Daddy

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From a request-
Mila travels to Barcelona with baby Bethany... Daddy Gavi wants to meet his baby girl.
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It was no lie Mila was feeling nervous, the last time she had seen Gavi was 9+ months prior, when their relationship ended due to long distance not working. She'd remembered how for old times sake they'd come together for their final night of passion before Mila would go back home and focus on her career in the WSL.

The only thing is she had not gone home alone though, unbeknownst to her at that particular time.

It had only been when Mila shared Arsenal's proud announcement of yet another baby Gooner - Bethany Anna June Meadema that Gavi realised he had become a Daddy.

Upon finding out that he had a child, Gavi got in contact with Mila. He was shocked and upset that she hadn't told him she had been pregnant. Mila hadn't believed that Gavi would care, he had made his feelings clear and that would be the end. Mila continued on, through her pregnancy with this in mind. If anything she'd be there for her child.

"Be safe, keep in contact." Viv sighs kissing Mila's head. Viv was less than impressed that Gavi had not come over and had instead, insisted that Mila took their newborn Daughter to him instead.

"I will, it'll be ok." Mila tried to steady her worried Ma's nerves.

"Any problems, you ring us straight away. I can't believe you're letting him do this to you... she's barely a week old." Beth frowns.

"I promise you both it'll be fine. I'm her Mum and I'll do everything and anything it takes to keep her safe." Mila spoke calmly, cradling her baby girl in the carrier against her chest.

Milo fidgets in his pram not really understanding what's going on, he looks up at his older sister and her baby wanting to be out, his little babbles of annoyance clearly showing.

"We will be home soon Milo... be good for Mammy and Mama." Mila kisses his head gently, though this only seems to make him sad. A final hug goodbye to her Mums for the day Mila leaves through to security ready to make the journey to Barcelona.

On the plane Mila had been glad that Bethany had been somewhat calm, she hadn't wanted to be that passenger that everyone hated because her baby cried the whole journey. Bethany had been quite good and either slept most of the way if not occasionally needing milk.

Mila thought over and over and over about what she might say when Gavi met them at the airport, she felt selfish and guilty. Had the Arsenal baby post not been made would she have ever disclosed to Gavi that he had a baby?

The nerves intensify as Mila made her way through the airport, she felt sick with worry. Maybe Gavi would back out, her thoughts cleared as she came through the doors of arrivals and stood there was the Father of her baby... he looked tired, like he hadn't slept.

"Mila. Mi amor..." he said coming closer and wrapping his arms around the girl he'd once claimed to love.

Though hesitant, Mila hugged him back. A small coo coming from her baby girl as she awoke from her sleep.

"Mi Bebe..." (my baby) Gavi breathes taking a moment to acknowledge the baby in the carrier against her Mum.

Gavi and Mila took a short walk to a nearby cafe, there they ordered a couple of bottles of water to drink. Mila carefully took the tiny bundle of joy, she'd birthed barely a week ago out from the carrier and cradled her in her arms.

"Gavi... this is Bethany." She started as she gently gazed at her tiny baby. Gavi's hand reached over to touch the tiny girl's hand. Mila hadn't noticed how Gavi's eyes had glazed over as he took in the sight of the baby.

"Do you want to hold?" Mila offered

"si...please." Gavi managed to say, his voice just above a whisper.

Mila gently placed Bethany into Gavi's arms. Gavi carefully cradled the tiny baby playing with her tiny hands and taking in the sight of pure innocence that laid in his arms. It was no longer easy for Gavi to hide his feelings as he bonded with Bethany.

Mila took the moment to watch the pair, all the feelings she'd had for Gavi came flooding back. She loved the way he looked at their Daughter, she could see the sheer look of love in his eyes. A look he once gave her. She bit her lip as many different scenarios ran through her mind. How different life would have been had she taken the indefinite contract with Barcelona. Would they have been a family?

The pair talked about the baby and about the pregnancy Mila had, had... Gavi apologised for not being there, he'd wished he'd been able to have been a part of it. He made promises to be present in baby Bethany's life from this day forward. Though Mila truly wanted to believe him, it would take a lot more for her to trust his word.

The three of them spent what was left of their time together,  during Mila and Bethany's short trip to see Gavi. They walked across the beach, even enjoyed some lunch together. It felt as though they really were a little family.

Mila took Gavi's phone and took him some pictures for him to keep of himself with Bethany. It was clear to see that Gavi was in fact enjoying the time with her.

"And you?" Gavi asked as Mila took some pictures on her own phone so she could give Bethany pictures of her and her Dad to display at home in her nursery.

"Me?" Mila asked, her face showing confusion.

"Si, mi amor... mama, papa and Bebe..." Gavi insisted that they had a photo of all three of them together.

"Oh... yes...of course." Mila nodded in agreement, both her and Gavi placed their phones on a ledge with a timer as they both held onto Bethany, posing for a photo. 

1 photo - they both hold onto Bethany between them smiling

2 photo- Mila holds Bethany lovingly as Gavi proudly, protectively holds Mila from behind, his other hand resting against Bethany

3 photo- Gavi holds Bethany to his chest, Mila tries to leave the shot but Gavi pulls her close and kisses her forehead.

"We should stop." Mila clears her throat. "This is all for Bethany. You still have a life over here... ours is in England." Mila felt awful voicing it but she knew it was the right thing to do.

"I'm sorry." Gavi sighs. He knew that Mila was right, he had everything over in Barcelona for him... all except for his Daughter.

The pair had tried long distance and it hadn't worked. Mila and Gavi decided to make an agreement to keep an open communication between them both. Whatever Bethany would need Gavi would pay towards and support Mila. In return Mila would send Gavi updates on Bethany, daily so he could have a chance to be part of her life. They'd both take turns to visit one and other so Bethany would know her Dad...It all sounded positive, though Mila did wonder how long it would last.

Back at the airport later that day, was an emotional goodbye. Gavi didn't want for them to leave, Mila was ready to go but felt guilty that she was taking Bethany away from Gavi already. Gavi gave Bethany one last cuddle and kiss before handing her back to Mila. He leans in to kiss Mila but is met by her cheek as she turned her head.

No matter how much in that moment she'd wanted to feel his lips on hers, she needed to keep the distance and to keep her word to herself. If he really cared he'd show it even when they were back in England. It was hard but also the right thing to do.

The whole journey home, the day played out in Mila's head...she had done the right thing by Bethany. That was all that mattered, she was glad Gavi had met their Daughter and the weight that had previously been on Mila's shoulders had now lifted.

Viv collected Mila and Bethany at the airport, the car journey home was quiet.

Mila printed out the pictures of Bethany with the two of them and the ones with just Bethany and Gavi she framed them and placed them on the wall in nursery. This was when the questions came from her Mums.

Mila was quick to tell the pair that nothing had happened, Gavi had simply spent the day with Bethany and that was that. Not wanting to push the conversation Beth and Viv took their Daughter's word for it. They were just happy to have their Daughter and Granddaughter home where they belong.

A/n - let me know what you think. Xx

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