#dad!viktor

He loved showing her his toys, even if she was too little to play with them. He would sit beside her crib, explaining how each one worked, even if all she did was stare at him with wide, curious eyes. When she started to coo and babble, he would mimic her sounds, giggling when she responded. Viktor and you often watched with amusement as Elias took his self-assigned role as “big brother” very seriously, always eager to be involved in any way he could.

But as the months passed, something inside him started to feel different. He noticed how much time Mama and Tata spent with Aurelia—how they cooed over her, held her close, and soothed her when she cried. It wasn’t that they ignored him; they still read him bedtime stories, still let him help in the workshop, still hugged him tightly every night. But something was different, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that things had changed.

It started with small things. He would ask Viktor if they could work on a project together, and Viktor would say, "Later, Elias, I need to finish helping Mama with Aurelia." When he would run to you to show off a drawing he made, you would smile, tell him how wonderful it was—but then immediately turn back to the baby in your arms when she let out the smallest whimper. And sometimes, even when he wanted to crawl into bed between you both for extra cuddles, there was already a tiny bundle there, wrapped up safely in Viktor’s arms.

Elias tried not to let it bother him, but as time passed, the feeling of being left out grew heavier in his chest. He wasn’t sure how to explain it, but every time he saw you or Viktor holding Aurelia, he felt something squeeze inside him, like he was on the outside of something special.

=

One afternoon, when Viktor was in the workshop and you were rocking Aurelia to sleep, Elias found himself wandering over to Jayce’s place. He hadn't planned on going there, but his feet carried him anyway, his small hands balled into fists as he sniffled and tried his best not to cry.

His uncle was always happy to see him, greeting him with a grin and ruffling his hair before pulling him inside. “Hey there, kiddo,” Jayce said, crouching down to Elias’s level. “You look a little down. What’s up?”

Elias shuffled his feet, staring at the floor before finally mumbling, “Mama and Tata love Aurelia more than me.”

Jayce’s smile faded, and he gently lifted Elias onto the couch beside him. “Hey now, where’s this coming from?” he asked softly, his voice full of concern.

Elias hesitated before looking up at his uncle. “They always hold her, always talk to her, always take care of her. But I’m big now, so they don’t need me anymore.” His lower lip trembled, and he quickly rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, not wanting to cry.

Jayce let out a sigh, wrapping an arm around Elias’s shoulders. “Elias, that’s not true. Not even a little bit.” He paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. “Your Mama and Tata love you just as much as they always have. It’s just… babies need a lot of attention. Aurelia is tiny—she can’t do anything by herself yet. But that doesn’t mean they love you any less.”

Elias sniffled, leaning into Jayce’s side. “But it feels like they do.”

Jayce ruffled his hair again, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “I get it, kid. It’s hard when things change. But you know what? You’re still their little boy. You always will be. And I bet if you told them how you feel, they’d make sure you know just how important you are.”

Elias was quiet for a moment before finally nodding. “Okay.”

=

Later that night, when Viktor came to tuck him in, Elias hesitated before speaking up. “Tata?”

Viktor paused, tilting his head. “Ano, můj malý inženýr?” (Yes, my little engineer?)

Elias bit his lip, gathering his courage. “Do you and mama still love me?”

The question hit Viktor harder than any challenge he had faced in the lab. His heart clenched, and in an instant, he was gathering Elias into his arms. “Oh, Elias,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to his son’s hair. “Of course we love you. More than anything. That will never change.”

Elias clung to his father, burying his face in his shoulder. “It just feels like… you love Aurelia more.”

Viktor pulled back slightly, cupping Elias’s face in his hands. “Never. You and Aurelia are both our hearts, both our everything. But she is small, and she needs us more right now. That doesn’t mean we love you less.” He paused, his voice warm. “We love you just as much as before. Maybe even more, because now you’re a big brother too. And that’s a very important job.”

Elias sniffled but nodded slowly. “Really?”

Viktor smiled. “Really. And if you ever feel this way again, you tell me, alright?”

Elias nodded again, his tiny arms wrapping around Viktor’s neck in a tight hug. “Okay, Tata.”

When you came in and saw them like that, Viktor gave you a look that told you everything. You joined them, wrapping your son in your arms as well, reassuring him in soft, gentle words that he was always, always loved. You promised that even if Aurelia needed more care, it didn’t mean you had any less love for him. Love didn’t get divided—it only grew.

From that day on, things got a little easier. You and Viktor made sure to carve out special time just for Elias—working on small inventions together, reading stories before bed, and sneaking in extra hugs and cuddles. You let him help more with Aurelia, making him feel like an important part of the family. Slowly, Elias began to understand. His parents’ love hadn’t changed; it had only grown, just like their family had.

A few years passed, and soon, Aurelia was old enough to start school. Though she was eager to learn, the thought of being away from home—and away from her big brother—filled her with nervousness. At just three years old, she was still small, clinging to familiarity and routine. The idea of being in a place without Mama, Tata, or Elias made her stomach twist with unease.

The night before her first day, Aurelia refused to sleep, curled up beside Elias in his bed with her stuffed rabbit tucked under her chin. Her big brown eyes peeked up at him in the dim glow of his bedside lamp.

“Do I have to go?” she whispered, her voice tiny and unsure.

Elias, now eight years old, stretched out beside her, turning onto his side to face her. “Yeah, Lia. But it’s not bad. School is fun, I promise.”

Aurelia scrunched her nose. “What if it’s not?”

Elias reached over and lightly poked her cheek, making her giggle despite herself. “It will be. You’ll meet new friends, play games, and learn fun stuff. And when you come home, you can tell me all about it.”

She still didn’t look convinced. “But what if I miss you and Mama and Tata?”

Elias thought for a moment before sitting up. He reached over to his nightstand, grabbed something small, and pressed it into Aurelia’s little hands. “Here,” he said.

Aurelia uncurled her fingers, revealing a small, smooth stone—the same one Elias had found years ago in the park, the ‘treasure’ he had given to Tata to use in an invention.

“Tata let me keep it,” Elias explained. “It’s a good luck rock. So, if you ever feel scared or miss home, you can hold it and remember that I’m always here, okay?”

Aurelia ran her fingers over the stone, eyes wide with wonder. “You’re giving it to me?”

Elias nodded. “Just for school. You have to give it back when you’re big and brave.”

Aurelia grinned at that, clutching the stone close to her chest. “Okay.”

=

The next morning, Aurelia woke up early, excitement and nerves twisting in her little belly. She ate her breakfast in small bites, barely able to finish her toast. You and Viktor reassured her gently, helping her into her tiny backpack and tucking her hair behind her ears. Viktor kneeled beside her, adjusting the straps of her bag. “You are going to do amazing,moje malá hvězda.” (My Little Star)

Aurelia held onto her good luck rock tightly, nodding, but when it was finally time to leave, she hesitated, staring at the front door with big, uncertain eyes.

Elias, already dressed and ready for the day, grabbed her hand without hesitation. “Come on, Lia. I’ll take you.”

And so, the four of you walked together, with Elias leading Aurelia down the familiar streets, their small hands clasped tightly. You and Viktor followed just a few steps behind, watching them with soft smiles. The morning sun painted everything in a golden light, and the gentle breeze rustled the trees as Aurelia clutched Elias’s hand like a lifeline.

“She’s really growing up,” you murmured to Viktor, watching the way Aurelia’s little legs hurried to match Elias’s strides.

“They both are,” Viktor agreed, his gaze fond as he watched their children. “I'm just glad they aren't doing is alone”

Ahead of you, Elias was chatting animatedly, trying to distract Aurelia from her nerves. “You know, school has the best crayons. The big, fancy ones. And they have paint too! I bet you’ll get to make a picture to bring home.”

Aurelia perked up slightly. “Really?”

Elias nodded. “Yeah! And they have a snack time with juice. You like juice, right?”

Aurelia nodded, though she was still holding onto him tightly as they approached the nursery gates. The playground was full of other children, some laughing, some running around, but it felt big. Loud. Overwhelming.

Elias crouched beside her, his hand still holding hers. “See? It’s not so bad.”

Aurelia shook her head, her lip wobbling. “It’s too big. I wanna go home.”

Elias sighed dramatically, but his voice was patient. “Lia, you can’t go home yet. You haven’t even tried it. How about this—you go in, meet your teacher, and if you don’t like it, I’ll tell Mama and Tata you should be the first kid to quit school.”

Aurelia blinked at him, sniffling. “Really?”

Elias grinned. “No, but you can still try it.”

Aurelia clung tightly to Elias’s hand, her small fingers gripping onto him as though letting go would make the world too big to handle. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, his voice gentle. “It’s going to be okay, Lia. You’ll meet new friends, play fun games, and learn cool stuff. And guess what?”

She peeked up at him, eyes wide with uncertainty. “What?”

“If you ever feel scared, just think about how brave you already are,” Elias said confidently. “And if you ever get lost…” He bent down slightly so he was at her eye level, his expression serious but kind. “Then I’ll come find you. I promise.”

Aurelia sniffled, hesitating, but the warmth of Elias’s hand around hers made her feel just a little bit stronger.

She huffed but didn’t let go of him as a teacher approached them. “Aurelia?” the teacher greeted warmly, crouching slightly to her height. “Are you ready for your first day?”

Aurelia looked up at the teacher, then back at Elias, her fingers still gripping his hand like a lifeline. Slowly, she shook her head furiously, pressing herself against her brother’s side.

Elias sighed, but then he stood up straighter, taking her other hand so he was holding both. “Lia, remember your rock?”

Aurelia glanced down at the small stone in her palm.

“It means I’m always with you, right?” Elias reminded her. “Even when you’re in class.”

Aurelia looked at the rock, then up at him, then back at the teacher. She hesitated for another long moment before finally nodding, though she still held onto Elias for a few more seconds.

The teacher smiled. “Would you like to come inside and see the toys we have?”

Aurelia perked up slightly at the mention of toys, peeking around the teacher into the colourful classroom. There were books, puzzles, and building blocks, all waiting for her. Slowly, she let go of Elias’s hand, though she looked back at him one last time.

“You promise you’ll be here later?” she asked.

Elias gave her a thumbs-up. “I promise.”

With one last nervous glance, Aurelia took a deep breath, clutching the rock in her little fist as she followed the teacher inside.

You and Viktor watched as Elias lingered at the gate, waiting just a moment longer, his expression serious despite the pride in his eyes. He stayed until Aurelia disappeared into the building, then turned back to you both with a grin. “She’ll be fine, right?”

Viktor chuckled, ruffling Elias’s hair. “Of course, she will. She has you.”

And just as he had promised, when the school day ended, Elias was the first one standing outside the classroom door, waiting for his little sister with open arms and an encouraging smile. Because no matter what, he would always be there to hold her hand.

More years passed, and as Aurelia grew, so did her confidence. She became more independent, making friends easily and eagerly learning everything she could. But no matter how much she grew, one thing remained the same—Elias was always by her side.

By the time Elias was ten and Aurelia was five, their bond had only deepened. He walked her to school every morning, making sure she had her backpack, her lunch, and, on particularly nervous days, her good luck rock. He would help her with her homework in the afternoons, patiently explaining things while she doodled in the margins of her notebook.

On weekends, they spent hours in Viktor’s workshop, where Elias would tinker with gadgets while Aurelia watched with wide, fascinated eyes. As she got older, she began to help, eagerly holding tools for him or asking endless questions about how everything worked. Viktor often looked on with a knowing smile, watching as his children followed in his footsteps in their own way.

=

One evening, as they sat together on the floor of the workshop, Elias showed her how to put together a simple little wind-up toy. Aurelia, always eager to be like her Tata and big brother, listened carefully, her small hands mimicking his movements as she twisted tiny screws into place.

“You’re really good at this, Lia,” Elias praised as she completed the toy, watching it wobble forward on unsteady legs.

Aurelia beamed. “Maybe I’ll build something super big one day! Like a—like a robot!”

Elias chuckled. “You definitely will. And when you do, I’ll help.”

Aurelia looked up at him with admiration. “You’re the best at building stuff, Elias. One day, I wanna be as smart as you.”

Elias laughed, ruffling her hair. “You’re already smart, Lia. Maybe one day, you’ll be even smarter than me.”

Aurelia gasped dramatically. “No way.”

“Yes way,” Elias teased. “You’re gonna invent something amazing. I just know it.”

As they worked, Viktor sat at his own workbench, a soft smile on his face as he observed them. He adjusted his glasses, pausing his own project to watch as Aurelia carefully followed Elias’s instructions, her small fingers tightening a tiny screw with fierce concentration.

“She is learning fast,” Viktor murmured to you, his voice tinged with quiet pride. “She has steady hands already.”

You chuckled, leaning against the doorway, arms crossed as you took in the sight of your children working side by side. “Well, she’s got the best teachers.”

Viktor glanced at you, a knowing smirk on his lips. “Yes. That she does.”

Aurelia sat up straight, holding up her finished wind-up toy triumphantly. “I did it!” she exclaimed, her excitement filling the room. She wound the tiny key, and the toy wobbled forward, its tiny legs clicking along the surface of the workbench.

Elias cheered. “Look at that! You made it all by yourself.”

Viktor nodded approvingly, walking over and placing a gentle hand on Aurelia’s head. “Very good, moje malá hvězda,” he praised, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “You are a natural.”

Aurelia beamed up at him, her chest puffed out with pride. “One day, I’ll build something even better than you and Uncle Jayce, Tata!”

Viktor chuckled, crouching slightly so they were eye-level. “Then I will be the proudest father in the world,” he said warmly.

You smiled, stepping forward to brush a stray lock of hair from Aurelia’s face. “You’re already making amazing things, sweetheart. And who knows? Maybe one day, you and Elias will build something together that changes the world.”

Aurelia turned to Elias, her eyes shining. “Would we, Elias?”

Elias grinned, nudging her shoulder. “Of course we will. Teamwork, right?”

“Teamwork!” Aurelia echoed excitedly, giving him a high five.

As the evening stretched on, the four of you stayed in the workshop, the comforting hum of machinery filling the air. Viktor continued working on his own project, occasionally glancing over to offer guidance to the children. You sat nearby, watching with quiet contentment, knowing that these moments—these evenings of laughter, learning, and love—were the foundation of something special.

Time passes and their bond remained unbreakable. When Elias (11) entered secondary school, Aurelia (6) worried about walking to school without him. She tried to be brave, but the first morning without her big brother by her side felt strange. As she hesitated at the gate, she heard her name being called and turned to see Elias waiting across the street, giving her a thumbs-up.

“Go on, Lia,” he called. “You’ve got this.”

With a deep breath, she nodded, gripping her backpack straps tightly before stepping forward.

That evening, Elias met her at the gate to walk her home, just like always. “See? You survived,” he teased.

“Barely,” Aurelia huffed. “School’s hard without you.”

Elias grinned. “You’ll get used to it.”

Over time, Aurelia grew bolder. She made more friends, joined clubs, and started exploring her own interests. Yet, no matter how much changed, she always turned to Elias first. Whether it was excitement over a new discovery or frustration over a difficult lesson, he was the one she ran to.

=

One evening, Aurelia came home with tears in her eyes, her school bag hanging limply from her shoulder. Viktor and you exchanged worried glances as she stormed past, her little face scrunched in frustration, her cheeks red from holding back sobs. She didn’t stop to explain, didn’t utter a word—she simply stomped down the hall and straight into Elias’s room, shutting the door behind her with a soft thud.

Elias, who had been lying on his bed reading, looked up in surprise. He watched as Aurelia flopped onto his bed, burying her face in his pillow with a dramatic groan.

“Uh, Lia?” Elias asked, setting his book aside and scooting closer.

A muffled voice responded, “School is stupid.”

Elias smirked, though concern flickered in his eyes. “That’s a new one,” he said, nudging her side gently. “What happened?”

Aurelia peeked up at him, her lower lip trembling. “Some kids were being mean,” she admitted, her voice quiet. “They said I was weird because I like machines and fixing things instead of dolls.”

Elias’s playful demeanour shifted instantly. His brows furrowed, and a flicker of protectiveness surged through him. “Who said that?”

Aurelia shrugged, rubbing her eyes with the sleeve of her sweater. “It doesn’t matter.”

Elias sighed, sitting cross-legged beside her. He thought for a moment, then gently poked her arm. “Lia, you know what I think?”

She sniffled, her voice still thick with emotion. “What?”

“I think they’re just jealous because you’re smarter than them,” Elias said, flashing her a grin. “They don’t get to build cool stuff like you do.”

Aurelia let out a tiny giggle, though her shoulders still sagged. “Maybe.”

“Definitely.” Elias nudged her again, this time more playfully. “Besides, you don’t need to be like everyone else. That’d be boring. You’re awesome just the way you are.”

Aurelia sat up, rubbing at her eyes again, but this time, there was a spark of hope behind them. “Really?”

“Really,” Elias said firmly. “And if anyone ever bothers you again, you tell me, okay?”

Aurelia hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

There was a pause, then she suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Elias blinked in surprise before chuckling and hugging her back, ruffling her hair affectionately.

“Thanks, Elias,” she murmured into his shirt.

“Anytime, shorty,” Elias teased, though his voice was full of warmth.

=

That night, before bed, Aurelia snuck into his room again, like she used to when she was younger. She curled up beside him under the covers, her stuffed rabbit tucked under her arm.

“You’re the best big brother,” she mumbled sleepily, her voice barely above a whisper.

Elias smiled, reaching over to adjust her blanket so she wouldn’t get cold. “And you’re the best little sister.”

He watched as her breathing slowed, her face finally peaceful after the long, frustrating day. He knew there would be more days like this—days where the world didn’t understand her the way he did.

Years continued to pass, and as they grew, their bond never wavered. No matter what challenges life threw at them, Elias and Aurelia remained each other’s constant, each other’s safe place.

When Aurelia was seven and Elias was twelve, he helped her with her very first science project for school. She had wanted to build a miniature wind turbine, inspired by something she had read in one of Viktor’s books. They spent an entire week in the workshop, gathering scraps, assembling tiny blades, and wiring the little motor together. Viktor supervised, offering gentle guidance, while you ensured they didn’t completely turn the workshop into a disaster zone. Jayce had popped in halfway through, fascinated by the project, and ended up staying longer than he intended, giving them ideas and jokingly acting as their "assistant."

=

On the day of the presentation, the entire family insisted on coming to watch. Viktor adjusted his coat, making sure it was neatly in place before stepping inside the school with you. Jayce, ever the enthusiastic uncle, carried a small celebratory treat—a bag of her favourite sweets—tucked into his pocket for after the event. Elias walked beside Aurelia, proudly carrying her project while she bounced with excitement.

The school auditorium was packed with students and parents. Colourful trifold boards lined the tables, each showcasing a different science experiment. There were volcano models, solar system dioramas, and chemical reaction demonstrations, but nothing stood out to Elias more than the small table at the front where Aurelia’s wind turbine was placed.

Aurelia fidgeted with her sleeves, eyes darting toward her family as they took their seats near the back. Viktor gave her a small nod of encouragement, and you flashed her a reassuring smile. Jayce, unable to contain his excitement, gave her an exaggerated thumbs-up, making her giggle despite her nerves.

Elias crouched beside her before the presentation started. “You’re gonna do great,” he whispered. “Just pretend you’re explaining it to me at home.”

Aurelia took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay.”

When it was finally her turn, she walked up to the front with confidence, placing her hands on either side of her project. She cleared her throat and began explaining, her voice small at first but growing stronger as she got into the details. She spoke about wind energy, how it worked, and why it was important. Then, with a flourish, she turned on the tiny turbine, and to everyone’s amazement, the small motor kicked into action, the blades spinning gracefully as they harnessed the energy from a small handheld fan she had set up beside it.

The audience clapped, but no one was louder than Jayce, who let out a low whistle, nudging Viktor. “She’s got the brains, no doubt about it.”

Viktor, watching his daughter with an expression of pure pride, simply murmured, “She certainly does.”

Elias, still standing at the back, was grinning ear to ear. He could see the excitement in Aurelia’s face, the way she lit up when her project worked perfectly. He had seen that expression before—on Viktor when he completed an invention, on himself when he made something he was proud of. It was the look of someone who loved what they did, and it filled him with nothing but pride for his little sister.

The teacher walked up to the microphone, smiling. “And now, for our first-place winner in the science fair—Aurelia!”

Aurelia gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in shock before turning to look at her family. You clapped proudly, tears pricking the corners of your eyes, while Viktor gave a full smile, his chest swelling with pride. Jayce practically jumped out of his seat, nudging Elias. “Go on, go get her, champ.”

Before Aurelia could even fully process the moment, Elias had already closed the distance between them. She turned and launched herself into his arms, her tiny frame wrapping around him as he spun her around.

“I did it!” she squealed, her laughter ringing through the room.

Elias laughed with her, holding her tightly. “Of course, you did! You’re a genius!”

Viktor approached next, placing a firm but warm hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him with wide, excited eyes. “We are very proud of you, Aurelia,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “You worked hard, and it shows.”

Aurelia beamed, practically bouncing on her heels. “Tata, Mama, Uncle Jayce, did you see? It worked! The motor, the blades, everything!” Her excitement was infectious, her eyes gleaming with pride as she looked at her family.

Viktor nodded, his expression warm and full of pride. “Perfectly engineered. Just like I expected,” he said, his voice carrying the slightest hint of emotion. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. “You have truly outdone yourself."

You stepped forward, unable to hold back your own excitement as you pulled her into a tight hug. “You were amazing, sweetheart,” you murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “We are so, so proud of you.”

Jayce, never one to miss a moment, ruffled her hair with a wide grin. “Not bad, kiddo. At this rate, you might end up running circles around all of us one day.”

Aurelia giggled, straightening her shoulders with mock confidence. “That’s the plan!” she declared, tilting her chin up proudly.

As they made their way out of the school, Aurelia clutched her trophy close, chattering excitedly about all the other projects she wanted to build in the future. Elias listened, nodding along, already making a mental list of materials they’d need for their next big idea.

=

That evening, the entire family celebrated with a special dinner. Aurelia sat between Elias and Viktor, proudly recounting every detail of her presentation. She had never felt prouder, never felt more supported, and as she leaned against Elias, basking in the warmth of her family’s love, she knew one thing for certain—no matter how much time passed, no matter how many projects she built, she would always have them by her side.

By the time Elias was sixteen and Aurelia was eleven, their childhood had started to shift into something new. Elias had begun his internship at the academy, working alongside some of the greatest minds in their field, and Aurelia couldn’t have been prouder. The day he got accepted, she had nearly tackled him with a hug, bouncing excitedly in place.

“One day, I’m gonna work there too!” she declared, determination blazing in her eyes.

Elias smirked, ruffling her hair. “Oh yeah? Gonna show me up?”

Aurelia grinned. “Obviously.”

Even as their schedules got busier, as Elias had more responsibilities and Aurelia grew more independent, they always found time for each other. Whether it was late-night talks on the rooftop, weekend tinkering sessions in the workshop, or impromptu races down the streets, they made sure to stay connected.

=

Some nights, after a long day of working at the academy, Elias would come home exhausted, throwing himself onto the couch with a dramatic groan. Aurelia, sitting cross-legged on the floor working on her latest blueprint, would glance up and smirk. “Rough day, genius?”

Elias cracked an eye open. “You have no idea.”

Aurelia scooted closer, pulling out a notepad and scribbling something down. “Did you get to work on anything cool?”

He let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. “Yeah, but it’s different now. I’m not just tinkering for fun anymore. It’s real work, real expectations. I don’t get to just build things because I want to—I have deadlines, requirements. It’s… a lot.”

Aurelia nodded thoughtfully. “Do you still like it?”

Elias sat up, looking over at her with a small smile. “Yeah. I do. It’s just… different from what I imagined.” He tapped her notepad. “What about you? What’s your latest invention?”

Aurelia grinned, turning the page around to reveal a rough sketch of a mechanical bird with tiny gears and wings that looked like they could actually move. “A flying automaton. But I want it to be able to follow commands, not just fly randomly.”

Elias raised an eyebrow, impressed. “That’s ambitious.”

“I know,” she said proudly. “That’s why I need you to help me figure out the mechanism.”

Elias chuckled. “So that’s why you’re being so nice.”

Aurelia gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “I’m always nice to you!”

Elias scoffed. “You stole my last piece of bread this morning.”

Aurelia shrugged. “Survival of the fittest.”

Even as they bickered like any siblings would, there was never any doubt about their bond. Whenever Elias had a particularly rough day, he knew he could count on Aurelia to lift his spirits. Likewise, whenever Aurelia doubted herself or struggled with her own projects, Elias was always the first to remind her just how capable she was.

=

One evening, after an especially challenging week, Elias found Aurelia sitting on the rooftop, her arms wrapped around her knees as she stared out at the city. He knew that look—she was frustrated about something.

He sat down beside her, nudging her gently with his shoulder. “Alright, spill it.”

Aurelia sighed, resting her chin on her knees. “It’s just… I feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be as good as you or Tata.”

Elias frowned, tilting his head. “What are you talking about? You’re incredible.”

Aurelia shook her head. “I keep messing things up. My projects don’t work the way I want them to. I don’t get things as fast as you do.”

Elias was quiet for a moment before he leaned back on his hands, staring up at the night sky. The stars flickered above them, stretching endlessly, the same way their ambitions did. “You know, when I first started at the academy, I thought the same thing.”

Aurelia turned her head toward him, surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Elias admitted. “I was surrounded by all these brilliant minds, and I felt like I was barely keeping up. Some days, I thought they had made a mistake letting me in. But then I realized something—failure is just part of the process. Every mistake teaches you something.”

Aurelia sighed, playing with a loose thread on her sleeve. “I know that, but it’s still frustrating.”

Elias chuckled. “Of course it is. But you’ll get there, Lia. You’re already amazing. And one day, I bet you’ll be better than all of us.”

Aurelia smirked, though there was warmth in her eyes. “You just don’t want to admit I’m gonna surpass you.”

Elias grinned. “I’ll admit it when you prove it.”

Aurelia’s frustration melted into laughter, and she leaned her head against his shoulder, finding comfort in the familiarity of it. “Thanks, Elias.”

“Anytime, shorty.”

=

Later that night, as they returned inside, Viktor caught sight of them from his workbench. He didn’t say anything at first, simply watching as Aurelia playfully nudged Elias before running ahead, laughing. Elias rolled his eyes but followed, their bond evident in every movement.

Viktor turned to you, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “They remind me of us,” he murmured.

You chuckled, leaning against him. “They do, don’t they?”

“They push each other forward,” Viktor continued, glancing down at the blueprints spread across his desk, ones that Elias had worked on, ones that Aurelia had excitedly scribbled her own ideas onto. “It is a good thing.”

You nodded. “They’ll always have each other.”

No matter how much time passed, no matter how many responsibilities came their way, one thing remained certain—Elias and Aurelia would always be each other’s biggest supporters.

At sixteen, Aurelia reached a milestone that she had dreamed of for years—she had been accepted into the academy. It was a moment she had worked tirelessly for, countless nights spent hunched over blueprints, endless trial and error with her inventions, pushing herself to learn more, to be more. And now, all that effort had finally paid off.

The acceptance letter arrived in the afternoon, delivered directly to their home. When she saw the academy’s insignia on the envelope, her heart nearly stopped. Hands trembling, she tore it open, scanning the words as her breath hitched.

Congratulations, Aurelia. We are pleased to inform you...

She didn’t even finish reading before she let out a loud squeal, bolting from the room. “I GOT IN!” she shouted, nearly tripping over herself as she ran to find her family.

Viktor and you were in the study when she burst in, waving the letter wildly in the air. “I GOT IN!” she repeated, out of breath, eyes shining with disbelief and excitement.

Viktor stood up immediately, his cane barely keeping up as he moved toward her. “What?” he asked, his voice softer but full of urgency.

“The academy! They accepted me!” Aurelia beamed, thrusting the letter into his hands.

Viktor’s eyes scanned the words carefully, and for a moment, he simply stared. Then, slowly, a proud smile stretched across his face. “moje malá hvězda” (My little star) he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “You did it.”

Tears pricked at your eyes as you pulled her into a tight hug. “Oh, sweetheart, we are so, so proud of you.”

Before she could respond, heavy footsteps thundered down the hall. “What’s all the shouting—WAIT, DID YOU ACTUALLY GET IN?”

Jayce skidded into the room, eyes wide, looking between the letter in Viktor’s hands and Aurelia’s beaming face. “Of course I did!” she huffed, placing her hands on her hips. “Did you ever doubt me?”

Jayce let out a loud laugh, picking her up in a tight hug and spinning her around before setting her down. “You’re gonna be running that place in no time, kid!”

And then, before she could even turn, she was tackled into another hug—this one from a Elias.

“I knew it,” Elias murmured, arms wrapped tightly around her, his voice thick with emotion. “I knew you’d do it.”

Aurelia clung to him, squeezing back just as tightly. “I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

Elias pulled back just enough to smirk at her. “Well, yeah. Who else would have been your test subject for all those crazy inventions?”

Aurelia laughed, wiping at her eyes. “You love my inventions.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Elias teased before ruffling her hair. “But seriously, I’m so proud of you, Lia.”

=

That evening, the entire family celebrated. Viktor brought out a rare bottle of wine, something he had been saving for a special occasion, and Elias, now twenty-one, was finally allowed to share a proper toast. Aurelia, however, at only sixteen, was stuck with juice—at least, officially.

Jayce, ever the mischievous uncle, leaned over while Viktor and you were preoccupied, subtly sliding his glass toward Aurelia. “Go on, just a sip. A little celebratory drink never hurt anyone.”

Aurelia’s eyes widened with excitement, but she hesitated, glancing toward Viktor and you. “If Tata and Mama see—”

“They won’t,” Jayce assured her with a wink. “Just be cool about it.”

Elias, watching from across the table, snorted. “You’re the least subtle person in the world, Uncle Jayce. Tata and Mama absolutely see.”

Sure enough, Viktor had already turned his gaze toward them, one brow raised in silent warning. You, seated beside him, had your arms crossed, giving Jayce a knowing look. “Really, Jayce?” you said, exasperated but amused.

Jayce cleared his throat, pulling his glass back with an exaggerated innocence. “Right, right. Juice it is.”

Aurelia pouted but took it in stride, dramatically sighing as she lifted her glass of juice. “One day,” she muttered. “One day, I will get my moment.”

Viktor smirked, tapping the rim of his wine glass. “Not for another few years”

You reached over to ruffle Aurelia’s hair, laughing softly. “Enjoy your youth while you can, sweetheart.”

With that, the family finally made their proper toast. The house was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and warm congratulations, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.

=

Later, when the night had settled and the celebrations had quieted, Elias and Aurelia found themselves sitting on the rooftop, just like they always had. The sky was clear, the stars stretching endlessly above them, a familiar sight they had both grown up under. The cool night breeze carried the distant sounds of the city, but up there, it felt like they had their own world—just the two of them.

Aurelia sat with her knees tucked up to her chest, her acceptance letter still gripped in her hands. She stared at it for a long moment before letting out a soft breath. “It feels weird,” she admitted. “Actually being here, knowing it’s happening.”

Elias leaned back on his hands, glancing at her with an amused smile. “What, did you think they’d turn you down?”

She snorted. “No, I just… I don’t know. We used to talk about this like it was some far-off thing. Like ‘one day’ I’d get into the academy. And now ‘one day’ is today.”

Elias hummed thoughtfully, tilting his head back to look at the stars. “Yeah. We did a lot of dreaming up here, didn’t we?”

Aurelia smirked. “We still do.”

Elias chuckled, nudging her with his shoulder. “Guess that’s true.” He let the silence stretch between them for a moment before speaking again, this time quieter. “You know, you’re not the only one who’s realizing how fast time is moving.”

Aurelia turned to him, curiosity in her eyes. “What do you mean?”

Elias sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I guess I didn’t really think about how much we’ve grown until today. I mean, you’re not that little kid anymore who needed me to walk her to school or fix her broken toys.” He smirked. “Now you’re fixing things better than me.”

Aurelia gave him a playful nudge. “I learned from the best.”

His smirk softened into something more thoughtful. “Yeah, but still. It’s weird, you know? Watching you go from that tiny, nervous kid who clung to my hand on her first day of school to… this.” He gestured to her acceptance letter. “You’re about to do something incredible, Lia.”

She looked down at the letter, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You always believed I would.”

“Of course I did.” Elias nudged her again. “You’re my little sister. I knew from the start that you’d be something amazing.”

Aurelia bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before she reached into her pocket. Slowly, she pulled out something small and smooth—the tiny, worn rock Elias had given her all those years ago on her first day of school. She turned it over in her palm before holding it out to him.

Elias blinked, looking at the rock, then at her. “Lia…”

She smiled, pressing it into his hand. “I think it’s time I give this back.”

Elias stared at it for a long moment before closing his fingers around it. “You sure?”

Aurelia nodded. “Yeah. I don’t need it anymore.” She grinned. “Besides, maybe you do. You know, in case you ever forget how great you are.”

Elias laughed, shaking his head, but there was something fond in his expression as he tucked the rock safely into his pocket. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget, shorty. But… thanks.”

Aurelia leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. “We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?”

Elias smiled, draping an arm around her shoulders. “Yeah. We have.”

Elias had his first vivid nightmare. You woke to the sound of his cries, your heart instantly clenching. Nudging Viktor awake, you hurried to Elias’s room, Viktor trailing close behind with his cane, his steps quick despite his usual careful gait.

Elias was sitting up in bed, his face wet with tears, clutching his blanket tightly, his little shoulders trembling. His favorite stuffed animal—a gift from his uncle, a well-loved, floppy rabbit Viktor had stitched back together more times than you could count—lay forgotten at his side.

“Mama... Tata...” he whimpered, his voice shaky.

You immediately wrapped him in your arms, stroking his hair and gently rocking him. “Shh, sweetheart. It’s okay. We’re here. What happened?”

“I-I dreamed a big monster was chasing me,” Elias stammered, his small hands clutching your shirt as though you might vanish if he let go.

Viktor lowered himself onto the edge of the bed with a soft grunt, resting his cane against the wall. He reached out, his hand brushing gently against Elias’s curls. “A monster, hm? That sounds frightening. But you know what?” His voice softened, carrying that steady reassurance Elias always seemed to find comfort in. “No monster would dare come near you. Not when you have us.”

Elias sniffled, his wide, teary eyes looking up at Viktor. “Really?”

“Of course,” Viktor said with a small, reassuring smile. “Your mama and I would never let anything harm you. And if any monsters try, I will invent something to scare them away. Perhaps a... monster-detecting alarm or a protective shield.”

Elias blinked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Like a big zapper?”

“Exactly,” Viktor replied, his eyes twinkling. “A zapper so powerful, no monster would stand a chance.”

You chuckled softly, brushing a kiss on Elias’s forehead. “And Mama will always be here to keep you safe, no matter what.”

Elias’s grip on you loosened slightly, his breathing starting to even out. He reached for his rabbit, hugging it tightly as he leaned against you.

“Do you think the zapper could have lights on it?” Elias murmured, his voice still thick with sleep but laced with curiosity.

“Lights?” Viktor asked, tilting his head. “Ah, of course. Bright enough to make the monsters regret ever appearing."

"Red and blue, perhaps?” You add.

“Green too,” Elias mumbled, his eyelids drooping.

Viktor nodded solemnly, as though taking serious mental notes. “Green as well. I’ll start designing it tomorrow.”

You smiled as Elias finally settled back into bed, his small frame relaxing against the mattress. Viktor stayed beside him, telling a soft, made-up story about a brave inventor and his little assistant who outsmarted all the monsters in the world with their clever creations.

By the time Elias drifted back to sleep, his breathing steady and peaceful, Viktor’s hand lingered on the boy’s curls. You exchanged a tender glance with Viktor, your heart full.

“He’s braver than he knows,” Viktor murmured, his voice barely audible as he stroked Elias’s hair one last time.

“He gets that from you,” you whispered, squeezing Viktor’s hand.

Viktor looked down at Elias, his expression soft and full of love. “And from you,” he said quietly. “You are his strength.”

Hand in hand, you led Viktor back to bed, pausing one last time at the doorway to watch Elias sleep, his rabbit tucked under his arm. The faint glow of the moon bathed him in light, and in that moment, all felt right with the world.

The next morning, Viktor wasted no time fulfilling his promise. In his workshop, surrounded by parts and tools, he carefully crafted a small, intricate device—part nightlight, part "zapper," as Elias had suggested. By the time evening came, he proudly presented it to Elias, who gasped in delight. The nightlight cast a soft glow, and as the lights flickered on, red, blue, and green stars shimmered across the ceiling, illuminating the room with a warm, magical glow. "Now no monster can hide from you," Viktor said with a smile, watching Elias's eyes light up with wonder. The little boy beamed, already feeling braver with his new invention guarding his dreams.

It was a rare occasion when you and Viktor decided to bring Elias to the labs, both of you needing to grab a few things and give your little one a peek at the bustling world you both were a part of. Jayce had offered to keep an eye on him, a warm smile on his face as he agreed to watch over his nephew while you both stepped out of the room to fetch the supplies.

"Just for a minute, Jayce," you had said, squeezing his shoulder. "We won’t be long."

Elias, looking up at the towering machines and the various pieces of equipment scattered around the lab, clung to your hand, eyes wide with excitement. "Wow... is that for real?" he asked, pointing to a huge contraption that hummed softly in the corner.

"Not yet," Viktor had replied with a smile. "Still working on that one."

With that, you and Viktor had stepped away, moving down the hall to fetch some materials. Jayce stood by, keeping a close eye on Elias, though the little boy was full of curiosity, his small feet shuffling from one side of the room to the other, trying to get a closer look at everything. Jayce was distracted for just a moment—fascinated by a new blueprint on the desk—and in that fleeting instant, Elias’s attention drifted to a small, unattended tool lying on the floor. A curious piece of sharp equipment, it gleamed innocently in the light, and Elias, always eager to explore, reached for it.

In a second, it happened. Elias’s small fingers brushed against the metal, causing him to wince as the sharp edge scraped his skin. He let out a quiet yelp, looking down at the tiny cut on his palm with wide, scared eyes.

Jayce’s heart skipped a beat as he turned to see Elias holding his hand, eyes already filling with tears. The sight sent his mind spiraling into panic. He rushed over, kneeling down beside the boy and grabbing his hand gently, his own trembling.

"Oh, no—Elias! What happened?!" Jayce’s voice cracked as he pulled the boy into his arms, frantic. The tiny cut, barely noticeable to anyone else, seemed like the end of the world to him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he held the boy close, his hands shaking as he tried to comfort him. "I—I’m so sorry, Elias. I should’ve been watching you more closely. Please, please don’t be hurt too bad."

Elias, already overwhelmed by the pain and his uncle’s distress, hiccupped between sobs. "I’m sorry, Uncle Jayce... it hurts..."

"No, no, you don’t have to apologize," Jayce whispered, his voice tight. "I’m the one who should’ve been more careful. It’s all my fault." He hugged Elias tightly, his own tears falling as he pressed his face into the boy’s soft hair. "I’m sorry, I’m sorry..."

Just as Viktor and you returned to the room, carrying the items you needed, you froze in the doorway. Viktor’s brows furrowed as he saw Jayce’s panicked state, the worried expression on his face mirrored in yours. The two of you rushed over.

"What happened?" you asked, kneeling beside Jayce, who looked utterly crushed.

Jayce barely looked up, his voice cracking as he finally spoke. "He got hurt... He got hurt and it’s all my fault, I wasn’t paying attention..." His hands were still gripping Elias tightly, as if he could protect him from everything with just that embrace.

Viktor, looking at the boy’s palm, shook his head. The cut was small, practically nothing to be concerned about, but he understood the anxiety. "Jayce," he said softly, kneeling beside him "It’s okay. It’s just a little scrape, see?" He carefully examined Elias’s hand, then looked up at you with a comforting smile. "He’s fine."

Elias sniffled, looking up at his uncle with wide eyes. "I... I’m okay, Uncle Jay..."

Jayce squeezed him a little tighter before finally letting out a shaky breath. "You scared me," he whispered, wiping his eyes. "I thought—"

You gently placed a hand on Jayce’s shoulder. "It’s okay," you reassured him, softly. "You did nothing wrong. You were watching him, and sometimes things just happen."

Viktor reached for a nearby cloth to gently clean the small cut, murmuring to Elias as he did. "See? All better. You’re tough"

Jayce slowly let go of Elias, still looking at him with a mixture of guilt and relief. "You’re okay, right?"

Elias nodded slowly, his lip still trembling, but he gave his uncle a small, reassuring smile. "I’m okay, Uncle Jay."

Jayce pulled him into another tight hug, murmuring once more, "I’m sorry," before finally managing to laugh, a soft chuckle escaping him. "I’m such an idiot, huh?"

You chuckled, rubbing his back. "No more than usual."

Elias giggled lightly between his sniffles, his arms wrapping around Jayce’s neck. "I love you, Uncle Jay."

Jayce’s face softened, and he gave the boy one final squeeze before pulling back. "I love you too, kiddo. I’ll be more careful next time."

One sunny afternoon, the three of you had decided to spend some time outside, enjoying the fresh air in the park. The air was warm, and the smell of flowers and earth filled the space. Elias, now a bit older, was running around with a burst of energy, his feet barely touching the ground as he chased after a butterfly that fluttered just out of his reach. Viktor and you sat on a nearby bench, watching your son’s joyous laughter echoing through the park.

"You think he’ll ever slow down?" you mused, a smile on your face as you watched Elias spin in circles, trying to catch the elusive butterfly.

Viktor chuckled, the deep sound rumbling through his chest. "Not likely. The boy's energy is endless."

You laughed, leaning against Viktor's shoulder. "He's definitely got your stamina, that's for sure. Even with your cane, you somehow manage to keep up with him."

Viktor smiled, a warm, affectionate look on his face as he watched Elias’s boundless enthusiasm. "Maybe," he said thoughtfully. "But I’d like to think he got his curiosity from you."

You raised an eyebrow, smirking at him. "Curiosity? What makes you say that?"

Viktor tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving Elias as he darted around. "He asks a thousand questions a day, and he wants to know how everything works, just like you. Sometimes, I think you might’ve had something to do with that."

You gave a mock huff. "Well, I suppose I can take credit for the curiosity, but you’re the one who gave him the love for machines." You winked. "It’s only a matter of time before he starts taking apart everything in sight."

Viktor laughed softly, his hand resting on your knee. "Then we’ll have a lot of rebuilding to do, I suppose." His eyes softened, and there was a pause in the air between the two of you, just the simple quiet of a peaceful moment.

Elias ran up to you both, his cheeks flushed with excitement. "Mama, Tata! Look what I found!" He proudly held out a small, shiny stone he’d found in the grass. "It’s a treasure!"

You smiled, taking the stone from him and examining it. It was smooth and glimmered in the sunlight. "It is a treasure, Elias. You’ve got a great eye."

Viktor raised an eyebrow and, with a teasing grin, leaned down to Elias. "What if I told you that stone could be used in one of my inventions? Maybe you’ve discovered something more than just a pretty rock."

Elias’s eyes grew wide, his excitement growing even more. "Really?! Can I help you with that? I want to make something too!"

You chuckled at how eager Elias was, his face lighting up with the idea of being involved in one of Viktor’s projects. "You know, I think your Tata might just have the perfect task for you."

Viktor smiled fondly, giving his son a nod. "We’ll see what we can do, little inventor. Maybe we’ll turn that treasure into something special."

Elias bounced on his toes, clutching the stone like it was the key to a great adventure. "I’m gonna help you, Tata! We’ll make something awesome!"

You and Viktor shared an amused glance, both of you amazed by Elias’s boundless imagination. "Let’s get you home, then," you said, standing up and ruffling Elias’s hair. "We’ve got work to do, don’t we?"

It was Viktor’s birthday, and the house was filled with laughter and warmth. The table was covered in an assortment of homemade food, the air smelling of fresh baked bread and a rich stew. Colorful candles flickered on a cake in the middle, casting a soft glow. Music hummed quietly in the background, and Elias was running around, giggling, playing with a new toy that Viktor had helped him put together. Jayce was there too, sitting with a drink in hand, chatting animatedly with both of you as you all celebrated together.

Viktor, though usually quiet about these sorts of occasions, had a bright smile as he opened his presents. A new set of tools from Jayce, a book of intricate engineering blueprints that Viktor had mentioned wanting for months, and a small gadget from Elias, who had worked on it with Viktor’s guidance, with all the innocent enthusiasm of a child eager to impress.

“Thank you, all of you,” Viktor said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude, his eyes gleaming. He leaned back in his chair, smiling at the gathering. “This has been perfect. Truly.”

As the laughter and chatter faded for a moment, you stood up, walking over to where Viktor sat, holding a small, delicate envelope in your hands. The golden glow of the candles seemed to highlight the simple envelope, giving it an almost magical presence.

"I've got one more for you." You say with a grin, holding out the envelope to him.

Viktor raised an eyebrow as he took it from you, his smile softening. “Another one?” He said, his voice filled with curiosity, as if he knew this one was different.

You simply smiled, nodding. “Just open it, love.”

Viktor carefully pulled the paper from the envelope, unfolding it with a little effort, the faintest crease of his brow showing as he read the small handwritten note. At first, it didn’t make sense. His mind raced, as he tried to process the familiar handwriting, and then... it hit him.

It was a small message that simply read: “Looks like your next big project is already in the works… and it’s not an invention.”

Viktor stared at it for a long moment, as if trying to make sure his eyes weren’t deceiving him. Then, when he realized what it meant, his breath caught in his throat. His eyes widened, his hands trembling ever so slightly as he looked up at you, disbelief and joy flooding through him all at once.

“I—I’m...?” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze softened, and a tear slipped from the corner of his eye, but he quickly wiped it away, chuckling in disbelief. “Are you serious? Again!”

You nodded, eyes sparkling, and he stood up, pulling you into a tight embrace, as if he couldn’t quite believe the beautiful surprise. “I—this is..." Viktor is at a lost for words, he can only hug me tighter.

Elias, who had been playing nearby, came running over, looking up at you both with wide eyes. “What’s wrong, Mama? Tata?” His tiny voice was full of concern.

Jayce, who had been watching the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and confusion, remained seated for a moment, blinking at both of you in stunned silence. “Wait, what?” He said, furrowing his brow as his gaze shifted between you and Viktor.

Viktor and you pulled back from the hug, Viktor still in a dazed state, trying to fully process the idea that he was going to be a father once again. You, with a grin on your face, passed the small envelope over to Jayce. He stared at it for a moment, his mind clearly racing, before carefully opening it. As he read the words aloud, a soft chuckle escaped your lips.

"Looks like your next big project is already in the works… and it’s not an invention," Jayce read, his voice trailing off as he processed the message. His eyes widened, and his expression shifted from confusion to realization.

You watched as Jayce sat there for a moment, the words sinking in. Then, with a burst of laughter, he looked up at both of you. "Wait, seriously?" he said, still trying to make sense of it, before breaking into a wide grin. "Wow, looks like the surprise never stops with you two."

He let out a relieved sigh, wiping a hand over his face as if processing the surprise. “I swear, I thought the surprises were over after Elias,” he muttered with a laugh, still grinning from ear to ear.

Elias, who had been watching the exchange with curiosity, looked up at you both with wide, innocent eyes. "Mama? Tata?" His tiny voice was filled with concern as he tugged gently at your sleeve. "What happened? You’re happy, but... why is Tata crying?"

You knelt down to Elias, smiling warmly, your hand brushing through his hair. “It’s okay, sweetie. Tata’s not really crying. He’s just... really happy, because Mama has a little surprise for him.” You glanced up at Viktor, who was still in awe of the news, trying to process the fact that he was going to be a father again. "A very big surprise, actually."

Viktor wiped his eyes, his smile growing wider as he looked down at his son. "You’re going to be a big brother, Elias," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. "We’re going to have another little one in the house."

Elias blinked, processing the words slowly, before a wide grin spread across his face. "Really? A baby?" He jumped up and down, his earlier concern replaced by excitement. "I’m going to be a big brother? I’ll take care of them! I’ll show them all the toys and help them with their inventions!" His enthusiasm was infectious, and you couldn't help but laugh at how eager he already was.

Jayce, still grinning, leaned down to Elias. "Looks like someone’s already got plans for the new baby. Just don’t go teaching them any dangerous inventions, okay?" he teased, ruffling Elias’s hair.

Elias nodded seriously, his little face filled with determination. "I’ll teach them everything I know! I promise!" he said, his voice full of confidence.

You and Viktor exchanged amused glances, both of you clearly amazed at how quickly Elias had embraced the idea of becoming a big brother. "You’re going to be an amazing big brother," you said, squeezing his hand. "I know it."

Viktor, still overwhelmed with emotion, finally sat down again, pulling Elias onto his lap and holding him close. "I couldn’t be prouder of you," he murmured, his voice thick with gratitude.

Jayce, leaning back in his chair with a chuckle, raised his glass. "To another little inventor in the making," he said, grinning widely. "You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you two" He raised his glass higher. "Cheers to surprises."

Viktor smiled, still processing the news, but more at peace now. "Cheers," he echoed, raising his own glass, the warmth of the evening filling the air. You follow in suit with your own drink, clinking it with the three of them. It was a moment of pure joy, surrounded by family, love, and the promise of new beginnings.

As the evening went on, laughter continued to fill the house. Elias ran around excitedly, talking non-stop about all the things he was going to do for the new baby, his imagination running wild with ideas of teaching them all his favorite things. Jayce made playful comments, teasing Viktor about all the new "projects" coming his way, and how the workshop was going to get crowded real quick. You watched the scene with a smile, your heart swelling as you saw Viktor, still in a daze, unable to wipe the smile from his face.

He kept glancing over at you, as if still processing the beautiful surprise you had given him. You could feel the warmth of the moment, the connection between you all growing stronger with every laugh and every word. Viktor’s eyes met yours, and the love in his gaze said everything that words couldn’t express.

As a year and a bit passes, those long nights gradually gave way to moments of light. Elias, a curious and active 1 and a half year old, began to explore the world around him. He took his first steps one crisp afternoon, his chubby legs wobbling with each movement. You were in the kitchen when it happened, your heart skipping a beat as you turned to see him standing on his own, a wobbly smile on his face.

“Elias,” you whispered, watching him take a shaky step, then another. “Come here, sweetheart.”

Viktor was right behind you, his eyes wide in disbelief. “He’s walking. He’s really walking.”

Elias took a few tentative steps, his little feet wobbling as he reached out for the nearby couch, his face lit up with concentration. But when he caught sight of you, he smiled, a joyful giggle escaping him as he took a few more steps forward.

You couldn’t help but gasp, watching in awe as your son wobbled but held steady on his own two feet.

Viktor’s gaze was fixed on him, his breath catching in his chest. For a moment, the room seemed to fade around him. He blinked, his fingers trembling slightly at his sides, as though his mind was processing what he was seeing.

“He’s walking,” Viktor repeated, his voice quieter this time, a note of awe in it. “But… he’s walking perfectly.”

You glanced at him, seeing the realization dawn on his face. Viktor stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Elias as he continued his little journey toward you. He was careful, slow, but every step seemed more confident than the last.

“His legs... they’re—” Viktor’s voice faltered, and for a moment, it seemed like he might not finish his sentence. “He’s… he’s not like me.”

You looked at Viktor, the weight of his words settling between you. He had always feared that his son would inherit the same struggles, the same deformities that had plagued him for years, making it difficult for him to walk, to move as freely as he wished. Yet here was Elias, barely more than a toddler, taking steps without hesitation, without the same limitations Viktor had learned to cope with.

Viktor’s breath caught in his throat as Elias reached toward him, his tiny arms outstretched in excitement, his face lighting up with a joyful grin.

Viktor froze for a moment, his heart thumping in his chest as he looked at his son, so small, so full of life. Slowly, as if the weight of the moment demanded it, Viktor sank to his knees, never breaking eye contact with Elias. The world seemed to pause, the air thick with emotion, as he opened his arms wide.

Elias giggled, his little feet shuffling excitedly as he toddled straight into his father’s embrace. Viktor caught him gently, pulling him into a tight hug, his heart soaring at the feel of his son in his arms. The sound of Elias’s laughter filled the room, a melody that Viktor would never tire of.

“You’re perfect,” Viktor whispered, his voice thick with emotion, his hands gently holding Elias as if he could hardly believe how real this moment was. The little boy squirmed in his father’s arms, eager to explore, but Viktor held him a little tighter, unwilling to let go of the quiet, precious moment they shared.

You watched them, your heart swelling with an overwhelming love for both of them. “He always would have been,” you replied softly, the words wrapped in warmth and tenderness, as you gazed at your son.

Elias, still nestled against Viktor’s chest, looked up at you with a wide, innocent grin, his eyes sparkling with pure joy. He let out a playful gurgle and reached for you, his tiny hands outstretched.

Chuckling, you crouched down, your arms open to him, and Elias immediately wriggled free from Viktor’s hold, eager to be in your arms. As you lifted him up, the three of you shared a quiet, sacred moment. The kind of silence that was heavy with unspoken love, the kind that filled the space between heartbeats.

Months pass and Elias, now 2 years old, spoke his first word. It wasn’t “mama” or “papa,” but “Viktor,” clear as day, as he reached out to his father one sunny morning, arms lifted high.

Both you and Viktor froze, staring at the boy in stunned silence.

“Did he just—” you began, but Viktor cut you off, his brows furrowed in disbelief.

“He said… my name?” Viktor echoed, his tone half awed, half puzzled. “Why would he—?”

Before you could respond, the door opened, and Jayce walked in with a bright grin and a bag of fresh pastries. “Good morning, favorite little genius!” he greeted Elias cheerfully. “Where’s Viktor, huh? Your papa’s the best, right?”

Both you and Viktor turned to Jayce, the realization dawning on you like a sunrise. Viktor pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something in Czech, while you couldn’t help but laugh.

“Jayce,” you said, pointing at the now-giggling Elias. “I think we’ve figured out why his first word is Viktor.”

Jayce blinked, confused for a moment, before his face broke into a sheepish grin. “Oh. Well, can you blame me? I mean, the kid’s got good taste.”

Viktor sighed dramatically, though his eyes shone with pride as he lifted Elias into his arms. “First words, and it’s my name. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. I am rather impressive.”

Elias giggled, clutching his father’s shirt as Viktor kissed the top of his head. You rolled your eyes playfully, shaking your head at the both of them.

“Well, at least we know who to blame when his next word is ‘gear’ or ‘schematics,’” you teased, grinning at Jayce, who just laughed and shrugged.

But the biggest milestone came on the day Elias turned three. It was the day he went to nursery for the first time. The night before, you and Viktor had meticulously prepared everything—his tiny backpack, the lunch packed with love, and the first-day outfit that made him look far too grown-up for your liking. Elias was brimming with excitement, his wide, innocent grin lighting up the room as he bounced on his toes.

“Are you ready, love?” you asked, crouching down to his level to adjust the straps of his backpack.

“Ready!” Elias chirped, his voice filled with uncontainable joy.

The three of you stepped out together, Viktor leaning on his cane with practiced ease as he walked beside you. Elias darted ahead, his backpack bouncing with every enthusiastic step, but he always paused to look back, ensuring you and Viktor were keeping up.

When you finally arrived at the nursery, the bright colors of the building and the sound of children playing filled the air. Elias grabbed Viktor’s free hand, tugging him forward with a giddy laugh. Viktor chuckled softly, his steps slowing just slightly as they neared the door.

But as they stood there, with Elias peering up at the new adventure ahead, a strange look crossed Viktor’s face. His grip on his cane tightened, and his other hand gently ruffled Elias’s hair, as if committing this moment to memory.

“He’s growing up,” Viktor murmured, his voice low and tinged with emotion.

You glanced at him, noting the way his eyes glistened, and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. “It’s a good thing,” you reminded him gently. “He’s ready for this.”

“I know,” Viktor replied, blinking quickly as if to push the tears away. “But it doesn’t make it any easier.”

Elias turned to look up at Viktor, his small hand patting his father’s leg. “Papa, come on!” he urged, his innocent excitement drawing a soft laugh from you both.

With a deep breath, Viktor crouched slightly, his cane steadying him as he kissed Elias’s forehead. “You’ll do wonderfully, můj syn” he said quietly, his words thick with pride.

You smiled as Elias skipped through the nursery doors, his little wave goodbye filling your heart with both pride and a pang of longing. Viktor stood rooted to the spot for a moment, his eyes following Elias until he disappeared inside.

“He’ll be fine,” you said, leaning into Viktor slightly, your arm brushing his.

Viktor let out a quiet sigh, his lips curving into a faint smile. “I know. But I may need a moment.”

You chuckled softly, slipping your arm through his. “Come on. We’ll grab some tea and sit in the park. You can gush about how brilliant he’s going to be.”