Chapter 18 Sebastian
Chapter eighteen
Sebastian
I'm so, so happy.
I thought I'd have to work hard for years to get my Daddy, but he surprised me by claiming me first. And oh boy, did he claim me, with those kisses and the command to not call anyone else Daddy.
After our conversation, Daddy wanted to sleep on the couch and for me to take his bed, but I refused. He can't expect me to sleep separately from him anymore.
With a bit of pouting, a lot of grumbling from Daddy, I got what I wanted. I grabbed a shirt from his closet, wore it as a pajama, and settled into his big bed with Daddy's arms around me.
"I promise I'll be a good boy and not do anything, Daddy," I whisper into his chest.
"I know, boy. Now, get some sleep. Sweet dreams, Sebastian."
"Sweet dreams, Daddy."
Even after his breathing evens out, I stay awake, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It takes me back to my eighteenth birthday. I hadn't planned much beyond a family dinner.
What's the big deal with birthdays? Especially turning eighteen. I just don't get it.
One day you're a kid, the next you're magically an adult. Whoever came up with that was an idiot. Sure, maybe it works for ordinary kids. But not for me. I'd grown up years ago. Yet people still saw me as "the kid." And even after eighteen, some still would.
Ugh. At least I'll get to see Daddy today. He and my brother will be here to celebrate with me. I wonder what gift I'll receive from Daddy Ezrah.
I sulked in my bedroom until I finally wandered downstairs for food. From the living room, I hear the TV, so I know it can't be Mom, she's working. When I peek in, I see Daddy Ezrah sprawled on the couch with Aziel lying on top of him, nestled between his legs. Both are asleep.
My gut twists. I want to be the one lying in Daddy's embrace, listening to his heart.
I stay half an hour, watching from across the room. I'm so envious that I imagine twisting Aziel's head, snapping his neck, stabbing him again and again until his blood drenches the pristine carpet. Until he's no longer wrapped around what's mine.
That would've been a wonderful gift.
Sadly, it was an impossible gift. But luckily, I get something way better. Aziel gives me something generic I barely look at, but Daddy… Daddy hands me a small, handcrafted wooden dog. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen.
"I remembered you always watching dogs on the street and figured you love them. I started woodcrafting a couple of months ago, and this is actually the first piece that turned out okay."
"Okay? It's amazing! Thank you so much."
I cradle it close to my chest as Aziel rolls his eyes.
"I know it's not very good, but Aziel and I wanted you to have something handmade for your special day."
Bullshit. This is all Daddy. But I don't say it out loud.
"Thank you. I'll always keep it safe."
Just like I'll always protect you too, Daddy.
Always, all for you.
***
"What are we going to do today?" I ask excitedly over coffee.
We already ate breakfast, and I'm ready to spend the day with Daddy.
He chuckles, his eyes soft in a way I've never seen. "You're impatient, aren't you?"
"I may not look it, but I'm actually a very, very patient boy."
After all, I waited years for you, Daddy.
"Hmm, I'm not sure I believe you."
"So…"
"I got up earlier than you to plan our date today." I open my mouth, but he cuts me off. "It's a surprise. But before that, I have something for you."
He goes to one of the shelves in the living room. I follow, of course. There's a box I didn't notice yesterday.
My eyes widen when Daddy places it in my hands. The box is yellow with a pretty, orange bow on top.
"For me?" I ask.
"For you."
With shaking hands, I unwrap the bow and lift the lid. I gasp when I see the inside. My eyes snap to my Daddy, he's just staring at me, waiting for my reaction. Instead of saying anything, I throw myself at him, carefully holding the box in my other hand.
"Thank you. Thank youuuu."
Daddy laughs and wraps his hands around me.
"Do you like it?"
"Do I like it? I freaking love it!"
I rush to the couch, fingers trembling as I pull out the wooden toys. My eyes lock on a bunny, and instantly it becomes my favorite. But there are more: little carved animals, tiny foods like carrots and cake, even a small wooden house. They're all smooth, polished, clearly handmade with care.
Daddy sits beside me, watching as I arrange them.
"You said I didn't have toys here, and I wanted you to have some here."
I bite my lip to stop it from trembling. "When did you buy these?"
"After our fight," he admits.
So Fluffy lied about the shop. Daddy went out to buy me toys. I'm not mad with Fluffy, he probably wanted me to be surprised.
"Do you still do woodcraft?" I ask.
Daddy's face falls. "No. Not anymore. I gave up that hobby. I wasn't any good anyway."
I'll return to this in the near future. Daddy deserves to have hobbies he loves, and I guess he stopped because of Aziel. He never supported him in woodcrafting and said it's useless. That bastard.
I spent the next half an hour playing with the toys, giving them names and arranging them carefully on the table. They deserve all the attention. After all, they're my gift from Daddy.
"I'll take a quick shower. Then you can, and after that we'll go out for our date."
"Can't I join you? We'll save water."
He kisses my forehead with a chuckle. "Nice try. Be a good boy and play while I shower."
"Okay, Daddy."
I can't wait to see what he has planned.