Never Not You

Confession

As Aurora heads to the closet, she pulls out one of Leah's old jerseys, running her fingers over the familiar fabric. Just as she's about to turn around, Leah slips in behind her, wrapping her arms around Aurora's waist and resting her chin on her shoulder.

"You sure I can't persuade you?" Leah whispers, her voice low and tempting as her hands start to wander.

Aurora closes her eyes, leaning back into Leah's warmth, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Leah," she begins, her tone both affectionate and teasing, "you can always persuade me. But don't try tonight because we really do need to get up in the morning."

Leah sighs, pressing a kiss to the side of Aurora's neck before reluctantly letting go. "You're no fun," she mumbles playfully, though there's a hint of a smile in her voice.

Aurora laughs softly, turning around to face Leah, holding the jersey up between them. "I'll make it up to you," she promises, leaning in for a quick kiss before pulling away, her eyes twinkling with affection.

Aurora slips on Leah's old jersey, the fabric soft against her skin, and turns to find Leah watching her with a fond, almost possessive smile.

"You know," Leah starts, her voice low and warm, "I like seeing my name on you."

Aurora tilts her head, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

Leah nods, stepping closer, her hands resting on Aurora's hips. "Yeah. Feels like it should be your name, don't you think?"

Aurora catches on quickly, her heart skipping a beat at the implication. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?" she asks, her voice teasing, but there's a softness in her eyes.

"Of course I would," Leah replies without hesitation, her gaze steady.

Aurora smiles, a small, knowing smile. "One day," she promises, letting the idea linger between them before Leah speaks up again.

"Will Teo wear a Williamson jersey?" Leah asks, the thought clearly exciting her.

Aurora nods, considering it. "Yeah, or maybe something like 'Mama' on the back. But if Spain or Barcelona are playing, then I've been told he has to wear either an Alexia or Mapi jersey."

Leah's eyes light up at the thought of Mateo wearing "Mama" for her, a huge grin spreading across her face. "As long as they aren't playing against Arsenal or England, I don't care."

Aurora chuckles, amused by Leah's enthusiasm. "Oh, and Katie wants him in a McCabe jersey for Arsenal."

Leah's expression changes immediately. "No," she says firmly.

Aurora laughs, enjoying Leah's sudden protectiveness. "Why not?"

Leah crosses her arms, trying to keep her tone playful but failing to hide the seriousness. "Because he's my kid, not hers, not the other girls'. He should wear my name and number."

Aurora smiles, stepping closer to Leah. "Your kid, huh?"

Leah swallows, half-nervous but still trying to keep the light mood. "Yeah... you got a problem with that?"

Aurora shakes her head, her smile softening as she looks up at Leah. "No problem at all, amor." She leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to Leah's lips, sealing the promise of the future they're slowly building together.

Just then, Mateo's cries fill the room from his crib nearby. Aurora grins cheekily at Leah, giving her a gentle slap on the cheek. "Go sort your kid out, Le."

Leah rolls her eyes, smiling. "Alright, alright, I'm going," she says, giving Aurora a quick kiss before walking over to the crib.

She scoops Mateo up into her arms, bouncing him lightly as she whispers soothing words, the cries already starting to soften. Aurora watches them, her heart swelling at the sight of Leah with their son.

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When Mateo finally drifts back to sleep, Leah gently lays him back in his crib, making sure he's comfortable before slipping back into bed with Aurora. As she settles in beside her, Aurora turns to her, her eyes soft but with a hint of something deeper.

"I love seeing you with him," Aurora begins, her voice quiet. She hesitates for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "But... can I tell you something?"

Leah nods, taking Aurora's hand in hers, encouraging her to continue.

Aurora takes a deep breath. "I was so scared when I found out I was pregnant with him. All through the pregnancy, I kept telling myself he was the one good thing, but... I was terrified, Le. I didn't know if I could love him, not really. Because of how he was made... every time I thought about it, I'd remember what happened, and it made me feel sick."

Her voice trembles slightly as she continues, her eyes searching Leah's for understanding. "I hate myself for thinking that way, because Mateo didn't ask to be born into this world. He didn't ask for any of it, and I thought... what kind of mother am I if I can't even love my own child? I was so afraid that he'd just remind me of everything I wanted to forget, that I wouldn't be able to look at him without seeing... that night."

Aurora's eyes glisten with unshed tears, her voice thick with emotion. "It makes me feel like a horrible person, like I don't deserve to be his mother. But then I see you with him, and I see his little smile, and I realize how much I love him, how much he means to me. But it doesn't stop the guilt from creeping in, and I just... I don't know how to make peace with it."

Leah squeezes Aurora's hand, her heart aching for the pain and conflict Aurora has been carrying. "Rory, you are not a horrible person," she says, her voice firm but full of love. "You went through something awful, something that no one should ever have to endure. It's only natural that you had those fears, that you were scared. But the fact that you're here, loving Mateo the way you do, despite all of that? It shows how strong and amazing you are."

Leah leans in, pressing a tender kiss to Aurora's forehead. "You're right—Mateo didn't ask for any of this. But neither did you. You're doing the best you can, and that's more than enough. He's going to grow up knowing how much you love him, and that's what matters. You've given him a world full of love, and that's something to be proud of, not something to feel guilty about."

Aurora lets out a shaky breath, leaning into Leah's embrace. "I just don't want him to ever feel like I didn't want him, because I do. I really do."

"And he'll know that," Leah reassures her, holding her close. "You're an incredible mom, Rory. Mateo's lucky to have you. And so am I."

Aurora nods, a few tears slipping free as she buries her face in Leah's shoulder. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice cracking with emotion. "I needed to hear that."

Leah rubs soothing circles on Aurora's back, holding her as she lets out the feelings she's been holding inside for so long. "I'll always be here for you," Leah promises, her voice soft and full of love. "We'll get through this together, okay?"

Aurora nods, sniffling softly. "Okay." She takes a deep breath, finding comfort in Leah's steady presence. "I love you, Le."

"I love you too, Rory," Leah replies, kissing the top of Aurora's head. "More than anything."