Reborn As Papa Silva (Extras)

My Spin on a comment from Zeta (Guest) on AO3: "I'm not going to lie, now I was thinking about an au where Sebby ended up being so affected by the way Acier treated him that it ended up making him just want to get away from her, taking the newborn Nozel along and raising him alone as a single father while dealing with depression"

They're not exactly alike, it's more of a spin-off of that. There will be multiple parts of this short story.

Made without AI. Hopefully, the rest of the chapters will be as well.

Set after Their Story Pt. 28

—

In the dark bedroom, Sebastian, in his wedding suit, sat at the edge of their bed as Acier, in her wedding dress, leaned back blankly against the headboard.

Sebastian looked at her, searching for anything in her eyes—a sort of acknowledgment of his presence, his existence, or any trace of love or affection between them. But no matter how hard he searched, he saw nothing reflected in her lavender irises that had once left him so incredibly enchanted.

Those same lavender eyes, once transfixed on him and only ever reluctantly prying their gaze away, no longer spared him a glance.

Biting his lip, gritting his teeth, and holding on to the last dregs of hope—the same hope that had been battered and tested for so long—Sebastian softly called her name, "Acier…"

She looked at him, but at the same time, it felt as if she wasn't. She was looking his way but not seeing him for who he was—rather, for who she wanted him to be, what she wanted him to be, and where she wanted him to be. She wanted him out of her life and gone.

Sebastian trembled, clenching his fists, his eyes reddening in desperation as he parted his mouth. "Please… I understand I messed up… bad… but please give me one more chance. I'll never do something like that again… I'll never betray you and your trust… like that again…"

Again, she remained silent.

Clamping down on his tears, Sebastian scooted closer to her, his throat dry, as he pleaded for her to see reason. "I know I messed up… but what you're doing to me… isn't right either. Even if it's coming from you—no, especially if it's coming from you—I can't accept being treated this way."

He reached out an arm toward her face, his thumb tracing over her cheek, trying to re-establish a connection, their bond, but all he felt was coldness. Icy, biting, chilling cold. He couldn't bring her warmth anymore. He couldn't bring her joy or life anymore.

He had been her brightest star, but he had faded away in her starry night sky. Now, he wasn't allowed to return or be reborn.

All he got in return was a wordless look from the woman who meant the world to him. Sebastian's last bit of hope fell from his heart, his eyes losing their final glimmer of light as he finally saw reason.

Sniffing weakly, he gave up and dropped his hand. Head ducked low, he sniffled once more. "I can't do this anymore. I just can't. I'm sorry…" He didn't know who he was apologizing to—her, himself, their unborn child—for not fighting as hard as he could for her, for himself, for the baby, for all of them. But he was done.

Raising his head to lock eyes with her emotionless visage, he spoke the words that, even just five minutes ago, would have felt unthinkable to him.

"... I want a divorce…"

A deep part of him was hoping that would get a reaction out of her, and it did—just not the one he wanted. She gave him a seemingly indifferent nod, but his heart cracked even further as he felt the sliver of satisfaction beneath her façade.

He finally got her to look at him again, to see him, but it was only to see him off.

He looked down at her stomach before glancing back up at her and whispered in a cracked voice, "T-the baby… I-I want it…"

She nodded again, seemingly even more satisfied.

Swallowing a dry lump in his throat, he made his final point. "Let's hold off the divorce until after the baby's born… It won't be healthy for anyone if we do this now…"

She paused for a moment, almost hesitant, nearly stirring some sort of hope in Sebastian, before she nodded indifferently once more.

Sebastian's eyes receded into a dark, lifeless void as he nodded weakly and shifted to her right, his side of the bed.

He then laid down silently, staring up at the ceiling listlessly, trembling ever so slightly.

Acier adjusted her body to lie down next to him in equal silence. The only sounds filling the room were the slight warm breeze filtering in from the open window and the ticking of the grandfather clock off to the side.

The silence stretched for a moment before Acier wrapped her hands underneath Sebastian and pulled him to lie on top of her, his face smothered into her chest.

Staring up indifferently at the ceiling, she ran her hands through his hair, jolting him with the first bit of warmth he had felt from her in nearly two months. That made it all the more tragic.

Then, like a dam breaking, Sebastian wept into her bosom, shivering, shaking, and crying like a child, bawling in a way he hadn't since he thought he'd lost her on that battlefield.

There are few things that hurt more than not getting your dream girl; getting her and losing her is one of them.

So he sobbed against her chest, wetting her dress with his tears, while she simply continued to look up at the ceiling, running her hands through his hair and tracing consoling circles on his back that only served to make him weep harder.

—

Life after that was barely a blur for Sebastian. He still fed her, he still slept with her, he still bathed her, and helped her exercise, but it wasn't for her—it was for the growing life in her womb.

They were still married. They were still husband and wife. They looked like the ideal couple to anyone not in the know, but in reality, they were practical strangers.

They were connected and held together by their unborn child, like some sort of medium and final structural pillar keeping a cracking bridge from falling apart. But that was it.

Their love only extended to that pillar; neither of them attempted to cross the proverbial bridge to reach the other side.

—

Nicklaus Silva craned his head weakly toward his bedside, turning to Sebastian seated on a stool, and parted his lips.

"What're you doing here, boy? You and her are practically done…"

Sebastian looked down at the man he hated most, indifferently, and answered impassively.

"Right now, I'm still her husband… and she still loves you, deep down… so I'll try to coexist with you in your final days…"

Nicklaus' pupils widened as he reached out a trembling hand to Sebastian's face. Sebastian showed no outward reaction to the man he hated most, even as frail fingers pressed against his cheek.

Nicklaus spoke hoarsely, "I-I'm sorry… y-you're such a great boy… p-please stay with her—"

"I can't," Sebastian interrupted him coolly, his eyes watering slightly as he clenched his fists.

"No, I won't. Sorry. I-I w-won't do it… I j-just can't."

Nicklaus' eyes dulled as his hand fell from Sebastian's face. He turned back to look at the ceiling, mumbling softly, "Fair enough."

—

As Sebastian walked through the Silva halls, he froze in his step as Aurelia appeared before him.

The younger girl clenched her fists, her eyes watering as she bit her lip and trembled. "B-Brother—"

"Please don't call me that," Sebastian cut her off, averting his gaze with self-deprecation as he took in the hurt in her eyes. Gritting his teeth and suppressing the urge to keel over and puke his guts out, he whispered just loud enough for her to hear, "Is there something you need, Aurelia?"

Aurelia Silva clamped down on her tears and forced a smile, shaking her head back and forth. "N-no, not at all, Br—Sebastian. H-have a good day at work."

Sebastian's stomach sank further as he nodded stiffly and walked past her.

—

Nathaniel Silva stood in front of two graves—his mother's and his father's—in the Silva cemetery, which was empty save for him and Sebastian standing by his side, whom he had asked to stay back.

The Silva Patriarch shook slightly before parting his lips weakly. "Do you hate me?"

Sebastian shook his head. He didn't.

"Do you hate Amara and Aurelia?"

Sebastian shook his head again.

"Do you hate… Acier?"

Sebastian paused before shaking his head once more. There were many things he felt for her—many negative things even—but hate wasn't one of them.

Nathaniel turned his body to face Sebastian, the latter feeling a pin drop in his heart as he took in his "father-in-law's" red eyes.

Nathaniel uncharacteristically bit his lip before parting his mouth weakly. "Son—"

"Sir," Sebastian interrupted him resolutely, looking up at him with equally reddened eyes as he trembled slightly. "Please don't call me that. P-please don't ask me to do something I can't. My heart c-can't take it anymore… I n-need to get out of here."

Nathaniel froze before nodding, visibly depressed.

Sebastian had to try really hard to pretend that didn't get to him. He tried to make it up to the man by giving him his blessing to name his unborn grandchild, but that seemed to break Nathaniel further.

Sebastian wordlessly spun on his heel and walked away.

—

Nathaniel sat at his eldest daughter's bedside as Acier rubbed her swollen belly and stared listlessly at the ceiling.

He parted his lips weakly, desperation heavy in his voice. "Acier… this isn't making anyone happy. Not your mother, not your sister, not me, and most importantly, not him! And it won't fare much better for this child. Every child needs and deserves a mother and a father. Why are you doing this?"

Acier turned her head to look at her father, her hand moving rhythmically over her tummy, and she parted her lips to reply. "I hate everything that is Silva."

Nathaniel froze, stunned, as Acier continued. "I hate everything that is royalty and nobility. It only makes the scum happy. He's not cut out for it, and I don't want my future child to have anything to do with this cursed house, this family, or this life. He should go, with his son, and be happy and free far away from here."

Nathaniel trembled. He bit his lip and spoke again, his voice cracking. "You can go with him…"

Acier froze, caught off guard, as he pressed on. "You can drop the Silva name and be free with him and your child—"

"I can't," Acier interrupted, her gaze drifting weakly back to the ceiling. "I wish I could, but even if Aurelia hates me now, I can't leave my baby sister to take over this shitty house and bloodline."

Nathaniel clenched his fists. "I'm still here—"

"You're not immortal, Father. You will pass away soon enough."

Nathaniel cracked a knuckle and spat, "Aurelia has Florian. They'll be just fine—"

"Putting aside whether this kingdom or the branch families would even tolerate a union between a Silva heiress and a Vermillion, Florian nor Aurelia are cut out to lead, and we both know it." Acier's tone sharpened. "The Head of House Silva needs to be cruel. Sebby can pretend to be, but deep down, he's a softy. Me? I'm a bitch. A cruel bitch. It's perfect for me."

Nathaniel bit his lip, his back slumping as he trembled. Finally, he sighed. "Then we can give it all up."

Acier froze again, her eyes widening in shock as Nathaniel slumped back into the chair with a tired sigh. "We can give up House Silva itself to the branches. Aurelia, Amara, and I will move to House Vermillion, and you can be free with Sebastian and your boy."

Acier teared up, forcing a smile as her voice wavered. "I wish it was that easy, Daddy, but you and Grandfather have long made the branches furious. The moment one takes over, they'll use all their new power and authority to make our lives a living hell—maybe even kill us."

Her voice softened, but it carried a heavy finality. "I can't put my baby through that. I can't put Sebby through that. So they will go, and I will stay. Aurelia will move to House Vermillion when she's ready, and hopefully, you and Mother will join her. This is final, and nothing you say will change my mind."

Nathaniel paused, his shoulders sagging as he hung his head in shame. Right. This is all my fault.

—

Life blurred on, with Acier and Sebastian playing the roles of a dutiful, loving married couple awaiting their first child.

Acier hadn't been in contact with the Vermillions for a long time—they had shut her out.

Her relationships with her sister, mother, and even father weren't faring much better.

Her servants kept a respectful distance from her.

Sebastian and their unborn child seemed to be the only constants in her life, the only bonds she could truly rely on.

Sebastian didn't know how to feel about that. What he did know was that it brought him no joy. His wife, ostracized by her own House and family, made his heart crack even more.

Just as he only socialized with her for the sake of their unborn child, it seemed her remaining bonds did the same. Amara spoke to her daughter for the unborn grandchild, Aurelia for the unborn nephew, and the Silva servants for the future young lord.

Sebastian knew he could end her suffering, that he could give them what they wanted if he just "came back."

But he wouldn't.

He couldn't.

So he looked away at his blank wife and pretended not to notice the sliver of hurt beneath her indifferent façade.

—

Sebastian leaned against the hallway wall, arms crossed, as Acier's screams rang out from behind the door, piercing and unrelenting. Hours had passed, yet the cries of pain continued to claw through the walls.

He felt nothing from her screams—no pity, just worry. Her water had broken nearly a month too soon.

To his left stood Nathaniel, seemingly indifferent. Beside him, Amara and Aurelia sat, their worry plainly written on their faces. To his right stood Alfred, Jeeves, and Hilda, lined up neatly, silent.

Time passed in an indistinct haze until finally, the sound of a baby's cry rang out. Without hesitation, Sebastian stomped forward, pulled open the door, and let himself into the bedroom.

The smell of blood and grime hit him, but he ignored it. He approached Acier's bedside and looked down at her pale, exhausted form. Her weak eyes met his as he asked curtly, "Are you alright?"

Acier looked at him with equal indifference and nodded.

Sebastian turned his attention to a maid holding a small bundle in her arms. She beamed as she stepped forward.

"The little prince is perfectly healthy, Young Master—"

"Don't call me that," Sebastian cut her off coolly.

The maid's smile faltered. Ducking her head, she handed the baby to Sebastian. The other maids and the doctor bowed before retreating from the room.

Sebastian looked down at the wrinkled, pudgy newborn in his arms. His boy. Tufts of silver-white hair crowned the baby's head. Gently, Sebastian brought the infant close and planted a kiss on his forehead.

The baby squirmed slightly, prompting a faint smile from Sebastian. He then handed the child to Acier. She took the baby with a frown.

Sebastian's gaze turned cold. "A baby should be breastfed within an hour of birth—the sooner, the better. He's still your son. The first month is critical for his survival and health, so act like it for that time. After that, we'll be out of your hair."

Acier bit her lip and nodded, bringing the baby to her breast.

The bedroom door creaked open, and Nathaniel, Amara, and Aurelia stepped inside hesitantly.

Sebastian's voice softened as he addressed Nathaniel. "Sir, have you chosen a name for my son yet?"

Nathaniel paused, then nodded curtly. "Nozel."

Sebastian nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze returning to the newborn. He patted Nozel's tiny head as the baby suckled instinctively, then bent down to press another kiss to the child's forehead.

"Welcome to the world, Nozel," Sebastian murmured. "Daddy will be stepping out for a little while. If you need me, just holler."

Without another word, Sebastian strode past the Silvas and out of the room. Behind him, he heard them rushing to Acier's bedside. He bit his lip as he exited the bedroom.

I get it… Nozel isn't just mine.

—

Another month passed in a blur. Acier and Sebastian continued caring for their newborn son, though their approaches couldn't have been more different. Sebastian was outspoken and loving, while Acier remained reserved, blank, and cold.

But Sebastian knew it was all an act.

When he walked by and peeked into their room, he often saw her holding Nozel with trembling hands, weeping softly. She would cradle their son lovingly, whispering apologies over and over to a baby too young to understand, a baby barely awake.

Each time he witnessed this, it cracked his heart and shattered it anew.

It was no easier when he passed by Amara, Aurelia, and Nathaniel. They would hover near Nozel, staring intently at the baby as if trying to etch his face into their memories, like he might vanish at any moment.

The sight widened the chasm in Sebastian's soul.

Biting his lip, he clenched his fists tightly. He had made a decision.

—

"What are you waiting for?"

Acier, seated at her desk with Nozel cradled in her arms, gestured coldly toward the paper in front of Sebastian.

Divorce papers.

"Sign it," she said, her tone devoid of emotion. "It's been a month."

Sebastian bit his lip and shook his head. "I won't."

Acier's brows furrowed into a displeased frown. "Don't make me take you to court. You can't keep me married against my will. Things won't end nicely for you if I do."

Sebastian nodded slightly, looking at her with an unreadable expression. "I won't sign it, but I'll still be leaving."

Acier froze, her breath hitching as Sebastian continued.

"I can't take it anymore—any of this. I'm leaving and going back home—to my home, at the edge of the estate. If you expect me to leave the capital, leave the noble realm, and take our son to live in the boonies, where survival is uncertain, then you're out of your damn mind."

Her hands tightened around Nozel as he pressed on.

"And if you think I'll divorce you and put Nozel through that kind of scorn, then you've completely misjudged me. I'll leave, and I'll be out of your hair, but we're staying married. Husband and wife. We'll both be in Nozel's life, like he deserves. We'll take turns raising him—two homes, two families, two parents."

Acier trembled, her voice cracking as she stammered, "W-why? He's all you have left—"

She cut herself off, her breath hitching as she saw the tears streaming down Sebastian's face. He forced a trembling smile and shook his head.

"I can't do it," he said, his voice breaking. "I just can't take your baby away from you."

And just like that, Acier broke. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed openly, her body trembling as she hurriedly wiped her cheeks to keep them from falling onto the baby in her arms.

Nozel gazed up at her curiously, blissfully unaware of the pain surrounding him.

Sebastian bit his lip, his voice desperate as he tried to placate her.

"I won't do anything reckless or stupid. I won't die. I won't kill myself. I want to be in our son's life moving forward, so I'll stay on this land—where you can monitor me. That way, you'll know I'm keeping that promise. Nozel will have two parents."

His words only made her cry harder.

Sebastian knew he shouldn't, but he was desperate. He stepped forward, trembling, and reached out a hand.

"If you c-can still a-act like that, l-look like that, t-then maybe it's not too late for us, to salvage this—"

Twack!

Just like that fateful day, Acier batted his hand away, extinguishing the flicker of hope in his eyes all over again.

She looked up at him weakly and forced a trembling smile. "Things change. Things fall apart. People fall out of love. It's time to let go. It's time for you to move on."

Sebastian's lips curled into a bitter smile. He spoke softly, "It doesn't seem like we fell out of love."

Acier didn't answer him.

Sebastian leaned over the desk and pressed a gentle kiss to Nozel's tiny forehead. The baby smiled faintly before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

"See you next month, Nozel," Sebastian whispered.

The baby said nothing, sleeping soundly in Acier's arms.

Sebastian then looked at her and murmured, "Goodbye, Acier Silva."

Acier choked on her words. "Goodbye, Sebastian."

Sebastian's eyes stung as he spun on his heel and walked out of her private study. He strode through the halls without acknowledging the parting glances of the servants or the silent pleas in their eyes. Not to Alfred, not to Hilda, not even to Jeeves.

He returned Amara's and Aurelia's unspoken cries with a curt nod and walked out of the estate.

By the main gate, Nathaniel stood waiting in silence. Sebastian froze briefly before walking past him without a word. He descended the estate grounds and made his way back to his hill—his isolated hill—where he belonged.

He still wore his golden wedding ring. So did Acier, who watched him disappear from her window, her gaze distant and empty.

They were still married. Still husband and wife. But only in name.

They were all but officially divorced. All but officially separated. The chasm between them widened with every passing moment. Sebastian had lost his light, and Acier had lost her star.

They had both lost their love.

It hurt. It made them want to collapse, to give up. But they held on, because now their lives belonged to Nozel.

Author's Notes:

[1] This is a what if, so things may fold in a totally different direction, you'll be looking at a different Sebastian, Acier, Nozel and more going forward

[2] Feel free to join the discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar