"Do you think that I look all right?" Erin asked as they pulled into the parking lot of the National Zoo. "I knew that I had to dress more modern, and I left my hair down, since that felt more natural, but now that we're here, I feel like I'm still out of phase with the world. What if she knows the truth just by looking at me?"

"You look fine, and don't worry, there's no way she'd know unless you told her something, and I know that you'll be choosing your words carefully." He found a parking spot and turned the car off before leaning over and kissing her cheek softly. "And I'll be right by your side. If things start to get awkward, I can try to think of something witty to say, hopefully to put you both at ease."

Erin giggled slightly as she nodded. "All right, I think that I'm ready to go out and meet my relative." Aaron slipped the keys into his pocket as he exited the car with her, taking hold of her hand as soon as they were next to each other. The zoo was busy for how early it was, and he thought that would be a good thing, since there was less likely to be a scene if things went badly. "We're supposed to meet her by the Conservation Carousel," she said as they entered the zoo, picking up a map to study.

"What is it, Erin?" he asked lowly as he guided them over to a relatively secluded corner of the entrance they were closest to.

"I've never heard of some of these animals, darling. How am I supposed to act like they're second nature to me when I feel like I'll be gawking?"

"If you feel like you're too dumbstruck, just turn to me and smile. You're a charming hostess, Dave can attest to that, and if you draw on that, everything will be fine. Now, let's start our way back to that carousel." Erin smiled easily as she once more took hold of his hand and they moved into the throng of people. There were a few times when they stopped, and Erin would tighten her hand around his tightly as she gazed at one of the cages. "Aren't they magnificent?"

"Yes." Her smile eased a little as she cocked her head to one side. "Our zoo was nothing like this. It amazes me to know that something like this can exist."

He nodded as they moved on from that exhibit, and soon enough, they were at the carousel. Aaron knew the exact moment that she clocked Tabitha, as the grip on his hand grew so painful, he was reminded of when Haley had been in labour. "Well, are you going to go say hello?" Erin gave a jerky nod before moving forward once more, fairly dragging him after her until he matched his steps to hers.

"Erin?"

The voice took him by surprise, since there was a touch of Erin in it. She didn't seem to notice his surprise, since she just nodded and stepped forward, holding out her hand. "Yes. You must be Tabitha." The younger woman nodded as she shook Erin's hand. "I have to say, I'm glad to finally meet another of the descendants of our family. I'm new to this whole genealogy thing."

"That's okay. I was surprised to be contacted, since I thought that I knew all the branches of our family. Though there are always a few unknowns in everything. I thought that we could head over to the restaurant and grab a bite to eat while we talk? I've always found things to go a lot more smoothly when food is involved."

Erin nodded and followed close to Tabitha's side, leaving him to take up the rear, trying not to listen too much to their introductory conversation, since he didn't want to feel like he was intruding. "And this is my partner, Aaron Hotchner. I didn't think it was wise to bring his son with us, since there would might be some delicate conversation that I don't want him to overhear."

"I left my kids at home, too. They'd be begging to run off and explore while we did boring adult talk, and you don't want to hear that much whining, believe me. I love them, but there are times when I just want to have a little space to breathe. Did you start your family later in life, then?"

Erin looked up at him and smiled tightly before turning her attention back to Tabitha. "Actually, I have three adult children, Jack is Aaron's son with his late wife. It's a bit awkward, to be sure, but I love having another chance at motherhood. How old are your children?"

"Eight and eleven. Good ages, but ready for a little bit of independence. My heart is really not ready for that, but I know that this is the only way that they'll grow." After their food came, Aaron listened to the women talk, noticing that it sounded more natural and easy as the minutes ticked by, and he answered when addressed, though he was content to just listen for the most part. "Well, this was great! I'll email you back with my contact info, and you can add me on Facebook if you want, but I really should be getting back to my little gremlins. Hopefully, we'll talk soon."

Tabitha reached across the table to shake Erin's hand once more, and then she was shaking his before she left the restaurant. Taking a quick peek at his watch, he saw that they had been there for only two hours, but it seemed longer than that. Erin must have felt the same, as she sagged against his body as she listlessly poked at the last of her food. "I think that I'd like to explore the rest of the zoo for a little while, before we head home. For some reason, even though that went well, I feel off balance."

"Of course, Erin. The day is ours to do with as we please." Reaching out, he patted her thigh softly before sliding out of the booth. Erin soon joined him, and then she was taking hold of his hand once more. "I think that you'd like to see the penguins. They're Jack's favorite animal to see here."

"I think that I would, Aaron." The smile that she gave him this time was a little more strained, and he drew in a deep breath as he tapped his thumb against her hand. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Erin." He brought up their hands to his mouth so that he could kiss the back of hers, and she sighed with pleasure at the tender gesture. They slowly made their way to the penguin enclosure, and this time, true joy spread across her features when she took in the birds.

"I should have brought a jacket," she murmured as she shivered lightly, and Aaron nodded as he let go of her hand to wrap his arm around her waist, holding her closer to his side as they watched the birds swim. "I think that I could stay here for hours, just watching them."

"It's hard to drag Jack away, too. There is something about penguins that just enchants him." She made a soft sound of agreement as her head came to rest on his chest as they quietly watched the birds, and he found himself content to just stand there with her, growing closer without ever saying a word.