Never Not You

Fears

A/N: Spanish/Catalan will be written in English but in Italics so you can tell the difference. And I'm sorry to those who didn't want drama - i had this planned before you even commented that besides its not a MAJOR drama just a small one. 

The evening sky was deepening into a rich, twilight blue as Leah zipped up her jacket, lingering in the hallway with uncertainty tugging at her thoughts. It had been a few days since her birthday, and her Arsenal and England teammates had invited her for a celebratory night out. But now, standing just outside the living room, Leah found herself hesitating.

Aurora sat on the couch, gently rocking Mateo in her arms as he began to drift off to sleep after a fussy day. The sight of her little family, wrapped in the soft light of their home, made Leah's heart swell with love—and guilt.

As if sensing her unease, Aurora glanced up, her eyes meeting Leah's with a knowing smile. "You know how much the girls want to go out with you tonight," she said softly, breaking the silence. "You should go and celebrate with them. You deserve to have some fun."

Leah shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her brow furrowed in thought. "But it doesn't seem fair, leaving you here alone with Mateo. I should be here with you two."

Aurora carefully placed Mateo in his crib, making sure he was comfortable before she crossed the room to Leah. She took Leah's hands in hers, her touch warm and reassuring. "Leah, I can handle everything here, no problem," she said, her voice filled with affection. "You've been amazing—always juggling everything between football, home, and us. But tonight, it's okay to just be Leah, to go out and enjoy yourself."

Leah looked into Aurora's eyes, searching for any trace of doubt, but all she saw was encouragement and love. "Are you sure?" Leah asked, her voice still tinged with uncertainty.

Aurora nodded, her expression unwavering. "Absolutely. You always put us first, Leah. Tonight, let your teammates celebrate you. You deserve it. Teo and I will be right here when you get back."

Leah sighed, feeling the tension start to melt away. "I just feel guilty, you know? You do so much for us, and here I am, thinking about going out."

Aurora shook her head, her smile widening as she squeezed Leah's hands. "And that's exactly why you should go. You've earned this night. You've earned a chance to relax and have some fun with your friends. I'll be waiting to hear all about it when you get home."

Finally, Leah felt herself relenting, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Alright. I'll go."

Aurora's face lit up with a bright, supportive smile. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Leah's lips. "That's my girl. Now go get ready. I've got everything under control here."

With one last glance at Mateo, who was now peacefully asleep, Leah grabbed her coat and keys. The guilt still lingered faintly, but it was overshadowed by the warmth of Aurora's encouragement.

As Leah stepped out the door, she felt a surge of gratitude. She was lucky—to have teammates who cared so much, and a partner who understood her better than anyone else. Tonight, she would let herself celebrate not just her birthday, but the life she had built with the people she loved.

And maybe, just maybe, she'd let loose and have the kind of fun she hadn't had in a long time.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About an hour after Leah left, the house was enveloped in a peaceful silence. Mateo was sound asleep in his crib, his tiny chest rising and falling in a soothing rhythm. Aurora, however, couldn't find the same peace. She curled up on the couch, the blanket around her doing little to ward off the chill that had settled in her bones.