22nd November, 2022 - Los Angeles, California
Lux sat in the back seat of one of her daddies sleeked out Maseratis, her little fingers creating patterns and drawings on the window with the condensation.
It was an early Tuesday morning and the sun had only just started to peek over the horizon, casting warm orange and pink hues across the sky. Lux was still groggy and 'not 100% with the living' as Sebastian had put it when he'd carried her out of the house and into the car.
She still didn't completely understand what was happening or where they were going. All she could remember was being told to 'trust us' as they wrapped her in a soft, oversized hoodie that smelled faintly of cologne and lavender laundry detergent.
Sebastian, seated in the passengers seat, glanced back at her through the rearview mirror. His sharp jawline softened with a smile when he caught her drawing on the window. "You doing okay back there, little one?" he asked, his voice deep but kind.
Lux just hummed, her eyes focused on the little flower she was tracing.
Sebastian's smile lingered as he turned his attention back to the road, his fingers tapping softly on the dashboard in rhythm with the hum of the engine. He could tell she wasn't fully herself yet. That was okay, though. They had time.
Vincent, who was driving with a calm, steady hand on the wheel, turned his head slightly to look at her through the rearview mirror. His eyes softened as he watched Lux's small form, the way she looked so fragile and innocent as she traced the patterns on the window.
"You're doing good, Luxie," Vincent said gently, his voice calm and reassuring. "We've got a special day planned for you. We're gonna meet your new tutor, baby. Do you remember daddy talking to you about that a while ago?"
There a few seconds of silence before Vincent catches her nodding her head in the rearview mirror.
His smile grew as he watched Lux respond, even if just a little. "That's right, sweetheart. Your tutor is going to help you with everything you've missed. It's going to be fun, you'll see," he continued, his tone warm and soothing. "But today, it's just to meet and get to know him."
Lux nodded again, but the fuzziness still lingered in her head. The car's engine hummed softly beneath her, and she felt the coolness of the window against her cheek as she leaned a little closer to it. The morning was peaceful, and for a brief moment, it almost felt like a normal, bus or tube ride to school. The life she used to know, the chaos and the confusion, felt so far away now.
Her small fingers continued their intricate dance on the window, drawing swirls, flowers, and circles that only made sense to her.
"You're so talented, Luxie," Sebastian said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. He watched her little hand trace the edges of her doodles on the glass, his smile tender. "You could be an artist one day, you know. If you want to."
"No more space." Lux mumbled quietly. The window only had so much condensation for her to draw patterns on and she'd used it all up.
Sebastian chuckled softly, his gaze flickering to the window and then back to Lux. "You've covered the whole thing, huh?" His voice was light, but there was a warmth to it that made Lux feel safe and cared for. "Well, I think that's a masterpiece. You don't need more space when you've already created something so beautiful."
Lux nods shyly, finally drawing her focus away from the window. She fiddles with the sleeve of the oversized hoodie she's wearing, putting it in her mouth and sucking slightly on the fabric.
"Let's not do that little love," Vincent says softly. "sucking on fabric can't be nice, huh?"
She pulls the sleeve from her mouth, her fingers still curled around the fabric, and gives a small, bashful nod. She wasn't quite sure what to do with herself sometimes, especially in moments when she was feeling particularly small.
"Binky?" She asks.
Sebastian shakes his head, looking at her through the rear view mirror. "Binkies are just for naps and bedtime, sweet girl. You know that"
Lux, still unsure of herself, nodded again, her eyes trailing to the outside of the car, watching the trees and houses pass by.
The car journey continued for another 10 minuets, heading into a nice part of LA filled with apartment blocks and businesses. Eventually, Vincent pulls into an underground parking lot of a nice looking apartment block. The car's engine rumbled to a stop, the sound of tires on concrete echoing in the quiet underground parking lot.
"Here we are, Luxie," Vincent said gently, unbuckling his seatbelt and giving her a reassuring smile in the rearview mirror. "We're going to meet your tutor now. He's a really nice guy, and he's going to help you feel better. You're going to be okay, promise."
Lux blinked, her thoughts fuzzy, but she gave a tiny nod. She wasn't sure what to expect, but there was a strange sense of safety around the men. She felt like they genuinely wanted what was best for her, even if she didn't fully understand what that meant yet.
Both men get out of the car and Sebastian walks round to Lux's side, helping her out.
"Alright, sweet girl, time to stretch your legs," Sebastian says, his tone gentle and coaxing. He crouches down slightly to make sure she's steady on her feet before offering her a soft, reassuring smile.
She stretches her limbs out, yawning slightly. It was still early but she was finally starting to wake up more.
The trio head over to the elevator, and as they step inside, Sebastian presses the button for the top floor. The doors slid shut and the elevator began its ascend, whirring to life with a soft hum. Lux clutched the hem of her hoodie, her fingers curling tightly around the fabric once more, but she didn't put it in her mouth this time. Instead, she just held on, feeling the warmth of Sebastian's hand resting on her shoulder.
Vincent stood by her other side, his gaze ever watchful, but not in a way that made her feel uncomfortable.
"Almost there, baby," Sebastian said quietly, glancing down at Lux with a soft smile. "You're doing really well. Just a little longer, and you'll meet the tutor. He's really nice, okay?"
Lux nodded again, her small face still a bit drowsy but her curiosity starting to overcome the fuzziness of her mind. Her attention shifted to the elevator numbers, watching them as they slowly counted up to the top.
When the elevator doors finally opened, Lux was greeted with by a spacious, elegantly furnished hallway. The walls were lined with contemporary art and the floors gleamed with polished marble, reflecting the soft lighting from overhead chandeliers. The air smelled faintly of lavender, a familiar scent that brought a sense of calm, and the faint sound of classical music played in the background, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Despite places like this having become more and more familiar during her time with Sebastian and Vincent, Lux was still awed by the sophistication around it. It pulled her completely out of her drowsy state.
Sebastian gently guided Lux forward, his hand still resting on her shoulder, while Vincent led the way.
The atmosphere was so peaceful, it was almost dreamlikeâas if they had left the Earth completely and had entered a realm separate from any other without the chaos and everyday duties of the current reality.
Once they reached the end of the hallway, Vincent stopped in front of a dark oakwood door, tapping lightly on it with his knuckles. Then, soft footsteps approached from the other side of the door, followed by the faint click of a lock turning. The door opened, revealing a man who seemed to embody calm and composure.
He was tall and neatly dressed in a tailored blazer over a casual sweater, with perfectly combed dark greying hair and glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. His expression was warm, yet professional, with kind eyes that immediately softened when they fell on Lux.
"You must be Lux," the man said, his voice gentle but confident. "I've heard so much about you. I'm Dr Daniel Hart but you can call me Danny or Daniel if you prefer."
Lux peered up at him, her fingers still gripping the hem of her hoodie. She gave a small nod, her gaze shy but curious.
Dr. Hart smiled warmly and stepped aside, motioning for them to come in. "Come on in, all of you. I've set up the sitting area so we can chat and get to know each other a little."
Vincent and Sebastian guided Lux inside, both keeping close but giving her space to explore the room with her gaze. It was a cozy yet sophisticated space, with plush seating arranged around a low wooden coffee table. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with everything from academic texts to children's storybooks.
There were countless certificates on the wall too and from what Lux could see, the man had degrees ranging from Organic Chemistry to Math to Psychology. This man seemed to be loaded up with academic excellence.
Her fingers twitched with the urge to reach out and run them along the spines of the books, but she stayed close to Sebastian's side, unsure of what to do in this unfamiliar yet strangely welcoming space.
Daniel noticed her hesitation and smiled reassuringly. "You can take a closer look if you'd like, Lux. The books are here for anyone to enjoy."
Lux glanced up at him, her eyes wide and uncertain. Sebastian crouched beside her, his hand light on her back. "It's okay, little one. You can look around if you want to. We're right here with you."
After a moment's hesitation, Lux nodded. She stepped tentatively toward the bookshelf, her small fingers brushing over the spines of the books. Some had bright, colorful covers that reminded her of the story books that her daddy or papa would read to her, while others had titles she couldn't even begin to pronounce.
Meanwhile, Daniel motioned for Sebastian and Vincent to sit down on the plush sofa. They exchanged a glance but complied, their focus still on Lux as she explored.
"She's a bright one," Dr. Hart said softly, his gaze following her movements. "You've done well to create a safe environment for her."
"We're doing our best," Vincent replied, his tone calm but edged with the protective undertone that always surfaced when talking about Lux. "She's been through a lot, and we want to make sure she has every chance to heal and thrive."
Dr. Hart nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Building trust takes time, but from what I've seen so far, you're on the right track. Lux seems to feel safe with you both, which is a significant first step."
Lux, hearing her name mentioned, turned her head toward the group. Her gaze flickered from Sebastian to Vincent, then to Dr. Hart. Her fingers hovered over a brightly colored book titled The Little Prince. She hesitated, glancing back at Sebastian as though seeking permission.
"Go ahead, sweet girl," Sebastian encouraged, his voice soft. "That's a wonderful story."
With a tentative smile, Lux slid the book off the shelf and held it in her hands. She wandered back over to where the men sat, standing just a few steps away from them, clutching her new treasure.
Dr. Hart gestured to the seat next to him on the couch opposite of the one that Sebastian and Vincent were sat on. "Would you like to sit here, Lux? You can hold onto your book while we talk. There's no pressure to speak if you don't feel like it."
Lux eyed the spot for a moment before nodding and settling into it. She felt nervous sitting away from the comfort of her two daddies but she was also intrigued about this new guy and was wondering what he's all about.
Dr. Hart smiled warmly. "That's a wonderful choice, Lux. The Little Prince is one of my favorites too. Maybe we can read it together sometime, if you'd like."
Lux nodded again, looking down on the illustrations on the front cover.
Daniel smiled warmly before looking back over to Vincent and Sebastian. He had been told a great deal about Lux and whilst he didn't know the full story about how she ended up in Sebastian and Vincent hands, he knew all about the dynamic and lifestyle they shared with her.
He had no judgment on the matter. He knew people healed in different ways and to put it quite frankly, it simply wasn't any of his business. Not yet at least.
"From what you've told me, and from what I've seen so far, she's in a delicate but promising place. Regression can be a powerful tool for healing, especially for someone who's experienced as much as Lux has. It allows her to feel safe enough to process things at her own pace." Daniel said, looking back down at Lux who was now tracing her little fingers over the title.
Sebastian nodded, his expression thoughtful yet tinged with a trace of worry. "That's what we're hoping for," he admitted softly. "She's been through so much, and we want her to feel safe, loved, and secure. Whatever it takes to give her that, we'll do."
Vincent leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped together. "We also want her to have a futureâsomething bright and full of possibilities. That's why we're here. If there's anything more we can do, just tell us."
Dr. Hart smiled gently, his gaze flickering to Lux as she remained engrossed in her book. "You're already doing one of the most important things: creating a space where she can just beâwhether that's being little or exploring her 'big' side. With time, patience, and consistency, she'll flourish. My role is to support that journey, not only academically but emotionally as well."
Lux listened absently to the grown-ups' conversation, her small fingers trailing over the textured cover of The Little Prince. Though she wasn't paying close attention to their words, the gentle tones of their voices felt like a soft blanket, wrapping her in a sense of calm. She peeked up at Dr. Hart occasionally, her curiosity growing despite her shyness.
Daniel smiles down at her, noticing her growing alertness. "I see you have a cool cast on your arm. Is that Iron man?"
Lux nods shyly, slanting her broken arm in his direction to show her how iron mans repulsor had been painted onto it.
Daniel's eyes twinkled with genuine interest as he observed the intricate design on Lux's arm. "That's incredible, Lux! You've got quite the artist's touch, I see. I'm impressed."
"Papa drawded it." Lux mumbles, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Daniel nods, glancing back over at the men. "It's clear that you're surrounded by people who care for you, Lux. That kind of love is a powerful thing."
Lux nods, her fingers tracing the design.
Sebastian leaned back against the sofa, his hand resting comfortably by his side as he looked over at Dr. Hart. "So, what do we do now?" he asked, his voice calm yet purposeful. "We want to make sure we're doing this right."
Daniel nodded thoughtfully. "Right now, it's about building a routineâcreating consistency and offering structure while allowing room for Lux to explore both her 'little' and 'big' selves." He looked over at Lux, his expression warm. "As we progress, we'll begin working on balancing the two sides. We'll need to keep an open line of communication to make sure we're meeting her needs. She'll need time to process, and she needs to feel safe in expressing whatever she feels, without judgment."
He paused to take a breath.
"I understand that different headspaces call for different learning activities which is why I'm so centred on letting Lux control how she learns. There will be days when she wants to sit at a desk or table like a normal 15 year old and learn from a textbook in a more traditional method but there will also be times when that simply won't cut it and learning would be better approached when it involves elements of play like storytelling, role-playing, or hands-on activities. It's important to be adaptable and not rigid in methods of approach."
Vincent and Sebastian both nodded in understanding, clearly taking in the advice with seriousness. The flexibility, the adaptability, the patienceâit was everything they'd hoped for in a tutor, especially one who would work with Lux in such a delicate stage of her healing process.
"That makes sense," Vincent said, his voice thoughtful. "We're trying to stay as fluid as possible with her needs, but we're still figuring out the best way to make her feel comfortable and supported. It's a delicate balance."
Dr. Hart nodded, his expression reassuring. "Exactly. The key is in the balance, and it will look different each day. Sometimes, she might need the structure of something academic, other times, she might need the freedom to express herself through imagination or creativity. Over time, we'll notice patterns and signs of what helps her best. It's all about discovering what works best for her. If one day she want to learn like a big girl, we'll do that. And if the next day, she wants to play and learn through fun activities, we'll do that too. There's no one right way."
Lux, still curled up on the chair, was watching the conversation unfold with a slight frown. She was trying to grasp the seriousness of it all, but the way the words were spoken made everything feel distantâlike the grown-ups were on one side of a glass wall and she was on the other, trying to figure out what they were saying.
"You know Lux," Daniel began, trying to gain her attention. "learning doesn't always have to be done inside too. There can be days where we visit museums or art galleries and explore different exhibits, or even take trips to the park and do nature walks where we learn about plants and animals. Learning can happen anywhere, anytimeâit's about engaging with the world around you in ways that feel fun and exciting. The idea is to let you guide the journey, Lux."
Lux's eyes brightened at the thought of exploring new places, her small hand unconsciously curling tighter around the book in her lap. Her interest was piqued.
Sebastian leaned in slightly, catching her change in expression. "What do you think, Lux? Would you like to visit a museum or go on a nature walk one day with Dr Hart?"
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers tracing the cover of The Little Prince, before she looked up at Dr. Hart. "Look at stars?" she asked softly, her voice tentative.
Dr. Hart's face lit up with an understanding smile. "That's a wonderful idea, Lux. Stars are magical, aren't they? We could learn about constellations, the planets, and all sorts of things that make the night sky so special."
Sebastian smiled at her, his voice tender as he added, "If you want to look at the stars, we'll make it happen, sweetheart. You just say the word, and you'll go."
Lux nodded shyly, looking back down at the book. "Stars n' planets like in the book."
Dr. Hart chuckled softly, his gaze warm and encouraging. "Exactly like in the book, Lux. The stars and planets are a whole other world, and we can explore them just like the Little Prince did."
She smiled faintly, still tracing over the illustrations.
The adults continue to talk, their conversation focused on Lux, discussing her needs and the best ways to support her. It was a nice quiet morning and Lux didn't pay much attention to what was happening around her, choosing to instead slowly read the pages of the book, allowing herself to get lost in the adventure of the little prince and how he explores the earth, learning about life, love, and the importance of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes.
~~~
Oops so it's been a while but i've been a little busy. I had a chapter finished and ready to put out last night but I read through it and I was like 'ew no' so then I re-wrote it lol. Hope you enjoyed :))
*I used this chapter more of to explain what's going to happen or how having a tutor would work for Lux instead of for actual character development and stuff*