🌙 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝓎-𝒯𝒽𝓇𝑒𝑒: 𝒞𝑜𝓏𝓎 𝒩𝑒𝓌 𝐵𝑒𝑔𝒾𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔

Lucas woke up feeling warm and safe. His paci was still in his mouth, and his favorite stuffie was tucked against his chest. The soft glow of the morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a gentle golden hue over his new room.

He blinked sleepily and stretched, letting out a tiny whimper as he reached for the one thing he needed most in the mornings.

"Daddy?" his voice came out small and muffled around his paci.

Within seconds, there was a soft knock on his door before it creaked open.

"Mornin', baby boy," Amari's deep, soothing voice filled the room.

Lucas' lips curled into a sleepy smile as he reached his arms out, his fingers making grabby motions. "Up, Daddy..."

Amari chuckled, already making his way over. "Did my little baby sleep good?" he asked, scooping Lucas up effortlessly into his arms.

Lucas immediately melted against him, resting his head on Amari's chest. "Mhm..." he murmured, feeling small and safe in his daddy's embrace.

Amari rocked him gently, rubbing his back in slow circles. "Good. 'Cause Daddy loves when his baby is well-rested."

Lucas giggled softly, nuzzling closer. "Wuv you, Daddy."

Amari's heart swelled. "Love you more, baby boy."

🍓 Breakfast Time

Amari carried Lucas downstairs, where his mom was already making breakfast. The smell of pancakes and strawberries filled the kitchen.

Lucas' mommy smiled as she saw them. "Well, good morning, sleepyhead!"

Lucas peeked up from Amari's shoulder and waved shyly. His mommy knew he was still in little space, so she gave him a soft smile before setting a plate down at the table.

Amari set Lucas in his booster seat and tied a bib around his neck. "You want Daddy to feed you today, baby?"

Lucas nodded eagerly, kicking his little feet under the table. "Yes pwease, Daddy!"

Amari chuckled, cutting the pancakes into tiny bite-sized pieces. He dipped one into some syrup before bringing it to Lucas' lips.

"Open up, baby."

Lucas parted his lips and took the bite, his face immediately lighting up. "Mmm! Yummy!!"

Amari grinned. "Told you Daddy makes the best pancakes."

Lucas happily ate, letting Amari feed him each bite. Occasionally, Amari would boop his nose with a strawberry, making Lucas giggle and squirm.

By the end of breakfast, Lucas' bib had a few sticky spots, and there was a little syrup on his cheeks. Amari laughed, wiping his face with a warm cloth.

"You're such a messy baby, huh?"

Lucas giggled. "Mhm! Daddy clean me up?"

Amari kissed his forehead. "Always, baby boy."

🧸 Playtime & Cuddles

After breakfast, Amari carried Lucas to the living room, where his playmat and toys were already set up.

"You wanna play, baby?"

Lucas nodded, sliding off Amari's lap to grab his favorite stacking cups. He sat on the floor, fully engrossed in building the tallest tower ever while Amari watched with a fond smile.

"You're so focused, little one."

Lucas grinned, sticking his tongue out slightly as he carefully placed the last cup on top. Success!

"Daddy, wook!!" he beamed, pointing at his masterpiece.

Amari gasped dramatically. "Whoa! That's the best tower I've ever seen, baby!"

Lucas giggled proudly, but before he could celebrate too much, the tower suddenly wobbled... and tumbled down.

Lucas gasped, his little lips forming a pout. His eyes grew big and glassy, and his bottom lip trembled. "Oh no..."

Before the tears could fall, Amari pulled him into his lap and kissed his forehead. "Shh, it's okay, baby. Daddy's got you."

Lucas sniffled. "My tower..."

"I know, lovebug. But you can build another one, right?"

Lucas peeked up at him. "Really?"

Amari nodded. "Of course! And this time, Daddy will help!"

Lucas' face lit up instantly. "Yay!!"

The two of them spent the next half-hour rebuilding the tower together. Every time they finished, Amari made sure to cheer the loudest, making Lucas feel like the best builder in the whole world.

🛏️ Nap Time

After so much playing, Lucas started getting sleepy again. His tiny yawns and the way he rubbed at his eyes were clear signs.

Amari scooped him up, cradling him close. "Time for a nap, baby boy."

Lucas whined softly. "No wanna nap..."

Amari smirked. "I know, little one, but Daddy knows best."

Lucas huffed but didn't fight when Amari carried him back upstairs. He changed him into a clean pull-up, dressed him in his softest pajamas, and tucked him into bed.

As Amari climbed in beside him, Lucas instantly curled up against his chest, sighing softly.

"Daddy?" he mumbled sleepily.

"Yeah, baby?"

Lucas looked up at him with big, trusting eyes. "You gonna be here when I wake up?"

Amari kissed his forehead. "Always, little one."

Lucas smiled, his paci bobbing slightly as he drifted off. Amari held him close, his heart completely full.

This was home.

This was love.

And nothing would ever change that.