VIOLENT DELIGHTS, aaron hotchner

beneath, between, and behind

Juliette Leroux knows that her presence isn't welcomed on a new team. Her distant personality can give the impression she's only there because she has to be, but it's never failed her in the field. As much as she acts like she doesn't, Juliette enjoys her job.

Nevertheless, she wasn't immediately thrilled when Erin Strauss asked her to transfer to the BAU. She's heard chatter of a 'rogue team' and she knows Strauss wants her there to reassure her that reinstating an agent who faked their death was a good idea. But the team's also known for taking down some of the most skilled criminals, and like hell if she isn't up for a good challenge.

So now she's being led down a hallway on the sixth floor of the Quantico FBI building, silently straightening out her blazer and pushing her jet black hair behind her ears. She can practically hear her mother in her ear, telling her to stand up straight and act as though she's not there to please anyone, as if it isn't second nature.

Juliette's expression remains neutral as they enter the office of her new unit chief. Strauss told her he's been through a lot, and his face definitely shows it. His deep brown eyes make his raven hair seem light, and his suit is as crisp as hers. "Juliette Leroux." She finally says.

"Aaron Hotchner." He introduces, his stern glare giving Juliette's a run for it's money. "You can call me Hotch."

He knows why Strauss insisted on adding a new member to his team, but he's more irritated that he didn't get a say in who it is. Although he's impressed by her accomplishments, specifically considering she was a public defender before joining the bureau, he could name a dozen people who he would choose for the job before Juliette.

Strauss seems to ignore the tension in the room, instead assuming a cheery facade. "Let's introduce you to the team, shall we?"

The two nod, following their boss into the bullpen. Juliette's noticed the group studying her since they entered the floor, but she thought for profilers they'd be a little more subtle. Maybe they're trying to intimidate her, but she knows not to be affected. Up close, they look like any other unit she's worked on, sizing up her unreadable expression.

"This is Agent Leroux, starting today she's a member of the BAU." Strauss smiles, catching the attention of the profilers. "Leroux is one of our most promising agents, please welcome her with kindness."

She shakes hands with Agents Morgan, Jareau, and Prentiss, who all seem apprehensive of her presence. Juliette just nods to a waving Dr. Reid, before pausing. "Dave." She states, thankful they both have poker faces good enough to fool the group around them.

"Juliette, it's been awhile." Rossi replies.

Juliette nods, stepping back into her position next to Strauss. She places her hand to her chest, immediately knowing they would be profiling it. But it's a risk she continues to take, because feeling the rings that hang on the necklace under her shirt grounds her.

Their moment of awkward silence is interrupted by the entrance of a colorful woman, her concern focused only on Hotch. "It's the Piano Man, they want our help."

Hotch glances to Juliette one last time before turning to the rest of the team. "We have a case."

With one last nod to Strauss, she follows the rest of the team to the round table where the aforementioned woman, who introduces herself as Garcia, presents the case. "Houston PD needs our boots on the ground for the Piano Man case."

"The serial rapist?" Emily questions.

"A case we consulted on about eight months ago." Hotch answers. "Twelve victims over five years, he crosses racial and social lines."