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"Pupper?"
There was a shift in the weight the mattress held, and pressure on your hip. You were hidden from the world, duvet enveloping every last bit of skin and balled up between your fists.
"Love.."
Price's voice, it usually soothed every last emotion immediately though this time it barely even touched the surface of what was happening. He could hear the sobs coming from under the blanket in front of him and desperately wished he were deaf for a second, heart shattering into shards as he grazed his thumb over your hip.
"One if you're sad, two if you're overstimulated, three if other, mhm?"
Two fingers were immediately stuck out from under the covers, quivering in place and quickly pulled back into the safe place you had made. Overstimulated, Price knew how to deal with it, staying put in the divot in the bed that he had made. He didn't even have to be told that you were non verbal either, he was quick at picking up cues, especially ones like those.
Price slowly got up from his place in silence, pulling the blinds shut and locking the door, placing his jacket on the outward facing door handle so that people knew not to disturb, and locking it. He tried to be as quiet as possible as he dragged your storage box from under your bed, sliding it on the square-tiled floor and cracking the lid open to retrieve some comfort objects, putting everything on the dresser except for your stuffed bear.
"Beary's come out to play, when you're ready." His voice spoke softly, taking a seat on the chair by the window to give you some space to relax. You would work your way out slowly, by yourself, like a turtle coming out of its shell; Price sitting there with all the patience in the world as you could hear the beads in the bear hit together gently, bouncing it carefully on his knee.
You peeked out from under the covers to see, Price smiling at you before you pulled back under with a giggle. His smile always made you laugh, filled you with excitement to the point that you were bursting. It took you only a few minutes to calm down before your head poked out again, eyes scanning the room to make sure it was just you two and you two alone.
Loose shirt draping around your thighs, you pulled yourself into a sitting position, feet easing their way down onto the cold, tiled floor; Price gave you as much time as you need, directing his attention elsewhere until you were ready.
"Got you your favourite smoothie, baby." He spoke, gesturing toward the little stash on the dresser. He had brought snacks to get your energy back up, a colouring page if you wanted it, and a few other little bits alongside the smoothie. You hadn't realised it at first, but he had also slid your slippers over to the bedside, making it easier for you to step in and not have to touch the floor, easing your sensory issues even by a tad.
"Sorry, Papa.." You mumbled quietly. Papa and daddy were the two names you had for him when in such a state, even finding yourself muttering them when stressed or not in a regressed frame of mind. He had become such an attachment to you and you'd much rather not think about it, military and all.
Price only hushed you, cooing as you made your way over to him, his hands pulling you by your waist onto his lap, placing the stuffed bear between you. It was as if he was made of melatonin; instantly sinking into his touch.
"You know I like communication, what's going on, poppet?" He asks with a concerned tinge in his voice. You weren't even sure where to start, taking a deep shaky breath before bursting out into tears before the first word could even slip out.
"Too much! Noise, recruits, too many decisions.."
The wails into his chest were barely comprehensive, his hand running through your hair and twirling it in his fingers, his fiddling soothing you subtly.
"I've got you now, too small to make decisions, mm?" He babbles at you, pressing his lips to your forehead in a comforting embrace. You were fit enough for the military, there were just times you needed to take care of yourself. Price's palms eagerly cupped your cheeks and kisses were peppered over your face, an uncontrollable smile and childish giggle escaping your lips as you attempted to reciprocate; feeling better already.
It wasn't long before you were right as rain, Price cradling you in his arms as he watched you colour, content at hearing the endless facts of your favourite animal. It was so nice to hear your voice, and especially in such a joyful tone. He even laughed as he had to feed you, too zoned in on your colouring and zoning activities to take yourself out of it; laying his chin on your shoulder and with a small huff, relaxing himself. Your regressions weren't just helping you, but him too, and he was so grateful to have such an amazing kid as you were.