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Four weeks had passed since Mara graduated from the FBI Academy. She continued to impress the ones around her, doing exceedingly well for a new grad.

Mara was completely unaware of the day she had in front of her. 

Aaron Hotchner had been in search for a new addition to the team since Jason Gideon left the team. Emily Prentiss was fitting in very well but had yet to possess the same talent that Gideon had. He needed someone with a brilliant mind like his.

He needed Mara Tate.

Once he learned that she graduated from the academy and had chosen the Quantico office as her chosen field office, he knew she had to become apart of his department. She wasn't finished training yet but her skills in the field were far more useful in a place like the BAU. She didn't need three more years of training, she needed to help people now.

Agent Hotchner went down three floors and searched the desks for her. He knew she wouldn't reject the offer, however, he knew she would be sure she wasn't prepared to become apart of their team.

Finally, his eyes laid on her and he approached her desk, looking at her with a smile. "Detective? Sorry, Agent?"

Mara looked up and met his eyes, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Agent Hotchner, a pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise," he said to the girl. "Are you busy? I'd like to speak to you for a moment."

"Of course, sir."

Mara got up and followed Hotch into the hallway, looking up and meeting his eyes. "Congratulations on graduating from the academy."

"Thank you."

"I'm here because our team is in need of a member, a good one," Hotch said to her. "I know you're not done with your training but personally, I'm not sure you need it. The work you did on our joint case and your reports from the academy prove your ability to do this job."

"Sir, I-"

"I know what you're going to say but I think you could be an amazing fit on our team, you've already proven your skill and your ability to work with us."

"Actually, I was going to say I'd love to."

A laugh was shared between the two before Hotch extended his hand for a handshake. "The paper work isn't official just yet but welcome to the BAU."

"Thank you so much, sir."

"My pleasure," he smiled at the young girl. "Pack your things and meet me in my office in twenty."

She nodded and retreated to her office, the biggest grin on her face. She packed her things and headed to the BAU's floor just on time to meet Hotch in his office.

He ran over a few protocols with her in the span of about an hour before JJ knocked on his office and invited him to the round table for a new case.

Hotch and Mara, nicknamed Tate already, headed to the conference room. Hotch stepped in first, Mara lingering in the doorway.

"Guys," Hotch caught their attention, no one's eyes finding Mara just yet. "You know that I have been looking for another member for our team. It took a while but I think I've found a decent match. You've all met her before."

He gestured towards Mara and she stepped into the room, everyone's eyes turning to Mara. She smiled gently, everyone getting up to shake her hand.

Since she was familiar with the team already, everyone just welcomed her to the team instead of introducing theirselves. 

"Mara Jane Tate, just graduated from the academy," Garcia called from her computer. "One of the most beautiful FBI agent's I've ever seen-"

Mara threw her head back in laughter, taking a seat at the round table. "Nice to see you too, Penelope."

Mara met the eyes of Spencer Reid, the memories of they interactions falling through each of their minds, Mara remembering how uneasy he got with physical touch. "Doctor, nice to see you again."

"Straight to the BAU from the academy, very impressive, MJ," Morgan nudged her, another smile at the nickname. "Never done before."

Reid cleared his throat, sending a glare in Morgan's direction. "Besides boy genius over here."

"Alright my beautiful friends, buckle up and get ready for Mara's first case."