christmas pressie for @froggymarsh <3 (also hello I'm back)
The festive season was upon the empires, and though all celebrated the transition into winter and the New Year differently, this year Katherine had taken it upon herself to host a grand feast with the other emperors, a sign of good faith towards all in the House Blossom alliance.
Pix had been invited, and though he was initially reluctant to go- of course, not out of any malice or distaste for the idea, it was simply a busy time for the Copper King and his schedule was full enough- he folded rather quickly when Fwhip had demanded he join the Wither Rose Alliance in matching outfits. Fwhip had been overjoyed, and any regret Pix felt over agreeing quickly faded away in the face of such a reaction.
Unfortunately, now getting ready for the event, Pix felt the regret return full force. He had been monumentally busy the entirety of the day, and wanted nothing more than to rest in bed with a cup of tea, and perhaps his journal. The outfit Fwhip had delivered felt too loose in some places and far too snug in others, and his skin was itchy and irritated.
Any attempts made to alter these facts simply made him feel more uncomfortable, and he froze when he caught a look at himself in the mirror. The outfit looked fine, but his face was flushed and his eyes were wet and puffy and his hair was a mess and he just-
Oh. Pix grimaced, looking away from the mirror and reaching for his comm resting nearby. He would simply have to send his regrets to everyone and stay home, he would not be good company tonight. He would make it up to Katherine, and Fwhip, somehow… Perhaps a gift of resources of some kind? Or a favor?
No sooner than he had sent the message, the device began vibrating incessantly, and though he wanted nothing more than to chuck the noisy device, he refrained. Fwhip had sent through some incomprehensible words, but based on the use of capitalized letters, Pix thought he could safely assume he was unhappy. He wrapped an arm around his stomach as a pit formed there, guilt and anxiety making his stomach squirm, and the outfit pulled in an odd way and Pix was crying and sinking to the floor. He wanted it off off off!
That was how Fwhip found him, attempting to squirm out of the itchy, stiff fabric on the floor next to his desk, ugly sobs wracking his body from the overstimulation and overwhelm.
“Hey, hey buddy-” Fwhip’s voice came as a surprise to Pix, and he startled, nearly banging his head on the desk only to be stopped by Fwhip gently cupping his face. “Can you take a deep breath for me, please?” Pix nodded, stuttering his way through an inhale and exhale as Fwhip used his sleeve to wipe away the tears and snot covering his face.
“S-sorry,” Pix rasped out, but Fwhip shook his head.
“No need to apologize, Pix. Let’s get you out of this, hmm?” Pix nodded, allowing Fwhip to move around his arms and tug the upper half of the outfit off. Instantly Pix felt quite a bit better, albeit guilty for throwing such a tantrum over not liking his clothes. He was supposed to be better than this. The pants were still a problem, but less so than the shirt and jacket were.
“Thank you,” He mumbled, chewing on the nail of his thumb. Fwhip hummed, standing up and then helping Pix up as well.
“It’s my pleasure! Now, let’s get you into something a little nicer.” Pix let himself be led to his bed, sitting down when Fwhip pressed gently on his shoulders. He watched with half lidded eyes as Fwhip went through his clothes, eventually presenting Pix with the outfit he typically wore when regressed. Did Pix like that Fwhip had seen him regress often enough to know that? Not particularly. But it was convenient in the moment, so he let the thought pass by, and simply lifted his arms so Fwhip could put his shirt on.
His face flushed when Fwhip pointed towards his diaper bag he kept on hand for when he was caregiving, but he nodded, thumb finally making its way into his mouth as he laid back on his bed. Fwhip did not make a big deal out of this, which Pix was grateful for, simply murmuring some comforting words as he got Pix situated. Shortly thereafter Pix’s thumb was replaced by a pacifier, and Fwhip was clearly doing his best to keep his voice quiet and calm as he helped Pix get under the covers and be comfortable in bed.
Pix reached for him, whining softly until Fwhip got the idea and crawled into the bed next to him. “‘Ank you.” Pix mumbled sleepily around his pacifier, resting his head on Fwhip’s shoulder.
“No problem, bud. Get some sleep.” Pix mumbled something incomprehensible back, already half asleep, but feeling quite safe and content.
–
The next morning, Pix was quite apologetic about the whole affair, both for his embarrassing actions and for making Fwhip miss the events, but Fwhip waved it all off. “I’m happy to be there, whenever you need me.” He had said, making Pix’s stomach do an odd thing that ultimately culminated in him agreeing to contact someone, even if it’s not Fwhip, the next time he regressed, instead of hiding away.
Katherine was also very understanding, once he explained the situation in more detail. She insisted he come over for dinner another night, and Pix agreed happily.