Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Being Derek Derekson's only living son meant that Eric had no choice but to suppress his true urges as a little if he wanted to remain by his Dad's side. There were also many dreams he had to give up, like wanting to work with animals, just so that he could also help his father's business. Because family always came first... right?

When Eric had first found out that he was a little, it had come to him as a relief to see the results of his test at his school. It had explained so much about how he felt fuzzy headed at times when he was most stressed (or even the rare times he was carelessly happy at school) - and how the ones who were now probably designated as caregivers in his class were always drawn to Eric.
With all that now could be explained, Eric had hoped that his Dad would be more understanding of this and take Eric to get him officially registered as a little to live with him instead of getting relocated to live with some unknown caregiver.

Unfortunately, Derek did not take the news well.

"No! No son of mine is gonna be some damn pathetic man-child. Christ Eric, why can't you do anything right? Do you want to be left in a crib all brain-dead and useless to the world? Is that what it is?!"

Eric was trembling on the spot, holding back tears knowing that crying would only succeed in making Derek more furious than he was right now.

"No Dad, please! I-I didn't mean to get that result- I swear-"

Eric wasn't sure if there was a way to fake the test; but then again he had been hopeful that his father would take his results of being a little as an explanation for him being so clumsy and all the mistakes he made while trying to help his Dad's business under pressure.
All the younger Derekson could do was watch his father pace around the room - going from angry to moderate as he started to slow down; pausing at the back of a chair to rest on for a couple of deeps breaths and thought carefully about what was to be done next.
With one more deep intake of breath, Derek finally spoke up.

"Right... You just got these results today, right?"

Eric nodded.

"Did you tell anyone about them?"

"Just you Dad. We're only suppose to tell the teacher if we need help with registering the results."

"And you definitely didn't say anything?"

"No."

Eric didn't dare to mention that everyone at school already suspected that he was a little with or without a test; especially now that Derek was beginning to look a lot more calmer now that he was forming a plan in his mind.

"Good. That's good... we can still fix this."

Dread settled in Eric's gut.

"F-fix it?"

Derek pulled out his phone and tapped it a few times before finally answering.

"Retaking a classification test isn't unusual. I just so happen to know someone... We'll move just to cover ourselves just in case any teachers of yours starts asking questions. There's a place I've been thinking of moving to, it'll just have to happen sooner than planned..."

Just like that, Eric had no say in his situation. If he did run to school and report his father for intending to get some falsified documents to erase his little status, then Eric could be free to be a little... but it would mean leaving his father.

Looking up at his Dad, who seemed a lot more relieved to have a plan in mind; Eric knew that no matter how scary Derek could be or how much he didn't want to repress his true nature, he just couldn't bare the idea of getting his father into trouble and being forcibly removed from him into the home of some stranger (Eric had read up enough horror stories about littles who were not only forced to cut ties with their family, but were discovered to have been abused severely without any way to escape or had been drugged to make them docile when they resisted).

So, as always - Eric did what he was told and followed Derek with his plan.

Once Derek and Eric moved, a friend of Derek's 'retested' the younger Derekson to be officially a beta and without a classification. It was a lot more common than most classifications that would exist; so just as long as Eric stayed aged up and did what Derek told him to do, everything would be 'fine'.

But Eric was miserable. He only really got his reprieve when locking himself alone in his room; getting a few emergency supplies out from a locked box stored under folded bedding on top to help him regress privately.
He made sure not to do it too often since his Dad seemed to notice how relaxed he would be the day after, looking ready to threaten him with his belt if he even thought about regressing beyond his own bed room.

The only other thing Eric could take pride in was his work with his father; mostly with focusing on editing the recorded commercials or any other jobs that didn't involve Derek breathing down his neck. 

It was stressful and lonely for Eric, but some times he daydreamed of a day when his father would care for him and maybe let him be a little a lot longer when he has earned the time off. Maybe go away to somewhere isolated so that he could play with toys, in the mud or in a little indoor fort. Maybe even be allowed to have a dog again or get to be hugged once in a while...

He knew they were only dreams, but dreams was all that Eric had in his new life as to help him through dealing with the life his Dad wanted Eric to have - while indulging in being a little only when he was safe and secure in his bed room.

It lasted for about two years, until they were finally caught.

The one other good thing about this new life was that Eric didn't have to feature in his father's commercials any more; just in case somebody from his old life would recognize him and had known of Eric's potential status as a little. Unfortunately, Derek would unknowingly hire one of Eric's classmates from his old school.

Eric hadn't expected to see Randal on the set, and it didn't help that Eric was well overdue some regression time when he did come across his friend. So Eric had been looking a little more visibly stressed and sad while working on his tasks around the set.

"Eric?"

Responding to his name, Eric turned around and tried to not look so horrified at spotting Randal - who was coming up to Eric with a wide grin.

"Eric Derekson! It is you - how have you been my guy?"

Eric tried to smile, feeling himself starting to shake with nerves as he reached into his pocket to hold onto the yellow cloth (his blankie) he used to sooth himself in the daytime.

"H-hey Randal, I'm alright. W-what are you doing here?"

His old classmate's smile faltered as he immediately picked up that something was wrong with Eric.

"I'm... I'm getting into acting and... hey, you ok?"

Eric nodded a bit too quickly, knowing that he had already somehow fucked up.

"Yeah - I'm fine. Just working."

"Working? But I though you were a lil-"

"Yeah! I-I work for my Dad!"

Eric blurted out, cutting off Randal and hoping that nobody nearby heard what he nearly said.

"And I'm a beta. So... Yeah. That's why I'm working. Like a normal adult."

Eric hadn't meant to make his voice crack, as he could tell that he was already close to tears.

"G-gotta go. Good luck with the recording!"

Before Randal could say anything, Eric rushed away - hoping that he wouldn't run into his Dad as he ran towards the toilets to lock himself into a cubicle, so that he could finally let loose the tears he had been holding back for the best part of the week.

'Oh god oh god? What do I do? Do I tell Dad? Will Randal think its suspicious if I do and Dad does something about it?'

Eric remembered Randal dating one of his classmates who was showing signs of being a caregiver and was always really nice to Eric. Giving him piggy back rides or tickles while the other classmate would fuss over Eric and make sure that he had something to eat on days when he had rushed out the house to avoid his Dad's really bad moods.

'Of all the people from school, why did it have to be him?'

"Eric?"

Eric held his breath in mid-sob, covering his mouth and huddling back as far as he could go so that in vain hope - Randal would just go away.

"Come on buddy, I now you're in there... I just... we were pretty good friends at school, weren't we?"

Eric lowered his hands, knowing his face was a mess of tears and snot as he stared hopelessly at the door of the stall he was in.

"I just wanna help."

"I don't need help..." Eric sniffed again, trying desperately not to slip now "I'm- I'm fine. I was just playing around at school. I was never- never..."

"Eric-"

That soft tone made Eric feel so much smaller, it was terrifying.

"Please don't tell Randal." Eric whimpered.
"I don't wanna get taken away from my Dad. Please..."

"Buddy, can you open the door for me?"

Had Eric been feeling bigger, he would have stubbornly kept the door locked and tried to play this all off as just being too tired and stressed from work.
But his little side was so desperately reaching for any kind of comfort to relieve the touch-starved state he was in, that Eric impulsively opened the latch of the door to see Randal looking worried for him.

"Hey Eric."

"I - Randal..."

Eric few too jumbled up, feeling tears fall again as he scrunched his blankie in his hands. Randal stood for a moment before opening his arms to invite him into a hug - which Eric instantly threw himself into as he held onto Randal's flannel shirt while his other hand kept hold of his comfort cloth.

"Please please don't tell Randal. I'm suppose to be big. If not, I'll lose my Dad. I don't wanna lose him Randal."

"Shhh... It'll be ok buddy."

Randal held him, comforting him like he did way back then when Eric only got these kind of hugs from minor falls outside class or when he was having a sad day and would be cheered up after getting a hug.
Eric knew things were different now - and what was worse, he had a feeling that all the pleading in the world wasn't going to convince his old classmate to just abandon a little being made to work while clearly repressing his little side.

"Randal, please promise."

He wouldn't say anything and that just made Eric want to cry harder.

"I'll do anything, anything you want - just don't tell-"

"Eric... You shouldn't be working if its making you feel bad like this. There's littles who do work, sure... but something tells me that your Dad hasn't changed much since back then."

"He's not bad. He's my Daddy Randal. He's all I have..."

Randal squeezed him tighter as Eric knew that there would be nothing he could do to convince him.

When Eric had calmed down and cleaned up, he managed to age himself up out of his little space so fast that it took Randal by surprise. He tried to convince Randal that he was feeling better and that there was nothing to worry about - that everything was fine.

And for the most part, Randal had seemed willing to believe him. Which made Eric fall into the false sense of security of Randal not reporting him or his Dad. Even if Eric had been brave enough to tell his Dad that somebody possibly knew his secret - he was certain that there wasn't much he could have done in hindsight...

Especially when on that same day; after Eric and Derek had just eaten their dinner a couple of hours of returning home from work, the police and social worker had arrived on their doorstep.

Eric had been changing his bedding while his Dad was downstairs watching tv when the doorbell went. Derek had been the one to answer it before all hell broke loose.
One moment it was quiet with only the distant sound of the tv going on down stairs - and then the next, Derek was yelling as a whole load of foot steps rushed into the house.

"Dad?" Eric called, dropping the pillow case and reaching for his cloth inside his pocket - when a woman and two officers had suddenly come up the stairs.

It didn't take long for Eric to guess that Randal had betrayed him; backing into his own room while strangers made their way towards him.

"Eric Derekson?"

"Who are you - What are you doing??"

"My name is Penny sweetie, and these nice men are police officers. We're just here to help you."

"Wait, why are the police here? What's happening?"

The woman frowned slightly while trying hard to remain looking as friendly as she could.

"I'm afraid your father has been reported for falsifying your documents and is going to be charge with abusing a little-"

"No he didn't and - and I'm not a little!"

Eric felt sick, instantly knowing who had reported them and hating himself for being so weak earlier - for being so stupid as to hid on the premise where Randal had easily found him instead of going straight home and chance his Dad's wrath.

"The results from your previous school say otherwise, and the retests... look, I'm sorry Eric, but your father hasn't been taking care of you. We're just here to make sure you're taken to a safer place."

As kind as she sounded, Eric was already feeling panic crawl up his chest as he fearfully stepped away from the strangers who were trying to show gestures of not being dangerous.

"No - you can't do that! You can't take me away from my Dad!"

"Eric please, lets not make this difficult."

His eyes darted between the officers and social worker; trying to figure out a way to escape as his voice trembled in fear.

"I don't really have to leave, do I? Dad didn't mean to lie. I was the liar, not him! I should be the one in trouble!"

"Eric-"

"I don't want to be taken away!"

Eric managed to fake a dodge before switching to go under one of the officer's arms. He had made it halfway into the hallway before being picked up from behind just as he reached the top of the stairs.

"No!! Put me down- Dad!"

Eric struggled against the police officer, who was much stronger and was trying to calm him down as Eric fought with all his might to get out of the officer's grip. He was carried down stair and saw that his Dad was also struggling against the police - seeing the handcuffs over the wrists behind his back as Eric's panic worsened.

"Dad!!"

"What are you people doing to my boy?!"

The police holding onto Derek roughly pulled him out the door with the officer carrying Eric following after; as they both were taken to different cars. Derek was looking back wildly at Eric who was still struggling to get out of the police man's hold; their eyes meeting as Derek yelled out.

"Wait- where are you taking him!?"

"That is no longer your concern Mr Derekson."

"Let me go- let me gooo!!"

"That's my son - you can't do this to us!"

That was the last thing Eric heard Derek say before being shoved into the back of a police car.
Tears streamed down as he felt his strength falter from growing exhaustion.

"I want- I want my Dad!"

"I'm sorry kid, we're not the bad guys here."

Eric sobbed as he was put into some kind of car seat, holding his comfort cloth tightly while flinching away from the social worker who was sitting in the back, trying to comfort him as the car began t move.

"It'll be alright Eric..."

Eric didn't care as he immediately aged down further than he's ever had before, feeling worse knowing that this was entirely his fault.

'If I wasn't weak... if I didn't trust Randal - if only I wasn't a little... It's not fair."

Eric couldn't stop crying. Barely noticing anything around him, he was taken into a strangers house and made to give up his blankie while being washed (but was thankfully given back after) before being put to bed that felt too strange with the sheets all wrong - worrying about what the police were going to do with his Dad as Eric eventually cried himself to sleep.

Chapter Text

Two weeks into his stay at the foster home for littles, Eric was now waiting for his social worker to bring over the couple who had taken an interest in him.
Which he really didn't want, but had no say nor control over anything about it. He wasn't even allowed to contact his Dad.

Swallowing back a lump in his throat and ignoring the ache of tension in his body; Eric sat by the window - looking out for either the couple or his social worker, before looking back into the room where the other two littles in care alongside him; while they played with the toys inside the playpen area that they had been put in until their foster caregiver came by to check up on them.

Returning his focus back out through the window, Eric continued to push back the little inside him who wanted to take part in playing with the others - or at least just allow himself to regress - only to be held back by pure stubbornness as Eric thought about how giving in for even the briefest moment, was the main reason he was here and his Dad was in jail.

Tearing up, Eric was determined not to cry while thinking over his social worker's last visit played through his mind...

Penny had come by to go over the psychologist's review of Eric's little status; where it was highlighted that Eric was an age-slider in terms of his age range. Although it wasn't all that unusual for littles to not have a fixed age-range; it was pointed out that it was definitely most common among littles who either purposely suppressed their little side for long periods of time, or had undergone serious abuse going back into early childhood.

Eric didn't acknowledge either point; not wanting to say anything that would lead him getting doped up with drugs to make him a more docile little - regardless of the reassurances from the psychologist about that not being the case any more in this day and age. That the medication were only recommendations to hopefully help manage his anxiety and possibly to help him regress if he was struggling to do so; medication that would be up to whoever took Eric in as his new caregiver, which was a daunting thing to imagine all by itself.

"-Well there's no need to worry about that just yet Eric." Penny said a little too cheerfully for his liking, while they both sat on the same sofa in the meeting room that was located in the foster home where they could talk in privacy.
"With this updated information, we can help find the right caregiver to meet your needs and take good care of you."

"But I don't need a caregiver." Eric refused to look at her while squeezing on his blankie tight within his fist in a fit of nerves.
"I'm going to go back to live with my Dad soon, right? Once things get sorted out with the police?"

This was a topic that was generally avoided around Eric between everyone who seemed to be having the most say on how his life was going to go.
Eric had never thought about how much he had taken his freedom for granted - that as miserable and lonely as he was, he still had the comfort of regressing safely in his room and could decide on more things for himself when he was aged-up than he did now in the restrictions of the foster home.

Not to mention that as futile as it was to hope that Derek would suddenly maybe change his mind about accepting Eric's status, now that it had become official and no longer something to be hidden; he still wanted his Dad who was the only family he had left in his life - but hadn't even been allowed to contact Eric once during the little's entire stay at the home.

However, this time Penny had paused long enough, before looking over at Eric in a pitying way that just rubbed him the wrong way.

"Eric, I'm sorry... but your father won't be allowed to be in contact with you for the time being."

"Why not? He's my Dad - my next of kin! He's the only family that I have left and- and I can't even write him a letter or call him, or anything?"

"I know it doesn't seem fair right now, but you have to understand that your Dad broke so many laws that put you in danger-"

"So did I!"

"Eric..."

"I don't want to end up in some stranger's house where they can do whatever they want to me. I want my Dad. He wasn't perfect, I know - but he's still my Dad. Why can't I just wait until he gets out of prison?"

"Eric, your father has been charged with a lot of offenses, and although he hasn't gone to court for a sentence yet - it doesn't look good for him."

Eric felt a deep twist in his gut.

"So, does that mean he'll be in prison for what, a month - a year?"

"It's starting to look like it'll be a lot longer than that.. and even if your father does manage to avoid prison, he won't be allowed to see you until you're at least assigned a caregiver who can watch over you."

That almost made him cry; but Eric still continued to hold back with determination to not break down in front of her to see him so vulnerable again.

'So weak. Stupid and weak - all because I'm a little.'

Eric had always struggled with low self esteem in the past; but his self-hatred had grown stronger during his stay in the foster home - as he repeatedly went over the thoughts of his regrets and wishing that things could have been different if he could only have just been whoever his father wanted him to be.

"And you can't stay here sweetie, this home is only meant for temporary stays. But I'm not just going to place you anywhere with just anyone Eric," Penny continued while he kept refusing any eye contact with her; curling up into himself on the couch with arms crossed,

"My job is to find somewhere safe for you to be taken care of by the right person - and when you do go with them, I promise that I'll come by and visit regularly to make sure that everything is ok. I won't ever abandon you with someone who could possibly hurt you. Despite what your Dad might have said, having a caregiver isn't as bad as he's made it out to be..."

"It wasn't just my Dad," Eric argued back quietly, "There's loads of stories of littles being locked away or forgotten because they weren't allowed to see their families anymore..."

Eric neglected to mention that he only knew about those particular stories because it was the only time Derek ever brought up the matter of littles - by showing his son documentaries or articles to reinforce how much worse things were for people of that status.

'And is that what you want? To live a horrible life instead of being a real man?'
His father's voice whispered from a memory of the few times before Derek would go back to pretending that his son wasn't a little - even if it hurt Eric to hide that part of himself back then...

'If I had only been stronger...'

"Those are rare cases Eric... and yes, its true that sometimes there are people in this world who choose to do such awful things like that; but I'll make sure that it won't be the case with you Eric. Whoever we find, I'll be sure that they're suitable and can provide for you..."

Eric frowned - hating how she just didn't understand and that there was nothing he could do to convince her or anyone otherwise. That even though he used to wish for a caregiver, or at the very least just wanted his Dad to be ok with what he was - Eric knew that whatever happened now was going to be beyond his control while continuing to be at the mercy of others...
And that was a truly terrifying thought for him.

Penny was gathering her belongings after she had finished saying all that she needed to say.

"If you want to, perhaps you could write a letter to your friend Randal? Maybe even arrange a phone call if you prefer that instead? I know that he's been wanting to get in contact with you-"

"He's not my friend."

Eric hated how his voice cracked, sounding so sad when there was still anger at Randal for telling on him. For ruining his life and then acting like he still gave a damn about him.
Even more so when the little part of him was starting to reach out desperately for anything familiar; even for the person who put him here with thoughts of how nice that brief hug with him was. In any case, Eric squished down any possibility of agreeing to ever talk to Randal again.

He was at least thankful that Penny didn't try to push him into making plans for contacting him.

"Alright sweetie, I'll be back soon when I find any potentials or if there are further updates. See you soon..."

Eric didn't respond. He didn't even look up at his social worker when Penny left Eric alone in the meeting room.
Once he was sure that she had finally left after hearing the door close; Eric then curled up onto his side to lay down the sofa and reached for the blanket covering the back rest - pulling it over himself so that he could finally give into crying quietly as he aged down for the moment under the blanket while sobbing miserably into the sofa cushion that his face was pressed into. 

The little had been told to reach out when he did regress; but fear and distrust made Eric feel so reluctant that he had stayed where he was until he could hear his foster caregiver approach when they had finally found him.
Even with the offered comfort, he forced himself to age up and say that he was fine - even when it was so painfully obvious to just about anyone how untrue that was.

And so now Eric was waiting.

His social worker had called up on the phone the day before and had sounded excited at finding a couple who wanted to meet him; with one of them being a caregiver who had seemed to have taken an interest in Eric's case.
Which meant that Penny was bringing the pair over to meet him now and see if they got along...

'Nobody wants me. When they see me - they'll realize their mistake and change their mind.'

Eric blinked, not really liking how his own thoughts have gotten meaner towards himself - even if he partly agreed with those critical beliefs about himself.

He used to get on with people just fine at school and at work - although with the latter, Eric had been afraid of getting too close to anyone in case they figured him out. So whenever he was invited to anything outside of joining the other workers at his Dad's company for lunch; he usually had to turn them down just in case...

Not that it mattered now.
Now that Eric barely talked to anyone aside from his social worker. At the home, he stayed quiet - doing his best to keep his head down while the foster caregiver tended to the other residents of the home. He felt bad for not trying to be more friendly, but then again he hasn't stopped feeling bad ever since his Dad made him hide his status.

And now there were people thinking of taking Eric in. However he imagined all the worst case scenarios with these faceless strangers; all that Eric could do was wait for the inevitable.

Which took 10 minutes to arrive as he watched two cars come up the drive way. Eric quickly slipped down onto the floor with his back against the wall under the window seat in hopes of not being spotted; as a tremor of anxiety arose in him at the thought of having to meet these new people.
Pulling out his blankie to rub against his cheek in comfort, Eric waited until he was called over to meet his potential caregivers.

Whatever Eric had expected, he didn't expect Wilford and Dark.

Not that he cared in particular about how people looked or dressed in general - but the man dressed in a pale yellow shirt and a pink bow tie; with matching pink hair and mustache, immediately caught Eric's attention. However, the smartly dressed man in a black suit and crisp white shirt pulled at something inside his chest the same way it did whenever the foster caregiver came close to him - which meant that he was the caregiver out the two.
For a moment the couple looked pretty intimidating to Eric until they both looked over at Eric with the warmest smile; which almost had Eric looking behind him to check to see if they were actually looking at somebody else behind him.

Walking into the meeting room, Eric took a chair opposite the couple as Penny sat nearby with a confident smile as she got straight into introducing everyone.

"Hello Eric - this is Wilford and Dark Warfstache."

"H-hi..."

Eric stuttered, keeping his blankie in his pocket for courage while the mustache man spoke first with a sparkle in his eyes.

"Hello Eric, it's good to finally meet you. I'm Wilford."

"And I'm Dark." The other man's voice was so deep that Eric couldn't help but feel a little entranced by it - even if his stomach was currently feeling like it was being twisted into knots due to his nerves.

But the more they talked with each other, the more Eric felt the tension leave his body as he listened and responded to the couple. Even though he was still wary of them and had his defenses up... Eric couldn't help but get the impression that they might actually be nice people.

'They're just pretending. They're obviously going to wait until they have you cornered before they hurt you. After all, why would anyone like you?'

An internal voice that sounded too much like his own Dad made Eric sober up out of the conversation; which became more noticeable as he got more quiet, while Penny carried on talking about the details of him possibly needing medication further down the line.

"Eric? Are you ok?"

The little looked up at Dark, as an unusual feeling tugged at him in a way that made fighting his little side to stay quiet a lot harder.

"I-" Eric paused, quickly looking at everyone before looking away - wanting nothing more than to bring his blankie out for some much needed comfort already.
"If I'm not being a good enough little, are you going to use those drugs on me to - you know, make me behave better?"

Eric felt horrible for saying that out loud as soon as the words left his mouth - even if it was something that was on his mind, it didn't change that the couple had been nothing but pleasant since they started talking to Eric... only for him to question if they'll do something like that; despite Eric knowing that no one would just admit that they would do such a thing if that was going to be their intentions after all.

But Dark still responded calmly; not seeming to be bothered by Eric's question at all.

"No, never for that reason Eric... I would rather we use them when you feel ready and safe with your consent if you feel like your anxiety is getting to overwhelming to manage. The relaxants are for when you're having trouble aging down and want to do so - am I correct?"

The latter question was directed at Penny who confirmed it with a nod.

"That's right Eric, none of this medication is suppose to be a punishment. It's to help you so that you can feel better..."

"Oh..."

Eric put his hand in his pocket to squeeze his blankie.

"Sorry."

"There's no need to say sorry," Dark spoke up and captured Eric's attention, "I'm glad that you're voicing up your concerns right now - and we are more than happy to listen to anything you want to say Eric; especially about the things that matter to you so that you can feel more comfortable with us. I understand that you have been through so many changes in your life in such a short amount of time. It must be difficult to have to rely on strangers to put your best interests first -"

Dark's soothing voice made Eric feel a little calmer as he nodded back slightly in response. Even though Eric suspected that Dark's voice was just a thing that caregivers could do to help calm littles; he couldn't help but feel like he could possibly start trusting those words, even with all the uncertainty that still echoed in the back of his mind.

"-And I hope," Dark continued with Wilford looking like he was agreeing with every word his spouse was saying, "that in time, you might give us a chance to prove ourselves to you. I know that we still don't know each other well enough just yet, but I do feel that we could truly become better acquainted with a few more meetings in the future. Then maybe, you might like us just as much as we like you."

Eric blinked, speaking with a soft tone of surprise in his voice.

"You like me?"

"I can certainly vouch for that." Wilford chimed in cheerily, "Obviously we still don't know each other yet, but I think we could if you would like to get to know us better too, eh lad?"

Eric felt a little flustered, as a tiny bit of hope leaked into his still internal bleak and worry-ridden thoughts.

"I... think I'd like that..."

Eric had surprised himself for admitting that; but even with all of his fears of everything going wrong - like things often did in Eric's life - everyone around him in the room seemed to beam at him for that response, as plans for another meeting got into motion while the little tried to remain aged-up for the rest of the visit.

He was still afraid, but despite still wanting to go back home to be with his Dad again someday - Eric had started to feel a bit more optimistic about the couple before him.

Chapter Text

"Why just you? Why couldn't it have been any of my other boys to survive - why did it have to be you?"

Eric tried and failed to hold back his tears; feeling too much sadness from the loss of his brothers and his Dad's grief turning into cruelty directed towards his only son.

Derek wouldn't even look at him as he continued to stare at the family photo of the whole family. Eric tried to speak up - only for nothing to come out his mouth.

When he felt his mouth for the reason why he couldn't talk, he suddenly found a pacifier glued onto his face - unable to remove it as it took away his voice, while his Dad seemed to float further away from where he stood.

Eric tried to go after his Dad, but could not move his feet. He looked down and saw that he was slowly sinking into a vast amount of blood that was once the floor - knowing that the blood came from his dead brothers-

Waking up suddenly in a panic, Eric sat up and gasped for air while holding onto his blankie tightly close to his chest.

After a few moments of breathing deeply, Eric soon calmed down from the horrible nightmare that he had woken up from - looking around the dim room that was lit up with a moon-shaped night light plugged into the wall nearby.

The other little he shared a room with at the foster home was still deeply asleep and undisturbed in his own cot. Looking away, Eric tried to take his mind off the nightmare he just had and glanced over at his mostly packed bag for the morning.

'Yeah... tomorrow - I'm really going to be staying with them tomorrow. It's actually happening.'

Eric had already slept over for one night at the Warfstaches just a couple of weeks ago to see how Eric would do in their home. Even though he did have a nice enough time with Dark and Wilford - Eric hadn't regressed at all during his stay either.

In all honesty, there hadn't been a moment since getting to know the couple where Eric would allowed himself to age down completely.

Although, Eric would admit that there had been several opportunities to regress into little space; like when he was listening to one of Wilford's entertaining stories while eating ice cream in the park, or when Dark had gently held him close to his side while they had huddled under the same umbrella during a rain storm.

In all the times between getting to know the couple and for them to get to know him - it had mostly resulted in Eric feeling a happy kind of fuzzy that would have otherwise made it so easy to give into regression and accept the comfort that was on offer from the two caring men.

But just when those moments happened, Eric would always catch himself out and quickly force himself to age up as best as he could; either feeling shame from loosing control - which would have meant being vulnerable enough to be hurt - or the heavy weight of self-hatred for wanting to give in at all when he should be focusing on proving that he didn't need to be a little... that his Dad was right and Eric was stupidly selfish to want to be a baby...

And yet, when Eric did stop himself and the pair could see that he was still holding back - neither Wilford nor Dark ever expressed their disappointment for his stubborn reluctance.

Either they would just continue on with the day out together like nothing had happened, or Dark would check in to see if Eric was alright or if anything had upset him enough to make him feel unsafe.

Laying back down in his bed and not wanting to go back to sleep for fear of re-entering his terrible nightmare, Eric continued to think about the many things that they had talked about on the morning after he had slept over at the Warfstache's home.

In addition to getting to know Eric as an adult - Wilford and Dark had both wanted to know if little Eric had any likes or dislikes to be aware of so that they could prepare for a longer stay during his next visit.

Which made Eric realize that he didn't really know a whole lot about what he did or didn't like during his regression.

The only times he had regressed in the past were the brief moments in his last years of school; where it had been the only place for Eric to feel safe enough to be openly little for a short period of time - or when he was alone in his bedroom, curled up in a blanket while watching cute animal videos or short cartoons; but kept wary of his Dad possibly listening through the door and finding out what he was doing.

Reminiscing made Eric think further about the conversation he had with the caregiver and his partner about this very topic...

Sipping on the orange juice that he was given alongside his already eaten pancakes he had for breakfast, Eric tried to think of anything that interested his little side whenever he did come out.

"I..."

Even though he had already made a lot of progress with being comfortable enough to talk to Wilford and Dark like this, Eric still felt worried about not being able to give them an answer that would be good enough for them to work with - especially when they haven't even had a chance to deal with him as a little.

'Maybe once they know what I'm REALLY like, they'll change their mind and send me back and not want to see me ever again.'

Eric breathed deeply, trying to ignore that thought and answer the couple - even if he had no real answer to give them.

"I don't know. I know I should, but... the only time I didn't worry about regressing was at school - and I didn't do much... I did enjoy getting hugs from my friends," Eric pushed back the image of Randal and the sting he still felt from the betray towards the back of his head.

"-Um kind of played games during breaks I guess... like paper games or catch, although I wasn't good at that. I tried not to do it a lot during classes because I didn't want to get into trouble with the teacher or anything, even though they were really nice about littles.."

Eric looked into the remainder of his juice, struggling to think of anything that would be tangible as he placed his glass on the table.

"Didn't really have a lot of toys growing up. There were a lot of us kids with me and my brothers; so we either had to share the toys that we did have or we just - got on with it, you know?"

A memory that he had forgotten about had crossed Eric's mind, as one of his brother's faces popped up.

"Most of my brothers didn't like me a whole lot - but Merrick was just a year older than me and we used to share this old teddy bear we had from our older brother Larrick. Sometimes we even shared a bed so that we could both cuddle the same bear at night."

Eric softly smiled, not always having that many good memories to think about when it came to the past; but that one in particular was a tender heart-felt memory of the few times that one of his brothers were nice to him.

"But... when we got older, Dad said that we were too old for cuddling toys and, and threw the bear out into the garbage..."

The memory carried onto where Eric was crying hard after his father had torn up the old bear and went outside to put the destroyed remains of the toy into the trash; then seeing Merrick squeezing his small fists tight - looking like he wanted to cry too at what their Dad had just did.

However, instead of comforting Eric or expressing his own sadness, Merrick had told his younger brother to stop being such a baby and had stomped off to leave Eric alone in the room - hugging himself for a long time afterwards with no one to turn to.

Snapping out of that memory, Eric shook his head trying not to cry - 'because I'm not a baby' - and continue with a sudden thought to move on with.

"And I, uh, like animals. All of them really. Though I guess dogs are my favorite... I mean, I know I like them as I am now, but I like dogs and other animals when I've been small too. I used to sometimes watch videos about them when I thought that Dad was out the house while I was having little time in my room."

"Your father would send you to your room to regress?"

Eric looked up to Wilford, who has asked Eric that question with in indescribable expression that Dark shared on his own face - to which Eric responded, shaking his head slightly.

"Well no... He... Dad didn't want me to do it at all. I wasn't suppose to - not after all we did to hide I was, well, like this. But I sometimes it felt like I had to. So, I tried to do that stuff out of sight once in a while and when he didn't know that I was doing it..."

Eric trailed off, biting his lip - knowing how awful he had probably just made his Dad sound like.
Which was why he knew better than to mention the belt on the handful of times Derek had caught him after the pair had moved.

"I'm making it sound bad - but-but I was coping!" despite Eric knowing that was a lie, "Dad cared about me - he just thought that I'd be better if... if I was a normal adult, not a baby that could get so easily hurt-"

"Eric..."

Dark's soothing voice halted Eric's words and paused him from getting worked up about defending his father from anyone who wouldn't understand that how Derek treated him was just his way of caring about Eric - even if there were moments that seemed worse than if his Dad hadn't cared at all.

"We're not here to judge your father. We're here for you Eric. You're our priority and what you want or need presently is what matters the most to us... ok?"

Eric took some deep breaths with a nod, pulling out his blankie to wring in his hands without a thought after having it hidden from the couple for so long.

"Sorry I - I know you want to help. I do... it's just, its hard. Its hard to give in to that part of me when it feels like I'm not suppose to."

"I know Eric..."

Whatever Dark may have thought of Eric or his Dad, the little couldn't help but feel drawn in by Dark and his aura as a caregiver.

"You have had a difficult time adjusting, and I can tell that you've been trying very hard to manage ever since. Even more so whenever we have met - you have been doing so well to try and step out of your comfort zone to allow us a chance to be apart of your life, which I am truly grateful for."

Eric's face blushed at that while Wilford spoke up to add his thoughts.

"And don't you worry about not knowing what you need yet - because we can find out in good time together with what does and doesn't work, so that you can be a happy and safe little guy with us."

And that brought a small twist in Eric's stomach.

"But... what if I'm never ready? What if I can't be a little without being so... scared..."

Eric already knew that the medication option was the thing that any other caregiver would have probably given to him by now, regardless of Eric's own concerns about losing his self-control by force. After getting to know Dark and Wilford in the time they had already spent together - Eric had a hard time believing that they would do something like that to him, especially when they had reassured him that they wouldn't. However, it didn't make the possibility any less threatening. 

The couple paused a moment to look at each other, before Dark spoke up again.

"We have mention this before, but I need you to know Eric, that we have no intentions to ever force you into regression - especially not with medication, unless its with your expressed permission and consent..."

Eric held his breath at the yet to be said 'but'; knowing that the reason for that kind of medication in the first place was because of littles who had been thought to push themselves too hard to hide their status or were hurt so much that regression became incredibly difficult for littles who were...
'Too broken.'

A description that Eric truly felt - knowing that the couple would have had an easier time with any other little but him.

"-But you do know how unhealthy it is to fight against your nature; to hold in your regression for long periods of time until you're body starts hurting from the stress, right?"

Nerves thrummed inside Eric, knowing that Dark was right and the pains that he has been experiencing for years throughout his body would also agree with the caregiver too.

"Well, how about this - what if you were able to try activities that littles usually take part in, even when you are still feeling big?"

Eric hadn't expected that suggestion at all.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing too extreme and certainly not if it's too uncomfortable for you to do; but perhaps we could start off with trying something small - such as drinking out of a sippy cup, or trying clothing that could help with getting into the right head space, or just given a toy to play with... the point would be to give yourself a chance to try out various things to see if anything triggers a good reaction, or to know if it is something to be avoided if it has the opposite affect."

"And even if you don't feel anything, that's alright too," Wilford chimed in, "We won't force you to to do anything you really don't want to do and you can stop at any time if it isn't working for you. It'll just be the odd thing to try here and there throughout the day without having the pressure of completely jumping into anything you're not ready for."

Eric shifted in his seat, not entirely hating the idea when he considered the alternative.

"And... you won't get mad at me if I don't regress?"

"Never."
"Of course not my dear."

Both Dark and Wilford's replies made Eric thoughtful. He was admittedly warming up to the idea and couldn't imagine a lot drawbacks from trying some of those things; aside from possibly upsetting the couple if it didn't work at all.
But then again, if Dark and Wilford meant what they said - then maybe Eric didn't have to worry about that part just yet. With his insecurities put to rest for the time being, Eric nodded in agreement.

"Ok... I-I think I'd like to try that."

He didn't think his answer was worth the beaming look on both Dark and Wilford's faces, but their happy expression was enough to make Eric feel strangely content with their response...

Even though Eric had agreed to the idea, and had even seen the couple a few more times since then - there had now been enough time for Eric to think over the ways that it could all go wrong - or how it could all be taken too far...

Dark had mentioned that the only possible exception where he or Wilford might have to make a choice for Eric, would be in a situation where he might slip so far down into little space that something like diapers or pacifiers might be used to help him.
Even though Eric didn't think that either of them would really take advantage of him if that were to happen; he still didn't like the idea of losing that much control over himself.

And to even imagine either of the Warfstaches hurting him in such a vulnerable state, felt really horrible for Eric - like he could burst into tears while the sore achy feelings in his chest arose as he kept on pushing back that need to regress again.

Taking a few deep breaths to try and regain some calm again, Eric soon rolled over onto his side and continued to wander in his thoughts.

'I did say that I'd try...'

Eric moved his pillow around to hold it close with a squeeze - allowing tiredness to settle back in with a final thought in his mind;

'I hope nothing goes wrong...'

He still wanted to see his Dad again, and as kind as the couple were to him - the idea of being taken in for adoption and having to put your entire well being into somebody else's hands was still a daunting prospect. Even more so when he knew that they could easily stop him from seeing Derek ever again after everything that Eric had told them so far.

In any case, Eric soon closed his eyes and went back to sleep - left to sleep without any further nightmares to awaken him again.

Wilford was the one to pick Eric up from the foster home, as he picked up the little's bag and offered his hand for him to take.

Eric tried to hide the reignited nerves that was rattling inside him, as he took the pink mustache man's hand and was lead to the car - hoping that he wouldn't end up getting carsick from the anxiety of what was yet to come.

He probably should have at least tried to argue against being put into a car seat as Wilford picked Eric up and helped to buckle him in that made Eric a little flustered.

"There we are, are you comfortable Eric?"

"Y-yeah."

Getting picked up so easily always came as a surprise to Eric; mostly because he didn't get much physical contact after his mom and brothers deaths with the exception of his school mates - and once he had moved with his Dad in hopes of hiding Eric's status, all physical contact pretty much came to a halt. Derek was never much for being touchy feely, with the exception of the very rare pat on the shoulder that he gave Eric when it was decided that his son had done a good enough job to deserve it.
Then there was that first hug from Randal in two years...

Eric looked around the car for a distraction from his own thoughts, feeling himself tear up while Wilford was making his way over to the front seat; and that's when he noticed the soft brown rabbit stuffie placed in the seat right next to him.

Out of curiosity, Eric was able to reach it and examine the toy - feeling the silky soft chocolate brown fur and the green ribbon tied around the neck. Just a he was feeling over the long floppy brown ears of the rabbit, Eric felt like he was utterly transfixed by the cute soft toy.

"Ah, I see that you have met your room mate."

Startled in his seat, Eric looked up like he had been caught doing something wrong - but kept a hold of the stuffie tightly in his hands while Wilford turned around to look at him from his seat behind the wheel.

"Room mate?"

"That's right. It turns out that we'll be having you and our furry friend here staying over with us for the month. However, there is only one problem-"

"W-what is it?"

"I completely forgot to interview them!" Wilford dramatically tapped himself on the head, which Eric couldn't help but smile a little at the silliness Wilford tended to bring with him.

"I don't know a ding-dong thing about the dear creature. An absolute blunder on my part I'm afraid... but maybe you could help me find out who they are - perhaps their name for starters?"

Eric nearly pointed out that he wasn't regressed at the moment; that he knew that the toy in his hand was just a thing and nothing close to sentient...
But looking down into the black shiny eyes of the stuffie and running his finger over the soft fur; Eric stared thoughtfully at the cute rabbit while Wilford started the car and began to drive.

"...Her name is Betsy."

"Betsy bunny, huh? That's a fine name."

Eric ignore the critical part of him that was embarrassed to play along - 'like a stupid kid' - while the adorable looking bunny took his attention; sparking the little's imagination at who his new friend was and letting himself get lost in thinking up who 'Betsy' was.

"Yeah, and... and she likes strawberries."

"One of the finest fruits."

It was a pleasant journey, where Eric came up with little pieces of information about the bunny while Wilford responded and asked a few questions of his own about her too. It passed the time while Wilford continued to drive towards the house, and before Eric knew it, they had already arrived.

"Well, here we are!"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Eric's face heated up - realizing that he had willingly gotten so absorbed with playing along with Wilford's interviewing game and had let himself get so dangerously close to that fuzzy head space again.

But when Wilford stepped out the car, Eric looked back down at the bunny and gave Betsy a quick hug - hoping that Wilford didn't see; before he made it round to open his door to let Eric out of the car seat.

"Welcome to our home Eric and Betsy."

The game and Betsy had at least provided a distraction from Eric's anxieties, which were starting to edge back in once he had been helped out the car and was lead to the entrance - with Wilford carrying his bag with one hand and guiding Eric towards the front door with the other.
Without thinking about it, Eric was hugging the stuffie to his chest again; trying to remind himself that he has been here before and that the Warfstaches were people he has gotten to know well enough to feel safe enough to give this whole thing a try.

So as the door opened and Eric saw Dark step out of the room that leads into the kitchen at the furthest end of the hallway from the front door; the caregiver's welcoming smile was enough to give Eric the push forward into his home for the month.

Chapter Text

"Welcome to our home Eric, how was the journey?"

Dark's welcome greeting, in addition to the pull of his aura, helped Eric to push himself into entering the house when his anxiety had just started to spiked up.
The little didn't understand why he was suddenly so nervous since he has been to the Warfstache's house a few time before; although he did know that this time was different since he was going to be staying here much longer than a single night.

"It-It was alright."

"Eric was telling me about his new friend on the way here."

"Oh?"

Eric blinked, looking down and realized that he had started hugging the toy bunny to his chest - subconsciously easing his nerves with a cuddle of the soft stuffie. Blushing with embarrassment at what he was doing, Eric cleared his throat and held the bunny in his hand down by his side at arms-length in the hopes of looking less childish.

"Uh yeah... I named her-it! Um, Betsy. T-thank you for getting it for me."

Wilford patted Eric's shoulder while still carrying Eric's bag with the other.

"You are most welcome my lad."

"Would you like something to drink Eric?" Dark asked as he silently retrieved the bag from Wilford, who had given his husband a quick passing kiss on the cheek in exchange.
"Or would you like to start unpacking before we have dinner?"

Eric was distracted briefly;  thinking how lovely it was to see how much the couple really seemed to care for each other, before chastising himself for being weird for looking at them before he gave an answer.

"Uh... could I unpack first please?"

"Of course," Dark stepped closer, looking eager to be with Eric as Wilford chuckled softly to Eric's confusion.

"Will I've gotten everything else prepped, it's just the pasta that needs to be cooked..."

Dark placed his hand on Eric's back with a touch that Eric felt immediately relaxed a little under.

"We're making mac and cheese for tonight. Is that alright Eric? - or would you prefer something else to eat?"

'Its a trick. If you say you don't want it - it'll mean you won't get anything.'

Eric's expression faltered at that thought - not really believing that Dark would do something so cruel, but still feeling wary about making any kind of demands when he had only just arrived. Forcing himself to smile politely, Eric quietly responded.

"T-that's fine. I haven't had that in a long time..."

Actually, Eric had suddenly realized that the last time he ate mac and cheese would have been just before his Mom had passed away years before losing his brothers.

Not wanting to go down that route of memories while still too close for comfort to falling into a little state; Eric looked down at his bag in Dark's hand and started to reach for it.

"I'm sorry, I can take my bag-"

"It's alright dear, you're the guest so I don't mind carrying your bag up."

Without any further debate - Dark lead Eric upstairs while Wilford waved at them cheerfully before entering the kitchen.
Going up the stairs, Eric recognized everything from his last visit to the house; familiarizing himself with everything while Dark lead him to the room where he had stayed at on his last visit.

"Just to let you know..." Dark's deep voice caught Eric's attention before either of them opened the door,
"We have done some decorating and bought a few more things to prepare for your stay. If you do feel like it's too much for whatever reason, you can sleep in the guest room down the hall - although please let me or Wilford know if its due to anything in there that has upset you and it can be removed without issue."

Eric felt a little trepidation; remembering the room had been quite big with the bare minimum furniture that had a bed and a table that he had later realized could be a changing station - alongside a toy box with a few new toys inside, just in case Eric had regressed during his stay.
With a nod while bracing himself for whatever he was about to see; Dark gently pushed open the door and let Eric walked in first as his eyes widened in response.

The room that had just been pastel blue during his last stay, now had fluffy white clouds painted all over the walls with tiny cute wild animals like elephants and giraffes sitting on top - while the border at the top of the walls had a pattern of darker blue birds flying around.
The lamp shade hanging from the ceiling was a collapsible paper sphere with smiling faces on the sun and moon printed around the sides; which was when Eric noticed the pale star-shaped stickers scattered on the ceiling that looked like those glow in the dark stickers - reminding Eric of when one of his older brothers had stuck some on the side of the wardrobe in the room they had shared.

Looking around more while Dark set his bag on a nearby chair, Eric saw that the same drawers, closet, desk, bed and bedside tables were still here from last time.

However, the bedding now had a bright blue cover that had rainbow paw prints all over with a cushion shaped like a cartoon version of a smiling golden retriever dog placed right by the pillows.
On the bedside table was a lamp that had a dog covered in stars at the base under the starry lamp shade, next to a digital clock that had a figure of a sleeping ginger cat on top.

The part of Eric's thoughts that would have been urging to fight against this was overcome by awe from both his little side and Eric himself the more he examined the room.

'I didn't even give them anything to work with when Dark and Wilford asked what I liked... but they both remembered that I liked animals... and really did all this, for me.'

"Eric?"

Eric quickly looked to Dark, who seemed unusually nervous as he approached him.

"Is there anything you don't like? Remember, we can always change it or get anything else that can make your stay more comfortable."

"It already looks like you spent a lot on this room already..."

"Please don't worry about the costs. Wilford and I are more than able to spend as much as we need to. Just as long as we can make you happy and cared for during your stay, that's all that matters to us."

Eric bit his lower lip, not feeling even remotely worthy of having anything spent on him when being treated the way that both Wilford and Dark have already been doing was more than enough for him.

"I..." Eric looked down at Betsy in his hands, as her shiny plastic eyes stared back at him.
"I like it all. It's... it's really nice and... Thank you."

"You're welcome dear." Dark looked relieved at Eric's reply.
"Shall we unpack?"

Once Eric had placed the bunny stuffie onto the bed, Eric got to work unpacking his bag.
There wasn't much of Eric's belongings to unpack. A lot of his clothes were really his 'big' clothes, with the exception of the few comfier clothing that he was able to bring with him that he had worn for his 'little' time in the past. It was only some plain shirts and sweat pants, along with a bear onesie that he had bought spontaneously - but never had the courage to actually wear it, even when he was alone in his room.

While putting his clothing and belongings away, Eric had wandered over to another set of drawers - opening to discover a collection of adult-sized baby clothing and diaper supplies that would essentially be for a little like him.

"Are you alright?"

Eric didn't dare look to Dark, as a twist of worry went through him. Once Dark stood close enough to see the source of Eric's anxieties, the caregiver understood his sudden silence.

"Ah..."

"Are you going to make me wear these?"
Speaking softly, Eric could feel Dark move in closer; prompting him to look up to see that Dark was offering a one-arm hug that Eric was already leaning into regardless of his own concerns.

"No. I meant what we had said the last time you were here Eric. We will still offer a few things for you to try, but neither Will nor I intend to force you into anything. The last thing that I want to do is to make any of this seem like a punishment to you my dear."

Eric eased more into the caregiver's hug, while battling the internal mix of disgust, guilt - and want for the things that could make him feel good with being a little.

"The only exception would be in the event that you might... involuntarily regress. Only then would we do what would be needed to take care of you until you are feeling big again. You have my word on that."

"Oh..."

Eric had no choice but to believe him; knowing that in worst-case scenarios where he might not even have control over himself - Eric would not be able to have a say or possibly an awareness at all on what he wanted.

And yet - even though Eric was probably making everything a lot harder than it needed to be for the Warfstaches, they were still trying to put his comfort first when they didn't have to. Especially when any other caregiver would have probably run out of patience for him by now and would have either subdued him by force or just give up on him for being 'difficult'.

What they were doing and had been doing, really meant a lot to Eric - even if it didn't seem like it between his fears and constantly forcing himself to stay as big as he could.

"I'm, I'm sorry I'm being weird about this. I use to wish more than anything that I could be accepted as a little and have my Dad, or anyone, look after me. But now... I'm afraid of being so little and - you two could have had an easier time with any little other than me... I'd understand if I get to be too much."

"Eric, you are most certainly not too much for us. You are wanted here and we will take however long it needs to take to let you become comfortable at your own pace..."

Eric felt himself tear up slightly from such Dark's touching words, as he turned to face Dark while the caregiver continued speaking gently;
"I have never wanted to look after a little just because it would be 'easy'. In truth, all littles have their needs and difficulties that any decent caregiver would work on catering for while providing care for them. Perhaps you do need some more help than others, but that's all the more reason why I want to help care for you as much as you will let me and Will do so."

Eric looked away, staring down with a sniff at the cute puppy embroidery on one of the folded onesies before him.

"But... even my Dad thought I was annoying, even without having to deal with - this part of me."

Dark paused, squeezing Eric a little on his shoulder where his hand rested protectively.

"I... can't say that I'd agree with that. You are far from annoying as you are now, and I have a hard time imagining that you would be when - and if you do - regress during your stay with us. If you do regress, it would be a privilege to care for you Eric. For both me and Wilford."

Eric felt his lip wobble a little, almost wanting to give in - to be small and follow that trust he had in Dark so that he could finally let himself be so freely small.

'Don't. Just got here... if we gave up so quickly, what would Dad say?'

Even though there was no way of Derek knowing, it was still a sobering thought that made Eric push back that headspace even further with an ache.

"In any case-" Dark continued, "-even if you do not wish to stay with us at the end of the month, I still want to show you that you are just deserving of being cared for as any other little. At the very least I hope that you can find a way to be at ease with regressing in your own time, and perhaps you can learn what that entails during your stay here with us."

Eric moved out of Dark's hug to lift up his glasses and rub his eyes to rid of any signs of crying while his voice wobbled.

"You're... how can you be so nice to me?"

'How are you so kind when I'm the last person who deserves it.'

Dark smiled, giving Eric a pat on his shoulder before dropping his hand to his side reluctantly.

"You're very easy to be nice to my dear... and I think you could do with a bit more kindness, perhaps even be spoiled a little more."

Eric felt slightly flustered, as Dark looked slightly humored at his reaction. Before the little could think of anything to say in response, Wilford then called up the stairs to say that dinner was ready.

"Well then, shall we go down for dinner?"

"Yeah."

Eric was about to follow Dark, when he stopped at the sight of Betsy laying sideways down on the bed.

Without thinking, Eric went over and picked her up - intending to place her near the top of the bed by the pillows, when he started to feel reluctant about letting her go.

"You can bring Betsy with us if you want to. She doesn't have to stay up here Eric."

As tempting as it was with that now distant fuzz in his head starting to push in after having such a raw talk with Dark, Eric felt too embarrassed to do so. It didn't help when another of his 'meaner' internal voices spoke up louder in his head again.

'You're a grown man. What kind of creep needs to bring a toy around with him? I should put it right in that toy box and forget about it...'

Eric's own breath hitched at that thought; almost enough to make him want to hold the toy close for a hug as an apology for even thinking such terrible thoughts about Betsy.

Even though Eric knew that the stuffed bunny was just a thing; he knew that he had already grown attached to her and part of him hated the idea of treating her so badly for no reason...

Shaking his head, as well as any thoughts of aging down over a toy when he had only just got a grip of himself - even if the bunny was a cute toy. Eric went on to place the stuffie at the top of the bed by the dog-shaped cushion as a compromise for his little side; imagining the dog keeping Betsy company in the room while he was away.

"Its alright, she can stay here."

Stepping back from the bed, Eric replaced the empty feeling in his hands with his blankie that he had pulled out of his pocket to sooth himself before turning around to face Dark with a timid smile; while Dark gave Eric a long careful look.

"Are you sure?"

Eric nodded, ignoring the collide of thoughts and feelings that were caught between wanting to rush back to the bunny - and just give into that part yearning to just let go; while still holding himself together out of sheer determination to prove that he still had some sense of control over himself.

Eric tried not to get hung up on what his Dad would have thought of him right now and pushed onward past his own internal berating to follow Dark and his warm caring presence out the room.

"Alright. Lets go have some dinner. We can always come back and get her at any time if you want to later."

"Ok..."

Eric replied; thinking over what Dark had just said and how the couple has been treating him since the day they had met.

They were... nice. Just nice in a way that Eric didn't have to think too hard about while both he and Dark made their way to the kitchen; just in time for Wilford to finish plating up the food.

Despite the constant anxiety that Eric usually carry with him, he realized that he was actually feeling pretty hungry once he saw of the food laid out on the table.

He went to take a seat at the table, when Eric suddenly stopped at the sight of the large high chair placed at the end of the table.

Already feeling his face heat up with humiliation and his self-hatred creeping back in; his appetite was starting to diminish before it barely had a chance to linger.

"Eric..."

Wilford's voice drew Eric's attention. There were no signs of ill-will nor mockery that Eric briefly feared would be there, only to see that cheerful smile slightly hidden under Wilford's styled mustache looked really genuine to him.

"Would you like to give the high chair a try? If not, I can put it away and you can have a regular chair tonight if you prefer?"

Eric paused; not expecting to have a choice. But like the couple had promised him, Eric could choose to try these things... and if he really didn't like it, then maybe he could trust them to let him out if the chair felt too much.
So far, Eric hadn't needed to say that he didn't like something that he had tried so far - but the reminder that Eric could say no put him somewhat at ease.

So with a deep breath, Eric nodded; ignoring the voice at the back of his head for not even trying to fight back at all while justifying to himself that he would just simply stay aged up while trying these things.

So as Wilford lifted Eric to sit him down and softly locked the tray into place in front of him - Eric tried not to give into to either that encroaching fuzzy 'small' feeling, nor the disappointment in himself for 'giving in' so easily; and tried to focus on what was happening now.

Wilford patted Eric's hands that were now resting on the tray with a gentle tone in his voice.

"Thank you for trying this Eric, you really are a brave boy."

Eric blushed, not thinking that he was brave at all - as Dark and Wilford sat down on either side of him after his own dinner plate was set before him.

It was mac and cheese, just as Dark had mentioned earlier, with a small portion of vegetables to the side that made Eric's stomach rumble softly in eager hunger. Before he could ask for any utensils, he saw that Dark had a fork in his hand - ready to feed Eric himself.

'Oh...'

Was this too much? Eric wasn't sure any more as he tried not to get his blankie out after having put it back in his pocket - and waited as Dark scooped up some of the food onto the fork.

'I should ask to feed myself, shouldn't I?'

Instead, Eric opened his mouth as Dark lifted to food to his mouth - feeling awkward while accepting the morsel into his mouth as he chewed, and liking how tasty it was as Dark readied the next portion of food onto the fork. Eric soon got used to being fed a few bites in, when a sudden thought popped into his mind.

'If I hadn't liked this meal - if I had refused to eat it; would they punish me by not giving me anything to eat at all?'

Eric slowed down his chewing; not really believing that either men would purposely do something so cruel and almost certain that they would happily make anything else for Eric if he had asked them. But as Eric opened his mouth for the next portion of food; another memory came to mind...

He had been very small; just about old enough to be joining his older brothers at the dinner table and hadn't wanted to eat the remaining food on his plate.
Then his Dad was there - holding Eric tightly by the neck and started to force the food into his mouth and threatening that if he were to spit any of it out, Derek would force him to eat it again - all while his brothers stared into their own plates and saying nothing at all.

"Eric? Are You alright?"

Coming back to the presence to see the worried look on Dark's face; Eric realized that he had started to cry as a tear rolled down his face that he had quickly wiped away. Nodding, Eric opened his mouth to silently ask for more food.

Dark seemed hesitant, but had started to gather more food onto the fork.

"Are you sure? If you don't like it, you done have to force yourself to eat it."

"...Please can I have some more?"

Eric sounded smaller, not quite slipping but entering into that very mixed headspace that the Warfstache had seen briefly before. So without further questioning, Dark continued to feed Eric; still looking concerned - but eventually helped the little to clear his plate.
Once he and the husbands were done with their own meals, the two men had shared a look between them before Dark put down the fork and placed his hand over Eric's.

"Would you like something to drink?"

Eric paused before nodding.

"Yeah and - sorry, can I get out this chair? And can- can I have some water from a regular cup please?"

"Of course my dear."

Without hardly any hassle, Dark quickly got Eric out of the chair while Wilford fetched him a cup of water. As Eric stood for a moment with a slight wobble, he was caught by Dark who gently held him by the arms with a pause.

"Eric, is it ok if I hug you? If you don't want to you can say no."

'I should refuse. What would Dad say-?'

But before Eric could truly let himself resist, he went right into Dark's arms - relaxing into the caregiver's warmth while the critical voices in his head were hammering with guilt for wanting comfort 'even though he was clearly too old - too big' to want it.
Dark's Caregiver aura enveloped over him like a cocoon - not quite pushing him into regressing, but certainly making Eric feel so safe while Dark's deep voice soothed the aches inside from holding back the tense grasp of his bigger self to stay in place.

"Was the high chair too much?"

Eric shook his head slightly against Dark's shoulder.

"No its just... It made me think of- of a not-great memory..."

Considering how often he had brought up his Dad around Dark and Wilford - Eric didn't want to say anything more about that specific memory when he realized that he had only ever talked about the bad things that had happened in the past when it came to Derek.
Eric knew that there were good things... just not when it came to Derek reacting to his little status or parts of his childhood.

'What if they tell the social worker everything I said? Would Dad get into even worse trouble over me?'

Eric didn't want to think about that; knowing his nerves was only going to push him even further into a vulnerable position of regressing way too soon.

"Dinner was really tasty. I-I didn't mind the chair..."

Eric blush, feeling bad for not saying otherwise.

"Its a little scary to be locked in, but... I liked the food that you and Wilford made for me. So, thank you..."

"Did anything in particular trigger the memory, like the chair or being fed?"

Eric shook his head lightly; feeling bad for worrying Dark for being like this.

"I- I was thinking while eating... just thinking that if I hadn't liked the food, then I might not get fed or would get punished another way. Sorry."

Eric felt Dark hug him tighter while sensing that Wilford was standing close behind him.

"You won't be punished for expressing how you feel Eric. Nor for not wanting to eat something. You can always tell us - and I promise that we will never ever use food as a punishment of any kind in this house."

There was something in Dark's voice that made Eric feel guilty for suggesting that they would do such a thing.

"I know, I'm sorry. I didn't really think either of you would - but I was having bad thoughts again and it just made me think of other things."

"It's alright Eric, you don't need to apologize."

Eric pulled back a little to see Dark giving him a soft smile while Wilford chimed in.

"We're all still figuring things out as we go, and a little clarity doesn't hurt, right?"

"Right."

Dark spoke sounding like he needed the reassurance, as he and Eric parted from one another before taking a seat at the table - with Eric sitting across from Dark with Wilford by his side.
Eric noticed that the cup of water placed before him was a plastic tumbler with dolphins printed around the top and was almost going to point it out, when he saw that Wilford and Dark had similar ones to drink from...

He didn't really mind as he picked it up to sip from while they all got into talking more about other things from what was going on at Wilford's office with the Jim brothers shenanigans and how Dark was looking into the types of plants that could be added to the garden at this time of year.
The change of topic was appreciated and Eric was happy to be included in the conversation without it ever feeling like either of them were talking down to him.

Like he was really wanted and not just as a little for them to have.

Time went by and Eric felt a little more 'himself' as the fuzz in his mind eased back again. Wilford then stood up to pat Eric on the back with a boost of cheer in his tone.

"Right, well... how about I get things cleared up and you two can decide what you would like to do next for the evening."

"Can I help?" Eric spoke timidly - wanting to do his bit around the house and feeling like he should help out when he can if he was going to be staying for a month.

Once the couple shared another look, they'd agreed and were all soon tidying up dinner together.

Eric knew that Dark was keeping a close eye on him after his brief crying at the table - but the three of them were soon at the sink; with Wilford washing, Eric drying and Dark taking the plates and utensils to store away in the correct places.

He liked helping and felt strangely comforted between them; ignoring that feeling in his head that he knew deep down was going to lead to him regressing at any time.

But for now, Eric let himself enjoy this moment as the three finished up cleaning and talked amongst themselves into the evening to the end of Eric's first day here.

Chapter Text

Eric lasted three days while staying with the Warfstaches, before something in him finally snapped.

Despite all of his attempts to partly regress during the night in hopes of alleviating the internal build-up of stress; all of Eric's efforts to remain 'big' before the couple seem to dwindle by the hour the more he felt himself grow closer and closer to just giving in.

As promised, Dark and Wilford kept their word to let Eric set the pace without putting any pressure on him to do something that he would be uncomfortable with. The couple had only suggested trying a few activities or items, while talking Eric through the process to see if anything had a positive or negative effect on him.

Even when these attempts did not result in regression, neither men had ever expressed any signs of disappointment in him; even going as far as to praise the little for just allowing them to try.

Eric felt undeserved of such praises. Sometimes he straight-up felt undeserving of them.

'They deserve a better little than me. I don't want to be a little and even if I did... I'd probably do it wrong any ways...'

Adding to the fact that it had been literal years between hiding his status and holding back his little side as much as possible, Eric knew that something had to give sooner or later - especially when the pains in his bodies were starting to get a bit more worrying and his trust in the couple was only developing the more time Eric spent with them.

There had been many close calls; from Dark's soothing voice explaining the details about his job while Eric curled into the caregiver in a relaxed daze, before snapping himself out of the sudden urge to be so cuddly - to Wilford's sense of whimsy and humor making it painfully easy for Eric to let himself be carried away by his antics, only for that meaner inner voice guilting him into aging up against the wishes of his little side.

Perhaps it was trying out that cutesy cereal for breakfast that morning or letting himself look a minute too long at the picture books stored in the corner of his room that made Eric feel a bit more susceptible to falling into little space.

But it all came down to later in the afternoon, where everyone was settling down after dinner with plans to watch a movie.

It wasn't the first time they had done that - in fact, Wilford and Dark had been offering to watch movies that Eric had largely missed out on as a kid. Eric had let Dark and Wilford choose the movie for the past two nights, but now it was Eric's turn... and he was already feeling particularly tired, achy and ready to age down with only his own weakening determination preventing Eric from 'giving in' right at that moment.

"What movie would you like to see Eric? We have dvds here or we can try and look to see what's available on netflix?"

Eric felt the sudden urge to cry; just to get some relief alone in his room for a couple of minutes where he could safely regress before forcing himself to age up again.

But even thinking about doing that felt too much for him right now. Eric knew how close he was getting to 'letting go' - knowing that he was suppose to tell Dark and Wilford what he was feeling. That he could trust them; that everything the couple had done so far only proved to Eric that they cared enough not to hurt him, so why can't he let go?

'Not allowed. I'm not allowed.'

Eric fidgeted with his blankie, not wanting to express his current inner turmoil and thought about trying to sleep it all away in an attempt to stave off regressing for one more day.

"Can - can I go to bed early please?"

Worry crossed both of the Warfstaches faces; making Eric feel horrible on top of everything else he was just doing wrong.

'When will it end? How can I just keep on doing the wrong thing all the time?'

"It's a bit too early to go to bed just yet."

Dark approached him with his hand already out - ready to check Eric's temperature with the back of his hand.

"Are you feeling alright? We don't have to watch a movie if you do not want to dear. We can do something else if you prefer."

'I'm tired. I can't do this any more... I can't let Dad down, but I can't tell them. I can't...'

"I'm f-fine!" Eric stepped back with a nervous smile - knowing that he shouldn't lie, but could feel how close he was getting once he turned to look as the neatly organized dvd collection on the couple's shelf.

"I- I just don't want to pick out the wrong movie, you know?"

Neither of the Warfstaches looked like they believed Eric, but didn't question it as Wilford gave him a warm smile while stepping towards the collection.

"There's no wrong movie my boy, but I would be more than happy to pick something out for you if you like?"

Nodding with the relief of not having to choose; Eric still felt strained from his other internal anxieties while Dark gently guided him to the couch to sit down between the couple. But once the movie about a bear and his woodland friends had begun to play on the screen; the tension in Eric started to diminish as he relaxed into the sofa while focusing on the calming animated movie.

Feeling warm and comfortable; Eric had leaned into Dark while unwinding into a light doze - not quite noticing that Dark had loosely brought him into a one-arm-hug to allow the little to snuggle closer to him. With the exhaustion finally winning over Eric, he unknowingly started to slip into a smaller mind space in that brief moment of content.

'...Did anyone ever hold me like this before? Mommy might have, but I don't remember... Daddy didn't. Dad-'

Unfortunately, that drowsy thought of this father suddenly brought Eric right out of his light sleep at lightening speed. He felt fear of being caught by Derek while feeling so little, then confusion of not being in his bedroom - then remembering where he actually was. Suddenly standing up way too fast from Dark's side, Eric ended up stumbling over himself and landed hard onto the floor.

Tears and panic sprung forth with a mix of his mind fuzzy with regression; Eric cried out fearfully.

"I'm sorry!"

There was a moment where Eric didn't know if that apology was meant for the couple or his Dad; but looking up to see both men standing over him with their hands out towards him - he instinctively thought the worst was about to happen and immediately curled up into himself.

'They're gonna hit me!'

"Sorry- I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me! I'm sorry - I can be big- please!"

It had been some time since Eric had felt so small around anyone else with the exception of Randal, that all the little could do was feel that he was in the wrong for being so vulnerable in front of anyone else - 'and what if Daddy found out?' - surfaced in his mind that only pushed Eric into crying harder as he tried to preemptively shield himself from whatever impact was about to hit him.

But neither a hand nor belt came any where near him; nor anyone telling him how disgusting he was, while Eric squeezed his eyes shut between the sobbing and disjointed pleading that was slipping through his mouth.
Instead, there was a very light touch on his back that had initially made Eric flinch - but helped him to focus on the deep familiar voice that was currently softly speaking to him through the rush of internal emotions.

"-You're safe sweetheart. It's ok. You're ok. It's just me and Wilford - no one will hurt you Eric. You're safe here..."

"I didn't- I didn't mean to." Eric whimpered, raising his head to look into the eyes of the caregiver who had slowly moved closer while trying not to scare Eric further.

"I know dear, you haven't done anything wrong. I promise."

A strange swell of feelings that had been held back for too long came up as Eric tried and failed to hold it back - feeling too small for such big emotions and only slightly uncurling from his protective ball to clumsily rub his tearful eyes, knocking his glasses askew as a wail burst out of him.

"I want my Daddy!"

It wasn't the only thing on the little's mind - but the worry of not seeing his Dad, among other things, were finally unleashed as Eric felt himself being brought into Dark's lap. There was a second of hesitation before Eric started to cling onto Dark - knowing that this caregiver was someone he knew he could trust as he continued to cry harder while being held so close under the caregiver's safe and secure aura.

It helped Eric to feel so much better, despite all of the other overwhelming emotions that were now pouring out of him.

After hearing Eric's exclamation, Dark had paused his words, but eventually carried on speaking comfort to the distraught little. Holding Eric securely while rocking him slightly; Dark let Eric cry out what must have been a lifetime of pent up feelings that the poor boy had been made to hold back for far too long.

"I know, I know sweetheart. You miss him don't you?"

Eric nodded, his head now raised and resting his chin on Dark's shoulder - noticing that his glasses had been removed at some point without realizing. 

Even though Derek was never the kind of father who had provided comfort, even when Eric was a literal child - Eric still missed him and wanted to see him again just to know that his Daddy was alright and hadn't forgotten about him. He also didn't want to be a bad boy for being little, but couldn't help it - especially right now when he couldn't age himself up, and honestly did not want to as Dark comforted in a way that made Eric feel ok enough to be like this.

While Eric continued to cry, Dark's deep voice rumbled through the torrent of feelings within the little that was only just starting to slow down.

"Its ok. You can let it out. You've been holding back for so long - you can be little here."

After a while, Eric's tears soon started to ease up; feeling lighter and exhausted as he leaned into Dark's embrace with a snuffle into the caregiver's shoulder. His heavier thoughts felt more distant without having to force himself against his natural urges to regress; and he didn't feel as much aches and pains that he normally would, even during his brief periods of regressions.

'You can be little here.'

He felt Dark's hand rub his back as the little took in a moment of peace; not thinking of anything in the pleasant fuzz that had taken over, before Eric eventually pulled back slightly to rubs his sore eyes with a sniff.

"Glasses?"

Dark gave him a small smile; continuing to hold onto him without any signs of pushing Eric away. It gave the little some encouragement that helped Eric to relax into the Caregiver more.

"They're just on the table Eric."

"I get them back?"

"Of course my dear. Are you feeling a bit better now?"

Eric paused before nodding a little, leaning back into Dark for another hug that the caregiver was more than happy to give to comfort the little.

"Uh-huh. Lots of feelings."

"It was a lot wasn't it?"

"Sorry."

Eric spoke softly into Dark's neck and sighed into the feeling the caregiver's fingers running through the hair on the back of his head.

"Its alright. You're really little right now and I don't mind at all my dear."

Eric lightly shook his head against Dark.

"No. Not little."

"Oh? Not little?"

"Nuh-huh."

"So I have a young man on my hands right now?" Dark spoke softly in a bemused voice as Eric nodded while squeezing slightly into the hug.

"Yeah."

Dark chuckled, patting Eric on the back.

"That's alright Eric, I don't mind if you're big or small."

"...Really?"

"Really. Now - shall we get up from the floor? I think the couch would be a bit more comfortable, wouldn't you agree?"

Eric did nod, but whimpered when Dark pulled away - only to cling back onto Dark when he was being picked up and carried back onto the sofa, where he was now sitting on Dark's lap. Dark pulled out a handkerchief to wipe Eric's face with and was encouraged to blow his nose in, before putting the cloth aside and let Eric cuddle some more.

"There we go, that's much better isn't it?"

Eric hummed with a nod, but proceed to snuggle into Dark and hiding his face into the caregiver's neck without wanting to talk any more than he had to.

Dark didn't mind the lack of response as the caregiver rubbed a small circles on Eric's back that just made the younger Derekson melt more into the cozy embrace as time passed by.

Wilford, who had felt helpless during most of Eric's emotional outburst; had done all he could to try to help. Setting aside Eric's glasses; then briefly leaving for the kitchen before returning with a bottle and a cup of water for Eric; due to being uncertain of what headspace the little would be in.

He slowly approached the couch, seeing Dark and Eric cuddling in a heartwarming picture. The pink mustache man spoke gently to not disturb the peace.

"How is he?"

Dark looked up with such a soft expression, that made Wilford feel like he was falling in love with his husband all over again.

"He's... I think Eric has really regressed a lot further than I thought he would."

Setting the bottle and cup aside onto the table by the sofa, Wilford sat down carefully by the cuddling pair.

"He seems... small?"

Dark nodded in agreement; which had prompted Eric to lift his head up and look owlishly at Wilford - looking tired from all the crying he had done, but a lot more relaxed than before with a wide-eye look of innocent confusion to his new found freedom of being deep into little space.

"Hey there lad," Wilford greeted directly at the little, "Are you feeling better now?"

Eric paused, looking seriously in thought for a moment, before nodding with a slight hum and went back to hugging Dark while burying his face into the other man's neck.

Wilford chuckled at his response.

"Well, I brought you some water to drink if you're feeling thirsty. Or you can have it later..."

Eric made a quiet noise into Dark.

"Would you like a drink Eric?" Dark asked, "You can stay in my lap and have a drink sweetheart, you don't have to move away just yet."

That made Eric sit up a bit more to look at Wilford again with a quiet nod, as he lifted one of his hands to rub his thumb at the bottom of his lip - looking like he was tempted to start sucking his thumb but just managing to stop himself.

Wilford handed over the bottle to Dark and had started to rearranged Eric to sit sideways on his lap - which initially made Eric whine, but stopped once Dark had offered the nipple of the bottle to Eric.

"Do you want to hold the bottle yourself Eric?"

There was a pause before Eric just latched onto the bottle and gripped Dark's button-up shirt lightly as he started to drink the cool and refreshing water with the caregiver's help.
The little looked so peaceful and sweet while being cared for; barely taking any notice of the conversation between the couple as Dark and Wilford talked softly among themselves.

"Oh gosh," Wilford leaned in closer to Dark, "He really has slipped down, hasn't he?"

"I know. I had hoped that we would be able to avoid him from involuntarily regressing... but Eric has been fighting so hard against it since arriving. I just wanted him to feel safe enough to trust us."

"I'm sure he does my love."

Wilford place his hand on Dark's shoulder as a comforting gesture to his husband.

"I doubt that Eric would be holding onto you like that if he didn't trust you. He said that he's been afraid of losing control, so it makes sense that it's still a scary thing to go through after being made to hide his urges for so long."

"He should have never been made to do that."

There was something raw in Dark's voice as Wilford pecked his cheek with a soft kiss.

"I know... but he can now. He's here and knows that we're here to watch over him. And you've been a great caregiver for Eric ever since the day we've met him."

While Eric continued to suck on the bottle, he looked up and met Dark's eyes with an indescribable feeling shining through that felt ever so precious to the caregiver in that moment.

"I don't want to mess up." Dark whispered.
"Eric's been through so much... I couldn't forgive myself if I became one more person to hurt him."

"You won't my love. I know you won't - and I'll be right by yours and Eric's side to help as much as I can."

Dark looked to Wilford with a trembling smile.

"I love you Will."

"Love you too."

They kissed before turning their attention back onto Eric; who was nearly done with his bottle and looked content enough to keep sucking even with hardly anything left inside.

"Should I get Eric a pacifier?" Wilford questioned, as he reached over to lightly brush his finger against Eric's cheek.

"...I think we might have to change him soon if Eric stays this small to... avoid any accidents."

"Ah."

The bottle was removed, making Eric whimper and nuzzled his face against Dark once he felt himself being picked up and held close to the caregiver.

'Safe... safe. Warm and safe.'

For once, there were no pains and aches. No one yelling at him or being made to feel guilty for things he couldn't help feeling. No agonizing loneliness that Eric would often have to deal with no one to turn to.
Dark and Wilford were taking care of him, and Eric didn't have to think anything further than that.

It wasn't until Eric found himself being lowered into a wonderfully warm bath tub, scented with lavender bubbles; when he had suddenly came back more aware than before.

Not yet 'aged up', but just enough to be blinking curiously around him at the new location while still being in little space - looking up at Dark to see that his button up was now replaced with a very worn black t-shirt while the caregiver questioned his reaction.

"Eric? Is the water ok?"

Eric was still trying to gather what was happening, feeling older that he had minutes ago but still feeling the pleasant fuzziness of his mindset.

"Bath?"

"Yes that's right," Dark's voice became more gentle as Eric's hand felt over the bubbles surrounding him, "a nice bath before we get you ready for bed."

Without his glasses, Eric's vision was fairly blurry - as his hand brushed over the bubbles and water, before coming across something yellow and smooth. Curious of the newly discovered object, the little picked it up and felt around it to realize that it was a rubber duck.

"What did you find?"

Eric looked over the bath toy with a great deal of interest before turning to Dark with a small smile.

"Duckie."

"That's right," Dark praised, "It is a duckie. Do You know what noise a duck makes?"

"...Quack?"

Eric said quietly; focusing more on the toy as he played with it on the bath water and through the soap suds.

"That's right. Clever boy."

Eric blushed, not thinking he was ever clever - but still liked being praised as he played a bit more; pressing the duck down and feeling it bob up from the water repeatedly in playful fascination.

Suddenly, Eric froze up at the feeling of Dark washing his back with a soft sponge. The Caregiver slowed and spoke softly with reassurance.

"It's alright, I'm just washing you. Is it ok?"

Eric nodded, but brought the toy duck up to his chest to sooth himself from the conflicting feelings within him while Dark continued to wash him carefully.

There was an emerging distantly bad feeling that shamed himself for letting Dark wash or touch him at all - 'Like a stupid worthless baby' - which confused the little greatly.

Even if this was his first time getting bathed by Dark, the little trusted him a lot. The only other person Eric could even think about trusting in his little space was Wilford; but despite the positive feelings he had about the couple - Eric still felt horrible for being taken care of. It was as if there was an angry voice screaming at him to stop it all; that he should just age up already and stop being so disgusting.

'But I don't wanna be big again! Why won't the mean thoughts go away?'

Eric's breath hitched, closed to tears from these confusing complicated feelings that felt far too big for him to deal with right now. He just wanted to enjoy being in little space - to just let himself be taken care of by Dark without feeling so awful about it.

"Oh sweetheart - is something wrong? Is this too much?"

Eric shook his head, but still felt the weight of his meaner thoughts in his mind - just wanting to enjoy being cared for without feeling bad.

'I feel bad, but I don't wanna feel bad any more. I don't wanna be big again.'

Eric's eyes tears up, staring up at Dark who was looking back tenderly at the little as he continued to wash him.

After a few moments - even though Eric was still tense under the touch, the little didn't pull away from Dark either.
The caregiver soon started to talk Eric through the process of washing him; which was helpful despite Eric's ongoing feelings of contradicting confusing.
Holding onto the duckie also helped Eric; feeling secure with something comforting to hold onto through these anxious emotions while letting Dark bathe him until it was time to wash his hair.

"Here we are, you have a choice of two shampoos - apple or strawberry?"

Eric lit up at that, despite the still lingering tension in his body.

"Strawberry please."

Dark smiled at Eric's response while putting the apple shampoo back on the shelf.

"Do you like strawberry scents Eric?"

"Yeah, and-and so does Betsy."

"Ah - so she'll like how your hair smells when we're done?"

"Yeah."

Once Dark started to massage the shampoo into his hair, Eric felt himself start to melt under the caregiver's touches.
He couldn't completely enjoy himself since he was so unused to being treated with so much care and the bigger part of himself that was feeling uneasy that Eric wished would just go away - but it still felt nice.

Eric had let the toy duckie slip out of his hands as he closed his eyes; feeling Dark tilt his head back and rinse out the soap thoroughly all over. 

"Are you ready to come out the tub Eric?"

Blinking his eyes open, Eric nodded as Dark got everything ready before coming over to fetch him out the tub. Eric had just been encouraged to return the duckie to his 'home' - a little dish on the side of the tub where Eric carefully placed the rubber bird on before reaching his arms up at Dark after the plug was pulled out to empty the tub.

He was lifted out and settled on a big fluffy towel that Dark proceeded to wrap him in and then carried Eric over to the changing table to dry.
The caregiver rubbed the towel over him; which made Eric giggle between the ticklish sensations and how his hair was being ruffled.

"Are you ticklish?"

Dark teased as Eric shook his head with a smile - no longer feeling as bad as he did before while getting distracted by getting lightly tickled on his belly to make him laugh more while Dark finished drying him off and rubbed some lavender lotion on him. Dark then brushed out Eric's hair before laying him down onto the table.

"Eric, would you like your blankie?"

The little almost gasped at forgetting his comfort item, but happily took back the yellow cloth - which had smelt like it had been washed and put in the dryer while Eric had been in the bathroom. Unknowingly to him; Wilford had done just that along with bringing in a change of clothing before leaving unnoticed during Eric's bath time.

The cloth had helped to provide a distraction once Dark went on to fit a diaper onto Eric - which made the little freeze as Dark finished taping him in.

"It's ok Eric, you're ok."

'It must be ok if Dark says it is... right?'

There was that bad feeling again, but it was being over powered by a sudden boost of that spacey feeling again. Eric mostly felt unsure at this new experience, but not entirely hating it while getting distracted by the soft clothing that Dark was putting on Eric.

The little was being dressed in a blue and white stripy long-sleeved onesie that snapped over his diaper, before Dark slipped on a pair of navy blue cotton pajama shorts with stars printed over them - which were just long enough to reach the end of the stumps at the bottom of Eric's legs.

"There you go darling. All done."

Being sat up, Eric shuffled and adjusted to the feeling of wearing a diaper before he saw that Dark was carefully putting his glasses back on. Seeing everything clearly again while being faced with his caregiver, Eric smiled widely at the sight of Dark who seemed happy with his reaction.

He booped Eric's nose, making the little giggle softly before picking him up and carrying Eric out of the room.

"Shall we go to your room my dear?"

Eric immediately snuggled into Dark; who was keeping a secure hold on the little while speaking in a hush deep tone.

"I know it will take some time for you to adjust Eric, but I promise that we will give you as much time as you need. That we will be there for you and that can be safe here - big or small. I promise."

Something about those words touched something deep inside Eric; making him tear up and hugging tighter in response while being carried into his bedroom - where Wilford was waiting for them.

The pink mustache man greeted them with a grin while holding a couple of picture books in his hands from a nearby shelf.

"Hello, how are we doing?"

Dark came in and made his way over to the bed; sitting down and letting them both settle before Eric raised his head to look over at Wilford with a slightly dozy look in his expression.

"Had a nice bath and got to play with the duckie, didn't we sweetheart." Dark spoke fondly as Eric nodded, rubbing his eye under his glasses.

Wilford came over with the books in one hand and picked up a chair with the other, so that he could sit closer to the pair before him.

"Oh that sounds lovely - but is somebody starting to get a little sleepy?"

Knowing that he was the 'somebody' in question, Eric dropped his hand and shook his head - letting his thumb rub his bottom lip while still clinging onto Dark.

"No? Well then - would you like to heard a story? I have a couple of books for you to choose from..."

Shifting around to see what books Wilford was offering to him, Eric lit up at the sight of the one with a cute puppy surrounded by other animal friends on the cover and pointed to it.

"That one please."

"Very well and - ah."

Wilford got up to reach for something that was on Eric's bedside table - revealing it to be a sparkly blue pacifier.

"Would you like to have this before I get started?"

Realizing that he had brought his thumb close to his mouth again, Eric quickly moved his hand away and looked guiltily at Dark - who was already comforting him with a gentle one-arm hug while covering the little's hand with his own.

"You're not in trouble Eric. You can have it if you want it. If you don't want it, then you don't have to take the pacifier either - its entirely up to you."

Looking over to the item with a little hesitation, Eric then slowly reached for it cautiously in case it was about to be taken away from him.

Wilford smiled and placed the pacifier in his hand - allowing Eric to look it over as he shuffled in Dark's lap before decided to put it in his mouth himself and gave a few experimental sucks on it; finding that he liked it and snuggled himself against Dark.

"Do you like that Eric?"

The little nodded enthusiastic as the adoring couple looked happy to see Eric being so comfortable in his headspace and around them after everything that had happened so far. Even knowing that they all still had far to go throughout Eric's stay with them - just giving Eric this much security to be so freely small was just beyond precious to them.

With a look of joy shared between the husbands, Wilford then sat down and began to read the book Eric had picked out.

"Good. Very good... Well then, our story begins-"

With Eric snuggled close to Dark, who was supporting him while sitting across the caregiver's lap while Wilford read out the tale enthusiastically - the little took in everything.

He loved this. It all felt so very nice to be held and cared for - feeling cozy after being freshly washed and dressed in soft clothing; enjoying the paci he was sucking on in his mouth while listening to the story being read to him.

Eric didn't feel that meaner part of his mind nor the worries that would weigh in on him; just this wonderfully safe comfort that made Eric utterly relaxed.

By the time the story had come to an end, the little was falling asleep on Dark - unaware of being picked up and tucked into bed, while gentle rumbling voices were being spoken to him.

The last thing Eric was vaguely aware of was the feeling of a soft furry toy being placed next to him; which he subconsciously wrapped his arms around and snuggled into it under the blankets that had been drawn up to his chin. With a light touch of a hand brushing back his hair, Eric had fallen fast asleep into the most peaceful sleep of his life. 

Chapter Text

Slowly awakening from his dreamless sleep, Eric blinked up at the ceiling above and stared at the faint glowing stars scattered above while noticing the line of morning sunlight seeping through the gap in the curtain across the room.

For the first time in a very long time, he felt well and truly rested without having to wake up feeling dread for the day yet to come.

Instead Eric could feel the warmth and comfort of the bedding around him, along side the softness of his bunny stuffie cuddled up near his face.

It all felt so perfect.

Even with the memories of last night coming to mind; despite his concerns for losing control over resisting regression, Eric mostly felt content and touched with how the Warfstaches took care of him. Especially Dark, who had gone out his way to see that his needs were met and didn't mind how much his little self wanted to hug like he was making up for every touch-starved moment of his life.

He knew that was what Dark and Wilford signed up for when taking on a little, but it still meant a lot to Eric.

"I guess it wasn't so bad..."

Eric quietly murmured to the bunny, feeling partly silly for talking to a toy but mostly remembering the previously night so fondly that Eric barely thought about it.

But his reminiscing of the previous night would soon come to a halt once Eric shifted in bed and froze with the horrific realization that - not only was he wearing a diaper, but he had used it during the night in his sleep.

"Oh no."

Shame burnt through his body like a bolt of lightening; knowing that if Dark hadn't done so then Eric would have woken up to a wet bed.

'Disgusting. I'm disgusting. I'm the worst. This just proves it - I'm nothing but a dirty filthy little.'

Sitting up; ignoring Betsy, his blankie and the pacifier that had fell out of his mouth during the night and was now rolling off onto the bed - Eric cringed at the sensations from his soiled diaper and immediately felt his faint adult self slip right down into little space, as tears fell down his face in utter miserable self-loathing.

'Now they're gonna make me wear a diaper all the time like a stupid baby. All because I couldn't keep control, because of being so stupid stupid stupid - this is exactly what Dad wanted to prevent and I couldn't even-'

Sobbing hard and feeling panic grow more in his chest, Eric became distressed while his thoughts were spiraling between disgust, regret and self-loathing in a way that was making him feel physically sick.

'If Dad knew- if he ever found out, he'd kill me - I wish I was dead. I'd be better off dead than this.'

That last thought made Eric cry even harder; not wanting to really die but hating this current overwhelming feeling and having potentially disappointed his Dad more than any other mistake he has ever made in his entire life. His hand had made contact with the pacifier next to him on the bed; catching Eric's attention as he stared intensely at the object in his hand through the tears, before throwing it far away from himself and crumpling into a body-shaking wail.

'Why why why - why did I have to be like this? Why did I enjoy it when Daddy is in jail suffering? I'm so selfish. I should be better than this - but I'm not, I'm nothing. Wilford and Dark deserve a better little than me. I'm too stupid - disgusting - worthless...'

Covering his eyes Eric was finding it harder to breath the worse his overwhelming thoughts became. Between his own severe internal self-deprecation and all the chaotic feelings rushing around his suddenly aged-down mind; the reality of it all was too much for Eric to handle - hitting hard and making him feel too much all by himself. 

"-Eric? Eric dear please- what's wrong?"

Gasping between the sobs, Eric lifted his head and saw that Dark was now right there in front of him. Sitting on his bed near Eric and within reach, Eric took Dark's offered hand with a panicked breath and was desperately trying to ground himself in the midst of his current internal emotional storm.

"Are you with me Eric?"

Nodding, Eric squeezed Dark's hand through the tears and choppy breaths while Dark continued to speak calmly to the little.

"Alright- Eric, we're going to try a breathing exercise. Ok? Just like this - breath in one, two, three..."

It took a moment for Eric to follow the caregiver's instructions; but soon he was able to copy Dark's actions with every shaky intake of breath and long exhale. After a couple of minutes, Eric felt a lot more calmer - but was still visibly upset and still crying into Dark's arms the moment he was offered an embrace that was greatly welcomed.

"I got you Eric. I'm right here..."

Now that the panic had settled, the emotion was soon replaced with just as much guilt and self-hatred as before when Eric realized that not only did Dark had to deal with his breakdown and lack of control last night -  but also this morning's panic attack in addition to the fact that he had used his diaper.

'Like a filthy little.'

Eric didn't know how Dark was just keeping so calm and patient with him when he was obviously such a mess.

'What person would want me after all that? And how long would it be until they just hate my guts for being so pathetic?'

"I'm S-Sorry!"

"There's nothing to be sorry for my dear. Can you tell me what happened?"

Eric tried to stop crying, but his smaller head space and the awful culmination of feelings were pouring out from withing - which only served to make Eric feel so much worse for what had happened.

"I-I used it."

"What do you mean?"

Eric shuddered with an intake of breath between the sobs, feeling overwhelmingly embarrassed and disgusted at himself.

"It... the diaper."

"Oh."

Dark's voice softened with understanding, making something inside Eric burst out as he pulled back to speak up while trying to avoid meeting the caregiver's eyes out of guilt.

"I'm- I was big and I should have stayed big. But I didn't and- and I lost control when I wasn't suppose to. I was suppose to show that I didn't need to be little and maybe- maybe Dad could get out of prison if I just behaved. But now I'm all disgusting and bad because I was a stupid little baby. Daddy didn't want me to be like this and if he knew how gross I've been, he wouldn't love me any more!"

Eric hitched his breath between the tears, knowing that if last night's meltdown didn't change the couple's mind about having him - then how he was acting right now would surely be the final straw for Dark, who deserved a more grateful little who wasn't Eric. Who was sweeter and cuter and just about the opposite of how Eric felt about himself.

" -And you're gonna get tired of me! Even if you say you won't, you will because Daddy got annoyed with me and I get annoyed with me all the time. You say you won't, but you're gonna end up hating me 'cause I hate me more than anything!"

"Oh Eric."

Breaking into another round of sobbing, Eric finally allowed Dark to bring him closer into a warm comforting hug that glowed with Dark's caregiver aura. He made Eric want to hug back, but felt reluctant to do so and instead just leaned into Dark's chest as he continued to cry while resting his hand on the front of Dark's cotton button up shirt.

Dark didn't seem to mind as he began to lightly stroke Eric's back with soothing circles; prompting the little to melt against him despite his ongoing sorrows being poured out.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. I understand that this will still taking use to, but you are so wanted here Eric. If you do choose to stay here by the end of the month, you will be more than welcomed here. That's something that certainly won't change, I promise."

Eric gripped the front of Dark's shirt before his tears eventually slowed down to a sad sniff, not understanding why the couple would do so much even after his freak-out last night and the first thing this morning.

"But I'm gross. A-and I just cry all the time and get weird bad feelings in my head that get too much. Even when I felt like a happy baby yesterday I still couldn't enjoy it in the bath, 'cause part of me felt like I had to be big - that I can be big and not need to be little so that I'm not such a disappointment to Daddy. But I didn't wanna get big - but I still..."

Dark, holding him tighter while patiently waiting for Eric to finish; made the little feel that burst of little space - wanting so badly to believe that Dark really cared about him...

'But its not like he can love me. Daddy loved me, even though I did everything wrong and wasn't good enough for him... but even though Dark and Wilford had to put up with me, they've never got upset with me like Daddy did...'

Eric squeezed back, feeling hopeless with all these mixed contradicting feelings inside - where he felt like he had to fight against his status, while still wanting to enjoy the chance to regress for as long as the Warfstaches will have him.

"Maybe I'm too broken for this."

"No you're not Eric."

Dark spoke so gently it made Eric's chest ache.

"But I'm acting so weird. I know you said that you'd take care of me even with all - this. But-"

"You have never been given the chance to be safe."

Eric paused, pouting but listening to Dark.

"And that just makes me - that is Wilford and I - want to care for you more. To show you what you've been missing out on and have a place where you don't have to be fearful to explore this side of yourself - however you need to."

"But... isn't me not having a fixed age thing gonna make it more work? Won't you just get tired of me?"

"No." Dark smiled, "We were prepared for whatever age range would be more to your liking, and if that's something that changes, then we will simply do what we can to provide for you for whatever you need at that time."

Eric almost continued on with trying to show that he wasn't worth this much effort, that if the Warfstaches didn't hate him now then there would be no doubt that they'll hate him later...

But he was exhausted. From waking up into a panic attack, to his second round of outburst - followed by the shame that was weighing in on him right now; Eric was just too tired to keep debating and just wanted to go back to bed.

"I'm so tired."

Dark pulled back with his hands rubbing Eric's shoulder with comfort.

"Would you like some help getting cleaned?"

Eric rubbed his face, knowing that his face was blushing bright red up to his ears.

"Its embarrassing. I'm not even feeling as little as last night..."

"There's no judgement here Eric. I'm here to help no matter what."

Eric paused for a long time, not wanting to ask but eventually asked in a quieter tone.

"...Can you remove the diaper?"

Eric cringed at the slight whimper in his own voice - knowing that Dark wasn't disgusted with him; but it didn't change the fact that he was disgusted with himself for being a little and everything that came with it.
"And bring my prosthetics from the end of the bed too, please?"

"Of course."

Eric couldn't look, as he covered his eyes while laying back onto the bed while Dark places his legs on the bed and fetched what he needed - before taking a seat by Eric.

"You ready?"

He refused to open his eyes, but nodded with a shuddered breath. Once he gave his caregiver permission, Dark got to work.

"Ok, I'll be as quick as possible dear."

Eric almost expected Dark to give him some kind of baby talk while removing his pajamas shorts and soiled diaper as he would have done when Eric had been super little last night. But either Dark could just tell that wasn't what Eric needed right now or it was part of his super power as a caregiver; Dark swiftly removed the diaper with a few body wipes before disposing them into the small bin that he had brought over from the corner of Eric's room. Once he was done, Dark carefully brought Eric's shorts back up with a soft pat on his hips.

"There. All done."

Eric opened his eyes and removed his hands, as he stared up at Dark's face that was currently looking fondly back at him.

"Thank you..."

Eric slowly pushed himself up with a few deep breaths and reached over for the prosthetic legs to put on himself.

"When you're ready, would you like some help with getting washed?"

Part of Eric wanted to say yes, but felt like he had already put Dark through so much this morning.

"I-I'm ok. I'm a big boy and can do it myself."

Eric froze at what he said and looked up cautiously at Dark, who was giving him an understanding look that already eased any sudden tension in his body.

"Eric, you can wash yourself if you want to - but I would like you to be honest... how old do you feel right now?"

Eric felt a twist inside that felt too close to the panic he had just gone through earlier, and tried to swallow it back with a reminder that he wasn't in trouble and that Dark was just trying to help him.

"I... I don't know the number, but I don't feel like a really little kid. Definitely bigger... I-I can try and age back up and be an adult, but I just need a minute-"

"No no-" Dark gently halted his words, "I'm not asking you to force yourself into anything. Especially not after regressing so soon after holding off for so long."

With trembling lips, Eric looked down at his legs - staring at the one prosthetic he had managed to fit on with a pause.

"Then why do I still feel like this? I use to go in and out of regressing all the time like other littles do, so... why am I still...?"

Dark stepped closer, prompting Eric to look back up to the caregiver.

"You've never really let go before, have you? From what you have told me and Will - you have only really regressed for short periods of time while guarding yourself in case you had you age up - right?"

Eric nodded, prompting Dark to continue.

"Well... perhaps you're still adjusting. Your body and mind will find its own rhythm for regressing the more you get used to being in little space without feeling like you're in too much danger to do so. Perhaps when you feel ready for therapy in the future, you'll learn how to manage more in addition to handling your anxiety. But for now - your age range may be a little all over the place for a while."

"And... you're really ok with having to deal with me like this?"

"I'm not 'dealing' - I'm caring for you when you need me too, or just there when you don't need me - so that you know that Will and I are not that far away if you do need us to look after you."

Eric sniffed, focusing on putting his other leg on while trying not to cry again from how nice Dark was being to him.

'He's going to think I'm a total cry-baby if I keep this up.'

"Ok... but, I think I am big enough to shower myself though."

"Alright. Would you like me to set things up for you like clothing and shower supplies?"

Eric nearly resisted as a knee-jerk reaction, but really did feel tired after such an eventful morning.

"I'd like that please... um... can I have sweat pants instead of anything too little?"

"Of course. Is there any shirts you want in particular?"

"I don't mind."

Eric stood up onto his legs - feeling a little weird while still wearing the unsnapped onesie and cutesy shorts.

Once Dark had gathered a few items of clothing, he turned to Eric and offered his hand. Eric paused briefly with the thought of being seen as 'too big' for this, but took his hand anyways - wanting a little bit of comfort while being lead the way towards the bathroom.

Although Eric had washed himself in the shower, Dark had helped to dry and get him dressed - all while Eric was fighting an internal battle that both consisted of shaming himself and feeling cared for by Dark which served to boost his little side a bit more while the fear of regressing too far lingered in the back of Eric's mind.

'I shouldn't need to be babied if I'm this big - right? I am big enough to take care of myself like I've always had to do... but... it feels good when Dark helps me. Its nice... but I shouldn't need this. I shouldn't.'

Eric couldn't help but think about how often he had either been left to his own devices both as a kid and when he got older after being designated as a little.

Back then, there were times when Eric's older brothers didn't care if he was trailing after them or not; but for the most part they either picked on him for being the smallest - or because they had seen how Dad would treat Eric and just parrot a lot of the things that Derek had said and done directly to him.

It made Eric push more to take care of himself. Even if it made him feel so unlovable and wrong for reasons Eric would never understand, he hoped that it would all change for the better one day. That some day his family would love him once he figured out what he was doing wrong and change that part of himself to be good enough for everyone the little cared about.
But that day never came.

Yet here he was with Dark; who was willing to just accept Eric as he was - no matter how messy or broken inside he was, regardless of age range and apparently all the tantrums he keeps throwing...

Not wanting to voice up the tangle of thoughts going on inside his head, Eric stayed quiet while Dark dressed him.

Like the little had requested, Eric was mostly wearing clothing that didn't seem too 'childish' - but were wonderfully comfortable and soft against his skin. Just black sweat pants and a dark green long sleeved shirt - although, when Eric looked down, he saw a tiny embroidered tiger peaking over a small pocket sewn onto the front of his shirt. But the little couldn't help but like it - feeling that as cute as the design was, tigers are also really cool and the small little detail was a small cheerful thing that Eric appreciated seeing.

Washed, dressed and having ate breakfast with the Warfstaches before Wilford had left for work to interview a few people for an upcoming article - Eric then sat down onto the couch in the living room with a sigh.

Dark said that he would finish tidying up and that Eric could try playing with the toys in the basket by the far wall in the room, or do whatever he wanted like watching TV until Dark would be finished.

Instead, Eric felt a slight melancholic feeling come over him as he huddled into the couch with arms wrapped around himself and his blankie gripped tightly in his hand.

He could do what Dark had suggested and explore the small collection of toys to see what called to him - but parts of himself just wouldn't let him do that.

Taking the cushion that was next to him on the sofa, Eric hugged it close to his chest for comfort while he continued to stare at the basket of toys.

What if he found something that triggered himself into an even younger head space? What if he managed to do something wrong and pick the wrong toy or play with it so wrong that Eric would end up angering Dark?

He looked between the toys and TV and felt stuck between choices as he just stared while sitting quietly - right until Dark came into the room and accidentally startled the little.

"Eric? Are you alright?"

Dropping the cushion onto the floor, Eric snapped out of his thoughts nodding and stuttering with a response.

"Y-yeah, I'm-I'm fine. S-sorry-"

Bending down clumsily to pick up the cushion, Dark came round to stand closer to Eric while the little scrambled for a reason why he was just sitting doing nothing.

"-Just got- I got stuck and c-couldn't... couldn't think what to do."

He paused as Dark placed a hand on his shoulder; making Eric look up and see the caregiver looking at him with an aura of calm pulsing through - helping the little to relax and feel more grounded.

"Its alright Eric - there's no hurry to do anything."

As Dark lifted his hand and settled down onto the couch next to him, Eric let out a breath - looking away and feeling silly for acting like this.

There had been many mornings where he had been big and either was allowed to do pretty much anything he wanted from helping around the house or catch up on social media with the phone that he had been able to get back once he was allowed to retrieve some of his belongings from home. There had even been a few conversations about the possibility of letting him help with either Dark of Wilford's work to help gain some references for employment down the line if things didn't work out with the Warfstaches.

He was free to do anything he wanted... but when it came to this? While being regressed in an older mindset than the previous night; Eric felt like he shouldn't be doing anything that could get himself into trouble. Especially after the series of outbursts he's been having from last night and this morning, which somehow didn't make either of the Warfstaches reach for his social worker to come take him away from their home.

"I... I don't know what to do. I feel like I should be doing something more useful and not- be like this."

Eric admitted while holding onto the cushion with one hand and running his thumb of his comforting blankie with the other.

Dark didn't say anything for a long moment; until he turned his head briefly to look over the sofa as an idea visibly crossed his mind mind.

"Have you ever built a pillow-fort before Eric?"

Eric hadn't expected that question.

"N-no?"

Dark smiled, getting up to lift the sofa seat he had been sitting on to hold up as an example.

"Usually building one can involve cushions and blankets to make something of an indoors cozy fort."

Even though that same guilt and anxiety lingered, Eric was distracted enough about Dark's suggestion as he questioned the caregiver.

"Won't that mean making a mess?"

"A little bit - but it doesn't have to be anything elaborate. Everything we need is right here and should be easy enough to tidy away afterwards. Would you like to give it a try?"

Eric nodded shyly and followed Dark's lead. Just as Dark said, they used all the cushions and blankets that were already in the living room and had pushed the coffee table out the way to make more room to work with.

Starting reluctantly, the little soon eased into the activity as he helped to balance the sofa seats as walls with the foot of the couch for support while Dark placed additional cushions onto the floor to sit on.
The only thing Dark had gotten outside the room to help with the fort's construction was a kitchen chair to set in the center of the fort.
When Eric sat inside, Dark had draped a big blanket over the top as the fort's roof top - making Eric giggle when Dark peeked his head down at the entrance of the pillow fort.

"Do you think that's good enough Eric?"

Smiling wider, Eric nodded feeling enjoyment from making something like this with Dark and slipping more into his little space without thinking about his anxieties. It was genuinely fun for him and felt even happier when Dark joined him inside the fort; cuddling against Dark under another blanket that Eric had brought inside.

"This is great! It's like a little house inside or-or like we're camping in the living room."

Dark seemed pleased with Eric's reaction, wrapping an arm round Eric into a side-hug while speaking in a comforting tone that made Eric feel so safe in this moment with him.

"It does seem like that doesn't it? What else would you have for indoor camping?"

"Ummm, a pretend fire and marshmallows to make smores with."

"Pretend marshmellows?"

Dark teased as Eric shook his head with another giggle.

"No- real ones to eat for real. And we could tell stories, but nothing too scary 'cause I don't want nightmares before going to bed - and Betsy and Wilford come along too, 'cause Wilford tells the best stories and I think Betsy would like to join in too."

"That does sound like fun. Wilford is still out at work, but I can get Betsy if you want?"

Eric suddenly squeezed tighter, making Dark notice the sudden change in the little.

"Eric?"

The little turned his face into Dark's chest with a soft whimper that only made him worry more for Eric.

"Is something wrong?"

"... Please don't go. I- wanna hug more, please?"

There was something vulnerable in Eric's voice that made Dark bring his hand up to brush soothingly over the back of Eric's black curly hair.

"Alright. I'm not going any where Eric."

That made Eric tear up, turning his head so that he was looking out with his cheek pressed against Dark.

"Sorry."

"You don't need to apologize for telling me what you want. We can hug for as long as you like."

"I..." Eric thought about keeping these thoughts to himself, not wanting to say things about his family that might make them look bad - but in this head space and his growing bond with Dark just made the little feel so trusting towards the caregiver.

"I didn't hug a lot at home. We weren't huggers. My Mom and some of my brothers did when I was really tiny... but I was suppose to man up like a proper Derekson when I got older. I was suppose to be a big boy and not make everyone at home hate me for being-"

Eric sniffed as Dark's aura cocooned around them - feeling so safe and protected as the words continued to come out from him.

"For being a baby. I didn't mean to be a cry baby or be bad at everything. I wanted to at least be liked by my brothers... I wish that they didn't hate me so much."

"I'm sure they didn't Eric." Dark spoke roughly with an indescribable emotion tone as he held Eric closer, "Sometimes... sometimes it can be complicated with siblings. Family can be like that at times..."

Eric nodded sadly, rubbing clumsily wiping away the tears under his glasses - before resting his hand on Dark's chest with his blankie still in hand.

"Yeah..."

They sat there quietly before Eric spoke up again.

"Dark?"

"Yes Eric?"

"If I get too annoying, please tell me. I like you and Wilford a lot and want to be good - so if you don't want hugs, you'll say no - ok?"

"I could never imagine it would ever come to that Eric. You're such a sweet boy, and I will always be happy to hug you. If there is a situation where I can't, I'll promise to say so - but you're so lovable Eric, and I truly intend to remind you of that fact as many times as you need to hear it."

Eric's breath hitched - feeling something inside heal more. There were still parts wrong and hurting that will take so much longer to heal and sort out, but even this much time in this house with Dark and Wilford - particularly Dark; Eric was already feeling so much better when he was used to everything just going wrong for him.

'Maybe... maybe I will stay here.'

Eric wasn't anywhere near ready to say that out loud, but for now he accepted the comfort and care of Dark.
Wilford would soon come by with lunch and a more cheerful Eric who embraced this regression while he was still able to before his own fears would come back in to remind him of his doubts.

But for now, he was happy.

Chapter Text

Even after everything that had happened so far into his stay with the Warfstaches, Eric still felt reluctant to age down once he returned to his bigger headspace.

There was no doubt how much he has been able to relax under the care of Wilford and Dark; especially with how much he has bonded with them during his regression and all the times he had either been between little space or clinging onto being 'big' to keep himself safe.
Eric definitely knew that his life has improved for the better than it would have been if he was still hiding with his Dad.

But even thinking that always hit Eric with some guilt. It didn't help when part of himself worried that something 'bad' would happen - something that might change Wilford and Dark's mind to make them start hating him.

Then there was the fact that his social worker was suppose to be visiting soon to check up on him; which has only made Eric push himself to be as 'big' as possible in the past few days so soon after having dropped so hard into regression beyond his own control.

He wanted to show that he could still be able to push back that urge to regress and still be a capable adult like he had to be before being caught out.

But this morning, Eric knew he was going to struggle pushing himself to be bigger for another day.

Sitting up with a sleepy whine, Eric hugged his bunny close to his chest and rubbed his face into the comforting silky fur to sooth himself.

"Don't wanna be big."

Eric mumbled into Betsy, looking over to his bedside table where his blurry sight lingered on where his glasses had been placed the night before.

On mornings where he had felt like this in the past, the fear of his father finding out that he was struggling against regressing was enough to scare Eric into repressing the urge altogether.

Even if the price of suppressing his natural urges made Eric nauseous from pushing back so hard while having to deal with an intense pulsing ache in his body for the rest of the day, it was still better than to disappoint his father yet again when Eric was in too much of a vulnerable mindset.

"Glad I have you Betsy..."

Eric spoke sadly into his bunny before he gave his stuffie another comforting squeeze.

He knew that if he did leave this room and told Wilford or Dark that he was feeling small right now, that the couple would be more than happy to see him accepting himself into little space. Even more so with how the Warfstaches have treated Eric in both his bigger and littler mindset; he was almost confident that they were happy with him no matter what he chose to do today...

But he just couldn't do it. He just couldn't give in like that right now.

Sniffing into his bunny with one last hug, Eric then set Betsy onto his pillow and got himself ready for the day.

When he finally got to put on his button up and slacks to dress bigger, Eric squashed down the desire to dress something more comfortable - looking longingly at his onesie and tried not to pick up Betsy after he had made his bed.

'Be big. I've been little lots and lots already. More than I've ever had before staying here - so I just need to be a big adult. cause I am one. I can be little when I go to bed later. Just gotta stay big.'

With a few breathing exercises and his blankie hidden in his pocket for encouragement, Eric made his way down to the kitchen - where Dark was putting down some pancakes for himself and Eric while Wilford was just finishing up with his coffee.

"Good morning Eric," Dark's voice and caregiver aura made Eric feel weaker with the comforting warmth that was already threatening him to slip down further.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Y-yeah."

Eric looked over at the high chair that was thankfully folded up as he took a seat, trying to seem less nervous with a smile.

"Did- did you guys sleep well too?"

The pair shared a look, but Wilford answered first with a cheerful grin.

"Just wonderful my boy."

"Eric? Would you like to sit in the high chair?"

Dark asked gently, causing Eric to shake his head and focus entirely on the meal before him.

"No thank you, I'm ok..."

"Alright."

Eric looked up, feeling grateful that neither of the married men have ever tried to pressure him into doing anything he really didn't want. It showed yet again that the Warfstaches were just trying to make this all as comfortable for him as possible; even when any other little would have been more than happy to be cared for like this.

'They still deserve a better little than me. I should want to be with Daddy again. I don't deserve-'

Eric stopped those thoughts in their tracks; knowing that he couldn't afford to get emotional right now, even if the guilt and stress were already weighing on him in his mind that was dangerously close to giving in.

'Just focus on the pancakes. They look really nice...'

"Eric? I can make something else if you don't want pancakes. You don't have to eat them if you don't want to."

"No- I'm- sorry. Just thinking lots. Um... can I put something on my pancakes please?"

"Ah yes," Wilford slid over a bottle of honey that he had used on his already eaten breakfast.
"Well we seem to have run out syrup, but we do have honey!"

"You can also have some fruit to go with your pancakes if you like - Perhaps blueberries or banana?"

"Can I have some banana?"

Eric had expected Dark to hand over the fruit from the bowl at the center of the table, but the caregiver was already opening it up and slicing some on top of Eric's pancakes for him.
Blushing and thanking Dark again, Eric was determined to do something himself to prove how 'big' he was as he reached over and picked up the honey for his pancakes.

Squeezing the bottle, Eric watched the golden honey ooze out onto the pancakes and scattered fruit above. A small smile grew on Eric's face at how pretty the honey was in the light and how fun it was to squeeze the bottle - making more come out onto his breakfast.

"Ah, Eric?"

Dropping the bottle onto the table, Eric's breath hitched as he retracted his hands to his chest - thinking that he was in trouble for what was now more obviously too much honey on his pancakes and what was now splattered onto the table.

"I-I'm sorry!"

"It's alright..."

Dark was quick to hush Eric, getting up to comfort Eric with his hand gently rubbing his arm while picking up the honey bottle to place upright.

"No harm done. Were you having fun squeezing the honey?"

"Y-yeah."

Eric felt disappointed with himself for getting carried away, feeling himself tear up for being so bad and wasteful after trying to be so big.

'I would have gotten spanked for that; I don't think I would have been allowed to eat if Daddy saw...'

Eric took another deep breath and tried again to keep himself seeming bigger than he was feeling.

"I'm sorry - I'll eat it all... if I'm allowed."

"Of course you are-"

Dark soothed Eric while Wilford got a damp kitchen towel to wipe up the drops of honey on the table.

"-Would you like me to cut up your pancakes for you?"

Eric got out his cloth under the table to wring in his hands - hesitating to refuse since despite wanting to prove that he was big today, he was feeling jittery with anxiety and felt like he would have trouble with the cutlery right now.

"...Yes please."

Dark picked up the knife and fork to begin cutting up Eric's breakfast into smaller pieces, while Eric tried to calm himself down and remembering that he was suppose to be 'a big boy'.
By the time Dark was done, Eric felt like he could handle himself better now.

'I can still be big.'

Seeing that Dark was about to offer feeding him, Eric spoke up again with a stubborn determination that he could still prove that he could do things for himself.

"I can do it - can I have the fork please?"

"Are you sure?"

Eric nodded, accepting the fork Dark handed back to him with a warm smile.

"Alright dear."

Eric poked the utensil into the first honey and banana covered square; bringing it to his mouth and hummed happily at the taste as he swung his legs a little while enjoying the tasty pancakes.

Feeling a little proud that he could do this by himself and how happy Dark looked to see Eric eating his own breakfast, the little felt a lot better than before.

Subconsciously Eric let himself slip down into his head space without fighting against it. He had forgotten about his plans to be bigger with the distraction of a delicious breakfast, that was soon followed by a sippy cup of cold refreshing milk that Eric hadn't thought twice about when he picked up after Dark had placed it down in front of him.

It wasn't until Wilford had gotten up and cleared Dark, as well as his own, plates from the table to the sink - before Eric realized what he was doing just as Wilford came over to where he was sitting; ruffling his hair before bending over to give Dark a quick kiss on the lips.

"Well boys, I'm afraid I must depart for work now - but I do hope you have a good day today while I'm away!"

"Have a good day love, see you soon."

Once Wilford made his way out to leave for work, Eric became very aware that he had let himself be small.

'I couldn't even make it through breakfast. Because I'm a dumb baby...'

Dark had started to clean up and hadn't noticed Eric tearing up until he had put aside the last dish on the drying rack.

"Oh Eric, what's wrong?"

Sniffing, Eric noticed how much honey he had gotten onto himself and was trying not to cry; futilely hold onto being as big as he could while feeling ashamed for the mess he had made when he thought he could eat without help.

"Was trying to be big... but- but got little without realizing and - and I'm messy and sticky and-and a stupid baby-"

"Shhh no- lets not call ourselves names."

Dark's gentle disruption of Eric's self hate made the little pause as Dark continued; sitting down next to Eric and letting the caregiver rest his hand on Eric's shoulder.

"Its ok that you were little at breakfast Eric. You can be as little or as big as you want whenever you want, remember? Just as long as you're happy."

A tear fell down and Eric tried to wipe it away with his hand and cringed at getting honey on his face, letting out a sad shuddered breath.

"But I use to be able to be big all the time. I had to or else Daddy would get mad and people would know. Now I can't and-and I don't wanna not be big when I need to be!"

Dark's aura waved over; sending a soothing sensation through Eric that helped eased the sadness as Dark ran his thumb over the back of Eric's hand.

"I'm sure you feel big again Eric. But you're safe here in whatever mindspace you need to be in... Did you at least enjoy breakfast?"

Eric nodded with a pout.

"Yeah... I thought- I thought you were happy that I was feeding myself like a big boy."

"I was very happy to see you happy Eric. Did you like the pancakes?"

"Yeah. they were really tasty..."

"I'm glad that you liked it."

"But I was messy."

"We can always clean up a mess - and I will help you however you may need my help. Shall we go clean up and get changed?"

Eric nodded with trusting eyes focused on the caregiver.

"Okay."

Dark got up and Eric followed, leaving his hand in Dark's as they moved to head out the kitchen to make their way up to Eric's room to pick out a change of clothing.

Just when Dark had opened the wardrobe to pick out an outfit; the caregiver was quick to notice the way that Eric was looking at the onesie hanging up inside.

"Eric, would you like to change into your onesie?"

Dropping his gaze to the floor with a slight shuffle, Eric tried to avoid looking at the article of clothing in question from where he stood. Without an answer, Dark prompted Eric with a gentle tone in his voice.

"You can wear whatever you want Eric. You can pick something out or let me choose for you, what would you prefer?"

After a long moment, Eric eventually looked up at the onesie before his eyes met Dark's again.

"...Can I wear my onesie?"

"Of course."

And so Dark fetched Eric's onesie, along with an undershirt, before guiding the little to the bathroom - where Eric was quickly washed with a damp towel and some baby wipes to removes the excess honey on his skin.
The faint smell from the wipes helped ease the tension in the little's body as Dark helped to change his outfit. Removing the dirtied clothes to replace them with the much softer and cleaner clothing, Dark's gentle way of slipping on the onesie onto Eric pushed the little further into a slightly younger state of mind than before.

No longer feeling sticky, but cleaner and cozier in his teddy bear onesie; Eric felt a surge of happiness within himself under Dark's care.
There was a moment when Eric tensed up at an unexpected movement from the caregiver, only to relax again once he realized that Dark was just pulling up the hood of his onesie so that the bear ears sewn on were now on top of his head.

"There, is that better Eric?"

Nodding with a sweet smile, Eric immediately leaned into Dark and was given a hug in appreciation.

"Thank you Dark!"

"You're welcome dear."

The morning went by so perfectly for Eric.

Feeling better enough to actually regress without fearing for any negative consequences, Eric had picked up his bunny stuffie to bring along with him while essentially being Dark's shadow throughout the morning.

Even though the little tried his best to help Dark with various tasks around the house, Eric was content enough to just keep Dark company over any offers to go play or craft with some of the new art supplies that had recently been bought for him.

Time flew by and once they had some lunch together; Dark and Eric were sitting together on the couch - where Dark had brought out a laptop so that he could catch up on his work from the office, while Eric sat quietly next to him with Betsy hugged close to his chest.

"Are you sure you don't want to go play or pick out something to watch on tv while I work?

Eric shook his head as he snuggled onto the couch feeling warm and content just being by Dark's side. Holding his bunny in his arms and having his blankie in the onesie's pocket helped Eric feel even more secure, in addition to being so close to Dark without being seen as an annoyance.

Just across from the couch was a pile of soft pastel blocks with letters printed on alternating sides, placed on the playmate right by the toy basket against the wall. Dark had noticed that although Eric would look at where the toys were stored, even when regressed he would be far too nervous to willingly pick anything out himself.

So the caregiver picked out the blocks and told Eric that if he wanted to play with the blocks - or any other toy for that matter - then he could do so whenever he wanted.

And although Eric did show signs of interest; he had stubbornly convinced himself that he didn't need them.

'This is all I need. Just getting to be small with someone who not mad at me is all I need... and besides, I don't wanna accidentally get carried away with the blocks and make a mess - and tv's going to be too noisy and Dark might change his mind. But I don't need anything else anyways 'cause I have Betsy and Dark!'

Giving his bunny another squeeze, Eric smiled with a nod at Dark.

"I'm ok."

"Alright. Just remember you can always change your mind or ask me for anything at any time."

Ruffling his hair, Dark then turned his attention onto his laptop while Eric snuggled alongside him comfortably on the sofa.

As much as Eric didn't mind the quiet while getting to hug his bunny to his chest, he admittedly was starting to get bored of just sitting there. Looking over at the blocks opposite him nearby the other toys he could also play with, Eric felt slightly tempted to change his mind before refusing himself again.

'Don't need it... not allowed.'

Despite knowing that Dark had just said otherwise, Eric remained put on the sofa.

After a while, his eyes drooped with a tiredness that quickly took over the more the little leaned into Dark; listening to the soft sounds of Dark tapping away at his laptop while Eric was soon lulled into a swift doze.

When Eric did awaken again, it took him some time to realize that he was still on the sofa; only covered with a soft pink and yellow stripey blanket as he sat up slowly with a big yawn and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. With Betsy still held close to his chest, Eric soon blinked a bit more into awareness before noticing that he was now alone in the room with no Dark anywhere in sight.

That realization woke the little up quickly as he looked round the room; feeling a spike of anxiety shoot through him while hugging his stuffie for comfort as his groggy thoughts soon became sharp with panic at Dark not being there.

"...Dark?"

With his voice still soft from just waking up, Eric just about whispered his call for the caregiver while his meaner thoughts were already jumping onto the worst case scenario.

'He got sick of you. You were being a boring stupid baby that couldn't even stay awake or do anything useful. 'Cause you're useless, useless, useless-'

Tearing up and squeezing Betsy even harder, Eric shakily spoke up again louder than before.

"Dark?"

"Yes?"

At the sight of Dark popping his head around the door to the living room, Eric felt immediate relief to know that Dark hadn't just left him alone in the house as a trembling smile grew on his own face.

"Sorry. Didn't know where you were."

Dark came over and sat down right next to Eric on the couch.

"I was just in the kitchen. Did you have a nice nap?"

Eric blushed, but nodded with embarrassment for over-reacting as he tried to push himself into a bigger headspace.

"Y-yeah. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep..."

But his own attempts to resist his regression were halted as Dark raised his hand to cup the side of Eric's face; as a wave of his aura surrounded Eric that helped to ease the sudden return of the little's anxiety.

"It's alright Eric. You're alright."

Taking in a few deep breaths, Eric then let himself regress back to the age range he had been in before his nap - eventually relaxing and leaning more into Dark's touch.

"...Wasn't suppose to be a sleepy baby. Too big to be a baby."

Dark smiled, opening his arms and letting Eric shift over closer for a hug that he was more than happy to give the little.

"There's nothing wrong with taking a nap dear. Your body probably needed it and there's nothing wrong with that."

"Did I get in the way of your work?"

"Not at all. I was just fine and did all that I needed to do..."

Pulling away from the embrace, regardless of how much Eric would have easily stayed in Dark's arms for much longer; he soon followed Dark off the couch as he let himself be helped up as Dark continued to talk.

"Now - would you like to help me make some dinner before Wilford gets back home?"

Eric nodded, but felt a pang below to signify his full bladder.

"Um- I... I gotta go potty."

"Would you like some help?"

"No! I - sorry. No thank you, I can do it myself."

Dark just chuckled quietly with a fond look in his expression as he patted Eric on the shoulder.

"Alright. I'll be in the kitchen getting started when you're ready to join me."

With that they both parted as Eric made his way to the bathroom while Dark headed back to the kitchen; determined to prove that he was still a big enough boy to do this much for himself.

Once he took care of himself, Eric had then decided to go to his room put Betsy back onto his bed - deciding it was her turn for a nap after she had watched over him during his own - before heading back downstairs to join Dark in helping to prepare for dinner.

However, on his way back down Eric had stopped right in the doorway leading to the living room where he had just been napping and letting his eyes fall onto the pile of soft blocks.

The pastel colors and letters caught Eric's attention as he stepped closer and closer with his thumb rubbing over his bottom lip thoughtfully.

'I should be helping Dark in the kitchen...'

Now stopping still, Eric hovered over the pile of blocks and hesitated on what to do next as he looked between them and the general direction leading towards the kitchen.

'But... Maybe it would be helpful to tidy these up instead of just leaving them there. Dark wouldn't have to do it and I could help him in the kitchen to be really good too!'

Looking over at the box that the blocks came out of nearby the basket of toys; Eric found himself kneeling down and making up his mind to put away the blocks at he picked up the first one with full intentions to reach out for the container.
But grasping one of the soft blocks caught Eric off-guard at how soft the block was in his hand.

"Oh..."

Examining the cube more, Eric sat more comfortably on the floor while letting his hands and eyes go over the pastel details. Taking in the different colors and letters on each side, the little felt over the light fuzz of the material with fascination. Pressing down onto the sides, Eric then tried to squeeze the foam block and watched how it returned to its original shape.
He would repeat this action a few more times before he looked over to the other blocks with curiosity.

'Can I still build with these blocks if they're squishy?'

Forgetting all about his plans to tidy the blocks away, Eric continued to play as he started to line them up and started stacking more on top to carefully create a small wall.
Eric saw it go well enough and decided on making a tower, with the colors matching on the same sides, as he took the blocks from the wall over to his new construction.

As time went by, Eric was so focused on playing with the blocks that he hadn't noticed Wilford entering the house after returning from work - and had quietly stepped into the room with a fond expression at the adorable sight of the little so lost in playing while wearing a onesie.

"Oh hello there little baby bear."

With a sharp panicked intake of breath; Eric turned around quickly and dropped the block that had been in his hands. A sudden fear of being caught doing something he shouldn't be doing went through him in a flash - before seeing that it was Wilford; who was already kneeling down and doing what he could to sooth the frightened little.

"Oh Eric I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

"I'm... Dark said it was ok to play."

Eric's voice was small as his anxiety burst out - knowing even in his regressed state that Wilford was one of the few safe people he could be small around; reminding himself of all the times that the pink haired man had cared and even played with him.

But the fear that Wilford would suddenly change his mind and get angry at Eric for doing something 'bad' and being a 'worthless baby' still spiked up in his chest and was creating an aching tension in his body.

However, Wilford didn't let Eric have the chance to overthink those thoughts for too long as he kept talking more gently than before with a friendly expression on his face.

"Of course you can play my sweet boy. I promise your not in trouble at all. I was just in admiration of your adorable bear outfit."

'Wilford's not mad at me. He's not mad. It's ok, it's ok...'

Trying to reassure himself, Eric also took in a couple more breaths to try and calm himself down while being aided by Wilford; who encouraged him to breath while talking about how well Eric had done with the blocks and how his onesie suited Eric among various things to help ease the little out of his anxiety.

"-That's right. I don't think I ever did see a little looking as cute as you do."

Still feeling worn from the burst of anxiety that was now starting to ebb away, Eric couldn't stop the smile appearing on his face at Wilford's nice words. He regressed further down than before, which helped to release the build-up of stress as Eric turned away bashfully and reached for one of the soft blocks to hold onto. Wilford grinned at Eric's reaction and shifted closer, while making sure to keep enough space between them and try to see the expression on the little's face.

"Yup. There's no doubt about it. You're looking very cute today Eric."

"Not cute."

"Very cute. The cutest in fact."

"Nooo."

Eric turned and giggled as Wilford wiggled his eyebrows; dropping the block as he laughed into his own hands the sillier Wilford's expressions were getting as he directed them at Eric.

"Oh - maybe I'm the cute one?"

Eric shook his head with a wide smile as Wilford over-dramatically pouted.

"Whaaaat? I'm not cute? Hmmm... How about now?"

Crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue a little, Eric couldn't help but keep on giggling at how funny Wilford was being right now and no longer feeling the worries that had shook him just moments ago.
Dark's head then popped around the corner, eyes wide with surprise at hearing Eric laughing - before smiling softly as he approached his husband and the giddy little still finding amusement in the faces Wilford was pulling.

"What on earth is Wilford doing Eric?"

"B-being silly!"

Eric giggled, looking cheerfully up to Dark at the same time Wilford turned around with his own toothy grin.

"I'm not being silly, I'm being cute. You think I'm cute, don't you Dark?"

"Of course. You're just downright adorable."

Dark replied dead-pan, before turning to Eric - who was reaching out and signalling 'uppy' at Dark, which made the caregiver feel a leap of joy at the action. Dark picked up Eric and heard the little's giggles die down into a happy sigh as he nestled into Dark's arms holding him.

"I thought so!"

Dark looked at Wilford, too happy to see the usually anxious little give into more for the much needed regressing, when he would have otherwise rolled his eyes with endearment at his husband's reply.

"Well, would both my adorable boys like to have some dinner now?"

Eric held Dark tighter, nuzzling his face so sweetly into his neck that Dark knew he was going to have a hard time putting Eric into his high chair for dinner. Not that Dark wasn't enjoying these expressions of affections. If anything, he knew that Eric had been touch-starved for so long that Dark wanted nothing more than to give the little all the hugs he could ever want.

"I think I could go for some dinner my love,"

Wilford got up and went back for his suitcase he had left by the hallway door.

"-I just need to put a few things away and get ready first."

"Alright."

Wilford gave Dark a peck on the cheek and a light pat on the back of Eric's hooded head before leaving to go upstairs. Dark then carried Eric into the kitchen, where dinner was all ready to be plated once everyone was ready to eat. But Dark decided to sit down with Eric still holding onto him.

"Shall we cuddle a little longer until Wilford comes down?"

Eric nodded softly against his neck in agreement, prompting Dark to rearranging Eric onto his lap and sat down at the table - letting the little relax more against him, without so much tension in his body as before.

"There, is that better my dear?"

"Uh-huh."

"Did you have fun playing with those blocks."

Eric nodded, before speaking up softly after a thoughtful pause.

"I started to... was gonna put them away to be helpful, but- started playing with them instead of helping you like I said I would... sorry."

"It's alright, I did say you could play with them if you wanted to Eric. I was thinking of checking to see how you were when you didn't come down, but I assure you I had everything under control. Did you still have fun playing?"

"Yeah liked the blocks a lot - but when Wilford came in I got scared."

"Oh? Why's that?"

Eric brushed his thumb against his bottom lip repeatedly, wanting to suck on it - but still internally telling himself that he was too 'big' to do that right now.

"Didn't expect him when he said hello and- and I thought I'd be in trouble. But- but I was telling myself that Wilford wasn't going to get mad at me and telling myself that made me less scared."

"That's right darling,"

Dark rubbed Eric's back - feeling a pang in his heart knowing that it would still be a long way to go where Eric would feel safer if he did choose to stay with them. That this much alone was a lot of progress for Eric. He was so proud of Eric for trying not to fight against being cared for, even when he clearly struggled with so much.
Dark just wished that Eric didn't have to face all those things that had made him feel so awful about his natural status.

"-Neither Will nor I will ever be upset with you for playing or wanting to play. You're allowed to play and I'm proud of you for being so brave my sweet boy."

"No..." Eric sounded so slightly melancholic as he rubbed his cheek on Dark's shoulder, "I'm not brave. I'm bad and a scaredy cat."

"You are so brave Eric, and certainly not a bad boy. You are trying very hard and maybe it won't feel like it, but I can tell that you're doing your very best my dear. Whatever happens, I promise you'll be safe here."

Eric didn't say anything in response to that, but felt the little nuzzle more into him and Dark was more than happy to give Eric that comfort until Wilford came down and they would have dinner together.

Even though Eric had been reluctant to let go when the time came - he let himself be seated in the highchair and let Dark feed him while three of them happily had dinner together.

Chapter Text

“-Well Eric, you seem to be settling in well with Dark and Wilford since I last saw you a couple of weeks ago...”

Nodding in response while trying to avoided eye-contact with his caseworker Penny, Eric was internally fighting to stay aged-up to appear more in control of himself for the current meeting they were having.

Although it was true that Eric had become a little less nervous about aging down during his stay with the Warfstaches, he still had a deep-seated fear of other people seeing him as a little – especially considering that up until now he had been doing everything possible to hide his status for several years for his father.

It didn’t help that the little’s main association with Penny was the very day he had been taken away from Derek.
No matter how badly he had handled Eric’s categorization and hadn't exactly been the best father to his son; Derek was still Eric’s father and the little still cared about him very much.
That and not knowing about what had happened to Derek beyond being sentenced to prison, had been a painful weight on Eric’s mind and had made the process to accept himself as a little a lot more difficult.

Then there was an irrational part of Eric, mainly stemming from his regressed side, feared that Penny would take him away from Dark… or worse, that Dark and Wilford would suddenly change their mind and ask her to take Eric away in exchange for a less troublesome little.

‘But Dark said that they wanted me. That’s why we’re doing this review with Penny – to let her know that everything is fine and maybe…’

‘Maybe when they tell her how many times I’ve been such a stupid cry baby. Then they’ll realize that I’m a mistake...’

Biting his lower lip, Eric resisted yet again to get his blankie out – trying to remind himself the it was safely in his pocket and that his horrible thoughts didn’t mean anything, no matter how convincing they could be.

Looking up at everyone who were watching Eric carefully in return, he also reminded himself that this was a mid-month review. Not only was Penny checking in on his well-being to make sure that the couple were indeed taking care of him, but also to see how Eric was handling his other more daunting issues that he struggled with.

“Have you been able to regress during your stay here?”

Shifting in his seat on the sofa between Wilford and Dark, Eric felt reluctant to tell Penny so readily.

Even though Eric had indeed regressed many times since staying here; the one night where he had regressed so hard into his littlest headspace to the point of losing hours of memory from that time still horrified Eric. His trust in Dark and Wilford was the only reason that Eric sill allowed himself to age-down; even if it was a little more cautiously than before to prevent regressing that far again.

But even admitting that he has not only been regressing, but that living with the Warfstaches has been one of the better times of Eric's life still felt like a betrayal to his father – as if he would be confirming exactly how wrong Derek was about everything in regards to Eric himself.

“Eric?”

Dark’s voice snapped the young Derekson out of his thoughts and to focus back on the conversation with his caseworker as he nodded again in response.

"Yeah... I've done it."

"Eric has been trying very hard,"

Dark chimed in with his hand on the little's shoulder as a discreet way to comfort Eric to help him feel at ease.

"He has regressed and had even tried a few little-related activities to help him find what he does and doesn't like."

"We've been going at Eric's pace,"

Wilford agreed.
"We're all learning, but Eric has been wonderful to care for."

Blushing at the praise, Eric finally caved in and reached into his pocket to squeeze his blankie for encouragement.

"I haven't really been a good little."

"It's not a contest dear," Dark spoke in a soothing tone, "What matters most is making you comfortable enough to feel safe with out having to suppress your needs."

"That's right."

Penny smiled as she made a few notes on her clipboard.

"It's better that you're trying with regression than not at all. Now-"

Putting her clipboard aside, the social worker pulled out a few leaflets from her bag to hand over to Dark to pass onto Eric.

"Have you had any issues that may hinder regressing, or any further issues with anxiety?"

Frowning and feeling ashamed, Eric leaned more into Dark on instinct and was readily accepted into a one-armed hug. When it seemed like Eric wasn't going to answer Penny's question, Wilford tentatively replied.

"There has been - a few bumps in the road, so to say..."

"...I didn't mean to..."

Eric winced at how small he had sounded then, but didn't pull away from Dark or the comfort that was currently being provided.

"You're not in trouble dear."

"I'm sorry lad," Wilford apologized with a light pat on Eric's knee.

"I didn't mean to make you feel bad; but I had gathered that Penny here was trying to bring up some potential solutions..."

"That's right," Penny tried giving Eric a friendly smile that had only just met his eyes.

"I brought over a couple of booklets and a few ideas that you might find helpful."

Sitting out of Dark’s half-hug, Eric reached out and accepted the leaflets handed over to him while Penny continued to talk.

“Now remember – none of this is mandatory. They are all potential options for services that might be helpful. Such as a list of therapists, anxiety management, meet ups with other littles-“

Eric perked up with interest at that last part.

“I can meet other littles?”

During Eric’s many secret research on managing little space by himself, he had found several social sites dedicated to littles or caregivers to discuss advice or plan meet ups with.

However, the littles who posted online were usually officially cared for or awaiting being officially tested. If there were any who were hiding in secret like Eric had been, they certainly never admitted it openly for anyone to see – possibly in fear of being reported for being in danger for their ‘own good’.

It would mean that despite all the possible meets ups that had been planned near enough for Eric to visit, he knew that questions would be asked if he had willingly made the mistake of showing up by himself.

“Of course. There’s plenty to choose from, but I think the one that might be of interest to you is the one specializing in littles who had experienced hiding their status or were forced to do so. Stan who runs the group is a very nice man with his own little, and I can put you in touch if you like to give it a try.”

Eric found the leaflet in question; feeling that sense of doubtful nervousness that made him wonder if he would actually be allowed to attend – while simultaneously wanting to go.

He had regretted not trying to get to know the other littles at the foster home, but at the time Eric had been too upset from being forcibly separated from his father to even think about feeling safe enough to really regress and interact with the other residents. Now there was a chance, and with others who might understand what he had gone through possibly something similar to his own experience.

“Could… Dark or Wilford come with me?”

“Yes- caregivers or anyone you’d liked to come to the meet ups with would be more than welcomed.”

Eric looked to Dark, who gave him an encouraging nod that helped the little make up his mind.

“Ok. I think I’d liked that… I- I don’t know about the other things yet.”

“That’s alright,” Penny reassured as she made a note on her clip board.

“Nothing is set in stone and you can take all the time you need to read through or think over what you would like to do next. But for the time being I can get in contact with Stan and let you know more about the next meet up or anything else you might want to ask about the gatherings.”

Eric agreed as Penny pulled out a plain notebook out of her satchel.

“In the meantime while you look over your other options, here’s a workbook that you can work on in your own time.”

Handing it over to Eric as he put aside the leaflets, the young Derekson accepted the plain beige book – flicking over the pages to see some blank pages, while others were printed with questions or things to color in while Penny went on to explain further.

“You can do whatever you want with it and use it in any way that might be helpful to you. It can be used to track your moods, write down anything notable and how you feel about it or whenever you feel anxious. You don’t have to show anything you don’t want to share, but if you do take up therapy at a later date – then maybe it can be helpful for talking about anything you’d like to discuss, or else it can be just for your own personal use.”

Eric didn’t know if it was something that he’d actually use; but it did interest him enough as he thanked her for the workbook.

“Ok. Thank you…”

“You’re welcome!”

Penny replied cheerfully as she began to pack away her paperwork, looking satisfied with Eric’s potential home and how he was adjusting to it all.

“Well, I’m glad that you’re settling in Eric. By our next meeting, hopefully we will be signing your forever home if things go well. Do you have any more questions before I go Eric?”

For a brief moment, Eric felt a burst of anxious euphoria at the thought of staying for good with the Warfstaches – something that he wanted, but with still holding back from hesitation with thoughts of his father still on his mind.

“Actually… when will I be able to contact my Dad again?”

Penny’s friendly smiled faltered, which pretty much told Eric that whenever it would be – it wouldn’t be any time soon.

“Oh Eric…”

“I know- I know I can’t see him without an official caregiver,” Eric burst with nerves as he pulled out his blankie to squeeze in his hands.

“But… even when I do get taken in, when can I…?”

Penny looked to Wilford and Dark, almost with a hope that they would intervene and discourage Eric from his inquiring about his father – but they both looked back with Dark resting a hand on Eric’s shoulder with a silent support. Letting out a soft sigh, Penny set down her bag as a sombre expression emerged on her face.

“Eric… You have to understand that what your father did was wrong.”

“I know that,” Eric’s voice trembled as he tried his best not to lose his temper or lapse into aging down – wanting to be taken seriously and not just brushed aside.

“You told me this before. I know he broke the law, but- but he isn’t bad! He’s still my Dad and I just wanna know when I can talk to him again? Or write – I just want to know if it’ll be years or if it can be soon. I just want to know…”

Eric really didn’t mean to get upset, but he could feel himself tearing up and getting emotional as a wave of Dark’s aura could be felt with an instant comfort that push him dangerously close to regressing.

“Surely something can be arranged?”

Dark spoke as Eric subconsciously leaned into him.

“Whether Eric agrees to stay with us or… or is taken in by another caregiver – wouldn’t it be possible with some supervision at the least?”

Eric appreciated the support, even with the weird feeling in his chest at the thought of being with any other caregiver but Dark and Wilford, he felt more determined as Penny seem to reluctantly reply.

“Yes… It could be arranged. But we would really need to consider Eric’s safety first and foremost; and it would be some time before any possibility of visitation could be arranged.”

Eric relaxed a little at that answer. It wasn’t the answer he wanted – but it wasn’t a direct no either.

‘Even though Dad might not want to see me after everything that’s happened…’

Even so, Eric still wanted to see his father again.

With that question out the way, tensions lowered again as Penny made her way out to leave.

“In any case Eric, I’m glad that you’re ok here. If you ever need me or have any other questions about – or even want me to help arranged any appointments, you can always contact me.”

Nodded, Eric stood up with Wilford and Dark as they all walked the social worker to the door.

“Ok… thank you Penny.”

She at least seemed happy that they were parting on better terms as she left with Wilford walking her to the front door; leaving Eric and Dark stand together by the living room entrance.

“Would you really help me to see my Dad?” Eric softly asked.

“Even- after everything I’ve told you about him?”

“Of course Eric.”

Dark met his eyes with a fond look.

“No matter what I think, I know that you care for your father very much and how much you want to speak with him again. I’m sorry that I can’t promise anything right now, but I do intend to do what I can to help… that’s if I were to be your…”

Dark’s words trailed off a moment, before coughing and straightening up as he continued.

“Either way, whoever gets the honor of being your caregiver – I’m sure that they would do what they can to help you my dear.”

A burst of warm emotion pushed Eric to hug Dark, hiding his face in his shoulder as the caregiver wrapped his own arms around Eric – neither wanting to think about a chance where they could be separated from one another, but were not ready to admit it out loud either.

Chapter Text

"Is there anything else you would like Eric?"

Standing in the store before the selection of sticker sheets that he had been choosing from, Eric shook his head while feeling embarrassed about how happy he was with the stickers he had chosen and quickly putting them all in the hand basket that Dark was carrying along with all the other cute looking stationary that had been previously picked out.

"N-no... are you sure this isn't too much? I only really need the pens for the work book."

"You don't have to worry," Dark reassured, "You haven't gotten too much at all. I would still like to take you out for a proper shopping trip so that you can pick out anything you'd like for any age space that you would like."

Biting his lower lip and looking over the fairly full basket; Eric already felt bad for having things bought for him and the thought of getting more things for himself made him feel guilty.

Even when he had moments of being in a bigger kid or young teen mindspace, Eric usually kept it to himself since he didn't believe that he needed any care like he would in a younger head space.
But even though Eric has been letting go more in his younger mindset thanks to the Warfstaches, he still felt that guilt and shame afterwards that he tried to ignore out of fear for seeming ungrateful for everything that the husbands have done for him so far.

'And if they change their minds at the end of the month - they're going to be so mad at wasting so much money on me...'

Eric breathed in and pushed himself to smile at Dark; attempting to pretend that he was fine and to cover up the usual nervous thoughts he was currently thinking.

"Maybe next time? I just- I'm ok with what we have there."

"Alright."

Dark's hand rested on Eric's shoulder and prompted the little to make their way to the checkout. However, they had only made it a couple of steps - when a voice spoke up from behind them.

"Eric? Is that you?"

Freezing on the spot at the sound of the familiar voice behind him; a voice Eric hadn’t heard in several months since he had been taken away into care by the authorities – Eric swiftly turned around to see Randall standing not too far behind him with a package of printer paper under his arms and a look of surprise directed at his old school friend.

“R-Randall?”

A radiant smile spread across the long haired blonde’s face as he set the paper onto the shelf and approached Eric with a relieved happiness.

“Aw man, it really is you! I’ve been so worried about you Eric-“

A sudden flood of mixed emotions welled up inside Eric at the sight of someone who he had once thought of as a friend, but had changed his life so drastically within a single day. A day that had cost him contact with his father who was now in prison, but had also lead to Eric meeting Dark and Wilford – which had also been the best thing to have ever happened to him.

In addition to the stress of meeting his caseworker yesterday and straining to stay big throughout shopping with Dark; the emotional weight in his chest grew heavier with the reminder of how Randall had betrayed him as he flinched back from the other man, who had stopped still at his old classmate’s reaction.

“Eric?”

Dark’s comforting voice only pushed Eric further into regressing as tears gathered around the corner of his eyes. The sudden change of his headspace became apparent to Dark as he stepped closer to the little as he questioned in a softer tone.

“Is this someone you know?”

Randall seemed to sway under the protective aura emitting out of Dark; a rare thing for anyone outside the category statuses of littles or caregivers to sense, unless a caregiver was provoked into feeling that their little is actively in danger.

Knowing that much made Randall step back slightly with his hands up; hoping to show that he wasn’t trying to pose any kind of danger as he continued to speak to Eric with a friendly grin.

“Sorry. I’m Randall, a friend of Eric’s-“

“No!”

Eric burst out, enraged and smaller than ever as he shook with the hurt he still felt from what Randall had done.

“Y-you’re a liar! You- You Told! You said that you wouldn’t tell and-and you told on me!”

The expression on the blonde’s face dropped into a look of guilt and regret as he lowered his hands.

“I know… I’m real sorry Eric. I didn’t do it to hurt you.”

Tears fell down Eric’s face at the sound of his old school friend’s too-kind voice. Attempting to wipe his face clumsily with his sleeve, Eric’s breath hitched sadly as more tears came forth.

“Daddy’s in jail ‘cause you told. You said you were my friend, but you still got us in trouble. Why?”

Dark’s arm carefully wrapped round the back to cradle Eric’s shoulders and to bring him in closer, not saying anything but wordlessly showing that he was still here by Eric’s side whatever happened next.

And as much as Eric wanted to bury his face into Dark’s chest to escape the overwhelming betrayal and misery – he stubbornly kept his weeping eyes on Randall; almost wishing that he didn’t look as sad as Eric felt.

“Why? – Why did you tell?”

“…I know there’s not going to be an apology that will be good enough – because you’re right, I shouldn’t have said that I wouldn’t tell. But- Eric, I knew your Dad wasn’t so great to you and… I knew he had a temper on him. I was afraid he’d do something to you if you regressed.”

The energy was already leaving Eric with a sadder whimper.

“No he wouldn’t. Daddy loves me…”

Even though Eric knew his Dad did love him in his own way and was willing to be defensive about Derek’s actions – deep down, Eric knew that Randall was right.

That if Derek had found out about him regressing in the bathroom, or if he ever had an incident he couldn’t control in the future; his father would have been furious with an anger that would have either ended with him exploding at Eric or with another drastic decision to keep Eric in hiding by any means necessary.

“I know buddy… I know your Dad does care about you and- and maybe he just really wanted to keep you safe in his own way.”

Eric nodded sadly with a sniff; feeling at least understood a little bit.

“-But he didn’t treat you right Eric. He was like that with you throughout school and... He was trying to make you into someone you’re not. Its not healthy to push away such a big part of yourself.”

Randall braved a step forward, while making sure to keep enough space between himself and the pair before him.

“You… the way you were crying that day Eric, I knew that you weren’t getting the care you needed. It was like all those times you came to school and tried to be big around everyone, even though no one would ever have done anything to hurt you… I never wanted to hurt you, but I did when I reported you after saying I wouldn’t. And I’m so sorry.”

Eric looked at Randall for a long moment as he inhaled a shaky breath and gathering what he wanted to say in return.

“…Were you pretending to be my friend that day?”

Eric understood why Randall did what he did - and in some ways, he was starting to appreciate being under the Warfstache’s care where he no longer needed to hide such a vital part of himself nor have to live in fear of ever being found out.

But it still hurt to have trusted someone, only for Eric to be hurt by Randall when he was feeling so very vulnerable.

Randall looked surprised at Eric’s question.

“What? No way – I meant it then and I mean it now. We’re friends – and its true that everyone from school was worried about you when you didn’t turn up for graduation.”

The tears had eased and Dark’s aura had subsided, as Eric looked back wide-eyed with innocence.

“…Really? But I’m nobody.”

“Now that ain’t true. We loved having you around back then, and that includes me too. I wish I had asked more about your home life back when we were teens – but I never because… well it was always great to see you happy when you came to school and I didn’t want to make you look sad. I wish I had done that now, then we could have avoided this…”

Eric leaned into Dark thoughtfully with the sting of hurt beginning to lessen in his chest.

“I’d understand if you never want to forgive me Eric – but I still see you as a friend, and if there’s any chance you’d still wanna be friends in the future I’d be more than happy to be there for you bud.”

“Even though I’m just a little?”

“You were never just a little Eric.”

Randall smiled and Eric couldn’t help but to smile back a little in return.

“I didn’t like that you did what you did… but… because of you, I did get to meet Dark and Wilford.”

Looking over to Dark with curiosity, Randall’s eyes met the watchful caregiver.

“I take it that you’re Eric’s new caregiver?”

Randall was a little nervous, knowing that it was probably not appreciated upsetting the little under Dark’s care; but the slight nod eased his worries with a sense that Dark wasn’t as angry with him as he had initially been for distressing Eric.

“Unless Eric decides to live elsewhere, I am indeed his caregiver for the time being.”

Feeling tired from his emotional outburst, Eric started to feel smaller as he let himself slip to a younger age range – leaning closer into Dark’s side and feeling more protected under the aura that helped to ease the internal stress that Eric always carried with him.

“Do you like where you’re staying?”

Eric blinked, realizing that Randal was talking to him again and smiled with a nod when he thought of all the recently made memories he had made with the couple.

“Yeah! Wilford and Dark are the best and been real nice to me. They got me lots of stuff, painted my room with cool animals on clouds and- and play with me lots and read stories to me. And Wilford got me a bunny, her name is Betsy – and they give me lots and lots of hugs…”

Eric excitedly talked about Dark and Wilford, clearly showing that he was aged down even further than before – but Randall looked attentively at him and seemed interested in what Eric was saying, which only made Eric talk more about his time with the Warfstaches, until he slowed down with a thought that just occurred to him in mid-conversation.

“-Even though I haven’t been the best little, they still let me stay and say they want me to stay even… even if they could have any other little than me…”

Dark gently squeezed Eric’s shoulder, drawing his attention to Dark smiling kindly at him.

“I have said that I wouldn’t want any other little – remember Eric? If you do decide to stay, then you would be more than welcome me dear.”

Eric looked at Dark with wide-eye innocence and tucked himself into Dark; going into a hug that was readily available as Dark hummed softly.

“I think it’s time that we headed home.”

“Do you need help carrying your stuff to the check-out?”

Randall offered as he waited for Dark’s permission.

Looking over Eric clinging onto him, Dark nodded.

“I would be grateful, thank you Randall.”

So with Randall’s help, Dark was able to pay for the items that Eric picked out with Randall helping to carry the big bag of shopping while Dark picked up Eric and carried him to the car outside.

Once everything was loaded and Dark had put Eric into his car seat, Randall pulled out a small worn notebook and was quickly scribbling down onto the page.

“I know Eric might change his mind when he gets ‘big’ again, but if he does want to reach out or just talk… Here’s my number. He can call me any time for anything.”

Dark tilted his head and accepted the note while still holding Eric’s hand – who didn’t look too pleased with being stuck in his car seat as he looked up owlishly between Dark and Randall.

“Alright, I will pass it on to Eric when he ages up again.”

Randall smiled gratefully.

“Thank you and… thank you for caring for Eric. I know what I did wasn’t fair on him but… I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t glad that he’s getting what he needs now.”

Dark didn’t seem to know what to say to that, but nodded with understanding as he looked back over to Eric with fondness.

Randall stepped closer to say his farewells to his friend.

“Hey buddy, it was great to see you today. I hope we get to talk again soon… but I’m real glad you’re safe now.”

Eric reached out his other hand for a small handshake that Randall happily returned with a quiet laugh, before stepping back with a wave.

“Bye Eric. See you soon. It was nice to meet you too Dark.”

“You too Randall.”

“Bye bye.”

Eric spoke softly with a wave and watched Randall wave back before turning around to go back inside the store they had just left. He stared after his blond friend for a moment as tears started to well up.

“Is it time to go home Eric?”

“Uh huh.”

Eric nudged his glasses to rub his teary tired eyes, while Dark double checked the straps to his car seat and quickly going through the bag he brought with him to pull out a container that held a yellow pacifier.

“Eric, would you like this?”

There was a moment of hesitation that almost looked as if Eric was going to try and force himself out of his headspace to resist; only to give in and reached out for the pacifier that Dark handed to him.

Eric looked over the item before putting the paci in his mouth – starting to suck on it slowly before looking innocently up to Dark with a look that only made Dark feel all the more paternal towards him.

“There we go. We’re going to head home now my dear..."

Eric began to visibly relax with the comfort item in his mouth as Dark closed the car door and got into the driving seat, ready to leave.

"Would you like to listen to some music on the way back?”

Dark turned in his seat to see Eric nod; and so turning back with a couple of taps on his dashboard touch-screen -, calming music from a lullaby mix sounded out and before Dark could drive out of the car park, Eric had started to doze off in his seat.

"There we go little one... we'll be home soon."

By the time Eric woke up, he and Dark had arrived home - with Eric blearily waking up and finding himself cuddling into Dark on the couch while on the caregiver's lap.

Once he realized, Eric aged-up and his body went tense in Dark's arms. However, even with how big he was suddenly feeling, Eric didn't want to let go - despite the usual darker thoughts starting to seep in.

'Disgusting. Disgusting. I'm-'

"Shhh..."

Dark gently soothed Eric, combing his fingers through the back of the little's hair as he continued to speak while unaware of Eric's sudden headspace.

"It's alright dear. We're at home. You regressed in the store and fell asleep on the way home . You had a little accident and I cleaned you up."

Shuffling closer to Dark, Eric realized that he was in a different set of clothing - a cozy pastel blue jumper with little bird patters all over with sweatpants to match, and a diaper underneath that made Eric feel guilty... but with no urge to take it off right now.

He didn't want to move - and with the slight discomfort of the tension he was currently feeling, along with the conflicting emotions from running into Randall earlier; Eric just wanted to cuddle quietly until the beating of his panicking heart calmed down enough to just enjoy this moment with out being judged.

'Too big... I'm too big to act like this... but it's too nice to leave.'

Eric soon relaxed into Dark and felt a pleasant kind of fuzzy when the caregiver's aura surround them both like a warm protective bubble, with Dark's comforting words settling him even further.

"That's it. Rest a little longer... you're safe here Eric."

And with a soft sigh, Eric closed his eyes again.

Chapter Text

It had been days since Eric had last regressed since running into Randall at the store – when he had once again slipped down into a smaller mindspace that there were gaps in his memory again.

‘Although I guess it isn’t as bad as last time.’

Eric chewed on his lip thoughtfully; knowing that the first involuntary regression while staying with the Warfstaches had come after years of holding back his natural status to the point of stress and building up painful tensions within his aching body.
At least this time there were spots of memory between where he was aware of Dark caring for him; sometimes aging up to reassure himself that he was still safe before swiftly falling back into a smaller state free of Eric’s usual fears.

 
But even with those brief moments, once Eric woke up the day after he had aged back up with memories of his conversation with Randall, he felt the same rush of shame and guilt that made it so frightening to lose control of himself like that again - especially in front of his old classmate, the very person who got him outed in the first place.

Looking over to the phone number that Dark had passed to Eric when he felt bigger again; conflicting feelings raised up inside him – both wanting to rip it up and keep the anger from the betrayal that caused Derek to be imprisoned… or to go along with the younger part of himself that really wanted to forgive Randall.

‘He is the reason I met Dark and Wilford after all…’

Eric picked up the piece of paper in his trembling hands, staring for a long moment, before tucking it away into the inner sleeve of the work book he had been writing in all morning.

 
The couple had noticed Eric’s sudden reluctance to regress and when some light prompting to try a few little things were turned down; the workbook was suggested – which was why Eric was now writing down his regressions, the triggers and his feelings around most of it in the best way he could.

‘I really don’t deserve them…’

Eric teared up, thinking about the worry in Dark’s eyes – but still having the endless patience that Eric didn’t think he should be allowed.

‘They should yell at me. They should tell me what I’m doing wrong and what I should be doing… Like…’

 
A tear drop spatted on the words – smudging the ink slightly as Eric started to write about his Dad, but finding it harder to go into further detail than before.

 
Because as bad as some of the things sounded when he described them, they weren’t really all that bad…

'Were they that bad?'

The familiar ache in his body had started to return, making Eric feel terrible as he held back the need to age down in that moment again.

 
‘It wasn't that long ago when all it took was some time before bed or even just 10 minutes by myself to tied me over for at least a month or so. But now, after a couple of days it feels just as bad as ever trying to hold back being a dumb kid.’

Eric blinked, rubbing his eyes with a sniff as he tried to focus on his work book again.
He crossed out the first sentence about his Dad and thought about writing what had happened at the store and how he felt about it all…

But Eric just felt a sad wave of exhaustion with a frustrated groan – not wanting to write any more.
Looking over to the stationary he had spread out across the table in the kitchen, Eric picked up the sheet of stickers that had a cute cartoony kittens of a different color to select from. The sight was enough to make Eric smile a little as he decided to cover the crossed-out scribbles with the stickers.

He picked out each one and laid them down in order of the rainbow, enjoying the slight sparkle around the edges and how cute they looked across the page – before snapping out of his thoughts and closing his workbook shut.

 
‘I almost… not gonna. Not a baby. Not not…’

Eric carefully put away the stationary into a large fluffy blue pencil case with a duck charm on the end of the zip; cringing briefly when he thought of what his father would have said about the things he had picked out for himself - which only made him feel even anxious and sadder than before.

 
‘Dark. Want Dark.’

 
Eric stood up shakily while trying to take a couple of deep breaths.
 
Dark and Wilford were just outside in the garden; giving Eric a little privacy to work on his writing while still being nearby if he needed them.

 
“Just gonna say hi.”

 
Eric muttered to himself. He didn’t want to age down, even though he was starting to feel ill from stopping himself – but he thought that talking to Dark and Wilford, while getting some fresh air outside, might help make himself feel a little better.

 
Carefully opening the kitchen door leading into the garden, Eric took a deep breath of the crisp air that neither felt too hot or cold and looked ahead at the couple working in the garden.

Dark was dressed in an old worn black band shirt with black sweat pants and was currently kneeling down by a patch of dirt, planting what appears to be half-blooming flowers and possibly a few other plants laid out in a tray by his side.
Meanwhile Wilford was also in more relaxed clothing – wearing a big neon pink hoodie with the sleeves rolled up and some white shorts as he continued to take the now dried laundry from the washing line.

Eric was almost tempted to go back inside so that he wouldn’t disrupt them with his need for attention – but still feeling like he would just spiral into a sad sobbing little by himself, Eric pushed forward and approached the couple in the garden.

 
Wilford was the first to notice Eric with a big grin, as he waved cheerfully to greet him.

 
“Hello there lad!”

 
Eric couldn’t help but smile as he waved back. However, without realizing it the tip of his prosthetic's foot had gotten caught on the corner of the paving stone he was walking on. 

With a yelp, Eric fell partially onto the grass with his knee getting hit on the paving stone. 
Sitting up, Eric’s breath hitched at the stinging feeling on his knee that was rubbing against the material of his trousers.

“Eric!”

Dark called out as the couple rushed over to Eric, who was trying not to burst into tears as he hugged his knee to his chest while berating himself internally.

 
‘Stupid- stupid- this is why no one loves you! Worthless stupid dumb baby- can’t even go outside without messing up-‘

 
“-Eric? Sweetheart, are you hurt?”

Dark’s concerned voice cut through as Wilford gently placed his hand on Eric’s shoulder while the little looked down in a struggle to keep up his control.

 
“My knee…”

 
Eric quietly whimpered as Wilford moved around to help.

“Can we see your knee Eric?”

 
Nodding, Eric watched Wilford roll up his trouser leg and winced at the redden and lightly bleeding scrape just above his prosthetic.
It wasn’t as bad as Eric had feared, but a tear managed to escape that Eric quickly wiped away in frustration at himself as Dark stood up to rush inside.

 
“I’m going to quickly wash my hands and get the first aid kit – will you be alright with Wilford Eric?”

“Sure, I’ll be ok.”

Stubbornly trying to act bigger than he was currently  feeling, Eric ignored the part of him that wanted Dark to hug him right now until all the bad overwhelming feelings would go away.
But that meaner part of himself was reminding Eric why he couldn't have that.

‘Stupid – I’ve lived through worse. I’ve been hurt worse back when I should have died-‘

The bus accident where Eric had lost his brothers flashed through his mind in seconds; making him feel even worse while barely concealing the fact that he was aging down while watching Dark walk away towards the house.

 
But Wilford sat closer; seeming to be able to tell that Eric was particularly vulnerable while the little tried to look away from the pink haired man with teary eyes staring down at his own sore knee.

“Oh dear Eric, that really is an owie.”

Eric nodded, just noticing from the corner of his eye that Wilford was reaching for something from the laundry basket that he had been carrying when rushing over earlier; before suddenly speaking up with a more animated voice.

 
“Why, nurse pinky sock!”

Wilford exclaimed - drawing Eric's attention to see that Wilford had slipped on one of his long light pink sock with a mouth tucked in to make it look like it could talk.

"What seems to be the problem Mr Warfstache?"

The silly voice had halted the spiral of emotions as Eric was distracted by the impromptu sock puppet that Wilford was now talking to.

“Unfortunately my good chum Eric has had a tumble.”

“I see – well hello there young man.”

Eric tried to resist laughing at the sock puppet, but still gave a slight smile a whispered reply.

“Hi.”

“Ah- I can already see the problem. A case of the boo boo! Well I shall do some pre-treating kisses until the Doctor arrives!”

Making sure not to actually touch the small wound, Wilford make the sock nosily kiss around the knee – which eventually had Eric breaking out in giggles at the funny puppet and all the exaggerated noises that were being made.

“Mwah! Mwah!”

Eric had slipped down and immediately felt better once the tension in his body finally eased off; enjoying Wilford’s antics and brightening up at seeing Dark approach them with a first aid kit in hand along with having a change of clothing.

The pink sock puppet shot up and exclaimed to Dark with a dramatic flair.

“AH! Doctor dark – thank goodness you’re here. I have secured the boo boo, but we really need your almighty medical know-how!”

Raising and eyebrow in humor, Dark knelt down with a chuckle as he opened the first aid box.

“There’s never a dull moment with you Will.”

Wilford just used the sock puppet to give one more noisy sounding kiss right on Dark’s cheek – making Eric laugh more as Dark gave Wilford a brief side-eye, before turning his attention onto Eric.

“Eric, can I see your knee again dear?”

Eric lowered his leg down so the Dark could take a look. As the caregiver started to clean out the wound, Eric’s breath hitched from the slight sting – but was soothed by Dark’s words.

“I’m sorry Eric, it’ll only sting a little- there. All done my dear. You’re being so brave for me.”

Eric blushed from the praise, covering his face from shyness before Wilford spoke up in his silly voice and got Eric to peak through his fingers to look over at the sock puppet – which now had two colourful plasters in its mouth.

“What plaster would our good patient like – a turtle or a bunny?”

Eric lowered his hands to look at the blue starry turtle and the yellow and purple bunny plasters being offered. He pointed at the latter, which Dark took out and began to place on Eric’s knee.

“Thank you nurse.”

Dark spoke, playing along as Wilford gave another kiss on Eric’s knee to little Eric’s delight.

“And thank you doctor!”

It was all fun for Eric as he felt happiness at being cared for, getting to laugh at Wilford’s antics and seeing the colorful plaster on his knee before his sweat pants leg was rolled back down. 

When Dark stood up, Eric had immediately stretched out his arms out to silently sign to be being picked up – but suddenly hesitated as he withdrew his arms with a sudden fear of asking for too much after everything that Dark had done for him. But Dark’s expression soften; asking Eric in that tone that was starting to feel safe to the little.

“Do you want me to carry you inside Eric.”

“I’m sorry… I can walk.”

But Dark offered his arms out and Eric readily went into them – feeling himself be picked up so easily as he wrapped his arms around Dark with a relieved sigh from the comfort of being held again.

He looked up to see Wilford following after; carrying the laundry basket and first aid kit while giving Eric a fond look that made Eric feel a small warmth in his chest.

‘They… really don’t mind me being like this.’

The doubts that he could be truly loved by anyone outside his family were weakening as Eric thought over what it might be like to really stay forever.

But the thoughts of how his Dad would take the news was something he really didn’t want to think about right now. So Eric let himself be carried into the house; the couple talking among themselves about what they might have for lunch later among other things that the little quietly listened to while being content with enjoying this moment in Dark's arms.

Eric didn't age up for the rest of the day. Even though he would sometimes look around with a sudden worry and look around for any signs that he would have to be big right away; he soon relaxed again and continued to be watched by either Dark or Wilford.

Right now, Eric was putting together a wooden puzzle of cats at a tea party that Dark had laid out for him on the coffee table in the living room.

He had also removed his prosthetics for comfort, propping them by the couch and sitting on a cushion on the floor to work closer with the jumbled up pieces - feeling engrossed with figuring out what piece went where and looking over the image that was coming together.

"You're doing a very good job there Eric."

Eric looked up with a small smile before bashfully looking down at the nearly completed puzzle; still not knowing how to take praise but feeling very happy to see Dark looking pleased with him with what he had done so far.

But once he was done, Eric looked up excitedly and saw Dark practically beaming a smile at him.

"Kitty tea party!"

"That's right, what a clever boy."

Eric put his thumb near his lips with a giddy grin, as he leaned in closer to Dark for a brief cuddle.

"Would you like to do another one?"

Eric nodded, helping Dark to take apart the pieces and place the puzzle back in its box; before Dark pulled out another with birds on it.

Just as Eric started to complete the sides of the puzzle, Wilford had entered with a tray of drinks and something that looked like a make-up bag on the furthest end.

"I come baring beverages."

Setting the tray down on the end of the table, so that Eric still had space to do his puzzle, Wilford gave Eric a green sippy cup full of orange before passing Dark a cup of coffee.

"Thank you Will."

"Thank you!"

Eric replied happily, as he took the sippy into his hands to drink up while Wilford grinned back and sitting down by Dark's side.

"You're both very welcome."

Taking a long sip, Eric hummed at the sweet taste and set his drink down to continue his puzzle while both men drank their coffee and chatted while watching over Eric.

The little became so focused on completing the puzzle, only stopping to sip more of his drink, he didn't really pay attention to what Wilford and Dark was talking about - nor what Wilford had started to do when he unzipped the bag he had brought with him.
But when Eric had finished his puzzle, he turned to Dark with a smile that quickly turned curious at the sight of Wilford painting his nails.

Dark gently praised Eric again.

"You finished the puzzle Eric, well done."

"Yeah... birdies..."

Eric sat up a bit more to see more of what the pink mustache man was doing; which of course didn't go unnoticed as Wilford wiggled his pink sparkly nails for Eric to see.

"Your nails are sparkly."

"They are indeed - would you like me to do your nails too?"

There was a moment of excitement that was quickly halted as Eric shrunk back and looked over to Dark to see if he would disapprove. But Dark opened his arms and let Eric climb over; sitting between dark's legs on the plush carpet so that Eric could be closer to Wilford while being held by Dark from behind.

"I'm allowed?"

Eric asked quietly and was gratefully reassured in response.

"You're allowed darling. I promise."

Relaxing more into Dark's embrace, Eric looked over the row of nail polish that Wilford was pulling out of his bag - all a different color with one slightly bigger black nail polish at the very end.

"You can pick any color you want, and when it dries I can put the sparkly top coat on top."

Lighting up again, Eric looked over thoughtfully before getting anxious from not being able to choose one color and fearing that Wilford would get upset with him if he didn't pick something soon.
However, Wilford offered a solution when he picked up on Eric's silent concerns.

"Or, you can have a different color on each nail if you're having a hard time choosing."

Eric's eyes widen as he turned around to look at Dark.

"I can do that?"

"You can dear."

Dark smiled softly as Eric turned back nodding in confirmation.

"Alrighty then, just place your fingers down and old Wilfie will get painting!"

Eric did his best to stay still, but was almost vibrating with excitement to have his nails done.

"Always wanted to..." Eric trailed off as he said the latter part in a whisper.
"...But... Daddy wouldn't have liked it..."

A twist in his stomach at the thought of his Dad's frown made Eric briefly worry that he was actually doing something wrong, but felt Dark's aura wave over and sooth the little to being calmer.

"Well..."

Wilford spoke carefully as he painted the last nail with black nail polish, right next to the one with pink that Wilford had been using earlier.
"You are allowed to wear whatever you like here, and I think what makes Eric happy is a bit more important right now..."

Eric gave a small smile back in return to Wilford's; feeling a little better since the couple did make him feel safe enough to wear the colorful nail paint and especially since Wilford was wearing some too.

"There - we just have to wait for those to dry and then we can put the sparkly on top."

The worry dropped away as Eric slightly bounced in excitement.

"Yes please!"

Wilford chuckled as he picked up the black nail polish he just used on Eric; looking directly as Dark as he offered up the small bottle.

"How about you Dark, would you like me to do your nails too?"

Dark hummed thoughtfully as he set his hand out to Wilford.

"It has been a while, but since I'm taking time off work..."

Eric felt happier with Dark joining in; looking over at the caregiver who was giving Eric a fond look at his joyful expression.

"You wear nail polish too?"

Eric questioned as a humored look was exchanged between the couple.

"Oh I use to help Dark with his nails many, many, years ago when getting ready for our nights out on the town. He looked just like a gothic fairytale prince - of course he's still my darling prince now..."

Dark snorted, but hugged Eric before setting the other hand down to be painted.

"Of course I haven't dressed up like that in quite some time."

"You know, I do believe we have some photos of Dark being a dazzling gothic beauty at a club somewhere."

"Probably stored away with the evidence of your own awful disco attire."

"Excuse you,"

Wilford said in mock-offense as he finished painting Dark's nails.

"I actually look quite amazing in my old threads that I can still fit into thank you very much."

"Don't you dare."

Dark just about held back his laugh as Wilford wiggled his eyebrows.

"I think I still look groovy in my dashing flares."

Witnessing the playful bickering between Dark and Wilford, Eric could tell how much they loved each other and always enjoyed seeing this side of the husbands affectionate relationship.

"-I bet Eric would love to join me for a little boogie to some Chaka Khan or Boney M."

"You leave my baby out of your music mischief."

Eric's breath hitched at what Dark said; who just realized his slip-up without thinking as Eric leaned into the caregiver for a prompted cuddle that was readily given as Dark carefully wrapped an arm around Eric with a light squeeze.

The internal conflict inside Eric had partly felt like he should still fight for his father no matter what... but a growing part of the little's thoughts wanted to give into the idea of the Warfstaches being his official caregivers.

Because Eric already knew that he wanted to stay.

"Can I have sparkles on my nails please?"

Eric asked, knowing he was trying to change the topic from Dark's slip up - not wanting an apology or for the caregiver to suddenly take it back what he had just said.

Wilford cheerfully got the sparkly top-coat polish ready while Eric returned to sitting where he was before in Dark's embrace - feeling even more secure to have arms wrapped around his middle protectively while Wilford chatted away and painted the enchanting glittery nail varnish on to the little's delight. 

Chapter Text

“W-what…?”

Eric didn’t know what had happened. One minute he was sitting at the back of the bus while his older brothers talked among themselves, heading towards the beach while Jerrick played his music on his old boom box – the next, the bus was swerving violently before everything flipped upside down into chaos.

 
The old bus that Kennick had been driving was suddenly rolling down the hill, while everything was thrown around in a mix of screams, yells and blurs that Eric’s mind couldn’t keep up with – until everything finally stopped moving with a loud crunch.
There was a moment where Eric had blacked out – either from hitting his head or passing out in fear; but when he woke up Eric felt pain as he blinked back to awareness.

 
Taking in a shuddering breath, Eric saw the wreckage around him, with all their belongings and what would soon sink in to his horror as bloody parts of his brothers - scattered everywhere within the bus.
The first shock was seeing the wide-eyed lifeless look of his brother Larrick, hanging from his seat belt in the opposite side from where Eric sat, with something crushed into his chest under the bus seat before him.
Eric was trapped in a similar way with the chair in front of him pinning him down – unable to see what was wrong with the lower part of his body as he looked around him for any signs of life.

 
“G-guys?”

 
Eric called out in a panicked whimper, hoping someone – anyone, would call back and be fine while the strong smell of metal and smoke started to settle into Eric’s senses.

“Guys?”

“Eric?”

 
Merrick called out gruffly as Eric did his best to lean over, choking back a sob while Merrick crawled towards him down the isle of the bus in pain.
When the brother’s eyes met, Eric couldn’t help but tear up – relieved for one of his brothers being alive while currently scared out of his mind about their current situation.

“I-I can’t m-move!”

 
Once Merrick was close enough to Eric, he winced at the sight of Larrick before flopping down onto his back – revealing that he was bleeding heavily with a blood drenched shirt held close over his stomach. 

“Merrick, you’re bleeding!”

Eric sobbed out, while his brother huffed out a worn laugh.

“Don’t… be a baby.”

It was clearly said with a smile, as if the older brother was trying to make a joke out of the horrific tragedy they were currently going through just to calm Eric down.

“We’ll… we’re gonna be ok. Called the ambulance and- and they’re on the way. Hold tight and… and don’t cry.”

Eric was already failing as tears streamed down, but did his best not to break down into wailing as he nodding – wanting nothing more than to be comforted, but gripped the upper edge of the seat instead.

“Is… anyone else…?”

 
Eric couldn’t bare to ask, but Merrick understood as inhaled a gulp of air.

 
“It’s bad… I think Herrick’s still alive, but knocked out… Jerrick was talking but… I think he passed out too.”

 
There was the distant sound of sirens sounding out from faraway; giving Eric hope that maybe some of them would somehow make it out alive after all.

“S-Should we call Daddy?”

 
Eric winced at himself, knowing that he was far too big to be calling Derek Daddy at his age – but right now Eric felt anything but big as Merrick started to look worse with every passing moment as his brother’s breathing became more labored.

“Nah… Phone died. It’s fine. It’s… gonna be fine.”

Merrick looked up at Eric; clearly wanting to say so much to him that he just didn’t have time to say as he spoke softly in an apologetic tone.

“I wasn’t a good… I wasn’t a good brother to… you…”

 
“Merrick.”

Voice trembling, Eric tried to push out of his seat to get to his brother, but yelped in pain as Merrcik hushed him.

“Shhh… it’s ok… it’ll be ok…”

 
Merrick trailed off as he repeated his last words with his final breath; and just like that – Merrick was gone before his little brother’s eyes.

“Merrick…”

The tears began again as Eric called out again and again. Despite knowing that his brother was no longer able to respond, Eric still tried in vain as he cried harder for his brother.

“Wake up! Don’t leave me alone – Merrick!”

 
By the time the ambulance arrived, the youngest of the Dereksons was screaming in despair with the words that Merrick had spoken not too long ago echoing in his mind.

‘Don’t be a baby.’
 

***************************************************

Shooting up in his bed in a cold sweat - Eric gasped, cupping his hands over his mouth as the memories of that awful day repeated over and over, while sobbing into his hands with a muffled tearful cry.

It had been a long time since Eric had dreamt of the accident; leaving him shaken from the distressing memories as he did his best to calm himself down.
Taking a couple of minutes to remind himself where he was while counting the cute painted animals on the wall, dimly lit by the nightlight below, Eric soon felt calmer and more in control of himself.

'I'm fine... I'm fine.'

He was still on the verge of aging down and tempted to call out for either Dark or Wilford; but almost thought of Derek with an instant sense of confusion at himself.

'But Daddy never came when I had a bad dream... it was always Mommy.'

A tear fell and Eric rubbed his eyes as he thought of his Mom.

'It must have been hard for her... she took care of all of us more than Daddy did. And when he did take an interest, it was only when we were much older...'

Eric sniffed, sitting up in his bed and reaching for his blankie to rub against his cheek for comfort. He remembered how she somehow found patience for him as well as his brothers, even though he now realized how exhausted and unwell she must have been right up til the day she had died. 

'And she's been gone forever... well before she could know what I am.'

Eric bit his lip with a soft whimper, hating the idea of her hating him for being a little - that his Mom might have been just as disappointed in him if she had lived long enough to know about Eric's status as a little...
But then again, if his Mom had been alive when the bus accident had happened - it would have hurt her much worse to lose all her other sons...

'...And only have me to deal with.'

Unknowingly slipping into a smaller mindset, Eric was getting upset again thinking about the death of his family in addition to his nightmare. He looked over to the door and thought about the Warfstaches just being down the hall from him. 

 
‘…I could go to them. They did say that I could wake them if I really really needed them…’

 
But hesitation halted any action to reach out for either Dark or Wilford. As much as Eric did not want to be alone right now after remembering such a traumatic memory; he also didn’t feel that he was really in need of actual help right now either.

‘I’m not that small right now, and I haven’t had an accident.’

Eric shifted over to the edge of his bed to look over at him prosthetics nearby, while thinking over what he wanted to do next.

‘They already do so much for me. They might be nice to me, but I bet they don’t really want to be woken up right now over my stupid nightmare.’

However, the one thing Eric knew for sure was that he did not want to go back to sleep and chance returning to that awful memory again.

“I’m ok.”

It wasn’t entirely true, but Eric believed it enough to convince himself while knowing that he had been in worse situations than this and did not have to worry about his father knowing that Eric wasn’t ‘manning up’ like he should be doing. 
So Eric made up his mind to put his prosthetics on and to head downstairs, to go towards the kitchen and maybe get himself something to drink.

Once his legs were securely on, Eric stood up and looked back to Betsy laying near his pillow. He picked her up for one big hug for encouragement and comfort.

 
“You keep guard here, ok? I’ll be back soon.”

Placing his bunny onto the center of his pillow, Eric still had his blankie in his hand and decided to tuck it away into his pocket.

‘I’m big enough… I can do it. I’ll be ok.’

Imagining Betsy nodding in agreement, Eric took one big breath before turning around and heading out into the darkened hallways from the safety of his bedroom.

By now, the house was familiar enough to be a little less scary – but in his regressed mind, even as a ‘bigger kid’, the affects of his nightmare had still shaken Eric and the surrounding night time shadows didn’t help ease his nerves. But the little still did his best to stay quiet as he made his way down to the kitchen; quickly flipping on the light and letting out a breath of relief as he made it out the darkness.

 
‘Maybe some warm milk might help me feel better?'

Dark and Wilford had said he was more than welcome to having whatever food they had in the kitchen at any time. The only thing the couple had asked Eric was to get either men if he needed to use the stove or microwave when regressed at any age.

"But I'm not really little-little..."

Eric muttered to himself as he walked towards the fridge, feeling a twist of guilt in his gut when he took the carton of milk out the fridge and setting it in the table.
Staring at the microwave, a frightening thought had entered his mind.

'What if I accidentally started a fire while trying to warm up the milk?'

Images suddenly flickered through Eric's mind as he hitched his breath, sinking down to the cold kitchen floor while holding onto the table leg while imagining one awful scenario after another of Wilford and Dark getting caught in a house fire caused by him.
Pulling his blankie out of his pocket, Eric barely felt the small comfort of the soft material as his thoughts continued to spiral and tears began to fall with a broken whimper.

Mixed with the recent nightmare and fears of what he could accidentally do, Eric aged even further down as he tried to wipe away the tears that kept coming - shuddering between choppy breaths as he berated himself in a sadden whisper.

"S-stupid baby."

'Don't be a baby...'

Merrick's voice echoing in the little's head only made Eric feel worse.
He wanted to be big again - to make his daddy proud and still want to care about him; so that Dark and Wilford wouldn't find him too annoying or realize that he was actually too much to look after while there were more deserving littles than him to take in - and so that the unbearable shame of what he was would finally go away along with the scary vulnerabilities that came with regression.

Even with all the reassurances he had been given since coming here to stay, Eric knew that it would never be enough - mostly because he truly believe he didn't deserve any of it.

'I shouldn't even be here. If I had died instead of any of my brothers, then Daddy wouldn't be in prison. I wouldn't feel like this... Daddy would be happier and Dark and Wilford wouldn't be in danger-'

Eric curled into himself as he cried harder as his thoughts got worse.

'I should be dead.'

The panic in his throat started to grow while his self-loathing rocketed in despair. He was so lost in these overwhelming feelings, that Eric didn't notice that the kitchen lights had flickered on until Dark was right in front of him and trying to get his attention with his calming voice.

"Eric?"

 
Snapping his head up, Eric saw the look of concern on the caregiver's face while the rampage of emotions were still hurling around inside his head.
The second that Dark opened his arms to reach out for Eric, the little practically threw himself into Dark's arms and embracing the much needed comfort that Eric deeply feared he would lose in the belief that he still didn't deserve anything that he wanted.

"Oh dear, its alright Eric - I'm here darling."

Picking Eric up, Dark got up to sit on the  kitchen chair and maneuvered Eric to sit on his lap; settling him to be held close while trying to sooth the distressed little.

"What happened Eric - what's wrong?"

"S-stupid. I'm bein' a stupid ugly baby..."

Eric sobbed into Dark's shoulder while Dark's aura surrounded them both; feeling safer in Dark's embrace as a hand brush over the back of Eric's head before prompting the young Derekson into looking back at his caregiver.

"Shh... Lets try that again. Can you tell me what has upset you my dear?"

Eric took in a couple of shuddering breaths, gently encouraged by Dark while he rubbed soothing circles on the little's back; until Eric was feeling calmer with less tension in his body as he spoke up again with a slight tremble i his voice.

"H-had a bad dream. It... it was about the bus accident - and if I-I'd died, then Daddy wouldn't be in jail-"

Another wave of tears overcame Eric as he leaned into Dark, clinging on desperately to the comfort he was being given as he continued.

"-And I was gonna make some warm milk, but got scared of startin' a fire and-and I don't wanna lose you and Wilford!"

"Oh Eric... you're alright my dear. It sounds like you've been having a bad night."

Dark gently rocked Eric as the little nodded slightly against Dark.

"I didn't want to wake you or Wilford 'cause - I was big enough to take care of myself... but then I got small 'cause I always bring bad stuff wherever I go." 

"Now that's not true."

"It is!"

Eric whined into the hug as Dark hushed him gently.

"It isn't. I know you have been through so much already and it might feel that way right now - but the one thing I can say for certain is that you have brought me and Will so much happiness."

Eric pulled back to rub his tear-stained cheek while Dark continued to talk.

"And right now you are safe. I'm here and Wilford is sleeping soundly upstairs. There's no danger and you are not alone."

Eric met Dark's eyes, biting his lower lip, but seeming to be satisfied with the caregivers comforting words.

"Now..."

Dark brushed back Eric's curls.

"Would you still like some milk?"

Eric nodded, going non-verbal as he slipped off Dark's lap and tailed after him while dark proceeded to get what he needed.
It didn't take long for Dark to pour some milk into a bottle and microwaved it, while Eric stood close by his side in an one-arm embrace until the drink was ready.

Despite his initial resistance against admitting his regression, Eric didn't complain about the drink being put into a bottle as as Dark screwed the top on before leading the little back to his room by one hand – with Eric holding on as he trailed after Dark until he was sitting on his bed again. Once his prosthetics were removed, Dark turned to ask Eric a question.

 
“Eric… would you like me to put you in a diaper before you have your bottle?”

Eric shook his head and stared up with wide pleading eyes.

“I’ll be good.”

“You are a good boy, I know that – but there’s nothing wrong with having something that you might need…”

Eric shook his head again as he picked up Betsy to hold against his chest.

“I don’t need it, I promise.”

“Alright then dear…”

Dark carefully removed Eric’s glasses and placed it on the table next to the bottle of warm milk, which he handed over to Eric who readily accepted it – sucking the nib of the bottle with a happy hum.

"Would you like me to read you a story while you have your milk?”

Eric nodded, shuffling closer when Dark had picked out a book and sat near the end of his bed – and leaned on his shoulder when Dark opened the picture book covered with illustrations of puppies on the moon.

“The stardust pups – would you like to hear this one?”

Eric nodded and sucked happily while Dark read to him in his soothing voice; thinking a lot less about his traumatic past and more focused on space puppies going on adventures to visit a friend on a distant star in space. 
By the time he had finished his bottle, the story was drawing to a close and Eric was just starting to doze off.

 
“…And they all sung together, happy to be at their friend’s side once more and cheerfully dancing under the endless glittering stars above.”

Dark closed the book and smiled to see Eric had let his empty bottle slide to his side on the bed and was sucking his thumb while holding onto Dark’s arm with his other free hand.

 
“Did you enjoy that story Eric?”

Eric nodded, pulling out his thumb reluctantly when he realized what he was doing. 

“Would you like a pacifier instead dear?”

Eric looked like he wanted to say yes, but looked away and hide his face in Dark’s arm.

“Not allowed.”

Dark brushed his hand over Eric’s soft curly hair.

“Yes you are allowed..."

Pulling back slightly to meet Dark’s eyes, Eric paused before giving a small nod that was met with dark’s softened smile.

"We’ll get you one when we visit the bathroom first. We don’t want you to have any accidents.”

Eric looked over his prosthetics with a pout, not wanting to put them on again right now, but looked up to Dark with uncertainty if he should ask for help.
But it seemed that Dark knew what he was thinking as he stood up slowly and offered his arms out.

“Would you like me to carry you Eric?”

 
“…It’s ok?”

“It’s ok.”

With that confirmation, Eric went into Dark’s arms and let himself be carried to the bathroom – his face snuggling into Dark’s shoulder and under the cocoon of his aura that only made the little feel even safer than ever, helping to ease the anxiety inside himself as he very nearly dozed off.
But Eric stayed awake long enough to use the bathroom with Dark’s help – and once he was done with relieving himself and washing his hands, Dark had handed him a freshly washed dark green pacifier that Eric was now happily sucking on.

 
By the time they had returned, Eric was falling asleep and letting himself be tucked into bed – with Betsy tucked in alongside him under the warm blankets and a gently brush of his hair as Dark whispered something that Eric didn’t quite catch.
But in that moment, he knew that this was safe and so much like the home he always wanted.

When he woke up the next morning, Eric had felt a brief moment of panic as he quickly spat out the pacifier in his mouth – fearing that someone would see him in bed with it and get him into trouble - only to wake up more and remember what had happened last night.
 
Once Eric had calmed down, he thought more about Dark and Wilford while getting up and getting himself ready for the morning.

 
A month ago he didn’t see himself giving up wanting to see his Dad – and although he still wanted to see Derek again more than anything, it was getting harder and harder to imagine going back to a life without the Warfstaches in it.

After Eric had dressed himself and got ready for the day, he went downstairs and headed towards Dark with a lot of feelings stirring around in his chest – the biggest being gratitude for all that dark and Wilford had done for him so far.

 
“Thank you… for last night Dark.”

Dark smiled, accepting a hug that Eric slightly offered but fully went into as they both held each other close in the kitchen.

 
“You’re welcome Eric. How are you feeling?”

“Good… I normally don’t do all that well when I have dreams like that the next day but… you really helped and… it didn’t feel so bad to be so little either.”

 
Dark tightened his arms around Eric, who felt truly happy and safe in that moment.

Chapter Text

The pig now spoke up, with a little oink as Eric made him take a bow for Buttercup.

"Welcome to ya new home. I'm Barnaby Piggie - it's real nice to meet ya!"

"Well hi there Buttercup!" Eric switched over to the sheep with a little 'baa' at the end.
"I'm Barbara Sheep, and over here is Benji Roostie and Boris Horsie!"

Eric made the other animals make noises as Buttercup giggle.

"Hi! I'm happy to meet ya'll... it was really scary coming here, but you're all so nice. I hope we get to be good friends!"

And soon after Eric introduced everyone, his mind got lost in playing - creating a whole world and story for the little animals on a farm, where they had adventures and learned more about each other as time went by.

The little had become so absorbed into playing, that he hadn't noticed Dark coming into the room until he suddenly sat up at the feeling of being watched and gasped with a moment of panic at the sight of Dark and dropped the horse toy that had been in his hand.

"Oh!" 

Dark had a fond expression on his face at seeing Eric playing; but when the little suddenly stop, a look of sadness flashed across Dark's face that Eric misunderstood for being in trouble.

"I'm sorry! I- I should have asked if it was ok..."

"Oh Eric no..."

Dark soothed as he got up and came over to where Eric was now sitting - kneeling onto the floor and placing a warm hand on Eric's shoulder to reassure that everything was alright.

"You're not in trouble, not at all - I promise. In fact I was happy to see you playing... were you having fun?"

The tension in Eric's body eased as he picked up the cow, which had easily become his favorite out the group, as he held it in his hands for comfort.

"Yeah... I probably looked silly."

"You didn't. And its ok for you to play with your toys Eric."

Eric looked down at the cow with warm emotions growing in his chest as Dark gently rubbed his thumb in small circles on his shoulder.

"It's ok..."

"And..." Eric spoke up, halting briefly only to continue with a little more courage.

"...And its really ok if I stay?"

Dark hadn't expected that as his eyes widened.

"Stay?"

"With you and Wilford..."

Looking up to meet the caregiver's eyes, something felt right as Eric knew that this was really what he wanted.

"I... can I stay?"

Dark suddenly leaned in with a hug, which had surprised Eric momentarily before he melted into Dark's arms as his rough voice trembled.

"Of course you can stay. It would be an honor to have you."

Eric felt flustered, still not feeling that worthy - but more than happy to make this choice as he hugged Dark back just as tightly.

When Wilford had returned, Dark had told him the news - leading to Wilford cheerfully bringing them both into a spontaneous group hug at such happy news, before rushing off to contact Eric's social worker and to inform her of Eric's decision.

With anticipation for Penny to arrive with the legal documents for them all to sign the following day, Eric felt a surge of nervous excitement as he barely sat still during breakfast as he eagerly waited for the doorbell to ring.

"It's really happening."

Eric said as Dark beamed, while getting a damp cloth to gently wipe the mess of food he had gotten on his face.

"It is."

Although Eric felt slightly embarrassed for his actions, he couldn't help but feel happy - as he went in for another hug the was readily accepted, with a whispered promise spoken into Eric's ear.

"And I promise - I promise that we'll take good care of you my dear."

Such a genuine tone in Dark's voice nearly brought a tear to his eye as Eric nuzzled into him and easing the doubts that were still at the back of his mind - knowing that he was wanted and wanted to be here.

So when the door finally rang, Wilford answered as Eric held Dark's hand and bracing themselves for Penny to enter through the door.

However, Penny was not alone - as someone who Eric hadn't seen in a very long time grinned at him from the door with a wave.

"Hey there Eric!"

"...Uncle Edgar?"

Chapter Text

For a very long moment, Eric stares back in confusion at Ed Edgar - an old family friend of his Dad who he hadn't seen since graduating high school. 

Even though Edgar was friendly enough towards Eric and had mostly visited his childhood home to drink with Derek on the porch; a sense of uneasiness began to weigh in Eric's gut that wasn't helped by the frown Penny was wearing as she followed Edgar into the house.

"Good to see you again Eric!"

Edgar stepped in with a wide grin under his bushy mustache while Dark and Wilford exchanged a look with each other.

"So," Wilford began with an uncertain tone in his voice, "A friend of Eric's?"

Eric let go of Dark's hand as Edgar walked over to slap a hand on his shoulder, while Penny let out a sigh of frustration.

"I'm very sorry... but while I was getting the paperwork for Eric ready, Mr Ed Edgar had gotten in contact and... it would appear that we had over looked any potential custodial rights for Eric beyond his father."

Right then it felt like Eric's entire world was being swept from right under his feet.

"What?"

Eric faintly asked as Ed Edgar chuckled with a light tug on his cowboy hat.

"Seems like these official types got a little too eager with snapping you away when they should have contacted me."

Eric furrowed his eyebrows, confused with his anxiety rising in his chest.

"B-but we're not even r-related."

"No, but I am your godfather."

Edgar spoke cheerfully, seemingly unaware of the heavy mood around him.

"And I signed up to be a guardian for you and your brothers if anything happened to either of your parents some time ago; since your Daddy didn't have much in the way of family and your Momma was estranged from hers... In any case, Derek had managed to make a phone call to me about a week ago from jail and that's how I found out about it all."

Eric looked over to Dark and Wilford; who were both looking shocked at the sudden news as Edgar continued to talk.

"Of course these social workers were trying to argue against the whole thing since - well, I ain't no caregiver - but I am officially registered as your next of kin and can take these bozos to court if needs be. But once we get everything sorted out, you can come live with me."

Eric suddenly looked back to Edgar with a hitch of his breath.

"Live with you?"

"That's right. Although we gotta make sure you get that little time that you need and the like, but I've looked up a few day centers that can help out and maybe hiring a part-time caregiver depending on what you need - but either way I'm getting you outta here buddy."

And that's when the dread started to sink in. 

After everything that had happened - if Edgar had been contacted sooner while Eric was still in that temporary foster home, then he would have willingly gone with the older man in a heartbeat.

But now? Not only was he finally comfortable enough to age down, regardless of his occasional struggles in doing so; but going with Edgar meant that he wouldn't be staying with the Warfstaches any more.

"I..."

Eric looked back at the couple with the smallest part of himself internally begging for either men to say something, anything, to keep Eric with them.

But even with the somber look on Wilford's face and the expression of despair on Dark; neither of the couple said nothing as the little started to lose hope in their silence.

'Don't they want me any more?'

The thought hurt as Eric turned back to Edgard looking expectantly at him; feeling a heavy lump in his throat as his eyes started to burn.

"I..."

After a pause, Eric sniffed and then broke down into a flood of tears as he dropped right down into regression - no longer being able to hold up the 'big' front that reminded him too much of how he used to live his life with his Dad.
And although maybe Edgar wouldn't be as bad as Derek had been, especially since he had mentioned being willing to let Eric get the care that he needed - Eric didn't want strangers or have to go back to reigning his regression in.

He wanted to stay. 

"I don't wanna go!"

Eric wailed as he curled in on himself, clumsily removing his glasses that were now tightly gripped in one hand while messily rubbing his other hand over his eyes between sobs.

"I-I don't wanna! I want- want-!"

Eric blearily looked towards Dark, not quite being able to see him properly but feeling even sadder when the caregiver wasn't coming over to him when Eric needed him the most - fueling the feeling that maybe they had changed their mind after all.

"Dark!"

With Eric's sorrowful cry, Dark suddenly rushed over to the little and instantly took him into his arms, pulling him away from Edgar as Eric huddled into him while gripping onto his shirt sleeves. Any growing doubts immediately vanished as Eric was held close - feeling reassured by Dark's aura and rough soothing voice spoken into his ear.

"Shh... it's alright. It's going to be alright."

"Don't let me go- you said I could stay, you said-!"

"I know, I know..."

Dark lightly rocked Eric while the little hoped that Dark would promise him again that he could stay; that this was all just a big mistake and that he didn't need to go anywhere.

Instead, Dark picked him up and carried him into the living room so that they could sit on the sofa. With Eric still crying and holding onto Dark, it took some time before Eric started to calm down with sniffs and sadly cuddling into Dark.

"There..."

Dark's hand brushed over Eric's hair, making the little want to fall asleep after feeling so emotionally rung out. However, he was unaware of the conversations happening nearby - until Edgar eventually come around  to where Dark and Eric were; keeping a respectable distance but still enough to make Eric feel close to crying all over again.

"Hey Eric..."

Edgar spoke, seeming to be trying his best not to set the little off again as he continued to speak.

"You really like it here?"

"Uh-huh."

Eric nodded against Dark, not looking up as Edgar continued to questioned him.

"These people - they been taking care of you?"

"Yeah," Eric spoke softly, "They been real good to me uncle Edgar."

"You happy here?"

Eric nodded again as he looked up at Edgar.

"I don't wanna leave."

"Then you don't have to."

Eric blinked in surprise, rubbing his tearfully-sore eye.

"...Really?"

"I never wanted to upset you kiddo. From what your Daddy had told me, he said that you were really scared when they took you away."

"I was scared. And-and didn't wanna leave Daddy either."

Removing his hat, Edgar scratched the back of his head with a solemn expression.

"Well... I want you to know that you got choices boy. But if you want to stay here, then I ain't gonna take you away either."

"I can stay?"

Edgar nodded with a crooked grin.

"Pretty sure that everybody in this room is in agreement with that. Like I said, I ain't no caregiver - and it seems like you already have the right people doing that stuff for you right here."

Eric chewed his lip a little as a thought passed by.

"Daddy's gonna be mad."

Edgar chuckled again as he put his hat back on.

"Maybe, but to be honest kid - your Dad is a knuckle head who should really know better."

After a pause, Edgar straightened up with a shrug.

"I don't doubt that he wants you safe and that he loves you in his own way, but Derek has always had a problem looking past his own pride. Never liked not being able to fix things himself and... well, you don't need to be fixed."

A swell of emotion raised in Eric that felt too big for his little state; but with Edgar's words he was able to relax and ask Dark the same question just to be sure.

"I can stay?"

"Yes you can."

Dark's voice sounded raw as Edgar spoke up again, looking over to Penny as Wilford rushed over to Dark's other side on the couch to where he was sitting with Eric.

"You know, I believe Miss Penny here was talking about making something official before coming over here."

The change in the social worker's mood was like night and day; her sullen expression turning joyful as she quickly opened her briefcase.

"Yes- Yes! I actually still have the paperwork with me here-"

"We... we can still be Eric's caregivers?"

Wilford spoke in a happy disbelief, turning to look over at both Dark and Eric with great elation.

"Yes - and how about you Eric?" Penny asked,
"Do you want Dark and Wilford to be your official guardians?"

"Yes!"

Eric brightened up as he hugged Dark again while Wilford place an arm around the back of Dark, resting his hand on Eric.

"I wanna stay!"

Dark looked like he was ready to cry from joy as he looked up to Edgar with a rough whisper.

"Thank you."

"Well, I ain't a total jerk - and what kind of Godfather would I be to take him away when you guys are clearly what he needs?"

Ed Edgar huffed, smiling at the sight of the three of them practically beaming happiness of being together.

Eric didn't have the words to express how grateful he was.

He now had a home and caregivers who wanted him.
Of course there were still problems and internal conflicts that wouldn't be solved over night; but having the support and care of both Dark and Wilford welcoming him into their home meant everything to Eric. 

He was wanted and Eric wanted to be here. 

Chapter Text

-One Year Later-

Eric was finishing up the last few touches to editing an episode of Bim's newest gameshow; looking over his work one more time while giving the black teddy bear in one of his arms a squeeze.

The bear had a red and blue stripy bow, matching with the bubblegum pink bear that was currently sitting by his computer monitor. Both had voice recording from Eric’s caregivers when their paws were squeezed, which had helped in his first few weeks here after struggling with separation anxiety from missing Dark and Wilford.

However, Eric was doing much better now the more absorbed he got into his work alongside the fellow editors in the office - and sometimes it was just comforting to hold either teddy bear while he worked.

Sending off the completed file via email, Eric looked around and still couldn't believe how lucky he had been to get a good job with an understanding boss, in addition to the bonus of getting to go to Wilford within the same building if he really needed to or just wanted to visit the reporter.

But even with things going right for him, the bad feelings of guilt, shame and anxiety still lurked in the back of Eric’s mind.

'Not now.'

Eric swallowed back and gave his bear a tight squeeze before setting the stuffie next to the other bear.

'It's nearly lunch time - I'm going to go see if Wilford wants to eat together.'

But just as Eric was about to leave, two identical men in blue button up shirts burst into the room and headed right over to where Eric was sitting.

"Eric Jim!"

"H-hey CJ, hi RJ."

The Jim bothers were the biggest names in celebrity littles; both working together in journalism along with Wilford and had been very welcoming to Eric in his first month here once they had heard a new little had joined the media station.

"We bring baked goods!" RJ announced as he held up a plate of cookies triumphantly.

Both had walked in dramatically, looking around as if they were being followed, while the other editors in the office looked over with a chuckle at the twin's antics before returning back to their own work.

"There was carnage on today’s baking show,"

CJ explained in the most serious hushed tone he could express,

"Started by a feud with greeny haired man and the kittycat man, before escalating in the almighty food fight - the likes that baking has never seen before."

"So we rescued the delicious treats from impending destruction!"

Eric tried his best to hold himself back from the excitement of the very delicious looking chocolate chip cookies piled up on the plate; carefully questioning the brothers in a timid manner.

"You stole them?"

"No - rescued!" CJ twirled with the back of his hand on his forehead.

"From being wastefully wasted!"

"And because you are an honorary Jim, we will share some with you!"

RJ declared, offering the plate to Eric; who was blushing and still not understanding why they considered him 'a fellow Jim' - but happily took two of the cookies from the plate.

"T-thank you."

"You are most welcomed!"

The pair then crouched and started to make their way out.

"-And remember, stay very Jim."

"We must retreat before we're caught. Until next time Eric Jim!"

Eric waved goodbye to the brothers as they left, turning around and reached for a tissue to wrap the cookies in as Eric thought of sharing one with Wilford for lunch.

'They're fun... and it was nice of CJ and RJ to think of me."

Although the twins could be quite eccentric, they had become good friends with Eric in the past few months - even when he had moments of being sad or panicked, the twins had been understanding and were either willing to keep him company or try to help however they could.

'Even when I freaked out after our first playdate. After an hour, I got weird and missed Dark - but they both were really nice to me and said we could play another time.'

Thinking about getting to play with other littles sent a twist in Eric's gut; both from wanting to play but still holding onto that old fear that he wasn't supposed to be playing - believing that it was ok for other littles, but not for himself.

Taking a deep breath, Eric tried not to think about it any further and returned to his plans to get lunch with Wilford.

---

Eric soon headed towards the reporter’s office and arriving just when Wilford looked as if he had finished writing his latest article. The pink haired man looked up and brightened with his classic toothy grin at the sight of Eric peaking around the door to his office.

"Hello lad! It's been a lively day today!"

Opening his arms wide, Eric happily rushed over - crawling into his lap and giving Wilford a big hug back.

It turned out that word of the food fight and drama from the baking show had travelled round the building as Wilford mentioned a few more extra details - reminding Eric of the cookies he had wrapped up in his hand.

"Yeah - CJ and RJ came by with cookies from the show!"

Raising an amused eyebrow, Wilford looked down at the cookies that Eric was showing him once the little had pulled back from the hug.

"And I suppose those rascals shared the bounty from the food fight with you?"

Eric looked away nervously, knowing Wilford wasn't mad, but started to worry that he might be in trouble.

"I... I probably shouldn't have accepted them - b-but they said it would have been wasted in the fight."

Wilford gave Eric a gentle smile and ruffled his black curly hair, which helped Eric to calm down.

"I'm sure its fine. They’re probably written off as destroyed from the food fight."

Eric relaxed against Wilford in relief.

"Was anybody hurt?"

"Oh, just some pride and bruised egos... not to mention a couple of stomach aches if those Jim brothers are planning to eat a whole plate of cookies."

When he said that part out loud, Wilford fetched his phone with his free hand and looked as if he was texting their caregiver Bim, to warn the tv presenter of the brothers most recent antics.

Once he had sent the message off, Wilford placed his phone down on the desk and booped Eric on the nose.

 "Now... would my favorite boy like to have some lunch?"

"Yes please... and would you like a cookie too Wilford?"

"Why thank you Eric, I would love to."

So they both got out their packed lunches, with Eric getting another chair to sit next to Wilford as they shared their meals together with the cookies for dessert.

By the time they were done, a tired-looking Bim and the regressed twins in tow had come by Wilford's office.

"Eric Jim!"

CJ called out alongside RJ.

"The delicious cookies have taken their toll on us."

"We must rest to fight off the enemy known as - the tummy ache!"

Bim huffed out a half-laugh with a look of endearment on his face.

"The boys wanted to know if Eric would like to join them for a nap."

Eric looked away as he held onto his now empty juice carton.

"Not tired."

Although Eric was feeling even littler now, he still struggled with being completely aging down in a public place, even when around people he felt safe with. But Wilford rubbing soothing circles on Eric's back relaxed the little as Wilford eased him more into the idea.

"Maybe just a short lie-down? Just to rest your eyes for a little while."

It didn't take much for Eric to be convinced as he felt a yawn come on, as he let himself be guided to a corner of Wilford's office - which was all set up in case Eric regressed hard or if a little at the workplace needed looking after until their caregiver came to pick them up.

Even though nothing so drastic has happened at work before; there had been times where Eric has come in and waited for Wilford to finish work - occasionally taking a nap in his office or secretly played with the toys there when he didn't think Wilford was watching.

The soft padded area was big enough for all three to lie down, with Eric somehow ending up in the middle taking the cushions to rest their heads on as Wilford and Bim covered the three in blankets that had been stored away in the nearby cupboard.

Both CJ and RJ were out in seconds as Eric drifted off, resisting the temptation to ask for his pacifier while knowing that he was nowhere near comfortable to do that at work yet.

"Sweet dreams kiddos."

---

When Eric woke up again, he saw that he was outside and currently being carried.

When he fully woke up and noticed the familiar aura and way he was being held, Eric perked up more with happiness at being with his caregiver again.

"Dark!"

"Hello dear,"

Dark patted his back as Eric wrapped his arms around Dark for a light hug.

"Did you have a nice day at work?"

"Uh-huh." Eric nodded against Dark's shoulder.

"Did you have a good day at work too Dark?"

"Well... it could have been better - but getting to see you again is the highlight of my day."

Eric smiled, only to feel guilt when he realized something as he looked over to Wilford walking besides them.

"Wilf, I forgot to get Dark a cookie."

"A cookie?"

Dark questioned as they reached the car.

"Oh, quite a lot has happened today - Eric, would you like to tell Dark all about it?"

Eric pouted, knowing it was a distraction technique for getting him into the booster car seat.

Even after a year, big or small, Eric really didn't like being strapped in - despite knowing that it wasn't legal for a little to ride in a car without it.

But even being buckled in, Eric thought over how good the day had been as he told Dark all about editing, the food fight - with Wilford adding more context - and how the Jims had shared the 'rescued' cookies throughout the entire drive home.

“-And it turns out that the contestants on the baking show use to date and had a real bad break up years ago from a misunderstanding.”

Eric was laying on his bed while talking on the phone to Randall; feeling more ‘in the middle’ – which was rare for Eric in terms for regressing, but conversing with his old school friend helped to take his mind off from his regression.

“Whoa, now that’s some drama.”

Eric smiled, feeling glad that he was friends again with Randall after everything had happened.

Even though it had been a little awkward the first few times Eric had met up with Randall after being officially adopted by Wilford and Dark; the little had forgiven him for reporting his father and was happy with the friendship they had built up afterwards.

“Wilford said that they were working things out and might start dating again after reshooting the baking contest – which doesn’t make sense to me.”

Randall chuckled at the other end of the line.

“Well, romance can be confusing like that.”

Eric sat up and shuffled on the bed to get more comfortable.

“By the way, how was the audition?”

The pained groan made Eric feel a little guilty at even mentioning it.

“I kinda blew it… and to be honest, I’ve been thinking about quitting acting for a while now.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” Randall’s tone cheered up as he continued.

“You know how I’ve been helping my friend at his photography studio as a side gig while auditioning? Well I’ve been getting more into photography and was thinking of going full time. Plus, I’ve been building up my portfolio with some of the photos that I’ve gotten permission to save…”

Eric perked up in curiosity.

“What kind of photos?”

“I’m gonna send some to you now.”

Eric pulled the phone away and saw some photos being sent to him, and practically squeaked in in excitement when he opened them up.

“Puppies!”

“Heh, I thought you might like them.”

The image file showed a couple of confused looking golden retriever puppies, wearing green bows on their neck while sitting in a basket in a row.

“They’re so cute Randall!”

“We’ve been getting a lot of people coming in with their pets for portrait photos recently…”

Eric was grinning as he looked through the photos, seeing more puppies that looked like a mix between a Dalmatian and a corgi, a very fluffy grey Persian cat that looked almost like royalty and a black cat laying next to a Labrador as they shared a small velvet sofa chair together.

“They’re really good Randall, thank you for sending them to me.”

“Aw no problem pal. Ey, maybe I can take a group photo of you, Dark and Wilford someday when I get better.”

“I’d have to ask if its ok, but I bet they’d like that a lot.”

Looking over to the clock on his bed side table, Eric saw that it was getting close to dinner.

“Hey Randall? I gotta go.”

“Yeah me too. It’s been nice catching up with you buddy. Talk to you soon!”

“Yeah,” Eric beamed happily “Hope you have a good week, bye bye.”

“Bye Eric and you take care too.”

Once they both hung up, Eric looked over the photos again with a grin before he eventually made his way out to the kitchen - eager to gush about Randall's animal photos to his caregivers.

"-Well, it sounds like you've had quite the eventful month."

Eric nodded as he sat across from his therapist, Silver Shepherd, while drawing on some paper after talking about the 'bad' moments he had gone through since the last appointment and that had been noted down in his workbook.

Even though Eric hadn't initially wanted to go to therapy; when his separation anxiety had gotten bad after starting his new job, Eric had changed his mind in hopes of finding ways to help him cope.

And after some sessions, Eric had found that he liked Silver and the advice he gave - especially when he was reassured that it wasn't all about 'being drugged up and forcing him into being a baby permanently.' He mostly talked and Silver helped Eric think around a lot of his issues.

"Yeah... but I didn't leave Dark's side at the meet up."

Eric had gone to the first meet up for littles who usually refuse regression or had gone through a difficult upbringing that made it difficult to regress. Despite wanting to go; when he had arrived with Dark, Eric felt too intimidated to join anyone to play and stayed with Dark while he was talking with the other caregivers there.

"Well it was your first time going there, so I bet it must have been scary going somewhere new and meeting new people too."

Eric nodded as he continued to draw a butterfly on his paper.

"But now that you're familiar with the place and know where Dark will be - would you like to go again?"

Eric nodded again as he slowed down his drawing.

"Yeah... but I'm also scared if I ask anyone to play, they'll say no and everyone will hate me."

Silver looked sympathetic as he pulled out a fresh piece of paper.

"It can be scary... but it’s always worth trying to ask. How about going into the next session with the goal to ask at least one person to play or at least say hello to. Even if for whatever reason it doesn't work out, you will at least complete one goal and get to try again the next time."

Eric looked up, still nervous but agreeing to the plan all the same.

"Ok."

"Great." Silver smiled as he looked up to the clock.

"Well our time is almost up. Is there anything else you want to discuss before we go?"

Eric hesitated briefly before making up his mind to speak up.

"I'm... visiting my Dad soon. I don't think Dark wants me to go, but he said he'd still take me."

"That's nice of him."

"Yeah... Dark's really nice..."

Eric paused with a look of uncertainty.

"Is it a bad idea for me to go?"

"Well... do you feel ready to go?"

"I don't think I'll ever be ready to see Dad again. He's gonna be so mad at me for giving in to be a little... but I do want to see him."

"With Dark coming with you and you wanting to see your father, I don't think there's anything wrong with going. Perhaps it might help to write a list of things you want to talk about or maybe make something for your father before you go. You don't have to bring either of them along, but maybe it will help prepare you for the meeting.”

Eric nodded. He wasn’t sure what he would even begin to talk about, but he knew that he could draw something or ask Dark for ideas on what to make.

“Ok…”

"That's all the time we have for today Eric. Would you like a sticker for your work book before you go?”

That cheered Eric up as he bounced a little at the sticker sheet being offered to him.

“Yes please!”

That was another thing he liked. More often than not, Eric would either end up regressing or feel very close to aging down by the end of the session. So receiving a sticker always made him feel a bit better, even after talking about something particularly emotional with silver.

So once Eric picked out a glittery fox sticker, he rushed out after saying goodbye to show Dark – who was waiting for him in the room outside.

“Dark! Look at the sticker Silver gave me.”

Dark smiled gently as he stood up.

“That’s a nice sticker dear. Are you ready to go?”

Eric nodded, turning around to wave goodbye at Silver who had followed him to see them off.

“Take care, and see you next month.”

“Bye bye!”

Dark nodded as the pair went out to return to the car outside, with Eric holding onto dark’s hand tightly while holding his workbook to his chest with his other hand.  

Chapter Text

After months of talks with social services and the warden of the prison, where Derek was currently residing in; they were finally able to make plans for Eric to see his Dad.

And as much as he wanted to see Derek, Eric almost went into a panic attack the day before their meeting - worrying about what his father would think after everything; from accepting his new caregivers to turning down the chance to live with his godfather Ed Edgar.

It took a long cuddle in Wilford's lap for him to calm down while Dark reassured him that he still had options.

"It's alright Eric... you don't have to go right now. It's alright if you're not ready to see him yet."

"But I want to."

Perhaps Eric sounded like he was trying to convince himself, but he really did want to see his Dad again. He was just afraid of how badly it might go when he does meet Derek again.

But as Eric told his therapist - there was never going to be a time when he would be 'ready'. 

So when the day came, Eric walked towards the visitor's entrance of the prison; with Dark holding onto one hand while Eric held the card he made for his Dad in the other.

He did his very best to keep hold of his 'bigger' headspace while his stomach twisted with nerves as he spoke softly to Dark.

"Do you think the card is stupid?"

"Not at all. I think it's very sweet of you to make something for your father."

Eric bit his bottom lip, letting the guards check to make sure they weren't smuggling anything in before they were lead to the windowless room where the meeting would take place with his Dad. 

"Thank you for bringing me here Dark."

"You're welcome dear."

Dark let Eric let go of his hand once they sat down on the chairs place before a large metal table with empty chairs facing them.

"Just remember - we can leave at any time if you feel uncomfortable or for whatever reason."

Eric nodded; his breath hitching as the door opened and his father entered.

Once Derek sat down, Eric couldn't help but notice how much weight his Dad had lost under his baggy blue prison jumpsuit since the last time he had seen him.

Nervous energy threatened to rattle through Eric, both from the burst of relief at finally seeing his Dad again, and from the growing frown forming on his father face - already feeling the dread for what the older Derekson had to say to his son.

There was a long pause between them while Eric felt lost at what to say; especially when Derek was looking over Dark disapprovingly before opening his mouth to speak.

 "Ed told me that you refused to go with him."

Swallowing back the lump in his throat, Eric did his best to stay calm and avoid looking at Dark to keep himself from crumbling into regression from the tension alone.

"He gave me a choice Dad and- and it was real nice of uncle Edgar to try and help... but I'm really happy living with Dark and Wilford now."

Derek raised an eyebrow.

"So after everything, you still chose to be someone's man-child."

Taking a deep breath, Eric tried to keep his voice level and consistent.

"They- they both take good care of me when I get... small. But they also let me work and I'm still an editor at the same company as Wilford-"

"Work?" Derek cut Eric off in confusion.

"But I thought it was illegal to put littles to work?"

'Then why did you do it Dad?'

Eric thought to himself before replying.

"Its- I'm allowed to work under four hours with breaks..."

Derek scoffed.

"Oh, so they're just letting you slack off then?"

Pursing his lips, memories of Derek being just as dismissive in the past as he was right now rose up as Eric tried to not let his father upset him.

"No, I wasn't suppose to be working the long hours that you were making me do."

Eric's voice trembled, remembering how he would work even longer than the average worker at the company and the times Derek would even make him work after hours when a deadline was due - despite how many other people at Derek's company were also working alongside Eric and had even offered to help him out.
But Derek insisted that it was Eric responsibility alone... maybe as a way to 'man' him up and try to kill the part of Eric that just wanted a moment to age down without upsetting anyone. 

"Well there's no need to blame me son, I'm already in jail because of you."

Derek said it so casually that it somehow made Eric feel even more guilty for speaking up at all, as tears of frustration started to gather in his eyes.

'Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry-'

As much as Eric wanted to see his father, the meeting was already reminding him why he use to bottle everything up alongside any sign of regression. He just wish he could talk to his Dad without it leading to him saying the wrong thing.

"Mr Derekson,"

Dark cut in as Eric struggled to think of something else to say.

"It was your own fault for putting your son in that position in the first place."

"And what business is it of yours? I'm talking to my son, so this doesn't involve you at all!"

"I am his caregiver - something that you clearly wouldn't even begin to understand."

The sharp tone in Dark's voice did nothing to stop the sneer on Derek's face when he looked over the pale man in disgust.

"And what kind of things does a creep like you do to my son?"

The implication in his father's tone made Eric feel ill as he yelled out in defense of Dark.

"He's not like that! Dark's never done anything bad to me - nor Wilford! They've both been taking care of me -"

"Good God, those freaks have really been babying you. I told you the whole status thing is bullshit so many times Eric. What good are you to live a life like that anyhow?"

"Why are you always so mean to me!?"

Eric snapped as a tear fell down one side of his face as both father and son stared at each other for a long time. Frozen with a storm of emotions thundering underneath the surface, without breaking eye-contact with one another. 
It was strangely the most vulnerable Eric has ever been with his father, and neither would say a word before Dark gently broke the silence as he placed a hand on Eric's shoulder.

"I think it's time we went home Eric."

Even with tears threatening to over-spill further, Eric did his best to hold back and refused to age down in front of his father as he looked away with a nod to agree.

Although the smallest part of Eric wanting to reach out to Dark to carry him and give much needed comfort, he instead stood up with Dark - before looking over to where Derek sat with his down eyes fallen down to his own hands with an air of defeat that was jarring for Eric to see.

Pausing to gather his words, Eric finally spoke.

"Dad?"

"What?"

"...I don't want to cut you out of my life. And maybe you won't believe me when I say this - but I really do miss you."

Derek said nothing as Eric continued.

"But... I couldn't keep living like that - and I tried. I really did try Daddy. I tried to do everything you wanted me to do -  but I'm not my brothers. And I'm a little... I know that you never really liked me, but I know that you loved me 'cause we're family - and I love you too."

Derek still wasn't looking at his son, but Eric could see his eyes had gone glassy and his lips pursing into a thin line while refusing to respond.

It stung, but Eric had said what he wanted to say and settled with that as he held up the card that he had been holding onto and placed it down in front of his father on the cold metal table. 

"I... I made you something when- when I had regressed."

Derek still didn't say anything, but Eric took it as a win that his father at least didn't throw it back into his face.

A moment passed as Dark's aura waved over Eric and signaled that it was time to leave. 

"...Bye Dad."

"Goodbye son."

Eric bit his bottom lip, trying not to cry as he let Dark guide him out the visiting room and stayed silent all the way out into the car park and on the journey back home.

As tense as the car ride home was, Eric tried to hold back everything that was threatening to burst out; from the hurt to the aching need to regress.

A loud inner voice telling himself he didn't need to regress 'like a stupid baby', that it was all his fault that things were the way they were and that his Dad would never forgive him - so he didn't even deserve to age down and be cared for. He even thought about punishing himself by refusing regression for the rest of the day, even if it made his stomach hurt and the sadness grown bigger.

But as soon as Eric had stepped into the house, he suddenly broke down crying and nearly crumbled down to the floor in a wail of sorrow - dropping hard as a small and hurting boy.

However, Dark was right behind him and caught his little - picking Eric up and carrying him to the sofa in the living room so that he could comfort him.

Eric curled up against Dark while the caregiver did his best to sooth him, after removing the little's glasses and placing them on the nearby side table before rubbing Eric's shoulder gently.

"It's alright Eric, I got you dear... let it all out."

Between hitching his breath and trying to say something through the shuddering sobs, Eric let himself be held until the tears eventually slowed down and Eric was able to sound more coherent.  

"W-why can't Daddy be more like you?"

Eric sobbed, rubbing his face into Dark's shirt.

"I love him lots, even when he don't like me - why can't I be good enough? I-I know I don't deserve it, but why?"

"Oh but you are Eric, you are so good."

Dark rocked Eric in his arms and held him closer with his fingers running through Eric's hair, as Eric leaned on his shoulder with a sad sniff.

"I'm sorry that your father can't appreciate you - but what he chooses to say and do is not your fault. There's nothing wrong with you and I promise that you are so lovable my dear."

"I can second that."

Eric lifted his head to see Wilford entering the room and coming over to join them on the sofa; smiling gently as he sat down next to Eric - who was already sitting up, but still clinging onto Dark as Wilford continued to speak. 

"Things may be difficult right now with your father... but we love you and want you here. You've made our lives so much fuller and richer by being here - and not just us, but all the friends and people who care about you too."

"That's right."

Dark whispered as Eric leaned into him again.

"You have come so far and have been so good and so brave... and I'm proud of you Eric. And so very happy to have you in our lives." 

Eric was feeling a little closer to being a baby; raising his thumb to his mouth and flopping onto Dark as he let himself regress safely into his caregiver's arms.

Sensing Eric's change in ageing down, Dark picked Eric up in his arms and stood up with Wilford by his side.

"Alright sweetheart, lets get you comfortable..."

Eric felt a lot more relaxed after the built up of stress and emotional turmoil; nuzzling into Dark and only looking up when Wilford softly called him and offered a pacifier for him - which Eric received with a soft happy noise.

The couple changed him into a cozy onesie and were soon sitting on the soft play area, with Dark holding onto him while Wilford rolled a jingly soft colorful ball to Eric - who was happily rolling it back with a cheerful squeak as he played while feeling safe and comfortable with his new family. 

As difficult as things could be, Eric knew big or small that he was wanted here.

Derek was returned to his cell; taking a seat on the bottom bunk bed as the older Derekson stared at the card Eric made in his hands. 

The drawing was messy but brightly colored; with a dog and what Derek assumed was a drawing of Eric smiling next to it. 

He still didn't know how to feel about the whole thing - knowing for certain that he didn't like the pale stranger who was now responsible for his son's wellbeing and acted so familiar around Eric, who seemed to be right at home around the other man. And Derek didn't want to admit to himself how much it pained him to see that.

"Is that card made by your kid?"

Derek's cellmate questioned as the other man looked over from his top bunk, while Derek took a longer look at the card before placing it on the end of his bed.

"...Yeah. It's by my son."