Little Lux

23

(it may seem like I'm not listing to your guys' suggestions from the last chapter, but I promise I AM. It's just gonna take a bit of time - stick with me people 😭😭🙏)

3rd November, 2022 - Los Angeles, California

"But she's not like August, Seb." Vincent murmurs, glancing over at Sebastian who's adjusting the weight stack on the bench press. . "August... he's fully embraced this life. He's not curious about the outside world in the same way that Lux is. She's holding onto pieces of her old self, her old life. It's like she's got one foot in this world and one foot out."

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully, his hands gripping the bench press bar as he prepared for his set. "I know," he said, his voice calm but firm. "She's still holding onto the idea that there's more for her than just this. And honestly? I want her to hold onto that. She should."

Vincent leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he watched Sebastian begin his reps. They were in the home gym - which was nothing short of extravagant. It was a gleaming testament to the men's wealth and commitment to their own physical and mental health.

There were floor-to-ceiling windows that ran along one wall, providing a panoramic view of the sprawling, pristinely landscaped garden and the sparkling pool beyond. The room was outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment: sleek weight machines, a state-of-the-art treadmill with a built-in touchscreen, and a row of weights organized on a custom rack. A mirrored wall reflected every movement, making the space feel even larger and more open. In one corner, a punching bag hung beside a stack of pristine boxing gloves, while another area housed a Pilates reformer and yoga mats rolled up neatly. The room was immaculately clean, smelling faintly of eucalyptus from the diffusers strategically placed on shelves.

"So what does that mean for us, then?" Vincent asked after a moment. "We've built this life for them - this safe, structured environment where they don't have to worry about anything. But with Lux... she's going to want more. School. A career. Independence. How do we give her that while still being the daddies she needs?"

Sebastian finished his set, setting the bar back with a controlled exhale before sitting up and wiping his face with a towel. "We adapt," he said simply. "We meet her where she's at. Lux doesn't have to fit into a box, Vin. We can give her the care, the comfort of being little when she needs it, but we can also give her the tools to succeed in the real world. She deserves that. Hell, she deserves everything."

Vincent nodded slowly, doing a few simple stretches before he stepped onto the treadmill. "I just don't want her to feel like she has to choose, you know? he murmured. "Between being our little girl and being her own person."

"She doesn't have to," Sebastian assured him. "We'll make sure she knows that. This isn't about taking her life away - it's about giving her the best of both worlds. Stability, love, and safety when she needs it, and freedom and opportunities when she's ready for them."

Vincent sighed, a small, weary smile tugging at his lips as he set the treadmill to a gentle jogging pace. "You make it sound so simple."

Sebastian chuckled, leaning back against the bench. "It's not going to be simple, Vin. None of this is. But you and I? We've faced worse. We can figure this out."

"I mean, where do we even start when it comes to Lux's future?" Vincent asks.

"Well, we can start with a tutor. Someone who can come here, work with her at her own pace, help her catch up on anything she's missed. She's a bright kid, V. She just needs the right guidance."

Vincent nodded slowly, his shoulders relaxing slightly as the idea took shape in his mind. "A tutor could work," he agreed. "And it would give her a sense of normalcy. Something to focus on, to challenge her."