The Typhoon ~Vash x OC AU~

Chapter 10: Open

Leilani

"You and Brad did this?"

I point at the bassinet. It stands, resting at the foot of a queen-sized bed. It is modest and sleek, matching Ship 3's overall design, with metal legs bolted to the floor. It's similar to the ones that can be found on the surface, but this one is much nicer and much newer looking. Probably because it has been up in a ship, shielded away from wind and sand and use.

Especially from use.

My eyes move to Vash, and he flashes a sheepish smile, replying, "Kind of. All I really did was help to bolt it to the ground. It was already put together."

I see. It was probably used before, but there's no saying how long ago that was. Still, I can't help but smile at it, knowing that Vash and Brad did this for Greywynn.

I brush my fingertips along it. "She's going to look so tiny in it." I glimpse at her, still fast asleep in her stroller. "But she looks tiny in everything."

Vash comes closer, his eyes falling on our little bundle. Her cheeks are rosy, and her budded lips are mimicking little suckles as her little hands twitch. She must be dreaming.

His fingers gently brush a curl from her forehead. "She does. I'm just..." His voice becomes choked. "I'm just glad I won't have to miss anything else. I won't have to miss another moment."

I watch him as he gazes down at her, my heart swelling more and more. I really did luck out with him being her father. I lucked out so much. Fewer men have done better.

And as I think this, realization comes rushing through me. I had almost forgotten.

"You still haven't held her," I say, stepping toward him.

He turns, looking at me, then shakes his head. "No, I haven't."

I can see a flicker of pain dash through his eyes at this. It's just another thing that he has missed so far. Just another thing he's been denied.

"Do you want to hold her now?" I pipe up.

He pinches his brows. "Now? But she's asleep."

"And?"

I reach down, carefully scooping Greywynn into my arms. Vash panics, "What if this wakes her?"

"She'll be fine," I assure. She grumbles and grunts, but she does not stir. Her body heat hums against my chest as I adjust her, looking at him. "Well? Do you want to?"

His oceanic irises glance between me and her before he nods, "Yes. Yes, I do."

I smile, watching him slowly ease as I pass her to him. If she's small in my arms, then she is itty-bitty in his. She curls in his embrace, a tiny grunt humming from her and I see the way his face lights up.

The biggest and purest smile lifts his lips as light glosses his eyes, and I feel as though he may cry. I've never seen him this happy. The air around him shifts, making the whole room seem brighter. It is wholesome and heartwarming. It sends my heart skipping and my love for these two beings only increases.

He coos and gawks at our daughter when she squints her eyes open, keeping her hands in fists. He perks up, his smile growing as he starts to whisper at her.

"Hello, there," he beams. "Hi. Hi, I'm your daddy. I know it's been a while, huh?"

He continues to talk and whisper, speaking to her as though her little grunts and sounds are this great big conversation. I stand, admiring his natural talent of fatherhood all as she looks up at him.