6th November, 2022 - Los Angeles, California
"Vin," Sebastian said quietly, a fond smile on his face. "Vin come here, you need to see this."
Vincent, who was still rubbing sleep from his eyes, wondered over to where his husband was standing, a cup of black coffee in his hand. When he reached Sebastian, however, his grogginess completely faded at the adorable sight in front of him and the coffee cup paused midway to his lips.
August and Lux were still curled up together, their little bodies nestled closely under the blankets. Lux's fever-flushed cheeks were less intense now, and she clutched the homemade card like it was a treasure. August's arm remained draped protectively over her, his face peaceful in sleep.
Vincent let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "These two," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "They've got us wrapped around their little fingers, haven't they?"
Sebastian grinned, his gaze never leaving the pair. "Completely," he agreed. "I mean, look at them. How can we ever say no to this?"
Vincent took a sip of his coffee, smiling over the rim of the cup. "We're doomed."
Sebastian reached for his phone, careful not to make any noise as he snapped a picture of the two kids. "For the album," he whispered, giving Vincent a wink.
Vincent chuckled again, but his heart swelled with warmth as he looked at their littles. Moments like this reminded him why the sleepless nights, the occasional chaos, and the endless piles of laundry were all worth it.
This was love in its purest form.
"Hopefully Auggie doesn't catch whatever Lux has." Vincent murmurs, leaning down to feel the boys forehead - which still felt normal.
Sebastian nodded. "He's a tough little guy," Sebastian said quietly. "But if he does, we'll handle it. Just like always."
Vincent hummed in agreement before checking Lux's forehead too. She was warm but no where near as warm as yesterday which was good.
"Looks like her fever's breaking," He said softly, relief evident in his voice. "She's on the mend."
Sebastian let out a quiet sigh, the tension he hadn't realised he's been holding for so long finally easing. "Good. She was so out of it yesterday."
Vincent nodded in agreement, watching as Lux slowly began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, and for a moment, she simply lay there, nestled against August. She looked at August, her mind slowly piecing together the happenings of last night, but as her gaze drifted to the side she noticed her two daddies watching her with soft smiles.
"Good morning, Luxie," Sebastian said in his usual gentle tone
Lux blinked, still groggy from sleep, but her face broke into a small, sleepy smile when she saw them. She pushed herself up from August (who was still fast asleep) and slowly sat up next to him.
Vincent smiled warmly, leaning down to gently stroke her hair. "How are you feeling, princess?" he asked softly.
Lux nodded, still a little tired but much better than the day before. "Better." She paused. "and hot."
Vincent chuckled softly at her words. "Yeah, you're probably still warm from your fever. But it's a good sign, Luxie. It means you're getting better." He kissed the top of her head gently, his hand still stroking her hair in soothing circles.
Lux works her legs to kick the covers off, wanting to escape the heat of her bed. She wiggled out from under the covers, her little face scrunching up in a mix of relief and determination as she sought out cooler air. As she made her way to the edge of the bed, she noticed August still curled up in a little ball, his arm flung across his face as if shielding himself from the morning light.
Lux hesitated for a moment, looking down at him. He looked so peaceful, so content. She was about to reach out to shake him awake when she heard a quiet voice.
"You should let him sleep, sweetheart," Sebastian said softly, noticing her intentions. "He was up late taking care of you."
Lux nods slowly, withdrawing her hand.
"Made me a card." She mumbles, holding up the little card he'd made her.
"I see," Vincent coos. "That was nice of him, hm?"
Lux nods, hopping down from her bed and stretching out.
Sebastian's heart melts at the sight of the little card, the crayon scribbles, and the sun drawn with such love and care. "That's the sweetest thing," he murmurs, glancing at Vincent, who nods in agreement, a fond smile on his face.
"Come on, angel. You and daddy can go outside in garden for a bit if you want. Get some fresh air in you whilst I make you some breakfast." Vincent says.
Lux's face lights up at the mention of the garden. The promise of fresh and cool air sounded amazing right now.
"Okay." She agrees, setting the card down on her bedside table.
Sebastian smiles, taking ahold of the small girls hand as they walk out of the room. She walked with a slow, careful step, still feeling a bit weak but determined to enjoy the fresh air. Down the stairs and towards the patio doors they went, Vincent disappearing into the kitchen somewhere along the way.
Sebastian opened the door and they stepped outside, Lux's bare feet hitting the smooth marble floor of the extravagant patio. The cool morning air greeted them with a refreshing calm.
She inhaled deeply, her little body relaxing as the cool breeze kissed her skin. She was still a little warm from the fever, but the fresh air felt so so good.
Sebastian led Lux toward the garden, his hand gently resting on her shoulder as they walked. He couldn't help but notice how her small steps were slower than usual, but he also saw the bright spark in her eyes as the cool air met her skin.
There was a certain peace about her this morning, even though the fever hadn't fully broken.
"Want to sit by the fountain for a bit, sweetheart?" he asked softly.
Lux nodded, her hair fluttering lightly in the breeze.
They reached the stone bench near the fountain, and Lux climbed onto it with a little help from Sebastian. She sat cross-legged, her hands resting on her knees, watching as the water from the fountain cascaded down into the pool below. He sat beside her, his hand still resting on her back as she relaxed.
Sebastian smiled down at her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "How's the air feel?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Lux sighed contentedly, her face relaxing. "Good. It feels... nice."
"You're still feeling a little warm though, babe. Gonna take it easy today, yeah?" Sebastian murmurs.
Lux nodded slowly, her gaze still fixed on the gently rippling water.
Sebastian smiled, his heart softening at the sight of his little girl. She was so precious.
A few moments of quiet passed between them, the sound of the fountain filling the silence, as Lux continued to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Her body, still recovering from the fever, seemed to respond well to the fresh air, and her cheeks no longer looked as flushed as before.
"Hey, Luxie," he said softly, his voice full of warmth. "Can daddy have a chat with you?"
Lux turned her head slightly, looking up at him with curious eyes.
"It's nothing bad," He reassures. "It's just about your future because papa and I know you have a lot of questions about it."
Lux tilted her head, the curiosity growing in her eyes as she listened intently to Sebastian's words. "Future?" she asked softly.
Sebastian smiled gently, making sure not to overwhelm her with too much all at once. "Yeah, sweetheart. You've been doing so well with us and August, and we've been thinking about how we can help you grow, learn, and have everything you need to chase your dreams, whatever they might be."
Lux nodded slowly, her small hands fiddling with the edge of her pyjama top.
Sebastian continued, his voice soft and reassuring, "Papa and I want you to feel like you have all the choices, and we want to make sure that you're comfortable, but also that you can explore the world around you, learn, and grow."
"But I thought you wanted me to be little?" Lux asks.
Sebastian smiled softly at her, brushing a few strands of hair behind her ear. "I do, sweetheart. I love it so much when you're my little girl. But I also want you to know that it's okay to grow, and it's okay to have dreams outside of being little. You don't have to choose between one or the other."
Lux's brow furrowed slightly as she processed his words. "So... I'm little and big? Like both?"
"Exactly," Sebastian said, his tone warm and encouraging. "You can be both. You can be our precious little one, and you can also learn and grow into whatever you want to be when you're ready."
Lux's eyes widened slightly, her lips parting as she absorbed the idea. It was a concept that seemed so simple, yet so complex in her young mind.
"What about Auggie?" She asks quietly, her thoughts drifting.
"Auggie," Sebastian began slowly, "is a little different, sweetheart. He's very happy where he is, and we support him in that. He loves being little, and we'll always be there to take care of him, just like we take care of you."
Lux seemed to relax a little. "But... I can be both, right? Like... you'll still let me be little even if I grow up?" she asked, her voice soft with uncertainty.
Sebastian nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Of course, sweetheart. You can be little, and you can grow. There's no hurry. We'll be here for you, no matter what. You don't have to choose one over the other. You can take your time and figure out what feels right for you."
"Would I like... go to school?" She asks.
Sebastian chuckled. "Not quite yet, sweetheart. We were thinking of starting you off with a tutor. Then maybe, just maybe, we can consider a small private school."
Lux nodded thoughtfully, her little fingers now tracing patterns in the stone bench beneath her.
"When?" She asks.
Sebastian furrows his brows. "What do you mean 'when'?"
"Like, when would I start?"
"Ah," Sebastian murmurs. "Well, we were thinking some time in the new year. Papa and I are still sorting everything out."
She nods again, resting her head against the side of his arm. She had so many questions but she was also still so tired and feeling slightly feverish.
Sebastian smiled softly as Lux rested her head against his arm, sensing that she was still a little weary from her recent fever. He gently rubbed her back.
"You don't need to think about it right now, okay? I just wanted to let you know." he said in a soft, reassuring tone.
The patio door opens again and Vincent appears, carrying a small plate filled with an assortments of cut up fruits. Something easy on her tummy.
He approached quietly, setting the plate down on the small stone table beside the fountain before sitting down on the bench next to them.
"How's my girl feeling?" he asked, his voice gentle as he glanced at Lux.
Lux gave him a small, tired smile. "Better," she said, her voice still a little soft. "Just... still warm."
Vincent nodded sympathetically, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. "It's good that you're feeling better, though. Just take it easy today, alright?"
She nodded, her eyes flickering to the plate of fruit, clearly intrigued by the assortment of fresh watermelon, banana, strawberries, and grapes.
"Go ahead, angel," Vincent encouraged, picking up a piece of watermelon and holding it out to her.
Lux took the piece of watermelon with her small hands, nibbling on it slowly. The cool, juicy fruit was refreshing, and she hummed softly in approval as she took another bite.
Sebastian and Vincent exchanged a glance, both of their hearts melting at the sight of their little girl enjoying something so simple as fresh fruit. Lux's small hums of satisfaction as she ate were the sweetest reward after a stressful few days.
"Think you'll have the energy to make some art today?" Sebastian asked gently, testing the waters as Lux worked her way through a piece of banana.
She considered it for a moment before nodding her head. "Auggie too?"
Sebastian smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling. "Of course, sweetheart. When Auggie wakes up, you two can make something together if you'd like. Maybe another card or a big painting for the playroom?"
Lux's face lit up at the idea, her earlier fatigue momentarily forgotten. She loved art days, especially when she got to work alongside August.
"Just don't get too much paint on Auggie this time, alright? Last time, we spent an hour scrubbing blue off his arms and face." Vincent chuckled, feeding her another piece of banana.
"He liked being a smurf!" She retorted, accepting the banana.
Sebastian and Vincent laughed.
"He might've," Sebastian said with a smirk, "but I think we'll stick to the paper this time, okay?"
Lux nodded, her giggle fading into a soft smile as she reached for a piece of grape. The cool air, the fruit, and the love from her daddies were helping her feel much better. She wasn't fully back to her energetic self yet, but she was on her way.
---
"Stay still papa" Lux mumbles, holding the large pink glitter marker in her hand as she colours in the bird tattoo on the right side of his chest.
Vincent chuckled softly, looking down at the little girl perched on his right thigh. August was sat on his left thigh, holding an equally as glittery green marker and colouring the dragon tattoo on Vincent's upper arm.
"I'm trying, Luxie," he said with a warm smile, his voice playful. "But you're tickling me with that marker."
Lux huffed dramatically, her tiny tongue poking out in concentration. "Art is serious business, Papa. No laughing," she said, trying to sound authoritative but ending up more adorable than anything else.
The two littles had managed to persuade the older man to do 'art' by colouring in all his tattoos so that they were 'prettier'.
'Pretty' wasn't really what he was going for but he let them do it anyways.
Vincent had never imagined that his body art - once symbols of his rebellious youth - would one day become the canvas for his two mischievous littles, but here he was, adorned in glittery markers and giggles. The dragon on his arm now had shimmering emerald-green scales, courtesy of August, while Lux's pink glitter marker was doing its best to transform the delicate bird on his chest into something out of a fairytale.
Sebastian entered the room, arms crossed, leaning casually against the doorway, trying to hold back his laughter. "Looks like you're the new masterpiece," he teased.
Vincent glanced up at his husband, raising a mock-serious brow. "It's not just a masterpiece, Seb. It's serious art,according to our resident artists." He nodded toward Lux and August, both completely engrossed in their work.
"Obviously," Sebastian agreed, holding back a chuckle. He walked over to inspect their progress. "I must say, Auggie, I think this dragon has never looked fiercer. And Luxie, that bird? Pure magic."
"Daddy, you're next." Lux murmurs, adding some more detail to the now very colourful bird.
Sebastian raised his eyebrows, pretending to look shocked. "Oh, am I? I didn't realize I had volunteered myself as the next canvas," he said with a teasing tone.
"You didn't volunteer, Daddy. We picked you," August stated matter-of-factly.
Sebastian chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Well, how can I argue with that logic? Alright, artists, once you're done with Papa's tattoos, I suppose I'm at your mercy."
Lux and August exchanged delighted grins, clearly thrilled by the prospect of another willing "canvas."
"But Daddy," Lux began, her little voice filled with authority, "you have to sit very still. Art is serious business."
"Of course, princess," Sebastian replied with an exaggerated solemnity. "I'll be the best canvas you've ever had."
Lux leaned over slightly, her tiny fingers brushing glitter off her cheek as she put the finishing touches on the bird tattoo. August, meanwhile, had decided the dragon needed "fierce" green flames, which now extended all the way down Vincent's forearm in uneven but delightfully sparkly streaks.
"Done!" Lux announced proudly, capping her pink glitter marker with a flourish and sitting back to admire her handiwork. "Papa, look! It's so pretty now!"
Vincent looked down at his chest, pretending to study the colorful bird seriously. "Oh, wow. Luxie, this bird looks like it belongs in a magical forest."
"And Auggie," Vincent continued, turning his arm slightly to inspect the dragon, "this dragon is the fiercest, most sparkly dragon I've ever seen. I think it might even scare away bad dreams!"
August's face turned pink with pride as he gave a shy smile. "I wanted it to look strong. Like you, Papa."
Vincent's heart melted at those words, and he leaned down to kiss the top of August's head. "Thank you, buddy. It's perfect."
Sebastian, who had been watching the scene unfold with amusement and affection, cleared his throat dramatically. "Alright, artists. Your masterpiece is complete. Are you ready to work your magic on me?"
Lux hopped off Vincent's lap and scrambled to grab a handful of markers, August following her lead. The two of them raced toward Sebastian, who had already taken a seat on the floor, sitting cross-legged and taking his shirt off in preparation.
"Alright, alright, let's see what you've got for me," he said with a mock-serious tone, playing along with their antics.
Lux and August, now full of energy and excitement, began to organize their markers, their faces serious with concentration. Lux, with her bright pink glitter marker in hand, climbed into Sebastian's lap, ready to begin. August, with a mischievous grin, sat on the other side of his father, ready to tackle the task of turning Sebastian into a work of art.
"M'gonna make your stars into rainbow stars" Lux announces, already beginning to colour in the star tattoos he had on his shoulder which extended round to his shoulder blade.
Sebastian chuckled, holding perfectly still as Lux's tiny hand moved the glittery marker over his skin. He glanced down at her with a warm smile, seeing the intense focus on her face as she carefully worked.
On the other side of Sebastian, August was already deep in concentration, his little face scrunched up with determination as he worked on one of Sebastian's arm tattoos - a plain compass which he was going to make magical.
The man sat still, letting the little ones turn him into a canvas, feeling a deep sense of peace as they worked on him with such seriousness.
Lux, her tongue poking out slightly in concentration, carefully filled in the stars with her rainbow of glittering pinks and purples, each stroke soft and gentle. She was small, but her determination was bigger than any adult's could ever be. And beside her, August was busily applying bright, fiery red and golden-yellow streaks of glitter to the compass on Sebastian's arm, making it come to life with a dazzling glow.
"You two are something else," Sebastian said, glancing down at them with a proud grin. "Your art's going to make me the most colorful dad in the world, huh?"
"Yup," Lux said confidently, her eyes sparkling with joy as she put down the marker for a moment to admire her work. "You're gonna be the best glittery dad."
August nodded enthusiastically, his tiny fingers still gripping the green marker tightly. "And now you're gonna have the sparkliest tattoos in the world, Daddy!"
Sebastian chuckled, leaning back slightly to give them more room to work.
"This is your life now Seb" Vincent laughs, taking a quick photo of the scene in front of him. "How do you feel?"
He let out a soft laugh, his fingers brushing against Lux's hair as she leaned over to reach another spot on his shoulder. "I feel...," he began, pausing for a moment, the smile on his lips softening, "I feel like the luckiest dad in the world."
Vincent snapped the photo, his voice filled with a quiet, playful tone. "And you'll have glitter on your skin to prove it for days," he teased.
"Mmm" Sebastian hums. "Got work tomorrow too" He grimaces.
Vincent laughed softly, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "Well, Seb, you'll definitely be the most eye-catching person at work tomorrow,"
Sebastian gave a playful sigh, glancing down at his glitter-covered arms and chest. "I'm gonna be the sparkliest man in the office, that's for sure."
"Hey, it's a look," Vincent said, his voice full of warmth. "Maybe you should make it a trend."
"No, you need to wear this all the time." Lux mumbles, her voice dead serious.
Sebastian smiled down at her, his heart swelling. "Alright, Luxie," he said softly, "I'll wear it. But only because you made it for me."
August nodded fiercely, proud of the work they'd done. "Yeah! We made you special!" he added, his face lighting up.
Sebastian chuckled, running a hand over both of their little heads. "You two really know how to make a man feel special,"
For a few moments, the room was filled with the gentle hum of markers against skin, laughter, and the peaceful sound of the two little ones lost in their art. The sun began to dip lower, casting a golden glow through the windows. The trials of the past few days felt distant, replaced by the simple joy of togetherness.
~~~
how is it 2025 already tf ð¨