12th October, 2022 - Los Angeles, California
Their little stroll continues on. The towering trees lining the estate driveway created a canopy overhead, their branches swaying gently in the autumn breeze. It was far different than the fast paced New York life she was used to. But it wasn't bad.
She lets herself enjoy the stillness of the morning, walking quietly beside Vincent with her little hand tucked away in his larger one.
Ahead of them, August chattered incessantly, his words tumbling out in excited bursts as he gestured wildly with his free hand. Sebastian indulged him with an amused smile, nodding and occasionally chiming in to fuel the boy's boundless enthusiasm.
Vincent would occasionally point out little details as they walkedâthe way the leaves were starting to change colours, the sound of little birdies chirping in the distance, or the delicate webs glistening in the sunlight between branches. Lux wasn't being much of a talker this morning but he didn't mind. She would come out of her shell in her own time.
Eventually, as they turned a final corner, a little park area with a nice piece of open land with some play equipment and even a little pond came into view. The park appeared peaceful, tucked away behind the gates of the estate, and it was almost surreal to Luxânothing like the chaotic playgrounds she remembered from before. The pond sparkled in the sunlight, its calm water reflecting the blue sky. There were swings swaying gently in the breeze, and a few benches scattered under the shade of nearby trees.
August was already scrambling towards the pond, dragging Sebastian with him. "Ducks daddy! Ducks!"
Lux's gaze drifted towards the ducks too as Vincent guided her over to the same spot that Sebastian and August were observing the little animals from. There was a small flock of them paddling around the pond, occasionally pecking at the plants in the water when they wanted something to eat.
"Are we gonna feed them, daddy?" August asked eagerly, turning his wide eyes up to Sebastian, who was kneeling beside him.
Sebastian grinned and ruffled August's hair. "Not today, buddy. Maybe next time. But we can watch them for a while, alright?"
Lux stood quietly beside Vincent, her gaze fixed on the ducks swimming peacefully in the pond. There were about 6 of them, all huddled in a little group as they paddled around.
"You know how you can tell if it's a boy or a girl duck?" Sebastian asked, turning his attention to both of his little ones.
Lux thought about it for a second, before shaking her head. She found the ducks fascinating but she'd never really thought about the difference between male and female ducks before.
August, eager as ever, shook his head strongly. "How?" He asked, curiosity piqued as if this was the most interesting thing in the world.
Sebastian chuckled, enjoying the boys enthusiasm. "Well, the males usually have brighter, more colourful feathers. Like these guys," he said, pointing at one of the ducks with a particularly vibrant green head. "See how shiny and bright his feathers are? That's the male, or the drake. The females are a little more muted in color. They have browns and greys to help them blend in and stay safe, especially when they're nesting."
"Nesting?" August asks, his young headspace not quite understanding the word.
"Yeah, baby. Nesting means when the female ducks lay their eggs and keep them safe until the babies hatch." He pointed to the ducks that were swimming near the edge of the pond. "The mama ducks usually hide their eggs so they don't get taken by other animals. They're very protective."
"Can't see any baby duckies now." August pouts.
Vincent chuckled softly, rubbing the back of August's head affectionately. "No baby duckies today, Auggie, we'll have to come back in the spring to see some. You'll get to watch them grow up."
August's pout softened into a thoughtful look, and he nodded slowly, as if mentally bookmarking that idea for later. "Okay, papa."
As the morning continued, Lux found herself slowly sinking into the quiet rhythm of their walk. The four of them meandered around the private area, enjoying the peacefulness. Her steps were slow, almost measured, as she walked in-between Sebastian and Vincent. The sun, now higher in the sky, warmed the cool morning air, and the occasional breeze whispered through the trees. August skipped ahead once more, his small hands outstretched like he was trying to catch the wind. He let out a squeal of delight when a duck came close to the edge of the water, its quacking loud and playful. "Look! Look, papa! Duckie close!"
Vincent smiled, his deep voice rumbling as he crouched down to August's level, reaching out to scoop the little boy up into his arms. "You're such a curious little guy, aren't you?"
August giggled, his small hands gripping Vincent's shirt as he was lifted into the air, swaying back and forth in Vincent's embrace. "See ducks closer, papa!" August's words were a jumble of excitement, and Vincent obliged, bringing him even closer to the pond, straying away from Sebastian and Lux.
"You see anything you want to do baby?" Sebastian coos, looking down at Lux.
Lux hesitated for a moment, her eyes drifting across the park. Her gaze settled on the slide, standing proudly in the centre of the park. She hadn't really played on a slide in... well, in forever.
"Maybe the slide." She says shyly.
"The slide, hm? That'll be fun." Sebastian says warmly, putting his large hand on her little back as he guides her over to small play area.
The slide was a simple structure, made of smooth metal that gleamed under the sun's warm rays. The ladder was sturdy, with brightly coloured rungs, and at the top, the slide itself curved gently downward, inviting anyone to come for a ride.
Sebastian's hands move to the girls slender hips, helping her up the ladder and making sure she doesn't slip.
"There we go." He hums, watching as she reaches the small platform at the top of the ladder.
Lux stands at the top of the slide, the wind gently tickling her face as she peers down at Sebastian. It was hard to remember the last time she'd had the chance to just play.
"Ready?" Sebastian asks, his voice encouraging as he steps back and moves to the end of the slide, ready to catch her.
She nods, slowly sitting down and positioning herself so that her legs are hanging over the steel ramp. It felt so... silly. So childish. But as she looks down at Sebastian's smiling face, his arms outstretched and waiting to catch her, she feels a strange sense of comfort. He's here, ready to keep her safe, just like he promised.
Finally, she lets go, gently pushing herself forwards. The slide is fast, but not too fastâsmooth, like a gentle ride. She smiles as she glides down, the air rushing past her face, the world blurring into a soft, safe haze. She feels light, almost weightless.
When she reaches the bottom, Sebastian catches her, his arms strong and steady. He gives her a gentle squeeze, lifting her slightly off the ground in a playful swing before setting her down again. "That was fun, huh?"
Lux nods, her cheeks flushed with a light pink.
"Maybe you want to go again?" he asks with a playful glint in his eyes.
Before she can answer, August, still cradled in Vincent's arms, squeals in excitement. "I want to go too!"
Vincent chuckles and leans down to whisper in August's ear, his voice soft and gentle. "We'll let Lux have another turn first, okay? Then it'll be your turn, little man."
August pouts but nods, as if understanding that patience is key, even though it clearly goes against his energetic nature.
Lux climbs back up the ladder, this time more confidently, her feet moving with a sense of purpose. As she reaches the top again, she feels the breeze against her skin, the quiet around her amplified in the peacefulness of this mild autumn morning. And as she slid down again, Sebastian was right there to catch her.
---
"Here you go, little love." Sebastian said as he placed a small plate with a neatly cut sandwich and a few strawberries on the small tray attached to her high chair.
Their little adventure at the park had continued all the way up until the early afternoon but the small complaints of a 'hungry tummy' from August had brought them back inside for some lunch.
Lux accepted it with a quiet "thank you," still adjusting to how gentle this whole setup was.
Sebastian watched her quietly for a few seconds, brushing a stray strand of blonde hair away from her face and behind her ear before stepping back to check on August, who was already digging into his turkey and cheese sandwich at the table, swinging his legs happily. Vincent stood by the kitchen counter, slicing apples into thin wedges and arranging them neatly onto a second plate.
"Mmm is that yummy Auggie." Vincent hums, bringing a napkin to the boys mouth as he already had crumbs smeared everywhere. His tone was soothing, soft, as if he were speaking to a much younger child.
The boy nods. "S'yummy"
"Good boy" he praised gently, his hand gently running through the boys curls a few times before he pulls it away.
" 'member how the duckies quacked so loud? They were like 'QUACK QUACK'!" he shouted, imitating the ducks and laughing at his own performance.
Vincent chuckled from the kitchen. "They were pretty noisy, huh, Auggie? Maybe next time we'll bring some food for them too."
Augusts eyes lit up in excitement as he nodded his head vigorously. "Yeah! Can we? Please, papa?"
"We'll see, baby," Vincent replied with a smile, walking over with two small cups of apple slices and setting each one down in front of the little ones. "Let's focus on our own eating for now though."
Sebastian returned to his seat across from Lux, his watchful eyes making sure she was eating. Her small bites were deliberate, almost tentative, as if she were still trying to reconcile her feelings about this whole situation. She ate very neatly in comparison to August who often had to be reminded that this wasn't a race and to slow down a bit before he gets a tummy ache.
The rest of lunch passed quietly. August kept up his chatter, filling the air with stories about the ducks and the slide, while Lux finished her meal under Sebastian's attentive gaze. Vincent cleaned up the kitchen as they talked, humming softly to himself as he worked.
When everyone was finished, Sebastian wiped August's sticky hands and face with a damp cloth, much to the boy's giggling protests. "Hold still, little man, or I'm going to miss a spot."
Lux watches the interaction with a bit more curiosity than she'd care to admit. She pops her last strawberry into her mouth, chewing slowly.
"Alright, time for a little rest, I think," Vincent said, lifting August out of his chair and settling him on his hip. "How about a story before nap time, buddy?"
"Story!" August cheered, leaning his head against Vincent's shoulder.
Sebastian turned his attention back to Lux. "And how about you, little love? Would you like a story too?"
Lux thinks for a second before slowly nodding her head.
Sebastian smiled and lifted her out of her high chair before carrying her upstairs whilst Vincent takes care of August. When they reached her room, he pushed the door open, revealing the now familiar sight. The room was undeniably childlike but not over-the-topâit felt carefully designed, meant to be soothing.
He carries her over to the bookcase at the end of her bed before setting her gently down on the floor. The case was lined with books of varying sizes and colors. Some were picture books, while others were more appropriate for her age, though all had an air of innocence to them. He crouched down beside her, his eyes scanning the spines.
"See anything you like baby?"
Lux hesitated, her fingers brushing over the spines of the books. She felt awkward, unsure of how to answer. "Not sure." She whispers shyly.
"That's okay, sweetheart. We've got time. Why don't I pick one for us to start with, and if you like it, we can keep going? If not, we'll find another. Deal?"
Lux nodded, her cheeks pink as she watched his fingers skim across the rows. He pulled out a book with a lavender cover, the title written in elegant gold script. The Secret Garden.
"Let's try this one, hm?" He said gently, turning the book in her direction so she could get a look at the cover. "August used to like this one a lot when he first came here and I have a little feeling that you might be the same."
"Okay," she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Good choice. Let's get you comfy."
He stood, carrying the book in one hand, and gently scooped her up with the other. She didn't protest though. It wasn't the first time he'd picked her up, and she knew it wouldn't be the last. He walks a few paces across the room, settling down onto the armchair with the small girl cradled in his lap.
He takes a few seconds to adjust her position, making sure her head, neck and back are all properly supported with his left arm as if she really was a little baby. He reaches over to the small table on the left of the armchair, grabbing a small pacifier and holding it up to her.
His voice was warm and steady as he spoke, "Here you go, little love. How about this while we read? It might help you relax."
Lux hesitated, her cheeks heating up. She glanced at the pacifier, then at Sebastian's expectant yet patient gaze. He wasn't pushing her, and that somehow made it harder to say no. She nodded timidly, allowing him to gently guide it into her mouth. The moment felt oddly intimate, and though it made her feel small and vulnerable, she also felt a surprising wave of comfort.
"There's my good girl," Sebastian murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face before settling back into the chair.
The moments when they treated her like she was little, like she needed care and attention, sometimes felt so comfortable it was hard to fight against it.
Carefully, he opened the book, flipping through the first few pages before settling on the beginning of the story. His gently voice filled the room as he began to read.
"When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle, everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen..."
The story was slow and descriptive, detailing the overgrown garden and the mystery surrounding it. Lux felt herself being drawn in, softly sucking on the pacifier in her mouth as she listened. The pages turned steadily as Sebastian continued reading, occasionally pausing to show her an illustration.
After a few more pages, her eyes began to droop. Sebastian noticed and softened his voice even further, drawing out the words like a lullaby. He adjusted her slightly, tucking her head under his chin as he continued, his hand gently rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles.
By the time he closed the book, Lux was fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady against him. Sebastian stayed there for a few minutes longer, just holding her, his heart warmed by the sight of her so peaceful and trusting in his arms.
Finally, he stood carefully, cradling her against his chest as he moved to her bed. He laid her down gently, pulling the soft blanket up over her small form. Before stepping away, he pressed a light kiss to her temple.
"Sweet dreams, little one," he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet affection.
He stepped out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar, the soft glow of the hallway light spilling in. Downstairs, Vincent was just finishing up settling August for his own nap, and the house fell into a comfortable silence, the two men exchanging knowing smiles.
---
"No-" Lux's infectious giggles filled the playroom. "Not like that Auggi!" She exclaims, tipping her head back as she laughs harder.
Nap time had ended about half an hour ago and Lux was in a good mood. The pair of them were sat together on the piano bench in front of the instrument and Lux was trying to teach August how to play it. 'Trying' being the operative word. She watches as he simply smashes his hands against the keys in a hopeful attempt to make a tune with a silly grin on his face.
"Not like that, Auggie," Lux giggled again, leaning over and gently nudging his tiny hands aside. "You have to press gently, like this."
She demonstrated, her small fingers dancing over the white and black keys, producing a soft, melodic sound. August watched her with wide eyes, mesmerized at this little talent she had.
She had never taken piano lesson before but at school she was forced to participate in a 'music class' which she seemingly excelled in.
Her fingers continued to glide over the keys to the tune of 'Just The Way You Are' by Bruno Mars.
August clapped his hands excitedly after Lux finished the short tune, his wide grin lighting up his face. "So good sissy!"
Lux blushes, nodding her head. "You try" She encourages.
August nods, putting his fingers back onto the keys and pressing down in a more controlled manner. It was still far from perfect and very out of tune but it was a huge improvement from the keyboard smashing he was doing a few minuets ago.
"You're getting it!" she encouraged, clapping her hands as she made space for him to explore. Her laughter, though tinged with the innocence of a child, held a lightness she hadn't felt in a while.
Suddenly, the soft click of a door opening echoed through the playroom. Sebastian appeared in the doorway, his calm, knowing presence filling the space. "How's the lesson going?" he asked, his deep voice gentle and warm.
Lux glanced up at him, her cheeks flushing slightly from the attention. "We're practicing," she replied shyly, her fingers still grazing the keys. "I showed Auggie how to play, but he's mostly just making noise."
Sebastian chuckled, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Noise is the first step to music, I think." He walked over, crouching down beside Lux, his gaze soft and reassuring. "You're doing great, sweetheart. I see you're teaching him well."
Lux didn't respond immediately, but she felt a small sense of pride stir within her.
Sebastian glanced at August, who was now happily pounding on the piano keys with both hands. "Looks like he's got the 'loud' part down," he said, his voice light with amusement.
"Yeah, he's good at that part." She mumbles quietly.
"Alright, baby," Sebastian said as he scooped August up, his arms strong and tender. "Let's give the piano a little break. You've got enough energy for the both of you." August laughed as Sebastian held him high, letting out a squeal of joy as he was swung around.
Sebastian chuckled, swinging August gently before bringing him back down into his arms. "But I think it's time for something quieter now, huh? Maybe a snack? Something to tide you over until dinner."
"Snack!" August repeated eagerly.
"You want a snack too Luxie?" Sebastian asks, setting the boy back down on his feet in front of him.
"Umm... sure" Lux agrees quietly.
"Alright, let's go downstairs," Sebastian said, holding out his hands so that August and Lux can hold onto him. "We can all sit down for a little snack together."
Lux slid off the piano bench, grabbing onto his outstretched hand. Sebastian guided the two of them down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Let's see" Vincent, who was already in the kitchen, murmured as he rummaged around in the pantry trying to find a little snack for the two. "You could have some mini muffins... or some veggie sticks with hummus... or even a yummy little granola bar."
"Does any of that sound appetising, sweetheart" Sebastian asked, watching as August started to make desperate grabbing motions towards the granola bars.
"How about the mini muffins?" She asks.
Sebastian smiled at her, a little pleased by the way she was becoming more vocal. "Mini muffins it is," he agreed, turning to Vincent.
Vincent grabs a berry granola bar for August as well as a little packet of mini blueberry muffins for Lux, opening both packets and placing them into separate bowels. "How about a little TV time to go with your snacks?"
The pair are led into the lounge, snack in hand and set up onto the sofa. As they settled into the living room, Vincent flicked on the TV, finding a lighthearted children's show that he thought would be soothing for the two of them.
"How about a classic? Winnie the Pooh?"
August bounced in his seat at the mention of the bear. "Pooh!" he shouted, clapping his hands together.
Vincent chuckled. "Pooh it is, then." He pressed a few buttons, and soon the soft, soothing music of the Hundred Acre Wood filled the kitchen.
Lux sank into the sofa next to August, the soft cushions enveloping her as she nestled into the warmth of the room. She hadn't expected to feel so comfortable, especially in a situation that seemed to continue blurring the line between what felt right and what felt utterly wrong. But in moments like this, with the smell of muffins in the air and the gentle voices of Vincent and Sebastian around her, it was hard not to relax.
August, already engrossed in the bright colors of the animated characters on screen, was happily munching on his granola bar. Lux watched him for a moment as he cheered whenever Pooh appeared on the screen, his small hands clapping together with childlike excitement. It was odd, she thought, how in this house, she found herself slipping back into a role she had long outgrown. She could still remember being treated as an adult before, how people expected her to carry herself with maturity, how everything about her life felt heavy and full of responsibility. But here, with Sebastian and Vincent, it was like she was being reduced to something simpler. Something smaller.
Not really proof read, let me know if there are any mistakes <33