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"why didn't you ever call?"
----
It had been 5 years. 5 whole years.
Heather had been called back to Quantico by not only Strauss, but Aaron Hotchner himself, he was the new unit chief.
When Heather walked into the oh so familiar building in Quantico, everyone recognized her. Sporting her usual blonde hair, a light pink blouse, black slacks, and high heels.
She was there bright and early for a meeting she was supposed to have with Strauss and Hotch. Thankfully the bullpen was empty as she walked up into Hotch's office.
"Agent King." Hotch says. "Hotch." Heather says, sending him a look. The duo briefly hugged before Heather shook Strauss' hand.
When the door opened, Heather's eyes widened when JJ walked in. "Heather." JJ says, the younger woman standing up and hugging her tightly. "Hi." Heather says softly.
It had been a long while, Heather wtahced as JJ fought against what Strauss forced upon her 5 years ago.
"I have given it a thought. I'm not interested." JJ says as she stands behind where Heather was sat, Strauss sat in the other chair.
"Clearly. You turned down the job twice without consulting your unit chief." Strauss says. "Agent Jareau is under no obligation to discuss it with me." Hotch says, Heather smirking to the older woman.
"If the Pentagon calls one of your team members, you should know about it. Why didn't you tell Agent Hotchner that you turned down the position?" Strauss questions.
"I never wanted it to get this far because-" "Because you know it's a better job." Strauss interrupts JJ, the younger woman's eyes hardening.
"Because I don't want to leave this one." JJ says sternly. "You've been here for 6 years." Strauss counters. "Nearly 7, ma'am." JJ corrects.
"Change is good. And from what I understand, there's less travel with this position. You could stay home with Henry." Strauss says, Heather glared at the woman for mentioning JJ's son.
"Excuse me?" JJ questions in offense. "I understand the sacrifices." Strauss tries to reason.
"I do what I love. It's made me a better person, a better mother. Any "sacrifices" I have made have been for my family. I don't have a single regret." JJ says, Heather reaching over and grabbing her friend's hand, JJ smiling down at her.
"We're all in agreement that Agent Jareau's a valuable part of this team, and it's understandable why the executive branch is requesting a transfer. However, if Agent Jareau respectfully declines their request, there's no way you can make her go." Hotch says, Strauss sat in defeat.
"No, I can't. Have you looked at the video of the missing girl?" Strauss questions, looking at Heather who nodded. "Everyone's watching it now as well." Hotch says in reference to the rest of the team.
