Author's Note: Real life has gotten in the way in that I've lost a family member and the month has been difficult, however writing feels soothing and I want to continue this. I know where this story is going in terms of plot but I'm not sure if I have the drive to keep going but I hope you can bear with me as I am determined to finish it! Thank you for reading so far, I appreciate it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Criminal Minds.

Since Emily was at work during the day, Hotch and Jack began their adventures in London by visiting the major tourist attractions. Emily had reserved a number of places she wanted to take the boys and after checking their itinerary and seeing no clashes, they started their day at Buckingham Palace. Jack studied the guards' march with deep concentration and mimicked their stride while Hotch recorded him. As they made a snack and bathroom break in a nearby McDonald's, Jack caught sight of an aquarium and dragged his father along. Hotch had to admit he had a soft spot for animals and wildlife, and all the Nemo's and Free Willy's of the marine world were enough to keep him occupied.

"Daddy, come look, the fishy is smiling" Jack called, as he imitated the different faces of fish he saw. Hotch snapped more pictures and couldn't help but send some to Emily who responded with a rather long 'aw'.

Following ice cream by the pier, they crossed over and wandered alongside the river Thames. As Jack recalled Billy's tales of going on a cruise last summer, Hotch caught sight of a river cruise and they both boarded, with Jack more excited at the idea of a smaller, faster boat than a large, slow cruise ship.

It had gotten quite chilly in the late afternoon and Jack found warmth in Hotch's lap as they cuddled, observing the sights. After the death of Haley, he'd always felt paranoid about not being a good enough father to Jack, but moments like these were reassurance enough. Although he struggled to give Jack all his time, he made a promise to himself to always give Jack 100% during the time they shared together.

Following the boat ride, he checked his watch and realized Emily would be finishing work soon and he and Jack made their way back to the hotel.

Upon entering her building, Hotch greeted Lance who had become familiar with the pair after helping them with their surprise, and let the two up to Emily's apartment. As they reached the floor, Hotch heard voices and saw Emily and Agent Abbot laughing at her door.

"I can't believe you actually said that to him while he was already in custody!"

Agent Abbot smiled and gave her a nudge, "It was 6.30 on a Friday and I wanted to get home!"

Emily heard footsteps and turned to see Hotch and a smiling Jack.

"Hey guys!" She turned to introduce Hotch and Mark who firmly shook hands while Jack shyly smiled, clutching the side of his father's jacket.

"Anyway, I'd better get going Emily. Have a good week. It was nice to meet you Agent Hotchner"

"And you, Agent Abbot." Hotch replied as Agent Abbott nodded and left.

"If you're busy, we can come back another day" Hotch hesitantly asked, lingering at the door with Jack.

She shook her head and rolled her eyes in a playful manner.

"Aaron Hotchner, you've flown more than 3,500 miles to get here; the least I could do is offer you dinner and a movie. I had boxes full of cases I couldn't bring up myself and Mark offered to help" Emily explained, ushering the pair in and motioning the boxes near the door.

"He seems nice" Hotch stated genuinely, glad Emily was feeling more settled with her life in London.

"He's made me feel the most welcome here, and it's always nice to have a friendly face when you're the new kid on the block. Anyway; Jack you have to tell me all about your day today!"

Hotch loved how easy it was for Emily to slip out of her work mode and be gentle and attentive to Jack, especially with their gruelling line of work. Jack immediately placed himself on the sofa next to Emily with his backpack, and showed her on the map the places they went, the souvenirs they brought and pictures he drew on the way back.

Later, the trio were growing accustom to making dinner together as Hotch made the pizza dough, Emily grated the cheese and cut the vegetables and Jack arranged the toppings. Hotch couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so apart of a family with vague memories stretching back to when Haley was alive. Even then, a minor argument over his work lingered longer in his mind than domestic bliss after he'd joined the Bureau. Although he'd loved Haley dearly, he had suspected their relationship was over for a while before she'd handed him the divorce papers.

Hey Jack, do you still like Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream?"

Emily interrupted his thoughts as they had finished dinner, making her way to the freezer before pulling out three mini tubs.

"Yes please" Jack darted over as she pulled out three mini tubs from the freezer, and gave her a quick hug before murmuring 'thank you'.

"Two ice creams in one day; I think London is spoiling you" Hotch joked, but not before mentioning something about not having ice cream for another week with his 'Hotch stare'.

"How many ice creams are eaten in London stays in London right Jack? Emily winked as the pair laughed while Hotch glared; however he couldn't hold it for long as Emily and Jack pulled their best puppy dog faces.

"I have a surprise" Emily announced suddenly, as she collected the empty tubs a while later.

"Will you be flying to Virginia in return?" Hotch teased, earning another eye roll from Emily.

"Good one, but no. It's a little bit closer than that."

Emily instructed them to get their coats since the evening chill brought about light wind. Hotch and Jack followed as she made her way out the door and to the stairs, but instead of going downstairs, she took a set of steps going upstairs which Hotch thought strange given that she lived on the top floor.

"On the third week I'd been working here, I got back late after a long and hectic day. Lance saw how tired and frustrated I was and after we'd talked for a while, he told me to go to the roof and 'just be' for a while."

Hotch and Jack emerged from the stairs behind Emily as she side-stepped to reveal the night time skyline of London.

"It's too polluted to see the stars or anything, but I love the look of the lights" Emily explained.

Hotch turned to face Emily and stated, "It's not something you'd see every day in Virginia, I'll give you that. It's a beautiful sight."

Emily watched as Hotch picked up Jack and they pointed out distant landmarks, before using him as an airplane to zoom away to the various sights.

"It really is" she murmured while smiling to herself.