Shadow Of Hearts (Emily Prentiss X OC)

Chapter 1: The New Kid On The Block

Emily Prentiss sat at her desk, the early morning light casting a soft glow on the neatly arranged papers and the gleaming surface. She was meticulous in her preparation, a trait that had served her well in her career as a Special Agent with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. The quiet hum of the office around her was comforting, a backdrop to the rhythmic tapping of her fingers as she awaited the day's briefing. Her eyes scanned the case files, the faces of the victims and the criminals blurring together in a grim dance of darkness and light. She took a deep breath, centering herself before the chaos of the day began.

The doors to the bau office swung open, and in walked Elena 'Echo' Christopolous, the newest team member, recently transferred from New York. Echo's confidence was palpable, her sharp gaze sweeping the room as she took in her new colleagues. Emily felt a pang of something unidentifiable, a mix of curiosity and protectiveness that she quickly pushed aside. She knew the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor, especially with someone so new to the unit. Yet, there was something about Echo that was undeniably intriguing.

Emily noticed Echo was fiercely independent and sharp-witted FBI agent whose unyielding dedication to justice is matched only by her biting sarcasm. She was a striking woman that contrasted beautifully with her athletically built body which had a commanding presence, Emily Prentiss also noticed her chiseled features and a skin kissed by the Mediterranean sun that attracted her eyes. Her dark brown eyes sparkle with intelligence and a hint of mischief, framed by chestnut hair cropped short and styled in a practical yet edgy manner. She was tall in contrast to Emily, with a muscular build that's a testament to her rigorous training regimen. Her ears are adorned with gleaming black plugs, and her body a canvas for intricate, meaningful tattoos that tell tales of love, loss, and triumph.

Emily had noticed her, of course; it was hard not to. There was something about Echo that drew the eye—perhaps it was her confident stride or the way she seemed completely at ease with herself.

Emily Prentiss was no stranger to new agents, but there was something about Echo that intrigued her. Maybe it was the way she seemed so sure of herself, despite the challenges of fitting into such a tight-knit team. Or perhaps it was the quiet intensity she saw in Echo’s eyes when she thought no one was looking. Whatever it was, Emily couldn’t help but be drawn to her.

The briefing room was buzzing with the usual banter as the team trickled in, grabbing coffee and bagels before taking their seats around the table. Hotchner, the unit chief, stood at the head, a look of solemn focus on his face as he prepared to begin. Emily couldn’t help but glance at Echo, who was leaning against the far wall, arms crossed over her chest, eyes assessing the scene before her.

"Good morning, everyone," Hotch began, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We have a new member joining us today. Elena Christopolous, or as she's known in the field, Echo. She comes highly recommended from the New York office, and I have no doubt she'll be a valuable asset to our team."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Echo. She pushed off the wall and strode to the table, her boots clicking against the carpet. "Thank you, Hotch," she said, her voice a smooth blend of professionalism and a hint of the Big Apple's toughness. "I'm looking forward to working with all of you."

One by one, the team members introduced themselves. Dr. Reid, with his boyish charm and encyclopedic knowledge, extended a hand that was swiftly engulfed by Echo's firm grip. "Nice to meet you, Elena," he said, a slight smile playing on his lips. "I'm Dr. Spencer Reid, but everyone calls me Reid."

Morgan, the sharp-tongued yet compassionate agent, gave her a nod of respect. "Derek Morgan," he said, his deep voice resonating in the room. "And if you need anything, just holler. We're all about looking out for each other here." His words were genuine, the camaraderie of the team evident in his eyes.