🌙 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝓎-𝐹𝑜𝓊𝓇: 𝒞𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓎 𝐵𝒶𝒷𝓎

Lucas had been feeling extra clingy all day.

From the moment he woke up, he didn't want Amari to be more than a few steps away. Even that felt too far. His little heart just needed Daddy, and nothing else seemed to matter.

Amari, of course, noticed right away.

Usually, Lucas would wake up slow, stretch, and rub his eyes before looking around. But today? The second his pacifier bobbed out of his mouth, he whined softly and immediately reached out for Amari.

"D-Daddy..." he mumbled sleepily, fingers grabbing at his hoodie like a lifeline.

Amari, still groggy himself, smiled softly and pulled Lucas closer. "M'right here, baby. What's wrong?"

Lucas buried his face in Amari's chest, his little hands clutching onto him like a koala.

"No go," he whispered.

Amari's heart melted instantly.

"Oh, sweetheart..." He kissed the top of Lucas' head and rubbed his back. "Daddy's not goin' anywhere, baby boy."

Lucas only whimpered, nuzzling closer. He felt so small, so needy, and all he wanted was to be held and loved.

☀️ Morning Routine

When Amari finally sat up, Lucas clung tighter, wrapping his arms and legs around him like a little monkey.

"Uh-oh," Amari chuckled. "Did Daddy turn into your personal teddy bear today?"

Lucas nodded against his chest, refusing to let go.

Amari smiled and kissed his temple. "Okay, okay, you win, baby."

So instead of carrying him downstairs like usual, Amari just stayed there, rubbing Lucas' back while rocking him slowly.

They sat like that for a while—Lucas completely melted in Amari's embrace, his tiny sighs and soft breaths making Amari's chest feel so full of love.

Eventually, Amari tried again. "C'mon, let's get you changed, little one."

Lucas whined but didn't fight—as long as he got to stay in Daddy's arms.

So, Amari carried him to the changing table, whispering soft praises while helping him into a fresh pull-up and his favorite cozy onesie.

"There, all clean," Amari murmured, zipping up the onesie. "Now, let's get some breakfast, yeah?"

Lucas nodded, but instead of getting down, he lifted his arms again.

"Up, Daddy..." he mumbled, voice barely above a whisper.

Amari chuckled, easily scooping him back up. "Okay, baby. Daddy's got you."

🍓 Breakfast

Lucas usually sat in his booster seat for breakfast, but today?

Nope.

He sat right on Amari's lap, arms curled around his waist, cheek smushed against his chest.

Amari didn't even try to move him.

He just smiled, bouncing Lucas lightly on his knee. "You really need Daddy today, huh?"

Lucas nodded, his paci bobbing slightly. "Uh-huh..."

Amari ruffled his curls. "That's okay, lovebug. Daddy's here."

He cut up Lucas' pancakes and held out a bite. Lucas took it happily, eyes fluttering shut at the sweet taste.

"Yummy?" Amari asked.

Lucas nodded, chewing slowly. "Mhm..."

Halfway through breakfast, Lucas started getting sleepier again. His blinks got slower, and his body relaxed even more against Amari.

"You wanna go back to bed, little one?" Amari whispered.

Lucas shook his head quickly. "No..."

"No?" Amari asked, rubbing his back. "Then what do you wanna do, baby?"

Lucas peeked up at him with big, sleepy eyes.

"Cuddles."

Amari grinned. "Cuddles, huh? You sure are my little koala today."

Lucas giggled softly but nodded again.

So, Amari set the plate aside, adjusted Lucas in his arms, and walked them over to the couch.

🛏️ Lazy, Snuggly Morning

The second they sat down, Lucas curled up even tighter, tucking his face under Amari's chin.

Amari grabbed a soft blanket and wrapped it around them both. "There we go, baby boy. Nice and warm."

Lucas sighed in content, already halfway to sleep.

Amari traced slow circles on his back, his deep voice humming softly to keep Lucas calm. "Love you, little one," he whispered, pressing a kiss to his curls.

Lucas barely stirred but managed a tiny, sleepy response.

"Wuv you too, Daddy..."