Chapter Text
“Do we have to do this today? Why can’t we order them online?” Emma whined with a deep blush in her cheeks. God, this is so humiliating.
“We’ll have to do it eventually and buying them in person will be much faster. You promised to try for me and we might as well get it done sooner rather than later. At the very least I’m driving us out of town so no one will see alright?” They arrived at a nearby convenience store where Regina opened the door for Emma, extended her hand, and dragged her wife inside. “I understand that this is difficult but I encourage you to maintain a positive outlook.” Emma shuffled along, keeping her hand tucked into Regina’s as they searched for the right products. She watched in awe as Regina somehow knew exactly what items and brands she wanted, making quick work of the otherwise tedious errand.
Emma turned bright red, looking quickly back and forth as Regina pulled a package of Goodnites off the shelf. She sprinted to the car while Regina headed to the register.
Emma looked out the window for the duration of the drive, sulking. Great Swan, you’ve landed yourself in diapers. If you had just listened to Regina you wouldn’t even be here right no—
“I can feel you ruminating; listen to me for a moment please. I do not think any less of you because of yesterday or any accident before then. I love you unconditionally as you do for me. It will take some time to get used to the pull-ups but we will work through this together. I will be there for you every step of the way.” Regina reached across the console, taking Emma’s hand to kiss her knuckles.
“I know, you’re right, I just feel so stupid. I’m a grown woman dealing with a two-year old’s problems. It feels like you always have to pick up after my childish messes,” Emma nervously chewed on her fingers, purposefully avoiding eye contact.
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve put up with plenty of my problems as well. Supporting each other is what a relationship is meant to be. I don’t want to hear any more negative self-talk today, alright?” Regina squeezed Emma;s hand gently.
“I’ll try. Just for you,” Emma smiled across at her. “How do you always know just what I need to hear?”
“Magic,” Regina responded playfully.
~ ~ ~
Once they arrived home, Emma swiftly grabbed their bags and went inside, hoping to hide them in the master closet. Regina sighed to herself as she followed Emma inside and upstairs.
Maybe I can get her to rest for a bit. I need to think of a way to help her through this. I also need to keep an eye on that finger chewing. Aside from finding it unsanitary, Regina didn’t want Emma to hurt herself.
Entering the bedroom, Regina found Emma staring at the bag of Goodnites. Going to the dresser, she selected Emma’s flannel pajamas. She sat on the bed and gently stated, “Darling, come here please.” Emma went to stand between Regina’s thighs, leaning on her wife in search of comfort. Regina opened the package and addressed her wife in a soothing tone, “I think we should try these out today, hmm? I can see you’re quite tired. It’s just us. I’ll be right here to hold you as much as you need.”
Emma stared a bit sadly at the Goodnite in Regina’s hands. She whispered out an “I love you” and offered a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“I love you more than I can describe my little swan.” She unfolded the pull-up. “Okay darling, do you want me to help you or would you like to do it yourself?”
“You help, please.”
“Alright, raise your arms little one.” Regina slowly undressed Emma, explaining each step before acting. Finally, with Emma fully dressed and leaning heavily into her, Regina helped her into their bed. Emma slowly brought her middle and index fingers up to her mouth, sucking on them gently. “You are certainly ready for a nap. Just close your eyes.”
“Where’s my blankie?” Emma slurred out, her energy fading fast.
Regina wasn’t overwhelmingly surprised at Emma’s simple vocabulary. Regina guided her to lay down fully, preparing to tuck her in. “Your blankie is right here darling. Let’s get nice and cozy under the covers and take a nap. I’ll be here when you wake up.” She hummed a soft melody from Henry’s childhood as Emma fought to keep her eyes open. Once Emma had finally succumbed to her exhaustion, Regina slid in behind the blonde and drifted off holding her beloved.
~ ~ ~
Regina woke up before Emma, hoping to research coping mechanisms for their new predicament. She moved to study hoping to let her wife sleep a bit longer. Lord knows she doesn't get enough rest as it is.
She took her time, combing psychiatric websites for the healthiest strategies, when the topic of "age-regression" came up. Regina dove further and wrote down what she deemed useful or most relevant.
Before she moved much further she heard Emma waking in their bedroom. Regina returned to their bed and found Emma crying silently to herself. She noticed that the blonde had a different air to her. Perhaps we'll be utilizing these new strategies sooner than I thought.
"Wet again, darling?"
Emma only managed a nod in return. Regina took charge and simply moved to hold her. They sat together until Emma began squirming a bit. Regina, sensing they were in for an interesting evening, pulled out a new Goodnite instead of underwear for Emma. Might as well get her used to it now.
"Emma darling, can I help you get changed?" Emma nodded again and began to remove her pajama pants while Regina quickly grabbed the newly purchased supplies from their closet to clean her up. She worked gently and without making a fuss, hoping to avoid another meltdown.
Emma barely registered that Regina held out a Goodnite; she simply blinked a bit and stepped in. Once the whole process was finished, Regina wrapped her up in a warm hug and explained the (rather spontaneous) plan for the evening. "Why don't we go downstairs and snuggle on the couch. We can watch the new Pixar movie and have your favorite dinner, how does that sound?"
Again, Emma only offered a nod in reply but this time with a real smile on her face.
Regina swayed them a bit back and forth before helping Emma downstairs for their relaxing night.