Syd

[sydwritess]

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She/her || 18+ writings ||

Italian American Ferrari girl who loves to write! Let's keep this world spinnin'

🤍Rules! ||💗 F1 Masterlist || ♠️SMAU'S & More || 🎥 F1 Series

Hey! I'm Syd! I write based on vibes, late-night daydreams, and whatever driver is living rent-free in my head💗the more chaotic, the better.

Requests: OPEN / CLOSED

🏎️anon, ✨anon

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my daily affirmation as an author

[sydwritess]

Any writers wanna be moots?? DM if you do!!!

Ngl it's getting lonely out here gang 😪

[sydwritess]

I wish you all the best for your finals 🍀

-✨️-

Thank you so much my love!!

[sydwritess]

Hi my loves!

I want to inform you that now, since it's heading into summer, I am going to be busy with end of the year finals and much more. So I am sorry in advanced if there are no fics/series chapters for a white (not too long though!) because I'm going to be busy prepping and studying.

Just know that I am working on a couple of drafts for certain things to get out to you all, but I will NOT be away completely!

[sydwritess]

His One and Only Pt. 12

Pairing: Lando Norris x fem!reader

Summary: finding love was hard. Especially when you had a kid. Once they found out, they ran. But one person in particular decides to stay.

Second Person | w/c: 15.4K

Notes: will be hard to read as a standalone. Part twelve of 'His One and Only'

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Main Masterlist

You stand in front of your mirror, fingers working carefully at the clasp of your earring as you tilt your head slightly. The soft light from your lamp catches along the edge of the diamond, reflecting just enough to make you pause and adjust it once more.

The dress hugs you a little tighter than anything you've worn in a while, black, simple, but fitted in a way that makes you more aware of yourself than usual. It's not uncomfortable, just different. enough to make you check your reflection more than once, smoothing a hand down your side before letting it fall again.

You reach for the second earring, lifting it into place, when something shifts in the mirror behind you.

A shape in the doorway.

Your gaze shifts to Aiden's reflection before you turn around. He's leaning casually against the frame, arms crossed, one shoulder pressed into the wood like he's been standing there long enough to get comfortable. There's a look on his face, too, half-amused, half-judgemental in a way only he can pull off.

You don't turn fully, just glance at him through the mirror. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," he says, pushing off the frame slightly. "Just to watch you check the same earring three times." His words come out long and exaggerated.

You huff a quiet breath, finally turning toward him. "I was not-"

"You were." He cuts in, completely unbothered. Hi gaze flicks over your outfit, taking it in with exaggerated seriousness. "Wow."

You narrow your eyes slightly. "Don't."

"I'm just saying," he continues, holding his hands up like he's being reasonable, "this is... a lot."

"A lot?"

"For a date?" He nods once. "Yeah. This is dangerously close to 'main character in a breakup scene' energy."

You stare at him.

He grins back at you.

You grab the nearest thing off your dresser and toss it in his direction. "Get out."

He catches it easily, still smiling. "I'm kidding. You look nice."

There's a beat.

"He's gonna lose his mind." He mumbles, teasing but still real.

You roll your eyes, but there's something in your expression that gives you away just slightly. "Leave."

He backs toward the door, holding his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll go. Just try not to make it weird when he gets here."

You point toward the hallway. "Go."

He laughs under his breath and disappears, leaving the door half open behind him.

You turn back to the mirror, adjusting a loose piece of hair when you hear a knock come from the front door.

Your hand pauses mid-motion. For a second, you just look at yourself in the mirror, really look. The dress, the earrings, the way your expression shifts when you realize he's here.

"I got it!' Aiden calls from the living room.

Of course he does.

You let out a quiet breath, pressing your lips together as you glance at yourself one more time. You smooth your hands down your sides again, grounding yourself before stepping toward your bedroom door.

The sound of the front door unlocking echoes through the house. Then it opens.

There's a brief pause, long enough to feel intentional.

"Wow."

You close your eyes for half a second, already picturing Aiden's expression without needing to see it.

"Did you plan this," he continues, tone dry with amusement, "or did someone warn you this was a formal interview?"

Lando's voice follows, calm but edged with something faintly amused. "Nice to see you too, Aiden."

You shuffle a little closer down the hallway, quiet enough not to interrupt, but close so you can see them now.

Lando stands just inside the doorway, one hand still near the frame as if he hasn't fully stepped in yet. The white button-up he's wearing is clean and fitted, sleeves rolled just enough to make it look effortless rather than formal. The black dress pants are simple, sharp, and put together in a way that contrasts with the familiarity of your apartment.

Aiden leans casually against the wall across from him, arms crossed, studying him like he's trying to find something to critique.

"I'm serious," Aiden adds, gesturing vaguely toward him. "You look like you're about to either impress someone... or ruin their life."

Lando huffs out a quiet laugh, shifting his weight slightly. "I'll aim for the first one."

"You should." Aiden says. "High stakes tonight."

There's a beat where neither of them speaks, the edge of the teasing softening just slightly.

Then Aiden gives a small nod. "You clean up alright."

Lando glances down at himself briefly, like he's checking. "That almost sounded genuine."

"Don't get used to it."

You can't help the small smile that pulls at your mouth as you finally step fully into the hallway.

The movement draws Lando's attention immediately.

He turns toward you, expression changing before he can hide it.

It's not exaggerated. Not dramatic. Just a quiet shift, like whatever he was about to say gets lost somewhere between seeing you and processing it.

His gaze moves over you slowly, taking in your outfit, the way the dress fits, the way you're standing there like you're half-aware of it yourself. There's something softer underneath it, too, something that lingers a second longer than it needs to.

It makes your chest feel unexpectedly tight.

Aiden notices the silence almost immediately. His eyes flick between the two of you, and then he pushes himself off the wall with a quiet clap of his hands, breaking the moment before it can stretch too far.

"Alright," he says, stepping away, "I'm gonna go check on Lily before this gets weird."

You glance at him. "It's already weird."

"Not my problem." He mutters, disappearing down the hallway.

His footsteps fade, and the apartment settles into something quieter, the kind of quiet that makes everything feel more focused.

Lando steps a little further inside, letting the door fall shut behind him, but he doesn't close the distance completely. He just stands there for a second, like he's still catching up.

Then he exhales softly, the corner of his mouth lifting. "...You look really good."

There's no joke attached this time. No deflection.

You fold your arms loosely, tilting your head just slightly as you look at him. "You hesitated."

"I know," he admits, a small, almost embarrassed smile pulling through. "I had something better in my head, and then I saw you and it just... completely disappeared."

You huff out a quiet laugh, shaking your head. "Convenient."

"Give me a minute, I'll think of something impressive." He says, glancing at you like he might actually try to recover it.

"Don't," you chuckle, the smile lingering. "You'll make it worse."

He lets out a soft laugh at that, the tension easing out of his shoulders a little. "You're making me look underdressed," he adds after a moment, his gaze flicking down to his own outfit before returning to yours. "I should've done more."

"You look good," you reassure. "If you showed up in a tie, I probably would've sent you home."

"Good to know," he says lightly. "I almost did that."

You raise a brow jokingly.

"I'm lying." He adds immediately.

For a moment, silence sits there between you. From down the hall, you can hear Lily's voice faintly, talking about something to Aiden. It's distant, but familiar enough to ground everything again.

Lando glances in that direction briefly, something in his expression shifts, softening in a way that's quiet but unmistakable, and it makes your chest tighten slightly before you even turn to see why.

At the beginning of the hallway, Lily stands there.

The soft glow of her nightlight spills out from her room behind her, outlining her in warm light against the dimness of the rest of the apartment. her pajamas hang a little loose, her hair slightly mussed from being tucked into bed, and her bunny is clutched tightly in her hand like it always is when she's unsure.

Aiden stands behind her, one hand hovering near her shoulder, clearly caught mid-attempt to guide her back to bed.

"Come on, bug," he says quietly, voice low so it doesn't carry too much. "You just got into bed. You gotta stay there."

She shakes her head, stepping forward before he can stop her. "No."

Aiden exhales, dragging a hand down his face as he glances toward you. "You see what I'm dealing with?"

Before you can answer, Lily starts walking toward you, small steps, steady and certain, like she's already decided what matters and what doesn't.

"Hey," you say gently when she reaches you, your voice instinctively softer. You crouch slightly, brushing your fingers lightly over her hair. "What are you doing out of bed?"

She tilts her face up toward you, eyes wide but steady.

"You leave."

You hand lingers for a second longer than it needs to. "We are," you say quietly, tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear. "Just for a little while. We're going to dinner, remember?"

Her gaze flickers, then shifts past you.

Lando has stepped further into the apartment now, he doesn't move too quickly, doesn't crowd the moment.

Lily watches him for a second, like she's still figuring him out even after everything.

"You come back?" She asks.

Her voice is small, careful in a way that makes the question feel bigger than it sounds.

Lando glances at you for half a second, not unsure, but checking. "Yep, but not too late. You'll probably be sleeping when we get back... but early enough that I'll see you in the morning."

She processes that slowly, her fingers tightening slightly around the worn ear of her bunny.

"You read bedtime story?"

The words come out quieter this time, almost hesitant, like he's testing whether she's allowed to ask.

Aiden shifts behind her, already opening his mouth to speak, but Lando answers before he gets the chance.

"Yeah, I'd love to."

Something in Lily's shoulders loosens, just slightly but enough to notice.

You glance at Aiden who lifts his hands in quiet surrender, shaking his head as he shuffles toward the living room. "Alright. I'm out of this one."

"Good," you murmur, turning your attention back to Lily. "One story. Then it's bedtime, okay?"

She nods, already turning, padding back down the hallway.

Lando glances at you as he passes, something quiet and understanding in his expression, something that doesn't need words, before he follows her down the hall.

You stay where you are for a moment, the apartment feeling settled now, the distant city noise barely filtering through the windows, the stretch along the living room.

After a few seconds, you move too. When you reach Lily's room, you don't go all the way in, just stop outside of the doorway, leaning lightly against the frame.

Inside, the room is dim, lit by the soft glow of her nightlight and the faint spill of light from the living room behind you. The door is left cracked open exactly how she likes it, that thin line of light stretching across the floor.

Lily is already in bed, blanket pulled up under her chin, bunny tucked close against her chest.

Lando crouches beside the bed, one knee bent, the other foot planted for balance, the book resting loosely in his hands as he flips through it.

He still looks like he's on his way somewhere else. Button-up crisp, sleeves pushed up, but the way he's settled there makes it feel like it's just as natural.

"Alright," he murmurs, glancing at the index. "Which one am I reading?"

"Bunny one," Lily says, voice already softer.

He smiles faintly, glancing up at her. "You've got a lot of confidence that narrows it down."

She lifts her hand, pointing more insistently. "That one."

"Okay," he says, adjusting the book. "I see it now." He shifts closer to the bed, resting his arm lightly against the mattress as he starts reading. His voice drops without him thinking about it, low and calm, just enough to hold her attention without overwhelming it.

Lily watches him at first. Not the book. Her eyes follow the way his mouth moves, the rhythm of his voice, like she's still getting used to him being here, sitting beside her like it's normal.

Her grip on her bunny starts to slightly loosen, her head sinking deeper into the pillow as the sound of his voice fills the room in an even, gentle rhythm.

You stay in the doorway, arms loosely folded, your shoulder resting lightly against the frame.

There's something about the scene that holds you there. The way he turns the page carefully so it doesn't make too much noise. The way he slows down just slightly at certain parts of the story, without making it obvious.

He reaches the end of the page, glancing down to find the last line, his voice softening just a fraction more as the story winds down.

"...and the bunny went to sleep," he finishes quietly, closing the book just enough to keep his place. "Goodnight, Lily," he adds softly.

She doesn't fully answer, just a small, sleepy sound, her fingers curled loosely around her bunny as her eyes drift shut completely.

He stays there for a moment longer, making sure she's settled before he carefully sets the book on her nightstand, moving slowly so he doesn't disturb anything.

When he stands and turns, that's when he sees you. You haven't moved. For a second, neither of you says anything.

Lando lingers in the doorway for a second longer, like he's making sure Lily is fully settled before stepping out into the hallway and pulling the door gently until it's left just cracked enough.

Exactly how she likes it.

You straighten from where you're leaning, pushing yourself off the wall as he turns toward you.

Lando nods toward the door. "We should probably get going before she changes her mind."

You let out a small breath, glancing once more toward Lily's room before nodding. "Yeah... and before Aiden locks us in here."

"Tempting," he says lightly.

You walk back toward the living room together, your steps quieter now, like the whole apartment has settled into something softer.

Aiden is sitting on the couch when you come back in, the TV casting a low glow across the room. He looks up immediately, one brow already raised like he's been waiting for a report.

"Well?" He asks. "Did we survive?"

"For now," you say, reaching for your coat and pulling it around your shoulders. "She just wanted a story."

Aiden nods slowly, glancing over at Lando with a look that's half amused, half impressed. "That's a big deal, by the way. You should feel honored."

"I do," Lando chuckles, grabbing his jacket from the hook next to yours. "Little bit of pressure, though."

"Yes, don't mess it up." Aiden adds easily, leaning back again. "She'll remember."

You roll your eyes, adjusting your sleeve as you step closer toward the door. "She's asleep."

"Still," Aiden shrugs, like that doesn't change anything. "Reputation matters."

Lando looks at you, a quiet smile slipping through. "Good to know I'm being evaluated the whole time."

"Constantly." Aiden adds in without missing a beat.

You shake your head, a small giggle slipping through your lips as you grab your purse. "We're leaving now."

"Have fun," Aiden calls. "I've got it here don't worry."

You turn back, reaching for the door, but Lando steps in first, pulling it open before you can.

You glance at him, a small smile pulling at your mouth. "Wow. You're really committing to this."

"I told you," he says, holding it open with an easy expression. "I'm setting expectations early."

You step past him into the hallway, the door closing softly behind you as the quieter atmosphere of the building takes over. The hallway is dimly lit, clean and still, your footsteps echoing faintly as you walk side by side toward the elevators.

When you reach them, Lando presses the button and leans back slightly against the wall, looking over at you.

"Cloth napkins," you remind him, folding your arms loosely.

"High pressure situation." He replies. "I didn't realize this was a test."

"It absolutely it."

The elevator dings softly as the doors slide open, and he gestures for you to go first with a small tilt of his head.

"After you."

You step inside, and he follows, pressing the lobby button before the doors glide shut again. The mirrored walls catch your reflection, and you catch yourself smoothing a hand over your dress without thinking.

"Still adjusting?" He asks, watching you.

"A little," you admit, glancing at him.

He studies you for a second, his expression softening in that quiet way again. "You shouldn't be. You look like you walked out of something I'm not dressed well enough to be in."

You let out a small laugh, shaking your head. "You look good."

"Debatable." He says, though there's no real argument in it.

The elevator slows, then opens into the lobby, the space wide and polished with warm lighting reflecting off marble floors. Through the glass walls, the city stretches out, dark sky, scattered lights, everything feeling distant and small from the height.

You walk out together, the doors glide open, the night air hitting as soon as you step outside, cooler and sharper.

Lando's car is parked just along the curb, sleek under the streetlights. he moves ahead of you this time, stepping around to the passenger side and pulling the door open before you can reach it.

You stop just short, raising an eyebrow as you look at him. "okay, this is getting excessive."

"Is it?" He asks, resting a hand lightly against the top of the door. "Or is this exactly what you signed up for?"

"I don't remember agreeing to this level of effort," you reply, though there's a hint of amusement in your voice.

"Too late now, you're already here."

You hesitate for half a second, just enough to make him narrow his eyes slightly.

"If you don't get in," he adds, "I'm going to have to stand here like this, and it's going to get embarrassing for the both of us."

You laugh under your breath at that, shaking your head as you slide into the seat. "Okay,"

"Just wait, I haven't even peaked yet." He says, closing the door gently.

He rounds the front of the car quickly, slipping into the driver's seat and starting the engine. The low hum fills the space as he pulls away from the curb, the city lights shifting around you as you move through the streets.

The drive is easy, the conversation light and quiet, the kind that doesn't need to fill every second.

After a while, he slows, turning onto a street lined with warm lighting and upscale storefronts. The restaurant stands out immediately, sleek glass exterior, soft golden light spilling onto the sidewalk, the kind of place that feels carefully put together without being overdone.

He pulls up to the curb and puts the car in park, glancing over at you. "Alright. This looks like you made a good choice."

You let out an exaggerated gasp, putting a hand over your heart. "You doubted me?"

"I was cautious." He corrects, pointing a finger into the air.

You shake your head, reaching for the door handle, but before you can, he's already out of the car. You barely have a second to react before he's at your side again, opening your door like he's been timing it.

You look up at him, amused. "Wow, you ran."

"I did not run," he says quickly. "That was a controlled, efficient walk.

"Sure, babe."

He offers his hand, casual but steady. "Careful."

You chuckle but take it anyway, letting him help you out of the car. "Thank you," you say, softer this time.

He shrugs lightly, but there's a small smile there. "I'm setting the standard high. It's a risky move."

"Very." You agree.

You step onto the sidewalk beside him, the soft murmur of conversation drifting from inside as the door opens for another couple.

He glances at you, connecting your hand with his. "Ready?"

You nod, looking toward the entrance. "Yeah."

Together you move toward the restaurant, the atmosphere shifting immediately as you walk side by side.

The warmth of the restaurant hits you the second you step in. Soft lighting, low conversation, the muted clink of glasses and dishes. The kind of place where people lean in when they talk, where voices stay low without anyone needing to say it.

Lando steps slightly ahead of you, reaching for the second door and holding it open as another couple exits. His hand stays on it as he glances back at you, giving a small nod for you to go first.

"Go on," he says lightly. "I'm maintaining my image."

You walk past him, brushing his arm as you do. "You're very committed to this image."

"You'll thank me later."

"I already am," you murmur, just under your breath.

The host stand sits just ahead, a neatly dressed host looking up with a polite, practiced smile. "Good evening," he says. "Do you have a reservation?"

Lando steps forward, resting a hand lightly against the edge of the stand. "Yeah- uh, Norris."

The host glances down at the book, flipping briefly before nodding. "Right this way."

Lando steps back again, letting you move ahead as he follows behind you. His hand hovers hovers near the small of your back, not quite touching, before dropping again as you're led deeper into the restaurant.

The further in you walk, the more the space seems to soften. Tables are spaced just enough apart to feel private, candlelight flickers gently, and everything carries that quiet, intentional atmosphere that makes you lower your voice without thinking.

When you reach your table, the host gestures toward it before stepping away. You reach for your chair, but Lando moves at the same time, stepping around quickly.

"Wait- hang on." He says, clearly determined now.

You pause, watching him take hold of the chair. "This is where you pull it out." You say, a hint of amusement already in your voice.

"I know how it works," he replies, giving you a look.

"Do you?"

"Yes."

He pulls the chair back, but one of the legs catches against the floor with a soft scrape that's just a little too loud in the quiet space. It drags for half a second before stopping, and both of you freeze instinctively as the sound lingers.

You try to hold your laughter in, pressing your lips together, but it doesn't work.

Lando looks down at the chair like it stole from him, then back at you, unimpressed. "That didn't happen."

That's enough to break it.

You laugh, turning your head slightly as you try to contain it, your hand coming up to your mouth. It's not loud, but it's real, and it lingers just long enough to make him shake his head.

"Alright," he mutters, adjusting the chair again with more control this time. "We're resetting."

You step closer, still smiling as you sit down. "Very smooth."

"I had it," he insists, though there's a smile slipping through. "You distracted me."

"Of course I did."

He exhales through his nose, amused despite himself, before stepping behind you again.

"Wait," he says, gentler this time.

You pause, glancing back at him as he reaches for your coat. The moment shifts slightly as he carefully helps you slide it off your shoulders, his movements slower and more deliberate than before.

"Thank you," you say quietly as he drapes it neatly over the back of your chair.

He nods once, brushing it off like it's nothing before moving around to his own seat. When he sits, he leans back slightly, exhaling like he just completed something far more complicated than it needed to be.

"I think I recovered," he jokes, glancing at you.

You tilt your head, still smiling. "Barely."

"I'm counting it."

A server approaches then, placing menus in front of you both and setting down win glasses with a soft clink. You thank him quietly, and once he steps away again, you open the menu, scanning it for a moment.

You can feel Lando's eyes on you after a second, and when you glance up, he's already watching you with that familiar, amused look.

"What?" You ask.

"I'm waiting," he replies.

"For what?"

"For you to pick something expensive. You warned me."

You raise a brow, leaning back slightly in your chair. "Maybe I will."

"I'm prepared." He says, though the hint of a smile gives him away.

"Are you?"

"No."

That pulls a soft laugh from you, and you look back down at the menu, taking a little more time than before. The options are definitely on the higher end, enough to make you hesitate before settling on something.

"Okay," you say after a moment, glancing up again. "This is a lot of pressure."

"I told you," he replies. "This is a serious night."

"You're the one who insisted on 'real napkins.'"

"Cloth napkins," he corrects, completely serious. "Important detail."

You shake your head, smiling as you tell him what you're thinking of ordering. He listens, nodding once as he considers it.

"That sounds good, I might copy you."

"Don't."

"Why not?"

"Because if it's bad, then we both lose."

"That's fair," he admits.

The server returns then, notepad ready, giving you both a polite smile. "Have you decided?"

You nod, sitting up a little straighter. "Yeah, I'll do the seared salmon, and... the roasted vegetables on the side."

"Very good," he says, jotting it down. "And for you?"

Lando glances at the menu one more time like he's double-checking, then looks back up. "I'll go with the filet, medium. And the truffle mashed potatoes."

"Very good, sir." The server replies with a small nod. "I'll have that right out for you."

"Thank you," you both say, almost at the same time.

The server steps away, and you look over at Lando. "You went fancy," you say.

He leans back slightly, folding his arms loosely. "I had to match the vibe."

"The vibe?'

"Yeah," he nods. "You set the tone with salmon."

You shake your head, smiling. 'I don't think that's how that works."

"It is tonight."

The table settles again, the conversation easing back into that comfortable rhythm.

Lando leans forward, resting his arms against the edge of the table. "This is nice," he says, not making a big deal out of it, just letting it sit there.

You glance at him, your expression softening. "It is."

"Yeah," he nods. "No cartoons in the background. No interruptions. No one judging my chair technique."

You smile. "I'm still judging that."

"That's fair."

There's a small pause, one that feels a little more intentional this time.

"Thank you," he adds, quieter now. "For coming out tonight. I know it's not always easy to leave."

Your fingers trace lightly along the edge of the table as you think about that, your gaze dropping for a second before you look back up at him. "It's easier now. With you."

He doesn't respond right away, but something in his expression steadies, like he's holding onto that more than he's letting on.

"That's good," he says finally.

The moment softens, then shifts back into something lighter as the conversation drifts. You talk about small things- Aiden's commentary earlier, the way Lily insisted on the same story again, like it was brand new, little details that feel easy to share now.

At one point, Lando tries to imitate Aiden again, exaggerating his tone just enough to make it ridiculous.

"That was not even close," you say, laughing.

"It's exactly right."

"It's really not."

"You're just used to it."

"You sound like a completely different person."

He leans back, sarcastically offended. "Wow. Okay."

You smile, your laughter softer now but still lingering, and the warmth of the restaurant seems to settle around you even more.

Time passes without either of you really noticing, the conversation filling the space naturally.

After a while, you notice movement near your table, servers weaving between tables, plates balanced carefully in their hands.

Lando glances over his shoulder briefly, then back at you, a small smile forming again. "Alright, moment of truth."

You both sit up slightly without thinking, the conversation pausing as the plates are set down in front of you. The soft clink of silverware and porcelain feels louder up close, even though the restaurant itself stays wrapped in that same quiet hum.

"Seared salmon," the server says as he places your dish down, the faint scent of something warm and buttery rising with it. "And the filet."

Lando's plate is set in front of him next, steam curling faintly upward from the potatoes, the presentation almost too neat to touch.

"Enjoy your meal," the server adds with a polite smile before stepping away again.

For a second, neither of you says anything.

You both just... look at the food.

"Okay," you say slowly, glancing up at him. "This already looks better than anything I've made in the last year."

He lets out a quiet laugh, picking up his fork as he looks down at his plate. "That's a low bar."

"It's really not," you reply. "I tried something new last week and Lily refused to eat it."

"That's how you know it was bad."

"It was not bad," you defend, though you're already smiling. "She just didn't trust it."

"Fair," he says. "I wouldn't trust it either."

You give him a look before cutting into your food, taking a small bite.

There's a pause between the both of you.

Your expression shifts almost immediately. "...Okay," you point your fork at your plate. "That's-"

"Good?" He guesses, already watching your reaction.

"Yeah," you nod, still processing it. "Really good."

He looks down at his own plate, suddenly more interested, and cuts into his filet, taking a bite.

There's a similar pause on his end this time. Then he leans back slightly, eyebrows lifting just a fraction. "Alright."

You smile at that. "Right?"

"Yeah, no that's-" he gestures with his fork. "That's worth it."

"Cloth napkin worth it?" You ask.

"Cloth napkin worth it," he confirms.

You both fall into eating, the conversation weaving in between bites without being forced. It's quieter now, more relaxed, like you've both settled into the night fully.

For a few minutes, it's just that, small comments about the food, the way the flavors actually live up to how they looked, the kind of simple conversation that doesn't need much effort.

At one point, you glance up to catch him already looking up at you.

"What?" You ask, setting your fork down for a second.

He shakes his head lightly, like he's debating whether to say it, then gives in. "Nothing. I just- this is nice."

You tilt your head, a softer smile forming. "You already said that."

"I know," he says. "I meant it the first time too."

You look down for a second, your fingers brushing lightly along the edge of your plate before you look back up at him.

"I'm glad we did this." You admit.

"Me too," he says, and there's no hesitation in it.

You take another bite, then look back up at him. "You're still thinking about the chair thing, aren't you?"

He exhales, shaking his head. "I had one job."

"And you almost had it."

"Almost doesn't count."

"It does in this case. You recovered."

"I appreciate that," he replies, a small smile slipping through. "That means a lot coming from my harshest critic."

"I'm very fair." You chuckle.

"Debatable."

You laugh softly, the sound coming out natural.

The conversation drifts again, touching on smaller things, stories from earlier in the week, something Lily said that stuck with you, the way she's been slowly warming up more and more. You mention how she asked for the story without looking at you first, how that felt different.

He listens when you talk about her, really listens, not just nodding along but actually paying attention in a way that's hard to miss.

"That's good," he says after a moment. "She's getting there."

"Yeah," you nod. "She is."

There's something unspoken in that, something you both understand without needing to lay it out.

He takes another bite, then glances up again, his expression a little more thoughtful this time. "You've done a really good job with her."

The words land softer than you expect. You don't answer right away, your gaze dropping briefly before you look back up at him. "I've tried."

"It shows," he replies simply.

For a second, the rest of the restaurant fades into the background again. The noise is still there, the movement, the soft clinking of glasses, but it feels distant compared to the moment sitting at the table.

You shift slightly in your chair, picking your fork back up, but your expression stays softer now. "Don't get all serious on me," you say lightly, trying to pull it back.

"I'm not," he says, though there's a small smile there. "I can be normal."

"Debatable."

"Wow."

You smile, taking another bite of your food, allowing the moment to ease again, slipping back into something lighter without losing what was there.

Time passes in that quiet, steady way, the plates slowly emptying as the conversation continues. You lean into it without thinking, elbows brushing the table, your voice a little softer than usual, but your laughter coming easier.

At one point, he tells a story that's not even that funny on it's own, but the way he tells it while he's half serious and self-aware makes it impossible not to laugh anyway.

"That did not happen," you say, shaking your head.

"It did."

"No, it didn't."

"You weren't there."

"That's because it didn't happen."

He leans back, mock offended again. "Unbelievable."

You're still smiling, the warmth of it lingering as you look down at your plate again. The food, the conversation, the atmosphere, everything blends together in a way that makes the night feel slower than it actually is.

Eventually, you notice the staff beginning to move a little more deliberately again, clearing nearby tables, resetting others.

Lando leans back in his chair, letting out a quiet breath as he sets his fork down, his hand resting loosely against his stomach.

"Okay," he says, shaking his head once like he's coming to a conclusion. "I'm officially stuffed."

You glance up at him, amused, your own plate nearly finished as you set your fork down too. "Already?"

"That was a lot," he replies, gesturing lightly toward the empty plate in front of him. "I underestimated it."

"You ordered a filet and truffle potatoes." You point out. "What did you think was going to happen?"

"I thought I could handle it," he says, a little defensive, though there's a smile pulling at his mouth. "I was wrong."

You laugh softly, leaning back in your chair as the moment settles, both of you lingering in that comfortable pause that comes after a good meal.

Right on cue, the server returns, stepping up to the table with a polite smile as he begins clearing your plates.

"Can I take these for you?" He asks, already gathering them carefully.

"Yeah, thank you." You say, shifting your glass slightly to give him space.

He stacks the plates neatly, then glances between the two of you. "Can I interest you in any dessert tonight?"

There's barely a second of silence before Lando pops up out of his state. "Yes." The answer comes out with a little more enthusiasm than expected.

You turn to look at him, eyebrows lifting, and then you laugh, the sound warm and surprised.

"I thought you were stuffed."

"I am," he replies, completely unbothered. "That doesn't mean I don't want dessert."

The server smiles slightly, clearly used to this. "We do have a few favorites tonight if you'd like suggestions."

You look over at Lando again, still amused, then back at the server. "We'll share one."

"Good call," Lando adds, nodding once like it's always been the plan.

The server lists off a few options, but one catches both of your attention almost immediately.

"We'll do the chocolate lava cake." You say, glancing at Lando for confirmation.

He nods. "Definitely that one."

"Perfect," the server replies. "I'll have that right out for you."

He steps away again, leaving the table cleared except for your glasses and the quiet anticipation that settles in.

You look at him again, still smiling. "You said that so fast."

"I didn't even think about it," he admits.

"That was obvious."

"Some things don't require thought," he says. "Dessert is one of them."

You shake your head, laughing under your breath, but you don't argue.

The wait isn't long. A few minutes later, the server returns again, placing the dessert carefully in the center of the table. The chocolate lava cake sits warm on the plate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slightly against it, a light drizzle of sauce tying it all together.

"Enjoy," he says, setting down two spoons before stepping away again.

You both look at it for a second.

"Okay," you say quietly. "That looks... really good."

"Yeah," Lando agrees, already reaching for a spoon. "I regret nothing."

"You shouldn't."

He cuts into it first, the center breaking open slightly, warm chocolate spilling out just enough to make it even better.

"That's ridiculous," he mutters, already taking a bite.

You watch his reaction, then take your own, scooping a bit with the ice cream.

"Yeah," you nod.

"Yeah," he echoes, pointing his spoon at the dish. "That's- yeah."

You laugh softly, the two of you falling into an easy rhythm of sharing it, trading small comments between bites, occasionally bumping spoons without meaning to.

At one point, he pauses mid-bite, shaking his head. "This is why I said yes so fast."

"Good instinct."

"Why, thank you."

By the time the plate is nearly empty, you're both leaning back again, the last of the dessert finished between you.

Lando exhales, resting back in his chair, one hand running briefly over his face before dropping again.

"Okay," he says firmly. "Now I'm really done."

You smile, watching him. "Are you sure?'

"Yes," he nods. "Absolutely. No more surprises."

"We'll see."

He shakes his head, but there's a smile there as the server returns one last time, setting the check down on the table.

"I'll take that," Lando says easily, reaching for it before you can even look at it.

"You don't have to-"

He puts a dismissive hand up. "No no no. Don't you even."

You hesitate for a second, then let i go, watching as he pulls out his card and sets it down. The exchange is quick, easy, like he's done it a hundred times before, but there's nothing showy about it.

When the receipt comes back, he signs it, adding a tip before sliding it back into place.

"Alright," he says, standing and grabbing his jacket. "Ready?"

You nod, standing as well, reaching for your coat, but he's already there again, lifting it from the back of your chair.

"Still committing?" You ask.

"Always." He smiles.

He helps you slip it back on, his hands steady, the movement quieter now compared to earlier.

"Thank you," you say softly.

He nods, the two of you walking back through the restaurant, the warmth following you until you reach the door. It opens, and the cool night air meets you again.

Lando leads you toward the car, stepping ahead to reach your door first. He pulls it open, glancing back at you with a knowing look.

"Still excessive?"

"A little," you smile.

"Good."

You slide into the seat, and he closes the door gently before rounding the front of the car. A moment later, he's back in the driver's seat, starting the engine as the quiet hum fills the space.

The drive back feels slower. The city lights pass by in slow streaks, conversation quieter now, not because there's nothing to say, but because it doesn't feel necessary to fill every second.

The car slows as you pull up in front of the building, the familiar shape of it rising above you, all glass and light against the night sky. For a second, neither of you move, the engine still running, the quiet inside the car settling around you again after the drive.

Lando tilts his head at you, a smile tugging on his lips. "Still standing?"

"Barely." You admit, shifting slightly in your seat. "I might need to be carried upstairs."

"Yeah?" He says, unbuckling his seatbelt. "I'll consider it."

"You won't."

"Maybe," he says, pushing the door open. "Wouldn't want my princess falling down now, would we?"

You laugh under your breath as he steps out, already moving around the front of the car again before you can reach the handle.

"You're very consistent." You say, looking up at him.

"I said I was committing," he replies, offering his hand.

You take it, letting him help you out, your heels settling against the pavement as you straighten. His hand lingers just a second longer than necessary before he lets go, like it notices it at the same time you do.

"Thank you," you say quietly.

He nods, brushing it off. "C'mon, before you actually make me carry you upstairs."

"Tempting," you murmur as you fall into step beside him.

"You'd regret it. Halfway through, minimum."

You smile under your breath as you walk inside together, the lobby quieter now than before, lights dimmed slightly, and everything wrapped in that late-night stillness. The receptionist gives you a small nod as you pass, and you return it absently as you head toward the elevators.

Your footsteps echo softly across the polished floor, slower now, more relaxed than earlier. When you reach the elevator, you press the button and lean back lightly against the wall, exhaling.

"That was a good call." Lando says after a moment, glancing over at you.

"What was?"

"The restaurant. You did well."

You look at him, a smile forming. "You doubted me."

"I was cautious." He corrects.

"You always say that."

"It's accurate."

The elevator dings, the doors sliding open smoothly before you both step inside. The ride up is quiet, but not empty. There's something softer sitting between you, something settled from the night that doesn't need to be said out loud.

When the doors open onto your floor, you step out together, the hallway stretching ahead. Your steps fall into rhythm without thinking, unhurried as you make your way back to your apartment.

You reach your door, pulling your keys out and unlocking it, the soft click sounding louder than it should in the quiet.

You pause almost immediately when the door opens.

The living room lamp is on, casting a warm glow across the floor, and the TV flickers softly against the walls. The sound is low, but unmistakable, filling the apartment in a way that doesn't match what you expected to come home to.

You step inside slowly, brows pulling together. "That's... weird."

Lando follows just behind you, the door closing quietly as his attention shifts toward the living room as well. "Did you leave it on?"

"No," you say, moving further in. "Not like this."

You round the corner past the French doors, coming to an immediate stop.

Aiden is sitting on the couch like he's been there a while, leaning back with one arm draped along the backrest, completely at ease. And Lily is sitting on his leg, fully upright, very much awake, her small frame balanced like she's claimed the spot as her own.

The TV light flickers across her face as she watches it, focused, her attention completely locked in. In her hands, she's holding one of her sippy bottles, tipping it slightly as she drinks, pausing every few seconds like she's multitasking between the show and the milk.

Her bunny is tucked beside her instead of clutched, forgotten for now.

You stand there for a second, taking in the entire scene.

"Aiden," you say, voice flattening as your arms cross slowly. "Why is she up?"

He doesn't even flinch. He looks over at you like nothing about this is unusual, shifting slightly under Lily's weight. "She woke up."

You tilt your head. "And your solution... was this."

He gestures toward her, like he's presenting evidence. "She said she was thirsty."

"And?"

"And then she said she wanted to watch something." He adds, completely serious. "So I handled both like a proper uncle."

"Oh my God," you whisper in defeat.

"It's a good explanation," he insists. "Hydration is important. The key to staying well."

Lily finally notices you then, her attention pulling away from the TV as her eyes land on you. Her face lights up almost instantly, like she forgot she was supposed to be tired.

"You back!" She says, sitting up straighter, her voice bright despite the time of night.

"We are," you say gently, stepping closer. "Why are you still up?"

She shrugs slightly, lifting the bottle again for another sip. "No sleepy."

You glance back at Aiden. "That's what you're going with?"

He nods once, confident. "That's the official story."

"You put on cartoons."

"They're calming. Very relaxing."

You stare at him. Behind you, Lando lets out a quiet laugh, trying not to get involved but clearly entertained by the situation. You look back at him briefly before focusing on Lily again.

"Hey," you say, crouching down in front of her. "It's really late, baby."

She looks at you, then at Lando, then back at you again, like she's checking something important.

"Go to dinner?"

You blink, caught off guard, then nod. "Yeah, we did."

She studies your face for a second, then looks at Lando again, very seriously. "Good?"

Lando smiles, stepping a little closer but keeping his distance. "It was really good."

She nods slowly, like she's processing that, then takes another sip of her milk. "I wait," she adds.

"You waited?" You repeat, softer now.

She nods again, completely casual about it. "I want see you... when you back"

Something in your expression shifts, softening in a way that lingers. You reach up, brushing your hand gently through her hair, smoothing it back from her face.

"You we're supposed to be asleep," you say quietly.

"I no sleepy." She repeats, though it sounds less convincing now.

Aiden clears his throat slightly. "In her defense, she did try."

You glance at him. "For how long?"

"...a few minutes."

You stare a him again.

"She committed," he adds quickly. "It just didn't work out."

Lando huffs another laugh, shaking his head.

You exhale, straightening just a little before looking back at Lily. "Okay... well we're fixing that now."

She doesn't argue, but doesn't move either, just sitting there with her bottle, watching you like she's waiting to see what happens next.

"Are you done with that?" You ask.

She looks down at it, thinking. "Yeah..."

You hold out your hand, and she hands the bottle over without resistance, still watching you closely. You set it aside on the coffee table before reach back for her.

"C'mon," you say softly.

She leans toward you, arms lifting immediately. You pick her up, settling her against your hip, and she melts into you, her energy already starting to dip now that's she's close.

Aiden shifts as the weight of her leaves his leg, stretching slightly. "See? Handled."

"You gave her milk and cartoons," you reply.

"I kept her entertained."

"You avoided putting her back to bed."

He shrugs. "Tomato, tomahto."

"Go to sleep," you tell him, nodding toward the couch.

He glances down at it like he's sizing it up, then flops back dramatically, grabbing one of the throw blankets. "I am going to sleep. Right here. Front row seat if she escapes again."

"That's not reassuring."

"It should be." He insists, already pulling the blanket over himself. "I'm very alert when I'm asleep."

"That's now how that works."

"It is for me."

Lando lets out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he watches Aiden settle in like he's completely done for the night.

Aiden points lazily in his direction without sitting back up. "Don't encourage her. I did great."

"Debatable." Lando replies easily.

"Unbelievable," Aiden mutters, shifting onto his side and tucking the blanket under his shoulder like he's already halfway asleep.

The apartment quiets a little after the, the TV still playing softly in the background, though now it feels more like background noise than anything else. Lily shifts in your arms, her head turning slightly as she looks between you and Lando.

"Pretty," she says suddenly.

You blink, caught off guard, then smile. "Thank you baby."

She nods, then leans her head against your shoulder, though she's still awake enough to glance at Lando again. "You pretty," she adds, pointing to him.

Lando pauses, clearly not expecting that, then smiles. "Thanks, Lil."

You glance at him, something softer passing between you again before you look back toward the hallway. "Alright, bedtime. For real this time."

She doesn't argue, just wraps her arms a little tighter around your shoulders as you walk toward her bedroom.

The light in there is already on, spilling ot into the hallway as you open the door and shuffle in.

You ease Lily down onto the mattress carefully, one hand still resting lightly on her back as if letting go too quickly might wake her again. The nightlight casts a soft glow across her room, just enough to see the way her lashes rest against her cheeks, her breathing already evening out.

You pull the blanket up over her, smoothing it down slowly, your fingers brushing over the fabric more than necessary. She shifts slightly, her hand curling near the face, bunny tucked close again like it found its place without help.

"You stayed up just to see me?" You murmur quietly.

Her eyes don't open this time, but her lips move just enough. "Yeah."

Something in your chest tightens and softens all at once. You lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering there for just a second before pulling back. "Next time, you sleep. I'll still be here."

She doesn't answer, already gone.

You stay there a second longer, making sure she's settled. Then you straighten slowly, turning toward the doorway where Lando still stands.

He hasn't moved much. One shoulder rests lightly against the frame, his hands tucked loosely into his pockets, like he didn't want to interrupt anything. But his eyes are on you, softer than they've been all night.

You step out into the hallway, pulling the door gently behind you, leaving it cracked open slightly.

For a second, neither of you says anything. Then you let out a small breath, almost a laugh under it. "She really stayed up."

"Yeah," he whispers. "She did."

There's a small pause after that, but it's not awkward. Just quiet and comfortable.

You push yourself off the wall after a second, nodding down the hall. "C'mon."

He follows without question, his steps naturally quieter now, like the whole apartment shifted into something softer. The door closes softly behind you, your bedroom dim except for the low light from your bedside lamp.

You move, sitting down at your vanity and unclipping your earrings, setting them carefully on the surface. When you turn back around, Lando's still standing there, watching you in that same quiet way, like he's taking something in he doesn't want to interrupt.

"What?" You ask softly, a small smile pulling at your mouth.

He shakes his head once, stepping a little closer. "Nothing."

You narrow your eyes slightly, not fully convinced. "You keep saying that."

"I mean it," he replies, voice just as quiet. "Just... tonight was great."

Your expression softens a little at that, the edge of your smile fading into something gentler. "Yeah. It was."

There's a pause, one that lingers a little longer this time. Then you reach behind you, unzipping your dress just enough to breathe easier, your shoulders relaxing as the night finally starts to catch up with you. "I'm changing," you mumble, already half turned toward your closet.

He lets out a quiet laugh, turning slightly away out of instinct. "Yeah, I got it."

You disappear for a minute, swapping into something softer, more comfortable, the kind of clothes that feel like home. When you come back out, he's sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, looking up when you reenter.

"Better?"

"Much," you say, moving toward the bed.

You sit beside him, close enough that your knees brush. The quiet wraps around you again, but this time it feels smaller, more contained.

You lean back first, shifting onto the bed and pulling the blanket up slightly. He watches you for half a second before following, lying back beside you, leaving just enough space between you to be respectful, but not enough that it feels distant.

"You're quiet," he says after a moment.

"So are you."

"Fair."

You turn your head slightly, looking at him. He's already looking at you, like he didn't bother pretending otherwise this time.

"You're good with her," you say, your voice quieter now, more thoughtful.

His expression shifts just slightly, like he wasn't expecting that. "I try."

"I know," you reply. "She notices."

He looks down for a second, then back at you, something steadier settling in his expression. "She's easy to care about."

Your chest tightens just a little at that, but in a way that doesn't hurt. "Yeah... she is."

Without thinking about it, you shift a little closer. Not a big movement, just enough that your arm brushes his, that the space between you disappears without it being a thing.

He notices.

You can tell by the way his hand moves, hesitating for a second before settling gently over yours where it rests between you.

You don't pull away. Your fingers shift enough to lace with his.

"Tonight was worth it," he says after a moment, voice low.

You glance at him, a small smile returning. "Even the chair incident?"

He exhales, closing his eyes briefly. "Don't."

You laugh softly, the sound barely above a breath. "It was charming."

"That was not the word you used earlier." He chuckles.

"I'm revising my opinion."

"Convenient."

"Very."

He smiles at that, and for a second, everything feels easy.

You shift a little more, your head finding a comfortable place against his shoulder without really asking. He stills for half a second, then relaxes into it, his free hand adjusting slightly so you're more comfortable.

Neither of you says anything after that. There's nothing you need to say. The quiet stretches, soft and steady, the kind that doesn't feel empty.

-

Morning comes in slowly.

Soft morning light slips in through curtains in soft streaks, stretching across the floor and climbing its way up the bed. The apartment is still for a while, no TV, no movement, just the early silence that doesn't last long in a place like this.

Then...

A small tug.

Another one, a little more insistent this time.

Lando shifts slightly, still half asleep, his brows pulling together as his hand moves lazily across the bed, like he's trying to find you without opening his eyes. "Mm-" he murmurs under his breath, voice rough with sleep. "What are you doing..."

The tug comes again.

He exhales quietly, barely lifting his head, still not fully awake. "It's too early..." He mutters, reaching blindly again, fully expecting to find you standing beside him.

But the fabric pulls again, smaller hands this time.

He pauses, eyes cracking open slowly, unfocused at first as the light hits them, and he turns his head just enough to actually look, immediately freezing.

Lily is standing at the side of the bed, both hands gripping the edge of his shirt, her hair messy from sleep, her eyes wide and very awake.

"Lando," she whispers loudly, which isn't really much of a whisper. "Morning."

There's a split second where his brain catches up. Then his entire expression changes.

The groggy confusion softens into something gentler almost instantly, his voice dropping as he pushes himself up just enough to look at her properly. "Hey- hey," he whispers, bringing a finger up slightly. "Shh, baby, quiet-"

She leans closer like that helps, still holding onto his shirt. "It morning." She repeats, somehow quieter but still very much awake.

"I know," he murmurs, glancing over his shoulder quickly.

You're still asleep. Curled slightly into the pillow, completely unaware of what's happening next to you.

He looks back at Lily, lowering his voice even more. "We gotta be quiet, yeah?"

She nods seriously. "Okay..."

He shifts carefully, reaching out for her, his hands gentle as he lifts her up from the floor and onto the bed. She settles beside him easily, like she's done it a hundred times, immediately turning and snuggling into his side.

He adjusts the blanket so it doesn't move too much, then leans over to grab the TV remote from the nightstand.

"What do you wanna watch?" He asks softly.

she thinks about it for a second, brows pulling together. "Movie."

"Yeah?" He nods, turning the TV on low, the screen lighting up. "No cartoons?"

She shakes her head. "No cartoons."

He huffs a small, amused breath. "Alright. No cartoons." He scrolls for a moment before settling on Toy Story. The volume stays low, barely more than a background hum, just enough to fill the silence without disturbing anything else in the room.

Lily watches the screen light up like it's the best part of her morning already.

She scoots a little closer to him, shifting under the blanket without asking, settling in like she belongs there. Her attention bounces between the TV and him every few second like she doesn't want to miss either.

"It morning," she whispers again, softer this time but still full of excitement, like the idea hasn't worn off yet.

He glances down at her, a faint smile pulling at his expression s he relaxes back into the headboard. "Yeah, it is."

"I wake up," she continues, words spilling out in quiet little bursts, her fingers fidgeting lightly with the edge of the blanket. "And I go here."

"I noticed," he says, the hint of amusement still there as he shifts slightly to get more comfortable beside her.

She nods, like that checks out, like she's proud of her sequence of events. "I quiet."

He raises an eyebrow just slightly, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "You were..." he pauses, considering it carefully, "...almost quiet."

She tilts her head, thinking about that. "I try..."

"I know you did," he replies gently, nudging her lightly with his shoulder in a way that makes it feel like he's letting her win.

She smiles at that, small and pleased, before turning back to the TV for a second like she's checking on it. It only lasts a moment before she's look back at him again, clearly not done talking.

"Wake mommy up?" She whispers, voice dipping a little softer now as she tries her best to look past Lando in your direction.

Lando follows her gaze, eyes moving over to where you're still asleep, curled slightly into the pillow, completely undisturbed. His expression shifts without him realizing it, softening just a little more as he watches you for a second.

Then he looks back at Lily, shaking his head slightly. "Not yet."

"Why?" She asks, her voice quieter now, curiosity replacing excitement just slightly as she leans closer to him.

"She's really tired." He explains, keeping his voice low. "That's why she's still sleeping."

Lily looks over at you, studying you like she's trying to understand that. "No sleep?"

"She did," he says softly. "Just not enough."

She nods slowly, taking that in, accepting it without question. her small hand shifts, resting lightly against his arm like she needs something steady to hold onto while he processes it.

"Okay..."

They both turn back toward the TV after that, letting the quiet settle for a moment. The movie plays softly in the background, filling the space just enough to keep it from feeling empty.

It doesn't last long.

"You like morning?" She asks suddenly, her voice hushed but full of curiosity again, like her brain moved on already.

He glances down at her, a small smile forming again as he shifts slightly against the pillows. "Sometimes."

"Sometime?" She asks, tilting her head again.

"Sometimes I'm really tired." he admits, voice still low and easy.

She nods immediately, like that makes perfect sense. "I no tired."

"I can tell," he says, a quiet laugh under his breath.

She adjusts the blanket around herself, tucking it in a little tighter like she's settling in properly now. "I like morning."

"Yeah?"

She nods, more confident. "I do stuff."

"That's true."

"Eat pancakes." She adds quickly, like she almost forgot the best part.

"That's definitely the best part," he agrees.

She smiles at that, clearly satisfied with his answer, before turning her attention back to the screen again. This time she lasts a little longer, actually watching, her body relaxing more into his side.

Lando leans back more fully now, his posture easing as he settles into the moment. His hand rests loosely near hers on top of the blanket, close enough that she can reach him.

After a minute, she does. Her fingers hook lightly around the fabric of his sleeve, a small, absent gesture like she just wants to make sure he's still there.

"Lando," she whispers.

"Yeah?" He replies immediately, glancing down at her again.

She tilts her head slightly, studying him like she's trying to figure something out. There's a small pause, like she's deciding how to ask it.

"...are the cloud... heavy?" She asks finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

He blinks once, clearly not expecting that. "...clouds?" He repeats quietly, a small smile already starting to form.

She nods, very serious. "Yes. If one... fall. You get squished?"

That does it.

He lets out a soft, quiet laugh, quickly pressing his lips together like he's trying not to make too much noise. His shoulders shake just slightly, and he turns his head away for a second, collecting himself.

"You're asking the important questions this morning, huh?" He murmurs, glancing back at her.

"Will it?" She presses, her fingers tightening just a little on his sleeve.

He exhales softly, trying to answer properly now, lowering his voice again. "No, they wouldn't squish you."

Her brows pull together. "Why?"

"Because they're not... solid," he explains, thinking it through as he speaks. "They look big and fluffy, but they're mostly just... water. Like tiny drops."

She processes that, her eyes drifting upward like she's imagining it.

"Like... air?"

"Yeah, kind of like air."

She considers that, her expression serious in a way only she can manage. "If one fall..."

"You'd just get wet." He finishes.

There's a pause, then she nods. "Oh."

Her grip on his sleeve loosens a little, like the problem has officially been solved.

He watches her for a second, the smile still lingering on his face, softer now. "You worried about that happening?"

She shrugs a little. "Yes..."

He huffs a quiet breath, shaking his head slightly. "You're safe. No clouds are falling through the ceiling."

She glances up at the ceiling instantly, just to double check. "...okay."

He follows her gaze for a second, then looks back down at her, the corner of his mouth still lifted.

"You've got a lot going on up there, huh?" He murmurs lightly, tapping the side of her head with a finger.

She smiles at that, small and quick, before leaning her head back against his arm again, more relaxed now.

The room settles again, softer this time.

The TV continues to flicker quietly, the light shifting across the walls in slow patterns. Lily's energy dips just slightly, not sleepy, but calmer now, her earlier excitement easing into something quieter.

Lando leans back a little more into the headboard, careful not to move too much, his arm staying exactly where it is so she doesn't lose that contact.

After a minute, she speaks again, but this time it's softer, almost like she's talking more to herself.

"I like morning," she whispers.

He glances down at her. "Yeah?"

She nods, her voice small. "Everyone come back."

Something about that makes him pause. His expression shifts just slightly, but enough.

"Yeah, they do."

She hums, like that's enough, like that answer sits right with her. Her fingers curl lightly into the fabric of his shirt again as the quiet stretches again after that.

Eventually, the stillness begins to shift. Not from them, but from you.

There's a small movement beside him, subtle at first. A shift against the pillow, your hand adjusting slightly under the blanket. Your breathing changes just enough to be noticeable, caught between sleep and waking.

Lily notices immediately. Her head lifts just a little, her eyes flicking toward you before darting back to Lando, wide and questioning, like she's asking permission without saying a word.

He glances over too, his gaze settling on you for a second as he watches you stir. Then he looks back at her, giving a small, almost amused shake of his head.

Wait.

She presses her lips together, trying very hard to stay quiet, though the excitement is already creeping back in the way she shifts.

You move again, a little more this time, your hand sliding across the blanket as your brows pull together faintly. The light filters in softer now that your eyes are opening, your vision blurred at the edges as you try to make sense of what's going on.

The quiet hum of the TV reaches you first. And then the voices. Soft and close.

Lily notices immediately. Her whole body perks up, head turning quickly toward you before she looks back at Lando, eyes wide like she's holding something in.

She leans in closer to him, lowering her voice even more. "See mommy?" She whispers, barely containing the excitement in it.

Lando glances from her to you, watching the way you're still waking up, not fully there yet. There's a small smile pulling at his mouth, like he already knows what's about to happen. "Yeah... gently."

That's all the permission she needs. She shifts immediately, scrambling up onto her knees and then over him in a hurry, her small hands pressing into the mattress as she carefully climbs across his lap. Her knee bumps lightly into his side, then her hand presses against his shoulder for balance as she leans over him.

"Careful-" he murmurs under his breath, one hand hovering near her back, though he doesn't stop her.

She crawls the last bit of space between you, the blanket bunching slightly under her as she reaches your side. There's no hesitation, she just climbs right in, her small body settling next to you like it's exactly where she's supposed to be.

"Hi," she whispers, but it comes out brighter than that, like she forgot to keep quiet halfway through.

You blink again, your eyes finally focusing as her face comes into view, way closer than you expected.

Your expression shifts from confusion to something softer. "Hi..." you mumble back, voice still heavy with sleep.

She smiles immediately. "You wake," she says, quieter but still full of excitement, her hand reaching out to touch your arm like she needs to make sure.

"Yeah," you murmur, letting your head sink a little deeper into the pillow as you look at her. "I think I am."

Behind her, Lando watches the whole thing, still half-reclined against the headboard, one arm resting where she left it. There's something quiet in his expression, something soft and steady as he looks between the two of you.

Lily shifts closer to you, pressing into your side without hesitation, her head resting lightly against your shoulder. "We watch movie."

You glance over her head toward Lando, one brow lifting slightly. "Oh, did you?"

He lifts a hand slightly in defense, a small smile tugging at his mouth. "It was her idea."

"No cartoon." Lily adds quickly.

You huff a soft laugh. "Wow, big decision."

She nods, very serious about it.

You let your eyes close for just a second, not fully going back to sleep, just resting there, taking in the warmth of her tucked right against you, the quiet presence of him still on the other side.

When you open them, Lily is still watching you. "Still tired?"

"A little," you admit, voice quiet.

"She said you were," Lando adds, nodding slightly toward Lily.

You glance at him. "You're talking about me.?"

"Only good things," he says easily.

"A lot about... you sleepy." Lily clarifies.

"Very exciting." You murmur.

She smiles again, clearly not catching the sarcasm, then shifts slightly like she's getting comfortable. "Pancakes?" She asks, looking between both of you now like she needs full approval.

You let out a small breath that turns into a quiet laugh. "You're really set on that, huh?"

"And strawberry." She adds.

"And syrup," Lando says from behind her.

She nods immediately. "And syrup."

You glance over at him, something amused in your expression. "You're encouraging this."

"I'm supporting a very solid breakfast plan." He replies.

You shake your head slightly, but there's no real resistance in. "Okay, we'll make pancakes."

Lily lights up again, her entire face brightening as she pushes herself up slightly on her hands. "Now?"

You quint your eyes slightly. "Give me like... two minutes."

She considers that. "...one minute," she negotiates.

Lando lets out a quiet laugh, shifting slightly as he sits up more. "She's already compromised."

You smile, shaking your head. "Alright. One minute."

"Okay," she says, satisfied, settling back down.

There's a small pause after that, the three of you just there. Lily tucked into your side, half under the blanket. Lando still on the other side, watching with that same quiet softness he hasn't really shaken all morning.

You glance at him again, your expression softening just slightly, something unspoken passing between you.

He catches it. There's a small nod like he understands it without needing to say anything.

Lily shifts again between you, her hand reaching back blindly until it finds his sleeve again, grabbing onto it lightly while still pressed against you. Like she needs both of you there.

"Okay," you say finally, pushing yourself up a little more, your arm wrapping loosely around her. "Let's go make your pancakes before you fire us."

"I will," he says immediately.

"I know you would."

Lando shakes his head, smiling to himself as he swings his legs over the side of the bed. "Tough crowd."

Lily giggles at that, already climbing off the bed again, her energy fully back now that the day has officially started.

The three of you spill out of the bedroom slowly, the quiet of the morning breaking just a little more with each step. Lily moves ahead, already energized, her small feet padding quickly across the floor like she has somewhere important to be.

You follow at a slower pace, still waking up, one hand dragging lightly along the wall as you go. Lando walks beside you, unhurried, his shoulder brushing yours once before he adjusts slightly, like he noticed it and didn't want to make a thing of it.

The apartment feels different in the morning, lighter, softer, the early sunlight stretching across the floors, catching on edges of furniture and making everything feel warmer than it did the night before.

Lily disappears into the living room without a word, and you and Lando step into the kitchen, naturally stopping at the island, both of you leaning slightly against it as you look out toward where she went. There's a quiet pause between you, neither of you speaking yet, both... watching.

Aiden is exactly where he was. Curled up on the couch, blanket half twisted around him, one arm hanging off the side like he gave up halfway through getting comfortable.

And Lily is standing right in front of him. Completely still.

She doesn't say anything at first. She just stands there, feet planted, hands at her sides, staring at him like she's studying something important. Her eyes blink slowly, once... then again.

You quint slightly, watching her. "...what is she doing?" you murmur under your breath.

Lando leans forward just a little, resting his forearms against the counter, his gaze fixed on her too. "I don't know." He says quietly, like he's trying not to interfere.

Lily doesn't move. Another second passes. Then another. She leans forward just slightly, like she's getting a better look.

"AHH!"

Her voice cuts through the apartment, loud and sharp and sudden.

Aiden jolts awake instantly, his entire body jerking as he bolts upright, the blanket falling halfway off him as his eyes fly open in confusion.

"What-!" he chokes out, completely disoriented, looking around like he just got dropped into the situation.

You laugh immediately, the sound escaping before you can stop it, your hand coming up to cover your mouth as you lean slightly into the counter.

Lando loses it a second later, a quiet but genuine laugh slipping out as he ducks his head, shaking it like he saw it coming but still wasn't prepared for it.

Lily just stands there, completely unfazed. "Morning." She says, perfectly calm.

Aiden blinks at her, still trying to catch up, his hair sticking up in every direction as he stares. "Why- why would you do that?" He asks, voice rough with sleep and confusion.

She tilts her head slightly. "Sleeping."

"I know I was sleeping!" She says, dragging a hand down his face. "That's the problem!"

"No wake up," she explains, like that justifies everything.

"I didn't need to wake up like that!" he groans, falling back slightly against the couch before pushing himself upright again.

From the kitchen, Lando is still laughing under his breath, turning slightly toward you as he reaches for one of the cabinets. "Effective, though."

You shake your head, still smiling as you grab a bowl from the counter. "She's learning from someone."

"Not me," he says quickly.

"Debatable."

Behind you, Aiden points vaguely in your direction without even looking. "This is your fault." He calls out. "Both of you."

"She said morning," you reply, glancing over your shoulder. "That's polite."

"That was not polite!" He argues.

Lily climbs up onto the couch beside him now, completely settled like nothing unusual happened. "I say morning... after." She adds.

Lando huffs another laugh, grabbing the pancake mix and setting it on the counter. "That counts."

"It does not!" Aiden insists.

You shake your head, pouring the mix into the bowl as Lando reaches for the milk. "You survived."

"Barely."

Lily leans into him slightly, like she's already moved on. "We make pancakes."

Aiden pauses, blinking at that as he looks down at her. "We are?"

"With strawberries."

"And syrup." Lando adds from the kitchen.

Aiden glances over at the two of you, still half asleep but clearly trying to piece together how he got here. "What time is it?"

"Morning." Lily answers.

"That's not helpful."

You smile to yourself as you start mixing, the sound of the whisk soft against the bowl. Lando moves beside you easily, grabbing things without needing to ask, like he already knows where everything it.

"Do you want some?" You call out.

Aiden looks down at Lily, then back at you, then at Lily again. "Do I have a choice?"

"No." Lily answers.

He sighs, leaning back into the couch. "Then yeah. I want some."

"Good answer," Lando says, glancing over with a small grin before turning back to the counter.

The kitchen fills with quiet movement, the soft clink of utensils, the low murmur of conversation, the warmth of something starting to cook.

In the living room, Lily starts telling Aiden something in a hushed, excited voice, probably about the movie or the clouds, or both at the same time. He listens, still waking up, his responses slower but there.

The batter settles into a smooth rhythm under your hand, the quiet scrape of the whisk against the bowl blending with the soft hum of the morning. Lando stands beside you, sleeves pushed up slightly, focused in that half-serious way he gets when he's pretending to know exactly what he's doing.

"Okay," he says, glancing at the pan as it heats. "I've got this part."

You pause mid-stir, giving him a look. "Do you?"

He nods once, confident. "Yeah. Pancakes are easy."

"That sounds like something someone says right before they mess it up."

"I'm offended," he replies, already reaching for the pan. "Watch and learn."

You step back slightly, folding your arms as you lean against the counter, entertained. "Alright, I'm watching."

He pours the batter carefully, and the pancake spreads unevenly before settling into something that almost resembles a circle. He glances over at you like he's waiting for approval.

"See? Perfect."

You tilt your head, squinting slightly. "This is... definitely a shape."

"It's a circle."

"It's trying to be a circle."

He shakes his head, grabbing the spatula as he waits a second before flipping it. The pancake lifts, then folds slightly mid-air before landing crooked in the pan.

You laugh immediately, the sound slipping out before you can stop it. "Oh my god-"

"I had it," he insists quickly, even as he tries to fix it.

"You did not have it."

"It was intentional," he says, adjusting it like that proves his point.

"Yeah?" You raise an eyebrow. "What part?"

"The... design." he says, clearly making it up now.

You laugh again, softer this time, stepping forward as you reach for the spatula. "Give me that before you ruin breakfast."

"I'm doing fine," he protests, but he lets you take over anyway, leaning back slightly as he watches you fix it.

"You're making abstract pancakes." You say, smoothing the edges.

"They have character."

"They have issues."

He laughs, shaking his head as he leans his hip against the counter beside you. There's something easy in the moment, something quiet and familiar in the way you move around each other without thinking.

"Alright," he admits after a second. "Maybe you handle the cooking."

"Smart choice."

"I'll supervise."

"That's not helping."

"It's moral support." He says, glancing at you with a small grin.

You look at him, smiling. "You're unbelievable."

"And yet," he shrugs lightly. "You let me stay."

There's a small pause, softer than before, the kind that lingers just a second longer than expected. You look back at the pan, flipping another pancake with ease, but the hint of a smile stays.

In the living room, Lily's voice drifts in and out as she talks to Aiden, her words quick and excited while his responses are slower.

"Okay," you say after a minute, setting the last pancake onto the plate. "We're done."

"Finally," Aiden calls out from the living room, his voice still rough.

"Relax," you shoot back, grabbing plates. "You didn't do anything."

"I supported emotionally."

Lando snorts, grabbing the syrup and setting it on the table. "Important role."

You start plating the pancakes, stacking them neatly and adding strawberries on top while Lando moves around the kitchen easily, setting things out.

"Breakfast!" You call.

Lily is off the couch instantly, her feet hitting the floor as she rushes over, her energy still fully intact. She climbs into her chair first, sitting for half a second before her eyes flick over to Lando.

He's already seated, adjusting his plate, not really paying attention. Lily looks back at her chair again. Then back at him.

Decision made.

She slides off her chair and walks around the table, climbing up onto his lap without hesitation. Her hands press lightly against his shoulder as she settles, turning so she can still see the table.

He freezes for half a second, clearly not expecting it, his hands hovering awkwardly before he exhales quietly. "Hi..." He says, glancing down at her.

She looks up at him like nothing about this is unusual. "Hi."

You watch from the counter, a small smile forming as you carry the plates over. "You've been chosen."

"Apparently." He replies, adjusting slightly so she's comfortable, one arm coming around her naturally now.

She leans back into him without thinking, already focused on the pancakes like that was the goal the whole time.

Aiden finally drags himself into the kitchen, dropping into a chair with a tired groan as he runs a hand through his hair. "I feel like i got hit by something."

"You got woken up," you say, setting plates down.

"I got attacked."

Lily looks at him. "I say morning."

"You yelled morning."

"Same."

"It's not the same thing," he mutters, reaching for the syrup.

Lando glances at you briefly, a quiet smile still there before he looks back down at Lily. "Alright, what's the plan?"

"Strawberry," she says immediately, already reaching.

"Good call," he nods, helping her by sliding the plate closer and cutting a piece for her.

She eats happily, completely content, occasionally leaning back against him as she focuses on her food. You finally sit down across from them, picking up your fork as you watch the way they settle into it easily.

Aiden takes a bite, pausing for a second before nodding. "...okay, this is quite good."

"Obviously."

"I'm surprised."

"Rude."

Lando glances at you, lowering his voice slightly. "For the record, I contributed."

"You flipped one pancake."

"I flipped it well."

You give him a look, and he smiles.

Lily looks between the two of you, chewing thoughtfully. "You funny."

"That's what I've been saying," Lando replies.

The conversation drifts, small comments, quiet jokes, Lily chiming in whenever she feels like it while Aiden slowly wakes up beside her. It's not loud or chaotic, just steady and easy, the kind of morning that doesn't need anything more.

At one point, Lily shifts again on Lando's lap, leaning back into him as she eats. He adjusts without thinking, steadying her plate with one hand while keeping his arm around her with the other.

Breakfast winds down slowly, not all at once but in pieces. Plates empty, forks set down, syrup bottles pushed aside while Lily finishes the last of her strawberries.

Aiden leans back in his chair with a quiet groan, rubbing his face. "I'm not moving for at least ten minute," he mutters, though he's already reaching for his phone.

"You say that every time." You smile, stacking a couple of plates as you stand.

"And every time I mean it."

"You're about to go play something," you point out.

He pauses. "...maybe," he admits.

Lando huffs a laugh, glancing at you as he starts gathering the rest of the dishes. "Predictable."

"Consistent," Aiden corrects, pushing himself up anyway. He grabs the remote on his way past lily, ruffling her hair lightly as he goes. "Don't break anything."

"No," she says, already distracted, swinging her legs under the table.

"You say that too confidently." He mutters as he disappears into the living room.

You shake your head, carrying the plates to the sink while Lando follows behind you with the rest. The kitchen settles into a quieter rhythm again, the clink of dishes and the rush of water replacing the conversation from before.

"I'll wash," you say, turning the faucet on.

"I'll dry," he replies easily, grabbing a towel like he's already decided.

You glance at him briefly, a small smile pulling at your mouth. "You're really committing to this whole helpful thing."

"I told you, moral support."

"That's not what this is."

You laugh softly under your breath, shaking your head as you start rinsing plates. The water runs warm over your hands, the simple motion grounding in a way that feels easy after the morning you've had.

Behind you, the living room fills with the low sound of a game starting up, faint gunfire, muted voices, the rhythm of Aiden settling into something he can zone out to.

Lily's voice drifts in and out too, quieter now, more to herself than anyone else. The soft thud of toys, the occasional hum of imagination taking over.

You glance over your shoulder briefly, just to check.

She's on the floor, surrounded by a small pile of toys, focused on whatever world she's building. Aiden sits on the couch, controller in hand, attention locked on the screen, only half-aware of anything else.

It's calm.

You turn back to the sink, handing a plate next to you without looking. Lando takes it easily, drying it and setting it aside, the two of you falling into a rhythm without needing to talk about it.

"Careful," he says after a second, glancing at the soap slipping slightly in your hand.

"I'm fine," you reply.

"You almost dropped it."

"I didn't."

"Almost."

You give him a look. "You're very observant today."

"I'm keeping an eye on things."

"Clearly."

There's a small pause, something light lingering in the air again before you both fall quiet, just working through the dishes.

Then-

A thud. It's not loud, but it's enough to break the rhythm.

You both pause slightly, but before you can even turn-

"Lando!"

Lily's voice cuts through the apartment, her voice cracking as it comes out, high and squeaky, like it caught in her throat halfway through.

"Lando-!" she calls again, her voice smaller the second time, like she's right on the edge of tears.

Lando doesn't hesitate. He sets the dish down immediately, the towel slipping from his hand onto the counter as he turns, already moving out of the kitchen.

You don't follow, you stay where you are, hands still for just a second in the warm water, your breath catching. But you don't move. You know he's got it.

You hear his footsteps, quick but controlled against the floor, then the soft shift as he drops down in front of her.

Lily is sitting on the floor where she fell, her legs tucked awkwardly under her, one hand gripping her knee tightly. Her bunny off to the side, forgotten, and her eyes glossy, her bottom lip trembling as she tries not to cry.

Aiden already has his game paused. "What happened?"

"I- I fall," she says, voice small and uneven now, her eyes immediately finding Lando as he kneels in front of her.

"Hey, hey," he says softly, voice dropping right away as he reaches for her. "You're okay."

From the kitchen, you close your eyes for just a second at the sound of his voice, soft and calm, and your shoulder ease slightly before you open them again, your hands moving automatically as you rinse the plate.

She nods, but it's shaky, her grip tightening slightly as she leans toward him. "I got boo boo."

"Alright," he murmurs, carefully checking her knee. There's a small scrape, not bad, but enough to sting, enough to matter. He leans closer to her, the way his hand steadier her without making a big deal of it.

"That's a serious one," he says gently, just enough weight in his tone to make her feel like he understands. "We should probably fix that."

She nods quickly, leaning into him more now. "I- I fall down," she starts again, then stops, breathing unevenly. "I fall..."

"I know," he says gently. "You're okay."

That doesn't land right away though.

Her hand is still tight on her knee, fingers curled like she's bracing it. "It hurt." She says suddenly, more honest now that he's there. "It hu- hurt Lando."

"I no run" she blurts suddenly, still crying but trying to explain to the best of her ability. "I not- I- I go and then- I fall."

"I know," he says again, steady and immediate. "I believe you."

The lands a little differently. Not fully fixing the problem, but easing something in her expression slightly.

He shifts carefully then, one arm sliding under her with slow, controlled movement, giving her enough time to react without surprising her.

"Alright," he murmurs. "I'm going to pick you up, yeah? Just so we can sit somewhere better."

She shakes her head quickly, panic flickering again. "No- no- wait,"

"I've got you," he repeats, firmer but still calm. "You're not going anywhere, I'm just moving you."

Her arms go around his shoulder automatically, still tight, still unsure, but trusting the hold anyway. The second he lifts her, she lets out a small sound, a half-gasp and a half broken "ow" as her leg shifts slightly in the movement.

"I know," he says, tightening his grip just enough to steady her without jostling her. "I know, I've got you. It's okay."

She buries her face closer into him after that, breath still uneven, clinging like she's trying to anchor herself.

"I no like it," she mumbles into his shirt, voice muffled and small.

"I know," he says again, moving carefully toward the kitchen counter.

You're already there by the time they reach it, opening the drawer without a word and sliding the box forward so he can take it, not interrupting the moment but staying part of it in the background.

He sets her gently on the counter, staying close enough that she doesn't feel like she's being let go of.

"Okay," he says softly, glancing at the box. "Which one would you like?"

She sniffles, still holding onto his shirt with one hand while looking down through blurry eyes, trying to focus past it. "...that one," she says after a second, pointing.

"Peppa Pig?" He checks gently.

A small nod follows. "She... nice."

"She is," he agrees.

He opens it slowly, the soft sound of the packaging breaking the quiet without rushing anything. Everything he does now is measured, deliberate, matching her pace instead of trying to move past it.

"Okay," he says after a moment, voice even softer. "This might sting a little bit, alright?'

She hesitates, fingers tightening on his shirt again. "No... no boo boo," she says quickly.

"I know. Just a little and then it's done." He replies.

The reassurance holds her still enough.

The moment the bandage touches her knee, she flinches sharply again. "Ah!" she gasps, shoulders lifting suddenly. "Ow-"

"I've got it," he says quickly, not letting the moment stretch out. "It's almost done, I promise."

Her breathing shakes through it, but she doesn't pull away, just grips his shirt tighter.

When he smooths it down and pulls his hand away, the space settles again. "There," he says softly. "All done."

She looks down, blinking hard, still sniffling, focusing on the bandage like she needs to confirm it's real. "...better?"

"It's better." He confirms.

She studies it a little longer, then slowly shifts forward again, resting her head against his shoulder like she's testing whether everything is stable again.

"I no like falling," she says quietly.

"I don't blame you," he replies just as softly.

From the couch, Aiden's voice cuts in again, lighter now that everything has settled. "You good?"

Lily sniffles once, still leaning into Lando. "I fall..."

"...yeah, we caught that part," Aide replies.

That finally gets a small, shaky laugh out of her.

Lando doesn't rush her out of it. His hand stays steady against her back, slow, absent circles that match the rhythm of her breathing as it finally starts to even out. She stays tucked into him for another second longer than she needs, small fingers still holding onto his shirt like she's hasn't decided to let go yet.

Then, carefully, she lifts her head. Her eyes flick down to the bandage again, studying it one more time like she's making sure it's still there, still doing its job. Her lip isn't trembling anymore, just a little pouty now, like the worst of it has passed.

"...it there," she says quietly.

He glances down, nodding. "It's not going anywhere."

She considers that, then leans forward just enough to press a quick, soft kiss right over the Peppa Pig bandage, like that seals it.

"Okay."

His mouth curves a little at that, something soft and quiet in the way he looks at her. "You're all better now?"

She nods, slower this time. Then after a second, she shifts again, one hand sliding down from his shirt, her shoulders loosening, her attention already starting to drift back toward the living room.

But before she pulls away, she pauses.

"...Lando?"

"Yeah?"

There's another soft pause.

"Love you."

Hey my loves! So sorry for the wait! Chapter 12 is here!!!

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[sydwritess]

His One and Only Pt. 12

Pairing: Lando Norris x fem!reader

Summary: finding love was hard. Especially when you had a kid. Once they found out, they ran. But one person in particular decides to stay.

Second Person | w/c: 15.4K

Notes: will be hard to read as a standalone. Part twelve of 'His One and Only'

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Main Masterlist

You stand in front of your mirror, fingers working carefully at the clasp of your earring as you tilt your head slightly. The soft light from your lamp catches along the edge of the diamond, reflecting just enough to make you pause and adjust it once more.

The dress hugs you a little tighter than anything you've worn in a while, black, simple, but fitted in a way that makes you more aware of yourself than usual. It's not uncomfortable, just different. enough to make you check your reflection more than once, smoothing a hand down your side before letting it fall again.

You reach for the second earring, lifting it into place, when something shifts in the mirror behind you.

A shape in the doorway.

Your gaze shifts to Aiden's reflection before you turn around. He's leaning casually against the frame, arms crossed, one shoulder pressed into the wood like he's been standing there long enough to get comfortable. There's a look on his face, too, half-amused, half-judgemental in a way only he can pull off.

You don't turn fully, just glance at him through the mirror. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," he says, pushing off the frame slightly. "Just to watch you check the same earring three times." His words come out long and exaggerated.

You huff a quiet breath, finally turning toward him. "I was not-"

"You were." He cuts in, completely unbothered. Hi gaze flicks over your outfit, taking it in with exaggerated seriousness. "Wow."

You narrow your eyes slightly. "Don't."

"I'm just saying," he continues, holding his hands up like he's being reasonable, "this is... a lot."

"A lot?"

"For a date?" He nods once. "Yeah. This is dangerously close to 'main character in a breakup scene' energy."

You stare at him.

He grins back at you.

You grab the nearest thing off your dresser and toss it in his direction. "Get out."

He catches it easily, still smiling. "I'm kidding. You look nice."

There's a beat.

"He's gonna lose his mind." He mumbles, teasing but still real.

You roll your eyes, but there's something in your expression that gives you away just slightly. "Leave."

He backs toward the door, holding his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll go. Just try not to make it weird when he gets here."

You point toward the hallway. "Go."

He laughs under his breath and disappears, leaving the door half open behind him.

You turn back to the mirror, adjusting a loose piece of hair when you hear a knock come from the front door.

Your hand pauses mid-motion. For a second, you just look at yourself in the mirror, really look. The dress, the earrings, the way your expression shifts when you realize he's here.

"I got it!' Aiden calls from the living room.

Of course he does.

You let out a quiet breath, pressing your lips together as you glance at yourself one more time. You smooth your hands down your sides again, grounding yourself before stepping toward your bedroom door.

The sound of the front door unlocking echoes through the house. Then it opens.

There's a brief pause, long enough to feel intentional.

"Wow."

You close your eyes for half a second, already picturing Aiden's expression without needing to see it.

"Did you plan this," he continues, tone dry with amusement, "or did someone warn you this was a formal interview?"

Lando's voice follows, calm but edged with something faintly amused. "Nice to see you too, Aiden."

You shuffle a little closer down the hallway, quiet enough not to interrupt, but close so you can see them now.

Lando stands just inside the doorway, one hand still near the frame as if he hasn't fully stepped in yet. The white button-up he's wearing is clean and fitted, sleeves rolled just enough to make it look effortless rather than formal. The black dress pants are simple, sharp, and put together in a way that contrasts with the familiarity of your apartment.

Aiden leans casually against the wall across from him, arms crossed, studying him like he's trying to find something to critique.

"I'm serious," Aiden adds, gesturing vaguely toward him. "You look like you're about to either impress someone... or ruin their life."

Lando huffs out a quiet laugh, shifting his weight slightly. "I'll aim for the first one."

"You should." Aiden says. "High stakes tonight."

There's a beat where neither of them speaks, the edge of the teasing softening just slightly.

Then Aiden gives a small nod. "You clean up alright."

Lando glances down at himself briefly, like he's checking. "That almost sounded genuine."

"Don't get used to it."

You can't help the small smile that pulls at your mouth as you finally step fully into the hallway.

The movement draws Lando's attention immediately.

He turns toward you, expression changing before he can hide it.

It's not exaggerated. Not dramatic. Just a quiet shift, like whatever he was about to say gets lost somewhere between seeing you and processing it.

His gaze moves over you slowly, taking in your outfit, the way the dress fits, the way you're standing there like you're half-aware of it yourself. There's something softer underneath it, too, something that lingers a second longer than it needs to.

It makes your chest feel unexpectedly tight.

Aiden notices the silence almost immediately. His eyes flick between the two of you, and then he pushes himself off the wall with a quiet clap of his hands, breaking the moment before it can stretch too far.

"Alright," he says, stepping away, "I'm gonna go check on Lily before this gets weird."

You glance at him. "It's already weird."

"Not my problem." He mutters, disappearing down the hallway.

His footsteps fade, and the apartment settles into something quieter, the kind of quiet that makes everything feel more focused.

Lando steps a little further inside, letting the door fall shut behind him, but he doesn't close the distance completely. He just stands there for a second, like he's still catching up.

Then he exhales softly, the corner of his mouth lifting. "...You look really good."

There's no joke attached this time. No deflection.

You fold your arms loosely, tilting your head just slightly as you look at him. "You hesitated."

"I know," he admits, a small, almost embarrassed smile pulling through. "I had something better in my head, and then I saw you and it just... completely disappeared."

You huff out a quiet laugh, shaking your head. "Convenient."

"Give me a minute, I'll think of something impressive." He says, glancing at you like he might actually try to recover it.

"Don't," you chuckle, the smile lingering. "You'll make it worse."

He lets out a soft laugh at that, the tension easing out of his shoulders a little. "You're making me look underdressed," he adds after a moment, his gaze flicking down to his own outfit before returning to yours. "I should've done more."

"You look good," you reassure. "If you showed up in a tie, I probably would've sent you home."

"Good to know," he says lightly. "I almost did that."

You raise a brow jokingly.

"I'm lying." He adds immediately.

For a moment, silence sits there between you. From down the hall, you can hear Lily's voice faintly, talking about something to Aiden. It's distant, but familiar enough to ground everything again.

Lando glances in that direction briefly, something in his expression shifts, softening in a way that's quiet but unmistakable, and it makes your chest tighten slightly before you even turn to see why.

At the beginning of the hallway, Lily stands there.

The soft glow of her nightlight spills out from her room behind her, outlining her in warm light against the dimness of the rest of the apartment. her pajamas hang a little loose, her hair slightly mussed from being tucked into bed, and her bunny is clutched tightly in her hand like it always is when she's unsure.

Aiden stands behind her, one hand hovering near her shoulder, clearly caught mid-attempt to guide her back to bed.

"Come on, bug," he says quietly, voice low so it doesn't carry too much. "You just got into bed. You gotta stay there."

She shakes her head, stepping forward before he can stop her. "No."

Aiden exhales, dragging a hand down his face as he glances toward you. "You see what I'm dealing with?"

Before you can answer, Lily starts walking toward you, small steps, steady and certain, like she's already decided what matters and what doesn't.

"Hey," you say gently when she reaches you, your voice instinctively softer. You crouch slightly, brushing your fingers lightly over her hair. "What are you doing out of bed?"

She tilts her face up toward you, eyes wide but steady.

"You leave."

You hand lingers for a second longer than it needs to. "We are," you say quietly, tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear. "Just for a little while. We're going to dinner, remember?"

Her gaze flickers, then shifts past you.

Lando has stepped further into the apartment now, he doesn't move too quickly, doesn't crowd the moment.

Lily watches him for a second, like she's still figuring him out even after everything.

"You come back?" She asks.

Her voice is small, careful in a way that makes the question feel bigger than it sounds.

Lando glances at you for half a second, not unsure, but checking. "Yep, but not too late. You'll probably be sleeping when we get back... but early enough that I'll see you in the morning."

She processes that slowly, her fingers tightening slightly around the worn ear of her bunny.

"You read bedtime story?"

The words come out quieter this time, almost hesitant, like he's testing whether she's allowed to ask.

Aiden shifts behind her, already opening his mouth to speak, but Lando answers before he gets the chance.

"Yeah, I'd love to."

Something in Lily's shoulders loosens, just slightly but enough to notice.

You glance at Aiden who lifts his hands in quiet surrender, shaking his head as he shuffles toward the living room. "Alright. I'm out of this one."

"Good," you murmur, turning your attention back to Lily. "One story. Then it's bedtime, okay?"

She nods, already turning, padding back down the hallway.

Lando glances at you as he passes, something quiet and understanding in his expression, something that doesn't need words, before he follows her down the hall.

You stay where you are for a moment, the apartment feeling settled now, the distant city noise barely filtering through the windows, the stretch along the living room.

After a few seconds, you move too. When you reach Lily's room, you don't go all the way in, just stop outside of the doorway, leaning lightly against the frame.

Inside, the room is dim, lit by the soft glow of her nightlight and the faint spill of light from the living room behind you. The door is left cracked open exactly how she likes it, that thin line of light stretching across the floor.

Lily is already in bed, blanket pulled up under her chin, bunny tucked close against her chest.

Lando crouches beside the bed, one knee bent, the other foot planted for balance, the book resting loosely in his hands as he flips through it.

He still looks like he's on his way somewhere else. Button-up crisp, sleeves pushed up, but the way he's settled there makes it feel like it's just as natural.

"Alright," he murmurs, glancing at the index. "Which one am I reading?"

"Bunny one," Lily says, voice already softer.

He smiles faintly, glancing up at her. "You've got a lot of confidence that narrows it down."

She lifts her hand, pointing more insistently. "That one."

"Okay," he says, adjusting the book. "I see it now." He shifts closer to the bed, resting his arm lightly against the mattress as he starts reading. His voice drops without him thinking about it, low and calm, just enough to hold her attention without overwhelming it.

Lily watches him at first. Not the book. Her eyes follow the way his mouth moves, the rhythm of his voice, like she's still getting used to him being here, sitting beside her like it's normal.

Her grip on her bunny starts to slightly loosen, her head sinking deeper into the pillow as the sound of his voice fills the room in an even, gentle rhythm.

You stay in the doorway, arms loosely folded, your shoulder resting lightly against the frame.

There's something about the scene that holds you there. The way he turns the page carefully so it doesn't make too much noise. The way he slows down just slightly at certain parts of the story, without making it obvious.

He reaches the end of the page, glancing down to find the last line, his voice softening just a fraction more as the story winds down.

"...and the bunny went to sleep," he finishes quietly, closing the book just enough to keep his place. "Goodnight, Lily," he adds softly.

She doesn't fully answer, just a small, sleepy sound, her fingers curled loosely around her bunny as her eyes drift shut completely.

He stays there for a moment longer, making sure she's settled before he carefully sets the book on her nightstand, moving slowly so he doesn't disturb anything.

When he stands and turns, that's when he sees you. You haven't moved. For a second, neither of you says anything.

Lando lingers in the doorway for a second longer, like he's making sure Lily is fully settled before stepping out into the hallway and pulling the door gently until it's left just cracked enough.

Exactly how she likes it.

You straighten from where you're leaning, pushing yourself off the wall as he turns toward you.

Lando nods toward the door. "We should probably get going before she changes her mind."

You let out a small breath, glancing once more toward Lily's room before nodding. "Yeah... and before Aiden locks us in here."

"Tempting," he says lightly.

You walk back toward the living room together, your steps quieter now, like the whole apartment has settled into something softer.

Aiden is sitting on the couch when you come back in, the TV casting a low glow across the room. He looks up immediately, one brow already raised like he's been waiting for a report.

"Well?" He asks. "Did we survive?"

"For now," you say, reaching for your coat and pulling it around your shoulders. "She just wanted a story."

Aiden nods slowly, glancing over at Lando with a look that's half amused, half impressed. "That's a big deal, by the way. You should feel honored."

"I do," Lando chuckles, grabbing his jacket from the hook next to yours. "Little bit of pressure, though."

"Yes, don't mess it up." Aiden adds easily, leaning back again. "She'll remember."

You roll your eyes, adjusting your sleeve as you step closer toward the door. "She's asleep."

"Still," Aiden shrugs, like that doesn't change anything. "Reputation matters."

Lando looks at you, a quiet smile slipping through. "Good to know I'm being evaluated the whole time."

"Constantly." Aiden adds in without missing a beat.

You shake your head, a small giggle slipping through your lips as you grab your purse. "We're leaving now."

"Have fun," Aiden calls. "I've got it here don't worry."

You turn back, reaching for the door, but Lando steps in first, pulling it open before you can.

You glance at him, a small smile pulling at your mouth. "Wow. You're really committing to this."

"I told you," he says, holding it open with an easy expression. "I'm setting expectations early."

You step past him into the hallway, the door closing softly behind you as the quieter atmosphere of the building takes over. The hallway is dimly lit, clean and still, your footsteps echoing faintly as you walk side by side toward the elevators.

When you reach them, Lando presses the button and leans back slightly against the wall, looking over at you.

"Cloth napkins," you remind him, folding your arms loosely.

"High pressure situation." He replies. "I didn't realize this was a test."

"It absolutely it."

The elevator dings softly as the doors slide open, and he gestures for you to go first with a small tilt of his head.

"After you."

You step inside, and he follows, pressing the lobby button before the doors glide shut again. The mirrored walls catch your reflection, and you catch yourself smoothing a hand over your dress without thinking.

"Still adjusting?" He asks, watching you.

"A little," you admit, glancing at him.

He studies you for a second, his expression softening in that quiet way again. "You shouldn't be. You look like you walked out of something I'm not dressed well enough to be in."

You let out a small laugh, shaking your head. "You look good."

"Debatable." He says, though there's no real argument in it.

The elevator slows, then opens into the lobby, the space wide and polished with warm lighting reflecting off marble floors. Through the glass walls, the city stretches out, dark sky, scattered lights, everything feeling distant and small from the height.

You walk out together, the doors glide open, the night air hitting as soon as you step outside, cooler and sharper.

Lando's car is parked just along the curb, sleek under the streetlights. he moves ahead of you this time, stepping around to the passenger side and pulling the door open before you can reach it.

You stop just short, raising an eyebrow as you look at him. "okay, this is getting excessive."

"Is it?" He asks, resting a hand lightly against the top of the door. "Or is this exactly what you signed up for?"

"I don't remember agreeing to this level of effort," you reply, though there's a hint of amusement in your voice.

"Too late now, you're already here."

You hesitate for half a second, just enough to make him narrow his eyes slightly.

"If you don't get in," he adds, "I'm going to have to stand here like this, and it's going to get embarrassing for the both of us."

You laugh under your breath at that, shaking your head as you slide into the seat. "Okay,"

"Just wait, I haven't even peaked yet." He says, closing the door gently.

He rounds the front of the car quickly, slipping into the driver's seat and starting the engine. The low hum fills the space as he pulls away from the curb, the city lights shifting around you as you move through the streets.

The drive is easy, the conversation light and quiet, the kind that doesn't need to fill every second.

After a while, he slows, turning onto a street lined with warm lighting and upscale storefronts. The restaurant stands out immediately, sleek glass exterior, soft golden light spilling onto the sidewalk, the kind of place that feels carefully put together without being overdone.

He pulls up to the curb and puts the car in park, glancing over at you. "Alright. This looks like you made a good choice."

You let out an exaggerated gasp, putting a hand over your heart. "You doubted me?"

"I was cautious." He corrects, pointing a finger into the air.

You shake your head, reaching for the door handle, but before you can, he's already out of the car. You barely have a second to react before he's at your side again, opening your door like he's been timing it.

You look up at him, amused. "Wow, you ran."

"I did not run," he says quickly. "That was a controlled, efficient walk.

"Sure, babe."

He offers his hand, casual but steady. "Careful."

You chuckle but take it anyway, letting him help you out of the car. "Thank you," you say, softer this time.

He shrugs lightly, but there's a small smile there. "I'm setting the standard high. It's a risky move."

"Very." You agree.

You step onto the sidewalk beside him, the soft murmur of conversation drifting from inside as the door opens for another couple.

He glances at you, connecting your hand with his. "Ready?"

You nod, looking toward the entrance. "Yeah."

Together you move toward the restaurant, the atmosphere shifting immediately as you walk side by side.

The warmth of the restaurant hits you the second you step in. Soft lighting, low conversation, the muted clink of glasses and dishes. The kind of place where people lean in when they talk, where voices stay low without anyone needing to say it.

Lando steps slightly ahead of you, reaching for the second door and holding it open as another couple exits. His hand stays on it as he glances back at you, giving a small nod for you to go first.

"Go on," he says lightly. "I'm maintaining my image."

You walk past him, brushing his arm as you do. "You're very committed to this image."

"You'll thank me later."

"I already am," you murmur, just under your breath.

The host stand sits just ahead, a neatly dressed host looking up with a polite, practiced smile. "Good evening," he says. "Do you have a reservation?"

Lando steps forward, resting a hand lightly against the edge of the stand. "Yeah- uh, Norris."

The host glances down at the book, flipping briefly before nodding. "Right this way."

Lando steps back again, letting you move ahead as he follows behind you. His hand hovers hovers near the small of your back, not quite touching, before dropping again as you're led deeper into the restaurant.

The further in you walk, the more the space seems to soften. Tables are spaced just enough apart to feel private, candlelight flickers gently, and everything carries that quiet, intentional atmosphere that makes you lower your voice without thinking.

When you reach your table, the host gestures toward it before stepping away. You reach for your chair, but Lando moves at the same time, stepping around quickly.

"Wait- hang on." He says, clearly determined now.

You pause, watching him take hold of the chair. "This is where you pull it out." You say, a hint of amusement already in your voice.

"I know how it works," he replies, giving you a look.

"Do you?"

"Yes."

He pulls the chair back, but one of the legs catches against the floor with a soft scrape that's just a little too loud in the quiet space. It drags for half a second before stopping, and both of you freeze instinctively as the sound lingers.

You try to hold your laughter in, pressing your lips together, but it doesn't work.

Lando looks down at the chair like it stole from him, then back at you, unimpressed. "That didn't happen."

That's enough to break it.

You laugh, turning your head slightly as you try to contain it, your hand coming up to your mouth. It's not loud, but it's real, and it lingers just long enough to make him shake his head.

"Alright," he mutters, adjusting the chair again with more control this time. "We're resetting."

You step closer, still smiling as you sit down. "Very smooth."

"I had it," he insists, though there's a smile slipping through. "You distracted me."

"Of course I did."

He exhales through his nose, amused despite himself, before stepping behind you again.

"Wait," he says, gentler this time.

You pause, glancing back at him as he reaches for your coat. The moment shifts slightly as he carefully helps you slide it off your shoulders, his movements slower and more deliberate than before.

"Thank you," you say quietly as he drapes it neatly over the back of your chair.

He nods once, brushing it off like it's nothing before moving around to his own seat. When he sits, he leans back slightly, exhaling like he just completed something far more complicated than it needed to be.

"I think I recovered," he jokes, glancing at you.

You tilt your head, still smiling. "Barely."

"I'm counting it."

A server approaches then, placing menus in front of you both and setting down win glasses with a soft clink. You thank him quietly, and once he steps away again, you open the menu, scanning it for a moment.

You can feel Lando's eyes on you after a second, and when you glance up, he's already watching you with that familiar, amused look.

"What?" You ask.

"I'm waiting," he replies.

"For what?"

"For you to pick something expensive. You warned me."

You raise a brow, leaning back slightly in your chair. "Maybe I will."

"I'm prepared." He says, though the hint of a smile gives him away.

"Are you?"

"No."

That pulls a soft laugh from you, and you look back down at the menu, taking a little more time than before. The options are definitely on the higher end, enough to make you hesitate before settling on something.

"Okay," you say after a moment, glancing up again. "This is a lot of pressure."

"I told you," he replies. "This is a serious night."

"You're the one who insisted on 'real napkins.'"

"Cloth napkins," he corrects, completely serious. "Important detail."

You shake your head, smiling as you tell him what you're thinking of ordering. He listens, nodding once as he considers it.

"That sounds good, I might copy you."

"Don't."

"Why not?"

"Because if it's bad, then we both lose."

"That's fair," he admits.

The server returns then, notepad ready, giving you both a polite smile. "Have you decided?"

You nod, sitting up a little straighter. "Yeah, I'll do the seared salmon, and... the roasted vegetables on the side."

"Very good," he says, jotting it down. "And for you?"

Lando glances at the menu one more time like he's double-checking, then looks back up. "I'll go with the filet, medium. And the truffle mashed potatoes."

"Very good, sir." The server replies with a small nod. "I'll have that right out for you."

"Thank you," you both say, almost at the same time.

The server steps away, and you look over at Lando. "You went fancy," you say.

He leans back slightly, folding his arms loosely. "I had to match the vibe."

"The vibe?'

"Yeah," he nods. "You set the tone with salmon."

You shake your head, smiling. 'I don't think that's how that works."

"It is tonight."

The table settles again, the conversation easing back into that comfortable rhythm.

Lando leans forward, resting his arms against the edge of the table. "This is nice," he says, not making a big deal out of it, just letting it sit there.

You glance at him, your expression softening. "It is."

"Yeah," he nods. "No cartoons in the background. No interruptions. No one judging my chair technique."

You smile. "I'm still judging that."

"That's fair."

There's a small pause, one that feels a little more intentional this time.

"Thank you," he adds, quieter now. "For coming out tonight. I know it's not always easy to leave."

Your fingers trace lightly along the edge of the table as you think about that, your gaze dropping for a second before you look back up at him. "It's easier now. With you."

He doesn't respond right away, but something in his expression steadies, like he's holding onto that more than he's letting on.

"That's good," he says finally.

The moment softens, then shifts back into something lighter as the conversation drifts. You talk about small things- Aiden's commentary earlier, the way Lily insisted on the same story again, like it was brand new, little details that feel easy to share now.

At one point, Lando tries to imitate Aiden again, exaggerating his tone just enough to make it ridiculous.

"That was not even close," you say, laughing.

"It's exactly right."

"It's really not."

"You're just used to it."

"You sound like a completely different person."

He leans back, sarcastically offended. "Wow. Okay."

You smile, your laughter softer now but still lingering, and the warmth of the restaurant seems to settle around you even more.

Time passes without either of you really noticing, the conversation filling the space naturally.

After a while, you notice movement near your table, servers weaving between tables, plates balanced carefully in their hands.

Lando glances over his shoulder briefly, then back at you, a small smile forming again. "Alright, moment of truth."

You both sit up slightly without thinking, the conversation pausing as the plates are set down in front of you. The soft clink of silverware and porcelain feels louder up close, even though the restaurant itself stays wrapped in that same quiet hum.

"Seared salmon," the server says as he places your dish down, the faint scent of something warm and buttery rising with it. "And the filet."

Lando's plate is set in front of him next, steam curling faintly upward from the potatoes, the presentation almost too neat to touch.

"Enjoy your meal," the server adds with a polite smile before stepping away again.

For a second, neither of you says anything.

You both just... look at the food.

"Okay," you say slowly, glancing up at him. "This already looks better than anything I've made in the last year."

He lets out a quiet laugh, picking up his fork as he looks down at his plate. "That's a low bar."

"It's really not," you reply. "I tried something new last week and Lily refused to eat it."

"That's how you know it was bad."

"It was not bad," you defend, though you're already smiling. "She just didn't trust it."

"Fair," he says. "I wouldn't trust it either."

You give him a look before cutting into your food, taking a small bite.

There's a pause between the both of you.

Your expression shifts almost immediately. "...Okay," you point your fork at your plate. "That's-"

"Good?" He guesses, already watching your reaction.

"Yeah," you nod, still processing it. "Really good."

He looks down at his own plate, suddenly more interested, and cuts into his filet, taking a bite.

There's a similar pause on his end this time. Then he leans back slightly, eyebrows lifting just a fraction. "Alright."

You smile at that. "Right?"

"Yeah, no that's-" he gestures with his fork. "That's worth it."

"Cloth napkin worth it?" You ask.

"Cloth napkin worth it," he confirms.

You both fall into eating, the conversation weaving in between bites without being forced. It's quieter now, more relaxed, like you've both settled into the night fully.

For a few minutes, it's just that, small comments about the food, the way the flavors actually live up to how they looked, the kind of simple conversation that doesn't need much effort.

At one point, you glance up to catch him already looking up at you.

"What?" You ask, setting your fork down for a second.

He shakes his head lightly, like he's debating whether to say it, then gives in. "Nothing. I just- this is nice."

You tilt your head, a softer smile forming. "You already said that."

"I know," he says. "I meant it the first time too."

You look down for a second, your fingers brushing lightly along the edge of your plate before you look back up at him.

"I'm glad we did this." You admit.

"Me too," he says, and there's no hesitation in it.

You take another bite, then look back up at him. "You're still thinking about the chair thing, aren't you?"

He exhales, shaking his head. "I had one job."

"And you almost had it."

"Almost doesn't count."

"It does in this case. You recovered."

"I appreciate that," he replies, a small smile slipping through. "That means a lot coming from my harshest critic."

"I'm very fair." You chuckle.

"Debatable."

You laugh softly, the sound coming out natural.

The conversation drifts again, touching on smaller things, stories from earlier in the week, something Lily said that stuck with you, the way she's been slowly warming up more and more. You mention how she asked for the story without looking at you first, how that felt different.

He listens when you talk about her, really listens, not just nodding along but actually paying attention in a way that's hard to miss.

"That's good," he says after a moment. "She's getting there."

"Yeah," you nod. "She is."

There's something unspoken in that, something you both understand without needing to lay it out.

He takes another bite, then glances up again, his expression a little more thoughtful this time. "You've done a really good job with her."

The words land softer than you expect. You don't answer right away, your gaze dropping briefly before you look back up at him. "I've tried."

"It shows," he replies simply.

For a second, the rest of the restaurant fades into the background again. The noise is still there, the movement, the soft clinking of glasses, but it feels distant compared to the moment sitting at the table.

You shift slightly in your chair, picking your fork back up, but your expression stays softer now. "Don't get all serious on me," you say lightly, trying to pull it back.

"I'm not," he says, though there's a small smile there. "I can be normal."

"Debatable."

"Wow."

You smile, taking another bite of your food, allowing the moment to ease again, slipping back into something lighter without losing what was there.

Time passes in that quiet, steady way, the plates slowly emptying as the conversation continues. You lean into it without thinking, elbows brushing the table, your voice a little softer than usual, but your laughter coming easier.

At one point, he tells a story that's not even that funny on it's own, but the way he tells it while he's half serious and self-aware makes it impossible not to laugh anyway.

"That did not happen," you say, shaking your head.

"It did."

"No, it didn't."

"You weren't there."

"That's because it didn't happen."

He leans back, mock offended again. "Unbelievable."

You're still smiling, the warmth of it lingering as you look down at your plate again. The food, the conversation, the atmosphere, everything blends together in a way that makes the night feel slower than it actually is.

Eventually, you notice the staff beginning to move a little more deliberately again, clearing nearby tables, resetting others.

Lando leans back in his chair, letting out a quiet breath as he sets his fork down, his hand resting loosely against his stomach.

"Okay," he says, shaking his head once like he's coming to a conclusion. "I'm officially stuffed."

You glance up at him, amused, your own plate nearly finished as you set your fork down too. "Already?"

"That was a lot," he replies, gesturing lightly toward the empty plate in front of him. "I underestimated it."

"You ordered a filet and truffle potatoes." You point out. "What did you think was going to happen?"

"I thought I could handle it," he says, a little defensive, though there's a smile pulling at his mouth. "I was wrong."

You laugh softly, leaning back in your chair as the moment settles, both of you lingering in that comfortable pause that comes after a good meal.

Right on cue, the server returns, stepping up to the table with a polite smile as he begins clearing your plates.

"Can I take these for you?" He asks, already gathering them carefully.

"Yeah, thank you." You say, shifting your glass slightly to give him space.

He stacks the plates neatly, then glances between the two of you. "Can I interest you in any dessert tonight?"

There's barely a second of silence before Lando pops up out of his state. "Yes." The answer comes out with a little more enthusiasm than expected.

You turn to look at him, eyebrows lifting, and then you laugh, the sound warm and surprised.

"I thought you were stuffed."

"I am," he replies, completely unbothered. "That doesn't mean I don't want dessert."

The server smiles slightly, clearly used to this. "We do have a few favorites tonight if you'd like suggestions."

You look over at Lando again, still amused, then back at the server. "We'll share one."

"Good call," Lando adds, nodding once like it's always been the plan.

The server lists off a few options, but one catches both of your attention almost immediately.

"We'll do the chocolate lava cake." You say, glancing at Lando for confirmation.

He nods. "Definitely that one."

"Perfect," the server replies. "I'll have that right out for you."

He steps away again, leaving the table cleared except for your glasses and the quiet anticipation that settles in.

You look at him again, still smiling. "You said that so fast."

"I didn't even think about it," he admits.

"That was obvious."

"Some things don't require thought," he says. "Dessert is one of them."

You shake your head, laughing under your breath, but you don't argue.

The wait isn't long. A few minutes later, the server returns again, placing the dessert carefully in the center of the table. The chocolate lava cake sits warm on the plate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slightly against it, a light drizzle of sauce tying it all together.

"Enjoy," he says, setting down two spoons before stepping away again.

You both look at it for a second.

"Okay," you say quietly. "That looks... really good."

"Yeah," Lando agrees, already reaching for a spoon. "I regret nothing."

"You shouldn't."

He cuts into it first, the center breaking open slightly, warm chocolate spilling out just enough to make it even better.

"That's ridiculous," he mutters, already taking a bite.

You watch his reaction, then take your own, scooping a bit with the ice cream.

"Yeah," you nod.

"Yeah," he echoes, pointing his spoon at the dish. "That's- yeah."

You laugh softly, the two of you falling into an easy rhythm of sharing it, trading small comments between bites, occasionally bumping spoons without meaning to.

At one point, he pauses mid-bite, shaking his head. "This is why I said yes so fast."

"Good instinct."

"Why, thank you."

By the time the plate is nearly empty, you're both leaning back again, the last of the dessert finished between you.

Lando exhales, resting back in his chair, one hand running briefly over his face before dropping again.

"Okay," he says firmly. "Now I'm really done."

You smile, watching him. "Are you sure?'

"Yes," he nods. "Absolutely. No more surprises."

"We'll see."

He shakes his head, but there's a smile there as the server returns one last time, setting the check down on the table.

"I'll take that," Lando says easily, reaching for it before you can even look at it.

"You don't have to-"

He puts a dismissive hand up. "No no no. Don't you even."

You hesitate for a second, then let i go, watching as he pulls out his card and sets it down. The exchange is quick, easy, like he's done it a hundred times before, but there's nothing showy about it.

When the receipt comes back, he signs it, adding a tip before sliding it back into place.

"Alright," he says, standing and grabbing his jacket. "Ready?"

You nod, standing as well, reaching for your coat, but he's already there again, lifting it from the back of your chair.

"Still committing?" You ask.

"Always." He smiles.

He helps you slip it back on, his hands steady, the movement quieter now compared to earlier.

"Thank you," you say softly.

He nods, the two of you walking back through the restaurant, the warmth following you until you reach the door. It opens, and the cool night air meets you again.

Lando leads you toward the car, stepping ahead to reach your door first. He pulls it open, glancing back at you with a knowing look.

"Still excessive?"

"A little," you smile.

"Good."

You slide into the seat, and he closes the door gently before rounding the front of the car. A moment later, he's back in the driver's seat, starting the engine as the quiet hum fills the space.

The drive back feels slower. The city lights pass by in slow streaks, conversation quieter now, not because there's nothing to say, but because it doesn't feel necessary to fill every second.

The car slows as you pull up in front of the building, the familiar shape of it rising above you, all glass and light against the night sky. For a second, neither of you move, the engine still running, the quiet inside the car settling around you again after the drive.

Lando tilts his head at you, a smile tugging on his lips. "Still standing?"

"Barely." You admit, shifting slightly in your seat. "I might need to be carried upstairs."

"Yeah?" He says, unbuckling his seatbelt. "I'll consider it."

"You won't."

"Maybe," he says, pushing the door open. "Wouldn't want my princess falling down now, would we?"

You laugh under your breath as he steps out, already moving around the front of the car again before you can reach the handle.

"You're very consistent." You say, looking up at him.

"I said I was committing," he replies, offering his hand.

You take it, letting him help you out, your heels settling against the pavement as you straighten. His hand lingers just a second longer than necessary before he lets go, like it notices it at the same time you do.

"Thank you," you say quietly.

He nods, brushing it off. "C'mon, before you actually make me carry you upstairs."

"Tempting," you murmur as you fall into step beside him.

"You'd regret it. Halfway through, minimum."

You smile under your breath as you walk inside together, the lobby quieter now than before, lights dimmed slightly, and everything wrapped in that late-night stillness. The receptionist gives you a small nod as you pass, and you return it absently as you head toward the elevators.

Your footsteps echo softly across the polished floor, slower now, more relaxed than earlier. When you reach the elevator, you press the button and lean back lightly against the wall, exhaling.

"That was a good call." Lando says after a moment, glancing over at you.

"What was?"

"The restaurant. You did well."

You look at him, a smile forming. "You doubted me."

"I was cautious." He corrects.

"You always say that."

"It's accurate."

The elevator dings, the doors sliding open smoothly before you both step inside. The ride up is quiet, but not empty. There's something softer sitting between you, something settled from the night that doesn't need to be said out loud.

When the doors open onto your floor, you step out together, the hallway stretching ahead. Your steps fall into rhythm without thinking, unhurried as you make your way back to your apartment.

You reach your door, pulling your keys out and unlocking it, the soft click sounding louder than it should in the quiet.

You pause almost immediately when the door opens.

The living room lamp is on, casting a warm glow across the floor, and the TV flickers softly against the walls. The sound is low, but unmistakable, filling the apartment in a way that doesn't match what you expected to come home to.

You step inside slowly, brows pulling together. "That's... weird."

Lando follows just behind you, the door closing quietly as his attention shifts toward the living room as well. "Did you leave it on?"

"No," you say, moving further in. "Not like this."

You round the corner past the French doors, coming to an immediate stop.

Aiden is sitting on the couch like he's been there a while, leaning back with one arm draped along the backrest, completely at ease. And Lily is sitting on his leg, fully upright, very much awake, her small frame balanced like she's claimed the spot as her own.

The TV light flickers across her face as she watches it, focused, her attention completely locked in. In her hands, she's holding one of her sippy bottles, tipping it slightly as she drinks, pausing every few seconds like she's multitasking between the show and the milk.

Her bunny is tucked beside her instead of clutched, forgotten for now.

You stand there for a second, taking in the entire scene.

"Aiden," you say, voice flattening as your arms cross slowly. "Why is she up?"

He doesn't even flinch. He looks over at you like nothing about this is unusual, shifting slightly under Lily's weight. "She woke up."

You tilt your head. "And your solution... was this."

He gestures toward her, like he's presenting evidence. "She said she was thirsty."

"And?"

"And then she said she wanted to watch something." He adds, completely serious. "So I handled both like a proper uncle."

"Oh my God," you whisper in defeat.

"It's a good explanation," he insists. "Hydration is important. The key to staying well."

Lily finally notices you then, her attention pulling away from the TV as her eyes land on you. Her face lights up almost instantly, like she forgot she was supposed to be tired.

"You back!" She says, sitting up straighter, her voice bright despite the time of night.

"We are," you say gently, stepping closer. "Why are you still up?"

She shrugs slightly, lifting the bottle again for another sip. "No sleepy."

You glance back at Aiden. "That's what you're going with?"

He nods once, confident. "That's the official story."

"You put on cartoons."

"They're calming. Very relaxing."

You stare at him. Behind you, Lando lets out a quiet laugh, trying not to get involved but clearly entertained by the situation. You look back at him briefly before focusing on Lily again.

"Hey," you say, crouching down in front of her. "It's really late, baby."

She looks at you, then at Lando, then back at you again, like she's checking something important.

"Go to dinner?"

You blink, caught off guard, then nod. "Yeah, we did."

She studies your face for a second, then looks at Lando again, very seriously. "Good?"

Lando smiles, stepping a little closer but keeping his distance. "It was really good."

She nods slowly, like she's processing that, then takes another sip of her milk. "I wait," she adds.

"You waited?" You repeat, softer now.

She nods again, completely casual about it. "I want see you... when you back"

Something in your expression shifts, softening in a way that lingers. You reach up, brushing your hand gently through her hair, smoothing it back from her face.

"You we're supposed to be asleep," you say quietly.

"I no sleepy." She repeats, though it sounds less convincing now.

Aiden clears his throat slightly. "In her defense, she did try."

You glance at him. "For how long?"

"...a few minutes."

You stare a him again.

"She committed," he adds quickly. "It just didn't work out."

Lando huffs another laugh, shaking his head.

You exhale, straightening just a little before looking back at Lily. "Okay... well we're fixing that now."

She doesn't argue, but doesn't move either, just sitting there with her bottle, watching you like she's waiting to see what happens next.

"Are you done with that?" You ask.

She looks down at it, thinking. "Yeah..."

You hold out your hand, and she hands the bottle over without resistance, still watching you closely. You set it aside on the coffee table before reach back for her.

"C'mon," you say softly.

She leans toward you, arms lifting immediately. You pick her up, settling her against your hip, and she melts into you, her energy already starting to dip now that's she's close.

Aiden shifts as the weight of her leaves his leg, stretching slightly. "See? Handled."

"You gave her milk and cartoons," you reply.

"I kept her entertained."

"You avoided putting her back to bed."

He shrugs. "Tomato, tomahto."

"Go to sleep," you tell him, nodding toward the couch.

He glances down at it like he's sizing it up, then flops back dramatically, grabbing one of the throw blankets. "I am going to sleep. Right here. Front row seat if she escapes again."

"That's not reassuring."

"It should be." He insists, already pulling the blanket over himself. "I'm very alert when I'm asleep."

"That's now how that works."

"It is for me."

Lando lets out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he watches Aiden settle in like he's completely done for the night.

Aiden points lazily in his direction without sitting back up. "Don't encourage her. I did great."

"Debatable." Lando replies easily.

"Unbelievable," Aiden mutters, shifting onto his side and tucking the blanket under his shoulder like he's already halfway asleep.

The apartment quiets a little after the, the TV still playing softly in the background, though now it feels more like background noise than anything else. Lily shifts in your arms, her head turning slightly as she looks between you and Lando.

"Pretty," she says suddenly.

You blink, caught off guard, then smile. "Thank you baby."

She nods, then leans her head against your shoulder, though she's still awake enough to glance at Lando again. "You pretty," she adds, pointing to him.

Lando pauses, clearly not expecting that, then smiles. "Thanks, Lil."

You glance at him, something softer passing between you again before you look back toward the hallway. "Alright, bedtime. For real this time."

She doesn't argue, just wraps her arms a little tighter around your shoulders as you walk toward her bedroom.

The light in there is already on, spilling ot into the hallway as you open the door and shuffle in.

You ease Lily down onto the mattress carefully, one hand still resting lightly on her back as if letting go too quickly might wake her again. The nightlight casts a soft glow across her room, just enough to see the way her lashes rest against her cheeks, her breathing already evening out.

You pull the blanket up over her, smoothing it down slowly, your fingers brushing over the fabric more than necessary. She shifts slightly, her hand curling near the face, bunny tucked close again like it found its place without help.

"You stayed up just to see me?" You murmur quietly.

Her eyes don't open this time, but her lips move just enough. "Yeah."

Something in your chest tightens and softens all at once. You lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering there for just a second before pulling back. "Next time, you sleep. I'll still be here."

She doesn't answer, already gone.

You stay there a second longer, making sure she's settled. Then you straighten slowly, turning toward the doorway where Lando still stands.

He hasn't moved much. One shoulder rests lightly against the frame, his hands tucked loosely into his pockets, like he didn't want to interrupt anything. But his eyes are on you, softer than they've been all night.

You step out into the hallway, pulling the door gently behind you, leaving it cracked open slightly.

For a second, neither of you says anything. Then you let out a small breath, almost a laugh under it. "She really stayed up."

"Yeah," he whispers. "She did."

There's a small pause after that, but it's not awkward. Just quiet and comfortable.

You push yourself off the wall after a second, nodding down the hall. "C'mon."

He follows without question, his steps naturally quieter now, like the whole apartment shifted into something softer. The door closes softly behind you, your bedroom dim except for the low light from your bedside lamp.

You move, sitting down at your vanity and unclipping your earrings, setting them carefully on the surface. When you turn back around, Lando's still standing there, watching you in that same quiet way, like he's taking something in he doesn't want to interrupt.

"What?" You ask softly, a small smile pulling at your mouth.

He shakes his head once, stepping a little closer. "Nothing."

You narrow your eyes slightly, not fully convinced. "You keep saying that."

"I mean it," he replies, voice just as quiet. "Just... tonight was great."

Your expression softens a little at that, the edge of your smile fading into something gentler. "Yeah. It was."

There's a pause, one that lingers a little longer this time. Then you reach behind you, unzipping your dress just enough to breathe easier, your shoulders relaxing as the night finally starts to catch up with you. "I'm changing," you mumble, already half turned toward your closet.

He lets out a quiet laugh, turning slightly away out of instinct. "Yeah, I got it."

You disappear for a minute, swapping into something softer, more comfortable, the kind of clothes that feel like home. When you come back out, he's sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, looking up when you reenter.

"Better?"

"Much," you say, moving toward the bed.

You sit beside him, close enough that your knees brush. The quiet wraps around you again, but this time it feels smaller, more contained.

You lean back first, shifting onto the bed and pulling the blanket up slightly. He watches you for half a second before following, lying back beside you, leaving just enough space between you to be respectful, but not enough that it feels distant.

"You're quiet," he says after a moment.

"So are you."

"Fair."

You turn your head slightly, looking at him. He's already looking at you, like he didn't bother pretending otherwise this time.

"You're good with her," you say, your voice quieter now, more thoughtful.

His expression shifts just slightly, like he wasn't expecting that. "I try."

"I know," you reply. "She notices."

He looks down for a second, then back at you, something steadier settling in his expression. "She's easy to care about."

Your chest tightens just a little at that, but in a way that doesn't hurt. "Yeah... she is."

Without thinking about it, you shift a little closer. Not a big movement, just enough that your arm brushes his, that the space between you disappears without it being a thing.

He notices.

You can tell by the way his hand moves, hesitating for a second before settling gently over yours where it rests between you.

You don't pull away. Your fingers shift enough to lace with his.

"Tonight was worth it," he says after a moment, voice low.

You glance at him, a small smile returning. "Even the chair incident?"

He exhales, closing his eyes briefly. "Don't."

You laugh softly, the sound barely above a breath. "It was charming."

"That was not the word you used earlier." He chuckles.

"I'm revising my opinion."

"Convenient."

"Very."

He smiles at that, and for a second, everything feels easy.

You shift a little more, your head finding a comfortable place against his shoulder without really asking. He stills for half a second, then relaxes into it, his free hand adjusting slightly so you're more comfortable.

Neither of you says anything after that. There's nothing you need to say. The quiet stretches, soft and steady, the kind that doesn't feel empty.

-

Morning comes in slowly.

Soft morning light slips in through curtains in soft streaks, stretching across the floor and climbing its way up the bed. The apartment is still for a while, no TV, no movement, just the early silence that doesn't last long in a place like this.

Then...

A small tug.

Another one, a little more insistent this time.

Lando shifts slightly, still half asleep, his brows pulling together as his hand moves lazily across the bed, like he's trying to find you without opening his eyes. "Mm-" he murmurs under his breath, voice rough with sleep. "What are you doing..."

The tug comes again.

He exhales quietly, barely lifting his head, still not fully awake. "It's too early..." He mutters, reaching blindly again, fully expecting to find you standing beside him.

But the fabric pulls again, smaller hands this time.

He pauses, eyes cracking open slowly, unfocused at first as the light hits them, and he turns his head just enough to actually look, immediately freezing.

Lily is standing at the side of the bed, both hands gripping the edge of his shirt, her hair messy from sleep, her eyes wide and very awake.

"Lando," she whispers loudly, which isn't really much of a whisper. "Morning."

There's a split second where his brain catches up. Then his entire expression changes.

The groggy confusion softens into something gentler almost instantly, his voice dropping as he pushes himself up just enough to look at her properly. "Hey- hey," he whispers, bringing a finger up slightly. "Shh, baby, quiet-"

She leans closer like that helps, still holding onto his shirt. "It morning." She repeats, somehow quieter but still very much awake.

"I know," he murmurs, glancing over his shoulder quickly.

You're still asleep. Curled slightly into the pillow, completely unaware of what's happening next to you.

He looks back at Lily, lowering his voice even more. "We gotta be quiet, yeah?"

She nods seriously. "Okay..."

He shifts carefully, reaching out for her, his hands gentle as he lifts her up from the floor and onto the bed. She settles beside him easily, like she's done it a hundred times, immediately turning and snuggling into his side.

He adjusts the blanket so it doesn't move too much, then leans over to grab the TV remote from the nightstand.

"What do you wanna watch?" He asks softly.

she thinks about it for a second, brows pulling together. "Movie."

"Yeah?" He nods, turning the TV on low, the screen lighting up. "No cartoons?"

She shakes her head. "No cartoons."

He huffs a small, amused breath. "Alright. No cartoons." He scrolls for a moment before settling on Toy Story. The volume stays low, barely more than a background hum, just enough to fill the silence without disturbing anything else in the room.

Lily watches the screen light up like it's the best part of her morning already.

She scoots a little closer to him, shifting under the blanket without asking, settling in like she belongs there. Her attention bounces between the TV and him every few second like she doesn't want to miss either.

"It morning," she whispers again, softer this time but still full of excitement, like the idea hasn't worn off yet.

He glances down at her, a faint smile pulling at his expression s he relaxes back into the headboard. "Yeah, it is."

"I wake up," she continues, words spilling out in quiet little bursts, her fingers fidgeting lightly with the edge of the blanket. "And I go here."

"I noticed," he says, the hint of amusement still there as he shifts slightly to get more comfortable beside her.

She nods, like that checks out, like she's proud of her sequence of events. "I quiet."

He raises an eyebrow just slightly, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "You were..." he pauses, considering it carefully, "...almost quiet."

She tilts her head, thinking about that. "I try..."

"I know you did," he replies gently, nudging her lightly with his shoulder in a way that makes it feel like he's letting her win.

She smiles at that, small and pleased, before turning back to the TV for a second like she's checking on it. It only lasts a moment before she's look back at him again, clearly not done talking.

"Wake mommy up?" She whispers, voice dipping a little softer now as she tries her best to look past Lando in your direction.

Lando follows her gaze, eyes moving over to where you're still asleep, curled slightly into the pillow, completely undisturbed. His expression shifts without him realizing it, softening just a little more as he watches you for a second.

Then he looks back at Lily, shaking his head slightly. "Not yet."

"Why?" She asks, her voice quieter now, curiosity replacing excitement just slightly as she leans closer to him.

"She's really tired." He explains, keeping his voice low. "That's why she's still sleeping."

Lily looks over at you, studying you like she's trying to understand that. "No sleep?"

"She did," he says softly. "Just not enough."

She nods slowly, taking that in, accepting it without question. her small hand shifts, resting lightly against his arm like she needs something steady to hold onto while he processes it.

"Okay..."

They both turn back toward the TV after that, letting the quiet settle for a moment. The movie plays softly in the background, filling the space just enough to keep it from feeling empty.

It doesn't last long.

"You like morning?" She asks suddenly, her voice hushed but full of curiosity again, like her brain moved on already.

He glances down at her, a small smile forming again as he shifts slightly against the pillows. "Sometimes."

"Sometime?" She asks, tilting her head again.

"Sometimes I'm really tired." he admits, voice still low and easy.

She nods immediately, like that makes perfect sense. "I no tired."

"I can tell," he says, a quiet laugh under his breath.

She adjusts the blanket around herself, tucking it in a little tighter like she's settling in properly now. "I like morning."

"Yeah?"

She nods, more confident. "I do stuff."

"That's true."

"Eat pancakes." She adds quickly, like she almost forgot the best part.

"That's definitely the best part," he agrees.

She smiles at that, clearly satisfied with his answer, before turning her attention back to the screen again. This time she lasts a little longer, actually watching, her body relaxing more into his side.

Lando leans back more fully now, his posture easing as he settles into the moment. His hand rests loosely near hers on top of the blanket, close enough that she can reach him.

After a minute, she does. Her fingers hook lightly around the fabric of his sleeve, a small, absent gesture like she just wants to make sure he's still there.

"Lando," she whispers.

"Yeah?" He replies immediately, glancing down at her again.

She tilts her head slightly, studying him like she's trying to figure something out. There's a small pause, like she's deciding how to ask it.

"...are the cloud... heavy?" She asks finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

He blinks once, clearly not expecting that. "...clouds?" He repeats quietly, a small smile already starting to form.

She nods, very serious. "Yes. If one... fall. You get squished?"

That does it.

He lets out a soft, quiet laugh, quickly pressing his lips together like he's trying not to make too much noise. His shoulders shake just slightly, and he turns his head away for a second, collecting himself.

"You're asking the important questions this morning, huh?" He murmurs, glancing back at her.

"Will it?" She presses, her fingers tightening just a little on his sleeve.

He exhales softly, trying to answer properly now, lowering his voice again. "No, they wouldn't squish you."

Her brows pull together. "Why?"

"Because they're not... solid," he explains, thinking it through as he speaks. "They look big and fluffy, but they're mostly just... water. Like tiny drops."

She processes that, her eyes drifting upward like she's imagining it.

"Like... air?"

"Yeah, kind of like air."

She considers that, her expression serious in a way only she can manage. "If one fall..."

"You'd just get wet." He finishes.

There's a pause, then she nods. "Oh."

Her grip on his sleeve loosens a little, like the problem has officially been solved.

He watches her for a second, the smile still lingering on his face, softer now. "You worried about that happening?"

She shrugs a little. "Yes..."

He huffs a quiet breath, shaking his head slightly. "You're safe. No clouds are falling through the ceiling."

She glances up at the ceiling instantly, just to double check. "...okay."

He follows her gaze for a second, then looks back down at her, the corner of his mouth still lifted.

"You've got a lot going on up there, huh?" He murmurs lightly, tapping the side of her head with a finger.

She smiles at that, small and quick, before leaning her head back against his arm again, more relaxed now.

The room settles again, softer this time.

The TV continues to flicker quietly, the light shifting across the walls in slow patterns. Lily's energy dips just slightly, not sleepy, but calmer now, her earlier excitement easing into something quieter.

Lando leans back a little more into the headboard, careful not to move too much, his arm staying exactly where it is so she doesn't lose that contact.

After a minute, she speaks again, but this time it's softer, almost like she's talking more to herself.

"I like morning," she whispers.

He glances down at her. "Yeah?"

She nods, her voice small. "Everyone come back."

Something about that makes him pause. His expression shifts just slightly, but enough.

"Yeah, they do."

She hums, like that's enough, like that answer sits right with her. Her fingers curl lightly into the fabric of his shirt again as the quiet stretches again after that.

Eventually, the stillness begins to shift. Not from them, but from you.

There's a small movement beside him, subtle at first. A shift against the pillow, your hand adjusting slightly under the blanket. Your breathing changes just enough to be noticeable, caught between sleep and waking.

Lily notices immediately. Her head lifts just a little, her eyes flicking toward you before darting back to Lando, wide and questioning, like she's asking permission without saying a word.

He glances over too, his gaze settling on you for a second as he watches you stir. Then he looks back at her, giving a small, almost amused shake of his head.

Wait.

She presses her lips together, trying very hard to stay quiet, though the excitement is already creeping back in the way she shifts.

You move again, a little more this time, your hand sliding across the blanket as your brows pull together faintly. The light filters in softer now that your eyes are opening, your vision blurred at the edges as you try to make sense of what's going on.

The quiet hum of the TV reaches you first. And then the voices. Soft and close.

Lily notices immediately. Her whole body perks up, head turning quickly toward you before she looks back at Lando, eyes wide like she's holding something in.

She leans in closer to him, lowering her voice even more. "See mommy?" She whispers, barely containing the excitement in it.

Lando glances from her to you, watching the way you're still waking up, not fully there yet. There's a small smile pulling at his mouth, like he already knows what's about to happen. "Yeah... gently."

That's all the permission she needs. She shifts immediately, scrambling up onto her knees and then over him in a hurry, her small hands pressing into the mattress as she carefully climbs across his lap. Her knee bumps lightly into his side, then her hand presses against his shoulder for balance as she leans over him.

"Careful-" he murmurs under his breath, one hand hovering near her back, though he doesn't stop her.

She crawls the last bit of space between you, the blanket bunching slightly under her as she reaches your side. There's no hesitation, she just climbs right in, her small body settling next to you like it's exactly where she's supposed to be.

"Hi," she whispers, but it comes out brighter than that, like she forgot to keep quiet halfway through.

You blink again, your eyes finally focusing as her face comes into view, way closer than you expected.

Your expression shifts from confusion to something softer. "Hi..." you mumble back, voice still heavy with sleep.

She smiles immediately. "You wake," she says, quieter but still full of excitement, her hand reaching out to touch your arm like she needs to make sure.

"Yeah," you murmur, letting your head sink a little deeper into the pillow as you look at her. "I think I am."

Behind her, Lando watches the whole thing, still half-reclined against the headboard, one arm resting where she left it. There's something quiet in his expression, something soft and steady as he looks between the two of you.

Lily shifts closer to you, pressing into your side without hesitation, her head resting lightly against your shoulder. "We watch movie."

You glance over her head toward Lando, one brow lifting slightly. "Oh, did you?"

He lifts a hand slightly in defense, a small smile tugging at his mouth. "It was her idea."

"No cartoon." Lily adds quickly.

You huff a soft laugh. "Wow, big decision."

She nods, very serious about it.

You let your eyes close for just a second, not fully going back to sleep, just resting there, taking in the warmth of her tucked right against you, the quiet presence of him still on the other side.

When you open them, Lily is still watching you. "Still tired?"

"A little," you admit, voice quiet.

"She said you were," Lando adds, nodding slightly toward Lily.

You glance at him. "You're talking about me.?"

"Only good things," he says easily.

"A lot about... you sleepy." Lily clarifies.

"Very exciting." You murmur.

She smiles again, clearly not catching the sarcasm, then shifts slightly like she's getting comfortable. "Pancakes?" She asks, looking between both of you now like she needs full approval.

You let out a small breath that turns into a quiet laugh. "You're really set on that, huh?"

"And strawberry." She adds.

"And syrup," Lando says from behind her.

She nods immediately. "And syrup."

You glance over at him, something amused in your expression. "You're encouraging this."

"I'm supporting a very solid breakfast plan." He replies.

You shake your head slightly, but there's no real resistance in. "Okay, we'll make pancakes."

Lily lights up again, her entire face brightening as she pushes herself up slightly on her hands. "Now?"

You quint your eyes slightly. "Give me like... two minutes."

She considers that. "...one minute," she negotiates.

Lando lets out a quiet laugh, shifting slightly as he sits up more. "She's already compromised."

You smile, shaking your head. "Alright. One minute."

"Okay," she says, satisfied, settling back down.

There's a small pause after that, the three of you just there. Lily tucked into your side, half under the blanket. Lando still on the other side, watching with that same quiet softness he hasn't really shaken all morning.

You glance at him again, your expression softening just slightly, something unspoken passing between you.

He catches it. There's a small nod like he understands it without needing to say anything.

Lily shifts again between you, her hand reaching back blindly until it finds his sleeve again, grabbing onto it lightly while still pressed against you. Like she needs both of you there.

"Okay," you say finally, pushing yourself up a little more, your arm wrapping loosely around her. "Let's go make your pancakes before you fire us."

"I will," he says immediately.

"I know you would."

Lando shakes his head, smiling to himself as he swings his legs over the side of the bed. "Tough crowd."

Lily giggles at that, already climbing off the bed again, her energy fully back now that the day has officially started.

The three of you spill out of the bedroom slowly, the quiet of the morning breaking just a little more with each step. Lily moves ahead, already energized, her small feet padding quickly across the floor like she has somewhere important to be.

You follow at a slower pace, still waking up, one hand dragging lightly along the wall as you go. Lando walks beside you, unhurried, his shoulder brushing yours once before he adjusts slightly, like he noticed it and didn't want to make a thing of it.

The apartment feels different in the morning, lighter, softer, the early sunlight stretching across the floors, catching on edges of furniture and making everything feel warmer than it did the night before.

Lily disappears into the living room without a word, and you and Lando step into the kitchen, naturally stopping at the island, both of you leaning slightly against it as you look out toward where she went. There's a quiet pause between you, neither of you speaking yet, both... watching.

Aiden is exactly where he was. Curled up on the couch, blanket half twisted around him, one arm hanging off the side like he gave up halfway through getting comfortable.

And Lily is standing right in front of him. Completely still.

She doesn't say anything at first. She just stands there, feet planted, hands at her sides, staring at him like she's studying something important. Her eyes blink slowly, once... then again.

You quint slightly, watching her. "...what is she doing?" you murmur under your breath.

Lando leans forward just a little, resting his forearms against the counter, his gaze fixed on her too. "I don't know." He says quietly, like he's trying not to interfere.

Lily doesn't move. Another second passes. Then another. She leans forward just slightly, like she's getting a better look.

"AHH!"

Her voice cuts through the apartment, loud and sharp and sudden.

Aiden jolts awake instantly, his entire body jerking as he bolts upright, the blanket falling halfway off him as his eyes fly open in confusion.

"What-!" he chokes out, completely disoriented, looking around like he just got dropped into the situation.

You laugh immediately, the sound escaping before you can stop it, your hand coming up to cover your mouth as you lean slightly into the counter.

Lando loses it a second later, a quiet but genuine laugh slipping out as he ducks his head, shaking it like he saw it coming but still wasn't prepared for it.

Lily just stands there, completely unfazed. "Morning." She says, perfectly calm.

Aiden blinks at her, still trying to catch up, his hair sticking up in every direction as he stares. "Why- why would you do that?" He asks, voice rough with sleep and confusion.

She tilts her head slightly. "Sleeping."

"I know I was sleeping!" She says, dragging a hand down his face. "That's the problem!"

"No wake up," she explains, like that justifies everything.

"I didn't need to wake up like that!" he groans, falling back slightly against the couch before pushing himself upright again.

From the kitchen, Lando is still laughing under his breath, turning slightly toward you as he reaches for one of the cabinets. "Effective, though."

You shake your head, still smiling as you grab a bowl from the counter. "She's learning from someone."

"Not me," he says quickly.

"Debatable."

Behind you, Aiden points vaguely in your direction without even looking. "This is your fault." He calls out. "Both of you."

"She said morning," you reply, glancing over your shoulder. "That's polite."

"That was not polite!" He argues.

Lily climbs up onto the couch beside him now, completely settled like nothing unusual happened. "I say morning... after." She adds.

Lando huffs another laugh, grabbing the pancake mix and setting it on the counter. "That counts."

"It does not!" Aiden insists.

You shake your head, pouring the mix into the bowl as Lando reaches for the milk. "You survived."

"Barely."

Lily leans into him slightly, like she's already moved on. "We make pancakes."

Aiden pauses, blinking at that as he looks down at her. "We are?"

"With strawberries."

"And syrup." Lando adds from the kitchen.

Aiden glances over at the two of you, still half asleep but clearly trying to piece together how he got here. "What time is it?"

"Morning." Lily answers.

"That's not helpful."

You smile to yourself as you start mixing, the sound of the whisk soft against the bowl. Lando moves beside you easily, grabbing things without needing to ask, like he already knows where everything it.

"Do you want some?" You call out.

Aiden looks down at Lily, then back at you, then at Lily again. "Do I have a choice?"

"No." Lily answers.

He sighs, leaning back into the couch. "Then yeah. I want some."

"Good answer," Lando says, glancing over with a small grin before turning back to the counter.

The kitchen fills with quiet movement, the soft clink of utensils, the low murmur of conversation, the warmth of something starting to cook.

In the living room, Lily starts telling Aiden something in a hushed, excited voice, probably about the movie or the clouds, or both at the same time. He listens, still waking up, his responses slower but there.

The batter settles into a smooth rhythm under your hand, the quiet scrape of the whisk against the bowl blending with the soft hum of the morning. Lando stands beside you, sleeves pushed up slightly, focused in that half-serious way he gets when he's pretending to know exactly what he's doing.

"Okay," he says, glancing at the pan as it heats. "I've got this part."

You pause mid-stir, giving him a look. "Do you?"

He nods once, confident. "Yeah. Pancakes are easy."

"That sounds like something someone says right before they mess it up."

"I'm offended," he replies, already reaching for the pan. "Watch and learn."

You step back slightly, folding your arms as you lean against the counter, entertained. "Alright, I'm watching."

He pours the batter carefully, and the pancake spreads unevenly before settling into something that almost resembles a circle. He glances over at you like he's waiting for approval.

"See? Perfect."

You tilt your head, squinting slightly. "This is... definitely a shape."

"It's a circle."

"It's trying to be a circle."

He shakes his head, grabbing the spatula as he waits a second before flipping it. The pancake lifts, then folds slightly mid-air before landing crooked in the pan.

You laugh immediately, the sound slipping out before you can stop it. "Oh my god-"

"I had it," he insists quickly, even as he tries to fix it.

"You did not have it."

"It was intentional," he says, adjusting it like that proves his point.

"Yeah?" You raise an eyebrow. "What part?"

"The... design." he says, clearly making it up now.

You laugh again, softer this time, stepping forward as you reach for the spatula. "Give me that before you ruin breakfast."

"I'm doing fine," he protests, but he lets you take over anyway, leaning back slightly as he watches you fix it.

"You're making abstract pancakes." You say, smoothing the edges.

"They have character."

"They have issues."

He laughs, shaking his head as he leans his hip against the counter beside you. There's something easy in the moment, something quiet and familiar in the way you move around each other without thinking.

"Alright," he admits after a second. "Maybe you handle the cooking."

"Smart choice."

"I'll supervise."

"That's not helping."

"It's moral support." He says, glancing at you with a small grin.

You look at him, smiling. "You're unbelievable."

"And yet," he shrugs lightly. "You let me stay."

There's a small pause, softer than before, the kind that lingers just a second longer than expected. You look back at the pan, flipping another pancake with ease, but the hint of a smile stays.

In the living room, Lily's voice drifts in and out as she talks to Aiden, her words quick and excited while his responses are slower.

"Okay," you say after a minute, setting the last pancake onto the plate. "We're done."

"Finally," Aiden calls out from the living room, his voice still rough.

"Relax," you shoot back, grabbing plates. "You didn't do anything."

"I supported emotionally."

Lando snorts, grabbing the syrup and setting it on the table. "Important role."

You start plating the pancakes, stacking them neatly and adding strawberries on top while Lando moves around the kitchen easily, setting things out.

"Breakfast!" You call.

Lily is off the couch instantly, her feet hitting the floor as she rushes over, her energy still fully intact. She climbs into her chair first, sitting for half a second before her eyes flick over to Lando.

He's already seated, adjusting his plate, not really paying attention. Lily looks back at her chair again. Then back at him.

Decision made.

She slides off her chair and walks around the table, climbing up onto his lap without hesitation. Her hands press lightly against his shoulder as she settles, turning so she can still see the table.

He freezes for half a second, clearly not expecting it, his hands hovering awkwardly before he exhales quietly. "Hi..." He says, glancing down at her.

She looks up at him like nothing about this is unusual. "Hi."

You watch from the counter, a small smile forming as you carry the plates over. "You've been chosen."

"Apparently." He replies, adjusting slightly so she's comfortable, one arm coming around her naturally now.

She leans back into him without thinking, already focused on the pancakes like that was the goal the whole time.

Aiden finally drags himself into the kitchen, dropping into a chair with a tired groan as he runs a hand through his hair. "I feel like i got hit by something."

"You got woken up," you say, setting plates down.

"I got attacked."

Lily looks at him. "I say morning."

"You yelled morning."

"Same."

"It's not the same thing," he mutters, reaching for the syrup.

Lando glances at you briefly, a quiet smile still there before he looks back down at Lily. "Alright, what's the plan?"

"Strawberry," she says immediately, already reaching.

"Good call," he nods, helping her by sliding the plate closer and cutting a piece for her.

She eats happily, completely content, occasionally leaning back against him as she focuses on her food. You finally sit down across from them, picking up your fork as you watch the way they settle into it easily.

Aiden takes a bite, pausing for a second before nodding. "...okay, this is quite good."

"Obviously."

"I'm surprised."

"Rude."

Lando glances at you, lowering his voice slightly. "For the record, I contributed."

"You flipped one pancake."

"I flipped it well."

You give him a look, and he smiles.

Lily looks between the two of you, chewing thoughtfully. "You funny."

"That's what I've been saying," Lando replies.

The conversation drifts, small comments, quiet jokes, Lily chiming in whenever she feels like it while Aiden slowly wakes up beside her. It's not loud or chaotic, just steady and easy, the kind of morning that doesn't need anything more.

At one point, Lily shifts again on Lando's lap, leaning back into him as she eats. He adjusts without thinking, steadying her plate with one hand while keeping his arm around her with the other.

Breakfast winds down slowly, not all at once but in pieces. Plates empty, forks set down, syrup bottles pushed aside while Lily finishes the last of her strawberries.

Aiden leans back in his chair with a quiet groan, rubbing his face. "I'm not moving for at least ten minute," he mutters, though he's already reaching for his phone.

"You say that every time." You smile, stacking a couple of plates as you stand.

"And every time I mean it."

"You're about to go play something," you point out.

He pauses. "...maybe," he admits.

Lando huffs a laugh, glancing at you as he starts gathering the rest of the dishes. "Predictable."

"Consistent," Aiden corrects, pushing himself up anyway. He grabs the remote on his way past lily, ruffling her hair lightly as he goes. "Don't break anything."

"No," she says, already distracted, swinging her legs under the table.

"You say that too confidently." He mutters as he disappears into the living room.

You shake your head, carrying the plates to the sink while Lando follows behind you with the rest. The kitchen settles into a quieter rhythm again, the clink of dishes and the rush of water replacing the conversation from before.

"I'll wash," you say, turning the faucet on.

"I'll dry," he replies easily, grabbing a towel like he's already decided.

You glance at him briefly, a small smile pulling at your mouth. "You're really committing to this whole helpful thing."

"I told you, moral support."

"That's not what this is."

You laugh softly under your breath, shaking your head as you start rinsing plates. The water runs warm over your hands, the simple motion grounding in a way that feels easy after the morning you've had.

Behind you, the living room fills with the low sound of a game starting up, faint gunfire, muted voices, the rhythm of Aiden settling into something he can zone out to.

Lily's voice drifts in and out too, quieter now, more to herself than anyone else. The soft thud of toys, the occasional hum of imagination taking over.

You glance over your shoulder briefly, just to check.

She's on the floor, surrounded by a small pile of toys, focused on whatever world she's building. Aiden sits on the couch, controller in hand, attention locked on the screen, only half-aware of anything else.

It's calm.

You turn back to the sink, handing a plate next to you without looking. Lando takes it easily, drying it and setting it aside, the two of you falling into a rhythm without needing to talk about it.

"Careful," he says after a second, glancing at the soap slipping slightly in your hand.

"I'm fine," you reply.

"You almost dropped it."

"I didn't."

"Almost."

You give him a look. "You're very observant today."

"I'm keeping an eye on things."

"Clearly."

There's a small pause, something light lingering in the air again before you both fall quiet, just working through the dishes.

Then-

A thud. It's not loud, but it's enough to break the rhythm.

You both pause slightly, but before you can even turn-

"Lando!"

Lily's voice cuts through the apartment, her voice cracking as it comes out, high and squeaky, like it caught in her throat halfway through.

"Lando-!" she calls again, her voice smaller the second time, like she's right on the edge of tears.

Lando doesn't hesitate. He sets the dish down immediately, the towel slipping from his hand onto the counter as he turns, already moving out of the kitchen.

You don't follow, you stay where you are, hands still for just a second in the warm water, your breath catching. But you don't move. You know he's got it.

You hear his footsteps, quick but controlled against the floor, then the soft shift as he drops down in front of her.

Lily is sitting on the floor where she fell, her legs tucked awkwardly under her, one hand gripping her knee tightly. Her bunny off to the side, forgotten, and her eyes glossy, her bottom lip trembling as she tries not to cry.

Aiden already has his game paused. "What happened?"

"I- I fall," she says, voice small and uneven now, her eyes immediately finding Lando as he kneels in front of her.

"Hey, hey," he says softly, voice dropping right away as he reaches for her. "You're okay."

From the kitchen, you close your eyes for just a second at the sound of his voice, soft and calm, and your shoulder ease slightly before you open them again, your hands moving automatically as you rinse the plate.

She nods, but it's shaky, her grip tightening slightly as she leans toward him. "I got boo boo."

"Alright," he murmurs, carefully checking her knee. There's a small scrape, not bad, but enough to sting, enough to matter. He leans closer to her, the way his hand steadier her without making a big deal of it.

"That's a serious one," he says gently, just enough weight in his tone to make her feel like he understands. "We should probably fix that."

She nods quickly, leaning into him more now. "I- I fall down," she starts again, then stops, breathing unevenly. "I fall..."

"I know," he says gently. "You're okay."

That doesn't land right away though.

Her hand is still tight on her knee, fingers curled like she's bracing it. "It hurt." She says suddenly, more honest now that he's there. "It hu- hurt Lando."

"I no run" she blurts suddenly, still crying but trying to explain to the best of her ability. "I not- I- I go and then- I fall."

"I know," he says again, steady and immediate. "I believe you."

The lands a little differently. Not fully fixing the problem, but easing something in her expression slightly.

He shifts carefully then, one arm sliding under her with slow, controlled movement, giving her enough time to react without surprising her.

"Alright," he murmurs. "I'm going to pick you up, yeah? Just so we can sit somewhere better."

She shakes her head quickly, panic flickering again. "No- no- wait,"

"I've got you," he repeats, firmer but still calm. "You're not going anywhere, I'm just moving you."

Her arms go around his shoulder automatically, still tight, still unsure, but trusting the hold anyway. The second he lifts her, she lets out a small sound, a half-gasp and a half broken "ow" as her leg shifts slightly in the movement.

"I know," he says, tightening his grip just enough to steady her without jostling her. "I know, I've got you. It's okay."

She buries her face closer into him after that, breath still uneven, clinging like she's trying to anchor herself.

"I no like it," she mumbles into his shirt, voice muffled and small.

"I know," he says again, moving carefully toward the kitchen counter.

You're already there by the time they reach it, opening the drawer without a word and sliding the box forward so he can take it, not interrupting the moment but staying part of it in the background.

He sets her gently on the counter, staying close enough that she doesn't feel like she's being let go of.

"Okay," he says softly, glancing at the box. "Which one would you like?"

She sniffles, still holding onto his shirt with one hand while looking down through blurry eyes, trying to focus past it. "...that one," she says after a second, pointing.

"Peppa Pig?" He checks gently.

A small nod follows. "She... nice."

"She is," he agrees.

He opens it slowly, the soft sound of the packaging breaking the quiet without rushing anything. Everything he does now is measured, deliberate, matching her pace instead of trying to move past it.

"Okay," he says after a moment, voice even softer. "This might sting a little bit, alright?'

She hesitates, fingers tightening on his shirt again. "No... no boo boo," she says quickly.

"I know. Just a little and then it's done." He replies.

The reassurance holds her still enough.

The moment the bandage touches her knee, she flinches sharply again. "Ah!" she gasps, shoulders lifting suddenly. "Ow-"

"I've got it," he says quickly, not letting the moment stretch out. "It's almost done, I promise."

Her breathing shakes through it, but she doesn't pull away, just grips his shirt tighter.

When he smooths it down and pulls his hand away, the space settles again. "There," he says softly. "All done."

She looks down, blinking hard, still sniffling, focusing on the bandage like she needs to confirm it's real. "...better?"

"It's better." He confirms.

She studies it a little longer, then slowly shifts forward again, resting her head against his shoulder like she's testing whether everything is stable again.

"I no like falling," she says quietly.

"I don't blame you," he replies just as softly.

From the couch, Aiden's voice cuts in again, lighter now that everything has settled. "You good?"

Lily sniffles once, still leaning into Lando. "I fall..."

"...yeah, we caught that part," Aide replies.

That finally gets a small, shaky laugh out of her.

Lando doesn't rush her out of it. His hand stays steady against her back, slow, absent circles that match the rhythm of her breathing as it finally starts to even out. She stays tucked into him for another second longer than she needs, small fingers still holding onto his shirt like she's hasn't decided to let go yet.

Then, carefully, she lifts her head. Her eyes flick down to the bandage again, studying it one more time like she's making sure it's still there, still doing its job. Her lip isn't trembling anymore, just a little pouty now, like the worst of it has passed.

"...it there," she says quietly.

He glances down, nodding. "It's not going anywhere."

She considers that, then leans forward just enough to press a quick, soft kiss right over the Peppa Pig bandage, like that seals it.

"Okay."

His mouth curves a little at that, something soft and quiet in the way he looks at her. "You're all better now?"

She nods, slower this time. Then after a second, she shifts again, one hand sliding down from his shirt, her shoulders loosening, her attention already starting to drift back toward the living room.

But before she pulls away, she pauses.

"...Lando?"

"Yeah?"

There's another soft pause.

"Love you."

Hey my loves! So sorry for the wait! Chapter 12 is here!!!

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[sydwritess]

His One and Only Pt. 12

Pairing: Lando Norris x fem!reader

Summary: finding love was hard. Especially when you had a kid. Once they found out, they ran. But one person in particular decides to stay.

Second Person | w/c: 15.4K

Notes: will be hard to read as a standalone. Part twelve of 'His One and Only'

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Main Masterlist

You stand in front of your mirror, fingers working carefully at the clasp of your earring as you tilt your head slightly. The soft light from your lamp catches along the edge of the diamond, reflecting just enough to make you pause and adjust it once more.

The dress hugs you a little tighter than anything you've worn in a while, black, simple, but fitted in a way that makes you more aware of yourself than usual. It's not uncomfortable, just different. enough to make you check your reflection more than once, smoothing a hand down your side before letting it fall again.

You reach for the second earring, lifting it into place, when something shifts in the mirror behind you.

A shape in the doorway.

Your gaze shifts to Aiden's reflection before you turn around. He's leaning casually against the frame, arms crossed, one shoulder pressed into the wood like he's been standing there long enough to get comfortable. There's a look on his face, too, half-amused, half-judgemental in a way only he can pull off.

You don't turn fully, just glance at him through the mirror. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," he says, pushing off the frame slightly. "Just to watch you check the same earring three times." His words come out long and exaggerated.

You huff a quiet breath, finally turning toward him. "I was not-"

"You were." He cuts in, completely unbothered. Hi gaze flicks over your outfit, taking it in with exaggerated seriousness. "Wow."

You narrow your eyes slightly. "Don't."

"I'm just saying," he continues, holding his hands up like he's being reasonable, "this is... a lot."

"A lot?"

"For a date?" He nods once. "Yeah. This is dangerously close to 'main character in a breakup scene' energy."

You stare at him.

He grins back at you.

You grab the nearest thing off your dresser and toss it in his direction. "Get out."

He catches it easily, still smiling. "I'm kidding. You look nice."

There's a beat.

"He's gonna lose his mind." He mumbles, teasing but still real.

You roll your eyes, but there's something in your expression that gives you away just slightly. "Leave."

He backs toward the door, holding his hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll go. Just try not to make it weird when he gets here."

You point toward the hallway. "Go."

He laughs under his breath and disappears, leaving the door half open behind him.

You turn back to the mirror, adjusting a loose piece of hair when you hear a knock come from the front door.

Your hand pauses mid-motion. For a second, you just look at yourself in the mirror, really look. The dress, the earrings, the way your expression shifts when you realize he's here.

"I got it!' Aiden calls from the living room.

Of course he does.

You let out a quiet breath, pressing your lips together as you glance at yourself one more time. You smooth your hands down your sides again, grounding yourself before stepping toward your bedroom door.

The sound of the front door unlocking echoes through the house. Then it opens.

There's a brief pause, long enough to feel intentional.

"Wow."

You close your eyes for half a second, already picturing Aiden's expression without needing to see it.

"Did you plan this," he continues, tone dry with amusement, "or did someone warn you this was a formal interview?"

Lando's voice follows, calm but edged with something faintly amused. "Nice to see you too, Aiden."

You shuffle a little closer down the hallway, quiet enough not to interrupt, but close so you can see them now.

Lando stands just inside the doorway, one hand still near the frame as if he hasn't fully stepped in yet. The white button-up he's wearing is clean and fitted, sleeves rolled just enough to make it look effortless rather than formal. The black dress pants are simple, sharp, and put together in a way that contrasts with the familiarity of your apartment.

Aiden leans casually against the wall across from him, arms crossed, studying him like he's trying to find something to critique.

"I'm serious," Aiden adds, gesturing vaguely toward him. "You look like you're about to either impress someone... or ruin their life."

Lando huffs out a quiet laugh, shifting his weight slightly. "I'll aim for the first one."

"You should." Aiden says. "High stakes tonight."

There's a beat where neither of them speaks, the edge of the teasing softening just slightly.

Then Aiden gives a small nod. "You clean up alright."

Lando glances down at himself briefly, like he's checking. "That almost sounded genuine."

"Don't get used to it."

You can't help the small smile that pulls at your mouth as you finally step fully into the hallway.

The movement draws Lando's attention immediately.

He turns toward you, expression changing before he can hide it.

It's not exaggerated. Not dramatic. Just a quiet shift, like whatever he was about to say gets lost somewhere between seeing you and processing it.

His gaze moves over you slowly, taking in your outfit, the way the dress fits, the way you're standing there like you're half-aware of it yourself. There's something softer underneath it, too, something that lingers a second longer than it needs to.

It makes your chest feel unexpectedly tight.

Aiden notices the silence almost immediately. His eyes flick between the two of you, and then he pushes himself off the wall with a quiet clap of his hands, breaking the moment before it can stretch too far.

"Alright," he says, stepping away, "I'm gonna go check on Lily before this gets weird."

You glance at him. "It's already weird."

"Not my problem." He mutters, disappearing down the hallway.

His footsteps fade, and the apartment settles into something quieter, the kind of quiet that makes everything feel more focused.

Lando steps a little further inside, letting the door fall shut behind him, but he doesn't close the distance completely. He just stands there for a second, like he's still catching up.

Then he exhales softly, the corner of his mouth lifting. "...You look really good."

There's no joke attached this time. No deflection.

You fold your arms loosely, tilting your head just slightly as you look at him. "You hesitated."

"I know," he admits, a small, almost embarrassed smile pulling through. "I had something better in my head, and then I saw you and it just... completely disappeared."

You huff out a quiet laugh, shaking your head. "Convenient."

"Give me a minute, I'll think of something impressive." He says, glancing at you like he might actually try to recover it.

"Don't," you chuckle, the smile lingering. "You'll make it worse."

He lets out a soft laugh at that, the tension easing out of his shoulders a little. "You're making me look underdressed," he adds after a moment, his gaze flicking down to his own outfit before returning to yours. "I should've done more."

"You look good," you reassure. "If you showed up in a tie, I probably would've sent you home."

"Good to know," he says lightly. "I almost did that."

You raise a brow jokingly.

"I'm lying." He adds immediately.

For a moment, silence sits there between you. From down the hall, you can hear Lily's voice faintly, talking about something to Aiden. It's distant, but familiar enough to ground everything again.

Lando glances in that direction briefly, something in his expression shifts, softening in a way that's quiet but unmistakable, and it makes your chest tighten slightly before you even turn to see why.

At the beginning of the hallway, Lily stands there.

The soft glow of her nightlight spills out from her room behind her, outlining her in warm light against the dimness of the rest of the apartment. her pajamas hang a little loose, her hair slightly mussed from being tucked into bed, and her bunny is clutched tightly in her hand like it always is when she's unsure.

Aiden stands behind her, one hand hovering near her shoulder, clearly caught mid-attempt to guide her back to bed.

"Come on, bug," he says quietly, voice low so it doesn't carry too much. "You just got into bed. You gotta stay there."

She shakes her head, stepping forward before he can stop her. "No."

Aiden exhales, dragging a hand down his face as he glances toward you. "You see what I'm dealing with?"

Before you can answer, Lily starts walking toward you, small steps, steady and certain, like she's already decided what matters and what doesn't.

"Hey," you say gently when she reaches you, your voice instinctively softer. You crouch slightly, brushing your fingers lightly over her hair. "What are you doing out of bed?"

She tilts her face up toward you, eyes wide but steady.

"You leave."

You hand lingers for a second longer than it needs to. "We are," you say quietly, tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear. "Just for a little while. We're going to dinner, remember?"

Her gaze flickers, then shifts past you.

Lando has stepped further into the apartment now, he doesn't move too quickly, doesn't crowd the moment.

Lily watches him for a second, like she's still figuring him out even after everything.

"You come back?" She asks.

Her voice is small, careful in a way that makes the question feel bigger than it sounds.

Lando glances at you for half a second, not unsure, but checking. "Yep, but not too late. You'll probably be sleeping when we get back... but early enough that I'll see you in the morning."

She processes that slowly, her fingers tightening slightly around the worn ear of her bunny.

"You read bedtime story?"

The words come out quieter this time, almost hesitant, like he's testing whether she's allowed to ask.

Aiden shifts behind her, already opening his mouth to speak, but Lando answers before he gets the chance.

"Yeah, I'd love to."

Something in Lily's shoulders loosens, just slightly but enough to notice.

You glance at Aiden who lifts his hands in quiet surrender, shaking his head as he shuffles toward the living room. "Alright. I'm out of this one."

"Good," you murmur, turning your attention back to Lily. "One story. Then it's bedtime, okay?"

She nods, already turning, padding back down the hallway.

Lando glances at you as he passes, something quiet and understanding in his expression, something that doesn't need words, before he follows her down the hall.

You stay where you are for a moment, the apartment feeling settled now, the distant city noise barely filtering through the windows, the stretch along the living room.

After a few seconds, you move too. When you reach Lily's room, you don't go all the way in, just stop outside of the doorway, leaning lightly against the frame.

Inside, the room is dim, lit by the soft glow of her nightlight and the faint spill of light from the living room behind you. The door is left cracked open exactly how she likes it, that thin line of light stretching across the floor.

Lily is already in bed, blanket pulled up under her chin, bunny tucked close against her chest.

Lando crouches beside the bed, one knee bent, the other foot planted for balance, the book resting loosely in his hands as he flips through it.

He still looks like he's on his way somewhere else. Button-up crisp, sleeves pushed up, but the way he's settled there makes it feel like it's just as natural.

"Alright," he murmurs, glancing at the index. "Which one am I reading?"

"Bunny one," Lily says, voice already softer.

He smiles faintly, glancing up at her. "You've got a lot of confidence that narrows it down."

She lifts her hand, pointing more insistently. "That one."

"Okay," he says, adjusting the book. "I see it now." He shifts closer to the bed, resting his arm lightly against the mattress as he starts reading. His voice drops without him thinking about it, low and calm, just enough to hold her attention without overwhelming it.

Lily watches him at first. Not the book. Her eyes follow the way his mouth moves, the rhythm of his voice, like she's still getting used to him being here, sitting beside her like it's normal.

Her grip on her bunny starts to slightly loosen, her head sinking deeper into the pillow as the sound of his voice fills the room in an even, gentle rhythm.

You stay in the doorway, arms loosely folded, your shoulder resting lightly against the frame.

There's something about the scene that holds you there. The way he turns the page carefully so it doesn't make too much noise. The way he slows down just slightly at certain parts of the story, without making it obvious.

He reaches the end of the page, glancing down to find the last line, his voice softening just a fraction more as the story winds down.

"...and the bunny went to sleep," he finishes quietly, closing the book just enough to keep his place. "Goodnight, Lily," he adds softly.

She doesn't fully answer, just a small, sleepy sound, her fingers curled loosely around her bunny as her eyes drift shut completely.

He stays there for a moment longer, making sure she's settled before he carefully sets the book on her nightstand, moving slowly so he doesn't disturb anything.

When he stands and turns, that's when he sees you. You haven't moved. For a second, neither of you says anything.

Lando lingers in the doorway for a second longer, like he's making sure Lily is fully settled before stepping out into the hallway and pulling the door gently until it's left just cracked enough.

Exactly how she likes it.

You straighten from where you're leaning, pushing yourself off the wall as he turns toward you.

Lando nods toward the door. "We should probably get going before she changes her mind."

You let out a small breath, glancing once more toward Lily's room before nodding. "Yeah... and before Aiden locks us in here."

"Tempting," he says lightly.

You walk back toward the living room together, your steps quieter now, like the whole apartment has settled into something softer.

Aiden is sitting on the couch when you come back in, the TV casting a low glow across the room. He looks up immediately, one brow already raised like he's been waiting for a report.

"Well?" He asks. "Did we survive?"

"For now," you say, reaching for your coat and pulling it around your shoulders. "She just wanted a story."

Aiden nods slowly, glancing over at Lando with a look that's half amused, half impressed. "That's a big deal, by the way. You should feel honored."

"I do," Lando chuckles, grabbing his jacket from the hook next to yours. "Little bit of pressure, though."

"Yes, don't mess it up." Aiden adds easily, leaning back again. "She'll remember."

You roll your eyes, adjusting your sleeve as you step closer toward the door. "She's asleep."

"Still," Aiden shrugs, like that doesn't change anything. "Reputation matters."

Lando looks at you, a quiet smile slipping through. "Good to know I'm being evaluated the whole time."

"Constantly." Aiden adds in without missing a beat.

You shake your head, a small giggle slipping through your lips as you grab your purse. "We're leaving now."

"Have fun," Aiden calls. "I've got it here don't worry."

You turn back, reaching for the door, but Lando steps in first, pulling it open before you can.

You glance at him, a small smile pulling at your mouth. "Wow. You're really committing to this."

"I told you," he says, holding it open with an easy expression. "I'm setting expectations early."

You step past him into the hallway, the door closing softly behind you as the quieter atmosphere of the building takes over. The hallway is dimly lit, clean and still, your footsteps echoing faintly as you walk side by side toward the elevators.

When you reach them, Lando presses the button and leans back slightly against the wall, looking over at you.

"Cloth napkins," you remind him, folding your arms loosely.

"High pressure situation." He replies. "I didn't realize this was a test."

"It absolutely it."

The elevator dings softly as the doors slide open, and he gestures for you to go first with a small tilt of his head.

"After you."

You step inside, and he follows, pressing the lobby button before the doors glide shut again. The mirrored walls catch your reflection, and you catch yourself smoothing a hand over your dress without thinking.

"Still adjusting?" He asks, watching you.

"A little," you admit, glancing at him.

He studies you for a second, his expression softening in that quiet way again. "You shouldn't be. You look like you walked out of something I'm not dressed well enough to be in."

You let out a small laugh, shaking your head. "You look good."

"Debatable." He says, though there's no real argument in it.

The elevator slows, then opens into the lobby, the space wide and polished with warm lighting reflecting off marble floors. Through the glass walls, the city stretches out, dark sky, scattered lights, everything feeling distant and small from the height.

You walk out together, the doors glide open, the night air hitting as soon as you step outside, cooler and sharper.

Lando's car is parked just along the curb, sleek under the streetlights. he moves ahead of you this time, stepping around to the passenger side and pulling the door open before you can reach it.

You stop just short, raising an eyebrow as you look at him. "okay, this is getting excessive."

"Is it?" He asks, resting a hand lightly against the top of the door. "Or is this exactly what you signed up for?"

"I don't remember agreeing to this level of effort," you reply, though there's a hint of amusement in your voice.

"Too late now, you're already here."

You hesitate for half a second, just enough to make him narrow his eyes slightly.

"If you don't get in," he adds, "I'm going to have to stand here like this, and it's going to get embarrassing for the both of us."

You laugh under your breath at that, shaking your head as you slide into the seat. "Okay,"

"Just wait, I haven't even peaked yet." He says, closing the door gently.

He rounds the front of the car quickly, slipping into the driver's seat and starting the engine. The low hum fills the space as he pulls away from the curb, the city lights shifting around you as you move through the streets.

The drive is easy, the conversation light and quiet, the kind that doesn't need to fill every second.

After a while, he slows, turning onto a street lined with warm lighting and upscale storefronts. The restaurant stands out immediately, sleek glass exterior, soft golden light spilling onto the sidewalk, the kind of place that feels carefully put together without being overdone.

He pulls up to the curb and puts the car in park, glancing over at you. "Alright. This looks like you made a good choice."

You let out an exaggerated gasp, putting a hand over your heart. "You doubted me?"

"I was cautious." He corrects, pointing a finger into the air.

You shake your head, reaching for the door handle, but before you can, he's already out of the car. You barely have a second to react before he's at your side again, opening your door like he's been timing it.

You look up at him, amused. "Wow, you ran."

"I did not run," he says quickly. "That was a controlled, efficient walk.

"Sure, babe."

He offers his hand, casual but steady. "Careful."

You chuckle but take it anyway, letting him help you out of the car. "Thank you," you say, softer this time.

He shrugs lightly, but there's a small smile there. "I'm setting the standard high. It's a risky move."

"Very." You agree.

You step onto the sidewalk beside him, the soft murmur of conversation drifting from inside as the door opens for another couple.

He glances at you, connecting your hand with his. "Ready?"

You nod, looking toward the entrance. "Yeah."

Together you move toward the restaurant, the atmosphere shifting immediately as you walk side by side.

The warmth of the restaurant hits you the second you step in. Soft lighting, low conversation, the muted clink of glasses and dishes. The kind of place where people lean in when they talk, where voices stay low without anyone needing to say it.

Lando steps slightly ahead of you, reaching for the second door and holding it open as another couple exits. His hand stays on it as he glances back at you, giving a small nod for you to go first.

"Go on," he says lightly. "I'm maintaining my image."

You walk past him, brushing his arm as you do. "You're very committed to this image."

"You'll thank me later."

"I already am," you murmur, just under your breath.

The host stand sits just ahead, a neatly dressed host looking up with a polite, practiced smile. "Good evening," he says. "Do you have a reservation?"

Lando steps forward, resting a hand lightly against the edge of the stand. "Yeah- uh, Norris."

The host glances down at the book, flipping briefly before nodding. "Right this way."

Lando steps back again, letting you move ahead as he follows behind you. His hand hovers hovers near the small of your back, not quite touching, before dropping again as you're led deeper into the restaurant.

The further in you walk, the more the space seems to soften. Tables are spaced just enough apart to feel private, candlelight flickers gently, and everything carries that quiet, intentional atmosphere that makes you lower your voice without thinking.

When you reach your table, the host gestures toward it before stepping away. You reach for your chair, but Lando moves at the same time, stepping around quickly.

"Wait- hang on." He says, clearly determined now.

You pause, watching him take hold of the chair. "This is where you pull it out." You say, a hint of amusement already in your voice.

"I know how it works," he replies, giving you a look.

"Do you?"

"Yes."

He pulls the chair back, but one of the legs catches against the floor with a soft scrape that's just a little too loud in the quiet space. It drags for half a second before stopping, and both of you freeze instinctively as the sound lingers.

You try to hold your laughter in, pressing your lips together, but it doesn't work.

Lando looks down at the chair like it stole from him, then back at you, unimpressed. "That didn't happen."

That's enough to break it.

You laugh, turning your head slightly as you try to contain it, your hand coming up to your mouth. It's not loud, but it's real, and it lingers just long enough to make him shake his head.

"Alright," he mutters, adjusting the chair again with more control this time. "We're resetting."

You step closer, still smiling as you sit down. "Very smooth."

"I had it," he insists, though there's a smile slipping through. "You distracted me."

"Of course I did."

He exhales through his nose, amused despite himself, before stepping behind you again.

"Wait," he says, gentler this time.

You pause, glancing back at him as he reaches for your coat. The moment shifts slightly as he carefully helps you slide it off your shoulders, his movements slower and more deliberate than before.

"Thank you," you say quietly as he drapes it neatly over the back of your chair.

He nods once, brushing it off like it's nothing before moving around to his own seat. When he sits, he leans back slightly, exhaling like he just completed something far more complicated than it needed to be.

"I think I recovered," he jokes, glancing at you.

You tilt your head, still smiling. "Barely."

"I'm counting it."

A server approaches then, placing menus in front of you both and setting down win glasses with a soft clink. You thank him quietly, and once he steps away again, you open the menu, scanning it for a moment.

You can feel Lando's eyes on you after a second, and when you glance up, he's already watching you with that familiar, amused look.

"What?" You ask.

"I'm waiting," he replies.

"For what?"

"For you to pick something expensive. You warned me."

You raise a brow, leaning back slightly in your chair. "Maybe I will."

"I'm prepared." He says, though the hint of a smile gives him away.

"Are you?"

"No."

That pulls a soft laugh from you, and you look back down at the menu, taking a little more time than before. The options are definitely on the higher end, enough to make you hesitate before settling on something.

"Okay," you say after a moment, glancing up again. "This is a lot of pressure."

"I told you," he replies. "This is a serious night."

"You're the one who insisted on 'real napkins.'"

"Cloth napkins," he corrects, completely serious. "Important detail."

You shake your head, smiling as you tell him what you're thinking of ordering. He listens, nodding once as he considers it.

"That sounds good, I might copy you."

"Don't."

"Why not?"

"Because if it's bad, then we both lose."

"That's fair," he admits.

The server returns then, notepad ready, giving you both a polite smile. "Have you decided?"

You nod, sitting up a little straighter. "Yeah, I'll do the seared salmon, and... the roasted vegetables on the side."

"Very good," he says, jotting it down. "And for you?"

Lando glances at the menu one more time like he's double-checking, then looks back up. "I'll go with the filet, medium. And the truffle mashed potatoes."

"Very good, sir." The server replies with a small nod. "I'll have that right out for you."

"Thank you," you both say, almost at the same time.

The server steps away, and you look over at Lando. "You went fancy," you say.

He leans back slightly, folding his arms loosely. "I had to match the vibe."

"The vibe?'

"Yeah," he nods. "You set the tone with salmon."

You shake your head, smiling. 'I don't think that's how that works."

"It is tonight."

The table settles again, the conversation easing back into that comfortable rhythm.

Lando leans forward, resting his arms against the edge of the table. "This is nice," he says, not making a big deal out of it, just letting it sit there.

You glance at him, your expression softening. "It is."

"Yeah," he nods. "No cartoons in the background. No interruptions. No one judging my chair technique."

You smile. "I'm still judging that."

"That's fair."

There's a small pause, one that feels a little more intentional this time.

"Thank you," he adds, quieter now. "For coming out tonight. I know it's not always easy to leave."

Your fingers trace lightly along the edge of the table as you think about that, your gaze dropping for a second before you look back up at him. "It's easier now. With you."

He doesn't respond right away, but something in his expression steadies, like he's holding onto that more than he's letting on.

"That's good," he says finally.

The moment softens, then shifts back into something lighter as the conversation drifts. You talk about small things- Aiden's commentary earlier, the way Lily insisted on the same story again, like it was brand new, little details that feel easy to share now.

At one point, Lando tries to imitate Aiden again, exaggerating his tone just enough to make it ridiculous.

"That was not even close," you say, laughing.

"It's exactly right."

"It's really not."

"You're just used to it."

"You sound like a completely different person."

He leans back, sarcastically offended. "Wow. Okay."

You smile, your laughter softer now but still lingering, and the warmth of the restaurant seems to settle around you even more.

Time passes without either of you really noticing, the conversation filling the space naturally.

After a while, you notice movement near your table, servers weaving between tables, plates balanced carefully in their hands.

Lando glances over his shoulder briefly, then back at you, a small smile forming again. "Alright, moment of truth."

You both sit up slightly without thinking, the conversation pausing as the plates are set down in front of you. The soft clink of silverware and porcelain feels louder up close, even though the restaurant itself stays wrapped in that same quiet hum.

"Seared salmon," the server says as he places your dish down, the faint scent of something warm and buttery rising with it. "And the filet."

Lando's plate is set in front of him next, steam curling faintly upward from the potatoes, the presentation almost too neat to touch.

"Enjoy your meal," the server adds with a polite smile before stepping away again.

For a second, neither of you says anything.

You both just... look at the food.

"Okay," you say slowly, glancing up at him. "This already looks better than anything I've made in the last year."

He lets out a quiet laugh, picking up his fork as he looks down at his plate. "That's a low bar."

"It's really not," you reply. "I tried something new last week and Lily refused to eat it."

"That's how you know it was bad."

"It was not bad," you defend, though you're already smiling. "She just didn't trust it."

"Fair," he says. "I wouldn't trust it either."

You give him a look before cutting into your food, taking a small bite.

There's a pause between the both of you.

Your expression shifts almost immediately. "...Okay," you point your fork at your plate. "That's-"

"Good?" He guesses, already watching your reaction.

"Yeah," you nod, still processing it. "Really good."

He looks down at his own plate, suddenly more interested, and cuts into his filet, taking a bite.

There's a similar pause on his end this time. Then he leans back slightly, eyebrows lifting just a fraction. "Alright."

You smile at that. "Right?"

"Yeah, no that's-" he gestures with his fork. "That's worth it."

"Cloth napkin worth it?" You ask.

"Cloth napkin worth it," he confirms.

You both fall into eating, the conversation weaving in between bites without being forced. It's quieter now, more relaxed, like you've both settled into the night fully.

For a few minutes, it's just that, small comments about the food, the way the flavors actually live up to how they looked, the kind of simple conversation that doesn't need much effort.

At one point, you glance up to catch him already looking up at you.

"What?" You ask, setting your fork down for a second.

He shakes his head lightly, like he's debating whether to say it, then gives in. "Nothing. I just- this is nice."

You tilt your head, a softer smile forming. "You already said that."

"I know," he says. "I meant it the first time too."

You look down for a second, your fingers brushing lightly along the edge of your plate before you look back up at him.

"I'm glad we did this." You admit.

"Me too," he says, and there's no hesitation in it.

You take another bite, then look back up at him. "You're still thinking about the chair thing, aren't you?"

He exhales, shaking his head. "I had one job."

"And you almost had it."

"Almost doesn't count."

"It does in this case. You recovered."

"I appreciate that," he replies, a small smile slipping through. "That means a lot coming from my harshest critic."

"I'm very fair." You chuckle.

"Debatable."

You laugh softly, the sound coming out natural.

The conversation drifts again, touching on smaller things, stories from earlier in the week, something Lily said that stuck with you, the way she's been slowly warming up more and more. You mention how she asked for the story without looking at you first, how that felt different.

He listens when you talk about her, really listens, not just nodding along but actually paying attention in a way that's hard to miss.

"That's good," he says after a moment. "She's getting there."

"Yeah," you nod. "She is."

There's something unspoken in that, something you both understand without needing to lay it out.

He takes another bite, then glances up again, his expression a little more thoughtful this time. "You've done a really good job with her."

The words land softer than you expect. You don't answer right away, your gaze dropping briefly before you look back up at him. "I've tried."

"It shows," he replies simply.

For a second, the rest of the restaurant fades into the background again. The noise is still there, the movement, the soft clinking of glasses, but it feels distant compared to the moment sitting at the table.

You shift slightly in your chair, picking your fork back up, but your expression stays softer now. "Don't get all serious on me," you say lightly, trying to pull it back.

"I'm not," he says, though there's a small smile there. "I can be normal."

"Debatable."

"Wow."

You smile, taking another bite of your food, allowing the moment to ease again, slipping back into something lighter without losing what was there.

Time passes in that quiet, steady way, the plates slowly emptying as the conversation continues. You lean into it without thinking, elbows brushing the table, your voice a little softer than usual, but your laughter coming easier.

At one point, he tells a story that's not even that funny on it's own, but the way he tells it while he's half serious and self-aware makes it impossible not to laugh anyway.

"That did not happen," you say, shaking your head.

"It did."

"No, it didn't."

"You weren't there."

"That's because it didn't happen."

He leans back, mock offended again. "Unbelievable."

You're still smiling, the warmth of it lingering as you look down at your plate again. The food, the conversation, the atmosphere, everything blends together in a way that makes the night feel slower than it actually is.

Eventually, you notice the staff beginning to move a little more deliberately again, clearing nearby tables, resetting others.

Lando leans back in his chair, letting out a quiet breath as he sets his fork down, his hand resting loosely against his stomach.

"Okay," he says, shaking his head once like he's coming to a conclusion. "I'm officially stuffed."

You glance up at him, amused, your own plate nearly finished as you set your fork down too. "Already?"

"That was a lot," he replies, gesturing lightly toward the empty plate in front of him. "I underestimated it."

"You ordered a filet and truffle potatoes." You point out. "What did you think was going to happen?"

"I thought I could handle it," he says, a little defensive, though there's a smile pulling at his mouth. "I was wrong."

You laugh softly, leaning back in your chair as the moment settles, both of you lingering in that comfortable pause that comes after a good meal.

Right on cue, the server returns, stepping up to the table with a polite smile as he begins clearing your plates.

"Can I take these for you?" He asks, already gathering them carefully.

"Yeah, thank you." You say, shifting your glass slightly to give him space.

He stacks the plates neatly, then glances between the two of you. "Can I interest you in any dessert tonight?"

There's barely a second of silence before Lando pops up out of his state. "Yes." The answer comes out with a little more enthusiasm than expected.

You turn to look at him, eyebrows lifting, and then you laugh, the sound warm and surprised.

"I thought you were stuffed."

"I am," he replies, completely unbothered. "That doesn't mean I don't want dessert."

The server smiles slightly, clearly used to this. "We do have a few favorites tonight if you'd like suggestions."

You look over at Lando again, still amused, then back at the server. "We'll share one."

"Good call," Lando adds, nodding once like it's always been the plan.

The server lists off a few options, but one catches both of your attention almost immediately.

"We'll do the chocolate lava cake." You say, glancing at Lando for confirmation.

He nods. "Definitely that one."

"Perfect," the server replies. "I'll have that right out for you."

He steps away again, leaving the table cleared except for your glasses and the quiet anticipation that settles in.

You look at him again, still smiling. "You said that so fast."

"I didn't even think about it," he admits.

"That was obvious."

"Some things don't require thought," he says. "Dessert is one of them."

You shake your head, laughing under your breath, but you don't argue.

The wait isn't long. A few minutes later, the server returns again, placing the dessert carefully in the center of the table. The chocolate lava cake sits warm on the plate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slightly against it, a light drizzle of sauce tying it all together.

"Enjoy," he says, setting down two spoons before stepping away again.

You both look at it for a second.

"Okay," you say quietly. "That looks... really good."

"Yeah," Lando agrees, already reaching for a spoon. "I regret nothing."

"You shouldn't."

He cuts into it first, the center breaking open slightly, warm chocolate spilling out just enough to make it even better.

"That's ridiculous," he mutters, already taking a bite.

You watch his reaction, then take your own, scooping a bit with the ice cream.

"Yeah," you nod.

"Yeah," he echoes, pointing his spoon at the dish. "That's- yeah."

You laugh softly, the two of you falling into an easy rhythm of sharing it, trading small comments between bites, occasionally bumping spoons without meaning to.

At one point, he pauses mid-bite, shaking his head. "This is why I said yes so fast."

"Good instinct."

"Why, thank you."

By the time the plate is nearly empty, you're both leaning back again, the last of the dessert finished between you.

Lando exhales, resting back in his chair, one hand running briefly over his face before dropping again.

"Okay," he says firmly. "Now I'm really done."

You smile, watching him. "Are you sure?'

"Yes," he nods. "Absolutely. No more surprises."

"We'll see."

He shakes his head, but there's a smile there as the server returns one last time, setting the check down on the table.

"I'll take that," Lando says easily, reaching for it before you can even look at it.

"You don't have to-"

He puts a dismissive hand up. "No no no. Don't you even."

You hesitate for a second, then let i go, watching as he pulls out his card and sets it down. The exchange is quick, easy, like he's done it a hundred times before, but there's nothing showy about it.

When the receipt comes back, he signs it, adding a tip before sliding it back into place.

"Alright," he says, standing and grabbing his jacket. "Ready?"

You nod, standing as well, reaching for your coat, but he's already there again, lifting it from the back of your chair.

"Still committing?" You ask.

"Always." He smiles.

He helps you slip it back on, his hands steady, the movement quieter now compared to earlier.

"Thank you," you say softly.

He nods, the two of you walking back through the restaurant, the warmth following you until you reach the door. It opens, and the cool night air meets you again.

Lando leads you toward the car, stepping ahead to reach your door first. He pulls it open, glancing back at you with a knowing look.

"Still excessive?"

"A little," you smile.

"Good."

You slide into the seat, and he closes the door gently before rounding the front of the car. A moment later, he's back in the driver's seat, starting the engine as the quiet hum fills the space.

The drive back feels slower. The city lights pass by in slow streaks, conversation quieter now, not because there's nothing to say, but because it doesn't feel necessary to fill every second.

The car slows as you pull up in front of the building, the familiar shape of it rising above you, all glass and light against the night sky. For a second, neither of you move, the engine still running, the quiet inside the car settling around you again after the drive.

Lando tilts his head at you, a smile tugging on his lips. "Still standing?"

"Barely." You admit, shifting slightly in your seat. "I might need to be carried upstairs."

"Yeah?" He says, unbuckling his seatbelt. "I'll consider it."

"You won't."

"Maybe," he says, pushing the door open. "Wouldn't want my princess falling down now, would we?"

You laugh under your breath as he steps out, already moving around the front of the car again before you can reach the handle.

"You're very consistent." You say, looking up at him.

"I said I was committing," he replies, offering his hand.

You take it, letting him help you out, your heels settling against the pavement as you straighten. His hand lingers just a second longer than necessary before he lets go, like it notices it at the same time you do.

"Thank you," you say quietly.

He nods, brushing it off. "C'mon, before you actually make me carry you upstairs."

"Tempting," you murmur as you fall into step beside him.

"You'd regret it. Halfway through, minimum."

You smile under your breath as you walk inside together, the lobby quieter now than before, lights dimmed slightly, and everything wrapped in that late-night stillness. The receptionist gives you a small nod as you pass, and you return it absently as you head toward the elevators.

Your footsteps echo softly across the polished floor, slower now, more relaxed than earlier. When you reach the elevator, you press the button and lean back lightly against the wall, exhaling.

"That was a good call." Lando says after a moment, glancing over at you.

"What was?"

"The restaurant. You did well."

You look at him, a smile forming. "You doubted me."

"I was cautious." He corrects.

"You always say that."

"It's accurate."

The elevator dings, the doors sliding open smoothly before you both step inside. The ride up is quiet, but not empty. There's something softer sitting between you, something settled from the night that doesn't need to be said out loud.

When the doors open onto your floor, you step out together, the hallway stretching ahead. Your steps fall into rhythm without thinking, unhurried as you make your way back to your apartment.

You reach your door, pulling your keys out and unlocking it, the soft click sounding louder than it should in the quiet.

You pause almost immediately when the door opens.

The living room lamp is on, casting a warm glow across the floor, and the TV flickers softly against the walls. The sound is low, but unmistakable, filling the apartment in a way that doesn't match what you expected to come home to.

You step inside slowly, brows pulling together. "That's... weird."

Lando follows just behind you, the door closing quietly as his attention shifts toward the living room as well. "Did you leave it on?"

"No," you say, moving further in. "Not like this."

You round the corner past the French doors, coming to an immediate stop.

Aiden is sitting on the couch like he's been there a while, leaning back with one arm draped along the backrest, completely at ease. And Lily is sitting on his leg, fully upright, very much awake, her small frame balanced like she's claimed the spot as her own.

The TV light flickers across her face as she watches it, focused, her attention completely locked in. In her hands, she's holding one of her sippy bottles, tipping it slightly as she drinks, pausing every few seconds like she's multitasking between the show and the milk.

Her bunny is tucked beside her instead of clutched, forgotten for now.

You stand there for a second, taking in the entire scene.

"Aiden," you say, voice flattening as your arms cross slowly. "Why is she up?"

He doesn't even flinch. He looks over at you like nothing about this is unusual, shifting slightly under Lily's weight. "She woke up."

You tilt your head. "And your solution... was this."

He gestures toward her, like he's presenting evidence. "She said she was thirsty."

"And?"

"And then she said she wanted to watch something." He adds, completely serious. "So I handled both like a proper uncle."

"Oh my God," you whisper in defeat.

"It's a good explanation," he insists. "Hydration is important. The key to staying well."

Lily finally notices you then, her attention pulling away from the TV as her eyes land on you. Her face lights up almost instantly, like she forgot she was supposed to be tired.

"You back!" She says, sitting up straighter, her voice bright despite the time of night.

"We are," you say gently, stepping closer. "Why are you still up?"

She shrugs slightly, lifting the bottle again for another sip. "No sleepy."

You glance back at Aiden. "That's what you're going with?"

He nods once, confident. "That's the official story."

"You put on cartoons."

"They're calming. Very relaxing."

You stare at him. Behind you, Lando lets out a quiet laugh, trying not to get involved but clearly entertained by the situation. You look back at him briefly before focusing on Lily again.

"Hey," you say, crouching down in front of her. "It's really late, baby."

She looks at you, then at Lando, then back at you again, like she's checking something important.

"Go to dinner?"

You blink, caught off guard, then nod. "Yeah, we did."

She studies your face for a second, then looks at Lando again, very seriously. "Good?"

Lando smiles, stepping a little closer but keeping his distance. "It was really good."

She nods slowly, like she's processing that, then takes another sip of her milk. "I wait," she adds.

"You waited?" You repeat, softer now.

She nods again, completely casual about it. "I want see you... when you back"

Something in your expression shifts, softening in a way that lingers. You reach up, brushing your hand gently through her hair, smoothing it back from her face.

"You we're supposed to be asleep," you say quietly.

"I no sleepy." She repeats, though it sounds less convincing now.

Aiden clears his throat slightly. "In her defense, she did try."

You glance at him. "For how long?"

"...a few minutes."

You stare a him again.

"She committed," he adds quickly. "It just didn't work out."

Lando huffs another laugh, shaking his head.

You exhale, straightening just a little before looking back at Lily. "Okay... well we're fixing that now."

She doesn't argue, but doesn't move either, just sitting there with her bottle, watching you like she's waiting to see what happens next.

"Are you done with that?" You ask.

She looks down at it, thinking. "Yeah..."

You hold out your hand, and she hands the bottle over without resistance, still watching you closely. You set it aside on the coffee table before reach back for her.

"C'mon," you say softly.

She leans toward you, arms lifting immediately. You pick her up, settling her against your hip, and she melts into you, her energy already starting to dip now that's she's close.

Aiden shifts as the weight of her leaves his leg, stretching slightly. "See? Handled."

"You gave her milk and cartoons," you reply.

"I kept her entertained."

"You avoided putting her back to bed."

He shrugs. "Tomato, tomahto."

"Go to sleep," you tell him, nodding toward the couch.

He glances down at it like he's sizing it up, then flops back dramatically, grabbing one of the throw blankets. "I am going to sleep. Right here. Front row seat if she escapes again."

"That's not reassuring."

"It should be." He insists, already pulling the blanket over himself. "I'm very alert when I'm asleep."

"That's now how that works."

"It is for me."

Lando lets out a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he watches Aiden settle in like he's completely done for the night.

Aiden points lazily in his direction without sitting back up. "Don't encourage her. I did great."

"Debatable." Lando replies easily.

"Unbelievable," Aiden mutters, shifting onto his side and tucking the blanket under his shoulder like he's already halfway asleep.

The apartment quiets a little after the, the TV still playing softly in the background, though now it feels more like background noise than anything else. Lily shifts in your arms, her head turning slightly as she looks between you and Lando.

"Pretty," she says suddenly.

You blink, caught off guard, then smile. "Thank you baby."

She nods, then leans her head against your shoulder, though she's still awake enough to glance at Lando again. "You pretty," she adds, pointing to him.

Lando pauses, clearly not expecting that, then smiles. "Thanks, Lil."

You glance at him, something softer passing between you again before you look back toward the hallway. "Alright, bedtime. For real this time."

She doesn't argue, just wraps her arms a little tighter around your shoulders as you walk toward her bedroom.

The light in there is already on, spilling ot into the hallway as you open the door and shuffle in.

You ease Lily down onto the mattress carefully, one hand still resting lightly on her back as if letting go too quickly might wake her again. The nightlight casts a soft glow across her room, just enough to see the way her lashes rest against her cheeks, her breathing already evening out.

You pull the blanket up over her, smoothing it down slowly, your fingers brushing over the fabric more than necessary. She shifts slightly, her hand curling near the face, bunny tucked close again like it found its place without help.

"You stayed up just to see me?" You murmur quietly.

Her eyes don't open this time, but her lips move just enough. "Yeah."

Something in your chest tightens and softens all at once. You lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering there for just a second before pulling back. "Next time, you sleep. I'll still be here."

She doesn't answer, already gone.

You stay there a second longer, making sure she's settled. Then you straighten slowly, turning toward the doorway where Lando still stands.

He hasn't moved much. One shoulder rests lightly against the frame, his hands tucked loosely into his pockets, like he didn't want to interrupt anything. But his eyes are on you, softer than they've been all night.

You step out into the hallway, pulling the door gently behind you, leaving it cracked open slightly.

For a second, neither of you says anything. Then you let out a small breath, almost a laugh under it. "She really stayed up."

"Yeah," he whispers. "She did."

There's a small pause after that, but it's not awkward. Just quiet and comfortable.

You push yourself off the wall after a second, nodding down the hall. "C'mon."

He follows without question, his steps naturally quieter now, like the whole apartment shifted into something softer. The door closes softly behind you, your bedroom dim except for the low light from your bedside lamp.

You move, sitting down at your vanity and unclipping your earrings, setting them carefully on the surface. When you turn back around, Lando's still standing there, watching you in that same quiet way, like he's taking something in he doesn't want to interrupt.

"What?" You ask softly, a small smile pulling at your mouth.

He shakes his head once, stepping a little closer. "Nothing."

You narrow your eyes slightly, not fully convinced. "You keep saying that."

"I mean it," he replies, voice just as quiet. "Just... tonight was great."

Your expression softens a little at that, the edge of your smile fading into something gentler. "Yeah. It was."

There's a pause, one that lingers a little longer this time. Then you reach behind you, unzipping your dress just enough to breathe easier, your shoulders relaxing as the night finally starts to catch up with you. "I'm changing," you mumble, already half turned toward your closet.

He lets out a quiet laugh, turning slightly away out of instinct. "Yeah, I got it."

You disappear for a minute, swapping into something softer, more comfortable, the kind of clothes that feel like home. When you come back out, he's sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on his knees, looking up when you reenter.

"Better?"

"Much," you say, moving toward the bed.

You sit beside him, close enough that your knees brush. The quiet wraps around you again, but this time it feels smaller, more contained.

You lean back first, shifting onto the bed and pulling the blanket up slightly. He watches you for half a second before following, lying back beside you, leaving just enough space between you to be respectful, but not enough that it feels distant.

"You're quiet," he says after a moment.

"So are you."

"Fair."

You turn your head slightly, looking at him. He's already looking at you, like he didn't bother pretending otherwise this time.

"You're good with her," you say, your voice quieter now, more thoughtful.

His expression shifts just slightly, like he wasn't expecting that. "I try."

"I know," you reply. "She notices."

He looks down for a second, then back at you, something steadier settling in his expression. "She's easy to care about."

Your chest tightens just a little at that, but in a way that doesn't hurt. "Yeah... she is."

Without thinking about it, you shift a little closer. Not a big movement, just enough that your arm brushes his, that the space between you disappears without it being a thing.

He notices.

You can tell by the way his hand moves, hesitating for a second before settling gently over yours where it rests between you.

You don't pull away. Your fingers shift enough to lace with his.

"Tonight was worth it," he says after a moment, voice low.

You glance at him, a small smile returning. "Even the chair incident?"

He exhales, closing his eyes briefly. "Don't."

You laugh softly, the sound barely above a breath. "It was charming."

"That was not the word you used earlier." He chuckles.

"I'm revising my opinion."

"Convenient."

"Very."

He smiles at that, and for a second, everything feels easy.

You shift a little more, your head finding a comfortable place against his shoulder without really asking. He stills for half a second, then relaxes into it, his free hand adjusting slightly so you're more comfortable.

Neither of you says anything after that. There's nothing you need to say. The quiet stretches, soft and steady, the kind that doesn't feel empty.

-

Morning comes in slowly.

Soft morning light slips in through curtains in soft streaks, stretching across the floor and climbing its way up the bed. The apartment is still for a while, no TV, no movement, just the early silence that doesn't last long in a place like this.

Then...

A small tug.

Another one, a little more insistent this time.

Lando shifts slightly, still half asleep, his brows pulling together as his hand moves lazily across the bed, like he's trying to find you without opening his eyes. "Mm-" he murmurs under his breath, voice rough with sleep. "What are you doing..."

The tug comes again.

He exhales quietly, barely lifting his head, still not fully awake. "It's too early..." He mutters, reaching blindly again, fully expecting to find you standing beside him.

But the fabric pulls again, smaller hands this time.

He pauses, eyes cracking open slowly, unfocused at first as the light hits them, and he turns his head just enough to actually look, immediately freezing.

Lily is standing at the side of the bed, both hands gripping the edge of his shirt, her hair messy from sleep, her eyes wide and very awake.

"Lando," she whispers loudly, which isn't really much of a whisper. "Morning."

There's a split second where his brain catches up. Then his entire expression changes.

The groggy confusion softens into something gentler almost instantly, his voice dropping as he pushes himself up just enough to look at her properly. "Hey- hey," he whispers, bringing a finger up slightly. "Shh, baby, quiet-"

She leans closer like that helps, still holding onto his shirt. "It morning." She repeats, somehow quieter but still very much awake.

"I know," he murmurs, glancing over his shoulder quickly.

You're still asleep. Curled slightly into the pillow, completely unaware of what's happening next to you.

He looks back at Lily, lowering his voice even more. "We gotta be quiet, yeah?"

She nods seriously. "Okay..."

He shifts carefully, reaching out for her, his hands gentle as he lifts her up from the floor and onto the bed. She settles beside him easily, like she's done it a hundred times, immediately turning and snuggling into his side.

He adjusts the blanket so it doesn't move too much, then leans over to grab the TV remote from the nightstand.

"What do you wanna watch?" He asks softly.

she thinks about it for a second, brows pulling together. "Movie."

"Yeah?" He nods, turning the TV on low, the screen lighting up. "No cartoons?"

She shakes her head. "No cartoons."

He huffs a small, amused breath. "Alright. No cartoons." He scrolls for a moment before settling on Toy Story. The volume stays low, barely more than a background hum, just enough to fill the silence without disturbing anything else in the room.

Lily watches the screen light up like it's the best part of her morning already.

She scoots a little closer to him, shifting under the blanket without asking, settling in like she belongs there. Her attention bounces between the TV and him every few second like she doesn't want to miss either.

"It morning," she whispers again, softer this time but still full of excitement, like the idea hasn't worn off yet.

He glances down at her, a faint smile pulling at his expression s he relaxes back into the headboard. "Yeah, it is."

"I wake up," she continues, words spilling out in quiet little bursts, her fingers fidgeting lightly with the edge of the blanket. "And I go here."

"I noticed," he says, the hint of amusement still there as he shifts slightly to get more comfortable beside her.

She nods, like that checks out, like she's proud of her sequence of events. "I quiet."

He raises an eyebrow just slightly, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "You were..." he pauses, considering it carefully, "...almost quiet."

She tilts her head, thinking about that. "I try..."

"I know you did," he replies gently, nudging her lightly with his shoulder in a way that makes it feel like he's letting her win.

She smiles at that, small and pleased, before turning back to the TV for a second like she's checking on it. It only lasts a moment before she's look back at him again, clearly not done talking.

"Wake mommy up?" She whispers, voice dipping a little softer now as she tries her best to look past Lando in your direction.

Lando follows her gaze, eyes moving over to where you're still asleep, curled slightly into the pillow, completely undisturbed. His expression shifts without him realizing it, softening just a little more as he watches you for a second.

Then he looks back at Lily, shaking his head slightly. "Not yet."

"Why?" She asks, her voice quieter now, curiosity replacing excitement just slightly as she leans closer to him.

"She's really tired." He explains, keeping his voice low. "That's why she's still sleeping."

Lily looks over at you, studying you like she's trying to understand that. "No sleep?"

"She did," he says softly. "Just not enough."

She nods slowly, taking that in, accepting it without question. her small hand shifts, resting lightly against his arm like she needs something steady to hold onto while he processes it.

"Okay..."

They both turn back toward the TV after that, letting the quiet settle for a moment. The movie plays softly in the background, filling the space just enough to keep it from feeling empty.

It doesn't last long.

"You like morning?" She asks suddenly, her voice hushed but full of curiosity again, like her brain moved on already.

He glances down at her, a small smile forming again as he shifts slightly against the pillows. "Sometimes."

"Sometime?" She asks, tilting her head again.

"Sometimes I'm really tired." he admits, voice still low and easy.

She nods immediately, like that makes perfect sense. "I no tired."

"I can tell," he says, a quiet laugh under his breath.

She adjusts the blanket around herself, tucking it in a little tighter like she's settling in properly now. "I like morning."

"Yeah?"

She nods, more confident. "I do stuff."

"That's true."

"Eat pancakes." She adds quickly, like she almost forgot the best part.

"That's definitely the best part," he agrees.

She smiles at that, clearly satisfied with his answer, before turning her attention back to the screen again. This time she lasts a little longer, actually watching, her body relaxing more into his side.

Lando leans back more fully now, his posture easing as he settles into the moment. His hand rests loosely near hers on top of the blanket, close enough that she can reach him.

After a minute, she does. Her fingers hook lightly around the fabric of his sleeve, a small, absent gesture like she just wants to make sure he's still there.

"Lando," she whispers.

"Yeah?" He replies immediately, glancing down at her again.

She tilts her head slightly, studying him like she's trying to figure something out. There's a small pause, like she's deciding how to ask it.

"...are the cloud... heavy?" She asks finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

He blinks once, clearly not expecting that. "...clouds?" He repeats quietly, a small smile already starting to form.

She nods, very serious. "Yes. If one... fall. You get squished?"

That does it.

He lets out a soft, quiet laugh, quickly pressing his lips together like he's trying not to make too much noise. His shoulders shake just slightly, and he turns his head away for a second, collecting himself.

"You're asking the important questions this morning, huh?" He murmurs, glancing back at her.

"Will it?" She presses, her fingers tightening just a little on his sleeve.

He exhales softly, trying to answer properly now, lowering his voice again. "No, they wouldn't squish you."

Her brows pull together. "Why?"

"Because they're not... solid," he explains, thinking it through as he speaks. "They look big and fluffy, but they're mostly just... water. Like tiny drops."

She processes that, her eyes drifting upward like she's imagining it.

"Like... air?"

"Yeah, kind of like air."

She considers that, her expression serious in a way only she can manage. "If one fall..."

"You'd just get wet." He finishes.

There's a pause, then she nods. "Oh."

Her grip on his sleeve loosens a little, like the problem has officially been solved.

He watches her for a second, the smile still lingering on his face, softer now. "You worried about that happening?"

She shrugs a little. "Yes..."

He huffs a quiet breath, shaking his head slightly. "You're safe. No clouds are falling through the ceiling."

She glances up at the ceiling instantly, just to double check. "...okay."

He follows her gaze for a second, then looks back down at her, the corner of his mouth still lifted.

"You've got a lot going on up there, huh?" He murmurs lightly, tapping the side of her head with a finger.

She smiles at that, small and quick, before leaning her head back against his arm again, more relaxed now.

The room settles again, softer this time.

The TV continues to flicker quietly, the light shifting across the walls in slow patterns. Lily's energy dips just slightly, not sleepy, but calmer now, her earlier excitement easing into something quieter.

Lando leans back a little more into the headboard, careful not to move too much, his arm staying exactly where it is so she doesn't lose that contact.

After a minute, she speaks again, but this time it's softer, almost like she's talking more to herself.

"I like morning," she whispers.

He glances down at her. "Yeah?"

She nods, her voice small. "Everyone come back."

Something about that makes him pause. His expression shifts just slightly, but enough.

"Yeah, they do."

She hums, like that's enough, like that answer sits right with her. Her fingers curl lightly into the fabric of his shirt again as the quiet stretches again after that.

Eventually, the stillness begins to shift. Not from them, but from you.

There's a small movement beside him, subtle at first. A shift against the pillow, your hand adjusting slightly under the blanket. Your breathing changes just enough to be noticeable, caught between sleep and waking.

Lily notices immediately. Her head lifts just a little, her eyes flicking toward you before darting back to Lando, wide and questioning, like she's asking permission without saying a word.

He glances over too, his gaze settling on you for a second as he watches you stir. Then he looks back at her, giving a small, almost amused shake of his head.

Wait.

She presses her lips together, trying very hard to stay quiet, though the excitement is already creeping back in the way she shifts.

You move again, a little more this time, your hand sliding across the blanket as your brows pull together faintly. The light filters in softer now that your eyes are opening, your vision blurred at the edges as you try to make sense of what's going on.

The quiet hum of the TV reaches you first. And then the voices. Soft and close.

Lily notices immediately. Her whole body perks up, head turning quickly toward you before she looks back at Lando, eyes wide like she's holding something in.

She leans in closer to him, lowering her voice even more. "See mommy?" She whispers, barely containing the excitement in it.

Lando glances from her to you, watching the way you're still waking up, not fully there yet. There's a small smile pulling at his mouth, like he already knows what's about to happen. "Yeah... gently."

That's all the permission she needs. She shifts immediately, scrambling up onto her knees and then over him in a hurry, her small hands pressing into the mattress as she carefully climbs across his lap. Her knee bumps lightly into his side, then her hand presses against his shoulder for balance as she leans over him.

"Careful-" he murmurs under his breath, one hand hovering near her back, though he doesn't stop her.

She crawls the last bit of space between you, the blanket bunching slightly under her as she reaches your side. There's no hesitation, she just climbs right in, her small body settling next to you like it's exactly where she's supposed to be.

"Hi," she whispers, but it comes out brighter than that, like she forgot to keep quiet halfway through.

You blink again, your eyes finally focusing as her face comes into view, way closer than you expected.

Your expression shifts from confusion to something softer. "Hi..." you mumble back, voice still heavy with sleep.

She smiles immediately. "You wake," she says, quieter but still full of excitement, her hand reaching out to touch your arm like she needs to make sure.

"Yeah," you murmur, letting your head sink a little deeper into the pillow as you look at her. "I think I am."

Behind her, Lando watches the whole thing, still half-reclined against the headboard, one arm resting where she left it. There's something quiet in his expression, something soft and steady as he looks between the two of you.

Lily shifts closer to you, pressing into your side without hesitation, her head resting lightly against your shoulder. "We watch movie."

You glance over her head toward Lando, one brow lifting slightly. "Oh, did you?"

He lifts a hand slightly in defense, a small smile tugging at his mouth. "It was her idea."

"No cartoon." Lily adds quickly.

You huff a soft laugh. "Wow, big decision."

She nods, very serious about it.

You let your eyes close for just a second, not fully going back to sleep, just resting there, taking in the warmth of her tucked right against you, the quiet presence of him still on the other side.

When you open them, Lily is still watching you. "Still tired?"

"A little," you admit, voice quiet.

"She said you were," Lando adds, nodding slightly toward Lily.

You glance at him. "You're talking about me.?"

"Only good things," he says easily.

"A lot about... you sleepy." Lily clarifies.

"Very exciting." You murmur.

She smiles again, clearly not catching the sarcasm, then shifts slightly like she's getting comfortable. "Pancakes?" She asks, looking between both of you now like she needs full approval.

You let out a small breath that turns into a quiet laugh. "You're really set on that, huh?"

"And strawberry." She adds.

"And syrup," Lando says from behind her.

She nods immediately. "And syrup."

You glance over at him, something amused in your expression. "You're encouraging this."

"I'm supporting a very solid breakfast plan." He replies.

You shake your head slightly, but there's no real resistance in. "Okay, we'll make pancakes."

Lily lights up again, her entire face brightening as she pushes herself up slightly on her hands. "Now?"

You quint your eyes slightly. "Give me like... two minutes."

She considers that. "...one minute," she negotiates.

Lando lets out a quiet laugh, shifting slightly as he sits up more. "She's already compromised."

You smile, shaking your head. "Alright. One minute."

"Okay," she says, satisfied, settling back down.

There's a small pause after that, the three of you just there. Lily tucked into your side, half under the blanket. Lando still on the other side, watching with that same quiet softness he hasn't really shaken all morning.

You glance at him again, your expression softening just slightly, something unspoken passing between you.

He catches it. There's a small nod like he understands it without needing to say anything.

Lily shifts again between you, her hand reaching back blindly until it finds his sleeve again, grabbing onto it lightly while still pressed against you. Like she needs both of you there.

"Okay," you say finally, pushing yourself up a little more, your arm wrapping loosely around her. "Let's go make your pancakes before you fire us."

"I will," he says immediately.

"I know you would."

Lando shakes his head, smiling to himself as he swings his legs over the side of the bed. "Tough crowd."

Lily giggles at that, already climbing off the bed again, her energy fully back now that the day has officially started.

The three of you spill out of the bedroom slowly, the quiet of the morning breaking just a little more with each step. Lily moves ahead, already energized, her small feet padding quickly across the floor like she has somewhere important to be.

You follow at a slower pace, still waking up, one hand dragging lightly along the wall as you go. Lando walks beside you, unhurried, his shoulder brushing yours once before he adjusts slightly, like he noticed it and didn't want to make a thing of it.

The apartment feels different in the morning, lighter, softer, the early sunlight stretching across the floors, catching on edges of furniture and making everything feel warmer than it did the night before.

Lily disappears into the living room without a word, and you and Lando step into the kitchen, naturally stopping at the island, both of you leaning slightly against it as you look out toward where she went. There's a quiet pause between you, neither of you speaking yet, both... watching.

Aiden is exactly where he was. Curled up on the couch, blanket half twisted around him, one arm hanging off the side like he gave up halfway through getting comfortable.

And Lily is standing right in front of him. Completely still.

She doesn't say anything at first. She just stands there, feet planted, hands at her sides, staring at him like she's studying something important. Her eyes blink slowly, once... then again.

You quint slightly, watching her. "...what is she doing?" you murmur under your breath.

Lando leans forward just a little, resting his forearms against the counter, his gaze fixed on her too. "I don't know." He says quietly, like he's trying not to interfere.

Lily doesn't move. Another second passes. Then another. She leans forward just slightly, like she's getting a better look.

"AHH!"

Her voice cuts through the apartment, loud and sharp and sudden.

Aiden jolts awake instantly, his entire body jerking as he bolts upright, the blanket falling halfway off him as his eyes fly open in confusion.

"What-!" he chokes out, completely disoriented, looking around like he just got dropped into the situation.

You laugh immediately, the sound escaping before you can stop it, your hand coming up to cover your mouth as you lean slightly into the counter.

Lando loses it a second later, a quiet but genuine laugh slipping out as he ducks his head, shaking it like he saw it coming but still wasn't prepared for it.

Lily just stands there, completely unfazed. "Morning." She says, perfectly calm.

Aiden blinks at her, still trying to catch up, his hair sticking up in every direction as he stares. "Why- why would you do that?" He asks, voice rough with sleep and confusion.

She tilts her head slightly. "Sleeping."

"I know I was sleeping!" She says, dragging a hand down his face. "That's the problem!"

"No wake up," she explains, like that justifies everything.

"I didn't need to wake up like that!" he groans, falling back slightly against the couch before pushing himself upright again.

From the kitchen, Lando is still laughing under his breath, turning slightly toward you as he reaches for one of the cabinets. "Effective, though."

You shake your head, still smiling as you grab a bowl from the counter. "She's learning from someone."

"Not me," he says quickly.

"Debatable."

Behind you, Aiden points vaguely in your direction without even looking. "This is your fault." He calls out. "Both of you."

"She said morning," you reply, glancing over your shoulder. "That's polite."

"That was not polite!" He argues.

Lily climbs up onto the couch beside him now, completely settled like nothing unusual happened. "I say morning... after." She adds.

Lando huffs another laugh, grabbing the pancake mix and setting it on the counter. "That counts."

"It does not!" Aiden insists.

You shake your head, pouring the mix into the bowl as Lando reaches for the milk. "You survived."

"Barely."

Lily leans into him slightly, like she's already moved on. "We make pancakes."

Aiden pauses, blinking at that as he looks down at her. "We are?"

"With strawberries."

"And syrup." Lando adds from the kitchen.

Aiden glances over at the two of you, still half asleep but clearly trying to piece together how he got here. "What time is it?"

"Morning." Lily answers.

"That's not helpful."

You smile to yourself as you start mixing, the sound of the whisk soft against the bowl. Lando moves beside you easily, grabbing things without needing to ask, like he already knows where everything it.

"Do you want some?" You call out.

Aiden looks down at Lily, then back at you, then at Lily again. "Do I have a choice?"

"No." Lily answers.

He sighs, leaning back into the couch. "Then yeah. I want some."

"Good answer," Lando says, glancing over with a small grin before turning back to the counter.

The kitchen fills with quiet movement, the soft clink of utensils, the low murmur of conversation, the warmth of something starting to cook.

In the living room, Lily starts telling Aiden something in a hushed, excited voice, probably about the movie or the clouds, or both at the same time. He listens, still waking up, his responses slower but there.

The batter settles into a smooth rhythm under your hand, the quiet scrape of the whisk against the bowl blending with the soft hum of the morning. Lando stands beside you, sleeves pushed up slightly, focused in that half-serious way he gets when he's pretending to know exactly what he's doing.

"Okay," he says, glancing at the pan as it heats. "I've got this part."

You pause mid-stir, giving him a look. "Do you?"

He nods once, confident. "Yeah. Pancakes are easy."

"That sounds like something someone says right before they mess it up."

"I'm offended," he replies, already reaching for the pan. "Watch and learn."

You step back slightly, folding your arms as you lean against the counter, entertained. "Alright, I'm watching."

He pours the batter carefully, and the pancake spreads unevenly before settling into something that almost resembles a circle. He glances over at you like he's waiting for approval.

"See? Perfect."

You tilt your head, squinting slightly. "This is... definitely a shape."

"It's a circle."

"It's trying to be a circle."

He shakes his head, grabbing the spatula as he waits a second before flipping it. The pancake lifts, then folds slightly mid-air before landing crooked in the pan.

You laugh immediately, the sound slipping out before you can stop it. "Oh my god-"

"I had it," he insists quickly, even as he tries to fix it.

"You did not have it."

"It was intentional," he says, adjusting it like that proves his point.

"Yeah?" You raise an eyebrow. "What part?"

"The... design." he says, clearly making it up now.

You laugh again, softer this time, stepping forward as you reach for the spatula. "Give me that before you ruin breakfast."

"I'm doing fine," he protests, but he lets you take over anyway, leaning back slightly as he watches you fix it.

"You're making abstract pancakes." You say, smoothing the edges.

"They have character."

"They have issues."

He laughs, shaking his head as he leans his hip against the counter beside you. There's something easy in the moment, something quiet and familiar in the way you move around each other without thinking.

"Alright," he admits after a second. "Maybe you handle the cooking."

"Smart choice."

"I'll supervise."

"That's not helping."

"It's moral support." He says, glancing at you with a small grin.

You look at him, smiling. "You're unbelievable."

"And yet," he shrugs lightly. "You let me stay."

There's a small pause, softer than before, the kind that lingers just a second longer than expected. You look back at the pan, flipping another pancake with ease, but the hint of a smile stays.

In the living room, Lily's voice drifts in and out as she talks to Aiden, her words quick and excited while his responses are slower.

"Okay," you say after a minute, setting the last pancake onto the plate. "We're done."

"Finally," Aiden calls out from the living room, his voice still rough.

"Relax," you shoot back, grabbing plates. "You didn't do anything."

"I supported emotionally."

Lando snorts, grabbing the syrup and setting it on the table. "Important role."

You start plating the pancakes, stacking them neatly and adding strawberries on top while Lando moves around the kitchen easily, setting things out.

"Breakfast!" You call.

Lily is off the couch instantly, her feet hitting the floor as she rushes over, her energy still fully intact. She climbs into her chair first, sitting for half a second before her eyes flick over to Lando.

He's already seated, adjusting his plate, not really paying attention. Lily looks back at her chair again. Then back at him.

Decision made.

She slides off her chair and walks around the table, climbing up onto his lap without hesitation. Her hands press lightly against his shoulder as she settles, turning so she can still see the table.

He freezes for half a second, clearly not expecting it, his hands hovering awkwardly before he exhales quietly. "Hi..." He says, glancing down at her.

She looks up at him like nothing about this is unusual. "Hi."

You watch from the counter, a small smile forming as you carry the plates over. "You've been chosen."

"Apparently." He replies, adjusting slightly so she's comfortable, one arm coming around her naturally now.

She leans back into him without thinking, already focused on the pancakes like that was the goal the whole time.

Aiden finally drags himself into the kitchen, dropping into a chair with a tired groan as he runs a hand through his hair. "I feel like i got hit by something."

"You got woken up," you say, setting plates down.

"I got attacked."

Lily looks at him. "I say morning."

"You yelled morning."

"Same."

"It's not the same thing," he mutters, reaching for the syrup.

Lando glances at you briefly, a quiet smile still there before he looks back down at Lily. "Alright, what's the plan?"

"Strawberry," she says immediately, already reaching.

"Good call," he nods, helping her by sliding the plate closer and cutting a piece for her.

She eats happily, completely content, occasionally leaning back against him as she focuses on her food. You finally sit down across from them, picking up your fork as you watch the way they settle into it easily.

Aiden takes a bite, pausing for a second before nodding. "...okay, this is quite good."

"Obviously."

"I'm surprised."

"Rude."

Lando glances at you, lowering his voice slightly. "For the record, I contributed."

"You flipped one pancake."

"I flipped it well."

You give him a look, and he smiles.

Lily looks between the two of you, chewing thoughtfully. "You funny."

"That's what I've been saying," Lando replies.

The conversation drifts, small comments, quiet jokes, Lily chiming in whenever she feels like it while Aiden slowly wakes up beside her. It's not loud or chaotic, just steady and easy, the kind of morning that doesn't need anything more.

At one point, Lily shifts again on Lando's lap, leaning back into him as she eats. He adjusts without thinking, steadying her plate with one hand while keeping his arm around her with the other.

Breakfast winds down slowly, not all at once but in pieces. Plates empty, forks set down, syrup bottles pushed aside while Lily finishes the last of her strawberries.

Aiden leans back in his chair with a quiet groan, rubbing his face. "I'm not moving for at least ten minute," he mutters, though he's already reaching for his phone.

"You say that every time." You smile, stacking a couple of plates as you stand.

"And every time I mean it."

"You're about to go play something," you point out.

He pauses. "...maybe," he admits.

Lando huffs a laugh, glancing at you as he starts gathering the rest of the dishes. "Predictable."

"Consistent," Aiden corrects, pushing himself up anyway. He grabs the remote on his way past lily, ruffling her hair lightly as he goes. "Don't break anything."

"No," she says, already distracted, swinging her legs under the table.

"You say that too confidently." He mutters as he disappears into the living room.

You shake your head, carrying the plates to the sink while Lando follows behind you with the rest. The kitchen settles into a quieter rhythm again, the clink of dishes and the rush of water replacing the conversation from before.

"I'll wash," you say, turning the faucet on.

"I'll dry," he replies easily, grabbing a towel like he's already decided.

You glance at him briefly, a small smile pulling at your mouth. "You're really committing to this whole helpful thing."

"I told you, moral support."

"That's not what this is."

You laugh softly under your breath, shaking your head as you start rinsing plates. The water runs warm over your hands, the simple motion grounding in a way that feels easy after the morning you've had.

Behind you, the living room fills with the low sound of a game starting up, faint gunfire, muted voices, the rhythm of Aiden settling into something he can zone out to.

Lily's voice drifts in and out too, quieter now, more to herself than anyone else. The soft thud of toys, the occasional hum of imagination taking over.

You glance over your shoulder briefly, just to check.

She's on the floor, surrounded by a small pile of toys, focused on whatever world she's building. Aiden sits on the couch, controller in hand, attention locked on the screen, only half-aware of anything else.

It's calm.

You turn back to the sink, handing a plate next to you without looking. Lando takes it easily, drying it and setting it aside, the two of you falling into a rhythm without needing to talk about it.

"Careful," he says after a second, glancing at the soap slipping slightly in your hand.

"I'm fine," you reply.

"You almost dropped it."

"I didn't."

"Almost."

You give him a look. "You're very observant today."

"I'm keeping an eye on things."

"Clearly."

There's a small pause, something light lingering in the air again before you both fall quiet, just working through the dishes.

Then-

A thud. It's not loud, but it's enough to break the rhythm.

You both pause slightly, but before you can even turn-

"Lando!"

Lily's voice cuts through the apartment, her voice cracking as it comes out, high and squeaky, like it caught in her throat halfway through.

"Lando-!" she calls again, her voice smaller the second time, like she's right on the edge of tears.

Lando doesn't hesitate. He sets the dish down immediately, the towel slipping from his hand onto the counter as he turns, already moving out of the kitchen.

You don't follow, you stay where you are, hands still for just a second in the warm water, your breath catching. But you don't move. You know he's got it.

You hear his footsteps, quick but controlled against the floor, then the soft shift as he drops down in front of her.

Lily is sitting on the floor where she fell, her legs tucked awkwardly under her, one hand gripping her knee tightly. Her bunny off to the side, forgotten, and her eyes glossy, her bottom lip trembling as she tries not to cry.

Aiden already has his game paused. "What happened?"

"I- I fall," she says, voice small and uneven now, her eyes immediately finding Lando as he kneels in front of her.

"Hey, hey," he says softly, voice dropping right away as he reaches for her. "You're okay."

From the kitchen, you close your eyes for just a second at the sound of his voice, soft and calm, and your shoulder ease slightly before you open them again, your hands moving automatically as you rinse the plate.

She nods, but it's shaky, her grip tightening slightly as she leans toward him. "I got boo boo."

"Alright," he murmurs, carefully checking her knee. There's a small scrape, not bad, but enough to sting, enough to matter. He leans closer to her, the way his hand steadier her without making a big deal of it.

"That's a serious one," he says gently, just enough weight in his tone to make her feel like he understands. "We should probably fix that."

She nods quickly, leaning into him more now. "I- I fall down," she starts again, then stops, breathing unevenly. "I fall..."

"I know," he says gently. "You're okay."

That doesn't land right away though.

Her hand is still tight on her knee, fingers curled like she's bracing it. "It hurt." She says suddenly, more honest now that he's there. "It hu- hurt Lando."

"I no run" she blurts suddenly, still crying but trying to explain to the best of her ability. "I not- I- I go and then- I fall."

"I know," he says again, steady and immediate. "I believe you."

The lands a little differently. Not fully fixing the problem, but easing something in her expression slightly.

He shifts carefully then, one arm sliding under her with slow, controlled movement, giving her enough time to react without surprising her.

"Alright," he murmurs. "I'm going to pick you up, yeah? Just so we can sit somewhere better."

She shakes her head quickly, panic flickering again. "No- no- wait,"

"I've got you," he repeats, firmer but still calm. "You're not going anywhere, I'm just moving you."

Her arms go around his shoulder automatically, still tight, still unsure, but trusting the hold anyway. The second he lifts her, she lets out a small sound, a half-gasp and a half broken "ow" as her leg shifts slightly in the movement.

"I know," he says, tightening his grip just enough to steady her without jostling her. "I know, I've got you. It's okay."

She buries her face closer into him after that, breath still uneven, clinging like she's trying to anchor herself.

"I no like it," she mumbles into his shirt, voice muffled and small.

"I know," he says again, moving carefully toward the kitchen counter.

You're already there by the time they reach it, opening the drawer without a word and sliding the box forward so he can take it, not interrupting the moment but staying part of it in the background.

He sets her gently on the counter, staying close enough that she doesn't feel like she's being let go of.

"Okay," he says softly, glancing at the box. "Which one would you like?"

She sniffles, still holding onto his shirt with one hand while looking down through blurry eyes, trying to focus past it. "...that one," she says after a second, pointing.

"Peppa Pig?" He checks gently.

A small nod follows. "She... nice."

"She is," he agrees.

He opens it slowly, the soft sound of the packaging breaking the quiet without rushing anything. Everything he does now is measured, deliberate, matching her pace instead of trying to move past it.

"Okay," he says after a moment, voice even softer. "This might sting a little bit, alright?'

She hesitates, fingers tightening on his shirt again. "No... no boo boo," she says quickly.

"I know. Just a little and then it's done." He replies.

The reassurance holds her still enough.

The moment the bandage touches her knee, she flinches sharply again. "Ah!" she gasps, shoulders lifting suddenly. "Ow-"

"I've got it," he says quickly, not letting the moment stretch out. "It's almost done, I promise."

Her breathing shakes through it, but she doesn't pull away, just grips his shirt tighter.

When he smooths it down and pulls his hand away, the space settles again. "There," he says softly. "All done."

She looks down, blinking hard, still sniffling, focusing on the bandage like she needs to confirm it's real. "...better?"

"It's better." He confirms.

She studies it a little longer, then slowly shifts forward again, resting her head against his shoulder like she's testing whether everything is stable again.

"I no like falling," she says quietly.

"I don't blame you," he replies just as softly.

From the couch, Aiden's voice cuts in again, lighter now that everything has settled. "You good?"

Lily sniffles once, still leaning into Lando. "I fall..."

"...yeah, we caught that part," Aide replies.

That finally gets a small, shaky laugh out of her.

Lando doesn't rush her out of it. His hand stays steady against her back, slow, absent circles that match the rhythm of her breathing as it finally starts to even out. She stays tucked into him for another second longer than she needs, small fingers still holding onto his shirt like she's hasn't decided to let go yet.

Then, carefully, she lifts her head. Her eyes flick down to the bandage again, studying it one more time like she's making sure it's still there, still doing its job. Her lip isn't trembling anymore, just a little pouty now, like the worst of it has passed.

"...it there," she says quietly.

He glances down, nodding. "It's not going anywhere."

She considers that, then leans forward just enough to press a quick, soft kiss right over the Peppa Pig bandage, like that seals it.

"Okay."

His mouth curves a little at that, something soft and quiet in the way he looks at her. "You're all better now?"

She nods, slower this time. Then after a second, she shifts again, one hand sliding down from his shirt, her shoulders loosening, her attention already starting to drift back toward the living room.

But before she pulls away, she pauses.

"...Lando?"

"Yeah?"

There's another soft pause.

"Love you."

Hey my loves! So sorry for the wait! Chapter 12 is here!!!

Tag list: @piastripastry81 @suns3treading @lex2205 @bowielovesyou @sagestack @str-481 @skylandori @st4r-girl-official @kat-w2s8 @spidermansfav333 @lexiecampos @teti-menchon0604 @evanandeddieship @esw1012 @bearyfast @kissingeto @hc-dutch @moonlitelaine @cherrylita @talia922 @dessashippr @honeyhyunn @nickie-amore @g3org1al33 @lydia-demarek @butwhocaresstillthelouvre @mayza63 @taebearyoongs @relijanka @nicoslastracewithmercedes @moonlight52moonlight @leclercbbh @unholysapnap25 @lovecarsgoingvroom @ihaveitprinteddout @idontknowwhatimdoinginiife @cab4 @ivegotparticulartaste @rebekahjonesx @janonymus06 @a-beaverhausen @sandyysamwich @cherryjam99 @forevernorris @which0-witch @lily-ann22 @96mcobo @wakdjenwowj @ilocuras24 @kebsf1shit @emma-manuhpe @mystickenz @henna006 @gracepoweredbycaffeine @jaydensluv @miyukilluv @vinylphwoar @rubynnvx1 @graciereads @mosseetrees @mayax2o07

[sydwritess]

I noticed that too and messages don't get answered 😭

-✨️-

That too!!!

[sydwritess]

To be honest a lot are dropping like flies because either the community has become toxic, a change in interest, personal thing or, they’ve grown disgusted with the person they used to write for. Things have been so weird on tumblr

I knowww, and I understand I've only been here for a year but things have DEFINITELY changed in that year. The vibe is so off!!

[sydwritess]

Okay but as a seriously concerned citizen within the tumblr community... why are so many creators disappearing off of tumblr?????

Like I feel like so many people used to post so much and be active in the community and now they haven't posted in like 2-10 months.

If everyone okay?

[sydwritess]

come onnn chapter 12

Hi love, I just need to finish up a few loose ends on chapter 12 and it will be out within this week. Sorry I've been busy with exams and end of the year prep for school

[nikosasakis]

👏🏻 support 👏🏻 creators 👏🏻 or 👏🏻 they'll 👏🏻 lose 👏🏻 motivation 👏🏻 to 👏🏻 create 👏🏻 things 👏🏻

[sydwritess]

Hi my loves! It has been such a busy week this week! sorry I haven't been able to get anything out to you! Unfortunately testing season is coming up so I will be very busy with that but I will try my best to get some more chapter of "His One and Only" out to you! Hope you can understand!

[sydwritess]

His One and Only Pt. 11

Pairing: Lando Norris x fem!reader

Summary: finding love was hard. Especially when you had a kid. Once they found out, they ran. But one person in particular decides to stay.

Second Person | w/c: 15.7K

Notes: will be hard to read as a standalone. Part eleven of 'His One and Only'

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Main Masterlist

"Merry Christmas, baby."

Your voice is barely above a whisper as you lean over the side of Lily's bed, brushing your fingers gently through her hair. The room is dim, soft gray morning light filtering through the curtains, but the real glow comes from the living room down the hall. The Christmas tree is still on, its warm gold lights blinking quietly like they've been waiting all night.

Lily stirs under her blanket, nose scrunching as she turns her face into the pillow.

"Mmm..." she mumbles, still halfway in sleep.

You smile and lean closer, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "Merry Christmas."

Her eyes blink open slowly, unfocused at first. Then she freezes.

"Christmas?" She whispers, like she's scared to say it too loud.

"It's Christmas," you confirm softly.

There's a half-second of silence while her brain catches up.

Then she gasps.

"Santa come?" She whispers, pushing herself upright so fast her hair sticks up in every direction.

You laugh quietly. "I don't know. You better go check."

She throws the blanket off dramatically, scrambling toward the edge of the bed before pausing. "Wait," she says suspiciously. "You check?"

"I didn't," you promise, holding your hands up like you're innocent.

That's all she needs.

She hops down, her little feet hitting the floor, and takes off down the hallway in her oversized Christmas pajamas. You follow at a slower pace, heart already full just watching her.

The tree fills the living room in soft golden light, ornaments reflecting tiny glimmers across the walls. The presents underneath are wrapped in bright paper, some neat and careful, some clearly done at midnight when you were too tired to care about perfect corners.

Lily stops at the entrance to the living room like she's hit an invisible wall.

Her mouth falls open.

"He came," she breathes.

Sure enough, the stockings are fuller than they were last night, small gifts peeking out from the top. A few new boxes sit under the tree that definitely weren't there before.

Behind you, there's a quiet creak from the hallway.

You turn.

Lando stands there, leaning slightly against the wall, hair messy from sleep, hoodie pulled on over pajama pants. He looks like he's been awake for a few minutes already, just watching.

"Morning," he says softly.

Lily spins around so fast she almost loses her balance. "He came!" She announces, like it's breaking new.

Lando widens his eyes dramatically. "No way."

"Yes way!" She insists, grabbing his hand and dragging him fully into the room. "Look! Look!"

He lets himself be pulled without resistance, crouching beside her near the tree. You sink down onto the couch, wrapping a blanket around your shoulders as you watch them.

Lily points at everything at once. "That mine. And that mine. And that min maybe yours," she tells Lando very seriously.

"Maybe?" She asks, pretending to be offended.

She narrows her eyes thoughtfully. "You got to see."

He presses a hand to his chest. "I hope I made the nice list."

She gasps. "You did! I tell Santa."

You laugh quietly from the couch.

Lily crawls toward her stocking first, nearly toppling over in excitement. Lando steadies her with a gentle hand at her back. She reaches in and pulls out candy, tiny toys, fuzzy socks, each item treated like it's the greatest treasure she's ever seen.

"Look!" She says every five seconds.

"I see," he replies every time, matching her enthusiasm.

At one point, she pulls out a small chocolate Santa and holds it up suspiciously. "Can I eat now?"

"Maybe after breakfast," you say.

She sighs like life is deeply unfair, but sets it beside her anyway.

The living room slowly fills with the soft chaos of Christmas morning.

Wrapping paper begins to collect across the rug in colorful piles, ribbons curling against the carpet, empty boxes stacked beside the couch. The Christmas tree glows warmly in the corner, its gold lights blinking lazily as the faint morning sun starts to filter through the windows.

The whole room feels warm and quiet in that particular way only Christmas morning can feel, like the outside hasn't woken up yet.

In the middle of it all, Lily sits cross-legged on the floor.

She's surrounded by presents now, small and medium boxes stacked around her like she's built a tiny fortress. But unlike most kids on Christmas morning, she isn't ripping through them.

Instead, she picks up the next gift carefully, almost thoughtfully, turning it over in her hands as she studies the wrapping paper. Her fingers trace the edges where the tape holds everything together, feeling along the seams as if she's searching for the perfect place to start.

"Go ahead, Lil's," Lando encourages gently from the couch.

She nods seriously, like she's been given an important job.

But instead of tearing the paper open, she begins peeling the tape back slowly, working one corner loose at a time. The paper lifts carefully under her small fingers, crinkling softly but not tearing. She pauses ever few seconds, concentrating so hard her tongue sticks slightly between her teeth.

From the couch, Lando watches for a moment in quiet confusion.

He leans a little closer to you, lowering his voice so she won't hear.

"Why is she opening them like that?" He murmurs. "I've never seen a kid unwrap presents like she's trying not to wake the neighbors."

You glance over at Lily, watching the delicate way she folds the paper back instead of ripping it.

A soft smile touches your face.

"I think she likes the moment," you explain quietly. "The whole thing. If she tears through it, it's over too fast."

Lando looks back at her again.

She's still working carefully at the last piece of tape, brow furrowed with intense concentration.

"So she's stretching it out," he says softly.

You nod. "She wants Christmas to last longer."

Something about that answer settles over him.

His expression softens in a way that's almost imperceptible, and he leans back slightly into the cushions, watching her with a different kind of attention now.

By the time the final piece of tape lifts away, Lily lets out a quiet, proud hum, like she's completed a very complicated task. She folds the wrapping paper open neatly before lifting the box out of it.

It's small.

She opens the lid slowly.

Inside sits a bright pink LEGO car set.

For a second, she simply stares down at it, eyes widening as the picture on the front catches the light from the tree.

Then her head snaps up.

"Car!" She gasps.

Lando straightens slightly on the couch, trying and failing miserable to look casual.

She lifts the box carefully out of the wrapping paper, turning it so she can study the picture from every angle. The sleep sports car shines on the front of the box, detailed and fast-looking in a way that instantly captures her attention.

"Fast car," she announces proudly.

"It is a fast car," Lando agrees, nodding like this is a very serious automotive evaluation.

She examines the wheels printed on the box, tracing the shape of the car with her finger.

Then, she pauses, and slowly tilts her head up to Lando.

"Santa got me one! You get one at the store!" She says excitedly, holding the box up as best she can. "We matching!"

"We are," Lando smiles proudly, letting out a small chuckle.

"We build together?"

"We can," he says immediately.

Satisfied, Lily hugs the box briefly before placing it carefully beside her growing collection of opened presents. She doesn't toss it aside like most kids would. Instead, she lines it up neatly next to the others, like they're part of something important.

More presents follow.

Each one receives the same careful treatment. Tape peeled slowly. Paper unfolded instead of torn. Boxes opened with quiet excitement instead of chaos.

A stuffed animal gets a soft gasp.

A set of colorful books earns a delighted "ohhh."

A pair of fuzzy socks gets pressed against her cheek like she's testing how soft they are.

The pile of wrapping paper grows, but the pace never speeds up.

Lando eventually shifts forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he watches the process unfold. "She might still be opening these by New Year's," he murmurs to you.

You laugh quietly. "She would if we let her."

Then Lily notices something new.

Under the tree, tucked slightly behind the lower branches, sits a much bigger box. The wrapping paper is bright red, the corners wide and bulky compared to the others.

Her eyes narrow in curiosity.

She scoots closer and reaches for it, but the box barely budges.

"Big," she mutters.

She grabs it with both hands and pulls.

The box scrapes slowly across the floor, paper crinkling as it drags out from beneath the branches of the tree. It's clearly heavier than the others, but Lily is determined. She scoots backward, pulling with all her strength until the present finally slides free.

"There," she says proudly, slightly out of breath.

Lando and you exchange a quiet look.

"Need help?" He asks.

She shakes her head immediately. "I do it."

She begins the careful process again, peeling the tape back piece by piece. It takes even longer with the bigger box, but she refuses to rush. Eventually the paper loosens and falls away.

The picture on the front of the box stares up at her.

A bright red Formula One Ferrari LEGO car.

For a moment, she doesn't move.

Her eyes slowly widen as recognition spreads across her face. "Race car," she whispers, before turning the box toward you both, pointing excitedly. "F1!"

Lando can't hide his grin this time. "Yeah, that's a real one."

Her jaw drops slightly as she studies the image, fingers brushing across the glossy surface. We build too?" She asks, almost reverently.

"Oh, we're definitely building that one." He says.

She hugs the box to her chest like it might run away if she lets go. "Two cars," she murmurs happily.

The living room has settled into a slow, glowing rhythm by the time Lily reaches for the next present.

The Christmas tree lights blink softly behind her, reflecting off the shiny ornaments and the bright scraps of wrapping paper scattered across the rug.

Another present rests in her lap.

She turns it over thoughtfully, studying the paper first before even attempting to open it. Her fingers trace the edges where the tape seals the wrapping together, pressing gently against the seams as if she's searching for the exact right place to begin.

"She's still doing it," he murmurs quietly to you.

You follow his gaze toward Lily, who is now carefully lifting the corner of the tape with the same intense focus she's used on every gift so far. "She will for every single one," you reply with the same small smile. "It's just... the process."

Lily slowly peels the tape free, one careful pull at a time. The paper crinkles softly but stays intact as she folds it back. When the final piece loosens, she lifts the lid of the box with quiet anticipation.

Inside is a small stuffed cow.

Her eyes widen immediately.

"Cow!" She gasps, lifting it up like she's just discovered treasure.

Lando tilts his head slightly. "Another one?"

She nods proudly, holding it beside the stuffed cow he gave her earlier as if introducing them. "Friend." She explains simply.

"Well, that makes perfect sense," he replies, nodding as if this is a completely logical development.

She places the new cow carefully beside the others, lining them up neatly before reaching for the next present in the pile. Her fingers are already searching for the tape again when the apartment door suddenly swings open.

A rush of cool air from the hallway slips inside along with a loud voice.

"HO HO- oh wow it's warm in here."

Lily freezes halfway through peeling the tape.

You and Lando both glance toward the door just in time to see Aiden standing in the doorway. Your brother is practically buried under a massive stack of presents, gift bags dangling from his wrists and several boxes balanced precariously in his arms. A Santa hat sits crooked on his head, and his hoodie reads Sleigh All Day in glittery red letters.

For a moment he just stands there, trying not to drop everything.

"I bring gifts!" He announces proudly.

A box immediately slides sideways from the pile.

He jerks his knee up to catch it before it falls. "Very delicately balanced gifts."

Lily's face lights up the second she recognizes him. "Aiden!" She squeals.

She scrambles to her feet so quickly that wrapping paper goes flying behind her, then charges straight across the living room. When she crashes into his leg in a full-speed hug, the entire tower of presents wobbles dangerously.

"Woah- hey, small human collision!" Aiden laughs, trying desperately to keep everything upright. "Someone stabilize the cargo!"

Lando steps forward just in time to catch two boxes sliding off the top.

"You look like a walking department store," he says, shaking his head with a grin.

"I had a system," Aiden insists while walking over to the living room. He lowers the gifts to the floor beside the tree. "A very advanced gift transportation system."

Lily is already circling the new pile of presents, eyes wide with amazement.

"So many," she whispers.

Aiden crouches down, adjusting his crooked Santa hat as he gestures toward the stack. "Some of those are from Santa," he tells her with dramatic importance.

She gasps softly, turning to look at the presents again.

"And some are from me," he adds.

Her eyes narrow thoughtfully.

"What is Santa?"

He points at the bigger boxes. "Those ones. Obviously."

She nods slowly, accepting this explanation without question. The logic settles easily for her, and her attention quickly drifts to something else.

That's when she notices the stocking still tucked under Aiden's arm.

Her eyes widen a little, and she points straight at it. "Mine?"

Aiden glances down like he's just remembered it exists. "Oh- yeah. Yep, that one's yours." He crouches down and hands it over, the fuzzy red stocking nearly as big as Lily's torso.

She takes it with both hands and immediately sits back down on the rug, dumping the entire thing out into her lap. A small avalanche of candy and toys spills out.

A candy cane, a chocolate coin, a pack of sparkly stickers, a tiny toy car, and a few other little trinkets.

Each item earns its own quiet moment of excitement.

"Oooh," she whispers when the candy cane appears, holding it up like it's something magical. Then she spots the stickers and softly gasps, flipping through them with careful fingers before laying them neatly beside her. The tiny toy car gets a proud little display too, lifted high so everyone in the room can see before she lines it up beside the other toys she's already opened.

While Lily happily inspects her stocking gifts, Aiden finally straightens up and takes in the rest of the living room.

The rug is buried in wrapping paper. Half-opened boxes sit everywhere. Toys and stuffed animals have been carefully arranged around Lily's growing pile of presents.

Then his eyes land on the giant red box sitting proudly near the tree.

He squints at it.

Slowly, he points.

"Okay... hold on," he says, turning toward you and Lando with growing disbelief. "Who bought the toddler a Formula One LEGO car?"

Lily looks up at him quietly. "Santa!"

You and Lando give Aiden a quiet look. Aiden turns fully toward you now, staring like he's trying to process what he just heard.

"She's three," he syas flatly.

Lando shrugs, completely unfazed. "She's talented though."

Aiden looks back at the box again, then at Lily, who is currently stacking chocolate coins into a tiny tower on the floor.

"She can barely reach the sink," he mutters. "But yet, Santa gives her a giant Ferrari."

Before he can continue questioning the decision, Lily suddenly grabs onto the sleeve of his sweater.

"Sit."

Aiden looks down at her, confused. "Excuse me?"

She points firmly at the floor beside her pile of presents, her tiny finger tapping the exact spot she wants him. "Sit here."

He glances over at you with a helpless expression. "Why'd you have to have a bossy one?"

You shrug casually from the couch, completely unbothered. "You walked in the door. That was your first mistake."

Aiden lets out a dramatic sigh like his entire life has become very difficult, but her lowers himself onto the rug anyway. He crosses his legs beside Lily, settling into place like he's accepted his fate.

"There," he says, dusting imaginary lint off his knees. "I'm seated. What are my responsibilities, tiny boss?"

Lily immediately hands him the present she'd been working on before he arrived. "Hold."

He obediently takes the box and holds it in place while she gets back to work.

Her fingers return to the edge of the wrapping paper, carefully searching for the tape again. She finds the corner and slowly begins peeling it away, lifting it little by little so the paper doesn't tear.

Aiden watches her for a moment.

Then another moment.

His eyebrows slowly start climbing higher and higher as she gently removes one strip of tape, then another, folding the paper open like it's something delicate.

Eventually he leans sideways toward you, lowering his voice.

"Since when did this happen? Is she... defusing it?" He whispers.

You bite back a laugh. "She opens presents like this. Always has."

He watches her peel back another tiny piece of tape with incredible patience.

"Does she know she can just rip it open?"

Before you can answer, Lily looks up at him. "No rip."

Aiden immediately straightens up and raises both hands like he's surrendering to a very serious authority figure. "Okay, okay. No ripping. We respect the process."

Satisfied with that answer, Lily returns to her careful unwrapping. The paper slowly opens up under her hands, revealing the box hidden inside.

When she finally lifts the lid, her reaction is immediate.

Her eyes widen, and she gasps like she's just discovered buried treasure. "Barbie!"

Inside sits a Barbie doll, bright pink clothing and smooth blonde hair.

Aiden claps slowly beside her, nodding with an exaggerated reveal. "Fantastic reveal. Incredible suspense. Ten out of ten presentation."

Lily holds the Barbie up so everyone can see before placing it carefully beside her other toys.

Aiden watches her grab another box, already preparing to start the slow unwrapping process again.

He leans back slightly and stretches his legs out across the rug, settling deeper into his spot beside her.

Lily doesn't look in his direction as she hands him the next present to hold, already focused on the next present before Aiden can protest his new job title.

She scoots a little closer to the pile under the tree and picks out a medium-sized box wrapped in green paper with tiny snowmen printed across it.

Aiden adjusts his sitting position beside her and sighs in exaggerated defeat. "Alright," he says, rolling his shoulders like he's preparing for serious labor. "Hand it over."

She does.

Without hesitation, she places the present squarely in his hands.

"Hold."

He nods. "Holding."

Lily immediately begins searching for the tape again. Her fingers slide along the edges of the paper until she finds a small corner lifting slightly. With careful precision, she starts peeling it back.

Aiden watches the process unfold with intense curiosity.

After a few seconds, he leans sideways toward Lando on the couch. "This is the normal speed?" He whispers.

Lando doesn't even look down at him. "This is actually pretty fast."

Aiden blinks. "Pretty fast?"

"Yeah."

Aiden glances back at Lily, who is now carefully folding the loosened paper away from the box like she's wrapping it in reverse.

"She's gonna grow up to be someone who opens letters with a knife." He mutters.

You laugh quietly from your spot on the couch, watching Lily's concentration. Her little brow is furrowed again, tongue pressing lightly against her lip as she lifts the last strip of tape.

Finally, the paper opens.

She sets it to the side carefully and looks at the box.

It's a small set of colorful building blocks.

"Ooo," she breathes, clearly impressed.

Aiden leans closer to inspect them. "Oh nice, you can build things with those."

She nods very seriously and sets them carefully beside the growing collection of toys arranged around her.

The floor now looks like a tiny toy store exploded.

Stuffed cows sit beside toy cars. LEGO boxes are stacked near the tree. Candy wrappers and bright paper scraps form a colorful halo around Lily's little Christmas kingdom.

She reaches for another present.

This one is smaller, wrapped in shiny silver paper that reflects the blinking lights from the tree. She settles it into Aiden's waiting hands without even looking up.

"Hold."

"Still holding." He confirms.

He glances toward you again. "I feel like I've been promoted to assistant elf."

"You should be honored." You reply.

He puffs out his chest slightly. "You're right. It's a prestigious role."

Lily carefully begins peeling back the silver paper now, and Aiden watches every movement like he's observing a scientific experiment.

When the tape finally releases, the paper opens to reveal a small box of crayons.

She gasps softly.

"Colors!"

She lifts the box up proudly, turning it so everyone can see the bright rainbow painted across the front.

Aiden nods enthusiastically. "Excellent. Now you can draw me something cool later."

She studies him thoughtfully for a moment. "I draw cow."

"Of course you will," he says, completely unsurprised.

The pile of presents in front of Lily has grown smaller now, but the pace of the morning hasn't changed.

She still sits cross-legged on the rug, surrounded by toys and folded pieces of wrapping paper she's insisted on keeping mostly intact. Aiden remains planted beside her like a very underqualified assistant elf, holding boxes whenever she hands them over and occasionally offering dramatic commentary about the "extreme suspense" of her unwrapping technique.

On the couch, you cradle the last of your coffee in your mug, watching the scene unfold.

Lily is currently working on another present wrapped in blue paper, carefully lifting a piece of tape while Aiden holds the box steady.

You take one last sip of coffee before standing.

The movement catches Lily's attention immediately.

Her head pops up, eyes following you as you step around the coffee table.

"Where you go?" she asks, voice small but curious.

You hold up the empty mug with a small smile. "Just to the kitchen, baby."

She looks at you for a second like she's making sure that answer checks out. Then, she nods and returns to her very important work of peeling tape from the wrapping paper.

The kitchen is only a few steps away, but the quiet moment gives you a second to breathe.

You rinse the mug out under the sink, warm water swirling through the cup while the soft sounds of Christmas morning continue behind you. Lily's tiny gasps of excitement drift down the hallway, mixed with Aiden's exaggerated reactions and Lando's occasional laughs.

You dry the mug and set it down on the counter.

The thought of a memory from a few nights ago makes you smile. When you step back into the living room, Lily is still focused on opening the present in front of her. Aiden is holding the box in place while she carefully peels another piece of tape away, narrating the process like a sports commentator.

"And she's going for the corner tape again- bold strategy-"

Lando is leaning back on the couch, relaxed, on arm resting along the back cushion as he watches them.

You walk over casually and settle down beisde him.

Then, without warning, you swing one leg over and lower yourself sideways across his lap.

Lando's eyebrows lift slightly in surprise as your weight settles there, but his hands automatically find your waist to steady you.

"You're starting something," he murmurs quietly near your ear.

"Maybe," you whisper back, smiling.

You shift slightly so you're still facing the living room, making sure you can see Lily.

Across the room, Lily continues peeling the tape for a few seconds longer.

Aiden is mid-sentence beside her, narrating when she pauses, making hims top talking.

Slowly, she lifts her head, eyes drifting toward the couch. The second she notices where you're sitting, she freezes, mouth falling open.

For a moment she just stares, completely stunned by what she's seeing.

Then she gasps loudly.

"Hey!"

Aiden jumps beside her, startled by the sudden outburst. "What? What happened? Did the present explode?"

But Lily isn't looking at the present anymore.

She's pointing straight at the couch.

"Mommy!"

You turn your head slowly, blinking at her like you've been caught doing something suspicious. "Yes?"

Her eyes are wide with complete disbelief. "You in my spot!"

Lando presses his lips together beside you, clearly trying not to laugh.

"Oh," you say thoughtfully, glancing down at where you're sitting before looking back at her. This spot?"

"Yes!" Lily insists, scrambling up onto her feet. "MY seat!"

You lean back slightly against Lando's chest, settling more comfortably against him like you're seriously considering the situation.

You hum quietly. I don't know. It seems like a pretty nice seat."

Lily stands there for a moment after declaring her claim, small chest rising and falling with the seriousness of the situation. Her finger is still pointed on the couch, eyes locked onto you like she's waiting to see if you're actually going to move.

You glance up at Lando briefly, then back at her.

"Well," you say slowly, letting out a soft sigh like you've been thoroughly defeated. "I guess I better move then."

Lando's hands loosen slightly at your waist as you shift, and you slide off his lap onto the cushion next to him. He leans back into the couch cushions again, watching the exchange with an amused look he's not even trying to hide anymore.

"There," you say, gesturing toward the empty space you'd been sitting in. "All yours."

Lily watches carefully, making sure the seat has officially been vacated. Her eyes flick from you to the couch, confirming the territory has been cleared.

Then she nods once.

And instead of climbing up onto the couch like everyone expects, she simply turns around.

She walks back to the rug, settling down beside Aiden again like absolutely nothing unusual had just happened. The present she'd been working on earlier is still sitting in his lap, and she picks it right back up, immediately going back to carefully peeling the tape from the edge of the wrapping paper.

Aiden blinks.

Lando blinks.

You sit there for a second, staring.

"Wait..." you say slowly.

Lily doesn't even look up. Her fingers continue working at the tape, pulling it away in small careful motions so the paper doesn't tear.

Your mouth drops open a little.

"You made me move," you say, staring at her in disbelief, "and your not even going to sit there?"

Aiden slowly turns his head toward you, a grin spreading across his face as he realizes what just happened.

"Oh this is incredible." He mutters under his breath.

Still sitting on the floor, Lily carefully folds the loosened wrapping paper back from the box. She pauses then, sensing the silence in the room, and slowly lifts her head.

Her eyes meet yours.

For a moment she studies your shocked expression like she's trying to understand why you're so confused.

Then she tilts her head slightly.

"You one time," she tells you very seriously.

Your eyebrows pull together.

"One time?"

She nods firmly, pointing toward Lando's lap again.

"One time sit there."

Aiden lets out a quiet snort beside her, pressing his hand against his mouth like he's trying to keep from laughing too loudly.

Lando leans forward slightly on the couch, his shoulders shaking a little as he tries to hold back a laugh of his own.

You stare at Lily for another second, trying to process what she just said.

"...So that was it?"

She shrugs a little, already returning to the present in front of her. Her fingers peel another piece of tape away while she answers like this is the most obvious thing in the world.

"That your one."

Aiden finally loses it, clapping his hands together once as he laughs. "She just gave you a lap-sitting coupon."

Lando drops his head back against the couch cushion with a quiet laugh, dragging one hand across his face as he tries to recover.

You point a hand at Lily in disbelief. "You made me move just to tell me I'm allowed to sit there once? On my boyfriend's lap?"

She nods again without looking up from the gift. "Yes."

Aiden leans slightly toward her, still grinning. "You realize you could've just let her stay there, right?"

Lily pulls the final piece of tape free and lifts the lid of the box before answering.

"No."

Aiden shakes his head slowly, clearly impressed by the logic. "That's ruthless."

Meanwhile you're still sitting on the couch, arms half crossed as you star at the two of them like you've been completely outplayed.

Next to you, Lando looks over, the grin still sitting easily on his face. "Well," he says, patting his knee once, "you used your one."

You stare at him for a moment.

"Used my one?" You repeat slowly.

Lando shrugs, his grin growing as he leans back against the couch again. "Those were the terms."

Across the rug, Aiden nods very seriously like he's witnessing an official agreement. "I heard the contract. Very clear wording."

You narrow your eyes at the both of them before turning your full attention back to Lily.

She is completely unbothered.

The present in front of her now has her full attention again. She peels another strip of tape away from the wrapping paper with careful precision, folding the paper back so it doesn't rip. Aiden holds the box steady while watching the whole situation unfold like he's ringside at a boxing match.

"You manipulated that whole situation," you tell her.

Lily pauses mid-unwrap.

Slowly she looks up again, her expression thoughtful like she's considering your accusation very carefully.

Then she gives a tiny shrug. "Maybe."

Aiden gasps quietly beside her. "Did you hear that? She admitted it."

You let out a quiet laugh despite yourself and fold your legs underneath you as you settle in.

He glances at you immediately. "Respecting the one-time rule?"

"Oh I'm respecting it," you reply, leaning back into the couch. "I just don't trust the legal system anymore."

He laughs quietly at that, his arm naturally resting along the back of the couch behind you.

On the floor, Lily finally pulls the last strip of tape free.

The paper opens slowly as she folds it back, revealing the box inside.

Inside is a small puzzle set.

Her eyes widen instantly.

"Oooooh," she breathes.

Aiden leans over to inspect it. "Oh nice, that one's a princess puzzle."

"Ariel?"

He points to the picture on the box. "Yep. Cow's right there."

That seems to satisfy her completely.

She lifts the pieces out one by one, studying them carefully before placing them beside the other toys she's arranged on the rug. The space around her is starting to look less like a pile of gifts and more like a carefully organized display of everything she's received.

From the couch, Lando watches the growing collection with a soft smile.

"Looks like your gonna need a bigger living room," he murmurs.

"She's organizing it," you reply, watching the way Lily lines the puzzle in the neat row. "If she had a label maker, she'd be using it."

Across the rug, Aiden shifts slightly as Lily hands him yet another present. "Hold." She instructs.

He takes it obediently. "Still holding."

He glances up at the couch again. "You know, I feel like I've been promoted from assistant elf to full-time staff."

Lily carefully finds the corner of the tape again.

"Good," she says without looking up.

Aiden sighs dramatically and leans back on one hand. "I walked in the door and immediately got assigned a job."

"You should be honored." You say again.

"Yeah," Lando adds casually. "Very prestigious position."

Aiden watches Lily slowly peel another piece of tape free, then looks back at both of you.

"...I'm getting paid in candy, right?"

Lily pauses and looks at him, then she reaches into the pile beside her, grabs one of the chocolate coins from her stocking and hands it to him.

"There."

Aiden stares at the coin in his hand, then he looks back at her, deeply impressed. "Fair compensation."

Over the next little while, the pile of presents slowly disappears.

Lily keeps working through them with the same carefully patience she's shown all morning, peeling tape and folding paper instead of tearing it. The process is slow enough that Aiden eventually shifts into a more comfortable position on the rug, leaning back on his elbows while still acting as the official present holder whenever she needs him.

A few gifts get opened in a blur of quiet excitement.

A small set of animal figurines earns an immediate gasp when she spots the tiny cow tucked among them. A soft pink sweater gets held up against her chest while she looks down at it thoughtfully before announcing, "Pretty." A toy kitchen set piece appears next, and she immediately pretends to stir something in the little plastic pot before setting it carefully beside the other toys.

Every gift gets the same treatment.

Nothing is tossed aside. Everything gets inspected, admired, and placed neatly into the growing collection around her.

By the time she reaches for the last few presents, the rug in front of the tree looks like a tiny toy shop display. Cars, stuffed animals, puzzles, crayons, and little figurines are all lined up in surprisingly organized rows.

One of the final boxes she pulls toward her is long and rectangular, wrapped in bright red wrapping paper.

She studies it for a moment before starting the slow process again, carefully peeling back the tape.

From the couch, you and Lando both watch with a quiet smile while Aiden mutters commentary under his breath like a tired sports announcer.

"And here we are with the final rounds," he sighs dramatically. "The last contenders remain."

Lily finally opens the paper.

Inside the box is a stack of colorful children's books.

The second she sees the covers, she gasps.

"Book!" She squeals, immediately lifting the stack into her lap.

You recognize them instantly.

They're the same books Lando had bought the last time he visited the book shop where you work.

She pulls the first one off the stack and flips it open immediately, turning the pages quickly as if she's checking to make sure the story is still inside.

"Look!" She says excitedly, holding it up.

Aiden leans forward to see. "Oh wow, you've got the whole library."

She nods enthusiastically, already flipping through another one. The colorful illustrations clearly have her completely hooked, and she begins stacking them carefully beside her toys.

From the couch, Lando watches her reaction with quiet satisfaction.

"You remembered those," you say softly, glancing up at him.

He shrugs a little, though the small smile on his face gives him away. "She seemed pretty into books."

"She is," you reply. "She talked about that cow book for three days."

Lily is already halfway through flipping through that exact book now, pointing excitedly at the pages like she's rediscovering something wonderful.

"Cow!" She announces proudly.

Aiden nods seriously. "There it is. Full circle."

Eventually, the very last present gets opened, a small art kit with washable markers and paper, and Lily adds it to her carefully arranged collection.

She sits there in the middle of the rug, surrounded by everything she's received, quietly deciding what to play with first.

Aiden finally pushes himself up from the floor with a dramatic groan. "My work here is done."

"You held boxes." You remind him.

"It was emotionally exhausting."

He drops onto the other end of the couch while Lily begins experimenting with a car and animal figurines she opened earlier. The cow immediately gets placed on top of the car roof and she begins to push it slowly across the rug like it's heading on a very important farm mission.

You shift slightly on the couch and lean into Lando's side, tucking yourself comfortably against him.

His arm naturally drapes around your shoulders without hesitation, his hand resting loosely against your arm as both of you watch Lily play.

The living room has quieted now.

The excitement of opening presents has faded into that calm, cozy part of Christmas morning where everyone just relaxes and enjoys the moment. The tree lights continue blinking softly in the corner, reflecting off the piles of opened boxes and toys scattered around the room.

On the floor, Lily has now opened one of the books again.

She sits with it in her lap while still pushing the toy truck slowly with her other hand, narrating something quietly to herself as the cow figurine rides along for the journey.

Aiden watches for a minute before shaking his head.

"She got more stuff than I did on Christmas when I was eight."

"She's three, everything is still magical." You reply.

He considers that, then nods slowly. "Fair point."

Beside you, Lando glances down slightly as you settle closer against him, your shoulder tucked comfortably under his arm.

"Comfy?" He murmurs.

"Yeah," you say quietly.

The toy car rolls slowly across the carpet while the cow figurine rides on top, and every few seconds Lily pauses the journey so she can flip another page in one of the new books stacked beside her.

She's completely absorbed in it.

"Car go farm," she murmurs quietly to herself while pushing the little vehicle forward. Every so often she stops to glance at the open pages beside her knee where a bright cartoon fills the picture, then she nods like the story and her toy world are connected.

One the couch, the three of you watch the scene.

Aiden has stretched out across one end like he's officially claimed the spot for the day, one arm draped along the back cushion while he observes Lily's very serious playtime. Lando sits beside you with his arm resting loosely around your shoulders, and you lean comfortably into his side while both of you quietly watch Lily build her tiny farm.

For a few minutes nobody says anything.

The apartment has settled into that calm part of Christmas morning where the excitement softens into something cozy and quiet.

Eventually, Aiden glances toward the clock hung above the living room doors before looking back at the two of you.

"So," he says, sitting up a little straighter as if he's about to propose something important. "What's the Christmas Day agenda here?"

You tilt your head slightly. "Agenda?"

"Yeah," he says, gesturing vaguely around the room. "You can't just stay in pajama's all day."

Lily's head pops up from the floor the second she hears that.

"Yes I can."

Aiden points toward her with immediate disappointment. "Really?"

You laugh quietly, resting your head for a second against Lando's shoulder before answering. "We didn't really plan anything," you admit. "I figured we'd just hang out today."

Lando shifts slightly beside you, thinking for a moment while his eyes drift toward the window.

"Well," he says slowly, "there is that winter festival thing happening in town today.

Aiden perks up. "Wait- the one with the giant tree and the skating rink?"

"That's the one," Lando confirms. "Lights everywhere, music, food trucks, hot chocolate stands."

Aiden sits up straighter on the couch now, clearly invested in the idea. "Oh we're absolutely going."

You glance at him with a laugh. "You're deciding that?"

I am completely deciding that," he says confidently. "Christmas market food is elite."

You turn your head slightly and look down toward Lily on the rug.

She's still pushing the truck slowly across the carpet, completely unaware that a plan for the rest of the day is forming behind her.

"Lily," you call getnly.

Her head lifts.

"You wanna go somewhere fun today?"

She tilts her head a little. "Where?"

Lando leans forward so she can see him better from the floor. "There's a Christmas festival in town," he explains, tone light. "Lots of lights, music, hot chocolate... maybe even some rides."

Lily listens carefully. Then she slowly looks down at her toys.

The car moves forward another few inches.

"No."

Aiden blinks at the rejection. "Wow. That was quick."

"I play toys," Lily explains simply while pushing the car across the rug again.

You stand from the couch and walk over, crouching beside the little toy world she built.

"I know," you say gently, resting your hand lightly on the floor beside her. "And you can play with them later too."

She shakes her head without looking up. "Now."

You glance back toward the couch where Aiden and Lando are both watching the negotiation with quiet amusement.

Then you turn back to Lily.

"What if we go get hot chocolate?" You offer.

The car stops moving.

"Hot chocolate?" She repeats slowly.

"Yep. And maybe a cookie."

Her eyes narrow thoughtfully while she studies the toy car sitting in her hand. "But toy stay." She says cautiously.

"Your toys will stay right here," you promise. "They'll be waiting when we get back."

She still hesitates for a moment.

Then you add one more idea.

"You can bring one with you if you want."

Her eyes immediately brighten as she looks down at the car again.

"Car come?"

"Sure," you say with a small smile.

She thinks about it for another second, then nods with sudden determination.

"Okay."

From the couch, Aiden claps his hands once. "Negotiations successful."

Lily pops up from the floor and grabs the toy car firmly in one hand, making sure the cow figure stays on top.

You stand beside her. "Alright, let's get coats on."

That part takes a little longer.

Lily protests slightly when you guide her toward the doorway, glancing back over her shoulder at the pile of toys like she's worried they might disappear while she's gone.

"My toys," she reminds you.

"They'll be right there when we come back," you reassure her while helping her slip into her sweater.

Lando grabs her coat from the hook and kneels down in front of her so he can help her put it on.

"Arms up," he says gently.

She lifts them automatically, still clutching the car in her hand.

Aiden pulls his hoodie over his head while watching the whole process unfold with amusement. "I feel like we're mobilizing a tiny army."

Lily sticks one foot forward while Lando helps guide her boot on.

"Car come." She reminds everyone again.

"We know," he replies with a quiet smile.

A few minutes later the apartment fills with the sounds of zippers, boots hitting the floor, and the soft jingle of keys.

Lando opens the door and steps aside so you and Lily can walk out first.

She marches proudly into the hallway with the toy car still in her hand while the cow figurine rides on top like it's coming on the adventure too.

Behind her, Aiden follows the two of you out while shaking his head. "Christmas festival," he mutters happily. "Best idea of the day."

The hallway outside the apartment is a little colder than the living room had been, and Lily notices immediately.

She pauses halfway to the elevator, pulling her coat tighter around herself while still gripping the car carefully in one hand. The cow figurine is still sitting on top like it's coming along for the ride, and she checks it quickly to make sure it hasn't fallen out.

"Cow come too," she announces.

"Of course," you say, reaching over to gently zip the last inch of her coat that she missed.

Behind you, Aiden pulls the apartment door closed while Lando locks it. The quiet click of the lock echoes slightly in the hallway before the four of you start walking toward the elevator together.

Lily's boots make soft little thuds against the carpet as she walks, her steps slightly slower than everyone else's but determined. Every few steps, she glances down at the car again, making sure everything is still in place.

When you reach the elevator, Lando presses the button.

The soft hum of the building fills the small pause while you wait.

Lily shifts her weight from one foot to the other, looking up at the doors expectantly.

"Elevator coming?" She asks.

"Yep," Lando replies.

Aiden leans against the wall beside the buttons and glances down at her. "You excited for hot chocolate?"

She nods. "And cookie."

"And cookie," he agrees.

The elevator door slides open with a soft ding. Lily walks inside like she's been on this mission before. You step in after her while Lando and Aiden follow, the small space filling quickly with the four of you.

Lily turns around to face the door as it closes, her nose nearly level with the metal seam. The second the elevator begins to move, she looks up at you again.

"Big tree there?" She asks.

You smile. "Yep."

"Light?"

"Lots of lights."

She seems satisfied with that answer.

The short ride down passes quickly, and when the doors open again, the lobby greets you with a rush of cooler air from the front entrance. The glass doors show the winter daylight outside, pale and bright against the snow that dusts the sidewalk.

Lily slows slightly as you walk across the lobby.

Her eyes drift toward the outside world like she's suddenly remembering that it's winter out there.

"Cold?" She asks cautiously.

"Little bit," Lando says as she steps ahead and pushes the doors open.

Cold air rolls in immediately.

Lily gasps and jumps just slightly. "Cold!"

Aiden laughs behind her while pulling his hood up. "That's winter."

Snow lines the edges of the sidewalk, and the parked cars, and the sky above the town is that pale winter gray that somehow makes all the Christmas decorations look brighter.

Lily stands there for a moment taking it all in.

Her breath comes out in a tiny puff of fog.

She looks down at it, then she does it again on purpose. "Look!" She says, amazed.

Aiden leans down beside her and blows out a dramatic cloud of his own breath. "We're dragons now."

She giggles softly and tries again.

Lando unlocks his car while the two of them experiment with their new "dragon powers." The car beeps quietly as the lights flash, and he opens the back door so Lily can climb in.

You guide her toward her seat.

She climbs into the car seat with careful determination, holding the toy car the whole time while you help settle her into the straps.

Once she's buckled in, the cow figurine, goes right back on top of the car.

"Ready," she declares.

You close the door and walk around the car while Lando slides into driver's seat. Aiden climbs into the back seat, already rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"I'm telling you," he says as he buckles his seatbelt, "festival hot chocolate hits different."

Lily leans slideways as far as her seatbelt allows. "Chocolate milk?" She asks.

"Close," Aiden replies. "Better."

Lando starts the car, the heater humming softly as the engine warms.

The car settles into a steady rhythm as it pulls onto the road, tires rolling softly over the thin layer of snow along the street.

Aiden sits beside Lily, one arm resting along the back of the seat while he watches her quietly inspect her setup for the third time since getting in.

Up front, you settle into the passenger seat while Lando adjusts the heat slightly, warm air beginning to push through the vents.

For a moment, everything is calm.

The town passes slowly outside the windows, houses lined with Christmas lights and the occasional inflatable decoration glowing in front yards. Soft music plays low through the speakers, barely louder than the hum of the engine.

Without really thinking about it, your hand drifts toward the center console.

Lando's does the same.

Your fingers brush lightly at first, then fit together naturally like it's something you've done a hundred time before, his thumb moving slightly against yours as he keeps his eyes on the road.

You glance down at your hands for a second, a small smile pulling at your lips before you look back out the windshield.

In the backseat, there's a silence.

Then, a whisper.

You barely catch it at first.

Aiden leans slightly toward Lily, lowering his voice like he's sharing something very important.

"Hey," he murmurs, just loud enough for her to hear. "Look up there."

Lily tilts her head. "What?"

he nods subtly toward the front of the car. "Look at their hands."

There's a small shift in the backseat as Lily leans forward just a tiny bit, peeking between the seats.

You hear the softest little gasp.

"Eww."

You can't help the tiny laugh that slips out of you as you turn your head slightly toward Lando, already knowing he heard it too.

From the back, lily giggles immediately after, like she's both disgusted and amused at the same time.

"Ewww," she repeats, dragging it out longer this time."

Aiden snorts beside her. "I know, right? Absolutely gross."

Lando exhales a quiet laugh, shaking his head slightly as he keeps driving.

"Really?" He calls back. "That's the reaction we're getting?"

"Yes," Aiden replies instantly. "Public display of affection. In a moving vehicle. In front of a child."

Lily giggles again, clearly entertained now.

"Ewwwww," she says one more time, covering her mouth like she's being dramatic about it.

You squeeze Lando's hand lightly, smiling as you glance back for a second.

"Oh, I'm sorry," you say playfully. "Is this bothering you?"

"Yes," Lily answers immediately, though she's still smiling.

Aiden nods in agreement. "Deeply."

Lando finally glances over at you for a split second, a grin tugging at his mouth. "Guess we better stop then."

You tighten your hold on his hand slightly.

"Yeah," you say casually. "We definitely won't."

From the backseat, Lily lets out another small giggle before settling back into her seat again, the car still in her lap.

After a moment, she leans closer to Aiden again.

"Still holding," she whispers.

Aiden peeks forward again, then leans back to her.

"Still holding," he confirms.

That's enough to make her giggle all over again.

Up front, you shake your head softly, still smiling as you rest your joined hands against the center console.

As the car gets closer to town, the glow of the festival becomes clearer.

Strings of warm white lights stretch across the streets, looping from building to building, and the closer you get, the more everything starts to feel alive. People move along the sidewalks in bundled coats, clusters of families and friends drifting toward the center where the biggest lights shine the brightest.

Lily notices it first.

She leans forward as much as her seatbelt straps allow, her hand pressing lightly against the back of your seat.

"Lights," she says, her voice soft but full of awe.

You turn slightly in your seat so you can see her better, smiling at the way her eyes are wide, reflecting the glow from outside. "That's where we're going."

Lando slows the car as the traffic thickens near the square, scanning for a place to park. The music outside is faintly audible even through the closed windows now, mixed with laughter and the distant hum of conversation.

"Alright," he murmurs, spotting an open space along the street. "We'll park here and walk the rest."

He eases the car into the spot, the engine idling for a moment before he shifts into park. The lights from the festival flicker across the windshield, casting soft reflections across all of you.

In the backseat, Lily vibrates with excitement.

"We go now?" She asks quickly.

"Yeah," you say, reaching for the door handle. "We're going now."

You step out into the cold, the crisp air immediately brushing against your face, sharper than it had felt earlier. Lando comes around to the back of the car while Aiden his door, stretching slightly as he steps out.

Lily waits.

You can see her through the window as she clutches her little cow figurine, the car left behind on the seat next to her seat. Her eyes dart between all of you like she's making sure no one leaves without her.

Lando opens her door and leans in slightly. "Alright, let's get you out."

She lifts her arms automatically, and he carefully unclips the straps before helping her slide out of the seat. The moment her boots hit the ground, she grabs his hand with one of hers, the other still wrapped tightly around her toy.

"Cold," she announces again, though there's a small smile on her face this time.

"Yeah," he says, adjusting her sleeve a little. "But we'll keep moving."

You step closer, reaching down to fix her scarf where it's loosened slightly. "Stay close, okay?"

She nods quickly.

Aiden shuts the car door behind them and rubs his hands together. "Alright, First stop... hot chocolate."

"Food first?" You ask, glancing at him.

"Always food first."

Lando chuckles quietly and reaches for your hand again as you all start walking toward the center of the square. The ground crunches softly under your boots, and the closer you get, the more the sounds and smells of the festival wrap around you.

Lily walks between you and Lando, her small hand still holding his while she looks around at everything with wide, curious eyes. Every booth, every light, every passing person seems to catch her attention for a second before something new pulls it away again.

"Look," she says suddenly, pointing ahead.

A small stand with bright decorations and strings of lights is selling hot chocolate, steam rising from cups in people's hands.

Aiden follows her gaze and immediately nods. "There it is. Target acquired."

You laugh softly as the four of you make your way toward the stand.

Lily's grip tightens slightly around Lando's hand as the crowd thickens just a bit, but she doesn't slow down. If anything, she leans forward a little, eager to get closer to everything she's been seeing from the car.

"Chocolate," she reminds you again.

"We're getting it," you promise.

The warmth of the festival wraps around you the second you step fully into it.

"Look... look..." she keeps saying under her breath, pointing at something new every few steps.

Aiden keeps his pace behind you, already scanning the booths with a very specific goal in mind. "Hot chocolate first," he mutters like he's reminding himself of the mission.

"You're obsessed," you say, glancing back at him.

"I'm focused." He corrects.

Up ahead, another small stand comes into view, strings of lights wrapped around the frame with candy cane statues standing at the side of it.

Aiden points immediately. "There. That's the one."

Lily follows his hand, eyes locking onto the stand."

"Chocolate," she says, tugging slightly on Lando's hand.

"That's the plan," he says with a small smile.

The four of you step up to the stand, the warmth from it noticeable even in the cold air. The person behind the counter hands over cups one by one, each topped with a swirl of whipped cream that melts slightly into the heat.

You take Lily's carefully, crouching slightly as you pass it to her.

"Careful," you say gently. "It's hot."

She takes it with both hands, holding it close like it's something important. her nose dips toward the rim first, curiosity getting the better of her before she even tries it.

She blows softly over the top of it before taking the smallest sip.

Her whole face changes. "Good."

Aiden lets out a satisfied sigh as he takes his own first sip. "See? Worth it."

Lando takes his cup with one hand, his other brushing lightly against yours as he steps closer. You end up standing beside him near the edge of the stand, your shoulders almost touching, while Lily stays right in front of you, completely focused on her drink.

For a few minutes, everything slows.

Lily takes careful little sips, occasionally stopping to blow on it again like she's been told. A bit of whipped cream ends up on her upper lip, and she doesn't notice at all.

Lando does.

"Hold on," he says quietly, reaching down to wipe it away gently with his thumb.

She blinks up at him.

"More," she says, pointing at the cup.

He laughs softly. "Finish that first."

Aiden watched the exchange over the rim of his own drink, shaking his head slightly. "She's got both of you wrapped around her finger."

"She earned it," you reply.

Lily takes another sip, then lowers the cup slightly.

Her attention suddenly shifts, her head turning toward the side of the square.

"Ride."

You follow her gaze.

Off to the side, there's a small section set up with kid-friendly rides, lights blinking softly around them. One in particular stands out, a circle of little reindeer seats that lift gently into the air, moving in a slow loop while music plays.

Every time it passes, there's laughter.

Lily's grip tightens slightly around the cup.

"Ride," she says again, more certain now.

Lando glances down at her, then follows the direction she's pointing. You watch the way her expression shifts when he spots it, recognition settling in before a small smile pulls at the corner of his mouth.

"You wanna go look?" He asks, tone gentle but already knowing the answer.

She nods immediately, the decision instant and unwavering.

You crouch slightly to take the hot chocolate spills, passing it back toward Aiden without breaking focus, while Lily is already stepping forward. Her small boots crunch softly against the ground as she moves toward the lights, the cow figurine still clutched in one hand.

"Careful," you call after her, quickening your pace to stay beside her.

She slows just enough for Lando to catch her hand again, her fingers slipping into his like it's something she's done a hundred times. The closer you get, the more the details come into focus. The quiet creak of the ride as it turns, the soft music playing, the glow of the lights reflecting off the metal frame.

Lily stops just at the edge of the entrance.

She tilts her head back to watch it go around again, her eyes wide and fixed on the movement.

"Up," she murmurs, almost like she's testing the word.

Lando crouches beside her, bringing himself to her level. "You wanna go on?"

She nods quickly, her attention never leaving the ride.

He stands again and gently guides her toward the entrance where a work waits by the small gate. She greets you with a friendly smile, then gestures toward the measuring post beside her.

"Just need to check your height first." She explains kindly.

Lily looks up at the post, then back at Lando before stepping over to it. She presses her back against it carefully, still holding the toy cow as she stands as straight as she can.

The worker lowers the marker. It pauses just above her head. Close enough that it almost makes it, but not quite.

"Ah," they say softly. "She's just under."

Lily looks up at the marker, then back at Lando, her expression shifting slightly as she tries to understand.

"Go?" She asks, quieter now like she's unsure.

Lando glances at the worker, then back at her.

"If an adult rides with her, she's okay." She adds, the words coming easily.

Lily's shoulders lift immediately, her face brightening again as she turns fully toward Lando. "You come?"

He doesn't hesitate. "Yeah, I'll come with you."

She nods like that was always the plan.

You step back slightly as they move through the gate, your hands wrapping around Lando's hot chocolate mug as you watch him help her into one of the reindeer seats. He's careful with her, one hand steady at her back as she climbs up, the other making sure the toy cow stays secure in her grip.

She settles into the seat, her legs swinging slightly as she looks around from the new height, taking everything in with quiet anticipation.

The safety bar comes down, and Lando sits beside her, close enough that his arm rests naturally behind her without making a show of it.

From where you stand, you can see her bounce once in her seat, excitement building.

The ride starts slowly, the structure humming softly as it begins to turn. The reindeer lift just slightly off the ground before easing into their loop, the motion smooth and almost weightless.

For a second, Lily just blinks.

Then it clicks.

"Up!" She giggles, the word bursting out of her in surprise.

Her laughter follows immediately after, bright and unfiltered, echoing through the cold air as the reindeer carries her past you for the first time. Lando laughs too, quieter but just as real, his hand steady at her back as she leans forward slightly, completely caught up in it.

You lift your phone without thinking, capturing the moment as they pass. The lights frame them perfectly, her wide smile and his softer one sitting side by side in a way that feels effortless.

The ride circles again.

Lily's laughter doesn't fade, it builds, growing louder and freer with each pass. Every time they come around, she calls out something new, her voice carrying over the music as she points or leans or reacts to the feeling.

"Again!"

"Up!"

"Look!"

Her hand lifts slightly like she's trying to grab the air in front of her, the cow figurine still clutched safely in the other.

Aiden steps up beside you, his hands holding two cups of hot chocolate.

"She's gone," he says quietly, like he's observing something important. "Fully gone."

You don't take your eyes off her. "Yeah," you murmur, voice softer now.

He shifts slightly, gaze moving toward Lando as the ride comes around again. There's something quieter in his expression this time, something more thoughtful.

"He's good with her." He says after a moment, his words simple.

You nod, your grip tightening around your phone as you watch Lando adjust in the seat, his attention always half on her even while he smiles, even while he lets himself enjoy it too.

"He is." You say softly.

The ride keeps turning in it slow, steady rhythm, never rushing, never jolting, just lifting and dipping like a quiet loop of motion meant to stretch the moment out as long as it can.

Lily doesn't seem to notice anything except the feeling of it.

Each time she comes around, her laughter spills out again, softer now but still bright, like it's settled into her instead of bursting out all at once. She leans slightly into Lando without thinking, her small shoulder brushing against him while her free hand lifts ever now and then.

"Flying," she says once as they pass, her voice full of wonder rather than excitement now.

Lando glances down at her, the smile on his face easing into something quieter. "Yeah, you are," he murmurs back, just loud enough for her to hear.

From where you stand, you catch the moment, the way she looks forward without fear, the way he doesn't crowd her but stays close enough that she knows he's there.

Beside you, Aiden shifts his weight slightly, his shoulder brushing yours for a second as he watches them go by again.

"She's not even holding on anymore," he points out quietly.

You glance back at the ride.

He's right.

Lily's grip has loosened completely now, one hand resting lightly against the side while the other still holds the toy cow. She's not tense, not unsure, just... there, moving with it, trusting it.

Trusting him.

Your chest tightens just slightly at the realization, something warm settling in deeper than before.

"Guess she figured it out," you say.

Aiden hums in agreement, his gaze flicking briefly to you before returning to the ride. "Kids don't fake that," he adds. "If they don't feel okay, you know it."

You nod without answering right away.

Because you do know.

You've seen the difference.

Another loop brings them closer again, the lights catching in Lily's hair as she tilts her head back just a little, her laughter softening into a steady stream of quiet giggles. Lando says something you can quite hear, and she responds with a quick shake of her head before smiling again, like it's their own small conversation up there.

The ride begins to slow.

It's gradual, almost unoticeable at first, the movement easing until the reindeer dip a little lower with each pass. The music continues, but softer now, like it's winding down along with everything else.

Lily notices.

"No," she says lightly, not upset, but aware.

"It's slowing down," Lando tells her gently.

She frowns just a little, her brows pulling together as the ride lowers again.

"One more," she tries, voice hopeful.

He smiles, glancing toward the operator before looking back at her. "Let's see what we can do."

The ride makes one final slow loop before coming to a stop. The reindeer settle back into place, the gentle motion fading completely as the music quiets.

For a second, Lily doesn't move. Then she looks at Lando. "Again?" She asks.

He laughs softly under his breath, unbuckling the bar as the worker steps over.

"Let's get off first," he says, helping her down carefully.

She lets him, though her eyes are already drifting back toward the ride like she's planning her next move.

When her boots hit the ground, she turns immediately toward you, walking faster now with purpose.

"Again," she says, more firmly this time.

You hand Lando's hot chocolate back to him, crouching down to Lily's level and brushing a hand over her hair that's shifted from the movement.

"We'll see," you say gently, smiling a little.

She looks between you and Lando, clearly weighing her chances.

Aiden leans down slightly beside her. "You gotta let it reset," he tells her like it's official. "Ride rules."

She considers that, the nods once, accepting it.

Laando steps back up beside you, his shoulder brushing yours lightly as he looks down at her.

"Did you have fun?" He asks.

She nods quickly. "Flying."

His smile softens again at that, something quieter settling into his expression. "Yeah, you were."

She looks back at the ride one more time, then down at the toy cow still in her hand, like she's connecting the two in her own way.

"Cow fly too," she decides.

Aiden exhales a quiet laugh. "The cow's seen things today.

You shake your head softly, standing back up as the four of you shift away from the ride area, the lights and music continuing behind you.

Lily walks between you and Lando again, her hand slipping back into his without hesitation this time. The other still holds the cow, but her attention keeps drifting upward, like she's still replaying the feeling of being lifted off the ground.

"Later?" She asks after a moment.

Lando looks down at her first before you can answer, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. "Maybe," he says gently. "We'll see how much energy you've got left."

The deeper you move into the festival, the busier it gets, but it never feels overwhelming. The lights stretch overhead in long, glowing strands, and every booth you pass has something different: handmade ornaments, knitted scarves, trays of baked goods set out under warm lamps.

Aiden slows near on of the food stands, already scanning the menu.

"Oh," he says, tilting his head slightly. "Now we eat again."

"You just had hot chocolate," you point out.

"That was a warm-up."

Lily's attention shifts immediately at the word eat.

"Food?" She asks, looking up at you.

You glance toward the stand Aiden's eyes. The smell hits you next, something toasted and warm enough to cut through the cold air.

"Yeah, let's get something."

You step up to the stand together, the menu overhead listing quick festival food. Aiden orders first, already committed to a tray of loaded nachos, while you and Lando hang back for a second.

He leans slightly closer to you, voice low. "Pizza?"

You nod. "Yeah."

Then he looks down at Lily, crouching just enough to be at her level. "What about you?"

She studies the picture for a moment, her brows pulling together like it's the most important decision she's made all day.

"Hot dog." She determines.

Lando smiles and nods. "Hot dog it is."

When the food comes out, he takes hers first, checking the temperature with a quick touch before handing it down carefully. "Hold it with both hands," he reminds her.

You all move to a small bench nearby, the wood cold beneath you but the food warm enough to make up for it. Lily sits between you and Lando, her boots winging slightly while she takes her first bite.

She pauses, then takes another bite.

"Good," she says, completely satisfied.

Lando lets out quiet breath of a laugh, glancing at you. "High praise."

Aiden is already halfway through his nachos, fully focused. "This is incredible," he mumbles.

You and Lando share the pizza, shoulders brushing every so often as you both reach for the next piece. At one point, Lily tilts her hot dog slightly wrong, and he reaches over, steadying her hand before it tips.

"Careful," he says softly.

She nods, adjusting her grip before taking another bite like nothing happened.

When she finishes, she wipes her hands clumsily on a napkin. Lando notices immediately, reaching over to clean a bit she missed near her fingers, quick and gentle.

"All done?" He asks.

She nods, then slides off the bench. "Walk."

You laugh softly, standing up while Lando brushes his hands off and tosses the empty tray. "Alright, let's walk."

This time, Lily doesn't hesitate. She reaches for Lando's hand first.

He takes it just as easily, and the two of them fall into step in front of you and Aiden who is still finishing the last of his food.

You take your time moving through the vendor stands, not stopping at every single one, but enough that it feels like you've seen everything. Lily pauses at a booth filled with small wooden toys, her fingers brushing lightly over them before she lifts her cow slightly, like she's comparing.

"I got this," she decides.

Lando nods seriously. "Yeah, I think yours wins."

At another stand, strings of ornaments hang low enough for her to see clearly. She points at a few, naming them one by one while he follows along, occasionally nodding like she's giving him a guided tour.

"That one's nice," he says when she picks a smaller reindeer.

She smiles at that.

Every now and then, she switches hands, sometimes reaching for you, sometimes going back to him, but there's no hesitation in either direction. When the crowd thickens a little, Lando naturally steps slightly closer, his hand staying firm around hers so she doesn't get lost in the movement.

Time slips by, and the sky darkens just a little above the lights, the air growing colder as the evening settles in. The energy around Lily starts to shift, not disappearing all at once, but softening gradually.

Her steps slow.

At one point, she stumbles a little on the uneven ground.

"Hey," Lando murmurs, crouching down. "You okay?"

She nods, but it's slower.

He studies her for a second, then looks at you. "She's getting tired."

"Yeah."

A moment later, he bends slightly again, this time lifting her up with ease before she can even ask. She doesn't protest, just settles into him naturally, her head resting lightly against his shoulder while the toy cow stays clutched in her hand.

he adjusts his hold so she's comfortable, one arm supporting her while the other stays free at his side.

"She good?" Aiden asks.

"Yeah," Lando answers quietly. "Just tired."

You walk beside them now, a little closer than before, your hand brushing lightly against his arm once as you move. He glances at you briefly, a small smile there, softer than earlier.

"We've been here a while," he says.

"About three hours," you reply.

Lily's head grows heavier against his shoulder, her breathing evening out as the last of her energy fades. By the time you reach the edge of the square, her eyes are fully closed.

Lando adjusts his hold again, careful not to wake her.

"Car?" He asks quietly.

You nod.

The walk back is slower now, quieter, the festival fading behind you step by step. The lights grow dimmer with distance, the music softer, until it's just the sound of your footsteps and the cold air settling in around you.

When you reach the car, Lando opens the back door first, shifting Lily into her car seat carefully. She stirs slightly as he lowers her in, but her eyes stay closed.

The cow car and cow both end up back in her lap.

He pauses for a second after fastening the last clip, his hand resting lightly against her shoulder just to make sure she's settled. Then he pulls back slowly and closes the door gently.

The car ride back is quieter than the one there.

Up front, you settle back into your seat, one hand resting loosely near the center console while Lando drives, his focus steady but relaxed now that the roads have thinned out.

In the back, Lily is completely out. Her head tilts slightly to the side, cheek pressed against the edge of her car seat, the toy car still resting in her lap like she never let it go. Aiden sits beside her, a little slouched, watching her for a second before glancing forward.

"She crashed," he murmurs.

"Hard," Lando replies, a small smile in his voice.

You glance back briefly, just to check.

For a while, it stays like that.

Quiet. Easy. The kind of silence that comes after a long day, when no one really needs to fill the space.

Then, a small shift is heard.

A soft movement from the backseat, the faint sound of fabric rustling as Lily stirs. You notice it in the rearview mirror before anything else, watching as her head moves slightly, her brows pulling together for a second like she's figuring out where she is.

She blinks once, then twice, then inhales sharply like she's waking up all at once instead of slowly.

Aiden turns his head immediately. "Oh, you're back."

Lily sits up a little too fast for someone who was just asleep, her energy snapping back like a switched flipped.

"I go ride," she starts, voice still a little rough from sleep but already picking up speed. "And up- up- like this-" she lifts one hand, demonstrating poorly but enthusiastically, "-and lights! And cow fly too!"

Aiden blinks at her. "I was there."

She doesn't acknowledge that.

"And chocolate," she keeps going, her words tumbling over each other now. "Hot chocolate, and hot dog, and I eat all-" she holds up her fingers like she's counting, even though it doesn't match anything, "-and then ride again but not again but later-"

"You're explaining this like I missed it," Aiden says, trying not to laugh.

"And reindeer go up and I say 'again' and-" she gasps slightly like she's remembering it again in real time, "-and lights!"

You press your lips together, trying not to laugh as you glance over at Lando who's already smiling.

"Full reset," he mutters under his breath.

By the time you pull into the apartment parking lot, Lily is still talking.

The car stops. She doesn't.

"And cow sit here," she says adjusting it in her lap like she's reenacting the entire thing, "and cow sit- no fall- not fall-"

"We made it," Aiden interrupts gently as he unbuckles his seatbelt.

She pauses just long enough to look out the window. "We home,"

"Yeah," you say, already reaching for the door.

The cold air hits again as everyone steps out, but Lily barely reacts this time. She's too busy climbing out with renewed energy, holding her car like it's part of the story she's still telling.

Lando helps her down, and the second her boots hit the ground, she's talking again.

"We walk and light's and-"

"I was there," Aiden repeats, closing the car door behind them.

She ignores him completely.

The walk into the building is filled with her voice, recounting every detail like it's brand new information.

"-and hot dog and I eat and no drop-"

"That was impressive," Lando says lightly, playing along as he follows behind her.

She nods like that was the correct response.

In the elevator. She doesn't slow down.

She turns to Aiden fully, looking up at him like she's briefing him on something important.

"And ride go up," she says again, lifting her hand high, "and I say 'again' and-"

"I remember," he says, but there's a smile on his face now.

The elevator dings and the door slides open, her voice filling the space, carrying all the way down the hallway.

By the time you reach the apartment door, Lily is still mid-sentence.

"-and then it go like this," she says, lifting her hand again as if the hallway itself needs the demonstration.

You unlock the door and push it open, stepping inside first, the warmth of the apartment settling around you almost instantly. Lando follows close behind, holding the door a second longer so Aiden and Lily can come in without breaking her momentum.

"Shoes," you remind her, already toeing yours off near the door.

Lily pauses just long enough to kick her boots off in a messy, uneven motion, nearly losing her balance in the process before catching herself. Lando reaches out instinctively, steadying her for half a second before letting go.

"Careful," he murmurs.

"I okay," she says quickly, already moving on.

Aiden barely gets his coat halfway off before she's grabbing his sleeve.

"Come," she tells him, tugging with surprising determination.

"Where am I being taken?" He asks, though he lets himself be dragged anyway.

"Living room."

"Ah," he nods. "My favorite destination."

She pulls him along, still talking, her voice carrying ahead of them as they disappear into the living room.

"And then lights- lot of lights- and I say 'again' but it stop-"

Her words fade slightly as they move further in, but they don't stop.

You hang your coat up slowly, a small smile lingering as you listen to her voice in the background. Lando steps in beside you, shrugging off his own coat before running a hand briefly through his hair.

"She's not sleeping anytime soon." He says.

You huff a quiet laugh. "Nope."

For a second, you both just stand there, listening to her continue on in the other room.

Then you glance toward the kitchen. "You wanna help with dinner?"

Lando looks too, then back at you. "Of course."

You both move into the kitchen without needing to say much more, slipping into something familiar as you start pulling things out of the fridge. The turkey's already prepped enough that it doesn't take long to get started, and soon the quiet sounds of cooking begin to fill the space.

Lando moves beside you easily, grabbing what you don't reach for, handing things over without needing direction. At one point, your hands brush as you both reach for the same utensil, and he pauses just slightly before letting you take it, a small smile flickering across his face.

In the living room, Lily is still going.

"And then car go here," she says, demonstrating again. "And cow sit, not fall, see?"

"I see," Aiden replies, his tone equal parts amused and impressed. "Incredible balance."

You shake your head lightly, smiling to yourself as you rinse a dish in the sink.

"She's really explaining the entire day," Lando smiles.

"She has to," you giggle. "Otherwise it didn't happen."

He glances at you for a second, something thoughtful in his expression, then nods like that makes perfect sense.

You continue cooking side by side, the rhythm settling in naturally. Every now and then, one of you glances toward the living room, just checking, just listening.

At one point, Lily's voice gets louder again as she emphasizes something.

"-and up like that!"

Aiden laughs. "Yes, I remember the up part."

Lando lets out a quiet breath of a laugh, shaking his head as he stirs stuffing on the stove. "She's committed."

"Very."

The kitchen slowly fills with the kind of warmth that only comes from a full emal coming together.

The oven hums steadily, the scent of turkey deepening as it roasts, while the stovetop carries the rest, butter melting into mashed potatoes, corn warming in a small pot, stuffing being stirred just enough to keep it from sticking. It's a lot but it doesn't feel overwhelming, not with the way you and Lando move around each other without getting in the way.

At one point, he reaches past you for a pan, his hand brushing lightly along your back in a quiet "behind you," and you shift without thinking, letting him through.

In the living room, Lily's voice is still going, though it's softened just slightly now, her words blending more into a steady hum than the rapid bursts from earlier. Aiden answers here and there, just enough to keep her going.

"Okay," Lando says after checking the over, glancing over at you. "I think we're good."

You nod, grabbing plates while he starts bringing things over to the table one by one. The small space fills quickly, turkey at the center, bowls of mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, everything laid out in a way that feels almost too big for just the four of you.

"Dinner," you call out.

There's a pause, then feet stomping your way.

"Food!" Lily's voice is heard, immediate.

A second later, she appears, already climbing into her chair like she' hasn't been talking non-stop for the last couple of hours. Aiden follows behind her, stretching slightly before dropping into his seat.

"Alright," he says, looking at the table. "This is... impressive."

Lando just shrugs a little as he sets the last dish down. "We did alright."

You sit down beside Lily, helping her adjust her plate while Lando takes the seat on her other side.

For a moment, it's quiet.

Then Lily starts again.

"And then-" she begins, already mid-thought.

"Eat first," you interrupt gently, placing her fork in her hand.

She pauses, clearly debating.

Then she takes a bite.

And just like that, the talking slows.

Not completely, she still mumbles little pieces between bites, small reminders of the day, but it's softer now, spaced out by chewing and the effort of actually eating.

"-and lights..." she says quietly at one point, more to herself than to anyone else as she pokes at a green bean.

Aiden glances at her, then at you. "You birthed a mouthy one."

"She always will be." You smile.

Lando smiles faintly, cutting a smaller piece of turkey for her and nudging it onto her fork when she struggles with it.

She takes it without hesitation, continuing to eat.

The conversation shifts around her in small pieces. Aiden makes a comment about the festival, something about the food being better than expected, and Lando responds with a quiet laugh. You add in here and there, nothing heavy, nothing that needs too much thought.

It's easy.

Uncomplicated.

The kind of dinner where no one's trying too hard.

By the time plates start to empty, Lily's movement's have slowed too. her bites get smaller, her posture softer, the earlier burst of energy finally fading into something quieter.

She leans slightly toward the table, still holding her fork but not really using it anymore.

"Done?" You ask gently.

She nods.

Aiden leans back in his chair, stretching his arms. "I'm done too."

Lando stands first, collecting a couple of plates before you can reach for them. You stand, gathering a couple of dishes and bringing them over to the sink.

Lily stays in her chair, legs swinging lightly now without much energy behind them, while Aiden remains across from her, keeping her company.

"Don't fall asleep at the table." He tells her.

She shakes her head.

By the sink, you and Lando fall back into that same quiet rhythm as before. The sink fills with warm water, dishes clink softly as they're rinsed and stacked, and neither of you rush through.

At one point, he hands you a plate, your fingers brushing again, and there's a small pause before both of you move on like nothing happened.

"You cooked most of that," he says after a minute.

"You helped," you reply.

"I stirred."

You glance at him. "Very important role."

He smiles at that, shaking his head slightly as he dries the next dish.

By the time the last plate is set aside, the kitchen is back to normal, the warmth of dinner lingering in the air.

You dry your hands and glance toward the table.

Lily is sitting there, quieter now, her head tilted slightly as she watches Aiden talk about something random.

"Bath," you say gently, stepping back into the room.

She looks up at you immediately.

There's a small pause.

The she shifts in her chair, her fingers curling lightly around the edge of the table like she's thinking. "Lando do it?"

You blink. "Can he... do your bath?"

She glances toward the kitchen sink, where Lando is just stepping away, drying his hands on a towel.

"Yeah..."

There's a hint of hesitation in it, something unsure, like she doesn't fully expect the answer she wants.

You soften a little, nodding. "I think he'll say yes if you ask."

She slides off the chair slowly, her steps smaller now as she walks over to him. She stops a couple feet away, not quite as confident as she usually is, her fingers fidgeting slightly with the edge of her sleeve.

"Um..." she starts.

Lando looks down at her immediately, his expression easing. "What's up?"

She shifts her weight. "You do bath? With me... not mommy?"

"Yeah," he says gently. "I can do that."

She blinks.

Then her shoulders relax, the tension easing out of her as she nods.

Lily doesn't wait once she gets her answer.

The moment Lando says yes, she's already moving, her earlier hesitation gone as she heads down the hallway with small steps. He follows a second later, tossing the towel aside and glancing back at you briefly like a silent "I've got it." before disappearing after her.

You stay in the kitchen for a minute, finishing the last small things. The apartment is quieter now, the earlier noise settling into something softer, broken only by the faint sounds drifting from down the hall.

At first, it's just movement.

The bathroom door opening, the light clicking on, the low murmur of voices, then the sounds of water running, followed by Lily's voice rising just slightly as she says something you can't make out.

You don't rush. You let them have it.

There's something about the way she asked, the way he answered, that feels like it deserves a little space to exist on it's own.

So you take your time.

Aiden drifts off toward the living room again, turning the TV on low, while you move through the apartment at an easy pace, letting everything settle into place after dinner. The warmth lingers, the kind that doesn't fade right away, and for a while you just listen.

Water. A small splash.

Then a laugh. Not loud, not overwhelming, but enough to catch your attention.

It comes again a second later, brighter this time.

You quietly walk down the hallway, peeking your head in to the bathroom. The door is wide open and you see Lily and Lando both laughing. You lean against the door frame, crossing your arms and smiling.

"Mommy! Look!"

Lando turns around, and you see his face covered in peppa pig stickers and what looked to be pink paint.

"Lando sparkles!" She says, splashing the water around her.

He holds up a tube of Crayola bath paint. "I didn't even know this was a thing."

"Me neither until she saw it at Walmart." You giggle, walking in slightly.

"He add bubbles!" Lily says excitedly, poking her finger into the tub of bubbles around her.

"Wow, that's awesome." You smile. You pull your phone out and take a picture of the two, also getting one of Lando's face.

"We already got all of the bath time routine marked down." He adds, pointing to her little board on the side of the bath.

"Thank you." You smile gently, sitting next to him.

"It's all props to you. Without this list, we'd be in here still decorating." He chuckles, pointing to his face.

You can't help the smile that pulls at your lips as you step a little further into the bathroom, leaning slightly against the doorframe. "Yeah," you say glancing between the stickers and the faint marker drawings along the tub. "I can tell she has a system."

Lily beams at that, sitting up straighter in the bath like she's just been praised for something important. The bubbles shift around her as she moves, a few sliding down the side of the tub where her arm rests.

"Decorate," she says proudly."

“I see that,” you reply softly.

Lando huffs a quiet laugh, reaching up like he’s about to peel one of the stickers off before stopping himself, letting it stay where it is. “I was instructed not to move.”

“Don’t,” Lily says quickly, eyes narrowing just slightly.

“I won’t,” he assures her.

You push off the doorframe then, stepping fully into the room and reaching for a towel. “Alright,” you say gently, your tone shifting just enough to signal the next step. “Bath’s done, baby.”

Lily looks at you. Then at the water. Then back at Lando.

There’s a brief pause, like she’s weighing whether she can stretch this out a little longer, but the tiredness is catching up now, softening the edges of her energy.

“Okay,” she says finally.

Lando moves his arm back from the edge of the tub, giving you space as you kneel beside it. You reach in first, testing the water before pulling the drain, the quiet gurgle starting underneath the bubbles as the bath begins to empty.

Lily watches it for a second, then lifts her arms toward you without needing to be asked.

You wrap the towel around her the moment she’s out, pulling her close as you stand, her damp hair brushing against your neck while she settles into you easily.

“I’ve got her,” you say softly.

Lando nods, already pushing himself up from where he was kneeling. “I’ll—uh—give you a minute.”

He gestures vaguely toward the hallway, and there’s something almost careful in the way he says it, like he doesn’t want to assume.

You give him a small nod. “Yeah.”

He steps out without another word, closing the door partway behind him.

The bathroom quiets again, just the soft sound of the water draining and Lily’s steady breathing against your shoulder. You shift her slightly so you can dry her off properly, patting the towel gently along her arms, her back, her legs.

She doesn’t talk now. She just leans into you, her earlier energy fully melted into something softer, heavier.

“Sleepy?” you murmur.

She nods against you.

You dress her slowly, pulling her pajamas on piece by piece, smoothing the fabric down once they’re in place. By the time you’re done, her eyes are already half-lidded, her movements slower, quieter.

You carry her out into the hallway, the apartment dimmer now, calmer. Lando is just outside, leaning lightly against the wall, the stickers still stuck to his face like he forgot they were there.

He straightens a little when he sees you.

“All set?” he asks quietly.

You nod. “Yeah.”

He doesn’t reach for her, just walks beside you as you head toward her room, keeping his voice low as you move. When you step inside, the space feels warm and familiar, the soft glow of the lamp casting light across the bed.

You lower Lily down gently, helping her settle under the covers. She shifts once, curling slightly onto her side, her hand still loosely holding onto the edge of the blanket.

“Truck,” she mumbles.

You glance back, spotting it still in the bathroom doorway where she must’ve left it earlier. Lando disappears for a second, then returns, placing it gently into her hand.

“There you go,” he says softly.

She curls her fingers around it immediately.

You smooth a hand over her hair, brushing it back from her forehead. “Goodnight, baby.”

Lando stays quiet beside you, giving her a small, gentle “Goodnight, Lil’s,” before stepping back as you reach to turn the light off.

Hey my loves! Pt. 11 is officially here! So sorry for the wait, hope you can understand!

Tag list: @piastripastry81 @suns3treading @lex2205 @bowielovesyou @sagestack @str-481 @skylandori @st4r-girl-official @kat-w2s8 @spidermansfav333 @lexiecampos @teti-menchon0604 @evanandeddieship @esw1012 @bearyfast @kissingeto @hc-dutch @moonlitelaine @cherrylita @talia922 @dessashippr @honeyhyunn @nickie-amore @g3org1al33 @lydia-demarek @butwhocaresstillthelouvre @mayza63 @taebearyoongs @relijanka @nicoslastracewithmercedes @moonlight52moonlight @leclercbbh @unholysapnap25 @lovecarsgoingvroom @ihaveitprinteddout @idontknowwhatimdoinginiife @cab4 @ivegotparticulartaste @rebekahjonesx @janonymus06 @a-beaverhausen @sandyysamwich @cherryjam99 @forevernorris @which0-witch @lily-ann22 @96mcobo @wakdjenwowj @ilocuras24 @kebsf1shit @emma-manuhpe @mystickenz @henna006 @gracepoweredbycaffeine @jaydensluv @miyukilluv @vinylphwoar @rubynnvx1 @graciereads @mosseetrees

[sydwritess]

hiii do you know of a fic where Lando is with max's sister, and at one point there's a scene where he's yelling from a balcony at them to like, get out or something, because he paid for it?? something like that

Hi lovely! Unfortunately I do not, but I will definitely keep my eyes out when reading! It sounds very interesting!

[sydwritess]

His One and Only Pt. 11

Pairing: Lando Norris x fem!reader

Summary: finding love was hard. Especially when you had a kid. Once they found out, they ran. But one person in particular decides to stay.

Second Person | w/c: 15.7K

Notes: will be hard to read as a standalone. Part eleven of 'His One and Only'

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Main Masterlist

"Merry Christmas, baby."

Your voice is barely above a whisper as you lean over the side of Lily's bed, brushing your fingers gently through her hair. The room is dim, soft gray morning light filtering through the curtains, but the real glow comes from the living room down the hall. The Christmas tree is still on, its warm gold lights blinking quietly like they've been waiting all night.

Lily stirs under her blanket, nose scrunching as she turns her face into the pillow.

"Mmm..." she mumbles, still halfway in sleep.

You smile and lean closer, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "Merry Christmas."

Her eyes blink open slowly, unfocused at first. Then she freezes.

"Christmas?" She whispers, like she's scared to say it too loud.

"It's Christmas," you confirm softly.

There's a half-second of silence while her brain catches up.

Then she gasps.

"Santa come?" She whispers, pushing herself upright so fast her hair sticks up in every direction.

You laugh quietly. "I don't know. You better go check."

She throws the blanket off dramatically, scrambling toward the edge of the bed before pausing. "Wait," she says suspiciously. "You check?"

"I didn't," you promise, holding your hands up like you're innocent.

That's all she needs.

She hops down, her little feet hitting the floor, and takes off down the hallway in her oversized Christmas pajamas. You follow at a slower pace, heart already full just watching her.

The tree fills the living room in soft golden light, ornaments reflecting tiny glimmers across the walls. The presents underneath are wrapped in bright paper, some neat and careful, some clearly done at midnight when you were too tired to care about perfect corners.

Lily stops at the entrance to the living room like she's hit an invisible wall.

Her mouth falls open.

"He came," she breathes.

Sure enough, the stockings are fuller than they were last night, small gifts peeking out from the top. A few new boxes sit under the tree that definitely weren't there before.

Behind you, there's a quiet creak from the hallway.

You turn.

Lando stands there, leaning slightly against the wall, hair messy from sleep, hoodie pulled on over pajama pants. He looks like he's been awake for a few minutes already, just watching.

"Morning," he says softly.

Lily spins around so fast she almost loses her balance. "He came!" She announces, like it's breaking new.

Lando widens his eyes dramatically. "No way."

"Yes way!" She insists, grabbing his hand and dragging him fully into the room. "Look! Look!"

He lets himself be pulled without resistance, crouching beside her near the tree. You sink down onto the couch, wrapping a blanket around your shoulders as you watch them.

Lily points at everything at once. "That mine. And that mine. And that min maybe yours," she tells Lando very seriously.

"Maybe?" She asks, pretending to be offended.

She narrows her eyes thoughtfully. "You got to see."

He presses a hand to his chest. "I hope I made the nice list."

She gasps. "You did! I tell Santa."

You laugh quietly from the couch.

Lily crawls toward her stocking first, nearly toppling over in excitement. Lando steadies her with a gentle hand at her back. She reaches in and pulls out candy, tiny toys, fuzzy socks, each item treated like it's the greatest treasure she's ever seen.

"Look!" She says every five seconds.

"I see," he replies every time, matching her enthusiasm.

At one point, she pulls out a small chocolate Santa and holds it up suspiciously. "Can I eat now?"

"Maybe after breakfast," you say.

She sighs like life is deeply unfair, but sets it beside her anyway.

The living room slowly fills with the soft chaos of Christmas morning.

Wrapping paper begins to collect across the rug in colorful piles, ribbons curling against the carpet, empty boxes stacked beside the couch. The Christmas tree glows warmly in the corner, its gold lights blinking lazily as the faint morning sun starts to filter through the windows.

The whole room feels warm and quiet in that particular way only Christmas morning can feel, like the outside hasn't woken up yet.

In the middle of it all, Lily sits cross-legged on the floor.

She's surrounded by presents now, small and medium boxes stacked around her like she's built a tiny fortress. But unlike most kids on Christmas morning, she isn't ripping through them.

Instead, she picks up the next gift carefully, almost thoughtfully, turning it over in her hands as she studies the wrapping paper. Her fingers trace the edges where the tape holds everything together, feeling along the seams as if she's searching for the perfect place to start.

"Go ahead, Lil's," Lando encourages gently from the couch.

She nods seriously, like she's been given an important job.

But instead of tearing the paper open, she begins peeling the tape back slowly, working one corner loose at a time. The paper lifts carefully under her small fingers, crinkling softly but not tearing. She pauses ever few seconds, concentrating so hard her tongue sticks slightly between her teeth.

From the couch, Lando watches for a moment in quiet confusion.

He leans a little closer to you, lowering his voice so she won't hear.

"Why is she opening them like that?" He murmurs. "I've never seen a kid unwrap presents like she's trying not to wake the neighbors."

You glance over at Lily, watching the delicate way she folds the paper back instead of ripping it.

A soft smile touches your face.

"I think she likes the moment," you explain quietly. "The whole thing. If she tears through it, it's over too fast."

Lando looks back at her again.

She's still working carefully at the last piece of tape, brow furrowed with intense concentration.

"So she's stretching it out," he says softly.

You nod. "She wants Christmas to last longer."

Something about that answer settles over him.

His expression softens in a way that's almost imperceptible, and he leans back slightly into the cushions, watching her with a different kind of attention now.

By the time the final piece of tape lifts away, Lily lets out a quiet, proud hum, like she's completed a very complicated task. She folds the wrapping paper open neatly before lifting the box out of it.

It's small.

She opens the lid slowly.

Inside sits a bright pink LEGO car set.

For a second, she simply stares down at it, eyes widening as the picture on the front catches the light from the tree.

Then her head snaps up.

"Car!" She gasps.

Lando straightens slightly on the couch, trying and failing miserable to look casual.

She lifts the box carefully out of the wrapping paper, turning it so she can study the picture from every angle. The sleep sports car shines on the front of the box, detailed and fast-looking in a way that instantly captures her attention.

"Fast car," she announces proudly.

"It is a fast car," Lando agrees, nodding like this is a very serious automotive evaluation.

She examines the wheels printed on the box, tracing the shape of the car with her finger.

Then, she pauses, and slowly tilts her head up to Lando.

"Santa got me one! You get one at the store!" She says excitedly, holding the box up as best she can. "We matching!"

"We are," Lando smiles proudly, letting out a small chuckle.

"We build together?"

"We can," he says immediately.

Satisfied, Lily hugs the box briefly before placing it carefully beside her growing collection of opened presents. She doesn't toss it aside like most kids would. Instead, she lines it up neatly next to the others, like they're part of something important.

More presents follow.

Each one receives the same careful treatment. Tape peeled slowly. Paper unfolded instead of torn. Boxes opened with quiet excitement instead of chaos.

A stuffed animal gets a soft gasp.

A set of colorful books earns a delighted "ohhh."

A pair of fuzzy socks gets pressed against her cheek like she's testing how soft they are.

The pile of wrapping paper grows, but the pace never speeds up.

Lando eventually shifts forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he watches the process unfold. "She might still be opening these by New Year's," he murmurs to you.

You laugh quietly. "She would if we let her."

Then Lily notices something new.

Under the tree, tucked slightly behind the lower branches, sits a much bigger box. The wrapping paper is bright red, the corners wide and bulky compared to the others.

Her eyes narrow in curiosity.

She scoots closer and reaches for it, but the box barely budges.

"Big," she mutters.

She grabs it with both hands and pulls.

The box scrapes slowly across the floor, paper crinkling as it drags out from beneath the branches of the tree. It's clearly heavier than the others, but Lily is determined. She scoots backward, pulling with all her strength until the present finally slides free.

"There," she says proudly, slightly out of breath.

Lando and you exchange a quiet look.

"Need help?" He asks.

She shakes her head immediately. "I do it."

She begins the careful process again, peeling the tape back piece by piece. It takes even longer with the bigger box, but she refuses to rush. Eventually the paper loosens and falls away.

The picture on the front of the box stares up at her.

A bright red Formula One Ferrari LEGO car.

For a moment, she doesn't move.

Her eyes slowly widen as recognition spreads across her face. "Race car," she whispers, before turning the box toward you both, pointing excitedly. "F1!"

Lando can't hide his grin this time. "Yeah, that's a real one."

Her jaw drops slightly as she studies the image, fingers brushing across the glossy surface. We build too?" She asks, almost reverently.

"Oh, we're definitely building that one." He says.

She hugs the box to her chest like it might run away if she lets go. "Two cars," she murmurs happily.

The living room has settled into a slow, glowing rhythm by the time Lily reaches for the next present.

The Christmas tree lights blink softly behind her, reflecting off the shiny ornaments and the bright scraps of wrapping paper scattered across the rug.

Another present rests in her lap.

She turns it over thoughtfully, studying the paper first before even attempting to open it. Her fingers trace the edges where the tape seals the wrapping together, pressing gently against the seams as if she's searching for the exact right place to begin.

"She's still doing it," he murmurs quietly to you.

You follow his gaze toward Lily, who is now carefully lifting the corner of the tape with the same intense focus she's used on every gift so far. "She will for every single one," you reply with the same small smile. "It's just... the process."

Lily slowly peels the tape free, one careful pull at a time. The paper crinkles softly but stays intact as she folds it back. When the final piece loosens, she lifts the lid of the box with quiet anticipation.

Inside is a small stuffed cow.

Her eyes widen immediately.

"Cow!" She gasps, lifting it up like she's just discovered treasure.

Lando tilts his head slightly. "Another one?"

She nods proudly, holding it beside the stuffed cow he gave her earlier as if introducing them. "Friend." She explains simply.

"Well, that makes perfect sense," he replies, nodding as if this is a completely logical development.

She places the new cow carefully beside the others, lining them up neatly before reaching for the next present in the pile. Her fingers are already searching for the tape again when the apartment door suddenly swings open.

A rush of cool air from the hallway slips inside along with a loud voice.

"HO HO- oh wow it's warm in here."

Lily freezes halfway through peeling the tape.

You and Lando both glance toward the door just in time to see Aiden standing in the doorway. Your brother is practically buried under a massive stack of presents, gift bags dangling from his wrists and several boxes balanced precariously in his arms. A Santa hat sits crooked on his head, and his hoodie reads Sleigh All Day in glittery red letters.

For a moment he just stands there, trying not to drop everything.

"I bring gifts!" He announces proudly.

A box immediately slides sideways from the pile.

He jerks his knee up to catch it before it falls. "Very delicately balanced gifts."

Lily's face lights up the second she recognizes him. "Aiden!" She squeals.

She scrambles to her feet so quickly that wrapping paper goes flying behind her, then charges straight across the living room. When she crashes into his leg in a full-speed hug, the entire tower of presents wobbles dangerously.

"Woah- hey, small human collision!" Aiden laughs, trying desperately to keep everything upright. "Someone stabilize the cargo!"

Lando steps forward just in time to catch two boxes sliding off the top.

"You look like a walking department store," he says, shaking his head with a grin.

"I had a system," Aiden insists while walking over to the living room. He lowers the gifts to the floor beside the tree. "A very advanced gift transportation system."

Lily is already circling the new pile of presents, eyes wide with amazement.

"So many," she whispers.

Aiden crouches down, adjusting his crooked Santa hat as he gestures toward the stack. "Some of those are from Santa," he tells her with dramatic importance.

She gasps softly, turning to look at the presents again.

"And some are from me," he adds.

Her eyes narrow thoughtfully.

"What is Santa?"

He points at the bigger boxes. "Those ones. Obviously."

She nods slowly, accepting this explanation without question. The logic settles easily for her, and her attention quickly drifts to something else.

That's when she notices the stocking still tucked under Aiden's arm.

Her eyes widen a little, and she points straight at it. "Mine?"

Aiden glances down like he's just remembered it exists. "Oh- yeah. Yep, that one's yours." He crouches down and hands it over, the fuzzy red stocking nearly as big as Lily's torso.

She takes it with both hands and immediately sits back down on the rug, dumping the entire thing out into her lap. A small avalanche of candy and toys spills out.

A candy cane, a chocolate coin, a pack of sparkly stickers, a tiny toy car, and a few other little trinkets.

Each item earns its own quiet moment of excitement.

"Oooh," she whispers when the candy cane appears, holding it up like it's something magical. Then she spots the stickers and softly gasps, flipping through them with careful fingers before laying them neatly beside her. The tiny toy car gets a proud little display too, lifted high so everyone in the room can see before she lines it up beside the other toys she's already opened.

While Lily happily inspects her stocking gifts, Aiden finally straightens up and takes in the rest of the living room.

The rug is buried in wrapping paper. Half-opened boxes sit everywhere. Toys and stuffed animals have been carefully arranged around Lily's growing pile of presents.

Then his eyes land on the giant red box sitting proudly near the tree.

He squints at it.

Slowly, he points.

"Okay... hold on," he says, turning toward you and Lando with growing disbelief. "Who bought the toddler a Formula One LEGO car?"

Lily looks up at him quietly. "Santa!"

You and Lando give Aiden a quiet look. Aiden turns fully toward you now, staring like he's trying to process what he just heard.

"She's three," he syas flatly.

Lando shrugs, completely unfazed. "She's talented though."

Aiden looks back at the box again, then at Lily, who is currently stacking chocolate coins into a tiny tower on the floor.

"She can barely reach the sink," he mutters. "But yet, Santa gives her a giant Ferrari."

Before he can continue questioning the decision, Lily suddenly grabs onto the sleeve of his sweater.

"Sit."

Aiden looks down at her, confused. "Excuse me?"

She points firmly at the floor beside her pile of presents, her tiny finger tapping the exact spot she wants him. "Sit here."

He glances over at you with a helpless expression. "Why'd you have to have a bossy one?"

You shrug casually from the couch, completely unbothered. "You walked in the door. That was your first mistake."

Aiden lets out a dramatic sigh like his entire life has become very difficult, but her lowers himself onto the rug anyway. He crosses his legs beside Lily, settling into place like he's accepted his fate.

"There," he says, dusting imaginary lint off his knees. "I'm seated. What are my responsibilities, tiny boss?"

Lily immediately hands him the present she'd been working on before he arrived. "Hold."

He obediently takes the box and holds it in place while she gets back to work.

Her fingers return to the edge of the wrapping paper, carefully searching for the tape again. She finds the corner and slowly begins peeling it away, lifting it little by little so the paper doesn't tear.

Aiden watches her for a moment.

Then another moment.

His eyebrows slowly start climbing higher and higher as she gently removes one strip of tape, then another, folding the paper open like it's something delicate.

Eventually he leans sideways toward you, lowering his voice.

"Since when did this happen? Is she... defusing it?" He whispers.

You bite back a laugh. "She opens presents like this. Always has."

He watches her peel back another tiny piece of tape with incredible patience.

"Does she know she can just rip it open?"

Before you can answer, Lily looks up at him. "No rip."

Aiden immediately straightens up and raises both hands like he's surrendering to a very serious authority figure. "Okay, okay. No ripping. We respect the process."

Satisfied with that answer, Lily returns to her careful unwrapping. The paper slowly opens up under her hands, revealing the box hidden inside.

When she finally lifts the lid, her reaction is immediate.

Her eyes widen, and she gasps like she's just discovered buried treasure. "Barbie!"

Inside sits a Barbie doll, bright pink clothing and smooth blonde hair.

Aiden claps slowly beside her, nodding with an exaggerated reveal. "Fantastic reveal. Incredible suspense. Ten out of ten presentation."

Lily holds the Barbie up so everyone can see before placing it carefully beside her other toys.

Aiden watches her grab another box, already preparing to start the slow unwrapping process again.

He leans back slightly and stretches his legs out across the rug, settling deeper into his spot beside her.

Lily doesn't look in his direction as she hands him the next present to hold, already focused on the next present before Aiden can protest his new job title.

She scoots a little closer to the pile under the tree and picks out a medium-sized box wrapped in green paper with tiny snowmen printed across it.

Aiden adjusts his sitting position beside her and sighs in exaggerated defeat. "Alright," he says, rolling his shoulders like he's preparing for serious labor. "Hand it over."

She does.

Without hesitation, she places the present squarely in his hands.

"Hold."

He nods. "Holding."

Lily immediately begins searching for the tape again. Her fingers slide along the edges of the paper until she finds a small corner lifting slightly. With careful precision, she starts peeling it back.

Aiden watches the process unfold with intense curiosity.

After a few seconds, he leans sideways toward Lando on the couch. "This is the normal speed?" He whispers.

Lando doesn't even look down at him. "This is actually pretty fast."

Aiden blinks. "Pretty fast?"

"Yeah."

Aiden glances back at Lily, who is now carefully folding the loosened paper away from the box like she's wrapping it in reverse.

"She's gonna grow up to be someone who opens letters with a knife." He mutters.

You laugh quietly from your spot on the couch, watching Lily's concentration. Her little brow is furrowed again, tongue pressing lightly against her lip as she lifts the last strip of tape.

Finally, the paper opens.

She sets it to the side carefully and looks at the box.

It's a small set of colorful building blocks.

"Ooo," she breathes, clearly impressed.

Aiden leans closer to inspect them. "Oh nice, you can build things with those."

She nods very seriously and sets them carefully beside the growing collection of toys arranged around her.

The floor now looks like a tiny toy store exploded.

Stuffed cows sit beside toy cars. LEGO boxes are stacked near the tree. Candy wrappers and bright paper scraps form a colorful halo around Lily's little Christmas kingdom.

She reaches for another present.

This one is smaller, wrapped in shiny silver paper that reflects the blinking lights from the tree. She settles it into Aiden's waiting hands without even looking up.

"Hold."

"Still holding." He confirms.

He glances toward you again. "I feel like I've been promoted to assistant elf."

"You should be honored." You reply.

He puffs out his chest slightly. "You're right. It's a prestigious role."

Lily carefully begins peeling back the silver paper now, and Aiden watches every movement like he's observing a scientific experiment.

When the tape finally releases, the paper opens to reveal a small box of crayons.

She gasps softly.

"Colors!"

She lifts the box up proudly, turning it so everyone can see the bright rainbow painted across the front.

Aiden nods enthusiastically. "Excellent. Now you can draw me something cool later."

She studies him thoughtfully for a moment. "I draw cow."

"Of course you will," he says, completely unsurprised.

The pile of presents in front of Lily has grown smaller now, but the pace of the morning hasn't changed.

She still sits cross-legged on the rug, surrounded by toys and folded pieces of wrapping paper she's insisted on keeping mostly intact. Aiden remains planted beside her like a very underqualified assistant elf, holding boxes whenever she hands them over and occasionally offering dramatic commentary about the "extreme suspense" of her unwrapping technique.

On the couch, you cradle the last of your coffee in your mug, watching the scene unfold.

Lily is currently working on another present wrapped in blue paper, carefully lifting a piece of tape while Aiden holds the box steady.

You take one last sip of coffee before standing.

The movement catches Lily's attention immediately.

Her head pops up, eyes following you as you step around the coffee table.

"Where you go?" she asks, voice small but curious.

You hold up the empty mug with a small smile. "Just to the kitchen, baby."

She looks at you for a second like she's making sure that answer checks out. Then, she nods and returns to her very important work of peeling tape from the wrapping paper.

The kitchen is only a few steps away, but the quiet moment gives you a second to breathe.

You rinse the mug out under the sink, warm water swirling through the cup while the soft sounds of Christmas morning continue behind you. Lily's tiny gasps of excitement drift down the hallway, mixed with Aiden's exaggerated reactions and Lando's occasional laughs.

You dry the mug and set it down on the counter.

The thought of a memory from a few nights ago makes you smile. When you step back into the living room, Lily is still focused on opening the present in front of her. Aiden is holding the box in place while she carefully peels another piece of tape away, narrating the process like a sports commentator.

"And she's going for the corner tape again- bold strategy-"

Lando is leaning back on the couch, relaxed, on arm resting along the back cushion as he watches them.

You walk over casually and settle down beisde him.

Then, without warning, you swing one leg over and lower yourself sideways across his lap.

Lando's eyebrows lift slightly in surprise as your weight settles there, but his hands automatically find your waist to steady you.

"You're starting something," he murmurs quietly near your ear.

"Maybe," you whisper back, smiling.

You shift slightly so you're still facing the living room, making sure you can see Lily.

Across the room, Lily continues peeling the tape for a few seconds longer.

Aiden is mid-sentence beside her, narrating when she pauses, making hims top talking.

Slowly, she lifts her head, eyes drifting toward the couch. The second she notices where you're sitting, she freezes, mouth falling open.

For a moment she just stares, completely stunned by what she's seeing.

Then she gasps loudly.

"Hey!"

Aiden jumps beside her, startled by the sudden outburst. "What? What happened? Did the present explode?"

But Lily isn't looking at the present anymore.

She's pointing straight at the couch.

"Mommy!"

You turn your head slowly, blinking at her like you've been caught doing something suspicious. "Yes?"

Her eyes are wide with complete disbelief. "You in my spot!"

Lando presses his lips together beside you, clearly trying not to laugh.

"Oh," you say thoughtfully, glancing down at where you're sitting before looking back at her. This spot?"

"Yes!" Lily insists, scrambling up onto her feet. "MY seat!"

You lean back slightly against Lando's chest, settling more comfortably against him like you're seriously considering the situation.

You hum quietly. I don't know. It seems like a pretty nice seat."

Lily stands there for a moment after declaring her claim, small chest rising and falling with the seriousness of the situation. Her finger is still pointed on the couch, eyes locked onto you like she's waiting to see if you're actually going to move.

You glance up at Lando briefly, then back at her.

"Well," you say slowly, letting out a soft sigh like you've been thoroughly defeated. "I guess I better move then."

Lando's hands loosen slightly at your waist as you shift, and you slide off his lap onto the cushion next to him. He leans back into the couch cushions again, watching the exchange with an amused look he's not even trying to hide anymore.

"There," you say, gesturing toward the empty space you'd been sitting in. "All yours."

Lily watches carefully, making sure the seat has officially been vacated. Her eyes flick from you to the couch, confirming the territory has been cleared.

Then she nods once.

And instead of climbing up onto the couch like everyone expects, she simply turns around.

She walks back to the rug, settling down beside Aiden again like absolutely nothing unusual had just happened. The present she'd been working on earlier is still sitting in his lap, and she picks it right back up, immediately going back to carefully peeling the tape from the edge of the wrapping paper.

Aiden blinks.

Lando blinks.

You sit there for a second, staring.

"Wait..." you say slowly.

Lily doesn't even look up. Her fingers continue working at the tape, pulling it away in small careful motions so the paper doesn't tear.

Your mouth drops open a little.

"You made me move," you say, staring at her in disbelief, "and your not even going to sit there?"

Aiden slowly turns his head toward you, a grin spreading across his face as he realizes what just happened.

"Oh this is incredible." He mutters under his breath.

Still sitting on the floor, Lily carefully folds the loosened wrapping paper back from the box. She pauses then, sensing the silence in the room, and slowly lifts her head.

Her eyes meet yours.

For a moment she studies your shocked expression like she's trying to understand why you're so confused.

Then she tilts her head slightly.

"You one time," she tells you very seriously.

Your eyebrows pull together.

"One time?"

She nods firmly, pointing toward Lando's lap again.

"One time sit there."

Aiden lets out a quiet snort beside her, pressing his hand against his mouth like he's trying to keep from laughing too loudly.

Lando leans forward slightly on the couch, his shoulders shaking a little as he tries to hold back a laugh of his own.

You stare at Lily for another second, trying to process what she just said.

"...So that was it?"

She shrugs a little, already returning to the present in front of her. Her fingers peel another piece of tape away while she answers like this is the most obvious thing in the world.

"That your one."

Aiden finally loses it, clapping his hands together once as he laughs. "She just gave you a lap-sitting coupon."

Lando drops his head back against the couch cushion with a quiet laugh, dragging one hand across his face as he tries to recover.

You point a hand at Lily in disbelief. "You made me move just to tell me I'm allowed to sit there once? On my boyfriend's lap?"

She nods again without looking up from the gift. "Yes."

Aiden leans slightly toward her, still grinning. "You realize you could've just let her stay there, right?"

Lily pulls the final piece of tape free and lifts the lid of the box before answering.

"No."

Aiden shakes his head slowly, clearly impressed by the logic. "That's ruthless."

Meanwhile you're still sitting on the couch, arms half crossed as you star at the two of them like you've been completely outplayed.

Next to you, Lando looks over, the grin still sitting easily on his face. "Well," he says, patting his knee once, "you used your one."

You stare at him for a moment.

"Used my one?" You repeat slowly.

Lando shrugs, his grin growing as he leans back against the couch again. "Those were the terms."

Across the rug, Aiden nods very seriously like he's witnessing an official agreement. "I heard the contract. Very clear wording."

You narrow your eyes at the both of them before turning your full attention back to Lily.

She is completely unbothered.

The present in front of her now has her full attention again. She peels another strip of tape away from the wrapping paper with careful precision, folding the paper back so it doesn't rip. Aiden holds the box steady while watching the whole situation unfold like he's ringside at a boxing match.

"You manipulated that whole situation," you tell her.

Lily pauses mid-unwrap.

Slowly she looks up again, her expression thoughtful like she's considering your accusation very carefully.

Then she gives a tiny shrug. "Maybe."

Aiden gasps quietly beside her. "Did you hear that? She admitted it."

You let out a quiet laugh despite yourself and fold your legs underneath you as you settle in.

He glances at you immediately. "Respecting the one-time rule?"

"Oh I'm respecting it," you reply, leaning back into the couch. "I just don't trust the legal system anymore."

He laughs quietly at that, his arm naturally resting along the back of the couch behind you.

On the floor, Lily finally pulls the last strip of tape free.

The paper opens slowly as she folds it back, revealing the box inside.

Inside is a small puzzle set.

Her eyes widen instantly.

"Oooooh," she breathes.

Aiden leans over to inspect it. "Oh nice, that one's a princess puzzle."

"Ariel?"

He points to the picture on the box. "Yep. Cow's right there."

That seems to satisfy her completely.

She lifts the pieces out one by one, studying them carefully before placing them beside the other toys she's arranged on the rug. The space around her is starting to look less like a pile of gifts and more like a carefully organized display of everything she's received.

From the couch, Lando watches the growing collection with a soft smile.

"Looks like your gonna need a bigger living room," he murmurs.

"She's organizing it," you reply, watching the way Lily lines the puzzle in the neat row. "If she had a label maker, she'd be using it."

Across the rug, Aiden shifts slightly as Lily hands him yet another present. "Hold." She instructs.

He takes it obediently. "Still holding."

He glances up at the couch again. "You know, I feel like I've been promoted from assistant elf to full-time staff."

Lily carefully finds the corner of the tape again.

"Good," she says without looking up.

Aiden sighs dramatically and leans back on one hand. "I walked in the door and immediately got assigned a job."

"You should be honored." You say again.

"Yeah," Lando adds casually. "Very prestigious position."

Aiden watches Lily slowly peel another piece of tape free, then looks back at both of you.

"...I'm getting paid in candy, right?"

Lily pauses and looks at him, then she reaches into the pile beside her, grabs one of the chocolate coins from her stocking and hands it to him.

"There."

Aiden stares at the coin in his hand, then he looks back at her, deeply impressed. "Fair compensation."

Over the next little while, the pile of presents slowly disappears.

Lily keeps working through them with the same carefully patience she's shown all morning, peeling tape and folding paper instead of tearing it. The process is slow enough that Aiden eventually shifts into a more comfortable position on the rug, leaning back on his elbows while still acting as the official present holder whenever she needs him.

A few gifts get opened in a blur of quiet excitement.

A small set of animal figurines earns an immediate gasp when she spots the tiny cow tucked among them. A soft pink sweater gets held up against her chest while she looks down at it thoughtfully before announcing, "Pretty." A toy kitchen set piece appears next, and she immediately pretends to stir something in the little plastic pot before setting it carefully beside the other toys.

Every gift gets the same treatment.

Nothing is tossed aside. Everything gets inspected, admired, and placed neatly into the growing collection around her.

By the time she reaches for the last few presents, the rug in front of the tree looks like a tiny toy shop display. Cars, stuffed animals, puzzles, crayons, and little figurines are all lined up in surprisingly organized rows.

One of the final boxes she pulls toward her is long and rectangular, wrapped in bright red wrapping paper.

She studies it for a moment before starting the slow process again, carefully peeling back the tape.

From the couch, you and Lando both watch with a quiet smile while Aiden mutters commentary under his breath like a tired sports announcer.

"And here we are with the final rounds," he sighs dramatically. "The last contenders remain."

Lily finally opens the paper.

Inside the box is a stack of colorful children's books.

The second she sees the covers, she gasps.

"Book!" She squeals, immediately lifting the stack into her lap.

You recognize them instantly.

They're the same books Lando had bought the last time he visited the book shop where you work.

She pulls the first one off the stack and flips it open immediately, turning the pages quickly as if she's checking to make sure the story is still inside.

"Look!" She says excitedly, holding it up.

Aiden leans forward to see. "Oh wow, you've got the whole library."

She nods enthusiastically, already flipping through another one. The colorful illustrations clearly have her completely hooked, and she begins stacking them carefully beside her toys.

From the couch, Lando watches her reaction with quiet satisfaction.

"You remembered those," you say softly, glancing up at him.

He shrugs a little, though the small smile on his face gives him away. "She seemed pretty into books."

"She is," you reply. "She talked about that cow book for three days."

Lily is already halfway through flipping through that exact book now, pointing excitedly at the pages like she's rediscovering something wonderful.

"Cow!" She announces proudly.

Aiden nods seriously. "There it is. Full circle."

Eventually, the very last present gets opened, a small art kit with washable markers and paper, and Lily adds it to her carefully arranged collection.

She sits there in the middle of the rug, surrounded by everything she's received, quietly deciding what to play with first.

Aiden finally pushes himself up from the floor with a dramatic groan. "My work here is done."

"You held boxes." You remind him.

"It was emotionally exhausting."

He drops onto the other end of the couch while Lily begins experimenting with a car and animal figurines she opened earlier. The cow immediately gets placed on top of the car roof and she begins to push it slowly across the rug like it's heading on a very important farm mission.

You shift slightly on the couch and lean into Lando's side, tucking yourself comfortably against him.

His arm naturally drapes around your shoulders without hesitation, his hand resting loosely against your arm as both of you watch Lily play.

The living room has quieted now.

The excitement of opening presents has faded into that calm, cozy part of Christmas morning where everyone just relaxes and enjoys the moment. The tree lights continue blinking softly in the corner, reflecting off the piles of opened boxes and toys scattered around the room.

On the floor, Lily has now opened one of the books again.

She sits with it in her lap while still pushing the toy truck slowly with her other hand, narrating something quietly to herself as the cow figurine rides along for the journey.

Aiden watches for a minute before shaking his head.

"She got more stuff than I did on Christmas when I was eight."

"She's three, everything is still magical." You reply.

He considers that, then nods slowly. "Fair point."

Beside you, Lando glances down slightly as you settle closer against him, your shoulder tucked comfortably under his arm.

"Comfy?" He murmurs.

"Yeah," you say quietly.

The toy car rolls slowly across the carpet while the cow figurine rides on top, and every few seconds Lily pauses the journey so she can flip another page in one of the new books stacked beside her.

She's completely absorbed in it.

"Car go farm," she murmurs quietly to herself while pushing the little vehicle forward. Every so often she stops to glance at the open pages beside her knee where a bright cartoon fills the picture, then she nods like the story and her toy world are connected.

One the couch, the three of you watch the scene.

Aiden has stretched out across one end like he's officially claimed the spot for the day, one arm draped along the back cushion while he observes Lily's very serious playtime. Lando sits beside you with his arm resting loosely around your shoulders, and you lean comfortably into his side while both of you quietly watch Lily build her tiny farm.

For a few minutes nobody says anything.

The apartment has settled into that calm part of Christmas morning where the excitement softens into something cozy and quiet.

Eventually, Aiden glances toward the clock hung above the living room doors before looking back at the two of you.

"So," he says, sitting up a little straighter as if he's about to propose something important. "What's the Christmas Day agenda here?"

You tilt your head slightly. "Agenda?"

"Yeah," he says, gesturing vaguely around the room. "You can't just stay in pajama's all day."

Lily's head pops up from the floor the second she hears that.

"Yes I can."

Aiden points toward her with immediate disappointment. "Really?"

You laugh quietly, resting your head for a second against Lando's shoulder before answering. "We didn't really plan anything," you admit. "I figured we'd just hang out today."

Lando shifts slightly beside you, thinking for a moment while his eyes drift toward the window.

"Well," he says slowly, "there is that winter festival thing happening in town today.

Aiden perks up. "Wait- the one with the giant tree and the skating rink?"

"That's the one," Lando confirms. "Lights everywhere, music, food trucks, hot chocolate stands."

Aiden sits up straighter on the couch now, clearly invested in the idea. "Oh we're absolutely going."

You glance at him with a laugh. "You're deciding that?"

I am completely deciding that," he says confidently. "Christmas market food is elite."

You turn your head slightly and look down toward Lily on the rug.

She's still pushing the truck slowly across the carpet, completely unaware that a plan for the rest of the day is forming behind her.

"Lily," you call getnly.

Her head lifts.

"You wanna go somewhere fun today?"

She tilts her head a little. "Where?"

Lando leans forward so she can see him better from the floor. "There's a Christmas festival in town," he explains, tone light. "Lots of lights, music, hot chocolate... maybe even some rides."

Lily listens carefully. Then she slowly looks down at her toys.

The car moves forward another few inches.

"No."

Aiden blinks at the rejection. "Wow. That was quick."

"I play toys," Lily explains simply while pushing the car across the rug again.

You stand from the couch and walk over, crouching beside the little toy world she built.

"I know," you say gently, resting your hand lightly on the floor beside her. "And you can play with them later too."

She shakes her head without looking up. "Now."

You glance back toward the couch where Aiden and Lando are both watching the negotiation with quiet amusement.

Then you turn back to Lily.

"What if we go get hot chocolate?" You offer.

The car stops moving.

"Hot chocolate?" She repeats slowly.

"Yep. And maybe a cookie."

Her eyes narrow thoughtfully while she studies the toy car sitting in her hand. "But toy stay." She says cautiously.

"Your toys will stay right here," you promise. "They'll be waiting when we get back."

She still hesitates for a moment.

Then you add one more idea.

"You can bring one with you if you want."

Her eyes immediately brighten as she looks down at the car again.

"Car come?"

"Sure," you say with a small smile.

She thinks about it for another second, then nods with sudden determination.

"Okay."

From the couch, Aiden claps his hands once. "Negotiations successful."

Lily pops up from the floor and grabs the toy car firmly in one hand, making sure the cow figure stays on top.

You stand beside her. "Alright, let's get coats on."

That part takes a little longer.

Lily protests slightly when you guide her toward the doorway, glancing back over her shoulder at the pile of toys like she's worried they might disappear while she's gone.

"My toys," she reminds you.

"They'll be right there when we come back," you reassure her while helping her slip into her sweater.

Lando grabs her coat from the hook and kneels down in front of her so he can help her put it on.

"Arms up," he says gently.

She lifts them automatically, still clutching the car in her hand.

Aiden pulls his hoodie over his head while watching the whole process unfold with amusement. "I feel like we're mobilizing a tiny army."

Lily sticks one foot forward while Lando helps guide her boot on.

"Car come." She reminds everyone again.

"We know," he replies with a quiet smile.

A few minutes later the apartment fills with the sounds of zippers, boots hitting the floor, and the soft jingle of keys.

Lando opens the door and steps aside so you and Lily can walk out first.

She marches proudly into the hallway with the toy car still in her hand while the cow figurine rides on top like it's coming on the adventure too.

Behind her, Aiden follows the two of you out while shaking his head. "Christmas festival," he mutters happily. "Best idea of the day."

The hallway outside the apartment is a little colder than the living room had been, and Lily notices immediately.

She pauses halfway to the elevator, pulling her coat tighter around herself while still gripping the car carefully in one hand. The cow figurine is still sitting on top like it's coming along for the ride, and she checks it quickly to make sure it hasn't fallen out.

"Cow come too," she announces.

"Of course," you say, reaching over to gently zip the last inch of her coat that she missed.

Behind you, Aiden pulls the apartment door closed while Lando locks it. The quiet click of the lock echoes slightly in the hallway before the four of you start walking toward the elevator together.

Lily's boots make soft little thuds against the carpet as she walks, her steps slightly slower than everyone else's but determined. Every few steps, she glances down at the car again, making sure everything is still in place.

When you reach the elevator, Lando presses the button.

The soft hum of the building fills the small pause while you wait.

Lily shifts her weight from one foot to the other, looking up at the doors expectantly.

"Elevator coming?" She asks.

"Yep," Lando replies.

Aiden leans against the wall beside the buttons and glances down at her. "You excited for hot chocolate?"

She nods. "And cookie."

"And cookie," he agrees.

The elevator door slides open with a soft ding. Lily walks inside like she's been on this mission before. You step in after her while Lando and Aiden follow, the small space filling quickly with the four of you.

Lily turns around to face the door as it closes, her nose nearly level with the metal seam. The second the elevator begins to move, she looks up at you again.

"Big tree there?" She asks.

You smile. "Yep."

"Light?"

"Lots of lights."

She seems satisfied with that answer.

The short ride down passes quickly, and when the doors open again, the lobby greets you with a rush of cooler air from the front entrance. The glass doors show the winter daylight outside, pale and bright against the snow that dusts the sidewalk.

Lily slows slightly as you walk across the lobby.

Her eyes drift toward the outside world like she's suddenly remembering that it's winter out there.

"Cold?" She asks cautiously.

"Little bit," Lando says as she steps ahead and pushes the doors open.

Cold air rolls in immediately.

Lily gasps and jumps just slightly. "Cold!"

Aiden laughs behind her while pulling his hood up. "That's winter."

Snow lines the edges of the sidewalk, and the parked cars, and the sky above the town is that pale winter gray that somehow makes all the Christmas decorations look brighter.

Lily stands there for a moment taking it all in.

Her breath comes out in a tiny puff of fog.

She looks down at it, then she does it again on purpose. "Look!" She says, amazed.

Aiden leans down beside her and blows out a dramatic cloud of his own breath. "We're dragons now."

She giggles softly and tries again.

Lando unlocks his car while the two of them experiment with their new "dragon powers." The car beeps quietly as the lights flash, and he opens the back door so Lily can climb in.

You guide her toward her seat.

She climbs into the car seat with careful determination, holding the toy car the whole time while you help settle her into the straps.

Once she's buckled in, the cow figurine, goes right back on top of the car.

"Ready," she declares.

You close the door and walk around the car while Lando slides into driver's seat. Aiden climbs into the back seat, already rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"I'm telling you," he says as he buckles his seatbelt, "festival hot chocolate hits different."

Lily leans slideways as far as her seatbelt allows. "Chocolate milk?" She asks.

"Close," Aiden replies. "Better."

Lando starts the car, the heater humming softly as the engine warms.

The car settles into a steady rhythm as it pulls onto the road, tires rolling softly over the thin layer of snow along the street.

Aiden sits beside Lily, one arm resting along the back of the seat while he watches her quietly inspect her setup for the third time since getting in.

Up front, you settle into the passenger seat while Lando adjusts the heat slightly, warm air beginning to push through the vents.

For a moment, everything is calm.

The town passes slowly outside the windows, houses lined with Christmas lights and the occasional inflatable decoration glowing in front yards. Soft music plays low through the speakers, barely louder than the hum of the engine.

Without really thinking about it, your hand drifts toward the center console.

Lando's does the same.

Your fingers brush lightly at first, then fit together naturally like it's something you've done a hundred time before, his thumb moving slightly against yours as he keeps his eyes on the road.

You glance down at your hands for a second, a small smile pulling at your lips before you look back out the windshield.

In the backseat, there's a silence.

Then, a whisper.

You barely catch it at first.

Aiden leans slightly toward Lily, lowering his voice like he's sharing something very important.

"Hey," he murmurs, just loud enough for her to hear. "Look up there."

Lily tilts her head. "What?"

he nods subtly toward the front of the car. "Look at their hands."

There's a small shift in the backseat as Lily leans forward just a tiny bit, peeking between the seats.

You hear the softest little gasp.

"Eww."

You can't help the tiny laugh that slips out of you as you turn your head slightly toward Lando, already knowing he heard it too.

From the back, lily giggles immediately after, like she's both disgusted and amused at the same time.

"Ewww," she repeats, dragging it out longer this time."

Aiden snorts beside her. "I know, right? Absolutely gross."

Lando exhales a quiet laugh, shaking his head slightly as he keeps driving.

"Really?" He calls back. "That's the reaction we're getting?"

"Yes," Aiden replies instantly. "Public display of affection. In a moving vehicle. In front of a child."

Lily giggles again, clearly entertained now.

"Ewwwww," she says one more time, covering her mouth like she's being dramatic about it.

You squeeze Lando's hand lightly, smiling as you glance back for a second.

"Oh, I'm sorry," you say playfully. "Is this bothering you?"

"Yes," Lily answers immediately, though she's still smiling.

Aiden nods in agreement. "Deeply."

Lando finally glances over at you for a split second, a grin tugging at his mouth. "Guess we better stop then."

You tighten your hold on his hand slightly.

"Yeah," you say casually. "We definitely won't."

From the backseat, Lily lets out another small giggle before settling back into her seat again, the car still in her lap.

After a moment, she leans closer to Aiden again.

"Still holding," she whispers.

Aiden peeks forward again, then leans back to her.

"Still holding," he confirms.

That's enough to make her giggle all over again.

Up front, you shake your head softly, still smiling as you rest your joined hands against the center console.

As the car gets closer to town, the glow of the festival becomes clearer.

Strings of warm white lights stretch across the streets, looping from building to building, and the closer you get, the more everything starts to feel alive. People move along the sidewalks in bundled coats, clusters of families and friends drifting toward the center where the biggest lights shine the brightest.

Lily notices it first.

She leans forward as much as her seatbelt straps allow, her hand pressing lightly against the back of your seat.

"Lights," she says, her voice soft but full of awe.

You turn slightly in your seat so you can see her better, smiling at the way her eyes are wide, reflecting the glow from outside. "That's where we're going."

Lando slows the car as the traffic thickens near the square, scanning for a place to park. The music outside is faintly audible even through the closed windows now, mixed with laughter and the distant hum of conversation.

"Alright," he murmurs, spotting an open space along the street. "We'll park here and walk the rest."

He eases the car into the spot, the engine idling for a moment before he shifts into park. The lights from the festival flicker across the windshield, casting soft reflections across all of you.

In the backseat, Lily vibrates with excitement.

"We go now?" She asks quickly.

"Yeah," you say, reaching for the door handle. "We're going now."

You step out into the cold, the crisp air immediately brushing against your face, sharper than it had felt earlier. Lando comes around to the back of the car while Aiden his door, stretching slightly as he steps out.

Lily waits.

You can see her through the window as she clutches her little cow figurine, the car left behind on the seat next to her seat. Her eyes dart between all of you like she's making sure no one leaves without her.

Lando opens her door and leans in slightly. "Alright, let's get you out."

She lifts her arms automatically, and he carefully unclips the straps before helping her slide out of the seat. The moment her boots hit the ground, she grabs his hand with one of hers, the other still wrapped tightly around her toy.

"Cold," she announces again, though there's a small smile on her face this time.

"Yeah," he says, adjusting her sleeve a little. "But we'll keep moving."

You step closer, reaching down to fix her scarf where it's loosened slightly. "Stay close, okay?"

She nods quickly.

Aiden shuts the car door behind them and rubs his hands together. "Alright, First stop... hot chocolate."

"Food first?" You ask, glancing at him.

"Always food first."

Lando chuckles quietly and reaches for your hand again as you all start walking toward the center of the square. The ground crunches softly under your boots, and the closer you get, the more the sounds and smells of the festival wrap around you.

Lily walks between you and Lando, her small hand still holding his while she looks around at everything with wide, curious eyes. Every booth, every light, every passing person seems to catch her attention for a second before something new pulls it away again.

"Look," she says suddenly, pointing ahead.

A small stand with bright decorations and strings of lights is selling hot chocolate, steam rising from cups in people's hands.

Aiden follows her gaze and immediately nods. "There it is. Target acquired."

You laugh softly as the four of you make your way toward the stand.

Lily's grip tightens slightly around Lando's hand as the crowd thickens just a bit, but she doesn't slow down. If anything, she leans forward a little, eager to get closer to everything she's been seeing from the car.

"Chocolate," she reminds you again.

"We're getting it," you promise.

The warmth of the festival wraps around you the second you step fully into it.

"Look... look..." she keeps saying under her breath, pointing at something new every few steps.

Aiden keeps his pace behind you, already scanning the booths with a very specific goal in mind. "Hot chocolate first," he mutters like he's reminding himself of the mission.

"You're obsessed," you say, glancing back at him.

"I'm focused." He corrects.

Up ahead, another small stand comes into view, strings of lights wrapped around the frame with candy cane statues standing at the side of it.

Aiden points immediately. "There. That's the one."

Lily follows his hand, eyes locking onto the stand."

"Chocolate," she says, tugging slightly on Lando's hand.

"That's the plan," he says with a small smile.

The four of you step up to the stand, the warmth from it noticeable even in the cold air. The person behind the counter hands over cups one by one, each topped with a swirl of whipped cream that melts slightly into the heat.

You take Lily's carefully, crouching slightly as you pass it to her.

"Careful," you say gently. "It's hot."

She takes it with both hands, holding it close like it's something important. her nose dips toward the rim first, curiosity getting the better of her before she even tries it.

She blows softly over the top of it before taking the smallest sip.

Her whole face changes. "Good."

Aiden lets out a satisfied sigh as he takes his own first sip. "See? Worth it."

Lando takes his cup with one hand, his other brushing lightly against yours as he steps closer. You end up standing beside him near the edge of the stand, your shoulders almost touching, while Lily stays right in front of you, completely focused on her drink.

For a few minutes, everything slows.

Lily takes careful little sips, occasionally stopping to blow on it again like she's been told. A bit of whipped cream ends up on her upper lip, and she doesn't notice at all.

Lando does.

"Hold on," he says quietly, reaching down to wipe it away gently with his thumb.

She blinks up at him.

"More," she says, pointing at the cup.

He laughs softly. "Finish that first."

Aiden watched the exchange over the rim of his own drink, shaking his head slightly. "She's got both of you wrapped around her finger."

"She earned it," you reply.

Lily takes another sip, then lowers the cup slightly.

Her attention suddenly shifts, her head turning toward the side of the square.

"Ride."

You follow her gaze.

Off to the side, there's a small section set up with kid-friendly rides, lights blinking softly around them. One in particular stands out, a circle of little reindeer seats that lift gently into the air, moving in a slow loop while music plays.

Every time it passes, there's laughter.

Lily's grip tightens slightly around the cup.

"Ride," she says again, more certain now.

Lando glances down at her, then follows the direction she's pointing. You watch the way her expression shifts when he spots it, recognition settling in before a small smile pulls at the corner of his mouth.

"You wanna go look?" He asks, tone gentle but already knowing the answer.

She nods immediately, the decision instant and unwavering.

You crouch slightly to take the hot chocolate spills, passing it back toward Aiden without breaking focus, while Lily is already stepping forward. Her small boots crunch softly against the ground as she moves toward the lights, the cow figurine still clutched in one hand.

"Careful," you call after her, quickening your pace to stay beside her.

She slows just enough for Lando to catch her hand again, her fingers slipping into his like it's something she's done a hundred times. The closer you get, the more the details come into focus. The quiet creak of the ride as it turns, the soft music playing, the glow of the lights reflecting off the metal frame.

Lily stops just at the edge of the entrance.

She tilts her head back to watch it go around again, her eyes wide and fixed on the movement.

"Up," she murmurs, almost like she's testing the word.

Lando crouches beside her, bringing himself to her level. "You wanna go on?"

She nods quickly, her attention never leaving the ride.

He stands again and gently guides her toward the entrance where a work waits by the small gate. She greets you with a friendly smile, then gestures toward the measuring post beside her.

"Just need to check your height first." She explains kindly.

Lily looks up at the post, then back at Lando before stepping over to it. She presses her back against it carefully, still holding the toy cow as she stands as straight as she can.

The worker lowers the marker. It pauses just above her head. Close enough that it almost makes it, but not quite.

"Ah," they say softly. "She's just under."

Lily looks up at the marker, then back at Lando, her expression shifting slightly as she tries to understand.

"Go?" She asks, quieter now like she's unsure.

Lando glances at the worker, then back at her.

"If an adult rides with her, she's okay." She adds, the words coming easily.

Lily's shoulders lift immediately, her face brightening again as she turns fully toward Lando. "You come?"

He doesn't hesitate. "Yeah, I'll come with you."

She nods like that was always the plan.

You step back slightly as they move through the gate, your hands wrapping around Lando's hot chocolate mug as you watch him help her into one of the reindeer seats. He's careful with her, one hand steady at her back as she climbs up, the other making sure the toy cow stays secure in her grip.

She settles into the seat, her legs swinging slightly as she looks around from the new height, taking everything in with quiet anticipation.

The safety bar comes down, and Lando sits beside her, close enough that his arm rests naturally behind her without making a show of it.

From where you stand, you can see her bounce once in her seat, excitement building.

The ride starts slowly, the structure humming softly as it begins to turn. The reindeer lift just slightly off the ground before easing into their loop, the motion smooth and almost weightless.

For a second, Lily just blinks.

Then it clicks.

"Up!" She giggles, the word bursting out of her in surprise.

Her laughter follows immediately after, bright and unfiltered, echoing through the cold air as the reindeer carries her past you for the first time. Lando laughs too, quieter but just as real, his hand steady at her back as she leans forward slightly, completely caught up in it.

You lift your phone without thinking, capturing the moment as they pass. The lights frame them perfectly, her wide smile and his softer one sitting side by side in a way that feels effortless.

The ride circles again.

Lily's laughter doesn't fade, it builds, growing louder and freer with each pass. Every time they come around, she calls out something new, her voice carrying over the music as she points or leans or reacts to the feeling.

"Again!"

"Up!"

"Look!"

Her hand lifts slightly like she's trying to grab the air in front of her, the cow figurine still clutched safely in the other.

Aiden steps up beside you, his hands holding two cups of hot chocolate.

"She's gone," he says quietly, like he's observing something important. "Fully gone."

You don't take your eyes off her. "Yeah," you murmur, voice softer now.

He shifts slightly, gaze moving toward Lando as the ride comes around again. There's something quieter in his expression this time, something more thoughtful.

"He's good with her." He says after a moment, his words simple.

You nod, your grip tightening around your phone as you watch Lando adjust in the seat, his attention always half on her even while he smiles, even while he lets himself enjoy it too.

"He is." You say softly.

The ride keeps turning in it slow, steady rhythm, never rushing, never jolting, just lifting and dipping like a quiet loop of motion meant to stretch the moment out as long as it can.

Lily doesn't seem to notice anything except the feeling of it.

Each time she comes around, her laughter spills out again, softer now but still bright, like it's settled into her instead of bursting out all at once. She leans slightly into Lando without thinking, her small shoulder brushing against him while her free hand lifts ever now and then.

"Flying," she says once as they pass, her voice full of wonder rather than excitement now.

Lando glances down at her, the smile on his face easing into something quieter. "Yeah, you are," he murmurs back, just loud enough for her to hear.

From where you stand, you catch the moment, the way she looks forward without fear, the way he doesn't crowd her but stays close enough that she knows he's there.

Beside you, Aiden shifts his weight slightly, his shoulder brushing yours for a second as he watches them go by again.

"She's not even holding on anymore," he points out quietly.

You glance back at the ride.

He's right.

Lily's grip has loosened completely now, one hand resting lightly against the side while the other still holds the toy cow. She's not tense, not unsure, just... there, moving with it, trusting it.

Trusting him.

Your chest tightens just slightly at the realization, something warm settling in deeper than before.

"Guess she figured it out," you say.

Aiden hums in agreement, his gaze flicking briefly to you before returning to the ride. "Kids don't fake that," he adds. "If they don't feel okay, you know it."

You nod without answering right away.

Because you do know.

You've seen the difference.

Another loop brings them closer again, the lights catching in Lily's hair as she tilts her head back just a little, her laughter softening into a steady stream of quiet giggles. Lando says something you can quite hear, and she responds with a quick shake of her head before smiling again, like it's their own small conversation up there.

The ride begins to slow.

It's gradual, almost unoticeable at first, the movement easing until the reindeer dip a little lower with each pass. The music continues, but softer now, like it's winding down along with everything else.

Lily notices.

"No," she says lightly, not upset, but aware.

"It's slowing down," Lando tells her gently.

She frowns just a little, her brows pulling together as the ride lowers again.

"One more," she tries, voice hopeful.

He smiles, glancing toward the operator before looking back at her. "Let's see what we can do."

The ride makes one final slow loop before coming to a stop. The reindeer settle back into place, the gentle motion fading completely as the music quiets.

For a second, Lily doesn't move. Then she looks at Lando. "Again?" She asks.

He laughs softly under his breath, unbuckling the bar as the worker steps over.

"Let's get off first," he says, helping her down carefully.

She lets him, though her eyes are already drifting back toward the ride like she's planning her next move.

When her boots hit the ground, she turns immediately toward you, walking faster now with purpose.

"Again," she says, more firmly this time.

You hand Lando's hot chocolate back to him, crouching down to Lily's level and brushing a hand over her hair that's shifted from the movement.

"We'll see," you say gently, smiling a little.

She looks between you and Lando, clearly weighing her chances.

Aiden leans down slightly beside her. "You gotta let it reset," he tells her like it's official. "Ride rules."

She considers that, the nods once, accepting it.

Laando steps back up beside you, his shoulder brushing yours lightly as he looks down at her.

"Did you have fun?" He asks.

She nods quickly. "Flying."

His smile softens again at that, something quieter settling into his expression. "Yeah, you were."

She looks back at the ride one more time, then down at the toy cow still in her hand, like she's connecting the two in her own way.

"Cow fly too," she decides.

Aiden exhales a quiet laugh. "The cow's seen things today.

You shake your head softly, standing back up as the four of you shift away from the ride area, the lights and music continuing behind you.

Lily walks between you and Lando again, her hand slipping back into his without hesitation this time. The other still holds the cow, but her attention keeps drifting upward, like she's still replaying the feeling of being lifted off the ground.

"Later?" She asks after a moment.

Lando looks down at her first before you can answer, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. "Maybe," he says gently. "We'll see how much energy you've got left."

The deeper you move into the festival, the busier it gets, but it never feels overwhelming. The lights stretch overhead in long, glowing strands, and every booth you pass has something different: handmade ornaments, knitted scarves, trays of baked goods set out under warm lamps.

Aiden slows near on of the food stands, already scanning the menu.

"Oh," he says, tilting his head slightly. "Now we eat again."

"You just had hot chocolate," you point out.

"That was a warm-up."

Lily's attention shifts immediately at the word eat.

"Food?" She asks, looking up at you.

You glance toward the stand Aiden's eyes. The smell hits you next, something toasted and warm enough to cut through the cold air.

"Yeah, let's get something."

You step up to the stand together, the menu overhead listing quick festival food. Aiden orders first, already committed to a tray of loaded nachos, while you and Lando hang back for a second.

He leans slightly closer to you, voice low. "Pizza?"

You nod. "Yeah."

Then he looks down at Lily, crouching just enough to be at her level. "What about you?"

She studies the picture for a moment, her brows pulling together like it's the most important decision she's made all day.

"Hot dog." She determines.

Lando smiles and nods. "Hot dog it is."

When the food comes out, he takes hers first, checking the temperature with a quick touch before handing it down carefully. "Hold it with both hands," he reminds her.

You all move to a small bench nearby, the wood cold beneath you but the food warm enough to make up for it. Lily sits between you and Lando, her boots winging slightly while she takes her first bite.

She pauses, then takes another bite.

"Good," she says, completely satisfied.

Lando lets out quiet breath of a laugh, glancing at you. "High praise."

Aiden is already halfway through his nachos, fully focused. "This is incredible," he mumbles.

You and Lando share the pizza, shoulders brushing every so often as you both reach for the next piece. At one point, Lily tilts her hot dog slightly wrong, and he reaches over, steadying her hand before it tips.

"Careful," he says softly.

She nods, adjusting her grip before taking another bite like nothing happened.

When she finishes, she wipes her hands clumsily on a napkin. Lando notices immediately, reaching over to clean a bit she missed near her fingers, quick and gentle.

"All done?" He asks.

She nods, then slides off the bench. "Walk."

You laugh softly, standing up while Lando brushes his hands off and tosses the empty tray. "Alright, let's walk."

This time, Lily doesn't hesitate. She reaches for Lando's hand first.

He takes it just as easily, and the two of them fall into step in front of you and Aiden who is still finishing the last of his food.

You take your time moving through the vendor stands, not stopping at every single one, but enough that it feels like you've seen everything. Lily pauses at a booth filled with small wooden toys, her fingers brushing lightly over them before she lifts her cow slightly, like she's comparing.

"I got this," she decides.

Lando nods seriously. "Yeah, I think yours wins."

At another stand, strings of ornaments hang low enough for her to see clearly. She points at a few, naming them one by one while he follows along, occasionally nodding like she's giving him a guided tour.

"That one's nice," he says when she picks a smaller reindeer.

She smiles at that.

Every now and then, she switches hands, sometimes reaching for you, sometimes going back to him, but there's no hesitation in either direction. When the crowd thickens a little, Lando naturally steps slightly closer, his hand staying firm around hers so she doesn't get lost in the movement.

Time slips by, and the sky darkens just a little above the lights, the air growing colder as the evening settles in. The energy around Lily starts to shift, not disappearing all at once, but softening gradually.

Her steps slow.

At one point, she stumbles a little on the uneven ground.

"Hey," Lando murmurs, crouching down. "You okay?"

She nods, but it's slower.

He studies her for a second, then looks at you. "She's getting tired."

"Yeah."

A moment later, he bends slightly again, this time lifting her up with ease before she can even ask. She doesn't protest, just settles into him naturally, her head resting lightly against his shoulder while the toy cow stays clutched in her hand.

he adjusts his hold so she's comfortable, one arm supporting her while the other stays free at his side.

"She good?" Aiden asks.

"Yeah," Lando answers quietly. "Just tired."

You walk beside them now, a little closer than before, your hand brushing lightly against his arm once as you move. He glances at you briefly, a small smile there, softer than earlier.

"We've been here a while," he says.

"About three hours," you reply.

Lily's head grows heavier against his shoulder, her breathing evening out as the last of her energy fades. By the time you reach the edge of the square, her eyes are fully closed.

Lando adjusts his hold again, careful not to wake her.

"Car?" He asks quietly.

You nod.

The walk back is slower now, quieter, the festival fading behind you step by step. The lights grow dimmer with distance, the music softer, until it's just the sound of your footsteps and the cold air settling in around you.

When you reach the car, Lando opens the back door first, shifting Lily into her car seat carefully. She stirs slightly as he lowers her in, but her eyes stay closed.

The cow car and cow both end up back in her lap.

He pauses for a second after fastening the last clip, his hand resting lightly against her shoulder just to make sure she's settled. Then he pulls back slowly and closes the door gently.

The car ride back is quieter than the one there.

Up front, you settle back into your seat, one hand resting loosely near the center console while Lando drives, his focus steady but relaxed now that the roads have thinned out.

In the back, Lily is completely out. Her head tilts slightly to the side, cheek pressed against the edge of her car seat, the toy car still resting in her lap like she never let it go. Aiden sits beside her, a little slouched, watching her for a second before glancing forward.

"She crashed," he murmurs.

"Hard," Lando replies, a small smile in his voice.

You glance back briefly, just to check.

For a while, it stays like that.

Quiet. Easy. The kind of silence that comes after a long day, when no one really needs to fill the space.

Then, a small shift is heard.

A soft movement from the backseat, the faint sound of fabric rustling as Lily stirs. You notice it in the rearview mirror before anything else, watching as her head moves slightly, her brows pulling together for a second like she's figuring out where she is.

She blinks once, then twice, then inhales sharply like she's waking up all at once instead of slowly.

Aiden turns his head immediately. "Oh, you're back."

Lily sits up a little too fast for someone who was just asleep, her energy snapping back like a switched flipped.

"I go ride," she starts, voice still a little rough from sleep but already picking up speed. "And up- up- like this-" she lifts one hand, demonstrating poorly but enthusiastically, "-and lights! And cow fly too!"

Aiden blinks at her. "I was there."

She doesn't acknowledge that.

"And chocolate," she keeps going, her words tumbling over each other now. "Hot chocolate, and hot dog, and I eat all-" she holds up her fingers like she's counting, even though it doesn't match anything, "-and then ride again but not again but later-"

"You're explaining this like I missed it," Aiden says, trying not to laugh.

"And reindeer go up and I say 'again' and-" she gasps slightly like she's remembering it again in real time, "-and lights!"

You press your lips together, trying not to laugh as you glance over at Lando who's already smiling.

"Full reset," he mutters under his breath.

By the time you pull into the apartment parking lot, Lily is still talking.

The car stops. She doesn't.

"And cow sit here," she says adjusting it in her lap like she's reenacting the entire thing, "and cow sit- no fall- not fall-"

"We made it," Aiden interrupts gently as he unbuckles his seatbelt.

She pauses just long enough to look out the window. "We home,"

"Yeah," you say, already reaching for the door.

The cold air hits again as everyone steps out, but Lily barely reacts this time. She's too busy climbing out with renewed energy, holding her car like it's part of the story she's still telling.

Lando helps her down, and the second her boots hit the ground, she's talking again.

"We walk and light's and-"

"I was there," Aiden repeats, closing the car door behind them.

She ignores him completely.

The walk into the building is filled with her voice, recounting every detail like it's brand new information.

"-and hot dog and I eat and no drop-"

"That was impressive," Lando says lightly, playing along as he follows behind her.

She nods like that was the correct response.

In the elevator. She doesn't slow down.

She turns to Aiden fully, looking up at him like she's briefing him on something important.

"And ride go up," she says again, lifting her hand high, "and I say 'again' and-"

"I remember," he says, but there's a smile on his face now.

The elevator dings and the door slides open, her voice filling the space, carrying all the way down the hallway.

By the time you reach the apartment door, Lily is still mid-sentence.

"-and then it go like this," she says, lifting her hand again as if the hallway itself needs the demonstration.

You unlock the door and push it open, stepping inside first, the warmth of the apartment settling around you almost instantly. Lando follows close behind, holding the door a second longer so Aiden and Lily can come in without breaking her momentum.

"Shoes," you remind her, already toeing yours off near the door.

Lily pauses just long enough to kick her boots off in a messy, uneven motion, nearly losing her balance in the process before catching herself. Lando reaches out instinctively, steadying her for half a second before letting go.

"Careful," he murmurs.

"I okay," she says quickly, already moving on.

Aiden barely gets his coat halfway off before she's grabbing his sleeve.

"Come," she tells him, tugging with surprising determination.

"Where am I being taken?" He asks, though he lets himself be dragged anyway.

"Living room."

"Ah," he nods. "My favorite destination."

She pulls him along, still talking, her voice carrying ahead of them as they disappear into the living room.

"And then lights- lot of lights- and I say 'again' but it stop-"

Her words fade slightly as they move further in, but they don't stop.

You hang your coat up slowly, a small smile lingering as you listen to her voice in the background. Lando steps in beside you, shrugging off his own coat before running a hand briefly through his hair.

"She's not sleeping anytime soon." He says.

You huff a quiet laugh. "Nope."

For a second, you both just stand there, listening to her continue on in the other room.

Then you glance toward the kitchen. "You wanna help with dinner?"

Lando looks too, then back at you. "Of course."

You both move into the kitchen without needing to say much more, slipping into something familiar as you start pulling things out of the fridge. The turkey's already prepped enough that it doesn't take long to get started, and soon the quiet sounds of cooking begin to fill the space.

Lando moves beside you easily, grabbing what you don't reach for, handing things over without needing direction. At one point, your hands brush as you both reach for the same utensil, and he pauses just slightly before letting you take it, a small smile flickering across his face.

In the living room, Lily is still going.

"And then car go here," she says, demonstrating again. "And cow sit, not fall, see?"

"I see," Aiden replies, his tone equal parts amused and impressed. "Incredible balance."

You shake your head lightly, smiling to yourself as you rinse a dish in the sink.

"She's really explaining the entire day," Lando smiles.

"She has to," you giggle. "Otherwise it didn't happen."

He glances at you for a second, something thoughtful in his expression, then nods like that makes perfect sense.

You continue cooking side by side, the rhythm settling in naturally. Every now and then, one of you glances toward the living room, just checking, just listening.

At one point, Lily's voice gets louder again as she emphasizes something.

"-and up like that!"

Aiden laughs. "Yes, I remember the up part."

Lando lets out a quiet breath of a laugh, shaking his head as he stirs stuffing on the stove. "She's committed."

"Very."

The kitchen slowly fills with the kind of warmth that only comes from a full emal coming together.

The oven hums steadily, the scent of turkey deepening as it roasts, while the stovetop carries the rest, butter melting into mashed potatoes, corn warming in a small pot, stuffing being stirred just enough to keep it from sticking. It's a lot but it doesn't feel overwhelming, not with the way you and Lando move around each other without getting in the way.

At one point, he reaches past you for a pan, his hand brushing lightly along your back in a quiet "behind you," and you shift without thinking, letting him through.

In the living room, Lily's voice is still going, though it's softened just slightly now, her words blending more into a steady hum than the rapid bursts from earlier. Aiden answers here and there, just enough to keep her going.

"Okay," Lando says after checking the over, glancing over at you. "I think we're good."

You nod, grabbing plates while he starts bringing things over to the table one by one. The small space fills quickly, turkey at the center, bowls of mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, everything laid out in a way that feels almost too big for just the four of you.

"Dinner," you call out.

There's a pause, then feet stomping your way.

"Food!" Lily's voice is heard, immediate.

A second later, she appears, already climbing into her chair like she' hasn't been talking non-stop for the last couple of hours. Aiden follows behind her, stretching slightly before dropping into his seat.

"Alright," he says, looking at the table. "This is... impressive."

Lando just shrugs a little as he sets the last dish down. "We did alright."

You sit down beside Lily, helping her adjust her plate while Lando takes the seat on her other side.

For a moment, it's quiet.

Then Lily starts again.

"And then-" she begins, already mid-thought.

"Eat first," you interrupt gently, placing her fork in her hand.

She pauses, clearly debating.

Then she takes a bite.

And just like that, the talking slows.

Not completely, she still mumbles little pieces between bites, small reminders of the day, but it's softer now, spaced out by chewing and the effort of actually eating.

"-and lights..." she says quietly at one point, more to herself than to anyone else as she pokes at a green bean.

Aiden glances at her, then at you. "You birthed a mouthy one."

"She always will be." You smile.

Lando smiles faintly, cutting a smaller piece of turkey for her and nudging it onto her fork when she struggles with it.

She takes it without hesitation, continuing to eat.

The conversation shifts around her in small pieces. Aiden makes a comment about the festival, something about the food being better than expected, and Lando responds with a quiet laugh. You add in here and there, nothing heavy, nothing that needs too much thought.

It's easy.

Uncomplicated.

The kind of dinner where no one's trying too hard.

By the time plates start to empty, Lily's movement's have slowed too. her bites get smaller, her posture softer, the earlier burst of energy finally fading into something quieter.

She leans slightly toward the table, still holding her fork but not really using it anymore.

"Done?" You ask gently.

She nods.

Aiden leans back in his chair, stretching his arms. "I'm done too."

Lando stands first, collecting a couple of plates before you can reach for them. You stand, gathering a couple of dishes and bringing them over to the sink.

Lily stays in her chair, legs swinging lightly now without much energy behind them, while Aiden remains across from her, keeping her company.

"Don't fall asleep at the table." He tells her.

She shakes her head.

By the sink, you and Lando fall back into that same quiet rhythm as before. The sink fills with warm water, dishes clink softly as they're rinsed and stacked, and neither of you rush through.

At one point, he hands you a plate, your fingers brushing again, and there's a small pause before both of you move on like nothing happened.

"You cooked most of that," he says after a minute.

"You helped," you reply.

"I stirred."

You glance at him. "Very important role."

He smiles at that, shaking his head slightly as he dries the next dish.

By the time the last plate is set aside, the kitchen is back to normal, the warmth of dinner lingering in the air.

You dry your hands and glance toward the table.

Lily is sitting there, quieter now, her head tilted slightly as she watches Aiden talk about something random.

"Bath," you say gently, stepping back into the room.

She looks up at you immediately.

There's a small pause.

The she shifts in her chair, her fingers curling lightly around the edge of the table like she's thinking. "Lando do it?"

You blink. "Can he... do your bath?"

She glances toward the kitchen sink, where Lando is just stepping away, drying his hands on a towel.

"Yeah..."

There's a hint of hesitation in it, something unsure, like she doesn't fully expect the answer she wants.

You soften a little, nodding. "I think he'll say yes if you ask."

She slides off the chair slowly, her steps smaller now as she walks over to him. She stops a couple feet away, not quite as confident as she usually is, her fingers fidgeting slightly with the edge of her sleeve.

"Um..." she starts.

Lando looks down at her immediately, his expression easing. "What's up?"

She shifts her weight. "You do bath? With me... not mommy?"

"Yeah," he says gently. "I can do that."

She blinks.

Then her shoulders relax, the tension easing out of her as she nods.

Lily doesn't wait once she gets her answer.

The moment Lando says yes, she's already moving, her earlier hesitation gone as she heads down the hallway with small steps. He follows a second later, tossing the towel aside and glancing back at you briefly like a silent "I've got it." before disappearing after her.

You stay in the kitchen for a minute, finishing the last small things. The apartment is quieter now, the earlier noise settling into something softer, broken only by the faint sounds drifting from down the hall.

At first, it's just movement.

The bathroom door opening, the light clicking on, the low murmur of voices, then the sounds of water running, followed by Lily's voice rising just slightly as she says something you can't make out.

You don't rush. You let them have it.

There's something about the way she asked, the way he answered, that feels like it deserves a little space to exist on it's own.

So you take your time.

Aiden drifts off toward the living room again, turning the TV on low, while you move through the apartment at an easy pace, letting everything settle into place after dinner. The warmth lingers, the kind that doesn't fade right away, and for a while you just listen.

Water. A small splash.

Then a laugh. Not loud, not overwhelming, but enough to catch your attention.

It comes again a second later, brighter this time.

You quietly walk down the hallway, peeking your head in to the bathroom. The door is wide open and you see Lily and Lando both laughing. You lean against the door frame, crossing your arms and smiling.

"Mommy! Look!"

Lando turns around, and you see his face covered in peppa pig stickers and what looked to be pink paint.

"Lando sparkles!" She says, splashing the water around her.

He holds up a tube of Crayola bath paint. "I didn't even know this was a thing."

"Me neither until she saw it at Walmart." You giggle, walking in slightly.

"He add bubbles!" Lily says excitedly, poking her finger into the tub of bubbles around her.

"Wow, that's awesome." You smile. You pull your phone out and take a picture of the two, also getting one of Lando's face.

"We already got all of the bath time routine marked down." He adds, pointing to her little board on the side of the bath.

"Thank you." You smile gently, sitting next to him.

"It's all props to you. Without this list, we'd be in here still decorating." He chuckles, pointing to his face.

You can't help the smile that pulls at your lips as you step a little further into the bathroom, leaning slightly against the doorframe. "Yeah," you say glancing between the stickers and the faint marker drawings along the tub. "I can tell she has a system."

Lily beams at that, sitting up straighter in the bath like she's just been praised for something important. The bubbles shift around her as she moves, a few sliding down the side of the tub where her arm rests.

"Decorate," she says proudly."

“I see that,” you reply softly.

Lando huffs a quiet laugh, reaching up like he’s about to peel one of the stickers off before stopping himself, letting it stay where it is. “I was instructed not to move.”

“Don’t,” Lily says quickly, eyes narrowing just slightly.

“I won’t,” he assures her.

You push off the doorframe then, stepping fully into the room and reaching for a towel. “Alright,” you say gently, your tone shifting just enough to signal the next step. “Bath’s done, baby.”

Lily looks at you. Then at the water. Then back at Lando.

There’s a brief pause, like she’s weighing whether she can stretch this out a little longer, but the tiredness is catching up now, softening the edges of her energy.

“Okay,” she says finally.

Lando moves his arm back from the edge of the tub, giving you space as you kneel beside it. You reach in first, testing the water before pulling the drain, the quiet gurgle starting underneath the bubbles as the bath begins to empty.

Lily watches it for a second, then lifts her arms toward you without needing to be asked.

You wrap the towel around her the moment she’s out, pulling her close as you stand, her damp hair brushing against your neck while she settles into you easily.

“I’ve got her,” you say softly.

Lando nods, already pushing himself up from where he was kneeling. “I’ll—uh—give you a minute.”

He gestures vaguely toward the hallway, and there’s something almost careful in the way he says it, like he doesn’t want to assume.

You give him a small nod. “Yeah.”

He steps out without another word, closing the door partway behind him.

The bathroom quiets again, just the soft sound of the water draining and Lily’s steady breathing against your shoulder. You shift her slightly so you can dry her off properly, patting the towel gently along her arms, her back, her legs.

She doesn’t talk now. She just leans into you, her earlier energy fully melted into something softer, heavier.

“Sleepy?” you murmur.

She nods against you.

You dress her slowly, pulling her pajamas on piece by piece, smoothing the fabric down once they’re in place. By the time you’re done, her eyes are already half-lidded, her movements slower, quieter.

You carry her out into the hallway, the apartment dimmer now, calmer. Lando is just outside, leaning lightly against the wall, the stickers still stuck to his face like he forgot they were there.

He straightens a little when he sees you.

“All set?” he asks quietly.

You nod. “Yeah.”

He doesn’t reach for her, just walks beside you as you head toward her room, keeping his voice low as you move. When you step inside, the space feels warm and familiar, the soft glow of the lamp casting light across the bed.

You lower Lily down gently, helping her settle under the covers. She shifts once, curling slightly onto her side, her hand still loosely holding onto the edge of the blanket.

“Truck,” she mumbles.

You glance back, spotting it still in the bathroom doorway where she must’ve left it earlier. Lando disappears for a second, then returns, placing it gently into her hand.

“There you go,” he says softly.

She curls her fingers around it immediately.

You smooth a hand over her hair, brushing it back from her forehead. “Goodnight, baby.”

Lando stays quiet beside you, giving her a small, gentle “Goodnight, Lil’s,” before stepping back as you reach to turn the light off.

Hey my loves! Pt. 11 is officially here! So sorry for the wait, hope you can understand!

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