Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 47

It had been a little over two months since Sophia was born, and though life had settled into a new normal, balancing everything was still a work in progress. Sleep deprivation was a constant battle, and their days were filled with diaper changes, feeding sessions, and stolen moments of peace. But amidst all the exhaustion, there was joy—so much joy.

Jack had adjusted well to being a big brother, doting on Sophia every chance he got. And Aaron? He was completely wrapped around his daughter's tiny little fingers.

Today, Y/N had decided it was time to bring Sophia to the BAU for a proper visit. The team had already met her when they stopped by the hospital after she was born, but this would be the first time she'd be at Quantico. With Jack at school, it felt like the perfect opportunity.

Aaron had been hesitant at first—his overprotective instincts in full force—but after Y/N assured him it would be a short visit, he relented.

So, with a diaper bag packed to the brim with baby essentials, Y/N made her way to the FBI headquarters with Sophia securely strapped to her chest in a soft carrier.

Arrival at the BAU

Walking through the hallways of the FBI building felt surreal with a baby in tow. She got more than a few curious stares from passing agents, some smiling, others surprised to see the famously stoic Aaron Hotchner's newborn daughter being carried through the bullpen.

When she reached the BAU doors, she barely had a chance to knock before they swung open.

"Finally!" Penelope Garcia's voice rang out as she practically yanked Y/N inside. "Where is my little goddess?"

Y/N chuckled, adjusting the carrier so Sophia was visible. The baby was sleeping peacefully, her tiny face relaxed.

"Oh. My. God." Penelope's voice dropped to a reverent whisper. "She is even cuter than I remember."

"Was there ever any doubt?" Y/N teased.

Derek Morgan appeared behind Garcia, his signature smirk in place. "So, this is the princess, huh?"

Y/N grinned. "She sure is."

Morgan peered down at Sophia, his expression softening. "Man, Hotch is done for. She's gonna have him wrapped around her finger forever."

Emily Prentiss walked over, crossing her arms as she studied the baby. "She looks like him already."

"That's what I keep saying!" Y/N said, laughing. "Same little Hotch stare, too."

JJ stepped forward next, her motherly instincts in full force. "Can I hold her?"

Y/N nodded, carefully unstrapping the carrier. JJ took Sophia into her arms with practiced ease, rocking her gently.

"Ugh, I miss when Henry was this little," she sighed. "Enjoy this stage, even if it's exhausting."

"Exhausting is an understatement," Y/N muttered.

Spencer Reid approached hands hesitantly hovering near Sophia. "I read that newborns recognize their mother's voice from the womb, which is why they tend to be soothed by it the most."

Y/N smirked. "Are you saying I'm the only one who can calm her down?"

Reid shrugged. "Statistically speaking, yes."

"That's not true," Aaron's voice cut in from behind them.

Y/N turned to see him walking toward them, a rare smile on his face as he spotted Sophia.

Garcia gasped. "Sir! I had no idea you were already back."

Aaron gave her an amused glance. "I told you I'd be in late."

"Yeah, but I figured 'late' meant, like, 10 AM, not whatever time it is now," she quipped.

Aaron ignored her, his focus entirely on Sophia. JJ handed her back to him without hesitation, and he cradled her close.

Y/N grinned. "She's been a big hit."

Aaron brushed a gentle hand over Sophia's tiny head. "I had no doubt."

Morgan smirked. "So, how's fatherhood treating you, Hotch?"

Aaron glanced at Y/N before responding. "It's... exhausting."

The team chuckled.

"But worth it," he added softly, looking down at his daughter.

Just then, David Rossi strolled in, a cup of espresso in his hand. "Well, well, if it isn't the youngest Hotchner in the building."

Y/N turned, smiling. "Rossi, you finally decided to show up."

Rossi smirked, taking a sip of his coffee before stepping closer. "I figured I'd let the rest of these hooligans fuss over her first." He glanced at Aaron. "So, can I hold my honorary granddaughter, or is she strictly a Hotch exclusive?"

Aaron hesitated for a second—his overprotectiveness showing—before nodding. "Of course."

Y/N handed Sophia over, and Rossi cradled her with the ease of someone who had held plenty of babies in his time. "Ah, she's perfect," he said, swaying slightly. "She looks just like you, Aaron. Poor kid."

Everyone chuckled while Aaron gave him a deadpan look.

"Maybe she'll inherit Y/N's sense of humor," Rossi added, giving Y/N a wink.

Y/N grinned. "One can only hope."

Rossi gazed down at Sophia, his voice turning softer. "She's gonna have a good life, Aaron. You and Y/N are gonna give her that."

Aaron's expression softened, and Y/N could see the emotion flicker in his eyes.

"She already does," he said quietly.

Office Baby Takeover

What was supposed to be a short visit turned into an all-morning affair.

Garcia took a million photos, claiming she needed to document "Baby Hotchner's first time at Quantico." Spencer rattled off random baby facts, and Morgan kept making jokes about how Hotch was now completely outnumbered.

Sophia, for her part, slept through most of it.

At one point, Aaron sat at his desk with her nestled in his arms, his serious expression hilariously juxtaposed by the tiny baby cradled against his chest.

"This is the most adorable thing I've ever seen," Garcia whispered, snapping a photo.

Y/N chuckled. "I have to agree."

Aaron shook his head but didn't protest.

Rossi leaned against the desk, watching Aaron with an amused expression. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day—SSA Aaron Hotchner, fearless leader of the BAU, reduced to a baby-wearing, sleep-deprived dad."

Aaron smirked. "And yet, here we are."

Time to Go

As much as Y/N enjoyed the visit, Sophia was starting to stir, and she knew it was time to head home before a full-on meltdown happened.

Aaron walked them to the elevators, pressing a kiss to Sophia's forehead before looking at Y/N.

"Call me if you need anything."

Y/N smiled. "I think we'll be okay. But I'll let you know if she decides to go diva mode."

Aaron smirked. "She gets that from you."

Y/N gasped dramatically. "Excuse me?"

He chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "Go home. Get some rest."

Y/N stepped into the elevator, adjusting Sophia in the carrier. "See you later, Agent Hotchner."

Aaron's expression softened. "See you later."

As the elevator doors closed, Y/N smiled and looked down at their sleeping daughter.

It had been a chaotic, sleep-deprived, beautiful day.