Disclaimer: Criminal Minds? Own nada. None. Zip. Zero.

Another Disclaimer: Okay so remember when I mentioned in the beginning of the story that there'd be sexual content in this fic, yeah...this applies here.

A/N: So... this chapter is going to be a little different. This focuses mostly on the juniors (and Haley who would've been a junior) of Quantico High, except for Ashley, who is a freshman. The juniors jump around from freshman year to sophomore year and back again in this chapter, but I'll be sure to verify.

Previously: Many students ditch class or school all-together. Hotch takes Emily to his deceased girlfriend's grave, Haley, who died over the summer in a car crash. Elle is frustrated that Luke called her fat, and Cat is frustrated with Diane and Bobby getting back together, so she and Elle cut the rest of their classes, much to Ashley's anger. She and Elle get into a fight after school. Tobias and the senior guys skip to get high with an eighth of marijuana Ian got, later inviting Bobby over to join in their circle, until Cat Adams burst through the door to hit him with a baseball bat for hurting Maeve, who was her (now ex) best friend in middle school. Meanwhile Maeve is absent because she's upset about the rumors and Bobby's betrayal. Spencer tries to make her feel better.

Reviews are better than cookies.

Chapter Fifteen: The Pretty Blondes

There once was a beautiful blonde, gorgeous even. Her fabulously perfect hair always tied up in a ponytail for cheer practice, with brown eyes that resembled pools of chocolate, the pair of eyes boys found themselves lost in, if they weren't already lost in her hourglass figure, resembling the perfect body.

Haley Brooks didn't believe so.

There are days where she felt awfully average about her looks, and she knew she had to keep that one thing she felt she had up since the public assumed that she was the worst thing since the wicked witch of the west, in terms of personality. There are days when, she felt, that if you were beautiful on the outside, you were ugly on the inside. If her beauty could shine and appeal attractive, she did not mind getting snippy with attitude. This concept was stuck in her mind, following it religiously, up until the end of her freshman year.

She had met the most bitter person in the world, and she was determined to make him happy again.

Aaron Hotchner was always bitter, for reasons she wouldn't find out until much, much later. When the relationship that they'd later have, which was unbeknownst to either of them at the time, would turn serious. He'd find out things about her that she'd never told anyone, and she'd find things about him that he'd never tell anyone.

It was hard at first. Although he always thought she was beautiful and trustworthy, he wouldn't let her in. But she'd gotten close to him, and how she got into the bitter world that was her beloved Aaron's, was through rehearsals of a school play.

Haley was adamant of getting a lead role as a freshman, which she did, much to the upperclassmen's grief. Flash forward to today, and Haley still wouldn't believe that she had talent. She was a natural singer, as well as a natural actress, which is both good and bad. She had a flair for the dramatic, and it worked in her favor.

"Haley," the soon-to-be head cheerleader turned around from her reflection in the mirror in the auditorium, to come face-to-face with one of her newest friends, Alex Miller, who wasn't obsessing over her frame, she never had to, she was so naturally thin. "Stop obsessing before rehearsal, you're skinny enough."

Haley rolled her eyes and turned around back at her reflection to stare at herself in worry. "The stage adds ten pounds, Izzy Rogers said so."

"Well Izzy Rogers is a control freak," Alex declared, hating the senior that ruled over the freshman's life.

Haley smirked triumphantly. "Izzy Rogers is head cheerleader, and yes, she's a bitch, but I want that position, so I have to be a control freak, too."

"A sophomore head cheerleader?" Alex said, her voice full of doubt. "That's never happened before, Haley. At least that's what I've heard."

"I'll make it happen," said Haley, still smirking. She tightened her ponytail more than before, just so it was perfect. "They said a freshman couldn't get a lead role in a play, but here I am."

"Well... you can actually sing. Really well, actually. You're one of the few theater kids that can sing," Alex pointed out, scowling when she saw the younger girl try to suck in her stomach. "Oh stop fessing about your weight, you're not fat."

"I know I'm not fat, but I'm not skinny," emphasized Haley. "But I'll fix that, no worries!"

Alex scowled, there was no way she was going to get through to her. "Hey, did you hear that guy playing pirate four is pulling out of the play? Yeah... some senior is more focused on his G.P.A, so he quit."

"What a gimp," said Haley, taking a sip of tea, then she faced Alex. "I need to do my vocal warm ups," she stated. "Shoo."

The sophomore sighed and walked away, leaving Haley all alone in the auditorium. The freshman began to sing all of her scales, extending them to get higher and higher, but that doesn't mean the sound would be high pitched and ugly, it was lovely and sweet, rather intriguing, actually. It was strange, because when some people thought of the Haley Brooks, the girl that was not yet a star at Quantico High, but a popular queen bee in the making, the words lovely and sweet did not come to mind.

Hotch used the auditorium to do his schoolwork sometimes, and apparently Haley didn't notice that he was in the auditorium, listening to her sing, before reciting words from the script of the play. Her words, escaping from those perfect lips of hers, charmed and infatuated him to no end. Sure, Haley was very pretty, and he was always attracted to her ever since the day they met, but now, he really sees her. And now... he's realizing that he's not just attracted to her, he genuinely liked her. They were friends, but, Hotch wanted more.

Sophomore Year:

Once there was a talented athlete, quite a looker, with her blonde hair and crystal blue eyes, as she was once captain of her varsity soccer team only as a sophomore. She was skinny, but she wasn't those girls who ate less than five hundred calories. No, the captain had to maintain a healthy weight without doing serious damage to herself, she was careful, until one day she wasn't.

Jennifer Jareau, positive like a charming butterfly, used to be careful. Her carefully maintained weight, no more than weighing one twenty. Her outlook on life, especially with boys and what not. Her position on the soccer team, making sure none of the upperclassmen took her spot. Her reputation, which she wanted to be as clean as possible.

Then, one night, was all it took, that JJ was going to lose all of those things.

It wasn't going to be quick, mind you. Well... debatedly. Her reputation would be destroyed in seconds, one she had taken years to build strongly while mostly everyone else didn't give a damn about their own. Her weight would grow over the course of nine months, slowly but steadily. And, once the rumors spread about what happened, she'd be kicked off the team, by, of course, the upperclassmen. As for her outlook on life, regarding boys, it was a debate whether this was a mistake or not. She couldn't help herself, though. How could she?

Will LaMontagne was just... so breathtaking.

Charming, too. And so charismatic, lovable, and sexy...

This was how it started, really. Once she had those thoughts about him, and only him, it was a sign that trouble was afoot. She didn't know it yet, she was still a brainless fifteen soon to be sixteen year old, who firmly believed she was in love, but in reality it was a small crush that turned into a massive one.

She talks and talks and talks, to fellow sophomore Penelope Garcia. "Pen, it isn't fair! How could... how could a guy be so handsome and charming and... oh he's just gorgeous, I can't!"

Penelope loved JJ, she really did, but the latter wouldn't shut up about Will for the entire school year, and it was giving her a migraine. It was February, for goodness sake! "You know, if you love him so much, why don't you ask him out?"

JJ looked up with horror written all over her face. "I can't, Pen! That'd be... that'd be degrading!"

"The worst thing he could say is no," pointed out Penelope.

"No, the worst thing that could happen is he'll laugh to my face and say that no one will ever be with me, and he says this loudly, which gets the attention of the entire school, and my reputation will be ruined."

Trust JJ to be dramatic over something as small as this, since things from here weren't going to get easier in time.

Penelope sighed at this, trying to give her good advice that would satisfy her. "Look, JJ. Girls that don't really admit their feelings for someone, well, they always fantasize of what could be, and I can't see that happening to you, alright?" Like it happened to me with Kevin. That was for another story, however.

JJ still looked reluctant. "Penny...But, I don't know..."

"Hey, do you remember what's coming up? Mid-winter break," the plump blonde smirked. "Who has the best parties?"

JJ smirked back, understanding where she was going with this. "You do."

"And who will be at this party other than you?"

JJ's smirk got wider. "Will."

"That's right," said Penelope, relieved to see JJ less stressed out over something so small. "Talk to him, there. Introduce yourself. Maybe something lovely can happen between you two."

"Are you saying there's hope?" JJ asked, with glee in her eyes.

"I'm saying anything is possible," answered Penelope.

Boy, was she right.

Freshman Year:

"You have to give me a part," Hotch asked the theater teacher, a stern looking woman in her early forties, who was known as one of the most scariest educators of the school. "Please," he added for good measure. After seeing the most beautiful and captivating girl sing her scales so gracefully, he knew he couldn't be just friends with Haley.

The woman looked down at him from across her desk, her small glasses so low that it looked like it was going to fall off her nose. "You see, Mr. Hotchner, there's this thing called seniority, and I can't just give you a part."

"Ms. Gilmore, to be fair, I've heard that Chris Stratton resigned from his part as pirate four, which is just an extra part. And..." He needed to come up with a quick lie, which he was surprisingly good at. "I'm not doing well in my English class, and, if I join this play, my teacher would give me extra credit, so..." He prayed to god that this would work, and, this would decide whether he believed or not.

"Well, I suppose I can give you a couple of lines to read," said Ms. Gilmore, confirming Hotch's theory. At that moment, Hotch did believe in God. "However, I will know if you didn't practice it or not, even if it is a few lines. Actually try, Mr. Hotchner."

He smirked to himself, because he realized that he got the part. When he exited out of Ms. Gilmore's office, he spotted the three sophomores that practically adopted him in the beginning of the year. Alex smiled warmly, Jason and Dave look highly amused.

"Oh my god, you like her," Dave said, a little too loudly, about to burst into hysterical laughter.

"Stop it Dave, I think it's really sweet and gentlemanly," Alex said, matter of factly.

"Jesus fucking Christ, you asked to be in a play because of a girl!" Dave finally lost it, doubling over in laughter.

Alex rolled her eyes at Dave's immature antics and gave the freshman a sisterly smile. "You'd be in a play for a girl you like... Hotch that is so romantic. You'll definitely get closer to her."

"Please, Haley is mean," said Dave.

"Haley is tragically misunderstood," corrected Jason, who had been quiet up until now. He grinned slightly at the thought of Hotch liking her though. "It is amusing that you'd go so far as being in a play she's in."

"Hey, what's the gossip over here about?" Haley said cheerily, making her way to the group. She smirked at the way Hotch blushed. "Well?"

"Bozak is the worst teacher in the school," Jason made up rather quickly.

"Yes he is," Haley agreed. "Not only that, but he's a total pervert too," she added. "I swear I can't wear certain clothes around him."

"How's the play?" Dave asked, smirking in Hotch's direction when he saw his menacing glare that meant for the sophomore to stop talking.

Haley broke into a smile that made Hotch's heart skip a beat. "Oh it's great! Amazing, really."

"You know Hotch is playing pirate four now? He was just in Ms. Gilmore's office," Dave added, when Hotch sent him a look that told him to stop. It was too late though, and Haley squealed and threw her arms around him. Caught off guard, Hotch hugged her back. He could smell her strawberry scented hair.

"That's awesome! How come?" She asked, after letting go.

You. His thoughts said.

"I like this play, and um, I'm not doing so well in my English class," he fibbed. "It's extra credit."

Sophomore Year:

Penelope Garcia, sophomore at Quantico High, wasn't exactly the picture of what a blonde looks like to most people. Most people think of blondes as skinny broomsticks with eyes that are the color of the sky. Penelope was overweight and was okay with it, since she felt it was sexier that she had meat on her bones, not like a plastic doll.

She had a colorful fashion sense, with large pink frames surrounding her brown eyes. Once again, she is okay with it. She liked the way she looked, she wasn't insecure about that, and she never would be.

She was more insecure about the fact that she basically lied to JJ. Well, she didn't lie, she just acted like a hypocrite. She's telling JJ to chase after Will, when she can't admit her feelings for Kevin. How long would this take? God... it's been forever, and it must be obvious by now.

She won't let that happen to JJ. She was going to make sure JJ got together with Will, because, let's face it; he did have eyes for her. Penelope wasn't going to tell her that, because she didn't want the star soccer athlete to get her hopes up. The last thing she needed to deal with was a broken hearted JJ due to a misunderstanding.

Penelope's parents were out of town this break. Her parents were one of those parents that were totally okay with having a party, as long as the police weren't called. She couldn't wait to have one of her major parties, it would be extravagant and wild as always. Speaking of that, this one in particular was about to start in less then ten minutes.

She checked all the rooms, and sighed when she saw her dad's motorcycle that was left behind. Penelope had egged him on multiple occasions to actually drive the damn thing. What's the point in having a motorcycle when it wasn't going to be used? Sighing again, she tried dragging the motorcycle down the stairs, with the help of her best friend, Derek Morgan, who was also a sophomore.

Five more minutes.

Breathe in and out.

"Hey," Derek said, standing right next to her, minutes before the party started. "What's on your mind?"

Kevin. "I don't know," Penelope lied. "I'm just tired, I guess..."

"Are you sure?" Derek asked concernedly, as he always was. "You just...look nervous, really. It's not your bubbly self."

Penelope smiled falsely, the smile she knew he'd see through, but try anyway. "I'm fine, I promise." It was worth a shot.

Derek looked skeptical, but did not press the matter. "Alright."

She longed to tell Derek about JJ being obsessed with Will LaMontagne, but she remembered that J was her only real girl friend other than Alex. But... let's say she had told JJ about her conflicted emotions and feelings about Kevin, would she really want her blabbing to someone about it?

Maybe JJ was right. Maybe something like this wasn't a little thing.

Penelope closed her eyes, inhaled and exhaled the stress away. She opened her eyes after what seemed like an eternity, and let the people on the outside into what would turn into a rowdy teenager party.

Freshman Year:

"It's terrible, Hotch. I don't really understand..." Haley said, pouting after rehearsal was over. "I mean, no offense to you, but you need to read your lines a bit better, even if there aren't many. You're not doing this play justice."

Hotch blinked as the two walked home together. "It's just a play, Haley, and I have a small role."

"There are no small roles, only small actors," Haley stated.

"Thanks for making me feel so confident," Hotch said sarcastically, but with a twinkle in his eye.

Haley smirked, keeping her eyes forward as she walked alongside him. "No, no. I'm not saying you're a terrible actor, you just...don't try. You don't get into the emotion. Like..." Haley's brown eyes bore into his, but it wasn't as harsh, it was more like a gentle push. Daring was more like it. "You see me on stage, right?"

"Yes," Hotch said immediately, with admiration. "You're so talented."

Haley blushed modestly. "Thanks...but, I wouldn't say that, really...I, well it's complicated." Was this really happening to her? Was she stumbling and stammering on words? The Haley Brooks? Goodness, she's without a doubt been with many guys before, a quick make-out session, turning into wild sex. This... this was very different. She never stammered in front of a guy before. Ever.

"Don't do that, Haley," Hotch said lightly. "You're really gifted, you're a natural actress and singer. Trust me, you're talented."

"Are you sure?" Haley asked doubtfully. God, now she was being a vulnerable wuss. The last thing she wanted to be viewed as was a damsel in distress.

"I'm positive," said Hotch, with sincerity. "I don't throw compliments around like cookies."

Haley smiled at him. "No one's ever told me that before, thank you." Her genuine smile turns into a playful smirk. "What about you? I'm sure you're good at acting too."

"I'm not good at acting," Hotch said, cracking an amused grin.

"No, you just don't try," corrected Haley, smiling this time for the way his dimples showed. "It's like... you're not doing this because you care about plays, you just want to pass English."

Hotch continued to lie. "Because that's what this is for," he says. "I'm failing."

Haley sighed in disappointment. "Of course, why else would you join a play?"

You. To get closer to you. "Maybe I'll learn something," he settled with saying instead.

"I think you will learn something, this is an art," Haley explained. "Plays are lovely. Have you read about Moliere?"

"Moli-who?" Hotch said in confusion, making Haley laugh.

"He was a French playwright, he's brilliant," Haley said fondly.

"I'm sure."

Haley stopped walking. "Well, this is my house," she says. "I live pretty close to the school. What about you?"

"Usually I can walk home, but it's a fifteen to twenty minute walk," replied Hotch. "I'll see you later, Haley."

"You should smile more," Haley called out to him before she entered her house. He turned around to face her with curiosity. She explained further. "Your smile, your true smile, it reaches your eyes. It's..." She stopped, smiling into a rosy blush. "You have a lovely smile, it's a shame you don't do it so much." Hotch waited until she entered her house with the door closing.

Hotch wondered what was it was like for Haley to be the most beautiful girl in the school.

(Sophomore Year)

As it always was, Penelope's mid-winter break party was loud, rambunctious, wild, and caught the attention of many neighbors outside, with the same thought: Her hippie parents are out of town again?

The music was deafening. Penelope did not believe in parties that had soft music playing on a small iPod. She had speakers, for goodness' sake, and she wasn't going to waste them. Only five seconds in, and the alcohol was being passed around person to person. Not even that, people actually showed up to the party intoxicated out of their minds. Here comes one of the juniors, Dave Rossi, with a keg.

Speaking of things related to Dave Rossi, thirty minutes later into the party, someone would roll a joint. And most likely, that person to roll said joint would be him. Hell, he was a notorious for being a pothead. Once the substance was out and could be smelled, it attracted those like Haley Brooks and Aaron Hotchner, who were probably making out in one of the bedrooms. Their blossoming love was romantic, yes, but it could be heated and dramatic as it was romantic, Haley would make sure of that.

Haley had dragged Hotch by the hand, recognizing the smell. "Aaron, look the circle is starting!" That circle mostly consisted of the regulars of the sophomores and juniors. Usually if Dave was there, Jason and Alex would be there. Haley and Hotch would surely join in, and therefore Derek and Penelope joined in.

This time, however, Penelope wasn't feeling it.

"Penelope..."

The plump blonde sighed in annoyance and turned around to face her friend, who was very worried. "What is it JJ?"

JJ nervously wandered around the party, desperately looking for Will. She had passed Penelope at total of seven times and each time she asked if she actually invited Will. Penelope responded with a yes each time, and added that he was probably running late.

"Who runs late for a Penelope Garcia party?" JJ whined, watching Dave within the circle roll a joint. "And...why aren't you in that circle?"

"I'm just not in the mood, I guess," answered Penelope, who was now finding it ironic that the hostess couldn't have fun at her own party. "Why don't you join in?"

JJ was taken aback. "I normally don't do that, you know that more than anyone."

"Yes, that's true, but you've done it before. Besides, it's a mid-winter break party, the best things happen at this party. And maybe..." Penelope broke into a knowing smile. "It can be your good luck charm in terms of Will LaMontagne."

JJ seriously considered it. "I...alright then. Well, I'm not really close with anyone there except for maybe Haley and, on a good day, Derek."

Penelope put her arm around JJ's shoulder as she shouted to the circle. "Hey guys! Got room for one more?"

Dave quirked a curious brow. "JJ, you don't normally smoke."

JJ smiled at Penelope, muttering her thanks and took a seat between Haley and Derek. "Well today I do."

Haley smirked at her fellow blonde, impressed. "Wow... you finally realized that even though you're a captain, you won't get drug tested?"

She laughed. "Yes, I guess so."

"I didn't know at the beginning of this year, yet I did it anyways," Haley said, with pride. She frowned when she saw the girl smile weakly. "What's wrong?"

"Just nervous, I guess..." JJ muttered so no one else could hear, the joint started to pass around.

"You're different," noted Haley, smirking. "You like someone."

JJ gasped, horrified that the queen bee found out. "Don't tell anyone."

Haley kept her smirk up. "Only if I know who."

JJ sighed. "It's–"

"Will LaMontagne," Haley finished for her, as the joint was passed over to her, taking a long inhale before passing it to JJ. As she held the joint, she looked at Haley in horror as she deduced it that quickly. "Oh it was easy. I just wanted to get you nervous for a bit, don't worry, I'll keep my mouth shut."

"How'd you know?" JJ whispered. "Is it really that obvious?"

"It has been for over two weeks, JJ, you're obsessed," Haley said, smiling knowingly. Her eyes went to the substance in the other girl's hand. "Are you going to take a hit or not?"

JJ realized she was still holding it. "Oh, my bad." She took an inhale before passing it to Derek. "Sorry."

"You're fine," was Derek's reply, taking the joint. They went into a clockwise circle about three more times, with JJ feeling pleasantly buzzed. She wasn't buzzed enough to escalate into a full-blown panic attack or paranoia, but she was buzzed enough to not knowing where she was going. Immediately after that toking session, she found herself in Penelope's garage, which no one else was in. Moments later, she felt the high wear off a little bit, and was about to get up and leave until she saw the garage door open.

JJ felt like she was in a dream. Or maybe she was still high, she didn't know. She didn't think that Will LaMontagne would be the one to find her all alone in Penelope's garage. "Hey, I was looking for you, Penelope told me that she saw you stumble in here though, are you alright?"

JJ got up from the floor and smiled at him. Oh his eyes... "Yes, I'm great. I'm wonderful."

Will returned the smile, making her jittery with glee. "I'm glad you're okay. I was worried."

Was she dreaming? JJ couldn't conceal her blush. "I didn't know you cared about me, Will."

He laughed, it wasn't a mocking laugh, it was a laugh that was equivalent to him saying that she was nuts for thinking that. "JJ, you're so badass, please tell me you're joking."

JJ leaned against the wall, smiling in content. "I don't know, maybe?"

"Nah, JJ. You're all kinds of awesome, and..." He trailed off, a blush rising on his cheeks. "Pretty."

"Thank you, you're...not too bad yourself." JJ wanted to tell him how gorgeous and how sexy he was, but she wasn't about to turn him off now. She was ready for anything Will was about to say or do, only if it was positive. The way this conversation was going, it was positive. "Are you having fun at the party?"

Will laughed again. "Yes, but...to tell you the truth I had more fun with you in the past two minutes then I have been in the house."

"Really?" JJ said hopefully, her perfectly glossed lips curving up. "It's funny, because I've been looking for you too, I just couldn't seem to find you."

"Likewise." As he leaned in closer, JJ felt her heartbeat fast with excitement, feeling the thrill of knowing what could happen right now. "I really, really like you." JJ wanted to gleefully squeal, but just remained silent and demure, smiling as he made his move. Suddenly, but with gentle pressure, he leaned in his lips connecting with hers, and she was pleased to find out that his breath was not containing an alcoholic beverage. No, he was completely sober. Yes, he truly meant this. She returned the kiss immediately, her heart beating when Will put his delicate hands on her shoulders to keep her close to him, he could feel her excited heartbeat increase as their kiss got deeper.

When they pulled away, everything in that moment had made perfect sense. It was their first kiss, so innocent and pure, but it wouldn't be their last. This time, Will leaned in again, as their kiss turned more passionate, more for a sexual appeal. JJ felt Will's hands slide all the way down to her ass, and felt him grip it. But she didn't pull away, she liked it. She liked this closeness, this connection that she felt. She knew she was a careful, modest girl. But this was the time, especially with someone as gorgeous as Will, that it was okay to be a little wild. She slid her own hands to his ass, giving it a rough squeeze as she grinned against his neck kisses.

"JJ," Will says, stopping his kisses, which made JJ's heart sink, expecting the worst as he continued speaking. "I want you to know that I actually like you, and if you're uncomfortable, we can stop if you want," he said with sincerity.

JJ felt relieved. She thought he was asking her to stop, as in it was over. But no, he was asking if she was okay with this. Touched by this kind gesture, JJ didn't even remember that she had a reputation to protect. Her body was tingling, her hormones were racing at the speed of light, and Will looked really good. Again, he had asked if she wanted to stop, but she didn't. She never wanted to stop.

"No," she whispered in his ear. "I want this." Will took one look at her, her gorgeous blue eyes shining with lust and sincerity.

"You're a virgin," noted Will, not saying it like it was a bad thing. It was just a fact that everyone knew:

JJ was a cautious virgin that wished to protect her reputation.

"Can you take it slow?" It was weird when she said that, because she knew that this was rushed, and maybe that it wasn't the brightest decision. But at the same time, maybe some good things could come out of it. Then, she remembered the words of her sister Rosaline, days before she killed herself. "Nothing good comes from a one night stand."

She spoke from experience, yes, but right now JJ realized that she liked Will, and he liked her, and that there actually were lingering feelings. JJ slowly removed her shirt, revealing her black sports bra, which she tried to cover herself up with her hands.

"Don't," Will said softly, looking into her eyes lovingly. "You're beautiful." JJ put her hands down slowly, and when Will took off his shirt, her heart was on the verge of exploding. This was happening, this was really happening. His body was just... oh lord. Suddenly again, JJ found Will's lips attached to hers, and right then and there, although she was inexperienced, she knew what to do. She tugged his lower lip playfully as his hands went up and down near her thighs. She unbuttoned his pants, while she moved her lips to his body, kissing his chest.

They made out then and there, before escalating to the point where neither of them were having clothes on.

"Motorcycle," they both said at the same time, and when they realized what was on the other's mind, they grinned.

(Present Day)

Sixteen year old Aaron Hotchner sat in AP Bio with regret. By then, it made him realize that Haley could not talk back, but that he could feel it. He'd always feel it, and he could just hear her voice in his head, talking to him about Moliere or how they spent many rehearsals together, getting closer and closer.

The relationship began, the official Haley and Aaron phenomenon began—that sudden spark between them that the both of them felt—in late April. The play had come to a close, and their complicated feelings and emotions translated into something simple: a kiss. Haley made it clear that most of her male "friends" were not interested into the romance of a kiss, but of a good time that involved a lot more than just kissing.

Haley Brooks kissed a boy at nine, let someone get to second base at eleven, and lost her virginity at thirteen.

But that first kiss the two of them shared after their performance on stage, it was the best kiss Haley had ever experienced.

It was the first kiss Hotch had only experienced, but it was still the best.

Emily studied Hotch carefully, not missing the way his head was practically up in the clouds. He was dreaming about Haley again, he'd always dream about Haley. It's not like Emily didn't understand, though. He was still in mourning, and he trusted her (for some reason) to help him through it, though he was unconsciously doing so.

But Emily couldn't help but wonder: Did Hotch think about anything—or should she say—anyone else?

A shy blonde, petite and pretty, trained in gymnastics, who was holding a dark secret. In desperate attempts she took to keep her family together, the little family she had, she felt it was falling apart, and that she should just give up trying.

She played with her eyebrow piercing. God... she felt herself beginning to rebel in the worst of ways, and she knew that it wasn't going to stop, especially with a girl like Elle Greenaway. God... the relationship with Elle she had right now was questionable. But this isn't about Elle, this is about a girl named Ashley Seaver.

Not Beauchamp, it was Seaver.

God... how badly did she want to punch Ms. Strauss after she fucked up her last name? Very much so. Even though Elle corrected it, Ashley knew that people were left guessing where the hell that name came from. Yes, they could assume that her parents were divorced, that was the logical choice. But, Ashley Seaver realized her little family was not logical, in the way that it functioned.

What if someone decided to search that name up and found her serial killer father?

Oh, the horror that would follow. The whispers...the stares...

"Ashley?" Kate asked her fellow freshman in Communications class. "Are you okay?"

Ugh, why did people constantly get in her way of thoughts? "Fine," spat out Ashley. Kate frowned. She knew that Ashley and Elle had gotten into a fight for the silliest reason she had ever heard of. She knew that Elle was upset at lunch before, and that's when Matt had filled her in on the whole drama. That was stupid, in her opinion. Elle did not seem like the type of person to be body conscious. Why now of all times? If Luke had called her fat in middle school, she would've scowled and retorted back childishly. But Elle... she was actually insecure about it, like when her ex-boyfriend called her "fish eyes."

Elle was avoiding everyone like the plague. Ashley took one long look at Elle, just when Elle wasn't looking at her. Ashley noticed how Elle looked a little less pale, and that she seemed to be doing better. Still, Ashley wanted to be sure that her best friend was okay. A lot has changed, and it's only the beginning of their freshman year. She thought that drama mostly stopped in high school after the pettiness in middle school. Apparently, in Quantico High, it couldn't be further from the truth.

"Elle..." Ashley tried to whisper, but she was ignored, with the other girl scribbling on a piece of paper furiously.

Ashley had a hard life, but Elle had an even harder one.

She wasn't going to go through it alone.

Penelope was scared as Halloween was getting closer and closer.

Now, before you can argue that Penelope could just make a move at any time, you just don't understand how Quantico High works. Quantico High was a place where secrets were horribly kept, where rumors and gossip spread like wildfire, and how these things always happened somewhere exciting: A party. But one thing that has never happened, in Quantico High patterns, is that the host or hostess would never be subjected to the drama of the party. It was also the guests that were exposed for their actions. Whether it was out of respect, or out of fear that said host wouldn't ever have a party, no one knew. Perhaps it was both, or maybe it had nothing to do with those reasons.

Penelope didn't want to be in the situation JJ was in during mid winter break.

No, she will not be the next JJ, no matter how sweet she was. But in that sense of what JJ did... no. That wasn't the lifestyle for Penelope, but then again, JJ said that too.

JJ was cautious, but Penelope had to be more cautious.

"Hey Kev," said Penelope, catching up to him so they could hangout again. "How've you been?"

Kevin smiled, but it was strained. "It was okay, I guess. Could've had a better day."

"Why, what's wrong?" asked Penelope, with a concerned frown.

"Just my parents giving me shit about junior year being important, you know, the SATs..."

Ew. Exams. Isn't the SAT scheduled in late April? It's only near the end of October. "How about we get something to eat and then we can watch three hours of Doctor Who?" Penelope asked hopefully. "Maybe it'll cheer you up."

Sadly, Kevin shook his head. "Can't. My parents want me home today, relatives are visiting."

Penelope made a face. "Gross." She was truly trying to hide her disappointment. "I wish you all the luck."

Their walk was silent, until Kevin asked a question that made Penelope nervous. "Derek told me what you're doing for Halloween, is it true?"

She wanted to die, she was nervous that he had found out. Or worse, someone had told him that she liked him and wanted to kiss him at the party. Damn those gossipers at Quantico High! Always stirring up trouble! Always...

"Penelope?" Kevin asked, stopping his walking to frown. "Derek's not wrong is he? I mean, you are having a party, right?"

Penelope was relieved. He only knows what he's supposed to know. "Yes, of course."

He just didn't know her motive, and he would find out at Halloween.

Ashley had sent a text message to Elle to meet her at her house, even though she probably didn't want to speak to her. Still, Ashley had made it a vow to try to keep Elle away from her uncle as much as she could, because even she knew that something shady was going on in her life more than her own.

She was more concerned over Elle's health more than anything else right now, physically and mentally. First off, she was skinny, that was the problem Was there... was there food at her house? The last time she went to Elle's house, there was barely any food, so it made her wonder if Elle's uncle was neglecting her more than he already did. Secondly, my god, she was so insecure lately. Normally Elle wouldn't be so conscious, not with something like this, but this was a new trend since the beginning of the year.

God, it scared her.

This year, it just sucked.

Plain and simple.

Sucked.

Thankfully, and much to Ashley's surprise, her best friend showed up, but looked very much annoyed to be here.

"Elle, look, I wanted to say sorry," Ashley starts off with saying, even though she knew she felt had nothing to be sorry for. "I think I was rude to you, and out of order, I'm just...worried." Elle just blankly stared at her. "You know I love you right?" Ashley pressed, trying to prove a point. "I just don't want you hurt."

Elle sighed. "I'm sorry." Ashley was taken aback with surprise, Elle didn't normally apologize. Ashley was astounded as the other girl continued. "I've been snippy lately, but now I'm eating a little bit more. I'm sorry." Twice, she apologized twice. Ashley felt her stomach churn. something wasn't exactly right with this.

"It's okay," is what Ashley said instead, trying to ignore the feeling.

JJ did not want to do her homework right now, but Emily insisted that she did so at her place, since her parents were away. Emily remembered the rule of not having friends over, (and her mother's comment about 'that pregnant girl') but would ignore her rule anyway, she always did. JJ's stomach was still hurting, due to the baby's kicks. She was getting closer and closer to her due date, which only made it hurt more.

"JJ," started Emily, watching her friend wince from the kicks. "Should I be worried?" Emily remembered when Will had texted her, right when she was with Hotch at Haley's grave. Will confided in her saying how worried he was, so it made her wonder if she would be worried. Of course she'd always worry, this was her best friend that willingly came up to her on the first day to show her around the school. This was the girl who craved someone who wouldn't judge her, and Emily happened to be that person.

JJ shook her head, just as another kick hit her. "I'm fine, the baby's just being annoying."

Emily wondered if her own baby would've kicked her a lot, if she or he lived long enough. "Speaking of the baby, will you ever find out the gender?" When Emily was asked this, she was met with glare.

"Yes," JJ said irritably. "On the due date." She saw how Emily looked slightly hurt at the harshness of her tone, the former's face softened. "I'm sorry, Em. You know how it is sometimes..."

"I understand," Emily said sincerely, then she cracked a grin. "I want to see the baby ASAP."

JJ returned it, grinning through her pain. "Trust me, you'll be one of the first to know."

Immediately right after that was said, they fell into a comfortable quietness, the only sounds of pens scribbling across papers could be heard between the two of them. Emily's thoughts began to wander, starting with the worries about JJ's baby and then, of course, back to Hotch.

JJ knew by the way that as soon as Emily's pen stopped moving, her face would turn into the very definition of contemplation. Something was up. "Emily?"

She doesn't answer. It seemed like Emily was ignoring JJ on purpose, the truth was, her thoughts were distracting her. Did Hotch have anyone on his mind? Other than his deceased girlfriend? I mean, surely... goodness, she was thinking too hard. Maybe she could trust JJ with this, just maybe...

"JJ," Emily said at last, almost looking hesitant. JJ looked up, noticing the way that Emily was avoiding her eyes. "Do you think Hotch will ever be happy again?"

JJ immediately stopped writing, putting her pen down to absorb whatever subliminal meaning this question had, hoping she wasn't taking it out of context. "Why do you want to know? Em, you're starting to concern me. How... how do you go from hating someone to... I don't know, liking them?"

Emily now looked up, glaring at the blonde. "I do not like Aaron Hotchner," she stated, trying to keep her pride. "I'm just... contemplating the thought of him finding happiness since he trusted me."

JJ couldn't hide her smirk. "I'm sure that's it." Her smirk turned into a frown, now that she was thinking about it. "That is weird though, that he trusts you. He hardly knows you, but... I wondered what could've made him do that? He hated you, you know."

"He did," agreed Emily, beginning to smile. "But I'm positive that he doesn't anymore."

"Yes... he's taken a liking to you, almost like a friend."

"Yes, because we are friends," Emily corrected.

JJ snorted in disbelief. "I never thought I'd see the day."

"Oh? Why's that?"

JJ laughed out loud. "You two immediately perfected the example of 'hate at first sight,'" she explained, highly amused by the memories of their fights that swept by her. "Gosh, you yelled at him in front of the whole class over a chapter—"

"It was the Catcher In The Rye," Emily tried to defend. "You expect me to not get upset?"

JJ laughed once more. "Oh lord," she says, trying to hold back her chuckles. "How did you become my best friend?"

"Luck of the draw?" Emily says, smirking at her. "Anyway... back to the main point... Hotch doesn't like me, I don't like him, we're strictly friends."

"Strictly friends," JJ echoed, finding the situation comical. "Why don't I believe that?"

"Because you're dramatic and are always looking for opportunities to witness or experience a soap opera romance."

"No, that's you," corrected JJ. "Are you telling me that you wouldn't date him? C'mon, Em. Even I'll admit, if he wasn't a grouch, I'd date him."

"JJ!" Emily gasped, sounding horrified at the thought. "You have a boyfriend. A boy that you really, really love!" she emphasized. Perhaps she didn't want to compete with her best friend, was the joke she made in her head. But what if it was true? Then again... JJ wouldn't be the real competition. The real competition would be with someone who wasn't alive anymore. Emily brushed that thought away immediately.

"I do have a boyfriend," JJ clarified. "I'm just teasing, Em. But... don't think I haven't noticed the way you two have connected." She paused, in deep thought, before asking: "You're telling me that you actually don't like him? Or that you don't feel anything for him?" Emily doesn't say anything, tapping her pen in irritation before replying:

"It's complicated."

A/N: Yes, I know this was a really odd chapter. And it might've been a little hard to keep up with, but thank you for doing so! I wanted to show a bit more background on Haley, because she actually is important. The JJ/Will scene was a bit dramatized, but hey, I said that this was gonna be wild at the beginning, so don't say that I didn't warn you ;) As for the Penelope/Kevin situation, there is a reason why there isn't a lot of scenes revolving around them. If you have read Polarity, then you know why, so please don't spoil it in the reviews! I promise that after Halloween, they'll get attention, and it'll have a special storyline.