't want to repeat it.

I had wanted to just keep my head down and get my work done, not having to worry about anyone asking questions.

"It shouldn't matter. Her age shouldn't effect your opinion about her. Nor should you correlate her age with her ability to do the job." Aaron interrupts as he pulls on his coat as he gives them an answer that puts a smile on my face. Everyone is silent after that, like children in the wakes of a scolding but he dosent seem to notice. "Did you drive here?"

"I took a taxi from the hotel." I shake my head.

"Do you want a ride?"

"Oh. Um, no, that's okay. Thank you for the offer. I don't want to intru-"

"It's no trouble." He insists, gesturing for me to follow after him.

"Okay." I glance around at everyone, an apologetic smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "It was nice to meet everyone. I'll see you all tomorrow?"

"Bright and early, sunshine." Derek winks.

"Yep." Rossi nods.

"Don't think you're off the hook." Garcia says with a playful smile. "We are taking you out to lunch tomorrow, or something! I demand it!"

"I second that." JJ laughs.

"Okay, lunch tomorrow, 'or something'. It's a plan." I smile before giving a small wave in everyone's general direction. "Bye, It was nice to meet you all."

"See ya Niki!"

"Bye!"

"Nice to meet you."

"See you."

"G-Goodnight." Spencer waves back at me.

Aaron and I use the drive time to my hotel to catch up on what we have missed over the years.

We used to be really good about communicating, but slowly visits turned to calls, calls turned to letters, and letters became shorter and shorter.

But thats just life, I suppose.