#pixlriffs agere

[theconstellationprincess]

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.

[theconstellationprincess]

Half finished Drabble about Pixlriffs and Joel from empires s2 ( @froggymarsh )

-

It’s not fair, and he knows it’s not fair, but it’s not like he can do much to change his situation. Winchester coos softly, nudging at him with his wings, but Pix moves away, leaning back against one of the froglight trees until his back aches.

It wasn’t their fault, and he knows it wasn’t their fault, but it’s not like he can change how he feels. He has long since run out of tears, but that doesn’t stop the sobs from coming out, dry and painful. Winchester nudges him again, and this time Pix allows him too, latching onto the oversized bird and crying into the soft feathers of his chest.

He was being dramatic, there was no question about it. Hardly anything had happened, just a few careless comments made by the emperors that reminded him of his place here. Below them. Unimportant to any of them- and didn’t that hurt? To be reminded that for all their kind words, the fun moments, the adventures, that none of the truly saw Pix as anything more than a commoner? That he was deemed below them, impossible to a consider a friend due to his status?

Every moment of the meeting they’d had that morning felt like it was driving a dagger deeper and deeper into his heart. He had been excited to share the fact that his restoration efforts were going well, that the crypt had been deeper than expected and he had learned much of the old empire, but he hadn’t even been given a chance to talk in the meeting, and every time he tried to give feedback on the current topic, he was ignored. Talked down too.

Tensions were high, he supposed, but that doesn’t make it easier to deal with the fact that halfway through the meeting, Joel snapped that perhaps the rest of the meeting should be between the true emperors. Pix had hardly made it out of the room before the tears started, and they haven’t stopped since.

Joel was his friend. He was! Stratos was not so far from his little set up, and he had visited many times, Joel had- Pix lets out another sob and clings harder to Winchester. Joel had been the first one Pix had regressed around, the one who told him what it was, and now Pix was questioning that whole relationship.

He must be being dramatic. Catastrophising. It still hurt.

“Pixlriffs?” Joels voice was quiet, for once, but that didn’t stop Pix from jumping up. He quickly wiped his face with his sleeve, though judging by Joel expression, it didn’t help much. “I uh, wanted to apologize. For the meeting.”

Pix nods, waving off the apology easily. He fears that if he opens his mouth he’ll start crying again. Joel stares at him, eyes narrowing gradually the longer the silence lasts. “… it’s fine.” Pix mumbles, wincing at the hoarseness of his voice.

[theconstellationprincess]

House and Home

Chapter 9: Peace

-

Sorry this took so long! Life happens. Have some fluff! @froggymarsh :)

Pix couldn't keep the grin off his face as Joel and Jimmy managed to squeeze either side of him in the closet. Lizzie's voice was slowly counting down just mere feet away, and he could hear the grin in her voice. It's late, far too late to be up playing games, and yet here they were.

"Ready or not, here I come!" Lizzie cheered from outside the door, and Joel giggled. Pix bit his lip after shushing him as Lizzie's footsteps grew louder and louder until-

The door was thrown open and they shrieked, spilling out on top of each other and scurrying away. Lizzie manages to grab Jimmy and tosses him onto the bed, Joel quickly following, and then she corners Pix. He puts his arms up, laughing so hard his sides hurt as he pleads with her, "D-Don't! I surrender!" But his pleas fall on deaf ears as Lizzie scoops him up and throws him onto the bed with the others.

It's at least another hour until they've all settled, albeit still with the occasional giggle fit, and Pix feels, for the first time in Death knows how long, truly happy. "I love you guys," He mumbles sleepily, squished between Joel and Lizzie. Jimmy coos and sits up, blowing a kiss to Pix with a smile.

"I love you too!" Jimmy replies teasingly, crawling over Lizzie to pepper Pix's face with kisses until he's laughing again. "We. All. Love. You!" Kiss after kiss, until Pix is red faced and breathless from laughter. Joel and Lizzie press twin kisses to his temples and he blushes even harder.

"You guys," He says softly, embarrassed but pleased. It's nice- having friends who care. Who show they care. "Stop it."

"Hmm," Lizzie hums, giving him a long look. "How about no?” She teases, and they all descend into laughter again. They stay cuddling for a while, until Joel and Jimmy have drifted to sleep, and Lizzie is halfway there. As tired as he is, Pix can’t fall asleep, so he hums some quiet songs of rest and relaxation, taking immense satisfaction in the way his friend’s faces smooth out as their sleep deepens.

He should check in on them. He’s been selfish this whole trip- it’s supposed to be about everyone coming together, overcoming differences so they can be a unit against Xornoth, but Pix has been incredibly focused on himself and his problems. In fact, a lot of people have been focused on Pix and his problems, which is not productive.

He knew it was a mistake when he packed his regression gear. He could have shoved it deep down for the week and then been fine, but no. He had to go and make several scenes that probably made everyone uncomfortable and-

Pix carefully crawled out of the bed, tiptoeing to the door and slipping into the hallway. He gently closed the door behind him, and turned around to find Sausage staring at him. Pix froze, hardly daring to breathe as he looked at the emperor who he had helped take care of their friends with several times.

“Pixlriffs.” Sausage greeted daintily, “Come with me.” And well, how was Pix supposed to refuse? He followed Sausage to one of the doors he had not yet been behind, entering when prompted to do so. Gem and Fwhip sat on the bed inside, surrounded by flowers that were slowly being made into clumsy crowns. He took a few steps closer, hearing Sausage enter the room behind him, and waved at the two siblings.

Fwhip looked at him with wide eyes, and made grabby hands at him. Pix smiled softly, he was back in familiar territory. Pix sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to crush any of the petals, allowing Fwhip to clamber into his lap and babble about- Pix titled his head… sandcastles? Something about sand, at the very least. Gem gave him a shy smile, which Pix returned. Gem was a little slower to warm up to new caregivers, she was a big fan of routine, but they had done this same song and dance many times, and Pix knew all it took was patience.

“Which of these flowers do you like best, hmm?” Pix asked Fwhip quietly, collecting the ones he clumsily pointed at in a small pile. Gem called over Sausage, using his head to measure the flower crown she was working on.

Pix began to weave a crown for Fwhip, letting clumsy hands give him flowers while his own practiced one’s connected them smoothly. Gem scooted a bit closer, and he could feel her watching his hands, until she turned away to try to replicate his motions.

It was peaceful, and Pix could feel all the stress of this trip slowly melting away. He had been regressing for a long time, but it hardly ever left him relaxed afterwards, he almost always ended up coming out of headspace in an anxious mess. And perhaps that could change, now that the others knew, now that he knew there would be people there for him but… Caregiving soothed something deep in his soul, and he found it far easier than regressing. He loved this, taking care of his friends, taking care of anyone, really.

Pix ruffled Fwhip’s hair and attached the next flower a little slower, well aware of the second set of eyes on him.

[theconstellationprincess]

House and Home

Chapter 8: Care

Summary: It’s a bit blurry from there, honestly.

People are talking and touching him, and then no one is talking or touching him, and he’s not sure which one is worse.

Warnings: self-worth issues

( @froggymarsh ) (so sorry for the delay, writers block sucks!)

-

It’s a bit blurry from there, honestly. Pix dips between headspaces, rapidly switching from small to big to somewhere in between and then right back to one end of the spectrum. People are talking and touching him, and then no one is talking or touching him, and he’s not sure which one is worse.

He must close his eyes at some point, because he eventually opens them and he’s in his room, the sun is setting, and Fwhip is sitting next to him, asleep. Scott is curled up in a chair, also sleeping, which surprises Pix. He’s never seen Scott asleep before, something to do with his elvish heritage. He carefully slips out of bed; neither of the others wake as he walks out of the room. He strains his ears, just barely hearing some soft chatter down the hallway. He knows he’s made a fool out of himself, that he’s upset his friends, but he still wants to be around them.

He finds Lizzie, Joel and Codfather in Lizzie’s room. The door is open, but he hesitates a bit, unsure if he’s welcome. Lizzie notices him first, and her small smile drops. Pix flinches, taking a half step back before Lizzie is practically leaping off the bed and grabbing him. He gives a very dignified squeak as she scoops him up and drops him on the bed between Joel and Jimmy.

“Hello,” Pix greets, a bit winded from the shock of it all. Joel gives him a significant look that Pix has no hope of deciphering. He and Joel had always gotten on quite well, they’d spent a lot of time together while Joel was growing up, and Pix had been his primary caregiver for sometime before the Ocean Empire returned. Joel had been one of the first people to know Pix regressed at all, and he’s always felt a bit of a connection to him. It would- it would hurt him, a lot, if Joel decided he didn’t want to be friends anymore, or dissolve their alliance entirely.

He shifts his gaze to Jimmy, who looks like he’s doing an impression of an angry pufferfish out of water. Pix frowns, feeling slightly ambushed despite the fact that he’d approached them of his own free will. He was trapped between the three of them, as Lizzie had reclaimed her spot on the bed across from Joel and Jimmy.

“I know we’re not at the bunker, but I hereby call this meeting of the Codfather Alliance!” Jimmy announced, pointing at Lizzie who shut the door with a flick of her tail. Pix felt a bit of awe at the thick, he’d love to be able to do something like that, but alas, he was small and also human. “And it’s a bit of a trial, because Pixlriffs-“

Pix flinched, shoulders up to his ears as he faced one of his longest friends, despite it not being a long friendship at all. He doesn’t quite know what that says about him. “Codfather I-“

“Lied to us about something that could have gotten him hurt, and is hereby sentenced to forced self-care.” Pix doesn’t think Jimmy should get to play judge jury and executioner but he was the leader of the alliance so-

“Self care?” Pix repeated, mouth dropping open. That’s not what he’d been expecting at all, he’d thought- it’s not that he didn’t trust his friends, but he rather thought he’d be kicked out of the alliance. “But-”

Because people seem to have a thing for cutting Pix off, Joel interrupts before Pix can even begin to explain why he doesn’t deserve this. “As King of Mezalea, I second this.”

“And as Queen of the Ocean Empire, I third it!” Lizzie adds with a sharp toothed grin, reaching towards Pix, and for a moment he’s scared, but then her nails are scratching his scalp and it feels wonderful so he just hums and lets her.

“Pix, we’re not mad at you for lying about your kingdom, that’s just politics, but we are upset that you lied to us about something that could have put you in danger.” Lizzie explains softly, her hand that’s not currently making Pix purr cupping his face and forcing him to look up at her. He swallows.

“I was safe though, no one but me knew I was a regressor.” Pix replies, brows furrowed. He tilts his head a bit when Lizzie bites back a smile and Jimmy snorts into his palm while Joel giggles. “What?” He asks, whining a bit because he doesn’t like to not understand jokes.

“Honey, we all knew. I mean, I don’t know if all the emperors knew, but we certainly did.” Lizzie tells him, lips twitching and tail swishing behind her as she barely represses the giggles that are freely falling from Joel’s lips.

“What!?” Pix repeats, voice little more than a squeak. “But- what- how?” It’s Joel who replies this time, words interrupted by his fading laughter. Joel, who Pix knew very well. Joel, who knew Pix very well. Joel, who had once spent an afternoon finger painting the walls of Mezalea with Pix and- oooh.

“It’s a bit obvious, Pix. You do a really good job of hiding it most of the time but,” Joel shrugs, fidgeting with his sash a bit as he chooses his words carefully, “You’ve got a thing.”

“A thing?” Pix repeats, feeling a bit lost. The three of them share a look, but it’s Jimmy who replies this time. Honestly, Pix is having a bit of a crisis, because he had thought he was great at hiding this, and if he wasn’t, does that mean his advisors know? His citizens?

“Only to people who know you, bud. But a thing, you just- you look like you could really use someone taking care of you, y’know?” Jimmy states, and he does as if it’s a well known fact. It’s not that he’s not right, Pix would almost certainly benefit from a little extra care from his friends, but he can never accept it. He hates to be a burden, but apparently, that's not what he gives off. No, he gives off needy and wanting and selfish and-

“Ah ah, no overthinking. We’re going to take care of you tonight, because you need it, and then tomorrow we can deal with everything else, okay?” Lizzie chastises gently, her scratching never pausing. Pix is nodding before he can stop himself, unable to curb the desire to be good, because if he’s good then his friends will care about him and want to take care of him. He’s no use to anyone if he’s more trouble than he’s worth, so he’ll use this self care night to convince his friends that he’s easy to take care of and that they never have to worry about him.

[theconstellationprincess]

Look what I have!

House and Home

Chapter 7: Hiccups

Thank you all for waiting so patiently!

Tws: panic attack, anxiety (lmk if I should add any!)

Summary: Pix sat next to Fwhip, content to just listen and watch the ongoings of the activity of the room.

There had been a lot of noise when they had first come down stairs, Pix being carried by Fwhip because he’d almost fallen down the stairs. People were talking to him and being loud, which had been awful and far too overstimulating, but it was okay because Fwhip was there and telling everyone to quiet down.

( @froggymarsh )

Pix sat next to Fwhip, content to just listen and watch the ongoings of the activity of the room. He yawned, pacifier falling against his chest and he didn’t bother putting it back in. It was attached to his shirt via a clip and a piece of fabric, patterned similar to the bandage Fwhip had put on his cut hand. Fwhips hand was running through his hair, scratching his scalp gently as he chatted with the rest of the group.

There had been a lot of noise when they had first come down stairs, Pix being carried by Fwhip because he’d almost fallen down the stairs. People were talking to him and being loud, which had been awful and far too overstimulating, but it was okay because Fwhip was there and telling everyone to quiet down. It was quieter now, and Pix was slowly drifting to sleep, eyes closing for a few seconds before he would jerk back up, wanting to be included.

Gem was sitting on Fwhip’s other side, and had reached out to hold the sleeve of his jacket. Pix blinked at her, she blinked back. Pix reached across Fwhip, landing sort of in his lap, and grabbed her sleeve. The fabric was pleasantly textured and he giggled, twisting it clumsily in his fingers. “Gem,” He cooed, grinning brightly at her. He was sort of aware that the room had quieted to a near silence, but he wasn’t paying attention to that.

“Pi’” Gem cheered through her pacifier. It was really cute, decorated with charms and beads of animals and plants. Fwhip made to stand up and Pix whimpered, reaching out for him as Fwhip leant forward. He didn’t want to be alone, that was scary. He never wanted to be alone again, everything was too much, and Fwhip made it nicer.

Fwhip sat back down, making a shushing noise. “Oh Pixlriffs, what am I going to do with you?” He mumbled, sighing playfully as Pix flopped down in his lap, head burying into Fwhip’s shirt. Pix heard some other words being spoken, but he was too busy enjoying Fwhip’s body heat. He still felt very small, but maybe a bit less so? Fwhip trying to leave made him upset, but he’s being clingy isn’t he? Fwhip is allowed to get up if he wants to, he’s a grown up, and Pix must be making him upset, forcing him to stay and cuddle.

Pix quickly pushed himself out of Fwhip’s lap and leant against the arm of the couch, touching the least amount of Fwhip possible. “Sorry,” he mumbled, running a hand through his hair. He’s stuck between very small and very big, which is no fun at all. He doesn’t want to cause a fuss, but here he is, drawing attention to himself. He can feel eyes on him, and gives a quick glance to the rest of the room, which are, unfortunately, quite preoccupied staring at him and Fwhip.

He’s definitely not small, and absolutely horrified. Everyone- Everyone knew. This was… very much not ideal, but he’d embarrassed himself enough without causing a scene, so instead he sat up straight. He took a few measured breaths and unclipped the pacifier from his shirt, slipping it into his pocket. Everyone was looking between him and Fwhip, so he turned to face the other emperor. Fwhip looked confused, and a little bit hurt.

“I’m not regressed anymore,” Pix told him softly with a sheepish smile, prompting Fwhip to look even more confused. He refused to make a big deal out of this in front of everyone, he’d talk to Fwhip about it later in a more private space, and when he’s less angry. Because he is angry, very very angry, and scared too. If even one of the other emperors told anyone else in their kingdoms, there was a possibility of it making it back to his advisors in Pixandria, and he will be well and truly screwed if that happens.

He could feel Fwhip’s eyes on him as the conversation slowly resumed. They were discussing secrets, of course. What an aptly timed event.

“I’d like to discuss a secret,” Fwhip said loudly, sitting up and staring at Pix. Pix took a deep breath and turned to face Fwhip, having an idea as to where this was going. “Me and Pix broke of your mugs, sorry Katherine.” Katherine laughed and waved it off, assuring them that it was fine and there was no reason to apologize. The tension in the room seemed to recede, thinning out until there was joyful chatter once again. No one seemed to be taking this particularly serious, so Pix allowed himself to relax.

“Anything you want to share, Pix?” Shubble asked him quietly, smiling brightly. She seems to feed off of positive energy, which Pix can appreciate. He relaxed his posture a bit and shares in her smile. He opens his mouth to reply, but then Katherine is shouting his name and he turns to her, wide eyed.

“Pix don’t-!” She bolts out of her seat, sprinting across the room, tripping over her lovely skirt as she makes her way over to him and slaps a hand over his mouth. He freezes, unsure of what to do as Katherine drags in exaggerated breaths. She inhales sharply and then slowly removes her hand, “I didn’t get to tell you, but for this activity the room has been enchanted, you can’t lie in here.”

Pix blinked, surprised at the casual use of magic, which since all the… everything with Xornoth going on has become much more feared and restricted in most kingdoms. “O-Kay?” Now far more hesitant about his answer, he turned back to Shubble. Of course, he wants to test how strong the magic is so he tries to go with a simple lie, that there’s nothing he wants to talk about. He’s expecting for nothing to come out of his mouth, or for the sentence to contain a double negative, simple speech magic, instead he tells her, “If anyone in here tells anyone else I’m a regressor, I will be dethroned.”

Well then. Shubble stares at him, blinking a few times and laughing nervously. Katherine, still standing nearby, pauses in her conversation with the still small Gem to turn to him, but it’s Fwhip who speaks first.

“What?” The engineer spoke flatly, face contorted in a confused frown. “But I thought you were making progress with your advisors?” Pix cleared his throat, feeling the attention swarming him yet again. An uncomfortable blush rose to cover his face as he fiddled with his sleeves.

“I have…” He began slowly, choosing his words carefully. He avoids looking at the other members of the Cod Father Alliance, who he had, perhaps, led to be under the impression that Pixandria was more on board with what Pix had been proposing than his empire was. Their kingdoms were all so modern and future forward, Pixandria was a small kingdom and it was very set in its ways. “But it’s slow going.”

He hadn’t expected to say that, but at least he knew how the magic worked now. He couldn’t lie, which meant only truths could fall from his lips, but which truths, he couldn’t choose.

“Slow going?” Lizzie asked, sitting up straighter. She looked over everyone else, and Pix shrank in on himself a bit. He hadn’t lied, not really, but he had stretched the truth during their alliance meetings, wanting to fit in a bit more. He always felt a bit odd in their group, with Jimmy and Lizzie being siblings, and Joel and Lizzie courting. He didn’t want yet another thing to be separating him from them.

“You said that you were almost finished getting rid of all those laws.” Jimmy piped in from where he was leaning against the wall, having been (playfully) arguing with Joel. Swallowing, Pix tugged at the collar of his jacket and avoided eye contact with everyone.

“Well… I-“

“Lied.” Scott interrupted, looking at him with squinted eyes. “You lied.”

Fingers anxiously twisted the fabric of his sleeves as he pressed himself against the corner of the couch. “Yes.” He croaked, fists clenching, fingers digging into the skin of his hand. The cut from earlier harshly protested the treatment, but Pix ignored it. “I lied. I- I apologize.”

The room felt very small, and he felt small too, but in the bad way, the panicking way. He needed- he needed to be alone, now, but he felt frozen, pinned to the couch by the hurt glares directed at him by his friends.

“I’m sorry,” He repeated, running a hand through his hair. It was raining outside, the windows fogging up, like his head was. “I’m sorry- please don’t be mad, I don’t like it when people are mad.” The apologies continued to slip from his lips, as he involuntarily slipped back into headspace. “I’m sorry- I didn’t-“ Tears flooded his vision and he clumsily reached up to wipe them away. “Don’t hurt me please, I’m scared.” He admitted tearfully, squeezing his eyes shut and tucking his head into his knees. “I’m scared.”

[theconstellationprincess]

House and Home

Welcome to the empires age regression long fic! If you’d like to be added to a tag list just let me know!

Chapter 1:

Pix sighed, wiping sweat from his forehead as he finished packing the last of his books he needed to bring with him on this trip.

With the ever present threat of Xornoth, alliances had never been so fragile, and everyone was a bit trigger happy. After the last meeting with all the emperors has ended with Jimmy and Fwhip at each other’s throats, literally, Katherine had decided that something needed to be done. They needed a united front to face Xornoth, and they were anything but.

Pix had been consulted on the creation of the building, all the empires had, though very few acknowledged it. It was a large mansion, with enough rooms to house all of them, and plenty of communal spaces. It was non-optional to attend and spent the next week in the constant company of the others. Pix had no true issues with any of the emperors, he was fairly neutral, but that doesn’t mean he wants to see them all constantly.

But, Katherine had made the consequences of not attending clear, and so Pix was packing and preparing. He had brought plenty of paperwork along, as Pixandria always needed something signed, along with candles, just in case. He knew the others disliked the practice, or at least were weary of it, but not all candle lightings were focused on death.

Pix lit candles in his bedroom because he was afraid disliked the dark.

He stared at his 2 bags. One was entirely filled with books and papers, the other with clothing. He turned, surveying his bedroom for the last time for a week, before his eyes caught on a box.

It was small, a soft blue, and peaking out from under his bed. He frowned at it, nudging back under his bed with a huff. Then sighed at his own antics, bending down to pick it up and place it on his bed. Inside, it held some of his most precious things. He lifted the lid, carefully scooping out the contents. A worn, but still soft stuffed bird and a carefully painted pacifier, patterned with stars.

He gently stroked the fur of the toy, biting his lip. He pulled his hand away and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Realistically, he could go far more than a week without regressing. In fact, it had been a little over 3 weeks since he last regressed, which was… not sustainable. Further, he would probably struggle to not slip when every moment of the day he was surrounded by noise and activity, the moment he was alone he would crash.

He continued to stare at the objects, not knowing that across the land, several others were facing a similar dilemma.

-

“Lizzie,” Joel and Jimmy both whined as she finished packing a large bag of regression supplies.

“None of that,” the Ocean Queen commanded with a soft smile. “We all know that the moment someone else slips one of you will, then the other, and you’ll both be very displeased with me if I don’t have your favourite pacifiers.

-

Fwhip blushed as Gem dug through his things, pulling out pacifiers and teethers and pull-ups. “I really doubt I’ll need any of this.” Fwhip mumbled, but Gem ignored him, stuffing a bag full of everything Fwhip had for his regression.

-

Scott stared at his bag. It had been packed for ages, since he’d first received the letter detailing Katherine’s plan. In the front pocket of the bag there was a singular pacifier. He needed to leave soon, he didn’t want to be late.

Did he really need to bring it? What if someone found it? Scott clenched his hands, digging his nails into his palms. He grabbed the bag as is and hopped out his window, wings opening up as he began the short flight.

-

As all the emperors, kings and queens and rulers, entered the large premises, they looked at each other warily. The next week was bound to be interesting, if it doesn’t end in disaster.

—

Hope you enjoyed! @little-froglight (I finally started it!

[theconstellationprincess]

House and Home

Chapter 6: Sting

TW: Non-graphic injury description, let me know if I need to add any!

-

Pix hummed as he drank his coffee. He had taken it onto the porch, watching as the sun made is ascent over the hills surrounding their hidden house. He contemplated the events of the past few days, truly so much had happened in such a short period of time. He jumped and dropped his coffee as someone grabbed his shoulders suddenly.

"Fwhip!" Pix gasped, clutching at his heart as he turned around to face his friend. "You gave me a heart attack." Fwhip chuckled, looking at the puddle of coffee slowly absorbing into the deck and the shards of ceramic.

"Sorry," Fwhip apologised, scratching the back of his head. "I didn't mean to scare you- Well I did, but not that bad." Pix gave a fond sigh and shook his head.

"It's fine, just don't tell the others okay?" They both laughed and Pix crouched down to start collecting the remains of the coffee mug. He'd have to let Katherine know it had broken, but he would force Fwhip to come along with him for that. He hissed as his focus slipped and one of the glass shards pierced his palm, dragging down as he dropped it suddenly.

"Are you okay?" Fwhip asked, gently grabbing Pix's hand and pulling it towards his face. He wiped at the cut with his sleeve, frowning curiously at it. "It's pretty long, but it doesn't look too deep." Pix nodded, feeling light headed. He was not the biggest fan of blood, his or not. Fwhip let go of his hand and Pix stood up, staring at the cut with a frown. It didn't hurt, really, but it stung and he'd had a rough couple of days, or that was what he told himself when he found his eyes welling up with tears.

He quickly wiped at his eyes, but Fwhip caught notice, and gave him a curious look. "You alright, buddy?"

Ah. Oh. Pix inhaled shakily, shoving down the pesky small feelings that threatened to overtake his brain. Pet names, he wasn't used to hearing them so casually and they made his head go fuzzy. "Fine," Pix replied squeakily. He cleared his throat, "I'm good, Fwhip, honestly. I just need to disinfect this and get it wrapped up." Even the thought of it, having to rinse the cut and seeing the blood was enough to send his hands shaking, or was that the anxiety about Fwhip knowing his secret?

"Come on, I'll help you. It's my fault after all." Pix shot his eyes towards his friend, searching for he doesn't know what in his gaze, but there was nothing but kindness. Pix swallowed, but nodded. He tossed on a smirk, playfully complaining that of course Fwhip had to help, he had caused so much damage that honestly, he should do whatever Pix says until the end of time.

-

They made their way inside, almost no one else was awake yet so it was a short, unobstructed walk to the bathroom. Fwhip patted the counter a few times, giving a Pix a look he couldn't decipher before ducking into the cabinets under the sink to search for the first aid kit.

After a moment of hesitation, Pix jumped up onto the counter, inhaling and exhaling sharply when he accidentally looked at his hand again. It was still bleeding, but not as much. Fwhip popped back up, holding the kit. He gave Pix a small smile as he opened it up and pulled a few things out.

"I'm going to rinse it with water from the sink first, and then disinfect it, before bandaging it. Does that sound okay?" Fwhip asked gently, reaching towards his hand. Pix thrust the offending appendage towards him, breathing shakily as he nodded.

Fwhip narrated what he was doing in a soft voice, telling Pix what to expect. He murmured soft words as he disinfected it, apologising soothingly and stroking the top of Pix's hand with his thumb. Katherine had apparently expected some injuries, because there were several types of bandages with different designs. Fwhip let him pick, and praised his choice of a steampunk design, making Pix blush. He swung his legs as Fwhip taped the bandage onto his hand, and couldn't help but laugh when he pressed a gentle kiss to the bandage.

"All better," Fwhip told him with a soft smile, Pix beamed back.

"All better," He parroted, legs still swinging off the bathroom counter. Somewhere, in the back of his head, alarm bells were going off and his brain was shouting at him to stop and think and act his age, but Fwhip was offering him a hand off the counter and Pix was taking it and not letting go, even once his feet were back on the floor.

Noise sounded from the hallway outside, and the fragile sense of peace was instantly shattered. Pix released Fwhip's hand like it had burned him, and gripped his wrist with his other hand so he didn't reach back out. "Thank you, really," Pix said, trying to keep his sudden panic out of his voice, "I need to, um, write a letter. To my advisers. You know how it is," Pix laughed, a touch hysterically, and darted out of the bathroom and back to his room, leaning against the door once it had been pulled shut behind him.

His heart was pounding in his ears as he realised what had just happened. What he had done. He needed to calm down, he knew that, but it was hard when he was staring at the bandage on his hand with a cog pattern, the bandage that had been softly placed on a cut by gentle hands with soft words because he had regressed in front of Fwhip again-

There was a knock on his door, jolting him out of his thoughts. "Pix, can we talk about this?" Fwhip asked through the door, he was being quiet, which was good, but he wanted to chat, which was... less good.

Pix inhaled and exhaled slowly a few times, and wiped his face clean of tears. He opened the door, plastering on a fake smile as he allowed Fwhip to enter. He closed the door softly, and had to stop himself from immediately bursting into tears when he turned to face Fwhip and his face was so soft and welcoming and-

"Can I hug you?" Fwhip asked, and Pix was nodding before he could stop himself, and then he was being hugged and crying into Fwhip's shoulder because Fwhip knew and no one was supposed to know- and Pix really shouldn't be regressed right now because it was almost time for the morning activity Katherine had planned- "Shh, " Fwhip shushed quietly, "I can hear you thinking."

"Sorry," Pix said, wincing as his voice came out high pitched and wobbly. "Sorry," He said again, but his voice did not change. "I'm sorry I'm sorry 'm sorry-" he repeated, muffling his voice into Fwhip's shoulder. Fwhip rubbed his back, shushing his muffled apologies.

"Oh Pix, you have nothing to be sorry for," Fwhip soothed, "It's okay to be small." Pix whimpered, but stopped apologising, standing wrapped in Fwhip's arms as he slowly calmed down. Eventually, he pulled away and Fwhip let go easily, looking at him with worry.

Pix blinked at him, fiddling with the edges of his jacket. He looked towards the closet, he had brought his larger sized one along with him. He wanted it. Fwhip was looking at his expectantly, and Pix blinked. He missed what was said, but before he could panic, Fwhip asked the question again.

"Can you tell me how old you are?" Pix shrugged, holding up 1 then 2 fingers. He was small enough that he was okay with being small, a rare occurrence. "Ah, we have a baby Pix do we?" Fwhip teased gently, "Where's your blanket bud?" Fwhip asked, and Pix froze, looking at his bed which was quite evidently missing the large duvet.

"Dunno," Pix said, which was true. He didn't know where it had ended up after dropping it down the laundry chute. Fwhip gave him a look, but Pix ignored it in favour of grabbing the little box from its hiding space and pulling out his pacifier to shove in his mouth. It was instantaneous, the relief it gave him. Ignoring the lack of a blanket, Pix flopped onto his bed with a soft sigh, staring at Fwhip with slightly wet eyes until he came over and sat next to him. Fwhip rubbed his back and told him a story, something nonsensical that Pix couldn't follow but just the sound of his voice was nice.

He could see why some people liked having a caregiver.

-

They sat like that for a while, Pix falling deeper into his regression as the minutes ticked by. He felt so safe here, laying next to Fwhip, so it didn't bother him much when there was a soft knock on his door, though he did turn his face to hide in Fwhip's side when the door opened.

He listened, not really processing, as Fwhip chatted with the person. The hand on his back stilled, but quickly started when he whined quietly. Fwhip and the other person laughed. Pix knew that laugh! He pulled his face from its hiding space and looked towards Joel with sleepy eyes.

"Hi Pix," Joel greeted, a bit awkwardly. Pix squirmed out of Fwhips side and shuffled over to the end of the bed, making grabby hands at Joel, who obliged and came over. Pix grabbed his hand and pulled him, making Joel stumble. Fwhip laughed as Pix continued to tug on Joel until he was laying between him and Fwhip.

"I was sent up here to get you, not join in." Joel told Fwhip, fondly exasperated as Pix fiddled with the buttons of his shirt. "I didn't know he regressed," Joel continued, much quieter. Fwhip sighed.

"I've known for a little while, but I've never taken care of him. He's scared, I think." Joel furrowed his brow a bit, confused.

"What's he scared of?" He asked, looking at Pix, who had moved on from the buttons to the fabric itself, poking at it curiously. "Most of us regress, no one's gonna judge 'im for it." Fwhip sighed again, it was a sad sound.

"Pixandria isn't as... accepting of age regression as the other empires." Fwhip explains quietly, watching Pix with a sad look. "It's something Pix is trying to undo, but it's been difficult. His advisers are... not the best."

Joel made a sympathetic sound, looking at Pix with a new understanding. He couldn't count how many times Pix had looked after him, or helped him look after Jimmy or Lizzie or both of them, so he was glad for a chance to repay at least some of that.

Footsteps sounded from outside the still open door, and the three of them looked up to see Scott standing there. He looked at Fwhip, then Joel, before his eyes settled on Pix and an understanding look washed over his face. He gave them a gentle smile.

"Katherine wants to start the activity now." Scott told them, "We're discussing secrets, I think. How old is he?'

"Baby," Fwhip and Joel said at the same time, both laughing slightly as they looked at each other. Scott nodded, a contemplative look on his face.

"Katherine isn't going to let all of you sit out, so we can bring him downstairs to keep an eye on him while everyone else does the activity?" Joel suggested, and Fwhip and Scott agreed.

Pix didn't seem to mind Joel or Scott being here, in fact he'd seemed rather ecstatic about Joel's presence, so surely he wouldn't mind paying everyone else a visit?

-

Hope you enjoyed! @little-froglight

Sorry for the time between updates, I've been really sick :(( but doing better now!

[theconstellationprincess]

House and home

Chapter 5: Fear

Tw// fear of thunderstorm, minor panic attack, ableism (sort of?) lmk if I need to add any!

-

Pix spent about an hour collecting himself, before he left the sanctuary of his bedroom and returned to the soft conversation and snores. He settled on a chair where the others, sans those asleep, were engaging in quiet conversation. He didn’t say anything, just enjoyed the quiet background noise.

He let his eyes drift shut, trying to ease the tension the simple act of trust created in his shoulders. He inhaled and exhaled with forced control, but it only made his anxiety worse. He opened his eyes again, allowing his gaze to drift around the room.

He stared out the window, watching as raindrops travelled down the glass. It was raining hard, though he was unsure as to when it had began. He felt himself calming down until-

BANG

-thunder sounded. Pix jumped, as did a few of the others, at the unexpected noise. Static filled his head and body as the noise sounded again. His breathing stuttered, and he clutched at his chest with his hands (when had he covered his ears?). Thunder again, he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to shut out the noise.

Someone was touching him.

Pix scrambled away, eyes wide as he fell over the side of the chair. His head hit the floor with a crack and he inhaled sharply. His vision blurred momentarily, and when it refocused it was on the still outstretched hand. He could feel his face turn red as he scrambled to stand up, flinching as the thunder echoed through the room.

“Sorry-“ his voice cracked and he swallowed. “Sorry, you caught me off guard.” Sausage, the owner of the hand, looked hurt. Pix dragged in a shuttering breath.

“Pixlriffs-“ Sausage took a half step forward and it took everything Pix had to not match it and back up. He took a deep breath and composed himself as much as possible.

“I’m going to turn in early.” Pix said flatly. “Big day, right? I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” He walked stiffly out of the room, but the moment he was out of sight, sprinted his way to his room. He closed the door softly, and then grabbed his box of matches, and the duvet off of the bed. He shoved the blanket onto the floor in the closet, doubling back to collect the pillows as well and depositing them onto the blanket. He made quick work of lighting candles, not too many, but enough that it was light in the small space.

An unexpected, but not unpredicted nor unprecedented turn of events. Pix grabbed the still mostly full bag of paper work and a couple of quills and some ink, shutting the door of the closet once he’d gotten himself organized.

In the closet, the sound was muffled, and the space was easy to brighten with a few candles. The raging storm was far less scary now that he was perfectly safe in his little room. Pix mindlessly chewed on his shirt as he worked through the scrolls, which evolved into chewing on his fingers, and then sucking his thumb. Not that he really noticed, he was too busy marking corrections and signing his name. He only noticed when he went to stretch his arms and realized he had to drag his hand out of his mouth.

Well. That was fine, surely. He didn’t feel small, right? Maybe a bit… it was soothing, between the storm and the work, it was just.. nice. To suck his thumb. He should grab his pacifier, but it was Outisde the safe space.

Suddenly, Pix realized he had left the others to put the littles to bed, and guilt crashed over him. How selfish was he? Sitting here, twiddling his thumbs. He sighed heavily. To make up for his poor behaviour, he was going to finish all this paperwork before he went to bed.

He still allowed his thumb to drift into his mouth, but he didn’t take anymore breaks to stretch.

Time passed slowly and quickly as one. He blinked and 30 minutes had passed, but the next 10 dragged on.

At some point, the thunder had stopped, leaving behind drizzling rain and a sense of something in his stomach. Time continued to pass, candles melting as Pix wrote and signed and wrote and signed.

He grimaced when he came across a piece of paper he was suspecting put still dreading.

‘PROPOSAL FOR LAW 37.6C’ the paper declared. Law 37C was one he was in the process of breaking down and removing. It.. demonized age regression. Called it improper. Hurtful, misguided comments that were cruel and untrue.

This particular proposal was… no more pleasant than the law itself. His father’s influence still ran deep in many parts of Pixandria, an annoying reality.

Pix sighed, going through the proposal and refuting each individual claim with suggestions for improval. Being an emperor was exhausting.

-

Pix woke up with a feeling of dread deep in the pit of his stomach. A piece of paper was stuck to his face, and he yawned as he plucked it off. He was surrounded by an entire bags worth of completed paperwork, something that gave him an immense feeling of pride. He could be so productive when his brain allowed him.

He stretched and felt dread pool in his chest upon feeling a familiar but very unwelcome dampness. He swallowed, not looking down at his lap as he checked all nearby papers. Nothing even remotely wet. Good.

This was… an inconvenience, to have happened during this week of all weeks, in this place. He knew how to deal this with discreetly in his own castle, he was prepared for it to happen then, but it hadn’t even crossed his mind when he was packing.

He wanted to cry. This was far too much to deal with this early in the morning. At least it hadn’t happened on the mattress, now it was only the duvet that needed cleaned. And his pyjamas. If he dropped them down the laundry chute would they be cleaned and returned, his friends none the wiser?

He was getting itchy, he needed to deal with this quickly. He creaked open the closet door, looking at the window with interest. It was still dark outside.

Pix grabbed clean pyjamas, and after checking the closet was clear, quickly made his way to the bathroom. He wiped down the irritated skin with a damp cloth and put on the clean clothes, bundling up the wet ones and taking them back to his room.

He decided to take a leap of faith, and send a brief prayer to his Goddess, and the Goddess of luck for, well, good luck, and let both the wet outfit and duvet fall down the laundry shoot. He stood in his room, panting slightly. Far too much excitement for one day.

He gathered up the scrolls from the closet and put them back into his bag.

Crisis averted, right? He was fine, and yet his heart was still pounding. He opened his window for the breeze, but spent several moments admiring the starry sky. He wanted to reach up into the black and feel it’s inky dark around his fingers, to breathe in the stars and breathe out nebulas.

He shivered when he felt a sudden presence. It was so rare that his lady found him nowadays, but he welcomed her cold happily. Black ink pooled around his hands where they rested on the window sill, and he couldn’t help but give a giddy laugh as colours and bright spots formed in the dark.

The false-space grew until it covered the walls and ceiling, turning his room into a copy of what he could see in the sky above. He laughed breathlessly, trialing his fingers along the wall and watching as space shifted beneath his fingers.

“You are doing well, my chosen.” The stars whispered, “I am content with your decisions. You will defeat the champion, but for now, you must rest and grow.” Pix wondered, briefly, how excited Katherine would be if he told her the Goddess of Death agreed with her. The darkness looked into him and he looked back, because it was not true dark. Stars, candles, glowing eyes-

Ah.

The illusion shivered and retreated, until almost that was left was the sensation of lips on his forehead, and the infamous Xornoth.

“Very impressive,” the distorted voice praised. Its mouth didn’t move when it talked, which was fascinating. Pix shook his head, he needed to focus.

“Isn’t it?” He inwardly cursed at how his voice trembled ever so slightly. Xornoth’s smile grew. “Did you need something?”

“On the contrary, I believe you are in need of something. You don’t want anyone finding out your… little secret do you?” Pix tensed, staring at Xornoth with suspicion. He had not dealt with the demon nearly as much as the others, but he was certain that it was not generous out of the kindness of its heart. “And I have an offer to make you.”

And Pix hated how he hesitated, how he was tempted to ask and learn, but this was forbidden knowledge. Xornoth seemed to take his silence as a cue to continue.

“I need a piece of my brother- the king of Rivendell- I need a piece of his horn.” Pix paused for a moment to deal with that revelation, but at least Xornoth had made the deal easy to refuse. He would not betray anyone in this house, not a single one of them. They were his friends.

"No." Pix answered, not feeling the need to give a reason. Xornoth looked surprised briefly, and then narrowed it's eyes, smile turning into a sneer.

"I could just as easily reveal your secret as I could protect it~" It crooned musically, circling around Pix and putting its hands on his shoulders. "You would be disgraced," It whispered into his ear. Pix inhaled sharply, closing his eyes briefly.

He would not betray Scott, Scott didn't deserve whatever Xornoth would do with that piece of his... antlers? So Pix resolved to stand his ground. "No." He said again, but this time his voice wavered. Xornoth was still behind him, he could feel his presence, and his claws dug into Pix's shoulders. Pix started to shake, and his head started to grow fuzzier. Oh, anytime but now! He felt tears pool in his eyes and sniffled softly as they began to fall. He wasn't fully regressed, but he was panicking and fuzzy and-

"Are you- Why- I'll be back later!" Xornoth disappeared, leaving Pix alone in his room. He needed- He needed to check on Scott.

Pix inhaled sharply and wiped away his tears, stealing himself. He left his bedroom, mind racing. His earlier joy and calm has been all but eradicated and now he was certain that he had no time to waste on things as pointless as joy.

He approached Scott’s door, quietly opening it just enough to see the rise and fall of his chest and hear the soft snores.

He returned to his own room after, feeling both exhausted and energized. Nothing made sense anymore. He gathered up the pillows from the closet and put them back on his bed, but he didn’t rest. He paced, and then penned a letter to his advisors requesting any additional paperwork that had popped up in his absence so far.

Hours passed, time Pix fiddled away, until the sun began its ascent and he left his room. He made his way to the common area they had all been in the previous night and did some tidying, and then headed to the kitchens to acquire some breakfast.

He needed to keep himself busy. Busy, as busy as a bee! He liked bees.

Pix shook his head, pushing away the nonsensical thoughts. He needed more coffee, caffeine would surely fix the fact he got very little sleep. Today he would take it easy, and then tomorrow he’d be back onto his paperwork grind.

-

Thanks for reading! @little-froglight