Little Lux

17

—just a very short filler chapter :)—

Sebastian groans, shifting around in his and Vincent's shared bed for what felt like the 100th time. He reaches over to his bedside table, tapping his phone screen so he can see the time.

02:57am

It was one of those nights when no matter how hard he tried, he simply couldn't fall asleep. He'd been staring at the ceiling for what felt like hours.

Had it been a few years ago (before August and Lux) he probably would have gone downstairs to have a glass of scotch or liquor - something to simply relax his mind. But the habit was immediately cut out when August arrived.

It's not like he was an alcoholic or anything, it just helped his mind to slow down and relax when he was feeling antsy or stressed. But he was a father now and he wasn't going to get tipsy just so that he could sleep.

He could hear the faint sounds of the house around him: the creak of the heating system, the gentle hum of the refrigerator downstairs, and the occasional muffled movement from one of the little's rooms. His instincts told him to check on them, though he knew both Lux and August were likely fast asleep. Still, the gnawing restlessness tugged at him.

Carefully, he untangled himself from Vincent, being careful not to wake the man who was sprawled on his side. He gets out the bed, grabbing his robe and tying it loosely around himself before exiting his room and softly walking down to hallway, the soft glow of the nightlights guiding his way.

He stopped first outside August's room, the door slightly ajar. Peeking inside, he could make out the small lump under the covers, rising and falling in a steady rhythm. A soft snore escaped the boy's lips, and Sebastian smiled faintly. August looked so peaceful, clutching a worn stuffed animal to his chest.

Satisfied, he moved toward Lux's room, her door closed but not latched. He gently pushed it open, peering inside. The soft glow of her star-shaped nightlight illuminated the room in a warm haze. Lux was curled up on her side, her blonde hair fanning out across the pillow. Her breathing was soft and steady and her face was relaxed in a way that made her look much much younger than her fifteen years.

He felt a surge of tenderness swell in his chest. He'd never admit it out loud but he had a huge soft spot for the small girl. Of course he loved August so so deeply in a way he'd never be able to describe but there was something different about having a little girl.

She brought out a side of him he hadn't realized he had—a gentleness and protectiveness that went beyond what he thought himself capable of. Lux had been through so much, yet here she was, finally letting herself be vulnerable in their care. It was a responsibility he didn't take lightly.

Plus, he secretly liked how Lux seemed to be a little more comfortable and open around him. August had always had a small preference for Vincent and it was nice to have a little one who would automatically turn to him.

Sebastian stepped further into her room, careful not to make a sound. He adjusted the blanket that had slipped down to her waist, pulling it back up to her shoulders. For a moment, he just stood there, watching her sleep. She looked so at peace, her face soft and free of the worry she often carried during the day.

A tiny murmur escaped her lips as she stirred slightly, her hand reaching out as if searching for something. Sebastian crouched down, taking her small hand in his. Her fingers instinctively curled around his much larger one, and she sighed, settling again.

"Daddy's right here baby" He murmurs, his voice barely audible.

He lingered for a moment longer, his free hand twitching by his side. He wanted to pick her up so badly, to relax his mind, just as a drink would.

But he took a deep breath, steadying himself. The urge to hold her was almost overwhelming, but he knew better than to disturb her sleep just to ease his own restlessness. He brushed a strand of her hair from her face, marveling at how small and delicate she seemed.

"You're so strong, little one," he whispered softly, his voice barely above a breath. "Even if you don't always see it."

"Daddy?"

Sebastian froze, his breath catching in his chest as Lux's soft, sleepy voice broke the silence. Her eyes were still half-closed, her gaze hazy as she turned her head slightly on the pillow to look at him.

He hadn't meant to of woken her but she must of been less asleep than he thought.

"Shh, sweetheart," he said gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Go back to sleep. Daddy's just checking on you."

She blinked slowly, her fingers tightening around his hand as she murmured, "You... okay?" Her voice was faint, almost a whisper, but the concern was unmistakable. Even in her sleepy state, she noticed when something was off.

Sebastian smiled softly, his heart squeezing at her question. "I'm okay, little one," he reassured her, though the edge of restlessness still lingered in his chest. "Just couldn't sleep, that's all."

Lux nods, looking up at him with sleepy eyes.

"Can daddy hold you baby?"

Lux's sleepy eyes fluttered at the question. She was still half asleep and not really sure what was happening right now but the comfort of her daddy was something that couldn't compare to anything else.

"Yes..." she mumbled, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Sebastian's heart swelled at her response. He had known the bond between them was deepening, but hearing her need for comfort in such a simple way made him feel even more protective of her. He took a gentle breath, slowly lifting her from the bed. She shifted in his arms, instinctively snuggling into his chest as he cradled her close.

"You're so tiny," he murmured softly, his voice a low, soothing rumble as he adjusted his hold on her. "So small and precious."

He settles back down into her little bed, holding her body directly on top of his. He held her close, feeling the rhythm of her small, steady breaths against his chest. Her head nestled comfortably against his shoulder as he pulled the covers over both of them.

"Feels nice," Lux murmured, her voice still tinged with sleepiness.

"Yeah," Sebastian whispered, running a hand through her hair, "it does." He felt a warmth he hadn't experienced in a long time, a sense of peace that only holding someone close could bring.

His restlessness from earlier was instantly gone.

He adjusted her position slightly, ensuring she was comfortable, and then gently kissed the top of her head. He hadn't realized how much he needed this, this closeness, this bond. Though there were days that were difficult, filled with challenges that tested his patience and his understanding, moments like this made it all worth it.

"Thank you," he whispered softly. He kissed her forehead gently again, a small but heartfelt gesture.

After a few minutes, Lux's soft murmurs indicated that she had fallen deeper into sleep, her tiny body relaxing further against his. Sebastian's eyes fluttered closed too, lulled into a peaceful doze by the sensation of holding her close.

———
She's definitely taken a preference towards Sebastian lol.