Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 52

The morning felt heavier than usual. Y/N sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the neatly folded pile of clothes she had laid out the night before—her work slacks, a blouse, and the bulletproof vest she hadn't worn in what felt like forever. A deep sigh left her lips as she ran a hand through her hair.

Behind her, Aaron was already dressed, adjusting his tie in the mirror. He watched her through the reflection, understanding the storm of emotions without needing a single word.

"You're going to be great," he reassured, turning to sit beside her. His warm hand found hers, squeezing it gently.

She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I know. It just feels... different now. Leaving them."

He nodded. "I know." His voice softened, eyes filled with unspoken emotions. "I hate it too."

A soft whimper from the baby monitor pulled their attention. Sophia was waking up, her tiny voice murmuring as she stirred in her crib. A few moments later, Jack's footsteps thundered down the hallway.

"I'll get them," Aaron said, pressing a kiss to Y/N's forehead before standing.

She let out another sigh and stood up, smoothing out her blouse before following him down the hall.

In Sophia's nursery, Aaron had already scooped their little girl into his arms. She nestled into his chest, still groggy with sleep. "Morning, princess," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her head.

Sophia stretched, her little arms wrapping around his neck as she let out a contented sigh. "Dadda."

Y/N leaned against the doorway, heart melting at the sight. "I'm starting to think I don't exist," she teased.

Sophia turned her sleepy gaze to her and wiggled excitedly in Aaron's arms. "Mama!"

"There it is." Y/N smiled, stepping forward to take her from Aaron.

Jack, still in his pajamas, bounced into the room. "Is today the day?"

Aaron ruffled his hair. "It is."

Jack turned to Y/N. "Are you nervous?"

She gave him a small smile. "A little."

Jack nodded, deep in thought. "It's okay, Mom. I was nervous on my first day of school too."

That made her chuckle. "Yeah?"

"Yeah, but it got better." He smiled proudly.

Aaron glanced at the time. "Alright, team Hotchner, let's get ready."

By the time they were dressed and ready to go, the weight in Y/N's chest had only gotten heavier. Sophia, dressed in a tiny pink onesie, sat happily in her car seat, babbling to herself, unaware that today was a big change for her, too.

When they arrived at the daycare, Y/N felt her stomach twist. Aaron parked but didn't move right away. They both just sat there, staring at the building like it was some foreign place.

Jack, already dropped off at school, had been easy—he had friends, and he was old enough to understand. But Sophia? Their baby? It felt unnatural to leave her.

Aaron sighed, running a hand down his face. "She's going to be okay."

"I know," Y/N whispered, but her grip on the seatbelt tightened.

Sophia cooed happily from the back, making grabby hands toward Aaron. He turned and reached for her, unbuckling her from the car seat and holding her close.

"Alright, princess," he murmured. "You be good today, okay?"

Sophia clung to him, resting her head against his shoulder.

Y/N felt her throat tighten.

Inside, the daycare worker greeted them with a warm smile. "Good morning, Agent Hotchner, Agent Y/L/N."

"Morning," Y/N said, forcing herself to smile.

Sophia looked around curiously, but the moment Aaron moved to hand her over, her tiny hands clung tighter to his suit.

"No," she mumbled.

Aaron's expression faltered. "Baby, you're gonna have so much fun."

Sophia's bottom lip trembled. "No."

Y/N swallowed hard. This is going to kill me.

After a few more moments of reassurance, Sophia was distracted by a soft plush toy, and the daycare worker gently took her from Aaron's arms. She didn't cry—just stared at them with big, uncertain eyes.

And that somehow made it worse.

As they stepped outside, Y/N let out a shaky breath.

Aaron looked back at the door. "We could just—"

"Aaron."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, I know. I just—"

"I know." Y/N squeezed his arm. "We should go before we talk ourselves into taking her back."

Reluctantly, they walked to the car. Neither spoke the entire drive to work.

A few days later, they were on their first case away from home.

Y/N sat on the hotel bed, phone in hand, waiting for Jessica to answer.

"Hey! How are my favorite agents?"

Y/N smiled. "Exhausted."

Jessica laughed. "Figured. You want to see them?"

"Please."

A second later, Jack and Sophia appeared on the screen. Jack waved. "Hi, Mom!"

"Hey, baby! How was school?"

"Good! I got a gold star in math."

"That's amazing, Jack! I'm so proud of you."

Aaron walked out of the bathroom just in time to hear, smiling as he sat beside her.

Then, Sophia's face appeared.

"Hi, sweet girl," Y/N cooed.

Sophia grinned, then suddenly frowned, looking around. "Dadda?"

Aaron leaned in. "I'm right here, sweetheart."

Sophia's face scrunched up, and suddenly, she wailed. "Dadda!"

Aaron's heart clenched. "Oh, baby, I know."

She reached toward the screen, sobbing, "Dadda!" repeatedly.

Jessica gave them an apologetic smile. "She's been missing you a lot. Every time she sees your picture, she says 'Dadda' and 'Mama.'"

Y/N's eyes watered. "I hate this."

Aaron sighed, rubbing his temple. "Me too."

Later that night, as they lay in bed, Y/N rolled over, resting her head on Aaron's chest. "Are we making the right choice?"

Aaron exhaled. "I don't know."

She bit her lip. "I just... I hate how much they miss us."

Aaron kissed the top of her head. "Me too. But we're doing this for them. To make the world safer."

Y/N nodded against his chest. "I just wish we could have both."

Aaron tightened his arms around her. "We'll figure it out."

And as hard as it was, she believed him.