Chapter 9: Call Me Father

Sebastian was jolted awake by his own cramped posture.

He shifted slightly, but a surge of soreness flared in his lower back, causing his brow to furrow instantly.

Sensing the movement, Lucian turned to look at him.

"You're awake?"

Sebastian didn't answer. He simply adjusted his position with agonizing slowness, one hand supporting his waist, his expression strained.

Seeing him like that, Lucian felt another wave of that inexplicable softness in his heart.

"Back stiff?"

"Yeah."

Lucian let out a sigh, unbuckled his seatbelt, and leaned over toward the passenger side.

"Where? Here?"

His hand pressed against Sebastian’s side; even through the thick down jacket, he could feel the rigidity underneath. He applied light pressure and began to knead the muscles.

Sebastian didn't move, allowing the boy to massage him.

Lucian’s technique was far from professional, but the pressure was just right. His warm palms pressed against the man’s side, stroke by stroke, causing the dull ache to gradually dissipate.

After a while, Lucian withdrew his hand.

"Better?"

Sebastian moved tentatively and nodded.

Lucian looked at him, and as he remembered the task at hand, his expression turned solemn.

"When we go in, you'd better cooperate."

Sebastian leaned back against the headrest, looking at him lazily.

"Depends on my mood."

Lucian’s brow knitted.

"What do you mean, 'depends on your mood'?"

"Exactly what it sounds like," Sebastian said leisurely. "If I'm in a good mood, I'll cooperate. If I'm not, I won't."

"You—"

"You're not my son," Sebastian interrupted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why should I listen to you?"

Lucian’s temper flared instantly.

"Sebastian!"

"Yes?"

"You freaking promised me yesterday!"

"Yesterday was yesterday," Sebastian looked at him with mock innocence. "Today is today. My back hurts, I'm in a foul mood, and I’ve changed my mind about cooperating."

Lucian glared at him, his chest heaving.

He truly wanted to throw a punch.

But he couldn't.

If this wasn't handled properly, he really would be expelled. That idiot's parents were still waiting inside the school, just dying to see him make a fool of himself.

He took a deep breath, and then another.

"Then what do you want?"

Sebastian tilted his head, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Call me 'Father'."

Lucian froze.

"What did you say?"

"Call me 'Father'," Sebastian repeated every word clearly, smiling like a fox. "Call me 'Father' just once, and I'll cooperate perfectly."

Lucian’s fists clenched tight.

"You mother—!"

"If you won't do it, forget it." Sebastian made a move as if to open the car door. "I'm going back home to sleep."

"Wait!"

Lucian grabbed his arm.

Sebastian turned back to look at him.

Lucian’s face was flushed a deep crimson, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Then, his mouth opened.

He closed it.

He opened it again.

"...Dad."

The voice was as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, almost inaudible.

Sebastian tilted his head, cupping a hand to his ear.

"What? I didn't hear you."

Lucian glared at him, his eyes turning red with frustration.

"DAD!!!"

The roar was so loud the car practically vibrated.

Sebastian laughed.

His eyes crinkled at the corners, and his shoulders shook with mirth. Looking at him, Lucian felt like committing murder.

"Know when to yield, I see," Sebastian said, reaching out to pat Lucian’s head. "Not bad, kid. You've got a future."

Lucian slapped his hand away.

"Fine! Are you satisfied now?!"

Sebastian retracted his hand and leaned back, saying leisurely, "Alright. Since you're being such a good boy, I'll cooperate a little."

Lucian was shaking with rage.

But he said nothing. Instead, he leaned over again, his hands going back to Sebastian’s waist to continue the massage.

Sebastian was taken aback.

"What are you doing?"

"Doesn't your back hurt?" Lucian kept his head down, his tone stiff. "You have to walk in a moment. How are you going to manage if I don't work out the stiffness?"

Sebastian looked down at him and reached out, ruffling Lucian’s hair.

"Good boy."

Lucian’s movements faltered.

He didn't look up, but the tips of his ears turned bright red.

"Don't touch me," he muttered. "Keep it up and I'll stop."

Sebastian smiled and withdrew his hand, leaning back to let the boy continue.

The car fell silent for a while.

Lucian’s hands never stopped, moving from the side to the lower back and back again. His movements were gentle and cautious, as if afraid of causing pain.

Sebastian kept his eyes closed, a ghost of a smile still on his lips.

After a long time, Lucian withdrew his hands.

"Alright. Let's get out."

Sebastian opened his eyes and looked at him.

Lucian had already pushed his door open and stepped out, the tips of his ears still a burning red.

Sebastian gave a small smile and, slowly supporting his waist, stepped out of the car.