Never Not You

Nightmare

A/N: A short one so i can get an update out and i thought this little scenario would be cute 

The soft cry of Mateo echoed through the baby monitor, pulling Aurora from her sleep. It was just a faint whimper at first, but it quickly grew louder, and instinctively, she sat up, her eyes blinking through the drowsiness. She glanced over at Leah, still peacefully asleep next to her, the steady rhythm of her breathing a soothing sound. Leah had training early the next morning, so Aurora had moved the monitor to her side of the bed, a silent decision to let Leah sleep uninterrupted.

Aurora carefully shifted Leah's arm off her, and she heard a small whine escape her partner's lips before she settled back into a deeper sleep. Aurora's heart tightened slightly as she stood from the bed, the quiet of the house now filled only with Mateo's little cries.

The hallway was dimly lit by the moonlight spilling through the curtains, casting soft shadows on the walls as she made her way to Mateo's room. His cries were more insistent now, and when she reached his door, she pushed it open gently. Her heart softened at the sight of her little boy, his small body curled up against the side of his crib, his tiny face scrunched up in distress.

Aurora's heart ached as she hurried over to him, her hands moving to remove the edge of the bed gate barrier. Mateo's eyes were wide with fear, his little hands reaching out, and she instantly scooped him up into her arms.

"Mami," Mateo whimpered, his voice cracked with distress as his tiny hands clung to her neck, squeezing tightly as if he was afraid to let go. Aurora wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.

"Sí, amor, mami está aquí," she murmured softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead as she rocked him gently, trying to calm him. Her voice was low, soothing, like a lullaby just for him. "Shh, mami está aquí, mi amor."

Mateo's sobs eased slightly, but he didn't let go of her. He was still shaking, his little body trembling with the aftermath of the nightmare.

"Mami," he said again, his voice trembling, "had a scary."

Aurora's heart tightened as she pulled him closer, cradling him against her chest. "¿Tú tuviste una pesadilla, mi vida?" she asked softly, stroking his hair with one hand as she continued to rock him gently. ("Did you have a nightmare, my love?")

Mateo nodded slowly, his small body wriggling a little, still unsure and scared. "Uh-huh, scary... big scary..." he whimpered, his little voice cracking. "Big... big monster!" He held on to her even tighter, his small fingers clutching at her shirt. "Mami... no... no... mami."

Aurora's heart broke for him, and she kissed the top of his head, rubbing his back gently. "No, amorcito, no monsters. Mami's here, nothing's gonna hurt you. You're safe," she whispered, kissing his temple.

"Big monster," Mateo repeated, his words muddled but clear enough in his little mind. He squeezed his eyes shut, sniffling as he tried to explain. "Big, like... this big," he stretched his arms wide, barely able to grasp the size in his own head. "Came... came to teo bed." He hiccupped, his tears still fresh on his face.

Aurora's chest tightened with love and sympathy as she gently rocked him, rubbing his back in slow, comforting circles. "Oh, mi vida, no hay monstruos. Mami siempre te cuida. No hay nada que te asuste, ¿sí?" she whispered softly, her voice like a warm embrace. ("Oh, my love, there are no monsters. Mami always takes care of you. There's nothing to be afraid of, okay?")

Mateo clung to her tighter, still sniffling and rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists. After a few moments, his breathing slowed, and his whimpers quieted, though he was still holding on to her, his face tucked into her neck as if he was seeking solace in her warmth.