Chapter Text
Chapter 9 ((Published))
((TW: Diapers, Misunderstanding regression and ageplay getting confused with age regression))
James was very excited he had finally sent his book to the publisher and would soon get an email telling him whether or not it would be published. Thomas was worried but played it off with congratulatory exclamations, but inside he knew how risky it was trying to publish a book especially about age regression. But he was proud of James after so many months of hard work he had finished his book with Thomas providing illustrations. The book was a little over 300 pages with occasional colored illustrations every few pages. So Thomas and James sat and waited for the email. Eventually it came and James yelled in excitement hugging Thomas so tightly the older wheezed slightly. Eventually James let go of Thomas but only because his tummy growled a bit so he pulled on Thomas whining for some food. Thomas shook his head and smirked as his baby was always hungry for something or other. Thomas straddles James onto his hip and they both go to the kitchen to make some sandwiches. James happily ate his sandwich and wondered if his book would be popular or not….
A few months later
Thomas helped James straighten his tie for the interview. James had butterflies in his stomach and pushed back the fuzzy feeling in his head he couldn’t slip right now..not in public at least. A cameraman cued them in and the two nervous men walked in. James' eyes widened and his jaw dropped when he saw the interviewer….it was Vincent how was he interviewing them? Vincent just flashed a knowing smirk and James had to unclench Thomas’s fist and put his hand on the caregiver’s chest. Thomas wanted to rip the man in front of him to pieces. His eyes wandered over to the audience and he saw someone that surprised him. It was Michael who mouthed the words “Calm Down,” and so Thomas did so he could get through one interview..as long as there was no funny business. “Well folks please welcome the newest author James, and today on Vincent’s Values where we discuss the latest topics and decide whether or not they are ethical and safe for most people or harmful and need to be canceled.” James' eyes widened realizing that Thomas was right that this show was a trap all while Vincent just smiled an evil gleam in his eyes before he straightened up and asked, “So James tell us about what your new book is about after all you could say it’s no little thing huh?” James steadies his breathing slightly leaning upon Thomas for support before saying in a small voice “I-I-It’s about age regression..and how it isn’t all bad and how it shouldn-,” James sputtered out before getting cut through by Vincent’s barking laugh in between laughs he asks out of breath “Age Regression, you mean that thing where grown men and women wear diapers and lay in cribs pretending to be babies?” Thomas interjected with his own objection of “Now Vincent Age regression should not be confused with ageplay which is what you are talking about, actually Age regression is a valid coping mechanism recommended by most therapists today” Thomas said before glaring at Vincent angry that a former caregiver would try to turn people against a little by miscommunicating. Vincent raised an eyebrow surprised that James’s new caregiver was so riled up already. Vincent says with a wide grin “Now James we used to be buds, was I all that bad?” When this was asked the audience gasped in surprise before going silent. Thomas stood up saying in an exasperated tone “You were never friends with him..you..you abused him!” Thomas yelled. Vincent said “What me? I’m hurt you would say such things Thomas,” putting a hand on his chest in mock shock. Thomas knew he was being baited but calmed himself down. James was panicking and realized he was slipping very fast and he glanced around the room he couldn’t slip especially with Vincent in the room as the former caregiver would most certainly take advantage of the situation. Thomas tried to discreetly rub circles on his baby’s back hoping to comfort the poor boy. “Vincent stop it p-pl-pease…” James asked quietly, leaning into Thomas’s touch. When Vincent heard the babytalk he felt as if he had struck gold. “Awww da baby can’t defend his own book…well folks whaddya think should it get promoted or should it be canceled?” Vincent said, opening his arms wide and two buttons were in front of him, one red one green. The crowd said various things filling a bar with red and green battling it out, after about 2 minutes the green button lights up and Vincent visibly scowls but makes sure no one but James and Thomas sees. “Alright, the decision has been made! I will personally vouch for this book and say that everyone should read a chapter or two, especially your caregivers who have some wild littles!” Vincent said holding James' book while the audience laughed a little. James barely held himself together throughout the interview. When he and Thomas had gotten back into their care Thomas was seeing red and punched the horn nearly breaking it in the process. James flinched but remained quiet, tears coming down his face as the poor baby broke down in the parking lot. Once the two got home James walked to his room in silence slamming the door behind him. Thomas knew he had to do something and decided to knock on James's door hoping for a response. “Go away!” James said simply but Thomas ignored that and opened the door sitting beside James on his bed. “I told you to go away..” James said, pushing Thomas away weakly. “Prince c’mon I know the interview was terrible but it’s not my fault..” Thomas said, putting a hand on James’s shoulder and gripping it lightly. “Don’t call me that! I'm not a baby..” James said, with tears in his eyes. Thomas sighed realizing that the interview put him in between headspaces and that was never fun in any way. “I know you're my big strong boy,” Thomas said, hugging James tightly. Jamess cried on Thomas’s shoulder loudly wailing. “Let it out, let it all out James…” Thomas said, patting his baby’s back and trying to comfort him a bit more. After about an hour of this James had cried himself to sleep on Thomas’s shoulder. Thomas laid James down on his bed and decided to check something out. Thomas walked towards his computer and powered it on opening Youtube as well. Thomas looked up Vincent’s Values to see if their interview had been posted. To no one's surprise their interview had been posted and had over 10k views in the few hours since they had left. After watching it and rolling his eyes Thomas checked the comments and noticed there was a 70/30 ratio of support to hate comments. Thomas smiled a bit but closed the computer.
1 hour later
Thomas had just put the cinnamon rolls out to cool when he heard a light knock on the door. Thomas dusted off his hands and went to open it revealing a smiling Michel who waved at Thomas. Thomas gestured for him to enter but to be quiet as James had yet to wake up. The two sat down and talked, agreeing that when the depressed little they would coddle and spoil him just this once.