Never Not You

England Bound

Leah sat on the edge of the sofa, the invitation on her phone illuminating the darkened room. Aurora moved around the living room, packing for their return to England. Glancing up, Aurora noticed Leah's thoughtful expression.

"Are you thinking about going?" Aurora asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Leah hesitated, her fingers lightly tracing the screen. "I don't think so," she replied softly.

Aurora paused in her packing, her brow furrowing slightly. "Why not? It would be a great chance to catch up with everyone before the match."

Leah sighed, conflicted. "I know, but... I don't think I can leave you and Teo for a night out just yet. It's too soon."

Understanding dawned in Aurora's eyes as she set down the onesie she was folding. "Ah, I see," she said gently. "It's okay, Leah. There will be other opportunities."

Leah nodded gratefully, her mind racing with thoughts of their son. "Yeah, I just... I want to be with you two."

Aurora smiled warmly, crossing the room to sit beside Leah. "I understand completely. And you know what? When you come back from your game, how about you bring the girls over to meet Mateo."

Leah's face brightened at the suggestion. "That's a great idea. And... maybe Alex could come too?"

Aurora chuckled softly, giving Leah a playful nudge. "Of course! We'll have a little gathering."

Leah nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. 

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Aurora sat comfortably on the sofa, cradling Mateo in her arms, his tiny features still bearing the unmistakable freshness of newborn innocence.

Aurora's heart skipped a beat as she heard the familiar sound of a car pulling up the gravel driveway. She glanced towards the door with a mix of anticipation and nervousness as Leah's family, entered the house. Amanda, led the way, her eyes immediately lighting up at the sight of Mateo.

"Oh, look at him!" Amanda exclaimed in a hushed voice, her face breaking into a gentle smile. "He's grown so much already, hasn't he? And those eyes, just like yours, Aurora."

David followed closely behind, his expression filled with warmth as he gazed at his grandson. "Well, well, if it isn't our littlest addition," he said softly, approaching Aurora and Mateo. "You're a precious one, aren't you?"

Jacob and their grandmother entered the room, both leaning in to catch a glimpse of Mateo. Jacob chuckled softly, marvelling at the tiny bundle in Aurora's arms. "I can't believe you actually have a kid," he remarked with a grin.

Leah stood nearby, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she watched her family admire Mateo. She stepped forward to greet them, pulling Amanda and David into heartfelt hugs.

"Hi" Leah said warmly.

Aurora smiled gratefully, feeling a surge of pride as Mateo yawned contentedly in her arms. Amanda gently reached out to cradle Mateo, her touch tender and full of grandmotherly affection.

"He's so precious," Amanda murmured, her voice filled with wonder as she held Mateo close. "You're doing an amazing job, Aurora."

Aurora blushed slightly, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. "Thank you," she replied softly. "We're so happy to finally introduce him to all of you properly."

As the afternoon unfolded, the room filled with laughter and gentle conversation. Mateo, oblivious to the attention he was receiving, occasionally stirred and let out a soft coo, nestled safely in his grandmother's arms, capturing the hearts of everyone present. 

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Leah sat perched on the edge of the kitchen counter, her arms encircling Aurora who stood snugly between her legs. In the dimly lit house, baby Mateo peacefully slumbered in his cot nearby. Leah rested her head on Aurora's shoulder, a hint of melancholy in her voice.

"I really don't want to leave you," Leah murmured softly, her fingers idly tracing patterns on Aurora's back.

Aurora tilted her head slightly, meeting Leah's eyes with a tender smile. "It's just for the day, love," she reassured, her hands resting on Leah's thighs.

Leah let out a small sigh, her brow furrowing. "But what if he starts crawling, or says his first word, and I miss it?" she fretted, her voice tinged with concern.

Aurora chuckled warmly, leaning in closer to Leah. "Leah, he's not even one month old yet. He's not going to be doing any of that anytime soon," she pointed out gently, her fingers gently brushing Leah's cheek.

Leah remained sulky, her arms tightening around Aurora. "Still, I don't want to miss anything," she insisted quietly, her lips downturned.

Aurora cupped Leah's face in her hands, tilting it up to meet her gaze. With a soft smile, she planted a series of gentle kisses on Leah's lips, causing Leah to finally break into a smile.

"Leah, darling," Aurora murmured softly, her eyes warm with affection. "You won't miss a single thing, I promise."

Leah nodded slightly, her worries easing as she rested her head against Aurora's shoulder, listening intently as she spoke.

"I've been thinking," Aurora began softly, "about making an album."

Leah lifted her head, intrigued. "A new album? What about?" she asked with a small smile.

Aurora nodded, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "About Teo," she said.

Leah's eyes widened slightly in realization. "Oh, that's how you're going to introduce him to everyone?" she asked, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in her voice.

Aurora nodded again, her fingers gently stroking Leah's arm. "Yeah, I thought I could make it in both, English and Spanish, with videos and everything. Two albums the same songs just different language." she explained, her voice tinged with a touch of uncertainty.

Leah grinned, pulling Aurora closer. "That sounds amazing! When are you thinking of doing it?" she asked eagerly.

Aurora hesitated, her expression turning thoughtful. "I don't know... I guess I'm just scared...of what people might say you know?" she admitted quietly.

Leah's face softened, her tone firm as she interrupted gently. "Hey, fuck what anyone else might say. If you want to do it, you do it. They don't know you or what you've been through. It's your decision," she reassured her, her voice filled with conviction.

Aurora met Leah's eyes, feeling a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support. She leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Leah's lips, feeling reassured by her words.

Leah pulled back slightly, whispering softly, "When did the doctor say you'll be ready again?"

Aurora rolled her eyes playfully, lightly smacking Leah's arm. Leah caught Aurora's hand, kissing it gently, causing Aurora to smile.

Just then, they heard Mateo stirring in the other room. Leah jumped down from the counter, and together, hand in hand, they followed the sound of their precious son.