The sun hadn't even risen properly when Sebastian was woken by the sound of clattering from the next room. For a second, he thought it was an intruder—until he heard Valerian's unmistakable grumble.
"Who are you up this early?" Sebastian mumbled, dragging a hand through his hair as he shuffled toward the door.
Valerian stood in the middle of the room with his arms folded, glaring at the curtains as if they'd personally offended him. "They're too bright," he snapped. "Why do you like sunlight so much?"
Sebastian blinked. "Rian, it's morning."
"Well, I don't like mornings," Valerian shot back.
Sebastian bit back a smile. "I can tell."
Valerian huffed and sat on the couch, pouting like a sulky child. "You're smiling. You think this is funny?"
"I think you're adorable," Sebastian said carefully, trying not to make it worse.
"Adorable?" Valerian gasped, as if the word burned. "You mean pathetic." His voice trembled, and before Sebastian could say another word, Valerian's eyes filled with tears. "You don't love me anymore."
Sebastian froze mid-step. "What?"
"You don't!" Valerian wiped his tears with the back of his hand, angry at himself for crying. "I had a dream last night—you were holding someone else!"
Sebastian blinked, utterly lost. "Rian… that was a dream."
"You still did it!"
The argument ended with Sebastian sitting on the couch, holding a sobbing Valerian in his arms and whispering apologies for crimes he hadn't committed. He rocked him gently, rubbing slow circles on his back until the sobs softened into sleepy sniffles.
"I hate you sometimes," Valerian muttered against his chest.
"I know," Sebastian said softly, pressing a kiss into his hair. "But you love me more."
A faint hum left Valerian's lips, neither agreeing nor denying. His hand slid down to his belly, resting over the small curve that had begun to show. "He was angry too," he murmured, half-asleep. "He kicked."
Sebastian smiled faintly. "Then he takes after you."
---
Later that afternoon, Sebastian stood in the kitchen, watching Valerian pace back and forth. He'd spent the last five minutes deciding whether he wanted cold water, hot water, or juice—and ended up glaring at all three options.
"Everything tastes wrong," Valerian declared.
"That's because you haven't eaten since morning."
"I don't want to eat."
"Then you'll be hungry."
Valerian frowned at him as if betrayed. "You don't understand what I'm going through."
Sebastian sighed, walking closer. He placed a hand gently on Valerian's waist. "You're right. I don't. But I'm trying to."
That seemed to calm him a little. Valerian leaned against his chest with a tired sigh, his head finding its familiar place on Sebastian's shoulder. "You smell nice," he muttered.
Sebastian chuckled softly. "Finally, a compliment."
"Don't get used to it."
"Too late."
They stood there for a while, quiet—the world shrinking down to the rhythm of their breaths. Then Valerian tilted his head up, his eyes soft and shining. "You'll still love me when I'm round as a melon?"
Sebastian smiled, brushing his thumb over Valerian's cheek. "I already do."
---
That night, the wind outside sang against the windows, soft and distant. Valerian lay curled on the bed, one hand resting over his stomach, his hair spilling across the pillow like dark silk. Sebastian sat beside him, absently running his fingers through the strands.
"Do you ever wonder what he'll be like?" Valerian asked quietly.
"All the time."
"Maybe he'll have your eyes."
"Or your stubbornness."
Valerian smiled faintly. "Then we'll both be doomed."
Sebastian chuckled, bending down to press a kiss to his forehead. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
The room dimmed into a soft, steady calm. Then—just as Sebastian leaned back—a faint light pulsed beneath Valerian's skin. He froze. The glow shimmered like a heartbeat, warm and alive.
"Sebastian?" Valerian's voice was soft but steady. "Do you feel it?"
He nodded slowly, eyes wide. "What is it?"
Valerian placed his palm over the light, a serene smile touching his lips. "He's saying hello."
Sebastian swallowed hard, emotion thick in his throat. "That's… incredible."
"Scary?"
"A little."
Valerian laughed softly, the sound low and gentle. "You'll be a good father."
Sebastian's gaze softened as he brushed his thumb over Valerian's lips. "Only because you'll be beside me."
Valerian leaned forward, his breath ghosting against Sebastian's jaw. "Then stop looking so serious and kiss me."
Sebastian smiled faintly, bending until their lips met. It wasn't rushed—it was slow, warm, and deep, the kind of kiss that felt like a promise. When they finally parted, Valerian rested his forehead against his, eyes fluttering shut.
"Even when you drive me mad," Sebastian whispered, "I'd still choose you."
Valerian smiled, his lips curving with quiet affection. "You already have."
The candlelight flickered, their shadows blending into one. Outside, the world slept, but within those four walls, everything felt alive—love, laughter, and the steady heartbeat beneath Sebastian's hand.