Author's note: The biggest apologies for taking forever and a day with this chapter but it's here and I'm hoping these two are one step closer to realizing how perfect they are together! Hope you're all doing well and enjoy reading.

Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds.

The next morning, Emily picked the pair up at their hotel and roamed around London again, stopping in M&M World and Hamley's. Much to Hotch's protest, Emily brought Jack both toys and Chocolate; a lethal combination for a kid. Later, they went on the London Eye and using her connections, Emily managed to score them a whole capsule to themselves. Hotch watched and listened as Jack asked one hundred and one questions on the sights they saw, however Emily patiently answered them all and was genuinely attentive to him.

At the end of the ride, a souvenir picture of the journey was taken and Hotch and Jack were waiting in place.

"Come on Emmy, you're going to miss it!" Jack called, as Emily stood near the window.

"It's more of a family memento, you guys go ahead" she protested.

"Emily."

A Hotch glare was enough to beckon her as he lifted Jack on his left side and put his arm around Emily's upper back. She reciprocated with an arm around Hotch and Jack, and they smiled and waited for the flash. Once out, they both got a copy and Emily carefully wrapped it up before placing it in her bag.

Similarly, Friday was spent in the city with a viewing of a sea life show at the BFI IMAX, the biggest screen in the country. Emily and Hotch were constantly tapped as Jack oo-ed and ah-ed at the show, with the pair frequently smiling and laughing at each other.

"Okay, I have one last view that I want to take you guys too. It's fairly recently built but it's beautiful" Emily mentioned, as they made their way up the steps of the tube.

Once again, she had a private word with the security guard as he ushered them to the lift and pressed the button for level 72.

"Emily, how..?" Hotch began but she cut him off with a simple wink and smile.

Jack watched in wonder as the elevator numbers increased rapidly and was waiting by the doors when they opened. As they emerged, even Hotch had to admit he was astounded by the unique view in front of him. Even higher than the London Eye, it seemed as though the entire city was visible from the naked eye.

Walking near the edge towards the floor length glass windows, no one spoke while they soaked in the view. The vast landscape overtook the size of the viewing platform and as they slowly walked around The Shard; the scenery created a calming atmosphere as the sun set.

Three complimentary champagne glasses each later and as Hotch recollected his early BAU days to the amusement of Emily, Jack gently pulled on his father's jacket whispering he was tired. On the train home, he fell asleep as Hotch carried him to the nearest taxi back to their hotel once they reached Emily's apartment, with both slightly disappointed the evening had not progressed further.

The next two days continued similarly; the trio would embark on adventures during the day and stay out as late as Jack could keep his eyes open. On Sunday night, they returned early and Emily persuaded the two to come over for movie night. Given they only had two days left, Hotch agreed, wanting to make the most of whatever time they could spend with Emily.

"Hey, Aaron, look at him." Emily motioned towards Jack who struggling to stay awake during the movie; one arm and foot dangling off the chaise next to the sofa. Hotch walked over from the kitchen as they both tried to suppress a giggle.

"He does that at home too. Once when we were watching television, he nearly fell off the sofa and woke himself up."

Hotch made his way to sit down on the sofa as Emily brought over crisps, dips and bottle of wine.

"So how is everyone?" Emily asked.

"They're doing well. J.J recently held a small birthday party for Henry the other week. It made me think about how he's growing up so fast, like Jack. Penelope bought him a cowboy outfit which I must admit looked very cool."

"I remember the girls came over one time, and I kid you not, she got Sergio a cat bow tie. Come to think about it, that's around the same time he and I started having problems."

They both chuckled as Hotch thought how easy it was to be separated with Emily and now reunited as though nothing had changed.

Speaking of," Hotch attempted to put on his most serious face, "A guy caught terrorizing local shops earlier this month tried to justify himself by claiming his pets persuaded him to steal food for them. He had 16 animals in his one bedroom apartment."

"You're kidding!" Emily laughed as Hotch shook his head.

As the evening went on, they discussed the weirdest, most challenging and the successful cases. Emily had a soft spot for saving families, while Hotch felt more at ease knowing children and the most vulnerable were safe.

"I can't believe how long it was and how many cases there were" Emily stated.

"You were with us for a good five, five and a half years. I still remember the first time you came into my office and how apprehensive I was; I'm glad you stuck around though. The BAU needed someone like you." Hotch replied nonchalantly.

Emily smiled to herself. "I think the BAU needed you more. You've always had this authority and guidance about your personality. I don't think we'd have gotten as far without you pushing us to be the best we could be. I know I wouldn't- you know, be as effective without you helping me grow."

Hotch shifted to face her as she briefly gave him a shy glance before focusing on her empty glass of wine. He topped up both of their glasses and realized they'd finished the bottle. He stretched his arm along the top of the sofa before thinking of his next words.

"I'll admit, it's not the same without you. When you left, before… we didn't know if we'd get you back. Then we did and you came back and I knew things had changed. I can't begin to imagine what you went through but whatever it was or still is, I'm here for you. Good days or bad I meant what I'd said."

Emily shuffled, folding her legs and adjusting herself to face Hotch. Although she wanted to confide in him, she didn't want him to leave knowing she was unsettled, causing him to feel hopeless. So, she did what she thought would reassure him. She reached her hand out to cover his, holding the back of his hand gently while observing his reaction.

For a moment, he was dazed at the thought of he and Emily holding hands, although attempted to mask his reaction. However, not wanting her to think he was pushing her away, Hotch shuffled closer towards her, turning his hand so their palms aligned sideways and fingers curled around each others.

Emily smiled and moved their hands from the top of the sofa to rest just off of her knee. "You being here is everything. This is the closest to home I've felt in a while. Thank you." She added.

The two shared a smile and a comfortable silence, before Emily realized the movie had been running in the background. They finished the remaining twenty minutes of the movie, neither of them taking their hand away at the end before they heard a stir.

"Did I miss the movie?" Jack asked, yawning as he stretched. He moved to sit up right, picked up a handful of crisps before sleep walking to the kitchen to get himself a glass of water.

Hotch and Emily's eyes trailed on him as they saw him emerge from the kitchen and collapse frontwards in a dramatic manner onto the chaise. Emily turned to face Hotch as they tried to laugh as quietly as they could. Emily leaned in, resting her head against his shoulder as they felt the vibrations from their suppressed laughs take over.

"I think I'd better take him back before he transforms into a zombie again" Hotch said. As they slowly stopped giggling, Emily pulled back and they shared a smile before she released his hand, allowing him to stand up. Hotch beckoned Jack before ending up carrying him as she gathered their belongings into his bag.

"Thank you for today. Jack and I had a lot of fun. London is beautiful, especially with good company" Hotch smirked as they walked to the door.

"I'd like to think I go the extra mile with dinner and a movie compared to the other tour guides. Thank you for the evening, I'll be sure to restock the snacks and wine. And water" Emily added, earning another chuckle.

"Tomorrow?" She asked.

"Tomorrow." He promised.

A/N: Firstly thank you so much to all those who are still reading/commenting/favouriting this story. You guys keep me going and I endeavour to finish this for you all! While writers are important to creating a story, readers help it survive and thrive which is equally if not more important so thank YOU!

Also, yes I did browse the IKEA website looking at different types of sofas in this. A Chaise Longue is like a bed type one with no arms (alternatively you can google a picture of it.)