Little Lux

29

15th November, 2022 - Los Angeles, California

"Oh it is totally fair V," Sebastian grinned. "August told you 'I love you' first before he told me. So count us even now."

Vincent chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned against the kitchen counter. "Okay, first of all, I don't think we're keeping score here, Mr. Competitive Dad," he teased. "Second, August was barely forming full words. His 'I wuv you' doesn't count as a formal declaration."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh, it absolutely counts. And for the record, Lux's was crystal clear. No baby babble—straight to the heart."

Vincent shook his head with a laugh, pushing off the counter and walking over to where Sebastian was standing. "Alright, fine, Mr. 'Straight to the Heart.' I'll let you have this one. But don't come crying to me when she eventually says, 'Daddy, papa is my favorite.'"

Sebastian scoffed. "Please V, she would never betray me like that."

Vincent smirked, leaning closer. "Oh, wouldn't she? I seem to recall who she runs to when she wants another bedtime story, even after you've already told her no."

Sebastian rolled his eyes, trying to fight the smile tugging at his lips. "That's not favoritism, that's manipulation. She knows you're a sucker for her puppy-dog eyes."

"And you're not?" Vincent shot back, raising an eyebrow.

Sebastian laughed, shaking his head. "Okay, fine. Maybe I am. But can you blame me?"

"Daddy, s'not fair!" August says, stomping into the kitchen and interrupting their conversation.

"What's not fair babe?" Sebastian asked, lifting to boy up and sitting him down on the counter top.

"Lux n' Avery are playing without me!" He said dramatically, scrunching up his face to show his disapproval of his sister playing with anyone that wasn't him.

"Well, did you as if you could play too" Vincent asks, taking a sip from his coffee.

"Yes." August says, still pouting.

"And what did they say to that, bud?"

"Well... they said I could join." He mumbles quietly. "But I don't wanna play if Avery's here."

Sebastian and Vincent exchanged a knowing look, trying not to smile too much at August's dramatic declaration.

"Buddy," Sebastian said softly, "why don't you want to play with Avery? Did something happen?"

August scrunched up his nose in thought, kicking his little legs against the cabinet below. "She's too bossy," he said after a moment. "She always tells us what to do, and Lux listens to her instead of me!"

Vincent couldn't help but chuckle, ruffling August's dark curls. "Sounds like someone might be feeling a little jealous, huh?"

August frowned, crossing his arms. "Not jealous," he huffed. "Just don't like it when Lux doesn't wanna play my games. She always listens to Avery, not me."

Sebastian leaned against the counter beside his son, nodding thoughtfully. "I get that, babe. It's tough when things don't go the way you want, especially with your sister. But you know what?"

August looked up, his big brown eyes filled with curiosity. "What?"

"Sometimes it's okay to let someone else have a turn being in charge," Sebastian said gently.

August scrunched his nose again.

"But Luxie's my sister..." He mumbles.

"She is, bud," Sebastian said, brushing a hand through August's curls. "And she loves you so much, but it's important for her to spend time with other little friends too. You know how sad you would be if you only ever got to play with Lux and never saw Josh or Micah or any of your other friends again. That wouldn't be very fun, would it?"