Work Text:
Dick and Wally had unanimously decided upon littlespace as their coping mechanism. Although Dick was the only one who actually got down to littlespace, Wally was beyond thrilled about being his caregiver.
The two had agreed upon some ground rules after they figured out that Dickie's headspace ranged from 2-5 years old. First, Dick was to go into littlespace at least once a week. More than that was fine. Less than that was not. Second, if Dickie were to appear at any given time, he must inform Wally. Lastly, no jumping from furniture.
The little grumbled upon hearing the last rule when it was told, but Wally assured him it was for safety.
A few weeks had passed and all seemed to be going well. Getting Dickie to slip was way harder than Wally had anticipated. The poor boy was so full of shame that he'd cry and slip right back out of headspace. Each time it seemed easier though, so Wally felt he was doing something right.
The next time around when Dickie's headspace time was scheduled, Wally informed the kiddo that he had some gifts. More than thrilled, Dick was able to slip fairly easily as he sat at the edge of his bed, excitedly chewing on his fingers.
"Okay, first things first." Wally procured a pacifier from his back, like magic to the child. "We don't want your icky fingers in your mouth. Here, all clean and all yours."
He gave a gentle smile as he offered it to Dickie, who instantly took it. He curiously watched as Wally turned around to fetch the second gift, which he had simply hid in top drawer of Dick's dresser.
The second item he pulled out was a fuzzy little blanket. It was red and black with a plaid pattern to it. Wally smiled and gently wrapped it around Dickie's shoulders. The kid really reminded him of a cat.
For a moment, his face flashed with confusion and faint traces of overstimulation. Wally stepped back and crouched to his eye level.
"It's a blanket, little bird!"
Dickie slowly traced his hands to touch the blanket on his shoulders. He pulled it closer upon finding its fuzzy material comforting.
"B'ankie" he mumbled around the paci and smiled at Wally, who smiled back, of course.
"Yes! That's right! Blankie. Such a smart boy." He gingerly ruffled Dickie's hair.
The boy erupted into a fit of giggles and pulled the blanket even tighter. He quickly composed himself and opted to staring at Wally, awaiting his final gift.
Wally turned around to get said gift. He was a little nervous about this next one. He reopened the drawer and stared at the little stuffed elephant inside. At the store, Wally was sure the young circus boy would love the elephant, but now that it was sitting there, ready to be given to Dickie, he wasn't so sure.
What if it reminded him of his parents?
What if it made him sad, and made him cry instead? He was afraid he wouldn't be able to console his baby, and that somebody in the manor would get suspicious.
He knew Bruce, Jason, and Damian were all out on patrol and only Tim and Alfred remained. He knew that Tim was in the batcave with comms, and that Dick and Wally would not be disturbed. Wally took that opportunity to give Dickie his gifts without the fear of anyone finding them.
It wasn't about regression being bad that made him nervous about discovery, it was about the fear of them doing or saying something to hurt Dickie. Wally would rather Dick tell his family when he was big and ready.
Apparently Wally hesitated for too long for an annoyed little whimper sounded behind him.
He quickly pulled out the plush.
Here goes nothing.
Wally placed the toy on the palms of his hands and held it out towards the little.
"It's an elephant.." he tried.
For a moment, Dickie eyed it, unsure of what to do. Then, he gingerly reached out to touch it. Wally patiently held his arms out until Dickie was ready to take it. As he did, he turned the plushie over in his hands with a small "wow."
"D-Do you like her..?" Wally murmured softly.
There was a mumble.
"What was that, baby? Could you speak up please?" he coaxed.
Suddenly, Dickie broke out into loud squeals of delight, hugging the elephant tightly. Wally quickly caught his paci as it slipped off. He decided to hold onto it for now.
"Zitka!" He exclaimed with utter joy in his words.
"Yeah?" Gasped Wally. "Is that Zitka? You've named her?"
Dickie eagerly nodded, shuffling to sit on his legs so that he could be taller.
He pulled Zitka away from his body to stare at her only to bring her in for a hug so tight that Wally was afraid he'd hurt the plush.
Wally smiled, glad that he was able to make his baby happy.