Never Not You

Sleepy and clingy

Mateo had been restless all night, his tiny body squirming and his soft whimpers filling the house, refusing to settle in Leah's arms. He clung to Aurora like she was his lifeline, his little fists gripping onto her shirt with a determination that kept Aurora awake and on her feet long past her breaking point.

By morning, it was clear that Mateo was in a mood — irritable, wingy, and with no intention of letting Leah take over. He clung to Aurora, refusing to be soothed by anyone else, making it nearly impossible for her to get a moment's rest. No matter how many times Leah tried to step in, offering cuddles, bottles, or distractions, Mateo would only fuss louder, his little face scrunched in frustration until Aurora held him again.

Aurora was exhausted. The weight of Mateo in her arms, combined with his constant need for attention, had her moving like a zombie around the house. Her eyes were heavy with fatigue, and her body screamed for a break, but every time she tried to hand Mateo over to Leah, he'd start to cry, reaching out desperately for her until she gave in and held him again.

Leah watched the whole thing with a sympathetic heart, wanting so badly to help but knowing Mateo had made up his mind. She tried to step in every chance she got, suggesting they take turns, offering to distract him with his favorite toys, or even gently taking him from Aurora's arms. But Mateo's fussing only got worse with each attempt, his arms stretching back to Aurora, his tiny whimpers turning into cries until Leah would sigh, handing him back.

"I'm so sorry, baby," Leah said softly, her hand resting on Aurora's shoulder as she watched her partner sway with Mateo in her arms, trying to soothe him. "I don't know why he's being like this."

Aurora gave her a tired smile, though her eyes betrayed just how close she was to collapsing. "It's okay, he's just... having one of those days," she said, though her voice was thick with fatigue.

Mateo snuggled into Aurora's chest, his head resting against her shoulder as he finally quieted down, his tiny hand gripping the fabric of her shirt as though he feared she'd disappear. Leah's heart ached at the sight, feeling a mix of helplessness and love for them both.

"Why don't you take a nap, Ror?" Leah suggested, her voice gentle as she stroked Aurora's arm. "I can take him for a bit."

Aurora looked at her with a half-hearted laugh, though it was clear the idea of a nap was tempting. "I wish," she muttered, glancing down at Mateo, who had finally settled into a fragile calm. "But the second I try to put him down, he's going to start all over again."

Leah sighed, knowing Aurora was right. "We could try lying down together?" she offered, her voice hopeful.

Aurora nodded, too tired to argue, and they both made their way to the couch. Mateo clung to Aurora as she sat down, his little eyes half-closed but still refusing to let her go.

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Mateo had only been asleep for about an hour before he stirred awake again. Leah, hoping to let Aurora catch up on some much-needed rest, gently scooped the little boy up and did her best to coax him back to sleep. She rocked him, hummed softly, even tried to settle him on her chest, but Mateo wasn't having it. He wriggled and fussed, pushing himself up and trying to crawl off her.

Leah sighed as she moved him onto the floor, hoping he'd tire himself out if he could play for a bit. But the moment his little feet hit the ground, Mateo's fussing grew louder, his arms reaching up toward Aurora as if he couldn't stand being away from her. Leah, feeling defeated, picked him up again, bouncing him lightly as she whispered, "Come on, Teo, your mummy is so tired. What's wrong, little man?"

But Mateo wasn't interested. He squirmed in Leah's hold, his little face scrunching up as if he was ready to cry. Leah tried everything — toys, silly faces, even his favorite lullaby — but nothing worked. Finally, Aurora, groggy and barely able to keep her eyes open, sat up and reached for him.