Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 43

The hospital room had quieted, the initial excitement of visitors giving way to a peaceful stillness. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast warm shadows over the walls, and outside, the city hummed faintly beneath the late-night sky. Y/N lay nestled in her hospital bed, exhaustion still weighing on her limbs, but her gaze never strayed far from the little bassinet beside her.

Sophia Grace Hotchner, only hours old, slept soundly in the clear plastic bassinet wrapped snugly in a pink hospital blanket, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. The sight of her, so small and so perfect, still left Y/N in awe.

Aaron sat in the chair beside the bed, elbows resting on his knees, watching their daughter with an expression that could only be described as pure adoration. His FBI badge, his commanding presence, the weight of years spent leading the BAU—all of it melted away in the presence of this tiny, fragile life.

Y/N smiled sleepily. "You're staring."

Aaron glanced at her, not the least bit apologetic. "I can't help it," he murmured. "She's... she's everything."

Her heart swelled. Seeing Aaron so captivated by their daughter made her love for him expand in ways she never thought possible.

"She's already got you wrapped around her little finger," Y/N teased, her voice laced with warmth.

Aaron huffed a small laugh but didn't deny it. Instead, he leaned forward, his fingers grazing over Sophia's tiny hand. As if sensing his presence, her tiny fingers twitched before curling instinctively around his index finger.

Aaron's breath hitched.

Y/N's heart melted.

"She's got a strong grip," Aaron murmured in awe, watching as his daughter's tiny hand clung to his finger.

"She's already holding on to her daddy," Y/N whispered, emotion thick in her voice.

Aaron swallowed hard, his thumb stroking the soft skin of her little hand. His daughter. Their daughter.

But as much as he loved watching her sleep, he couldn't fight the urge to hold her again. He glanced at Y/N, silently asking permission.

She chuckled softly. "Go ahead, I know you want to."

Aaron wasted no time. He carefully slid his hands beneath Sophia's tiny form, lifting her with the utmost care. She stirred slightly, her little face scrunching for a moment before settling back into sleep as he cradled her against his chest.

"She's so warm," Aaron murmured, shifting so that Sophia was nestled against his bare skin.

Y/N watched as Aaron gently ran his large hand over their daughter's back, his fingertips ghosting over the soft fabric of her onesie. It was the most heartwarming sight—this strong, stoic man completely undone by the tiny life in his arms.

"You're a natural," she murmured, eyes full of love.

Aaron glanced at her, a small smile touching his lips. "She makes it easy."

Y/N let her head rest against the pillow, watching as Sophia snuggled deeper against Aaron's chest, her little body rising and falling with his steady breaths. The warmth of his skin, the sound of his heartbeat—it was clear she found comfort in him.

After a while, Sophia began to stir, her tiny mouth parting as she let out a soft whimper. Y/N knew what that meant.

"She's probably hungry," Y/N murmured.

Aaron nodded, carefully shifting to pass Sophia back to her. Y/N adjusted her hospital gown, bringing Sophia close, guiding her tiny mouth to latch. The moment Sophia began to feed, a wave of emotion crashed over Y/N.

There was something indescribable about it—the feeling of nourishing their daughter, of holding her so close, of providing for her most naturally.

Aaron watched intently, admiration shining in his eyes.

"She's amazing," he murmured.

Y/N chuckled softly. "She's ours."

Aaron exhaled slowly, as if the weight of that reality still hadn't completely settled. "Yeah. She is."

As Sophia fed, her tiny hand rested against Y/N's skin, her fingers twitching occasionally. Her eyes fluttered open briefly, and for the first time, they caught a glimpse of her deep, dark eyes.

And then, suddenly, the tiniest furrow formed between Sophia's brows.

Y/N and Aaron both froze.

"Oh my God," Y/N whispered.

Aaron blinked. "Did she just—?"

"The Hotch stare," Y/N gasped.

They both stared at their newborn daughter, who was still suckling, completely unaware that she had just displayed the most serious expression possible for someone not even a day old.

Aaron let out a breathy laugh, rubbing a hand over his face. "That's... that's mildly terrifying."

Y/N giggled. "She's already practicing for interrogations."

Aaron shook his head, but the smile never left his face. "At least we know she won't be easily intimidated."

Y/N stroked Sophia's tiny cheek. "Well, if she inherits your glare, no boy will ever stand a chance."

Aaron smirked. "Good."

Y/N rolled her eyes affectionately. "You're going to be that dad, aren't you?"

Aaron didn't even hesitate. "Absolutely."

Once Sophia finished, Y/N gently adjusted her, rocking her lightly in her arms. She was starting to get sleepy again, her tiny body completely content.

Aaron reached over, running his fingers softly over her delicate features. "I don't know how I'm supposed to sleep when she's right there," he admitted.

Y/N laughed. "You have to sleep, Aaron. She's not going anywhere."

But Aaron still looked uncertain. He glanced at the bassinet, then at Sophia in Y/N's arms.

"Put her in the bassinet," Y/N suggested, amused. "I promise she'll still be here when you wake up."

Aaron sighed, reluctantly agreeing. He leaned over and gently lifted Sophia, carefully placing her back into the little hospital bassinet. She let out a tiny sigh but remained fast asleep.

Aaron sat back, staring at her.

Y/N narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're going to pick her back up, right?"

Aaron was silent for approximately three seconds before he exhaled. "I can't help it," he admitted, standing up and carefully scooping Sophia back into his arms.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. "You're obsessed."

Aaron sat back down, holding Sophia close to his chest. "I just... I don't want to miss anything."

Y/N's heart melted again.

She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "You won't," she promised.

Aaron kissed Sophia's head, inhaling the sweet newborn scent. "I love you both so much."

Y/N felt tears prick at her eyes again. "We love you too."

As the night stretched on, Aaron remained in the chair, Sophia snuggled against his chest. Y/N watched them with a soft smile, her heart overflowing with love.

This was their first night as a family of four. And it was perfect.