Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 30

The case in Portland had been intense, but the team had managed to bring the unsub to justice. As the plane touched down in Quantico, Y/N felt a mix of relief and exhaustion flood over her. It had been a challenging few days, both physically and emotionally, but the satisfaction of knowing they'd stopped a dangerous criminal kept her moving forward.

Aaron had noticed the strain she was under, and he wasn't about to let her push herself too hard. He had insisted that she take a few days off to rest and check on the baby. At first, Y/N had resisted, not wanting to feel like she was slacking off, but Aaron's firm, but gentle, insistence had won out. He knew she needed the break, and deep down, Y/N knew he was right.

The moment they landed in Quantico, Y/N made her way to her car, with Aaron beside her. They didn't say much as they drove to their home, the silence comfortable but heavy. Once inside, Y/N set her things down and then headed straight to the couch. She sank into the cushions with a sigh of relief, her tired body grateful for the rest.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Aaron asked softly, his gaze lingering on her as she stretched out.

"I will be," Y/N replied, smiling up at him. "Just need to recharge. Maybe take a nap, relax a little."

Aaron nodded, sitting beside her. His hand brushed hers, and she instinctively reached for it, squeezing gently. He didn't speak at first, just letting the quiet fill the space between them, but Y/N could feel his concern. He wanted to make sure she was taking care of herself, especially with everything that had been happening.

"How is our little girl?" Aaron asked after a few moments. His tone was light, but there was a tenderness in his voice that made Y/N's heart swell. The past few weeks had been so chaotic, and while she loved the work they did, her pregnancy had become a priority, and Aaron's support made all the difference.

Y/N smiled and nodded. "She is doing good. I'm sure it's just the stress of the case getting to me. But you know how it is..."

"I do," Aaron agreed, his hand going on her bump, getting a soft kick in response. "And if you need anything, you let me know. But for now, rest."

Y/N leaned into the back of the couch, her eyes drifting closed as the exhaustion began to take over. Before she could slip into sleep, she heard the sound of little feet running across the floor. Jack appeared in the doorway, his face lighting up when he saw his dad and Y/N on the couch.

"Mom! Dad!" Jack called excitedly. "Can we go to the park? I wanna go play!"

Y/N opened her eyes, a smile forming as she met Jack's eager gaze. He had been such a bright light in their lives, and she couldn't help but be grateful for the joy he brought to their home.

"Hey, buddy," Y/N greeted softly, patting the spot next to her on the couch. "I thought you'd be in bed by now. But if you want to go to the park, I think tomorrow we can make it work"

Jack jumped up onto the couch, wrapping his arms around her. "You're not too tired, are you, Mom?"

Y/N chuckled, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Not too tired for you, kiddo."

"Perfect!" Jack exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

Aaron chuckled from beside them. "Alright, Jack I think it's time to go to bed. Tomorrow will be a big day at the park!"

"Yes", Jack says excitedly, heading towards his room.

All three of them head to bed and get some rest for the following day's activities.

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The next morning the three of them headed out to the park, the crisp air and the quiet of the neighborhood offering a sense of calm that Y/N had been craving. She could feel the tension from the past few days begin to melt away as she walked beside Aaron, Jack skipping ahead, his laughter ringing in the air. It was a reminder of the simplicity of family—of the life they were building together.