12th October, 2022 - Los Angeles, California
The morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Lux's room. She stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering as she transitioned from the haze of sleep to the waking world. For a moment, she forgot where she was, her mind briefly latching onto the comforting thought that she was back in her old room at home.
But as her eyes fully adjusted and she was met with the childish facilities of her new room, the illusion was shattered.
She sighed, her little fingers gripping the soft blanket that had been tucked snugly around her. A mix of frustration and something softerâalmost sweeterâbubbled inside her. She pushes herself up into a sitting position, rubbing her eyes one last time.
She could hear the muffled voices of people talking a few rooms down and it didn't take her long to figure out that August must already be awake and is already enthusiastically talking to the men.
Throwing her legs over the side of the bed, she stood up and stretched. Whilst she wasn't sure if she wanted to deal with August's endless energy so early in the morning, she also didn't want to lie in her bed. She wanted to move. And she was kinda hungry.
Her bare feet padded against the soft carpet as she made her way toward the door. The sound of laughter floated down the hallway, unmistakably August's high-pitched giggles mixed with Sebastian's deeper chuckle. Slowly, she pushes her bedroom door open and begins taking little steps in the direction of the voices.
The sound leads her down the corridor to a section of the house she hasn't been in yet but it was just as warm and comforting as the rest of the house. In Lux's opinion, everything in this home looked like it had been taken straight from a magazine and put into real-life. Light streamed through large windows giving everything a hazy glow and there was a bunch of fancy looking decor hung proudly on the walls.
She continues down the corridor, stopping outside a large looking room where the noise seemed to be coming from. She peeks her head in through the open door, her eyes wondering around the new environment.
There's a large king sized bed, pressed up against the centre of the wall, with navy blue bedding and a few plush pillows scattered across it. The room was spacious yet cozy, the walls painted in a calming shade of off-white that complemented the bedding. A soft rug covered the wooden floor near the bed, and a pair of armchairs sat near a wide window that overlooked the backyard. Sunlight poured in through sheer curtains, casting a golden hue over everything.
In the middle of the room, on the bed, August was perched in-between the two men. He sat cross-legged, still clad in his pajamas, his messy curls bouncing as he animatedly recounted something to Vincent and Sebastian. His little hands waved in the air to emphasize his story, his face lit up with pure, unfiltered excitement.
Sebastian was leaning back against the headboard, a soft smile on his face as he listened. Vincent, sitting closer to August, was holding a cup of coffee, nodding along to whatever wild tale the boy was spinning. Despite the early hour, both men seemed completely engaged, their attention solely on the boy between them.
Lux stands quietly in the doorway, watching. She herself was wearing her own almost identical pair of clad pyjamas too, except hers were light pink whilst August's were dark blue. They must of bought them at the same shop, Lux thinks.
She continues to watch, unsure of she should interrupt. A small part of her felt a pang of envy at the ease with which August interacted with the two men. He fit into this strange, upside-down world so easily, while she felt like a puzzle piece that didn't quite belong. Together, the three of them looked almost like a normal, happy family and she wasn't sure if she wanted to ruin that - especially for August.
"Good morning, baby girl," Sebastian's voice broke through her thoughts, gentle and warm as if he'd known she was standing there all along. "Come in, don't be shy."
Vincent glanced up too, his expression softening as his gaze landed on her. "Morning, Luxie," he greeted, his voice still a little raspy from sleep. "Did you sleep well?"
Caught in their attention, Lux hesitated for a moment before stepping fully into the room. Her hands fidgeted at her sides, a nervous habit she hadn't quite been able to shake. "I guess."
"We didn't hear or see you ever the monitor." Sebastian chuckles. "You're a sneaky little mouse this morning, hm?"
The young girl blushes at his comment, instantly tilting her head towards the floor.
"Luxie! I was tellin' them 'bout my dream! There were dragons, and I was flyin' one, and it had blue scales that sparkled like stars!" August says, his excitement bubbling over as Lux takes a few small steps towards the bed.
Lux nods at August approvingly, awkwardly standing beside the bed. "That sounds nice." She says quietly, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her pyjama top.
Sebastian reaches his hands out to Lux, swiftly lifting the girl up off the floor in one swift motion. "Come up here to daddy Luxie." He mumbles more to himself than anyone else.
She lets out a little squeak at the sudden movement but she doesn't protest, allowing him to settle her onto the bed next to August and in-between the two men. She feels Sebastians large hand on her back, gently rubbing up and down in a soothing motion.
She takes a few more seconds to silently observe the scene around her. She found herself sitting cross-legged beside August, the mattress beneath her soft and inviting. The warmth of Sebastian's hand on her back radiated through her pajama top, grounding her in the strange familiarity of this new routine. The gentle hum of voices enveloped her, mixing with the quiet rustle of the duvet whenever August would wriggle or squirm excitedly.
"Did you have any dreams last night, sweetheart?" Vincent asked, setting his coffee mug on the bedside table. His voice was calm, coaxing her into the conversation without pressure.
She hesitates, trying to remember her dream but all she gets is hazy flashes of memory. She shrugs her shoulders. "No, not really."
Vincent nodded, his gaze patient and understanding. "Maybe tonight you'll have a fun one like August."
August immediately latched onto the idea, nodding his head causing his curls to bounce vigorously. "Yeah! We could dream togetherrrr!" He says excitedly.
Lux nods shyly, her cheeks tinting at the young boys enthusiasm.
The men chuckle at the cute interaction before Vincent speaks up again. "You know, me and daddy were thinking that we could go outside today, take a little walk. Nobody likes cabin fever, hm?
Lux's eyes lit up at the suggestion, her shyness momentarily overtaken by excitement. "Outside? Really?" she asked, her voice soft but hopeful. She hadn't been outside in what felt like forever and the thought of getting out of this house, even for a bit, was very exciting.
"Really," Sebastian affirmed with a warm smile. "It's a nice day, and I think a little fresh air would do us all good."
Lux's heart fluttered at the thought of going outside. She hadn't realized how much she missed the simple feeling of fresh air on her face until now. The walls of this house, while cozy, often felt like they were closing in, trapping her in this strange, regressive world. It felt almost too good to be true, like a fleeting escape from the odd, confined reality she'd found herself in. It was a small promise, but one that felt like a lifeline.
We'll all go together. Just a nice walk, nothing too far, okay?" Sebastian says, his voice calm but firm.
"Okay." She agrees quietly.
"Will we go to a park?" August chimed, practically vibrating with excitement as he bounced slightly on the bed. "Wanna see ducks daddy! Or squirrels! Or...or ducks and squirrels!"
Sebastian chuckled, his hand still resting reassuringly on Lux's back. "We'll see what we can find, buddy. But first, I think I know two little ones who need to be fed."
---
Lux sat cross-legged on the plush rug in the playroom, absentmindedly fiddling with one of the many action figures that August has scattered out all over the floor.
The little family had sat down to yummy breakfast of bacon and eggs about an hour ago before Lux and August were changed for the day into appropriate clothes. Now, they were sat on the floor of the playroom, waiting for their daddies to finish getting ready for the day.
Despite her earlier excitement about going outside, the waiting was starting to wear on her, and she couldn't help but feel restless. Lux glanced at the action figure in her hands, its stiff plastic limbs bent into a mock battle pose. She idly tapped it against another figure on the floor, mimicking the sounds of an epic clash. Across from her, August was entirely immersed in creating an elaborate fortress out of colourful foam blocks. His tongue peeked out between his lips as he concentrated, every so often letting out dramatic sound effects as if the fortress were under attack.
"You have to stack the corners higher," Lux pointed out softly, watching his uneven construction.
August paused, tilting his head at his work. "Then how will da knights 'scape if there's a dragon?" he asked, his voice full of genuine concern for his imaginary soldiers.
Lux blinked, her fingers freezing mid-motion. "I don't think they'd escape... if there's a dragon." She gave him a tiny shrug, unsure if she'd just dashed his imaginative plans.
But August grinned wide, his dimples flashing. "Then they'll just haveta fight extra much!" he declared, reaching for more blocks to fortify his fortress.
Lux allowed herself a small smile, warmed by his enthusiasm. Though her movements remained slow and deliberate, the tension in her shoulders began to ease. August's easy energy was infectious in a way that didn't feel overwhelming, just... comforting.
A faint click came from the hallway as the door creaked open to reveal Sebastian, dressed casually in a navy sweater and dark jeans, his easy smile lighting up his face as he stepped into the playroom. "You two look busy," he said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.
"Daddy, look!" August scrambled to his feet, motioning dramatically to his fortress.
Sebastian chuckled, squatting down to inspect the foam block fortress. "Ah, I see. Very impressive my loves."
Sebastian's gaze shifted to Lux, who was still sitting on the rug, the action figure limp in her hand. "And what about you, Luxie? Are you helping defend the fortress, or are you the dragon?"
Lux glanced up, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "I think... maybe I'm just watching for now."
Sebastian crouched down next to her, gently brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "That's okay sweet girl. Sometimes the watchers are the most important. They keep everyone safe."
Her eyes widened slightly, as though the thought had never occurred to her. She nodded, her grip on the action figure tightening a little. "I guess."
"Now I think you two were promised a little walk, hm?" He says, standing back up to his full height and holding his hands out for both of his little ones to take.
August skips over to the man, immediately slipping his smaller hand into Sebastians larger one. Lux stands up too, slowly holding onto Sebastians hand too.
They're guided through the familiar hallway of the large house, down the stairs and into the foyer. Vincent stood by the front door, his lean frame casual but purposeful as he sorted through a small collection of shoes. His dark grey sweater was pushed up to his elbows, revealing strong forearms that flexed as he worked. He glanced up as they approached, his face softening into a warm smile.
August released Sebastian's hand and darted over to Vincent, already bouncing on his toes with excitement. "Want my green shoes papa, please? With the fishies."
Vincent nods, reaching for a pair of dark green nike sneaker with little blue fishes printed all over them. He hands them over to Sebastian who crouches down and begins to help the young boy put them on.
Vincent glanced over at Lux, who was still somehow holding tightly to Sebastian's hand whilst he was trying to put August's shoes on. "Luxie, come here, sweetheart. Let's get you ready too."
Slowly, she released Sebastian's hand and walked over to Vincent, her steps small and tentative.
"You see any pairs you want to wear today baby?" Vincent asks, his large hand resting on her lower back as she looks down at the selection of shoes.
There were so many.
Lux doesn't think she's seen this many pairs of shoes in her life. From colourful crocs to muted snow boots and patterned sneakers, these men seemed to have it all.
Her eyes scanned the variety before her, landing on a pair of soft lavender sneakers with tiny embroidered butterflies near the sides. They looked comfortable and delicate, not unlike something her mom might have picked out for her back home. She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, before pointing toward them.
"These," she said quietly, barely meeting Vincent's gaze.
Vincent's face lit up with approval as he picked up the lavender shoes and crouched down in front of her. "Excellent choice, Luxie. Let's try them on." His voice was calm and soothing, like he had all the time in the world. "These are very very pretty baby."
Lux nods shyly, watching as he gently slides her feet into them. There," he said, giving the toe a gentle tap. "Perfect fit. Comfortable?"
She nodded, flexing her toes. "Yeah."
She did wonder how the men knew what size to get her. Had they known her before they took her?
As Vincent worked on the other shoe, Sebastian finished tying August's sneakers and rose to his feet. He ruffled the boy's curly hair with a grin. "Alright, fish shoes are ready for action. You think they'll help you run faster?"
August gasped dramatically, looking down at his feet. "Definitely! S'magic fishies daddy."
"Well, don't wear out the magic all at once," Sebastian teased as he straightened up, extending his hand toward the boy again.
The weather was pretty mild today so they could manage without jackets as long as they all had sweaters on - which they did.
Lux found herself once again silently thankful that her outfit wasn't too 'babyish'.
Lux's outfit was simple but comfortable, a soft, pastel pink sweater that was just the right sizeâloose enough to allow her to move freely but fitted enough to keep her from feeling swallowed by the fabric. The sweater had delicate little patterns woven into it, tiny white stars and swirls that shimmered subtly in the light. On her bottom half, she was a cute pair of light wash denim jeans with a little star patch on the left knee which matches a bit with the ones on her sweater. Paired with the lavender sneakers Vincent had just helped her into, her ensemble was definitely not something a normal 15 year old girl would pick out but it wasn't bad either.
As Vincent finished with the second shoe, he gave her a warm smile. "There you go pretty girl."
Lux shyly glanced down at herself, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink.
"Now little ones, there is no running off to where me or daddy cannot see you, understand?" Vincent says, now talking to both August and Lux. "And if daddy or I tell you to come back. You come back. Immediately."
The man kept his tone soft but serious, gently reminding the little ones who was in charge.
August nods eagerly, his little curls bouncing in agreement.
"Okay," Lux murmured, her voice quiet but firm as she met Vincent's gaze. She was starting to understand that these rules, though restrictive, were there for a reason. And, for the most part, they didn't feel too badâespecially with the promise of something like a walk.
"Alright, let's hit the road then my babies." Sebastian says, unlocking the front door and swinging it open.
The crisp air immediately hits Lux in the face, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the house. She was starting to realise how much she had missed being outside. Lux's eyes scanned the expansive driveway as she stepped outside, her breath hitching slightly at the sight. She takes a step out the gravel beneath her sneakers crunched as she stepped further, and the morning air, cool but not biting, seemed to rush in around her. The driveway stretched out long and wide, the smooth stone path bordered by well-kept hedges and neatly trimmed bushes. To her left, a row of impressive, sleek cars were parked in orderly lines. There were multiple luxury vehicles â a polished black SUV, a dark green sports car, and even a few classic models that looked like they belonged in a collector's garage. They gleamed under the sunlight, reflecting the light of the early morning in dazzling flashes.
It all felt so far removed from the simplicity of her old life, yet here she was, walking out of a fancy house, following men she hardly knew but who had quickly become a new, strange kind of family.
August, tugging at Sebastian's hand, skipped ahead, barely able to contain his excitement. "Look, look! We gonna walk to the park? See the ducks?!"
Sebastian smiled down at him, squeezing his hand. "That's the plan, buddy. We're heading to the park. But first, we're going to take a little stroll."
Vincent stepped up beside Lux, his presence steady and calm beside her.
"Umm... papa?" She asks quietly as they slowly walk down the driveway. She didn't know how else to address him.
"Yes, sweetheart?" His voice was low and patient.
Lux hesitates for a second, not exactly sure how to word her question. "Should I be like... a little girl even outside...? Even if m'fifteen."
Vincent's gaze softened as he glanced over at Lux, his expression thoughtful but not faltering.
He paused before answering, his voice low but clear. "Luxie, we understand this is confusing for you. The truth is, inside and outside our house, you are safeâsafe in a way that allows you to feel what you need to feel, without judgment. But that also means we'll treat you as a little one because that's where you're meant to be right now. Your mind might still be wrestling with your age, but we're here to guide you through it, sweetheart."
"But won't people... stare?" She asks nervously, fiddling with the hem of her sweater.
Vincent's expression softened further, his voice steady and reassuring as he gave her a gentle smile. "Some people might look." He began, wanting to be completely honest and realising with the small girl. "But the important thing is that you're safe with us, and we're not here to make you feel embarrassed. We're here to help you feel comfortableâand part of means doing things which'll make you feel a little smaller than usual. As far as I'm concerned, you're just a little girl and that's perfectly okay."
Lux nods slowly, a thoughtful expression on her face as she takes in what he's saying.
Vincent pauses for a moment, crouching down in front of the small girl, her hands resting on her slender hip bones. "You see that big gate over there baby." He says, pointing towards a large black metal gate at the end of the street.
Lux nods, looking over at the fancy design of the large gate.
"This is a private estate baby." He explains. "It's exclusive. Nobody who's not supposed to be here will ever be allowed in. We don't need to worry about anyone judging us."
He pauses for a moment, making sure she's absorbing what he's saying, then continues. "And those who do see usâwell, they understand. They don't care about the little things. What matters is that we're here, together, and we're doing what makes you and Auggy happy and cared for. So, don't worry about the world beyond these gates. We're safe here, and that's all that matters."
She glanced back at the gate and the sleek cars parked along the driveway, a gentle comfort seeping into her chest as she realized just how far removed they were from the world she had left behind. Her world was here nowâa place where the rules were simple, and she was free to be something else entirely without the burden of expectations.
"Okay papa." She whispers, fully trusting the man for the first time.
As they continued walking down the long driveway, Lux felt a little lighter. She could hear August chattering excitedly with Sebastian up ahead, pointing at something he imagined to be a duck or squirrel. The sun was climbing higher in the sky, the warmth of the day beginning to seep into her skin, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Lux allowed herself to breathe deeply.
"You're doing just fine, sweetheart," Vincent murmured, almost as if reading her thoughts. He gave her a small, reassuring smile before turning his attention to the path ahead.
As they walked, Lux's gaze drifted back to the gate, the towering metal and ironwork marking the boundary between this world and the one outside. The security it represented felt strangely comfortingâalmost as though it was shielding her from everything bad and nasty that she'd ever experienced.
~~~
Did not proof read this so let me know if there are any mistakes :)) ð