Part 2: Daddy vs Sleep Time
Some battles are silent.
Some are intense.
Some require patience…
And then—
There's trying to make a baby sleep.
The Setup
Night fell softly over the mansion.
Ryan had been fed.
Changed.
Comforted.
Everything… was done.
Yet—
He was still awake.
Elara leaned against the bed—
Watching calmly.
"…He should be sleeping by now."
She said softly.
Damian stood beside the crib.
Arms folded.
Eyes fixed on Ryan.
"…He will."
"…When?"
"…Now."
Ryan blinked.
Then—
Moved.
Still very awake.
Elara smiled slightly.
"…You said now."
"…He's thinking about it."
"…He's not."
A pause.
Then—
Damian turned.
"…Go rest."
Elara raised a brow.
"…What?"
"…I'll handle it."
Silence.
Then—
A slow smile spread across her face.
"…You?"
"…Yes."
"…Alone?"
"…Yes."
She leaned back—
Comfortably.
"…Okay."
"…I'll watch."
Round One: The Stare Method
Damian stepped closer to the crib.
Looking down at Ryan.
"…Sleep."
Ryan stared back.
"…Close your eyes."
Ryan blinked.
Then smiled slightly.
"…That's not closing."
Elara covered her mouth—
Trying not to laugh.
"…You can't command him to sleep."
"…Why not?"
"…Because he's a baby."
"…He should listen."
"…He won't."
Ryan made a soft sound.
Almost like he agreed.
Round Two: The Carry Strategy
Damian picked him up.
Carefully.
Controlled.
"…This usually works."
Elara said.
"…I know."
He began walking slowly.
Back and forth.
Ryan rested against him.
Quiet.
Still awake.
"…Why are you still looking at me?"
Damian muttered.
Ryan blinked again.
"…Close your eyes."
Nothing.
"…You're stubborn."
"…He gets that from you."
Elara added.
"…No."
"…Yes."
"…No."
"…Yes."
Ryan made another small sound.
Almost amused.
Round Three: The Gentle Method
Damian stopped walking.
He adjusted his hold—
Softer now.
His hand moved slowly—
Lightly patting Ryan's back.
"…Sleep."
He said again—
But this time…
Quiet.
Gentle.
Ryan's eyes fluttered slightly.
"…Good."
Elara watched closely now.
No teasing.
Just… watching him.
Because something had changed.
Damian sat down slowly.
Still holding Ryan close.
"…You're safe."
He murmured.
"…You can rest."
His voice…
Was different.
Soft.
Warm.
Ryan's tiny hand gripped his shirt.
Then—
Slowly—
His eyes began to close.
"…He's doing it…"
Elara whispered.
"…I told you."
"…Don't ruin it."
Silence fell.
A careful silence.
And then—
Ryan… slept.
Victory… Almost
Damian stayed still.
Not moving.
"…He's asleep."
Elara smiled softly.
"…Yes."
"…You did it."
"…I know."
"…You're proud."
"…Of course."
He stood slowly—
Carefully placing Ryan back in the crib.
Everything… perfect.
He stepped back.
Looked at Elara.
"…See?"
"…You actually did—"
Ryan moved.
Then—
CRIED.
Loud.
Immediate.
Silence.
Then—
Elara burst into laughter.
"…Don't laugh."
Damian said calmly.
"…I tried not to."
"…You failed."
"…You failed first."
Ryan cried louder.
Damian looked at him.
Then back at Elara.
"…This is not over."
End Scene — A Father Who Tries
Some victories…
Don't last long.
Some battles…
Repeat themselves.
But what matters isn't perfection.
It's effort.
It's showing up—
Again and again.
And Damian?
He may not win every round…
But he never walks away.
And that?
That's what makes him a father.
To be continued…