December 12, 2013

He leaves the office early. It's not an unheard of thing – just a month ago he'd left at lunch to take Jack to an appointment – but it is rare enough that Rossi gives him a funny look and Reid looks surprised. It's also the first time in a long time he's really felt like there's a reason to leave early. Not that his son isn't a reason, but Hotch firmly believes that the afterschool program does good things for Jack and his socialization.

Emily had called at lunch time. Honestly, he's getting the feeling that Emily has Jack's every calendar gift memorized, because she'd asked outright how Jack had enjoyed the little gift box she'd placed behind today's door. As if he needed a more obvious reason to pursue Emily Prentiss.

Turns out she'd had a plan. A shopping plan.

"I didn't bring anything with me," she'd argued on the phone. "It didn't make sense and I can't be here for Christmas and not give gifts. That's just rude."

She's actually a very focused shopper. It's not something he would have expected given her intensely passionate love of shoe stores, but Emily on a mission is a sight to behold. And Jack is right there with her, seriously contemplating every single selection Emily makes, debating with her about whether so-and-so would like this gift or that gift. It's an endearing sight, for sure.

Thing is, right as they're paying for dinner, Hotch's phone chimes and since Emily is sitting right next to him, he knows it doesn't bode well. And he's right. From what he can gather from Garcia's coded message, a serial rapist they've been tracking in Ohio has just graduated to murder.

"I'll call Jessica in the car," he murmurs as they pack up their things. Even Jack's subdued now and he hates that. From the way Emily keeps glancing at his kid, she's not exactly happy about it either. But there's nothing he can do and both Emily and Jack know that. Except Emily's also chewing her lip and he knows she's got something in her head.

He's dialing Jessica's number when she blurts, "Why don't I take him?"

"What?"

She's still chewing her lip, but it's out of nerves now. "Look, I- I promised him we'd do traditions. For one thing. And you'd have to drop me off, then go home and get his stuff and drop him off, plus your car and-"

He reaches out to put a hand on her knee. She's rambling. She never rambles. Ever.

She sucks in a deep breath. "I can take him," she says, this time softly. Jack's looking out the window, but the way her eyes keep flicking back tells him that maybe she doesn't want Jack overhearing anything.

"I can't ask you to do that."

"You're not," she says with a little chuckle. "It gives us the chance to do more of the holiday things. And face it, Aaron, during the day I don't do much."

"You're supposed to be relaxing."

"And I will be. Jack is relaxing."

"Emily-"

"Aaron."

God, he hadn't noticed that before, the way she says his name that tells him he's being ridiculous. But it's his kid and they're… well they're whatever they are now and it feels different. It does. He doesn't want it to – because it won't be the first time she's been an impromptu babysitter – but it does.

"It makes more sense and you know it."

He does. God, that's annoying. He shouldn't be holding back because they're Whatever. He wouldn't have hesitated before. "Okay."

Oh, that's worth it. Her eyes light up and the smile spreads over her face. She's excited, genuinely excited to spend time with his son.

"Hey Jack-Jack."

His little morose face turns to Emily, Hotch can see it in the rearview mirror.

"Let's have a sleepover."

His little face lights up and he grins so wide that Hotch finds himself feeling a little less guilty about having to leave in the middle of the holiday season.

"Daddy, can we Daddy? Can Emily and I have a sleepover?"

Oh yeah, they'll be just fine.