prologue: a tempting offer !

𐙚˙⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩

Aaron Hotchner thought it a couple of times over. Did they really need a new agent at the moment? He knew Strauss specifically requested for it but he didn't exactly see the point.

It really only made sense because Elle was still on leave and the team was taking their deserved vacations for the next six weeks. But Strauss had requested he look for another agent. And well, he wasn't going to piss her off more than he already did.

And after some deep conversation with Gideon and going over everyone's resumes, they both just didn't seem to like anyone. So, Gideon made some calls. And found the one person he was looking for and decided to recommend her to Hotch.

Astrid Novak had been at the academy, close to getting her training done and following into her father's footsteps, it seemed. When Gideon told Hotch who her father was, he questioned why his David Rossi's name wasn't anywhere on the sheet. Gideon shrugged, "Maybe it's because she doesn't want a tie to him." That couldn't have been so close to the truth.

Hotch had worked with David Rossi in the past, surely if Astrid used his last name, it'd open more doors for her. But maybe that's what she didn't want. Hotch theorized that maybe she didn't want the connection. And of course, he hadn't heard of a daughter until now.

So, as he marched down to the director's office, wanting to speak with one of his students for an offer, the director led him right to her.

Hotch watched through the plexiglass as Astrid was excelling at hitting her target without even flinching. It was impressive for a beginner. She'd shredded the shooter board and she was the only one that hit the target where they told her to hit it.

After that task, they'd moved onto the next one. Working with a team. And he'd watched closely as she did so, since it was beneficial for his agents to work well with one another. It was critical in this business. Astrid succeeded, even complimenting her fellow colleagues on their good work.

And then the physical training part. Hotch didn't exactly mind the physical training since Morgan was usually the one that kicked down doors and Reid was the one that stayed behind at the PD, using his limber brain to help solve their case. But he didn't have to worry about having another Spencer on the team, Astrid was active. She was faster than anyone on her team, eager for the hunt.

"Astrid's our best here," The director commented as he and Hotch watched her in action. "It's funny, she's a first-time learner but the way she performs indicates anything but first-time."

Probably because she'd taken her own father's skills and put them to good use. Rossi was the best there was, after all.

After their training, the director had taken Hotch down to the site to formally meet Astrid. Five minutes into seeing how she worked and he's already impressed. "Novak!" The director called.

Astrid's head spun around and the first thing she notices is her director and the unit chief of the BAU himself, Aaron Hotchner. "This is Agent Hotchner," Director Zemeckis introduced. "He's the—"

"Active unit chief of the BAU," Astrid finishes as she goes to shake the man's hand. "I've, uh, heard a lot about you, sir."

"I've read up on you, Astrid. And from Director Zemeckis tells me, you're good." Astrid sheepishly smiles, her confident exterior now guarded. "Director, do you mind if I talk with Agent Novak alone?"

Zemeckis shakes his head, not minding a bit. Astrid walks alongside the unit chief as they make their way to the outside of the building. Agent Hotchner offers to grab lunch with Astrid, his treat. And so, they find a quiet place outside of the academy. A burger place that Astrid frequented.

Astrid has no idea as to why Agent Hotchner wants to speak with her. From her understanding, he was the head honcho in charge at the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Why did he want to speak with her? Of course she hoped she knew exactly what he was here for, but she plotted to keep her cool.

After they order, Agent Hotchner speaks with her. "You were a part of the NYPD until you transferred over to Virginia, is that correct?" Astrid nods as she takes a bite of her burger. "Yes, sir. I was, uh, working a desk job until they decided they had enough of me." She attempts to joke.

"And you're how old?" Hotchner asks and Astrid shrugs, "Twenty-six," She tells. "I'll be twenty-seven in March."

"And you're already done with college?" Hotchner asks and Astrid shrugs, "Went to school at eighteen — San José State — graduated at twenty-two with a degree in Criminal Justice. Went straight to New York, got a job — worked at a desk for two years until I decided I had enough and boom — here, I am." Astrid explains.

"And from my understanding, you're almost done with your FBI training?" Hotchner asks and Astrid nods, "Yes, sir."

Astrid's shoulders sink and she takes a deep breath as she looks at the man in front of her. "Okay, let's cut the bullshit, here, sir," She starts, causing Hotch to raise his brows in surprise. "Why are you asking me these series of questions?"

"Why do you think?" Hotchner asks. "Well," Astrid leans forward. "Considering that these questions sound like interview questions and that you're the unit chief of the FBI, you're looking for someone that can fit into your team. Am I correct?"

"You're not far off." Hotchner says as he straightens up. "And what made you choose me?" Astrid asks, leaning back in her seat with crossed arms. A defensive, guarded strategy that Gideon warned Hotch about.

"Agent Jason Gideon recommended you, in all honesty." Hotchner cleared and Astrid furrows her brows, "Gideon? He's back?" From Astrid's understanding, Gideon had been on leave due to the Boston Bomber. Guess he'd returned.

Astrid looks around as she leans forward once more, Hotch noticed this woman cannot sit still to save her life. "What else did he tell you about me?" She asks, quietly.

"He said you were exceptional, he'd lectured at a couple of your classes and said you didn't stop asking questions." Hotch told her and then nudges his head forward as he looks at the napkin in front of him. "He also informed me who your father was, but I can assure you, Agent Novak, I am not choosing you because of your connections."

Astrid looks at the man. Of course, Gideon told him who she was. Or at least, who her father was. The one thing she didn't want was any connections to David Rossi. That's why she only joined the academy as Astrid Novak — taking her mother's last name. She wanted to avoid the stares that said she one got here because of who she was related to. But she earned her spot fair and square, working hard and she made no apologies for that. It was a last minute decision to go to the FBI academy, considering she'd worked at a desk job in New York. She wanted something more, she couldn't stand sitting around all day doing nothing. So, she transferred and these last sixteen weeks were rough but she'd be ending her training in just a few weeks here so she could graduate.

Agent Hotchner seemed to be a man with priorities and his priorities were to find an agent with enough experience to help his team and work well together with them as one. And from where he was sitting, Astrid seemed capable of it.

"Within the hour I've been here, I see that you're a team player, you're a good shot and you have the physical skills that would get you far with my team." Agent Hotchner explained and Astrid looks down as she thinks to herself. Her mother's voice in the back of her mind, telling her that her dreams would get her far without her father's name, hence the reason why she went with her mother's last name. No connections with the last name Novak. Astrid was hesitant and Hotchner could tell even if she trying so hard not to show it.

"Agent Gideon, he's a family friend. Surely, he steered you in my direction to put in a good word." Astrid says and Hotchner nods, "You're right," He tells. "You'd have no reason to join if you believed I was only choosing you because of who you're related to. But believe me when I say, I really am choosing you based on your skills. All of my agents are currently on vacation, one of which was shot over a few months back."

"The Fisher King," Astrid nodded. "Heard all about that."

"My point is, Agent Novak, your skills would be put to good use. And if I know Agent Gideon, then I definitely know that you have what it takes to be here." Agent Hotchner finished and by the way he spoke, Astrid could tell he meant it.

Maybe she could look past the connections and the fact that the Aaron Hotchner knew her biological father. It'd been one of the reasons as to why she was iffy about it. On one hand, she didn't want to seem like she was using her nepotism in order to get a job, she couldn't afford her reputation crashing right when she was making something of herself. But on the other hand, she wanted to help people. And here was a job, practically being handed to her on a silver platter. And in no way was Hotchner choosing her because of her connections. It didn't seem that way; at least.

You see, Astrid kept her walls up. One of her many strengths and weaknesses. Not that it's happened in the past, but Astrid never wanted to risk it happening at least once. So, she'd been hesitant — especially when there was a man in front of her who knew her father. You can understand her feelings towards this.

But in the end, she chose the latter. The one thing that mattered more than this crisis Astrid was currently having in her head, was the help she could be when it came to saving people.

         She had the mental skills and the abilities — and the stomach — when it came to gruesome things, such as death. She'd been through her fair share of trauma and she wore it like a shield. Probably not the best idea, since she'd refused to do therapy as a teen. But in her head, she'd rather be channeling all of that rage into something like taking bad guys down.

         With a final thought sweeping her thoughts, Astrid finally nods as Agent Hotchner catches her attention, "Alright, sure. I, uh, graduate from the academy in a couple of weeks. Might as well take this offer since I'll be heading up there anyways."

        Hotchner holds his hand out, "Welcome to the team, Agent Novak. We'll be looking forward to having you." Astrid shakes his hand with a smile, "I hope so."

         This was the fresh start of a journey and Astrid was about to embark on it.

hey lovelies!
ugh prologues are always so difficult to write out 😭
but i'm actually quite proud of this one tbh
i hope y'all enjoyed this one, i'm excited for more hehe
it might be a minute before i get the first official chapter out so bear with me😮‍💨

also astrid is quite literally based off of me tyvm 😎 (as most of my ocs are tbh)

casey, julia and astrid 🤝 all being some representation of me and all in love with spencer reid

anywayssss
thank you for reading
so excited, we're starting from s2!
love you all,
-mya <333