Safe Haven ~ ✨Aaron Hotchner✨

Chapter 55

The Hotchner house was a whirlwind of activity that morning. Jack's soccer game was in a couple of hours, and Y/N and Aaron were making sure they had everything they needed before heading out. Sophia sat on the floor in the kitchen, happily chewing on a teething ring while clutching one of Jack's old jerseys, completely oblivious to the last-minute hustle around her.

"Jack, do you have your cleats?" Y/N called as she packed snacks into Sophia's diaper bag.

"Yeah!" Jack shouted from upstairs. "I think!"

Aaron sighed, zipping up Sophia's backpack, which was full of toys, extra clothes, and her favorite stuffed bunny. "Check your bag again, bud. You always think you have them, and then—"

"I do have them!" Jack said as he appeared in the doorway, his soccer cleats slung over his shoulder. "See?"

"Good," Aaron said with a smirk, ruffling his hair. "Now let's make sure your little sister is stocked up for the game."

Sophia, hearing the word sister, looked up and beamed at Aaron. "Dadda!" she squealed, lifting her chubby arms toward him.

Aaron chuckled, instantly scooping her up. "You are going to be so spoiled today," he told her, pressing a kiss to her temple. "You get to watch your big brother play, and I have a feeling you're going to steal the show."

Sophia just giggled, patting his face.

Y/N shook her head, laughing. "She needs snacks. I'm packing her puffs, fruit, and a sippy cup of water."

"Don't forget her jersey," Jack reminded them. "She has to wear my old one!"

Aaron smirked. "She's not even two yet, Jack."

"Still! She's part of the team."

Y/N smiled, pulling out Jack's old tiny jersey and slipping it over Sophia's head. It was slightly oversized, but she looked adorable in it. Jack grinned with pride.

"Okay, team Hotchner," Y/N said, slinging the diaper bag over her shoulder. "Let's go cheer on our star player!"

At the Soccer Field

The park was already bustling when they arrived. Parents were setting up chairs along the sidelines while kids warmed up on the field. Jack ran ahead to join his team while Aaron and Y/N found a good spot to sit with Sophia.

"Uncle Dave!" Jack called, spotting Rossi, who had already set up a folding chair in the shade with JJ, Emily, and Garcia.

"Hey, kid!" Rossi waved. "Ready to dominate out there?"

Jack grinned. "Yeah!"

JJ, who had brought Henry along, hugged Y/N. "How's our little soccer princess today?" she cooed, tickling Sophia's belly.

Sophia giggled and clapped her hands. "Mama!" she said, then reached for Aaron. "Dadda!"

Garcia sighed dramatically. "Ugh, I love her. Hotch, you do not deserve a daughter this cute."

Aaron chuckled. "Trust me, I know."

Jack's game started, and everyone focused on the field. Sophia sat happily on Y/N's lap for a while, clapping whenever she saw Jack run. But after about fifteen minutes, she started squirming.

"Mama, down!" she said, pointing at the grass.

"You want to stand?" Y/N asked, setting her down gently.

Sophia waddled around for a bit, picking at the grass, but then her attention was completely stolen by Jack and his teammates kicking the soccer ball around. She watched them, wide-eyed, then turned to Aaron with the biggest grin.

"Dadda! Ball!"

Aaron smiled. "That's right, sweetheart. Jack is playing with a ball."

Sophia clapped her hands excitedly and suddenly took off—her tiny feet marching determinedly toward the field.

"Sophia!" Y/N called, laughing as she hurried after her.

"Where's she going?" Emily asked, amused.

Aaron smirked. "I think she wants to play, too."

Sophia made it to the edge of the field just as the ball rolled near her. She let out a squeal of excitement and tried to kick it like she had seen Jack do.

Unfortunately, her little legs weren't quite coordinated yet, and instead of connecting with the ball, she lost her balance and landed flat on her butt.

Everyone gasped for a second, waiting for the inevitable tears. But instead—

"Dadda!" Sophia giggled, holding her hands up toward Aaron like he was supposed to fix it.

Aaron was already on his feet, jogging over with a chuckle. "You okay, sweetheart?" he asked, scooping her up.

Sophia grinned and patted his chest. "Ball, Dadda!"

Jack ran over, slightly out of breath but smiling. "She wants to play!"

"I see that," Aaron said, bouncing Sophia on his hip. "You're going to be our next soccer star, huh?"

Sophia nodded eagerly, then pointed at the field. "Jack!"

Jack beamed. "She said my name!"

Y/N came up behind them, shaking her head fondly. "She's been obsessed with you lately, Jack. You're her favorite person."

"That's because I'm awesome," Jack teased, gently poking Sophia's belly.

Aaron sighed, pressing a kiss to Sophia's forehead. "Alright, our little athlete, let's go back to our spot before you try to steal the ball again."

Sophia let out a delighted squeal as Aaron carried her back to their seats. The team chuckled as they watched.

"She's a Hotchner, alright," Rossi mused. "Competitive from birth."

JJ laughed. "Jack might have some competition in a few years."

Garcia grinned. "I cannot wait to get this on video for her teenage years."

As Jack's game continued, Sophia remained glued to watching her brother, occasionally yelling out, "Jack!" and clapping whenever he touched the ball.

And Aaron, as usual, couldn't take his eyes off of his little girl—his heart completely stolen by the miniature tornado of energy and love in his arms.