13th October, 2022 - Los Angeles, California
August awakes with a jump, his small body flinching harshly as he comes back to reality.
The room was dark except for the faint glow of a nightlight shaped like a star in the corner. August's breaths came in quick, shallow gasps, his chest heaving as the remnants of the nightmare clung to him. He pressed his hands to his eyes, as if to push away the images still lingering in his mindâshadows, harsh voices, and cold, unyielding hands. Hands which didn't know how to keep to themselves.
The memories were all so fresh in his mind that it felt like he was experiencing everything all over again. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to be brave, but the silence of the room felt oppressive, the darkness pressing in on him.
His breathes sped up slightly as he started to shift around in his bed, everything slowly becoming too much for him to bear. The faint glow of the star-shaped nightlight all of a sudden seemed too far away to offer the same comfort that it usually did and he felt his breathing speed up even more as he started to panic.
He reaches out instinctively for his stuffed elephant, Mi-Mi, a constant source of solace since he'd arrived. He hugged it tightly against his chest, burying his face into the worn plush, but it wasn't enough to keep the tears from falling.
He needed comfort. Real comfort.
He isn't able to stop as he hears himself begin to involuntarily begin to cry out.
August's sobs started as quiet whimpers, muffled against Mi-Mi's soft fur, but they quickly grew louder, breaking the stillness of the night. They were raw and jagged, the kind of cries that came from deep withinâthe cries of a child too overwhelmed to hold it in any longer. His small shoulders shook with each inhale, the sound catching in his throat like hiccups. The rhythm of his breathing was uneven, sharp gasps followed by pitiful, drawn-out wails.
Tears streamed down his face in hot streaks, dampening the plush elephant he clung to like a lifeline. He hiccupped again, the sound high-pitched and desperate, his cries breaking into little bursts as he tried to catch his breath.
His legs kicked weakly against the blanket, and his free hand gripped the sheets tightly, twisting the fabric as if grounding himself to something solid could pull him out of the nightmare's lingering grasp.
---
Vincent stirs in his bed, his eyes slowly flickering open to the sound of muffled sobs. His sharp instincts wake him right up as he glances over to the baby monitors on his bedside table to try and figure out what's happening.
As his eyes adjust, he's finally able to make out the black and white image of August, curled up in his bed, sobbing his little heart out.
"Shit" He mumbles under his breath, untangling himself from Sebastian and rolling out of the bed.
He grabs the first pair of joggers he sees hanging over the back of a chair and quickly pulls them on so that he's at least half decent.
Vincent moved swiftly but quietly through the darkened hallway, his bare feet padding against the cool wood floor. The faint glow of August's nightlight became visible as he approached the boy's room, the sound of the sobs growing louder and more heartbreaking with each step. He pushed the door open gently, careful not to startle the boy further.
"Hey, baby," Vincent coos softly, his voice calm and steady as he stepped inside. The sight of August clutching Mi-Mi and trembling in his bed made his chest ache. He crossed the room in a few strides, untangling the boy from his blanket before lifting him up into his chest. "I'm here, sweetheart. It's okay. Papa's here."
August melted into Vincent's arms, his tiny frame trembling like a leaf as he buried his tear-streaked face against Vincent's chest. His sobs came in stuttering gasps, words trying to form but collapsing into cries.
"Let's practice some deep breaths sweetheart, can you do that for me?" Vincent says softly, brushing the boys fringe to this side of his face.
Vincent gently rocked him back and forth, his voice low and steady as he murmured soothing reassurances.
"That's it, little one," Vincent cooed, rubbing slow circles on August's back. "Breathe in through your nose, nice and slow, like we're smelling some yummy cookies. Can you do that with me?"
August hiccupped, his chest shuddering as he tried to focus on Vincent's voice. He took a shaky breath through his nose, though it caught halfway, and exhaled in a sharp gasp. He tried his best to breath properly but it wasn't working and Vincent felt his heart twist in his chest at the sound of August's strangled breathes. His baby.
"That's okay, sweetheart. We're going to take it slow, alright? Just follow my voice," Vincent said softly, his hands rubbing small, reassuring circles on August's back. "Breathe in through your nose, slow and steady, like you're smelling those cookies." He inhaled slowly and deeply, demonstrating for August, his eyes never leaving the small boy's trembling face.
August's small body was shaking uncontrollably, but his tear-filled eyes lifted to meet Vincent's, focusing on him in desperation. He took a shaky breath, his chest rising unevenly before he let it out with a gasping sigh.
"Good boy, that's right," Vincent praised quietly, his heart swelling with love for the fragile boy in his arms. "You're doing great, sweetheart. You're so brave."
August's sobs had quieted to soft sniffles, his breaths less jagged but still shaky. He peeked up at Vincent with red, puffy eyes, his lips trembling as he whispered, "Papa... so scary."
Vincent's heart broke at the admission, and he hugged August even tighter. "I know, baby. Nightmares can feel really real sometimes, can't they?"
The boy nodded, burying his face back into Vincent's chest. He started to sway gently, his hands never stopping their comforting movements.
"Do you want to tell me about it?" Vincent asked softly. "Or would you rather just cuddle for now?"
August hesitated, his small fingers playing with a loose thread on Vincent's shirt. "Just... cuddle," he whispered finally, his voice tiny.
"Of course, baby," Vincent replied, pressing another kiss to August's curls. "We'll just stay right here as long as you need."
Vincent takes a seat on the rocking chair in the corner of the room, cradling August on his lap as he had done so many times before.
The room fell into a soft rhythm of the chair creaking and Vincent's low humming of a familiar lullaby. The gentle sound helped ground August further, his grip on Mi-Mi loosening slightly as his breathing evened out. The weight of Vincent's presence, so steady and sure, was like a warm cocoon shielding him from the world.
A few minuets pass and he hears a few soft footsteps coming down the hall. The door slowly creeks open, revealing Sebastian. He stood in the doorway, his eyes still heavy with sleep but filled with concern as he took in the sight of Vincent gently rocking August in his arms.
"He okay?" Sebastian asked softly, his voice low to avoid disturbing the fragile peace in the room.
Vincent looked up at him, offering a small, reassuring smile, though his eyes were full of the empathy that came with years of caring for August. "Bad dream" He explains quietly.
Sebastian nodded, understanding immediately. Although these dreams were less frequent than they were when August first came here, they still shook the young boy up quite a bit. His gaze softened as he looked at the boy, his heart aching at the sight of August still trembling, though his sobs had quieted to sniffles.
"I'll go heat up a bottle for him" He suggests, knowing that it usually helps to calm the boy down and lull him back to sleep.
Vincent nodded gratefully, careful not to disturb the fragile peace he'd managed to help August find. "Thanks," he whispered, glancing down at the boy curled up in his arms, still clinging to Mi-Mi as his body slowly relaxed against Vincent's chest.
Sebastian turned to leave, walking back down the corridor and towards the kitchen but as he passed Lux's room, something inside of him told him to check on her. He knew August could be a loud crier and he didn't Lux lying alone and confused in her bed if she was awake.
The door creaked open just a fraction, and the dim light from the hallway spilled into the room, casting a soft glow on her small figure beneath the blanket.
Lux was stirring, her brow furrowed in a way that suggested she wasn't fully asleep. She had obviously heard all the commotion.
Sebastian approached the bed first, his movements smooth and gentle as he pulled the door open a little wider. He knelt beside her, his hand brushing her hair back from her forehead, just enough to soothe her without startling her.
"Hey, sweetheart," He whispered, his voice soft and comforting, the way he always spoke when he wanted to calm a frightened child. "It's okay, baby. August is alright. He just had a bad dream, but he's fine now. You don't need to worry."
Lux's eyes fluttered open, still clouded by sleep, and she blinked up at Sebastian for a moment before recognizing him. She sniffled, still groggy but clearly comforted by the familiar presence. She shifted, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"I heard him..." Lux mumbled.
"He's okay, little love," Sebastian reassured her, brushing a hand over her hair in the same soothing way he had earlier. "He just got scared for a moment, but he's feeling better now."
Lux nodded slowly, her body relaxing as the reassurance sank in. Her small hand reached up to touch the edge of her blanket, tugging it closer around her. "He was cryin' loud."
Sebastian nodded gently, his hand still resting lightly on Lux's shoulder. "Yeah, he was really upset, but he's in good hands now. We're here to make sure he feels safe again." He offered her a warm smile
"Will... will he be okay?"
Sebastian's eyes softened with a mix of tenderness and understanding. He placed his hand on her arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Of course he will, baby," he said gently. "August is a tough little guy. He just needs some extra love and care when he gets scared, but he always bounces back."
There's a brief silence as Lux takes in the mans words, slowly nodding her head. She hadn't known August for long but she did know that he seemed fragile. She cared about him - a little bit.
"I was just going to heat him up a bottle." Sebastian explains. "Would you like one too?"
"A bottle?" She asks, not understanding. This was a new part of the dynamic for her.
Yeah, a bottle. Just some nice warm milk." He explained gently, trying to ease her into the idea. "Sometimes, having something warm helps you feel safe and calm, like a little bit of care for your tummy and your heart."
Lux's brow furrowed as she processed the information.
"I'm not sure... I'm not a baby," she muttered softly, her fingers playing with the edge of her blanket.
Sebastian chuckled quietly, the sound warm and reassuring. "No, little love, you're not a baby," he said, sitting on the edge of her bed. "But it's okay to let yourself be taken care of when you're feeling unsure or scared."
Lux was silent for a moment, thinking. Her mind was still racing with everything that had happened since she'd arrived here. It was strange, being treated so differently, but she couldn't deny how safe it made her feel. How, when they were gentle with her, it felt like she could breathe just a little easier.
"Okay," she said quietly, her voice small but tentative. "I'll have a bottle."
Sebastian smiled, his eyes warm and proud of her for accepting his offer. "Good girl," he murmured, brushing her hair back gently. "I'll be right back, sweetheart."
Sebastian kisses her forehead before stepping out the room and heading to the kitchen. He grabs two bottled from the cupboard before going to the fridge and taking out the milk. He fills the bottles evenly before adding a few drops of vanilla flavouring to each. He found that it made the drink more appealing to little ones. Then, he sets them into the microwave, heating them up a good amount so that they're not too hot but not too cold either.
A few moment's later, he was heading back up the stairs and over to August's room first.
When he arrived, the boy was still curled up in Vincent's arms. His breathing had almost completely evened out now but there was still the occasional hiccup or sniffle keeping him awake.
Sebastian stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the tender scene.
"How is he?" Sebastian asked in a whisper, not wanting to disturb the fragile calm.
Vincent glanced up, giving a soft smile that reached his eyes. "Better," he said gently, his voice low and soothing. "He's still a little shaken, but I think the worst of it is over."
Sebastian nodded, stepping further into the room and offering Vincent one of the bottles he'd prepared.
Vincent took the bottle with a grateful nod, cradling it in one hand as he shifted August slightly in his arms. "Thanks," he murmured, his voice laced with affection. He brought the bottle to August's lips, the boy instinctively sucking on it, his small hands gripping Vincent's arm as he drank.
He glances back at Sebastian, noticing the other bottle. "Another bottle?" He asks, eyebrows raised.
Sebastian hums, holding up the other bottle. "Thought I'd try with Lux. She woke up too."
Vincent nods in understanding. "I think she could use it. She's been through a lot herself."
Sebastian hums again in agreement. "I'll take it to her now," he murmurs, making his way back out of the room.
As Sebastian heads toward Lux's room, he's careful not to make too much noise, knowing the fragile quiet that fills the house at night. He reaches her door, peeking inside to see Lux lying in bed, her small figure outlined softly by the dim glow of the nightlight. She's curled up under her blanket, her eyes open but sleepy.
"Hey, little love," Sebastian whispers, gently pushing the door open just enough to slip inside.
He sits down on the edge of her bed and holds the bottle up to her, the warm milk inside offering a sense of reassurance.
Lux looks up at him, eyeing the bottle cautiously.
"Let's get this in your tummy and send you off to sleep again, hm?" Sebastian says softly, gently pulling back to covers so that he can hold her whilst he feeds her.
"Is it... is it like a bedtime thing?" Lux asks, her voice still small but filled with curiosity.
Sebastian smiles gently, slowly lifting her out of the bed and into the warmth of his embrace. "Not necessarily a bedtime thing," he explains quietly, his voice tender. "But sometimes, when we feel scared or upset, a little bit of warmth can help. It's just a way of giving you some extra comfort, like a hug from the inside."
He stands up, taking her over to the arm chair and sitting down. He adjusts her in his lap into the same position that Vincent was currently in with August.
"Okay," she whispers, more to herself than to him. "I'll try."
Sebastian watches her, his gaze full of quiet encouragement. "There you go, baby. Take your time."
He holds the bottle up to her mouth, pressing the nipple gently to her lips in hopes that she opens up.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," he murmured, "It's just to help you relax. There's no rush, just take your time. You've had a long day, and sometimes, a little comfort is all we need."
Lux's eyes flicked between the bottle and Sebastian's comforting expression, the warmth of his words seeping into her chest.
Slowly, she opens her mouth slightly, allowing him to slip it into her mouth.
The milk inside was warm, like a small comfort, and the gentle scent of vanilla seemed to calm her instantly. The liquid slid down smoothly, and she felt a gentle warmth spread through her, softening the tension in her body.
Sebastian watched her silently, his presence steady and reassuring. "There you go," he whispered, his voice so low it was almost a hum. "Just take it slow. You're doing great."
Lux nodded slightly, her eyes fluttering closed as she took another sip.
"Just a little bit," she whispered around the bottle, her voice small and uncertain, yet a hint of trust in her tone.
Sebastian smiled softly, not pushing her, but his gaze gentle and understanding. "Of course, sweetheart. No rush. Take your time."
The sweetness of the vanilla seemed to settle her nerves, and she couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief, her shoulders sinking into Sebastian as her eyelids grew heavy.
"That's my good girl," he murmured softly, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead. "Just like August, a little milk to help you rest easy."
Lux didn't respond, her eyes half-closed as she let herself drift further into the calming sensation of the moment. It wasn't like any kind of care she had ever known before.
The small girl doesn't even make it halfway through before she's completely knocked out, the sucking motions stilling as she falls back into a deep sleep. Sebastian smiles softly, removing the bottle and placing it to the side. He didn't mind that she hadn't drank the whole thing. He hadn't expected her to either - it was 4 in the morning after all.
He stands up from the chair, placing her back into her bed and tucking her up again.
The night settled into a quiet rhythm again as Sebastian, after tucking Lux back into her bed, paused for a moment to look at her small form, her peaceful face soft in sleep.
He stepped out of the room, making sure to leave the door slightly ajar, allowing the soft light from the hallway to filter in. As he made his way back down the hall, he caught sight of August's room. He peeks in, nothing how the small boy is tucked up under the covers again, fast asleep.
He smiles, continuing down the corridor and back towards the master bedroom where he finds Vincent, pulling his joggers back off and climbing into bed again.
"Is she okay?" Vincent asked, his voice low and tired as he gets back under the covers.
"She's asleep," Sebastian replied with a quiet smile. "How Auggie?"
Vincent nods. "Better now. Fell asleep too."
Sebastian lets out a hum, getting into the bed along with his husband and turning off the lights.
The house was quiet again, save for the soft rustle of sheets as Vincent and Sebastian settled into bed. The weight of the long night, the comfort and care they had given to their small charges, hung in the air like a gentle sigh.
Sebastian shifted slightly, his body tired but at ease now that Lux and August were both asleep, safe in their rooms. He reached over and brushed a lock of Vincent's hair from his forehead, the dim light from the hallway casting a soft glow over their room.
"You did good tonight," Sebastian whispered, his voice hushed, almost reverent in the silence of the house.
Vincent gave a tired smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he looked back at Sebastian. "We both did," he replied, his voice low and calming. "They needed us."
"They always do," Sebastian murmured, curling closer into Vincent's side, his hand resting on his muscular back.
They lay together in the soft, still night, knowing that tomorrow would come with its own challenges, its own moments of tenderness, and its own quiet triumphs. But for tonight, they allowed themselves a moment of peace, knowing that, at least for now, their little ones were safe and loved.