5th November, 2022 - Los Angeles, California
"Hello, my sleepy baby." Sebastian coos as he walks around the room, gently bouncing Lux in his arms.
Lux stirred faintly at the sound of his voice, her bright eyes fluttering open just a bit. She was tucked securely in his arms, her head resting against his shoulder.
"Daddy," She mumbles faintly, a small smile tugging at her lips. She hadn't seen the man for the whole day and it felt nice to be back in his comforting embrace.
Sebastian's smile widened as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "That's right, little love. Daddy's back now, and I missed my little princess so much,"
Lux nuzzled her face into his neck, her small body melting into his hold. "Missed you too" she mumbled around the pacifier still tucked snugly in her mouth as it had been the whole day.
Sebastian chuckled softly, swaying gently back and forth as he rubbed circles on her back. "I hear you've been such a brave girl for Papa today. He told me how strong you've been while you're not feeling well. Daddy's so proud of you, sweetheart."
Lux blinked sleepily, her lips curving into a faint smile. Hearing his praise filled her chest with a quiet warmth, one that pushed back some of the fogginess from her fever.
"Showered with papa." She mumbles,
Sebastian's brows lifted slightly, and a warm smile spread across his face as he glanced over at Vincent, who was lounging on the bed, scrolling through his phone but clearly keeping an ear out for Lux.
"Did you now?" Sebastian said, his tone gentle and teasing. "That must have been special, huh?"
"All clean now" She states.
Sebastian chuckled softly, his voice low and soothing as he continued to sway Lux in his arms. "Well, of course, you are, little one. My clean and sweet-smelling princess," he cooed, pressing another gentle kiss to her temple.
Lux nodded in agreement, her eyes fluttering closed again as a soft sight escapes her lips. She wasn't feeling great but she was certainly feeling better than she was earlier.
Sebastian glanced back at Vincent, his gaze tender. "How's she been?" he asked softly, his voice careful not to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. "Still feverish?"
"Yeah, but it's better than it was earlier," Vincent replied, leaning back against the headboard. "She's been drinking water and juice, and I got her to take some medicine. She's just been really clingy and tired."
Sebastian nodded thoughtfully, adjusting his grip on Lux so her cheek rested more comfortably against his shoulder. "That's to be expected. Poor thing's probably feeling extra vulnerable." His hand moved to rub gentle circles on her back again. "You've done a great job with her today, though. She looks so much calmer."
"Where's, Auggie?" Lux asked, her quiet voice interrupting their conversation.
"I put him down for a nap, babe. He's had a long day out." Sebastian explains, continuing to gentle bounce her in his arms.
Lux gave a small nod, her pacifier bobbing slightly as she shifted in Sebastian's arms, trying to get more comfortable. "Okay," she murmured faintly, her tiny fingers curling into his shirt.
Sebastian continued to sway gently, his eyes never leaving her as he spoke softly to Vincent. "It's nice to see her like this, though. She's starting to trust us more, isn't she?"
Vincent nodded, setting his phone down and watching the two of them with a soft expression. "Yeah," he said quietly. "She's really coming around. I think today showed me how much she relies on us, even if she doesn't always realize it herself. She's letting herself be vulnerable."
Sebastian looked down at Lux, his gaze full of warmth as he cradled her against his chest. That's huge for her," he murmured. "After everything she's been through, letting herself trust us like this is a big step. She feels safe."
Vincent's chest ached with affection as he watched the scene. She was simply too cute. Too loveable.
"Has she eaten much today?" Sebastian asks.
"Not much," Vincent admitted, running a hand through his hair. "I tried offering her some soup earlier, but she wasn't interested."
"Maybe we can try again now? Something light on her tummy like apple sauce or crackers." Sebastian suggests.
"Apple sauce?" Lux asks, perking up at the mention.
"Oh you like the sound of that, hm?" Sebastian coos, a small grin tugging at his lips.
"Apple sauce, Daddy," Lux mumbled, her voice soft but clear enough to convey her interest. She snuggled closer to Sebastian, her small hand rubbing against the fabric of his shirt as if to seal the deal. "Please."
Sebastian chuckled warmly, his eyes crinkling with affection. "Of course, sweetheart," he said, shifting her slightly so he could look at her face. "Anything for my little princess. Let's get you some apple sauce, okay?" He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before glancing over at Vincent. "Can you grab a jar from the kitchen? I'll keep her cozy while you're gone."
Vincent nodded, pushing himself up from the bed with a soft smile. "On it. I'll bring a spoon too, unless you plan to let her eat it with her fingers," he teased lightly.
Sebastian chuckled, glancing down at Lux, who was starting to look a little more alert. "You think Daddy should let you eat with your fingers?" he asked playfully, rubbing her back.
"Uh-uh," she murmured, her voice muffled. "Spoon."
Sebastian grinned, gently stroking her hair. "That's my tidy little one."
Vincent returned a few minutes later, a small jar of apple sauce and a tiny pink plastic spoon in hand. He handed them to Sebastian, who adjusted his hold on Lux to settle her more comfortably in his lap as he sat down in the armchair near the bed. Lux blinked up at him, her fever-flushed cheeks still glowing faintly.
"Here we go, angel," Sebastian said, twisting the lid off the jar and taking the pacifier out of her mouth. "Just a few bites to start, okay? Nice and slow for Daddy."
He dipped the spoon into the smooth apple sauce and brought it to Lux's lips. She opened her mouth obediently, accepting the cool treat. The sweetness of the apple sauce seemed to perk her up even more, and she gave a tiny hum of content.
"Yummy?" Sebastian asked.
Lux nodded, her small smile peeking out as she swallowed. "More," she mumbled, her gaze fixed on the jar.
"Alright, sweetheart. Daddy's got plenty more for you." He fed her another spoonful, his motions steady and patient, pausing between bites to let her rest against his chest.
Vincent leaned against the doorway, watching the scene with a soft smile on his face.
"She's definitely feeling a little better," Vincent commented, crossing his arms over his chest. "You've got the magic touch."
Sebastian chuckled, not taking his eyes off Lux. "It's all about patience," he said softly. "And a lot of love." He wiped a small bit of apple sauce from the corner of Lux's mouth with his thumb.
Lux's eyelids were starting to droop again by the time she finished half the jar, her small body leaning more heavily against Sebastian. "No more,"
"Good job, my lovely," Sebastian said, setting the jar and spoon aside. "That's plenty for now. You're such a good girl for eating so well."
He shifted her slightly, cradling her in his arms as he stood up and carried her back to the bed. Vincent pulled back the covers, and Sebastian gently laid Lux down, tucking her in snugly. She sighed softly, her pacifier finding its way back into her mouth as she curled up against the pillow.
"I think she's ready for another nap," Vincent said quietly, smoothing a hand over her hair.
Sebastian nodded, his gaze lingering on Lux's peaceful face. "Yeah. Poor thing's been through a lot today, but she's a trooper. She'll be back to her usual self in no time."
Vincent hums in agreement, his hand gently stroking the small girls back.
The room quickly fell into a serene stillness as Lux's breathes softened as her body finally succumbed to the exhaustion again. She hadn't done much but sleep and binge watch episodes of Strawberry Shortcake with Vincent but neither of the men could blame her. They knew how exhausting sickness could be - especially when feeling so little and vulnerable.
"You know," Sebastian begins, his deep voice interrupting the silence. "In regards about our conversation from the other day, I've still been looking at tutors for her. I found this great guy."
Vincent raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Sebastian. He nods his head, encouraging his husband to continue.
"He costs a pretty penny to hire but from what I can tell, it's 100% worth it. He has a good approach, very gentle, very understanding. And he's not just focused on traditional schooling. There are play based elements in his teaching, something which I think would resonate with her." Sebastian says.
Vincent nodded thoughtfully, his gaze briefly flickering back to Lux, who was still nestled into the covers. "That does sound promising,"
"He would teach at her pace. Everything would be personalised to her levels - you know? It wouldn't be about having to stick to 10th grade English or Science, it would be adjusted to what she needs." He continues.
"Yeah, that's exactly what she needs. Something tailored to her. No pressure, no comparison to others." Vincent said, keeping his voice soft in order to not disturb Lux.
Sebastian nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I want this to be something she looks forward to, not something she dreads. The guy I'm looking at incorporates art, music, even storytelling into his lessons. He's got a really holistic approach. I think it could be exactly what she needs to start enjoying learning again."
"What's his name?"
"Daniel Hart," Sebastian replied. "The guy graduated from Cornell, V. Has like 30 years of teaching experience too. I think Lux could really thrive under someone like that."
Vincent leaned back slightly, considering the name. "Daniel Hart," he repeated, testing it out. "How much - presuming it's a full time arrangement."
"He's on the higher end," he said quietly, as if reluctant to even mention the number. "But for full-time, it's around $7,000 a month."
Vincent's eyes flickered with surprise but quickly softened into a knowing smile. "I figured it wouldn't come cheap," he chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "But if he really is as good as you say, then it's worth it. It's all about giving her the best chance, right?"
Sebastian nods, glad the Vincent is in the same boat as him. "I spoke with him briefly over the phone this morning, and he seemed genuinely passionate about his work." Sebastian paused, his gaze shifting to Lux, still peacefully resting in the bed. "I think it could really help her, V. She needs someone who will understand her and meet her where she's at."
Vincent nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I trust your judgment, Seb. If you think this will help her, then I'm all in."
Sebastian's face softened with relief at his husband's words, the weight of the decision easing off his shoulders.
"I know it's a big commitment," Sebastian murmured, more to himself than to Vincent. "But I want to make sure she has every opportunity."
Vincent walked over and placed a hand on Sebastian's shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. "I know you do Seb. She'll be in good hands. And so will we." he said with a soft smile.
Sebastian nodded, appreciating the calm reassurance in his husband's voice.
"When would she start?" Vincent asks. "Did you discuss that at all?"
"Well, it's November now." Sebastian murmurs. "I was thinking sometime in the new year?"
Vincent nodded in agreement. "Starting in the new year sounds like a good plan. Gives us some time to get everything sorted."
"Yeah" Sebastian hummed. "No rush, just gentle steps forward."
"It's hard to believe how far she's come, even just in these few weeks. She's opening up to us more, trusting us more." Vincent murmured.
Sebastian nodded, his voice filled with quiet pride. "It's incredible. She's so strong, even if she doesn't realize it yet. But I think with time, and a little help, she'll find her footing. We'll make sure of that."
"She's lucky to have you," Vincent murmured. "Lucky to have both of us."
Sebastian's eyes softened, his heart swelling with emotion. "We're lucky to have her too, V. She's been through so much, but she's been resilient."
Vincent nodded, his hand moving to Sebastian back as he gently rubbed up and down in a comforting motion. A deep sense of peace settled between them as they both stood there, watching over Lux, who slept soundly. Sebastian's mind drifted with thoughts of the future - potential challenges and struggles but also the endless possibilities that Lux could pursue. But for now, Lux was his little girl and she was safe, wrapped in the warmth of their love. The future could wait.