Chapter Text
Under the warm glow peering through the workshop’s window, there’s this magenta gown in Veneer’s hands.
He’s only arranging some old stuff inside the wardrobes, when he remembers this baby he rescued from a bridezilla that tortured him for two weeks - it was back when he was just a budding tailor too.
Looking at the sparkling embroidery, he feels a weight lifting off his shoulders. Finally… This work doesn’t have to be wasted on someone who doesn’t care.
And he has just the person he cares enough to give to.
“Sparkles!” His call is echoing slightly across the bolts of fabric. “Come here!! I’ve got something from my newbie days as a tailor you need to see.”
Sparkles skids in, curious as to what her dad has to offer. Then her beautiful eyes widen at the sight of the gorgeous gown. “Daddy V… is that… for me?!”
Veneer kneels slightly, holding the dress out like a treasure. “Yes. I rescued it from… well, a bridezilla who shall remain unnamed. Thought it might be appreciated by someone who actually values the craft.”
He can’t hide the smirk. Not that Alexis’d ever appreciate it like this…
Sparkles runs her fingers lightly over the embroidery, awe lighting up her face brighter than the stars. “It’s beautiful! You made this for me?!”
“Yes, sugarplum!” He ruffles her hair in that way only a dad can, the type mixed with affection and mild exasperation. “But remember, this gown deserves all the care, respect… and a twirl only under careful supervision from a shining star like you.”
Sparkles giggles, already having exited from the nearest dressing divider and coming out twirling once to test the fabric. “I promise, Daddy V! But you have to see me in it every time!”
Veneer chuckles, crossing his arms and rocking on his heels. Finally, someone who gets it.
Once the time comes, he’ll definitely recall everything about Alexis to her - the endless calls, the impossible demands, the French knots, the impossible expectations. And this… this is the exact opposite. Gratitude instead of entitlement. Respect instead of rage.
But right now, he meets his daughter’s eye level, burying the past behind for a bit first. “Good. Because a gown like this, and the person wearing it deserves someone who notices the effort. That means me, keeping an eye on you, making sure you don’t ruin it.”
Sparkles throws herself into his arms, laughing as a promise. “Best Dad ever!”
Veneer hugs her back, heart swelling up so much it’s going to burst, before letting her go to see how well she’s going to twirl.
This… this is what it’s about. Not scolding, not pandering, not overextending himself for people who don’t care. But this… this is worth every stitch, every sleepless night, every ounce of effort.
Being her dad is worth more than any client, any paycheck, any approval from someone who doesn’t respect me. She is the star that has replaced his grief with brilliant happiness.
And as Sparkles twirls once more, the magenta gown’s frills are fanning out perfectly, and her laughter rings through the workshop as a dancer in a ballroom. At that moment, Veneer allows himself a small, satisfied grin.
This is the Veneer I want to be. Not the one bending under the entitled, not the one reliving old mistakes. This is the man she deserves.
“Whoa, whoa, slow down, Sparkles!” He then holds up his hands like he is trying to catch a runaway hurricane. Being the creator, he still has every right to worry about the creations being in top maintenance or not. “This isn’t a dance floor!! It’s a gown, and I swear I’ll confiscate it if you rip the embroidery!”
Sparkles giggles, twirling faster than a carousel. “Daddy V! You said I could twirl! And look, it’s fine on me!”
Veneer’s eyes narrow, hovering like a protective hawk. Fine? He once remembers Alexis screaming about French knots and fabrics, and he isn’t about to let history repeat itself.
He steps closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder mid-spin. “Careful… I know you’re excited, but this gown deserves respect. Treat it well, Sparkles.”
Fortunately, she’s slowed down just enough to smile and lean into his chest again.
“I am, Daddy V! Look, I even practiced careful twirling.” She spins a little slower this time, arms outstretched like she is floating in the air.
Veneer exhales, a proud grin breaking across his face. He knows he can trust her unlike the client he confiscated this precious gown from. “There. That’s the twirl I approve of. You’re making me look good as a dad, you know.”
Sparkles laughs and hugs him again. “You are the best dad! And the best tailor!”
Veneer ruffles her hair once more. Gosh, she really knows how to stroke his paternal pride. “Stick to that opinion, kiddo. I plan on holding onto it for a long time.”
This is worth every stitch, every effort, every sleepless night. I am her dad. And this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.
And he knows unlike Alexis, she won’t become a bridezilla.