Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 28

The weeks following the gender reveal at Rossi's estate were a blur of preparations and growing anticipation. Aaron and Y/N found themselves navigating baby stores, poring over parenting books, and balancing their demanding work schedules at the BAU. Though the days were busy, they made time for quiet moments together—moments where the reality of their growing family felt both overwhelming and exhilarating.

One crisp Friday morning, Y/N sat at her desk in the bullpen, a stack of case files in front of her. She absentmindedly rubbed her belly, now more pronounced, as she reviewed the details of an ongoing investigation. The sound of a mug being placed on her desk made her look up.

"Decaf," Emily said, grinning as she took the seat across from Y/N. "Figured you could use a little pick-me-up without breaking the rules."

Y/N smiled warmly. "You're a lifesaver. Aaron's been on my case about caffeine."

Emily raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "He's just being protective. It's sweet."

"It is," Y/N admitted, taking a sip of the coffee. "But if he reminds me one more time about the importance of hydration, I might lose it."

The two women laughed, the light moment a welcome break from the intensity of their work. Their conversation was interrupted when Hotch appeared at the door of his office, his usual stoic expression softening when his eyes landed on Y/N.

"Team, conference room. We've got a case," he announced.

The bullpen buzzed as the team quickly gathered their things and made their way to the conference room. Once seated, Garcia appeared on the monitor, her bright demeanor momentarily dimmed by the seriousness of the situation.

"Alright, my lovelies," she began. "We've got a string of abductions in Portland. Four victims in the past three weeks, all women in their late twenties to early thirties. The local PD is stumped, and they've asked for our help."

Images of the victims flashed on the screen, their smiling faces a stark contrast to the grim reality of their disappearances. The team immediately launched into discussion, analyzing the unsub's possible motivations and patterns.

The case was particularly disturbing, and the room grew tense as they combed through the details. The women had all been abducted in public spaces, during seemingly normal routines—jogging, walking to their cars after work, and leaving coffee shops. The randomness of it all, coupled with the absence of any clear motive, made it harder to predict the unsub's next move.

Aaron leaned forward, his eyes scanning the room as he formulated a plan. "We'll split into teams. Some of us will go to the most recent crime scene, others will talk to the families of the victims. We need as much information as possible to narrow down suspects."

Y/N felt a surge of nerves, but she pushed it down. She had handled worse, and the case needed them to stay focused. Aaron's eyes met hers, a silent exchange of concern. He knew she wasn't feeling entirely herself, but he also knew she wasn't about to sit this one out.

"Are you feeling up for this trip?" he asked quietly, concern evident in his tone.

Y/N nodded. "I'll be fine, Aaron. We've done this before."

"I know," he replied, his hand briefly brushing hers. "But if you need to sit anything out, let me know. No questions asked."

Touched by his support, Y/N squeezed his hand before the two joined the rest of the team to board the jet.

The flight to Portland was uneventful, filled with quiet strategizing and the hum of jet engines. Y/N found herself seated next to Spencer, who was deeply engrossed in the geographical profiles spread across the table between them.

"The locations of the abductions suggest the unsub is working within a familiar area," Spencer said, pointing to a cluster of red dots on the map. "If we cross-reference this with known offenders or individuals who frequent these places, we might get a lead."

Y/N nodded, her analytical mind racing as she considered his observations. "It could also mean they're choosing victims based on opportunity rather than a specific profile."

Their conversation was interrupted by Morgan, who leaned over the back of their seat. "You two planning to solve the case before we even land?"

"Just trying to stay ahead," Y/N replied with a grin.

Morgan chuckled. "That's what I like to hear."

In Portland, the team hit the ground running. They divided tasks, some heading to the latest crime scene while others met with the victims' families. Y/N and JJ were assigned to interview a witness who claimed to have seen the latest abduction.

The witness, a middle-aged woman named Linda, sat nervously at her kitchen table, her hands wringing a napkin. Y/N's voice was calm and reassuring as she asked, "Linda, can you tell us what you saw that night?"

Linda nodded hesitantly. "I was walking my dog when I saw a car parked on the side of the road. It was late, so it seemed odd. Then I heard a scream. By the time I got close, the car sped off."

"Did you see the driver?" JJ asked gently.

Linda shook her head. "No, it was too dark. But the car was an older model, maybe a sedan. And it had a dent on the rear bumper."

Y/N exchanged a glance with JJ, the detail about the car potentially crucial.

"You've been very helpful," Y/N said, her tone sincere. "Thank you, Linda."

As they left the house, JJ glanced at Y/N. "What do you think?"

"If we can cross-check this description with traffic cameras or reports of similar vehicles in the area, we might have a lead," Y/N replied, determination in her voice.

Back at the makeshift command center, the team pooled their findings. Garcia worked her magic, pulling up records of vehicles matching the description while the rest of the team pieced together the unsub's potential profile.

As the hours stretched into the evening, Y/N felt a twinge of discomfort—a reminder of the physical toll her pregnancy was beginning to take. Her back ached, and her stomach felt tight, but she pushed it aside. There was a job to do. She had to focus.

Aaron noticed immediately, his eyes narrowing with concern. His voice was low but urgent as he approached her. "You should rest," he said quietly, his hand brushing her shoulder.

"Aaron, I—"

"That wasn't a suggestion," he interrupted gently but firmly. "We need you at your best, and that means taking care of yourself."

Reluctantly, Y/N nodded. She knew he was right, even if stepping away felt like abandoning the team. She was used to being in the thick of things, but now there was more at stake. She wasn't just fighting for the victims; she was fighting for the child growing inside her, too. As she settled onto a nearby couch, she couldn't help but smile at the way Aaron hovered, ensuring she was comfortable before returning to the group.

Despite the gravity of their work, the quiet moments of care and connection reminded Y/N of what truly mattered—the life growing inside her, the love she shared with Aaron, and the unwavering support of their team. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The case was far from over, but as they worked tirelessly into the night, Y/N felt a sense of peace settle over her. The support of her team, and most importantly, Aaron's unwavering care, made her feel ready to face whatever was to come. The future of their family, the baby they were about to welcome, was just beginning—and Y/N couldn't wait to meet that future head-on.