A/N: This was my first fic and I had no idea what I was doing, but now the mistakes I made are really annoying me, so I'm just fixing a few formatting errors and straightening up a few things. If you've already read up to chapter 24 then there's no new content up until that point. Also, I rated this as M to begin with and said it might change. There is violence, references to sex and some bad language (couple of f-bombs, which I am happy to take out if people don't think they belong in a T rated fic - after reading some forums and many other fics I still couldn't find agreement on this) but it turned out that I tend to naturally end a scene before it gets graphic so I don't think the M rating is appropriate anymore. There is no smut, no sexual violence and nothing that wouldn't be shown on the average episode of Criminal Minds. Basically, it seems I couldn't write anything M rated if I tried!

Anyway, I hope any new readers like this and thanks to everyone already following. My OC kind of developed in my head one night after binging on Criminal Minds and it was wanting to share this story that finally turned me from a long time reader to actually creating an account and getting involved.

Let me know what you think - I love getting feedback.

Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Criminal Minds. This is just for fun.

The young agent leaned against the desk in the office feeling very much like she was waiting on the headmistress at school. She'd had that feeling a lot recently. Sighing deeply she unfolded her arms and started to play with her nails, more out of boredom than nerves. After the last few weeks she doubted any telling off or disciplinary action could have any impact on her.

As the door swung open she instinctively stood up a little straighter. Section Chief Erin Strauss crossed the room; her clicking heels the only sound in the quiet office.

"Ma'am," the agent nodded, clasping her hands in front of her as her superior approached. The older woman raised her eyebrows before seating herself at the desk.

"Cut it out, Parker," she responded shortly. The agent smirked slightly as she took a seat at the other side of the desk.

"I thought I was to address you as the Section Chief at work," she smiled, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in her voice.

"Do you know the strings I've pulled to get you here?" Strauss widened her eyes at the girl.

"Well you shouldn't have," the agent replied flatly.

"And where would you have been then?" It was a rhetorical question but the agent was still angry at her sudden transfer and couldn't hold back from responding.

"Well I'd certainly not have been stuck on the other side of the country!" She sighed again and rolled her eyes, leaning back in the chair and folding her arms like a teenager. She had intended on rising above and keeping her composure but during her long flight and the wait at the office her anger and frustration had stewed to the point where she wanted to hit something.

"Staying wasn't an option," Strauss replied coolly.

"This isn't fair." She could feel the heat rising in her face and her lip quivered slightly.

"I know," Strauss agreed quietly, feeling some sympathy for the girl. It hadn't all been her fault and the last few weeks hadn't been easy on her. "But you weren't entirely blameless," she reminded her.

"I know, but..." The agent was cut off with a shake of the head.

"No buts. This is the way things are and you've got a chance to make a new start." The older woman's words caused her to splutter in disbelief.

"Seriously? A new start? Here?"

"I didn't say it would be easy."

"I'm being forced on a team that had no say in me joining them. Nobody wants me here."

"I want you here," Strauss replied. The agent looked up in surprise and Strauss gave her a small smile. "I do care about you, Parker."

"They're all going to hate me."

"You sound exactly like you did when you were twelve and transferred schools." She smiled again at the memory.

"And I was right then as well."

"Just give it a chance?" The young agent kept her eyes down and didn't respond. Strauss didn't push for an answer. "Go home and I'll see you tomorrow to introduce you to Agent Hotchner. You'll feel better after you've had some sleep." Strauss stood up to show the girl out of the office. "Goodnight, Parker." The agent considered walking away without saying anything but decided she had behaved like enough of a child as it was.

"Night, Aunt Erin," she smiled weakly, turning to leave.