Never Not You

Leah's plan pt.1

Aurora was sitting in her studio, working meticulously on the final touches of the album she was creating for Mateo. She sighed deeply, pulling off her headphones and rubbing her temples in frustration. No matter how hard she tried, the instrumental just didn't sound right paired with the Spanish lyrics. It was odd, considering how fluent she was in both languages. She had never expected that translating her own song would be this infuriating.

Just as she was about to lose herself in more edits, she was interrupted by the sound of little feet hurrying towards her. She glanced up just in time to see Mateo, dressed in nothing but his tiny hooded towel, trying to make a quick escape as he called out, "Mami!" His wet hair clung to his forehead, and his big eyes were wide with mischief, long eyelashes still damp from his bath. The sight was too adorable for Aurora to be even the slightest bit upset that he had interrupted her work.

She laughed softly, knowing exactly what had happened. Leah must have been trying to get him dressed, probably downstairs while watching the Arsenal men's match. Aurora had warned her not to – once Mateo had a little freedom, he'd be off in a flash, and that's exactly what happened.

Leaning down, Aurora scooped him up, settling him on her lap. He immediately wrapped his small arms around her neck, resting his head on her chest. "Hi, baby," she said sweetly, brushing a hand through his damp hair. "Did you run away from mama?"

Mateo babbled excitedly, his words a jumbled mess but full of energy as though he was explaining his great escape in detail. Aurora listened attentively, nodding along as though she understood his every word.

Not a moment later, Leah appeared in the doorway, hands on her hips and an exasperated smile on her face. "He's too fast, honestly. I turned for two seconds to grab the lotion, and he was gone."

Aurora chuckled, giving Leah a playful smirk. "I did warn you, babe," she teased, gently bouncing Mateo on her knee. "But no, you wanted to watch the match, right?"

Leah rolled her eyes, but the smile never left her face as she approached them. "Well, I didn't think he'd be this fast," she admitted, her tone a mix of amusement and defeat. Then, in an exaggeratedly playful manner, Leah reached out and snatched Mateo from Aurora's lap. Mateo squealed with delight, wriggling in her arms as if he knew he'd been caught mid-escape.

Leah leaned down and quickly pecked Aurora on the lips before whispering, "Don't put your headphones back on. I need you to hear me."

Aurora raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden shift in Leah's tone. "Why?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Just do it, Rory," Leah insisted, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Aurora wasn't entirely convinced. "Well, can't I just come with you?" she questioned, clearly not wanting to be left out of whatever Leah had planned.

"No!" Leah said quickly, almost too quickly. Aurora's other eyebrow shot up in suspicion, and she turned to Mateo, as though seeking answers from him. "What's mama got planned, Teo?" she asked him playfully.

Mateo, still babbling in his toddler language, responded with an enthusiastic stream of gibberish, as if he was ready to rat Leah out. Leah gasped, eyes wide in mock betrayal, before tickling his sides. Mateo giggled uncontrollably, his little body squirming in Leah's arms.

Amid the laughter, Aurora smirked knowingly and added, "Le, I'd put a nappy on him before he pees everywhere."

Leah froze, eyes going wide again as realization hit her. She had completely forgotten about the possibility of a nappy-free accident, especially since Mateo had done the same thing just the other day. Without missing a beat, she spun around, rushing out of the room with Mateo still giggling in her arms. "I love you!" Leah called back as she disappeared down the hall.

Aurora shook her head, laughing softly to herself as she responded, "Love you too,"

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Aurora stepped out of her studio, following Leah's call, and made her way toward the garden as instructed. As she approached, her eyes widened in surprise at the sight before her. A beautiful path of flowers stretched across the lawn, soft petals of white and pink leading the way. The late afternoon sun bathed the scene in a golden glow, making everything seem more magical. Aurora's heart fluttered, unsure of what to make of it. Her steps slowed, her mind racing.

What is this? she wondered, mentally scanning her memory.

Is it an important day?

Have I forgotten something?

At the end of the flower path stood Leah, dressed impeccably in a sleek, fitted outfit that was a step up from her usual casual attire. Her hands were clasped in front of her, a nervous smile playing on her lips, as if she were excited but trying hard to keep her composure. Beside her stood Mateo, dressed up in a little button-down shirt and pants, looking like the cutest, tiniest version of his mama.

As soon as Mateo saw Aurora, his face lit up with pure joy, and without hesitation, he began his little waddle toward her, arms outstretched. Aurora's heart melted, her confusion momentarily giving way to adoration. She bent down, scooping him up into her arms, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Hi, baby," she whispered, unable to stop smiling at how adorable he looked all dressed up. Mateo snuggled into her shoulder, his small hand patting her back.

Aurora looked up at Leah as she approached, still holding Mateo in her arms. "What's all this?" she asked softly, her brows furrowed in both confusion and curiosity.

Leah took a breath, her nervousness now more apparent in the way she shifted her weight from foot to foot. Aurora noticed the slight tremble in Leah's fingers, and suddenly, her heart began to race in anticipation. Whatever this was, it was big.

Leah looked into Aurora's eyes, preparing herself for the words she was about to say.

A/N: 3 guesses what's about to happen....

May take a little cos imma try write a whole speech - may not be good but idk we'll see - there's probably going to be maybe 3(?) parts of this part of the story