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Chapter Text

~~~Moxxie 🟩 🌊~~~

Moxxie shifts awake, seeing the green walls surrounding him. 

…he knew it. It was all a dream. 

Blitzø and Millie never rescued him…

He never escaped his father…

But…they were still alive. 

Alessio…

Crimson…

Did he want them alive? 

He shouldn't, right? 

“Moxxie?” 

He gets up out of bed and he's suddenly downstairs. “Dad?” 

Crimson isn't anywhere to be seen…he only hears him: “You turned your back on your family…”

“What?” 

“You think you get to walk away from this family and never come back?” 

Moxxie shakes his head. “No- I- please, Sir, I-” 

He takes a step forward into a puddle…

A…

The room…

It was flooding!

Filling up with water. 

“Sir?” Moxxie asks, backing up but it doesn't do anything. “Dad?”

“ You should have listened…”

The water in the room rises more, reaching Moxxie's neck. “No- please, wait!” 

“This is what happens… Moxxie.”

“Please, sir!”

“This is what happens when you cross me.” 

The water rises more, and Moxxie tries to hold his breath…

But he can't. 

He's drowning. 

He's going to die! 

He'll never see Millie again.

He-

“Quiet time.”

~~~~~

Moxxie gasps for air as he sits up quickly….

He looks around… 

He's home! Thank Satan. 

He turns next to him at his Millie who's sleeping peacefully. 

He smiles and runs his fingers through her hair.

He’s okay…

His father is dead. 

He can't hurt him anymore. 

It's okay.

He was going to be just fine…

He was. 

Wasn't he? 

~~~Moxxie, the next morning.~~~

He couldn't get back to sleep, so he decided he might as well get up. 

He cleaned the house as quietly as possible,he read for a bit and then made some breakfast for himself and Millie. 

Suddenly he hears Millie walk into the kitchen “Good morning, sweetie.” 

“Morning.” Moxxie says, flipping the pancakes in front of him. 

“You already started breakfast?’ Millie asks him.

“Uh, yeah. I got up a bit earlier today.” He says, looking only at the stove. 

“Moxxie…what time did you get up?” She asks. 

Moxxie shrugs. “Just…early.”

Millie tilts her head to look at his face, noticing the bags under his eyes. “You had another nightmare last night, didn't you?” She asks. 

Moxxie doesn't answer. 

“Mox?” Millie pulls him away from the stove to look him in the eye. 

“It's going to burn.” Moxxie complains. 

“It's fine.” She says. “Just answer my question, please?” 

Moxxie sighs. “Yes, I had another nightmare. But it's not a big deal.” He says. “It's just one of those things….you know?” 

Millie nods. “Okay.” She lets him go and leaves to grab her phone. 

Moxxie sighs. “Millie, what are you doing?” 

“I'm calling your therapist.” She says.

“That's not necessary.” He says. “The doctors aren't forcing me to go anymore.” 

“Well, what do you want me to do?” Millie asks. 

“Leave it be?” He suggests. “I have nightmares. It's not a big deal. Everyone gets them sometimes.” 

“Not everyone has nightmares so severe that they can't sleep every night.” Millie says. “It's been a few weeks, clearly there's something more to it.” She says. 

“Not necessarily.” He mumbles. 

Millie makes the call. “Hello I'd like to schedule an appointment for my husband…Moxxie Knolasname.” 

“Millie-”

She holds up a finger. “Yeah, 8:00 is perfect. Thank you.” 

She hangs up the phone. “Okay, got you booked for tomorrow.” 

“I don't need another session!” Moxxie says. “I'm fine!” 

“If you're still having nightmares, you do.” She says. “It's okay to ask for help, Mox.” 

Moxxie sighs. She doesn't get it. “I had nightmares when I lived with Blitzø, it's not a big deal.” 

“Just because you got over it the first time does not mean it's okay now.” She says. “Di- Did you have nightmares while you were…with your dad?” She asks, hesitantly.

Moxxie shrugs. “When I was asleep, I was regressed. So if I did, I wouldn't remember anyway.” 

Millie nods. 

“Millie, she won't help, she'll just ask me the same dumb questions and then suggest I keep doing what I'm already doing.” He complains. 

“You don't know that.” Millie says. 

“...yeah, I kinda do.” He says. 

“Well, do you have any other ideas?” She asks. 

Moxxie shrugs. “I guess not.” 

“Then you're going.” Millie tells him.

He didn't bother continuing to argue. 

~~~Moxxie: Therapy:~~~~

“Have you been taking your medication as prescribed?” 

“Yes.” 

“Both your anxiety medication antidepressants?”

Moxxie nods. “Yes.”

“Any negative side effects?” She asks. 

“I don't know…”

“Have you been trying those exercises we talked about?” She asks. 

“Yes, every day.” He answers. 

“And it hasn't helped with the nightmares at all?” She asks him. 

Moxxie shakes his head. “No.” 

“You're still getting them? Every night?” She asks. 

“Only when I sleep.” He mumbles. 

She hums. “Strange.” 

“I told you, I have  nightmares after I see my father. It's normal. It just takes a few months to get them to stop.” 

“That's not…normal, hun.” She says. 

“Well, he's dead now…so once they stop I'll be fine.” He says.

She tilts her head. “How do you feel about your father's death?” 

Moxxie looks at her. “I don't know…I'm glad I won't have to deal with him anymore.” He says. 

She nods. “I'm sensing some sadness. It's okay to be upset, you know? He was your father after all.” She says. 

“I'm not upset.” He lies. “I mean-  I didn't want him to die…but he deserved it. And I am glad I won't have to worry.” 

That was at least honest. 

She nods. “Okay. And how about your little self? Does he miss his father?” 

Moxxie's eyes widened. “I- uhm.” 

She patiently waits. “Well?” 

“I don't know…my little self doesn't know.” Moxxie says. 

“How can he not know?” She asks. 

“There's a barrier.” He explains. “I don't remember anything from when I'm small, and he doesn't remember anything when I'm big.” 

She hums. “You know what? Maybe you should get yourself reclassified.” She suggests. “You can get a therapist that specializes in little ones, I know this one girl named Hellen, she's so nice, I think she could really help. She could truly understand your situation.” 

Moxxie leans back in the chair. Little ones? Could she possibly be more degrading?

“A little therapist would have a better understanding of your situation.” She says.

“I doubt that very much.” Moxxie says. “All they'll do is tell me to regress.” 

“Well…maybe you should regress then.” She suggests. 

“I can't.” Moxxie says. 

“Why not?” She asks.

“Because it would ruin everything I've worked so hard for! If I regress, all the problems regarding my little self will come back, it's better if it's locked away.” 

“You've built a wall.” She says. “Or more so, your father did. But in order to get better…you need to break that wall. Let people in, let all that pent up anger and sadness out.”

“I have no anger.” Moxxie insists. “I'm fine.” 

“If that were true, you wouldn't keep dreaming about him.” She says. “You wouldn't be here.” 

Moxxie tried to think of something to say…

“Our time is up.” She says. “I'm not sure there's much else I can do for you, Moxxie. Without ripping off the bandaid and tending to what's underneath…how are you ever expected to heal?” She asks him. 

So…He'll never heal. 

Was that really so bad? 

Moxxie walked out and into the waiting room where Millie was, smiling sympathetically. 

He immediately hugs her. “Hey.” 

“Hey, how did it go?” She asks. 

Moxxie looks down, fidgeting a little with her hand. “She wants me to see a different therapist.” 

“What? But I thought you said she was nice.” 

“She was…she wants me to get reclassified so I can see a therapist who specializes with littles.” He explains. “So, I guess she's not going to help anymore.” 

Millie hums. 

“What?” Moxxie asks. 

“I mean, maybe that's not the worst idea?” Millie suggests. “You are a little, so a little therapist might be what you need.” 

Moxxie sighs. 

“Mox, listen, please? I would never force you to do anything you don't want to do but…would you at least consider it? I mean, if it helps other people to regress, it may help you.”

Moxxie was about to say something else but he stopped himself.

“I just…I don't know what else to do.” she says. “I want to help you, be the best partner I can be…but I don't know how. Letting you suffer isn't good enough for me, and nothing else seems to be working so…will you please just give someone the chance to help you?” 

Moxxie interrupts. “I'll think about it…but I promise nothing.” He says. 

Millie nods. “Alright.” She takes his hand. “Let's go home.”

Chapter Text

~~~Moxxie:~~~

The next couple of days have remained pretty much the same between him and Millie.

They got up, got breakfast, went to work, killed people who actually deserved it, and went home, ate some dinner, made regular small talk about their day…went to sleep.

Millie didn't talk about the regression stuff…even though it was clear she wanted to. 

They agreed that Moxxie would consider letting Millie take control, letting her use those words he dreaded so much… 

And he knows she's not Crimson, he knows she would never use his regression against him, never abuse the control she had over him like that.

She'd never use his regression without permission or use it to manipulate him or shut him down like Chaz did. 

But…

He couldn't help the panic that arose whenever he even thought about those words…

And what those words let people get away with. 

Whenever he and Chaz would fight and Chaz knew he was losing the argument, he would grab Moxxie's face tightly with a bright smile and whisper ‘Quiet time.’

It's all he can think about…

It's always how he won the argument. 

It's how Chaz avoided any repercussions, any accountability for his actions…

He had this power over him, the same as his dad and Alessio. 

And he knows, he knows Millie isn't like that, that she would never do that to him but…

He hates giving anyone that much power over him, it just reminds him of how weak he can be. 

How powerless he was... 

But regardless of that, he's been doing his research, learning of the benefits to regression, all the terms, all the different types. 

Voluntary,

Involuntary,

Semi-regression. 

(That one he wasn't aware was even possible.)

He felt as if he had no one to talk to about it…no one who would understand what he was going through. 

If he got a therapist that specializes in littles would they even understand how much he hates regression? How much he panics at the thought of it? 

How traumatic being a kid was, no matter the reason. 

He pressed play on the video he was watching, seeing how happy the small demons were as they talked about all the benefits of regressing. 

About how much better they felt after regressing, how relaxing it was for them, how much it helped. 

He wished he could be that happy…but he can't let himself go through all of that again, can he?

The video then showed the littles caregivers who answered some questions of their own…

They talked about how things weren't always easy, but they loved their little and that's all that mattered. 

How for some, things improved when they focused on healing…

Moxxie turned it off…again. 

He hates regression, he hates that his younger self still exists! 

There's so much that never would have happened if he was just normal!

But…

For Millie? 

If he could just be better…for Millie's sake… Would it be worth it for her? 

If he could learn to be happy with it? 

Would he really have less panic attacks? 

Would it help with all the things Millie was forced to help him with? 

Moxxie thought about that day, the day his father took him to that hypnotist…

Maybe if he could…undo it? Experience regression like everyone else does. Let himself slip on his own, let his small self feel how he's feeling and let himself have control over when he regresses? Maybe if he had the control, it could be less scary. 

It was a risk…but one he was willing to take.

If it will help him…

If it will help Millie…

Maybe it could be worth it?

Moxxie turned to his computer…

What was the name of that place again? 

~~~Later:~~~

“Millie?” Moxxie walked into the living room slowly, tail curling around himself nervously. 

“Yeah?” Millie asks, setting her phone down and giving him her full attention. 

Moxxie nods his head. “Okay.”

“Okay what?” She asks, tilting his head. 

 “I'll get reclassified, I'll get a new therapist…I'll regress.” Moxxie says. 

Millie smiles and stands up. “Oh Moxxie! That's great!” She says hugging him. “What changed your-” 

“But under the condition that I have to do it my own way!” Moxxie says quickly, interrupting Millie. “I want to undo what my father did to me, un-hypnotize myself to stop the barriers that disconnect me and my younger self.” 

Millie nods, understandingly. “Alright, and how do we do that?” She asks. 

“We have to go to a place in Lust called Madressas.That's where I was hypnotized the first time. Hopefully they can undo it.” 

“Alright, when do we go?” Millie asks. 

“This weekend work for you?” Moxxie asks. 

Millie smiles. “Perfect.” 

~~~Moxxie: The next day~~~

Moxxie had to make things right, he had to undo everything his father did. 

He owed it to himself,

To quint,

To the littles he stole,

To every victim who was forced to suffer by the hands of his father. 

Moxxie's new position at the company had him working a little longer than usual to review clients and do some paperwork for Blitzø. 

This suited him just fine because once Blitzø and Millie left…

“You sure you don't want me to wait up for you?” Millie asks him.

Moxxie shakes his head. “Nah, I don't have that much left, I'll be back in time to make you the best Italian dish you've ever had.” He promised. 

“I can make spaghetti too, you know.” Millie says, crossing her arms playfully.

“Not correctly.” Moxxie says before she punches his arm. “Ow!”

Then she kisses him. “Don't stay too late, sweetie.”

“I won't.” Moxxie promised.

He was free to work on what was truly important.

Loona walked out of the office while Blitzø rambled on about something she honestly couldn't care less about. 

She stopped in the hall while Blitzø walked on a bit. Once he noticed that she wasn't following, he stopped and looked at her. “Loony? Everything okay?” 

Loona looked back at the IMP door. “Uhh yeah. I'll meet you at home. There's something I have to take care of.” 

Blitzø raised an eyebrow but shrugged. “Alright, just be back in time for dinner. Okay?” 

Loona nods, then waits for Blitzø to leave before she decides to sit down on one of the benches on the other side of the office so Moxxie wouldn't be able to spot her when he walks out. 

And once he did, her ears perked up. 

He was holding a rifle and he was reviewing a piece of paper. 

That was not the look of someone heading home. 

Once Moxxie walked out, Loona started to slowly follow him. 

He walked through the city and then he stopped behind a bush. 

At this point, she felt it was a good time to make her presence known. 

“What are you doing?” Loona asks him.

Moxxie looks behind him, gun in hand, ready to strike whoever the hell was sneaking up on him…then he realized. “Loona, what the fuck?” He asks. 

“Is that an angelic rifle?” Loona asks him. 

Moxxie looked down at it then kept walking. “No.” 

“That's striker's rifle! How did you get his rifle? I thought dad had it!” 

“He did.” Moxxie says. 

“Then why do you have it?” Loona asks. 

“First of all, Blitzø is terrible at hiding things.” Moxxie says. “And second…it's none of your business! Why did you follow me anyway?” 

“Uh because the last time I didn't follow you, you got kidnapped.” Loona explains. 

Moxxie only hums as a response as he looks down at his phone at the address again. 

This is the place.

“Get out of here, Loona. Let me work.” Moxxie tells her. 

“Work? How is this work? What, are you doing side-hustles or something?” Loona asks. 

Moxxie rolls his eyes. “Like I said…it's none of your business.” 

The sinner walked away from the little for a second, walking towards the kitchen. This was his chance. 

Loona was still talking but it was going in one ear and out the other. “Quiet.” Moxxie whispers, pushing Loona's head down to make sure the sinner couldn't see them. 

“Who is that guy?” Loona asks. 

🩸

“An asshole…who's about to die.” Moxxie says, aiming the rifle. He takes his time to wait for the perfect moment…his breathing steady. 

He holds his breath and then releases it at the same time he pulls the trigger, shooting this mf in the head. 

Loona looks at Moxxie, confused and waiting for an explanation. 

But Moxxie then runs inside the apartment. 

She follows him despite the lack of invitation, and she sees him now wearing gloves and stuffing the sinner's body in a bag. 

“Mox, some information please?” Loona asks. “What the hell are you going to do with that? Who hired you?” 

“I take the bodies to cannibal town, the butcher pays me a sum which I use to buy more holy bullets, any leftover money I will take back to IMP. I take care of the money now anyway, so no one will think anything of it.” Moxxie says. “This is not in any way betraying Blitzø.” 

“So…why are you killing them?” Loona asks. “What did they do?” 

Moxxie removes his gloves and starts to walk upstairs. 

✖️⚠️

“Moxxie?” Loona asks, following the imp to one of the rooms. 

Moxxie opens the door and they find a locked crib…and a small fox demon inside it. 

Loona stayed where she was in shock while Moxxie ran over to it and picked the lock. 

He opens the lid of the crib and undoes all the restraints. “Are you alright? Hurt at all?” Moxxie asks gently. 

The Fox shook her head. “Who are you? What's going on?” 

“Everything is okay. I'm a friend. Is there anyone I can call for you?” Moxxie asks. 

She shakes her head. “No…there's no one.” 

“Okay.” Moxxie says, reaching out his hand to help her up. 

She takes it and he helps her stand.

Moxxie then gives her a ticket and some money. “I need you to go to the elevator. Do you know where that is?” Moxxie asks. 

She nods. “Yes.” 

Moxxie nods back. “Great. Go to gluttony and head to the adoption center calle-”

The fox's ears straighten. “What? No! I am not going to an adoption center! Do you know what they-” 

“I know.” Moxxie says. “I know it's not ideal, but I  promise they'll take care of you. I don't know how Crimson got to you, but whoever his supplier is may come back, and you can't take that chance. The center is called ‘Pent and Grahams adoption center.’ It's run by some really kind people, I promise you they'll take care of you. I've looked into this place myself. I would never send you somewhere unsafe. Alright?”

She nods, panting. “Okay… but what if he-”

“He's dead, trust me. He won't be finding you.” Moxxie swears. “Angelic weapons make sure that sinners cannot come back.” 

 She looks at Moxxie and hugs him. “Thank you.” She says, crying as she's finally free. 

Moxxie has no clue what she could have possibly gone through…and he can't think about it either. It hurt too much to think about. 

He just hopes she'll actually do what he asked…and she'll be safe.

~~~Moxxie and Loona:~~~

Moxxie had called her a cab to take her to the elevator, then he took the bag so he could drop it off to cannibal town. 

“Moxxie, wait!” Loona calls out. 

And he does. He doesn't look at her, he doesn't drop the bag, he only stops. “What?” 

“She's one of the littles your father…” 

“Trafficked. Yes.” Moxxie answers. 

“I think…I think that's really…cool. Of you.” Loona says. 

“It's cool of me to not stand around while innocent people get hurt while I'm completely aware of it? Personally I'd call that bare minimum.” Moxxie rolls his eyes. 

Loona isn't sure how to respond to that. “Moxxie-” 

“What?” Moxxie asks. 

“Listen, I've been trying to talk to you all week-” 

“I know. Why do you think I've been avoiding you?” Moxxie asks with a lot of sass, starting to leave again. 

“I wanted to say that I'm sorry, asshole!” Loona shouts.

Moxxie stops again. 

“I didn't know that you…I just- I know I've been a bitch towards you in the past…” Loona admits. “I'm sorry okay?” 

“Just stop it!” Moxxie shouts before turning back to face her. “You're only saying that because you know I'm a little now, and you feel guilty! Well, I don't give a shit about your conscience! If you're only sorry because I'm a little, then you're not really sorry! You're just feeling guilty and it's honestly pathetic.” 

“I am really sorry!” Loona defends. “It has nothing to do with-” 

“Then why did you wait until now to say it?” Moxxie asks her. 

Loona was about to say something but…She stops, ears flopping.

Moxxie rolls his eyes. “Yeah, I figured.” 

Moxxie starts to walk away from her again, but then Loona decides to talk again. “Hey, for someone who doesn't want to be treated like a child, you sure are acting like one!” She shouts. 

“Fuck you!” Moxxie shouts back.

“You know, maybe if you actually took care of yourself instead of blaming other people for your problems, things would be a lot better for you.” Loona says. 

“Oh, look who’s fucking talking!” Moxxie shouts. “You have no idea what you're talking about, you have been nothing but unnecessarily cruel to me since I had the absolute pleasure of being part of your life.” He says, sarcastically near the end. “Don't act like you understand or that you hold some sort of superiority over me because you don't! You never have, you never could! You're an awful person! I know you had an awful life, but I've never let that influence the way I've treated others!” 

“Okay, I should have been nicer, I was seventeen. What did you want from me?” Loona asks. 

~~~Past:~~~~

“Okay, here's the place. It's not very big but…it's home.” Blitzø says, parking the car. 

They just returned from their prison break…Blitzø, this complete stranger, offered to let him stay. 

Right now…a complete stranger seemed safer than home..

It was definitely a lot smaller than what Moxxie was used to but…it was heaven in his eyes. 

He had no clue what was going to happen to him, if Blitzø was going to hurt him, if he'll get kicked out or where he'll end up next. 

“Well, come on. I sleep on the couch but I think we have an air mattress in the closet.” Blitzø says. 

Moxxie didn't respond, deciding to wait until Blitzø got out of the car where he could follow.

They walked into the house and it looked like a place straight from a Dickens novel…the beginning of a Dickens novel! Trash and dirty clothes all over the floor, dishes in the sink…

What a perfect visual of how he imagined his life right now. 

Before, he lived in a spotless mansion. The only mess was the occasional blood stain or book out of place.  

He wasn't allowed to be messy…and now everything in his life was.

He was with Chaz for five years…five years of devotion, listening, loving. Late nights…and just like that…he was gone. 

He didn't care if Moxxie was okay- if he was safe.

He only cared for money. 

“Who the fuck is that?” A female voice asks Blitzø. 

“Where the fuck is Udele?” Blitzø asks back. 

“She left! Which is lucky because I would have killed her if she didn't! I don't need a fucking babysitter!” The wolf growled. 

Blitzø sighs. “Loona, this is Moxxie, Moxxie, my daughter Loona.” The taller imp threw his coat on the couch, they managed to steal back their clothes from the jail they were in, which seemed to be such a relief to Blitzø…for some reason. 

“Nice to meet you.” Moxxie says to her. 

“Fuck you.” Loona says, turning and slamming her bedroom door. 

“Your daughter seems nice.” Moxxie says, not sounding as sarcastic as he meant to. 

“She's nicer once you get to know her.” Blitzø says. “She just needs time to warm up.” 

~~~Present:~~~~

And Moxxie believed him…like an idiot! 

Throughout the time he was staying with Blitzø and Loona, he was as kind as possible to Loona. 

He tried his hardest to not snap at her every time she pissed him off- which was often! 

The insults,

The comments, 

The times she'd hit him! 

Call him fat, 

Make fun of him for anything she could think of! 

“You were seventeen then, but you're twenty-two now! That's six years that you could have realized all of this! If it takes all of this to make you realize you maybe should have been a little nicer…then you're not a person I really want to be around anyway!” Moxxie says.

And Loona didn't respond after that. She threw a trash can against a building, but Moxxie didn't care for her tantrum. 

He just hopes he can make it from cannibal town and back home in time to make dinner. 

~~~M&M, Days later…Lust: ✨️~~~~

Millie and Moxxie stood in front of the strange looking building in front of them. 

“This is the place?” Millie asks. 

“Yup.” Moxxie says. 

“Are you sure?” Millie asks, sounding skeptical.

“Trust me, I recognize it from flashbacks.” He says. “I don't think I could forget.” He mumbles. 

“Okay, let's go in.” Millie says, moving to walk but Moxxie stays still, their hands are still holding each other so she moves back. “What's wrong?” 

“Just…give me a second.” Moxxie says. 

Millie nodded and they stood there for another few minutes. 

“Okay.” Moxxie breathes out. “Let's go.”

They walked into the dark building, Moxxie gripped Millie's hand tighter as he worried about the possibility of re-living exactly what happened that day…

“Hello, Welcome to madressssas! Please sign this confidentiality agreement before we get started.” The demon asked, handing them each a piece of paper on a clipboard. 

“What's this?” Millie asks while Moxxie just signed it. 

“It's to ensure your safety as well as ours. You don't speak to anyone about what happens here, we don't speak to anyone about you.” They say. The demon wasn't the same as when he was a teen, this demon had a completely different look, and their pronoun tag was They/Xem. 

Honestly…Moxxie was glad. He can't take too much familiarity. 

Millie looked at Moxxie, unsure about signing the paper. 

“It's okay.” Moxxie says. “Just sign it.” 

Millie doesn't trust this sketchy ass place…but she does trust Moxxie. So she does as he asked. 

“Thankssss!” The snake demon says. “Now, to what do we owe the pleasure?” 

“I'm Moxxie Knolasname. I called you on Monday.” Moxxie explains. 

“Oh yessss. Crimson's son. How is he by the way?” The snake asks.

“Dead.” Moxxie answers simply. 

“Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.” Xhey say. 

Moxxie offered only a half hearted nod as a response. For some reason, he actually felt a strange pain and guilt in his heart whenever it was mentioned. 

“Ssso. I spoke to a few of my…superiors about the possibility of un-doing your regression borders. There are some things you should be more aware of.” They say. 

“What's that?” Moxxie asks. 

“Firstly, we've only had to do this a few times. We're not completely sure of the side-effects. But we do know that it will take a while for your mind to adjust to it. You may experience some impure regression, negative mind tricks, headaches, Your memories between headspace will take a while to merge, if ever…and-” 

They paused.

“You will have no control over when you regress. You could slip into a little and big headspace often and at random. Temporarily, of course. It just may take a couple weeks to regain control again.” Xhey explain. 

Moxxie nods. “Okay.”

“You sure this is what you want?” They ask him. 

‘Remember what I said about unruly littles?’ 

‘Yes sir…’ 

Moxxie nods.

“I’m just making sure because I'm not so sure why you’d want to consider all the benefits.” Xhey say. 

“What benefits are those?” Millie asks.

“Well, having someone else in control of when you regress allows you to regress instantly and gives you more control over it.”

“Or less control.” Moxxie mumbles. 

“You won’t regress randomly or force yourself to repress it in times you need to be an adult.” They say. 

“But I don’t have control, someone else will always have control!” Moxxie argues.

“Moxxie, that’s the point, someone else needs to be in control. When you regress you’re just a child.” The snake explains. 

“I’m not a child!” He hisses.

“You are when you’re regressed.” Millie says.

“Millie-“

“Your father won’t be the one in charge anymore, honey. I will be.” Millie reassured. “Can we talk about this for a moment?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah.” 

The two of them walked to the hall of the building where no one else could hear them. “Are you sure about this?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie sighs. “Millie…I do trust you. But, I can’t go back to living that way, it’ll just remind me of what happened.” He explains. “Can you please trust me?” He asks.

Millie takes his hand. “Of course I can, I just want what’s best for you.” She says.

Moxxie nods. “I'll be fine, Millie. I know what I'm doing.” 

“I thought this whole thing is about regaining control, they just said that you may completely lose it.” She says. 

“Yeah, but not permanently. My mind just has to get used to it…and xhey said maybe not definitely. Millie, I need to undo what he did!” Moxxie says. “It has to do with control, it has to be my decision.” Moxxie explains. 

Millie bites her lip nervously…but then nods. “Alright. As long as you're sure, I trust your decision and I'm here.” She says. 

“Thank you.” Moxxie says to her, taking her hand and kissing it softly. “I love you.” 

She smiles. “I love you too.” 

They walk back in and the snake demon smiles. “Well, you two figured it out?” 

Moxxie nods. “Let's do it.”

They had him lay down on the same sofa that haunted him…

They waved that watch in his face again and told him to only focus on it and what xhey were saying to him. 

“Breathe in…” 

“Breathe out…”

“You are no longer trapped inside, little one. You're free.” Xhey said. “You can come out freely at will.” 

“When I snap my fingers, the effects that were previously done will no longer control you. When you hear those terms, they will no longer define where your headspace is… you're free.” 

Moxxie is starting to understand why they were trying to warn him about this…what if it all goes wrong? 

“Keep breathing.” Xhey say. “Try to relax.” 

Moxxie breathes deeply, trying to calm himself down. 

This is what he wants. 

They will deal with it. 

Whatever happens…he's okay. 

“Moxxie…you are your own person, he no longer controls you, no one controls you.” 

A few more seconds of the watch being waves in front of him and suddenly he hears a snap. 

He flinched. 

“Moxxie?” Xhey asked. “Are you alright?” 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah. I'm okay.” He says. 

Millie is standing on the other side of the room, saying nothing. 

“Is it done?” Moxxie asks. 

“Only one way to find out.” The snake says. 

Moxxie closes his eyes, knowing what was coming…

The snake whispers. “Quiet time.” 

Moxxie opens one eye. 

“Moxxie?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie smiles…he's still here. “It worked.” 

“Well, of course it worked.” The snake says. “I'm awesome.” 

“Thank you.” Moxxie says to them. “Thank you so much!” 

“And thank you.” Xhey say. “For paying in advance.” 

~~~M&M:~~~~

Millie and Moxxie walk out of the building together. 

“So…” Millie asks him, “What now?” 

Moxxie takes a second to think about that. “I'm not sure.” Moxxie says. 

“Well,” Millie takes his hand and squeezes it. “Whatever happens next…we'll face it together.” 

Moxxie smiles at her. Not sure how he's feeling about this…

Not sure if he believes all of this…

He's free from Crimson's curse but…

Would the cost be worth it? 

“I'm very proud of you, honey.” Millie tells him. 

It would be… 

And if it's not, he had Millie, so he knew he could face anything. 

“Thanks Millie.” 

Chapter Text

~~~Blitzø:~~~~

Ringing…

Ringing…

More.

Fucking.

Ringingggg!! 

Blitzø groaned hearing the familiar ‘Hoot-Hoot-ing’ ringtone so early in the fucking morning!

Blitzø tried to reach for his hooting phone but wasn't able to identify it with his hand while his face was buried in the couch cushions. So, despite the absolute hatred of the idea, he got up and grabbed his phone to answer it. “Ughhh what?” 

“Blitzø, hello.” Stolas says. 

“Stolas…hi.” Blitzø says. “It's seven o'clock in the morning, what do you want?” 

“I was wondering if you'll be here this weekend. You haven't shown up since Moxxie went missing.” Stolas says.

“Yeah, well, we had a lot to catch up on. Lots of clients, bills to pay. The kind of stuff you just wouldn't understand being a privileged squawking prince.” He says, sarcastically. 

“See, this is exactly why I think you need a break.” Stolas says. “You're getting snippy. You get that way when you don't regress.” Stolas explains poshly as if it's not literally Blitzø he's talking about. 

“No…I get that way when you call me before I've had coffee.” Blitzø mumbles. 

“Blitzø. Will you be there or not, Blitzø?” Stolas asks. 

Blitzø thinks about it…

“Yeah, I guess I can be there.” Blitzø says. 

“Good.” Stolas says. “I'll see you this weekend then.”

“See you then.” Blitzø rolls his eyes. 

“Get some coffee, you impudent little Imp.”

“Fuck you.” Blitzø says before hanging up. 

But…He finds himself smiling and he had that horrible thought again…

Has he gotten way too close to that bird. 

~~~Moxxie:~~~

The test has changed a lot since the last time he took it…

First of all, it's all digital now, which he didn’t love. 

He likes the lack of pressure a pen and paper had, he could just erase any errors and go back and review the questions a second time, but once you click enter, they go to the next question and you can't go through them quickly afterwards. 

A lot of the questions were different too, more specific than before. 

Instead of the question:” Do you ever feel like an animal?”

The questions asked were: 

“Do you take comfort in animals or animal behaviors?”

“Do you have any territorial instincts?” 

“Do you ever feel that you want to scratch, bite, or hiss at others when you feel anger or fear?” 

Imps do that all the time, as do hellhounds. So Moxxie assumes they must take that into consideration. Almost everyone has animal-like instincts, but he supposed not everyone allows themselves to act on them. 

“When you feel happy do you have any unusual instincts or tells? (Exc, wagging your tail/having a phantom tail, moving your tail upwards, sticking out your tongue, or rubbing your head against someone you love.)

“Can you recall at any moment in your life you wished you were a non-anthro animal so you'd be free or treated better?”

“Do you feel comfortable hiding in small spaces?” 

“Do you like building nests in your home? Like in the closet, behind the couch, or under your bed?”

“Do you collect trinkets? And if so, do you hide them?” 

Now Moxxie remembers that pet regression was something on his results last time. But he never really understood what that meant. 

He does remember taking old blankets and pillows of his mothers and hiding them in his closet. He made a small area for him to hide in when he was scared or when he missed her. 

He'd often hide there and sometimes he'd even sleep there.

Crimson eventually found it and threw out the blankets and pillows as a punishment of some kind. 

Moxxie really isn't sure what he did, he only remembered the consequences of it. 

After that, he just hid under his bed for comfort. 

Was that a nest? 

He answered the questions as honestly as he could. He doesn't remember anything beyond 15 when it comes to regressing. No one has ever told him what he was like when he regressed. 

Crimson ignored any questions he had, 

And Alessio would just change the subject. 

It was weird, which is why he stopped asking any questions.

…unless. 

What if he was a bad kid? 

What if they were mad at little!Moxxie because he was acting up…and they didn't want to tell him about it? Wanted only to deal with Little!Moxxie and not an anxious older one? 

Moxxie shakes his head and takes some deep breaths. 

No, it must have just been a control thing, didn't want Moxxie to know too much about it. 

But…why? 

Okay, no no no. Stop. 

They're not here. 

He needs to finish the test and move on.

~~~Later:~~~

After the test was done Moxxie met Millie in the waiting area while they reviewed his results. 

Moxxie's leg bounced anxiously, he doesn't know why he's so nervous, he pretty much knows what the test was going to say but…

This was going to change everything!

Him and Millie's relationship,

His work life,

His home life. 

Just. His life!

He hates when things change unless he's the one who changes them, because at least then he had a say, and he had the control. 

Millie placed her loving hand on his leg. “It's going to be okay.” She says. “We're in this together, we're partners.” 

Moxxie smiles at her. 

“Thanks, Millie.” 

“Moxxie knolasname?” The nurse eventually called. “Please come with me so we can go over your results.” 

Moxxie and Millie stand up and follow the nurse to a small room with a table, three chairs and a few toys scattered on the floor. 

That was strange, who would regress while being here? This place is far too scary for a little one to be. 

“Okay, Moxxie. Are you ready to hear your results?” The nurse asks. 

Moxxie nods. 

“Alright. Looks like you are: 50% Little and 50% Pet regressor.” She says. “Age range being Zero to four.”

Moxxie stares at her and blinks in confusion. “What?” 

“Is…something wrong?” The nurse asks. 

“This…I'm It's just- I don't think the number for pet regression was…that high the first time I took it.” Moxxie says.

“Well, it's possible for it to change, and the test itself has changed quite a lot, so there's a lot of reasons it could be different. It's perfectly normal.” She explains. 

“What is pet regression anyway?” Millie asks. “How can you regress into an animal you've never been?” 

“That's a great question!” The nurse says. “Well, pet regression is not so much regressing into an animal, it's regressing into your natural instincts which can be very animalistic. And for a kid, being an animal with these characteristics makes the most sense.”

“So, is there a way to find out what type of animal Moxxie is?” Millie asks. 

“I don't think so. The results aren't so specific about it. When it's a cat or a bunny or a dog, it's way easier to figure out what animal they could identify with, moxxie doesn't really align with most animals we know so…you'll probably have to ask little Moxxie.” 

Millie nods. “Okay, that makes sense, I think.” 

“For you, Millie.” The nurse hands her three pamphlets. 

They were labeled: “How to care for your regressed little”

“Caregiving 101” 

And finally. 

“Pet regression: the signs and wonders.” 

Millie quickly looks them over. 

The nurse then handed her a stack of papers. “So, you being Moxxie's wife means that you don't need to become a certified caregiver. But you still have to fill in this paperwork and answer a few questions about Moxxie.” 

“What kind of questions?” Millie asks. 

“Mostly fun ones about how he's adjusting and how often he regresses. A caseworker will be visiting you in a few days and if you need more time to fill it out, they usually give you an extension. You just need to turn it in within the next few months. I recommend reading all these pamphlets and buying the required little stuff as soon as possible. They will be lifesavers.” She says. 

~~~M&M: Later~~~~

Millie and Moxxie got home and Millie didn't waste a single second to start reading through the pamphlets she was given. 

Moxxie however wanted to de-stress from the day he had. 

He had to take that stressful test and talk to people about what a burden he will undoubtedly be to his wife. 

He knows it's his own fault, that he decided to take the test but- maybe he didn't think it through properly. 

No!

He didn't want to think about it anymore today. 

What happened today, happened. And yes, a lot has changed but he can forget about it for tonight and just relax. 

So, he grabbed a book that had nothing to do with regression…

He hasn't read Anna Karenina in a while…

First line read: ‘Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.’

He slams the book shut. 

Okay, new book. 

He picks out the way we live now by Anthony Trollope. 

It's been a while since he read Trollope.

He sits down on the couch and only gets to read for a few minutes before being interrupted by Millie. 

“Moxxie, do you have a second to talk?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie puts down his book. “Uh sure. What's up?” Moxxie asks. 

“I was hoping we could get started.” Millie tells him, sitting next to him on the couch. 

“On…what?” Moxxie asks. 

“Preparin’ for little you, silly. It says the first thing we should do is establish rules and boundaries.” Millie says. reading through her pamphlet.“What is little you like?” She asks. 

“Oh…uh. I don’t know. We have alternate states of consciousness, remember?” Moxxie tells her, sounding nervous. He picked up the book again so he has something to hold, for some reason it made the conversation easier, but he still hopes this won't take too long. 

Millie nods. “Right, okay. Well, are there any boundaries you want to establish?” She asks. 

Moxxie shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“You gotta help me out here, Mox. I don’t know anything about this!” Millie says. 

“You think I do?” Moxxie asks. 

“You're the little!” Millie says. 

“Do we have to talk about this now?” Moxxie asks. 

“Well, we have to talk about it sometime.” Millie says. “If not now, we should set a time where we can talk. 

Then he'll just be worrying about talking to her instead of just getting it over with? No thanks. 

Moxxie sighs. “What exactly are you hoping to accomplish from talking about this stuff?” He asks. 

“We need to have an understanding, Mox. How am u supposed to take care of you if you don't-” 

“Millie, I know you have this absurd need to take care of me all the time, but I can take care of myself!” He says loudly, interrupting her. 

“Of course you can take care of yourself, but you don’t have to, we’re partners!” She says, rolling her eyes. 

“You keep saying that.” Moxxie sighs.

“Because you seem to keep forgettin’ that! I’m here for all of it, Moxxie! Not just the stuff that's easy!” Millie says, almost too loud for his liking. 

“So you admit that this is difficult?” Moxxie asks.

“It doesn't have to be difficult, but you're the one making it difficult. If you'd just-” Millie says. 

“I know! Okay? I just-“ he takes a few deep breaths. 

He's so frustrated with all of this! 

Why did it have to be so much? This is supposed to be relaxing! 

It was overwhelming for him! But he can barely think about all the stuff he needs- he's mostly thinking about Millie, everything she's now having to do, all she has to take on. . . 

The books she has to read,

The paperwork,

The expenses,

It's too much! 

…He's too much.

And what if he's a bad little? What if he's too much for her? 

Millie takes his face in her hand. “What is it, Mox? Talk to me.” she says gently.

She's so understanding, so gentle, so kind…

He doesn't deserve her. 

“It’s just-” Moxxie hesitates a moment. “You do so much for me all the time! You’re always the one taking care of me, rescuing me; You saved me from striker, you’ve calmed me down whenever I have panic attacks, you saved me from my dad- twice.” Moxxie holds himself close. “And now you have to take care of little me- It’s too much!” He says. 

“Hey, first of all, you took down striker, not me.” She says. “I was caught in a bear trap, remember?”

“No, you stabbed him when he almost killed me, then Blitzø fought him off until he got away. If you weren’t trapped, he never would’ve escaped, and if Blitzø wasn't there, I would have died.” Moxxie says. 

“That's not true!” Millie says. 

“It is true!” Moxxie says. 

Off topic but an equally important conversation…

Moxxie is so strong. He's so capable but he doesn't seem to understand that. 

He needed to know that what he does matters, that he is just as important to her as she was to him. 

Millie takes his hand. “When my sister annoys me, and I get angry, you’re the one who helps calm me down, you stay calm during my outbursts, you’ve stuck around despite how overwhelming I can be, and you’re always there to remind me of our love when life gets me down.” Millie says. 

“You don’t require as much attention as I do…” Moxxie says. “And you are not that overwhelming.”

“Mox, look at me.” She says. 

He does despite how much he hates eye contact. It makes him so uncomfortable, that's not an easy thing to admit, especially to his wife, but it always felt so… intimidating, even if he trusted the person. 

What's wrong with him? 

“I don’t feel the need to take care of you because I don’t think you’re capable on your own, I want to take care of you because I love you. It’s what we’ve always done, when we’re sick, we take care of each other, when we’re sad, we lift each other up, when we’re overwhelmed, we calm each other down. This isn’t different! Do you understand?” She asks. 

Moxxie nods and looks away again, he doesn’t really have a response.

“I’m sorry, Mox. I know this is a lot for you, I know you don’t like it, but I don’t know how to make it better, we have to work together on this, okay?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah, okay…”

“And If this is going to work, I need you to work with me, not against me.” Millie says.

Moxxie nods again. “I know, I'm sorry.” 

“It's okay, we're both trying to figure things out. Let’s just start easy, I have a list of things we’ll need from the store, am I missin’ anything?” She asks, handing him the list. “You love shopping lists, right? This part should be easy.” 

Moxxie anxiously looks over the list. 

-Diapers

-pull ups 

-pajamas 

-Little clothes

-pacifiers

-Adult baby food

-bottles

-Adult formula

-Sippy cups

-Toys

It was long…

Could they even afford this?

“Is all this really necessary?” He asks. “How often do you expect me to be regressed?” Moxxie asks. 

“As much as you need to, sweetie. I just want to be prepared, this is what the pamphlet said to get. Just- don’t think of it as a list for you, imagine it’s for some other little.” She suggests.

Moxxie sighs. “Right. Okay.”

Millie takes his face lovingly in her hands. “Hey, I know this isn't easy for you, but you're doing so well. I promise that you're okay, we're okay. And no matter what happens, we will always be okay. Alright?” 

Moxie nods and smiles. “Okay.” 

He supposed it did help to know that Millie was there to hold his hand through all of this. 

He takes a deep breath, and this time he actually did feel calmer afterwards. 

“Good. So, what kind of toys did you like growing up?” Millie asks.

“I uhm…I didn’t really have any.” Moxxie answers.

“What?”

“I had books.” Moxxie says. “And occasionally mom would do a puzzle with me, we’d also play chess sometimes…”

“That’s not the same thing! That’s the first thing we’re changing.” She says.

“Are you sure that’s necessary?” Moxxie’s asks.

“Trust me, it is. Kids need toys.” Millie says. 

Moxxie shrugs, he doesn’t really see the need, but he knows he probably wouldn’t convince Millie otherwise.

“Alright, if you say so.” Moxxie says. “What else do we need to talk about?” He asks. 

“You sure you want to discuss it now?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie nods. “We're already here, I'd like to get it all over with now.” 

Millie nods and looks through the pamphlet again. “It says some important questions to ask beforehand are: How comfortable you are with me changing you, bathing you, feeding you…and- mm… discipline?” She cringes at the last word. 

“I never remember being little, so I'm pretty much comfortable with all of it.” Moxxie says. “But it's just as important to ask what you're comfortable with.” He says. 

“I'm perfectly comfortable with changing you and bathing you. I grew up in a house full of kids constantly, it's nothin new to me.” She explains. “Discipline though, that's another level. I'm not sure what's…damaging. What could hurt you.” 

Moxxie shrugs. “So long as you're not physically hurting me, I really don't think anything can be that damaging.” 

“Right, no. I wouldn't do anythin like that- I just…I'll do some research and we can talk more about it another time. Kay?” 

Moxxie nods. “Okay. Yeah, that would be best.”

Moxxie and Millie stay quiet for a bit…not really knowing what to say next. 

“You-” 

Millie looks at him. 

“Maybe we can go shopping and talk more tomorrow? I kinda want to de-stress from the day I had.” Moxxie explains. “...it was a lot on me and I really don't want to talk about it anymore right now.” 

“Oh yeah. Of course. I didn't realize you were so stressed. Why didn't you just say that?” Millie asks him. “I never meant to upset you!”

Moxxie shrugs. “You didn't upset me really, I just- I didn't want to stress about it all night. I knew I would once it was brought up, so it was either talk about it or stress out and I've already had too much stress today.” Moxxie tries really hard to explain. 

Millie nods. “That makes sense. I'm so sorry, Mox.”

“It's okay, I'm sorry I got snippy with you. You're amazing and wonderful and I really do appreciate you.” Moxxie promises. 

“It's okay. Everything is fine now.” She says, petting Moxxie's head. “Let's just relax tonight.” 

Moxxie smiles. “Sounds good.” 

“Do you want to watch the greatest showman?” Millie asks. 

“Uh- Yes!” Moxxie says enthusiastically. 

Millie smiles and grabs the DVD. 

Tonight, nothing existed. 

Just him,

And her.

And Hugh Jackman. 

~~~The Next day, at the store~~~

They got up pretty early the next day to go to the store. 

It was always better to get there early because of people and…people. 

The less people there to crowd and judge him the better. 

They got some groceries first, they had already planned their meals for the week and they felt very ahead of everything. 

Millie got the formula and baby food she insisted on, Moxxie wasn't really sure if it was necessary but she said it was better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 

Moxxie wasn't so sure, but didn't feel like it was worth arguing about. 

“Okay! Next we are going to get you some toys.” Millie says. 

“Mills- I really don't-”

“Kids need toys.” Millie says. “It builds creativity and helps them understand the world better.” 

Moxxie sighs. “Fine, if it means that much to you, you can buy me one toy.” 

“Ten.” Millie crosses her arms.

“Three.” Moxxie tried to compromise. 

“Five.” Millie offers. 

“Fine, but I'm buying you some too.” He says smugly. 

Like Blitzø, Millie actually likes toys. She collects little trinkets and knick knacks and stuffed animals, just not as intensely as Blitzø does. 

“What?” Millie asks. 

“I buy you five, you buy me five. It would honestly make me feel better about it!” Moxxie explains. “Buying all this stuff for me and getting you nothing is kinda…overwhelming me.” He tries to explain. 

“So, it will be like those dates where they buy a basket of things for their partner?” Millie asks. 

“Exactly!” Moxxie says. “It'll be fun!” 

Millie gets excited and squeals happily. “Okay! Rules?” 

“Five items only. Nothing over twenty dollars.” Moxxie says. 

Millie nods. “That's fair I guess.” 

“Okay. Ready?” Moxxie says. 

Millie smiles and they both look at each other like this was a race to the toy aisle. “Go!” 

Moxxie and Millie go separate ways, still acting like this was some type of race. 

It just sorta took the pressure off! It helped Moxxie not think about what they were doing, they were just having fun! 

So, Moxxie walks through the aisles and buys Millie a My little Pony toy. She loves applejack, and this one was covered in cool markings that looked like tattoos. Very Millie.

 He then also picked up a mystery box one, she likes being surprised and opening things like gifts. (If she doesn't get one she wants, she can always trade with Blitzø who has a bunch of these. It was perfect!)

First thing Millie got Moxxie was a black and white cat stuffie. Moxxie loves cats! And this one sorta looked like that one from the musical!...kinda. 

Also, Moxxie was pretty young, age ranging from 0-4 so soft stuff he can hold and cuddle with was more than necessary.

Millie looked through the baby toys next and found a red shape-sorter. Perfect for a little one! And Moxxie enjoyed puzzles so it seemed pretty perfect! 

Moxxie knew Millie liked strange stuffed animals, so the next toy he picked out was a three-eyed bear with blood all over its paws and face. 

She'd love it. 

She liked things that were strange and unusual. 

Millie explored the baby toys more, and she picked out a little toy guitar for him! 

So. Flippin. Adorable!!

Moxxie went to the action figure section next. Millie loves action figures. 

He found an alien from that sci-fi movie she really liked that gave him nightmares. (He's never admitted that to her.) And placed it in the basket. 

She'd like it, and that's all that really mattered. 

Millie then realizes she needs a good toy for a toddler, he's not just a baby after all. She looked through the toddler toys and found a bunch of ‘little people’ which were tiny plastic dollhouse-type playsets. 

There were so many to choose from! Especially Disney ones! Moxxie actually likes Disney, so this was perfect! 

But which one to buy? 

There was a Cinderella set,

Snow white,

Toy story- 

Oh!

They had a Moana one! It came with Moana, Maui and a boat! 

That's so cute! 

For Moxxie's last gift for Millie, he found a cute purple dragon. It went a little over budget but for millie? It was worth it.

And lastly, Millie decided she needed an extra stuffed animal for Little!Moxxie in case one got dirty so she bought him an adorable little yellow lamb. It was so soft! He'd love it! 

They returned and showed the other the gifts picked out. 

Millie loved all of it and tried to peek through the little mystery box to see which Pony she got. 

Moxxie felt indifferent to most of the toys, but mentioned that he liked the tuxedo cat. 

But toys weren't everything. 

Millie took Moxxie's hand. “Ready to keep going?” 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah. I think so.”

They walked over to the regression section of the store and Millie picked out a few soft blankets and some diapers with dinosaur print on them. 

Moxxie remained fairly neutral about it, just smiling and nodding along, acting like he wasn't panicking over how much they were spending and how much of a burden he was going to be on Millie. 

“Okay.” Millie looks through the list again. “We need a few more things. Bottles, some plastic plates, sone outfits, sippy cups-”

“Millie, just get the basic stuff, we can't afford all of this! Also it's unnecessary. My dad didn't even have ALL this stuff when he was the one taking care of me.” He explains. 

Millie chuckles. “Yeah, no offense, Mox. But your dad is the last person I'd take advice from.” 

Moxxie nods, but for some reason the comment stung, like he wanted to defend Crimson and Alessio…

But he didn't. 

Instead he just took some deep breaths and tried really hard not to think about them. 

“Alright, should we just get one sippy cup or do you think we should get the three pack?” Millie asks him. 

“Millie, I am perfectly capable of-”

“Howdy folks!” Some random person said. 

Moxxie turned and there was a couple behind him who apparently couldn't mind their own business. “Can we help you?” Moxxie asks. 

“I recognize that cart, you two adopting a little one?’ The female hellhound asked. 

“Well-” Millie started to say something but they just kept talking.

“Word of advice, steer clear of the bratty ones. They sound cute but they're way more trouble than they're worth.” Her husband said. 

Moxxie held his arms close. 

The female hellhound nodded. “Yeah, we tried adopting a brat, they were a disaster.”

“That's very kind advice, but…we didn't ask.” Millie says. 

“Okay, rude.” The male hellhound said. 

“You talk about littles like they're not even people, what the hell is the matter with you?” Millie asks. “They aren't accessories to your life, they're people! And it's fine if you can't handle some littles, but every little deserves love. All. Of them. Got me?” 

The two hellhounds walked away, scoffing while Millie glared daggers at them. “What assholes, right?... Moxxie?”

Moxxie was shaking a little, staring off in the distance. 

“Mox, are you okay?” Millie asks him, gently touching his arm. 

“I'd really like to leave now.” Is all Moxxie says. 

“We still have to pay.” Millie says. “Would you rather wait in the car or join me at the checkout?” 

Moxxie sighs. “I'll go to the car. Get whatever it is left, I trust you.” He says. 

Moxxie leaves and Millie frowns in confusion. “...Alright.” 

~~~Later:~~~

Millie finally gets back to the car, so Moxxie got out and helped her get everything in.

“Moxxie, what happened?” Millie asks, placings the bags she was holding into their borrowed car. 

Moxxie sighs. “I’m sorry. It’s just…” Moxxie hesitates, placing some bags in the car too. 

“Yes?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie sighs. “What if I'm a bratty little? Or what if I'm annoying or more trouble than I'm worth?” 

Millie reaches and grabs Moxxie’s face gently in her hands. “Mox, I love you. You trust me on that?” Millie asks, interrupting his rant.  

“...yes.” Moxxie says.

“Then believe and trust me when I say that no matter what little you is like, I will love him just the same. Even if things start off a little rocky, we will figure it all out. Okay?”

Moxxie nods. “Okay…”

“You're worth the entire universe to me.” Millie says. “No matter what we'll have to face next, you are worth it.” 

A tear runs down Moxxie’s face, not sure what to say in response to that. 

Moxxie shuts the trunk of the car. “When we get home, we'll put everything away, we'll order takeout and watch a movie together to relax, okay? We don't have to worry about any of this now. We don't have to go to work until tomorrow, the rest of the day can be just me and you. Sound good?” 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah, that sounds good.” 

“Good. Just- one more thing.” Millie let go of Moxxie's face.” Did you set up an appointment with your new therapist?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah…a couple days ago, my first appointment is next week.” 

Millie smiles and kisses Moxxie's forehead. “Good. I'm so proud of you, Mox.”

Moxxie smiles. “Thanks, Millie…for everything.” 

Millie smiles back. “Of course, I love you so much and I want you to constantly remember that. Alright?”

Moxxie nods. “Alright.” 

When they got home, Millie just threw all of the regression stuff in their closet until they needed it. 

She didn't want to stress Moxxie out over stuff they don't need to stress about yet. 

She now knows that it's best to wait until he's ready to handle it. 

She just needed patience.

Everything was going to be fine. 

Chapter Text

~~~Fizzarolli:~~~

“Hello! To someone- or anyone who might be watching! Wait..no, I think I started that wrong-” 

Retake. 

Fizz stops the recording, deletes it, and starts again. 

“Hello! My name is Fizzarolli! Yes, that's my real name. It's weird, I know- see, I was sold to the circus when I was six, so- wait no. They don't need to know that.”

Retake!

“Hello! I'm Fizzarolli, Fizz for short and I'm going to answer some of your fan questions!” Fizz tells the camera, a forced awkward smile painted on his face.

“Question one: Where have you been, Fizz?” He reads outloud. “Great question, I've been…-” 

Fizz pauses the recording…

“How much do I actually want to share?” He asks himself. “Definitely nothing about the little thing, nothing about mammon, nothing about Oz…uh…-”

He turns the camera back on: “I have taken a bit of a break. Mammon and I have different ideas involving my career, so I decided to start working for myself. Give someone else an opportunity to be Mammons…star.” 

Okay, nailed that! Keep going!

“Question two: Fizz, what's your favorite animal?” 

“I love frogs! And dogs! Especially love Quevies. I have eight of the- wait.. nine of them! They're only my pride and joy!” Fizz says. 

“Question three: Fizz why did you abandon all…your fans…” Fizz pauses for a moment and laughs awkwardly. “Really should have read these beforehand.” 

Fizz goes to the next question: “Fizzarolli, you're a loser…That's not a question.” Fizz says. 

“Fizzarolli, why do you think you're too good for your fans?” 

“I- I don't.” Fizz says quietly. 

He feels a coldness in the back of his head…

It feels light…

He looks back up at the camera and turns it off. 

“Maybe this was a mistake.” 

Fizz grabs his hand mirror. “Without Mammon or Asmodeus…what even am I?” 

He didn't mean to let everyone down, did he- 

Did he really let everyone down?

~~~Millie and Moxxie:~~~

“Okay, we have everything we need, right?” Millie asks. 

“I think so…the place is clean, some of the little stuff is out of the closet… the important ones anyway.” Moxxie says, not wanting to specify what he didn't need out for anyone to see. “Do you think the caseworker would prefer lemon or orange?” Moxxie asks, holding up two different air fresheners. “I don't want them to think our home smells like their least favorite citrus!” 

“Moxxie, I doubt they'll care what our apartment smells like.” Millie says. 

“Smell equals memory and association, Millie!” Moxxie explains. “I wouldn't trust any home that smelled like cigars, peppermint, and dry blood! It would remind me of my childhood. This is probably the most important decision we'll make!” 

Millie collapses on the couch. “Ugh! I wish I could just ask someone who's been through this already! I wish I knew what to say, what to avoid!” Millie says. 

“Yeah…all the littles I know are secret.” Moxxie says. “I don't know anyone who's had to deal with this. 

“All? I only know Blitzø…who do you know that I don’t?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie looks at Millie, but crosses his arms and turns away. “I'm sworn to secrecy.” He says. 

Millie hums and looks at him. 

“You know what? It's going to be okay.” Moxxie says. 

“You really think so?” Millie asks. 

“Yup, turns out we have this Vanilla spray!” He throws the lemon air freshener in a drawer and quickly sprays the room with a vanilla scented air freshening spray, then hides the bottle behind the couch. 

Millie sighs. 

“I know no one who hates the smell of vanilla! It's home-y and sweet but subtle.” Moxxie says. “It's perfect.” 

“Stop with the scents, Moxxie!” Millie complains. 

“I picked one! Without your help by the way! So you don't have to worry about it anymore! I saved us, you're welcome!” Moxxie says loudly and cockily. 

Millie rolls her eyes. “We'll talk about this later, for now let's just-”

Knock knock. 

“Oh shit, that’s them!” Moxxie says. 

Millie heads to the door. “Okay, I'm gonna let them in, don't jump out the window.”

“What? I wasn't going to- Why the hell would I jump out the-” 

“Hello! Come in!” Millie says, answering the door. 

“Hi! Are you Millie?” A dark furred hellhound smiles at the door. “I'm Amila, Moxxie’s caseworker.”

“Yes, hi.” Millie says, shaking her hand. “Come in.” Millie says, moving out of the way so she could walk inside. 

“Thank you.” Amila says as she walks in. “Well, this is a nice apartment,” She looks around. “Cozy, clean and very well decorated.” She sniffs the air. “Oooh and it smells delightful.” 

Moxxie smirks at Millie who rolls her eyes yet again at him. 

“Now, which one of you is Moxxie?” Amila asks. 

Moxxie offers a hand to the caseworker. “I'm Moxxie, it's nice to meet you.” 

“It's really nice to meet you, Moxxie. I look forward to working with you.” Amila says, returning the handshake. 

Moxxie smiles. “Thanks…I'm sure it'll be nice for me too, but I've never really had a real caseworker before, so…”

She nods. “A bit nervous?”

“A bit.” Moxxie says, letting go of her hand so he would rub his arm, as if it would shake the anxiety. 

“That's perfectly normal. The hellhound says. “I promise you, I will make no decisions without your say, I'm only here to ensure your happiness and make sure your environment is as it should be.” 

Moxxie nods. “That makes sense…I guess.” 

“Let's sit down and we can all talk.” Amila suggests. She takes a seat on the chair and gestures for the two to sit on the couch.

Millie and Moxxie both sat down on the couch and waited for her. Not sure how they would start the conversation. 

“So, your house only has one bedroom, right?” She asks. 

Both of them nod. 

Amila writes something down. “What is your plan if little Moxxie rolls off the bed in the middle of the night?” She asks. 

Millie's eyes widened. “Can that happen?” She asks Moxxie. 

Before he's able to respond, Amila cuts him off. 

“Very common with infants like him.” 

Moxxie frowns as Millie starts to get nervous. 

“W-Well, I'll get him a crib if he has a problem.” Millie says. 

“Do you have room for one?” Amila asks. 

“Yes, we do. If we don't, I can make a built-in one on our bed. I grew up in wrath and learned a thing or two about home improvement.” She says. “My sister can also help!” 

Amila nods and writes something else down. “That is highly recommended. Even if he doesn't need it, for safety reasons, I would do that.” 

Millie nods. “I can do that, no problem.” 

“Okay, and what about diapers?” Amila asks. 

Moxxie avoided eye contact, this was something he had hoped he was done discussing. 

“Got them.” Millie says. 

“Do you have a changing station or mat? Wipes, powder, ointment?” Amila asks. 

“I got the wipes, corn starch I hear is better than baby powder and we have that, I got ointment. We don't have a changing mat, is it necessary?” Millie asks. 

“It's highly recommended for little ones.” Amila says. “But a towel will work fine if that works for you.” 

Moxxie rubs his temples, he felt like he was about to die- why did he have to regress so little? Why did he have to regress at all? Why couldn't he just be normal!?

He's a burden! A burden on Millie! She didn't sign up for this!

Well, she did but…Did she really want to? 

Moxxie could feel something in his brain pulling him, trying to get him to… 

No no no. Stay big, stay big. 

Adult…

Adult. 

Taxes…

No Healthcare, that's a problem. Worry about that for now. 

Uhm… What else do big- adults like? 

That paperwork still needs to be done. 

Numbers…

Yeah…that's better.

Numbers and fractions… yeah. 

Deductibles…

“Well, we could get a changing mat.” Millie says. “But, maybe we'll wait until I know for sure what can work.” 

“Do we really need to talk about this right now?” Moxxie asks, arms crossed over his chest now, trying to keep his composure. 

“I apologize, Moxxie. I have to ask, it's the procedure.” Amila says. 

Moxxie nods, trying more so to keep it together and not be stressed, this isn't worth regressing for. 

She looks down at her clipboard, then looks up again. “Do you feel comfortable around Millie, Moxxie?” 

“Of course I do.” Moxxie says, instantly without hesitation. “She's my wife.” 

“And does little you?” She asks. 

“I don't know…he should. There's no reason he shouldn't.” Moxxie says. “I mean- I don't think they met, but Millie is great with kids. She's amazing, I couldn't even imagine that someone wouldn't.” 

Millie smiles at Moxxie, and he smiles back. 

“Do you have any and all necessary utensils for little Moxxie?” Amila asks. 

Millie nods. “Followed the list exactly, we have plastic plates, cups, spoons, forks, bowls, bottles, everything he could possibly need.”

Amila smiles. “Alright, everything sounds good. I just have one more question: Did you get to the paperwork they gave you at the classification center, Millie?” 

Millie rubs her hand nervously, so Moxxie takes it in his hand to comfort her. She smiles at him before answering: “Uhm well, most of it. But Moxxie hasn't really regressed around me yet, so there are some questions I can't really answer.” 

Amila nods. “Totally understandable. I'll be back next month to check on your progress, you can give it to me then.” 

“Will you be here every month?” Moxxie asks her. 

She shakes her head. “Only the first couple of months. After I'm sure you both are settled and all the T’s are crossed, I'll only get involved if you specifically ask. Speaking of,” She grabs two cards from her purse and hands one to each of the imps. “Here's my number if you need anything.” 

“Thank you, Amila.” Millie says. “This is all very new to us, and- well, it's been a lot.” She says. 

“Don't even worry about it, you're doing great. You two are going to be just fine.” Amila tells her. 

Millie smiles. “Thank you.” 

“I'll be off.” Amila shakes their hands. “You two take care, and don't worry so much. The worst of it is over. Once Moxxie regresses, everything will just fall into place.” 

Moxxie wasn't so sure about that, but Millie smiled and thanked Amila once again. 

“Call me if you have any questions.” Amila tells them before leaving out the front door. 

Millie sighs happily and she collapses onto the couch. “What a relief. I was worried that it would be a disaster, but Amila was actually kinda nice.” She says. 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah..she was.” He says, half heartedly. He couldn't focus on that though, his brain was getting fuzzy and his eyes were blurring slightly as he tried to resist the uncomfortable headspace that was trying to take over. 

“I can't believe we were stressing out over nothing.” Millie chuckles. “She's right, we're gonna be fine.” 

Moxxie moves further away, he leans against the wall, arms crossed while he stares at the wall. 

“Moxxie, are you alright?” Millie asks, tilting her head.

Moxxie looks around, not sure how to answer that. “I think so…I just feel…off.” He explains. “Blurry.” He says. 

He knows he's feeling small, but how does he explain that to her? How can he repress it and be honest with her at the same time? 

He's not ready to regress in front of her yet, it was too much pressure!

“Let me get you something to eat.” Millie says. “You haven't eaten all day.”

“Neither have you.” Moxxie says. 

“So we should both eat something.” She says. She kisses Moxxie's temple then she heads to the kitchen. 

The moment Millie left Moxxie felt more fuzzy…

Stop 

Stop it, Moxxie. 

He can't regress now, they weren't ready for that! 

It can wait for a few more weeks…

He takes a seat on the couch.

Just a few more… 

….

….

Breathe… 

He blinked a few times, rubbing his eyes and shaking his head…

But, suddenly everything was so different…

He didn't recognize anything…

“Daddy?” He asks softly. 

But no one answers.

This isn't home. 

Where…? 

Where was he? 

~~~Fizzarolli:~~~

“Fizzy, I'm home.” Asmodeus calls, walking back into the palace. “I got your boba.” 

Fizz had texted Asmodeus to bring Boba, no context and no answer when he asked if anything was wrong, so Asmodeus isn't sure what to expect, but he's prepared for the worst. 

Fizz is on the couch, watching some sort of drama on TV, he's curled up in a blanket and staring sadly. 

“Hey, Fizz. Did something happen?” Asmodeus asks, handing him his drink. 

Fizz takes it. “Thanks.” 

“Froggy, what happened?” Asmodeus asks again, turning off the tv and lightly touching his face. 

“I tried recording a video…again.” Fizz says, sitting up and taking a drink of Boba. 

“Oh.. And it didn't go well?” Ozzie asks him.

Fizz shakes his head and shows Asmodeus his phone with the questions. 

“Ah.” Asmodeus says after reading through them. “Fizz, you can't take what they say too seriously. You know how-” 

“They think that I think I'm too good for them, that I'm using you, that I betrayed them all, betrayed Mammon!” Fizz interrupts. “How can I not take that seriously?” 

“Your true fans will understand, Fizz.” Asmodeus says. “Those guys are just trolls.”

“How can you possibly know that?” Fizz asks. “What if everyone actually hates me?” 

“No one hates you.” Asmodeus says. “That's just anxiety talking.” 

Fizz tries to hide his face in his hands, but Asmodeus takes them. “Fizz.” 

“Everyone does hate me!” Fizz says, pulling his hands away from Oz. “I'm a failure!” 

“I don’t, and I never could.” Asmodeus says. “You didn't fail. And no matter what me, Stolas, and Blitzø adore you. No matter what happens, you'll always have friends.” 

Fizz nods, and Asmodeus gently touches Fizz’s face. 

“And you'll always have me.” Ozzie says. “I love you so much, Fizz.”

Fizz smiles. “I love you too.” 

“Maybe I can help you with the next video?” Oz offers. 

But Fizz shakes his head. “No, that's okay. I think maybe I should take a break.” 

“Are you sure?” 

Fizz nods. “I'm sure.” 

“Alright.” Ozzie says. “I support your decision. Let me know if there's anything I can do, okay?” 

Fizz nods again. “I think I just need a distraction right now. Can we watch Bob's burgers?” 

Ozzie smiles. “Of course we can.” 

“And…will you make me some burgers?” Fizz asks him tilting his head, knowing good and well Ozzie can't say no when he does that. 

Asmodeus laughs. “Alright, I'll make you burgers.” 

Fizz smiles and hugs Asmodeus. “Thanks, Ozzie!”

~~~Moxxie and Millie:~~~

Moxxie looked around and recognized nothing…

The last thing he remembered. He was eating pancakes with Daddy and Alessio and…

Something was wrong…

He told Daddy, but he didn't listen.

Then there was a noise…

Daddy seemed nervous and turned to Flynn. ‘Take him upstairs.’ 

‘Yes sir.’ 

Flynn grabbed his arm…

Took him to his room and slammed the door. 

…

And then Daddy came into his room… he grabbed him next…

Pulled him through the hallway, not answering him when he asked what was going on. 

‘Moxxie, These people want to take you away from me. I told them you’re free to go if you want, do you want to go with them, Mox? Daddy had asked him. 

Moxxie shook his head as a response…

‘Verbal answer, Moxxie. Remember your manners.’

‘I don’ wanna go, please? I don’ wan’ to!’

They didn't take him…did they? 

How could they? 

Alessio and daddy are stronger than anyone. 

But they're not here…

Did they let them take him away? 

No, they'd never do that…

Unless he was bad, but he wasn't!

He was good.

He was good! 

“Alright, I decided on grilled cheese, hope that's alright.”

Moxxie didn't recognize the voice and so he hid behind the sofa. 

He's learned over the years how to panic quietly. 

Take slow quiet breaths….

He just hopes they won't find him before he can think of a plan. 

~~~Millie:~~~

“Moxxie?” 

Millie returned to the living room with two plates of grilled cheese sandwiches and chips. 

“Moxxie?” Millie calls again. 

She looks around for Moxxie, but he's not on the couch. “Moxxie?” 

It was quiet… 

She sets the food down and looks around for Moxxie. 

When she started to worry, she finally spotted him hiding behind the couch. 

“Hey, what are you doing there?” Millie asks him. 

“Hiss!” Moxxie hisses violently at her and backs away further behind the couch.

“Moxxie, what-” 

Oh…

Shit. 

She grabs her phone…

….

“Yeah?” 

“Hey, can you maybe come over?” Millie asks. 

“Uh, why? What's going on?” 

“I need your help.” Millie says. 

“What? Are you okay!?” 

“Well…it's Moxxie.” She says. 

“What's wrong with Moxxie? What happened?!” 

“Just come over, I'll explain when you get here.”

“Okay, alright. I'm on my way.” 

“Thanks.” Millie hangs up the phone. 

Millie walks over to him again, sitting down by the couch as he continues to cower and growl at her. 

“Moxxie…it's Millie. You know me.” She says sweetly. “I'm not going to hurt you, honey.”

Moxxie looks at her like she's a stranger, and he backs up more, crawling further away. 

“Moxxie, I promise no one is going to hurt you.” Millie says. “I'm your friend.” 

The little one doesn't seem to believe her as he crawls backwards more until she gets up and walks away from his line of sight.

She isn't sure what to do! Moxxie was terrified of her! It's like he didn't even remember…

Oh…shit. 

The snake did say something about the possibility of his memory needing time to merge. 

Does that mean little Moxxie doesn't remember her at all? 

~~~~Later:~~~

“Okay I'm here! What's going on?” Blitzø asks, climbing in their apartment through the window, not even bothering to try the door. 

“Moxxie is regressed.” Millie explains. 

“Oh.” Blitzø blinks in confusion. “And?” 

“He's hiding behind the couch and won't come out, what do I do?” Millie asks, voice sounding more panicked than intended. 

Blitzø walks over to them and looks over to the couch. “You called me for this? I'm not a caregiver, Millie!” 

“I didn't know who else to call! No one else can know about Moxxie!” Millie explains. 

Blitzø sighs. “Okay, okay fine. So, what do you want me to do?” His arms cross over his chest. 

“I don't know…help me get him out? He's scared, and I can't just leave him there.” 

“Can't you?” Blitzø raises an eyebrow. 

“Blitzø!” 

“Okay okay, fine!” Blitzø walks over to the couch, sitting on the floor in front of him. “Moxxie…?” 

“Hiss hiss!” Moxxie hisses loudly once he sees Blitzø. 

“Are you sure no one else can know about him?” Blitzø asks, sanding and facing Millie. “I know some caregivers, I can call one, it would take two seconds to-“

“No! Technically you’re not even supposed to be here! I can’t go against what Moxxie wants! And Moxxie doesn’t want just anyone to know!” She says. 

“Well, then. Maybe I should leave?” Blitzø suggests. 

“No! Please? I need help! I don't know what the hell I'm doing!”

“Well, I'm not a caregiver!” Blitzø says. The only person he's ever watched was Fizz and he was an angel. 

“I know, but you are a little, you know what they need right? Please?” 

“Okay, okay, I think I know what might work on him, but I need you to chill and let me do what I need to, alright?”

Millie hesitates, but nods. ”Fine.” 

“Moxxie, come out of there, now!” Blitzø shouts at him.

Moxxie doesn't move for a second, but he does look at Blitzø. 

“Moxxie…” Blitzø warns, voice firm. 

Moxxie is scared enough that he does listen, and crawls over to Blitzø and reaches for him. 

Blitzø wasn't really sure about it, but he picked him up. 

“Wow.” Millie says. “See? You're a natural with him!” 

“Okay so now what?” Blitzø asks her. 

Millie shrugs. “I don't know.” 

“What do you mean you dont fucking know!?” 

“I haven't done this before!” Millie defends. 

“Millie! Ouch- son of a bitch!” He drops Moxxie who luckily lands on his feet before hiding behind the couch again. 

“What happened?!” Millie asks.

“That little bitch bit me!” He says.

Millie grabs his hand to look at the bite. “Oh, that's…not good.”

“Yeah, no shit.” Blitzø spits out. 

Damn that really hurt!

Thank fuck Stolas wasn't here, he'd tease him relentlessly for this. 

Millie was by the couch again: “Moxxie…no one is mad, sweetie. We just want to talk…Moxxie?” 

Moxxie moved away more and more, breathing far more rapid than before. 

“Moxxie?” 

Blitzø takes her hand and pulls her away from him. “Maybe give him some space.” He says. 

Millie pulls her hand free. “I can't just leave him there!” 

“Millie, you're only freaking him out!” Blitzø tells her. “Imagine being a kid and waking up suddenly in a house you don't recognize with people you don't recognize.” Blitzø explains. 

Millie sighs. “So…what do we do?” 

Blitzø hums. “I…maybe just leave him to calm down on his own and see if he'll come out on his own.” 

Millie wanted to protest, she was so worried about Moxxie but…

Blitzø did have more experience with this so…She agreed and left Moxxie alone for a while…

After about thirty minutes and Moxxie not moving, Millie decided to check on him again. 

The little one was laying on the floor, too far for them to see him, but they can hear his breathing, steady like he's asleep. 

“Moxxie?” Millie asks. 

Nothing. 

“Help me move the couch?” Millie asks Blitzø.  

Blitzø nods and moves the couch so she can reach Moxxie. 

Millie gently touches his hair to see if he'd react..

But there was no reaction at all…so she picks him up and takes him to their room. 

She tucks him in the bed and pets his hair. “It's okay, baby, we'll figure this all out, okay?” She whispers to him before returning to the living room with Blitzø. 

“You good?” He asks. 

Millie nods. “Yeah…I think so…thanks for coming. I'm sorry- I didn't know it was going to be this way.” She says, sitting on the couch with her head in her hands. 

“It's…fine.” Blitzø says, sitting next to her. “You know, I don't remember a lot when I regress either. Maybe for Moxxie it's the same?” 

“He basically just woke up in a house he doesn't know and surrounded by people he doesn't know!” Millie says. “What am I supposed to do? He’ll never trust me!” 

“I don't know.” Blitzø says. “He's sure to develop Stockholm syndrome eventually.”

Millie hits his arm. “Ow!”

“That's not funny!” 

“Well, what do you want me to say? Don't you have a therapist to talk to about this shit?” Blitzø asks. 

“We do.” Millie sighs. “I just didn't expect this to be so hard.”

“Well, what did you expect? We're talking years of repression and trauma.” Blitzø says. “You couldn't have expected this to be a walk in the park.” 

“No but…I don't know. Maybe I expected him to act like a kid.” Millie says. 

“That's basically how I act.” Blitzø says. “My caregiver has the bite marks to prove it.” He mumbles. 

“For the first time in…ever. I feel like Moxxie and I aren't on the same page…it's like I don't know him.” Millie says. “That's…kinda scary.” 

“Are you sure you don't want to talk to my caregiver? He might be able to help?” Blitzø suggests. 

“Stolas can't know about Moxxie.” Millie says. 

“Woah woah woah! I never said Stolas!” Blitzø says defensively. 

“Oh come on, Blitzø. Everyone knows it's Stolas.” Millie says. 

Blitzø chooses to ignore her and instead he changes the subject. “So…do you think you'll be okay?” 

Millie nods. “Yeah, I'll be fine. I think I'll leave some food for him in our room…then sleep here tonight. Give him some space.” 

“Sounds like a solid plan.” Blitzø says.

“We're gonna be okay…right?” 

Blitzø nods. “Yeah, it's gonna be fine. Everyone goes through a rough patch at first” He says, not entirely convinced that's true. 

It's probably true, and if it's not, they'll figure it out eventually. 

~~~Moxxie:~~~

Once he heard the door close, he hides under the bed…

If they come back, he'll be ready to attack them and run away! 

He'll run home, and he'll find daddy. 

Daddy will save him…

He just needs to stall until then…

Alessio won't leave him here. 

Daddy can't just leave him here. 

Daddy still loves him…

He does. 

They'll take him home…and everything will be okay again. 

It will!

Alessio will read to him, and daddy will tell him that no one can hurt him again. 

Everything was going to be okay. 

~~~Later:~~~

Moxxie woke up a few hours later, surprised by where he was he flinched and hit something above him. 

The bed. 

Why was he under the bed? He didn't remember having a nightmare or anything…

In fact…he didn't remember going to sleep. 

He doesn't see Millie, so he gets up and walks to the living room. 

Millie was on the couch, reading something…

It was the ‘how to take care of your regressed little’ pamphlet. 

Fuck. 

“Hey.” Moxxie says to her. 

Millie looks at him and smiles. “Hey, are you okay?” She asks

Moxxie shrugs. “I don't know…are you?” He asks. 

Millie nods. “Do you remember what happened?” 

Moxxie shakes his head. 

“You regressed.”

“I figured that much.” Moxxie says. 

“You bit Blitzø.” 

Moxxie's eyes widened. “Blitzø was here?”

Millie nods. “You were hiding behind the couch…I didn't know what to do.” She explains. “I'm sorry.” 

“Don't be sorry!” Moxxie says. “I don't know what I would have done if I was in your shoes.”

Moxxie sits down on the couch next to her. “So… except for biting Blitzø…how did it go?” He asks. 

Millie sighs. “Well, it's a work in progress but we'll figure it out.” 

“So, it was bad?” Moxxie asks. “What happened?”

“Nothing happened.” Millie says, trying to reassure him. “Everything is fine, don't worry about it.” 

But he was worried.

What happened?

“Millie-”

Millie takes his hands. “Everything is fine.” She says again.

He wished he could believe her.

“Millie, if this is too much for you, we can always-”

“It's not.” Millie tells him. “I got this.” 

Chapter Text

~~~Moxxie:~~~~

The next few days were extremely stressful for both Millie and Moxxie.

Moxxie's regression is far out of their own control, almost every time he's upset or overly tired or even for no apparent reason he'll slip. 

Millie kept track of Moxxie's regression and wrote everything down in a notebook that he had full access to,

When it happened,

How long he was regressed for, 

Possible triggers to be aware of. 

That sort of thing. 

Which he greately appreciated. It's good to know what possibly triggers his regression and how much time he missed but…

It told him nothing about his behaviors when he's small, which was what he was most curious about. 

Moxxie used to ask Chaz and Crimson about how he would act or what happened when he's little, and he always got vague or no responses. 

It drove him mad to not know what he did, or what happened to him. Did he upset his father? Did he do something he might regret later? 

Did they hurt him?

Moxxie wasn't sure how to react or what to do now because upon asking Millie, every question he asked was responded with some statement about how everything was fine and that he shouldn't worry so much about it- 

But it only made him worry more. 

He may never actually know what he's like when he regresses… it's disappointing and…scary. 

At least Moxxie didn't regress during work, not that it would be a big deal because he was benched for the time being until they could get his regression… ‘under control’ as Blitzø said. 

He's had plenty of paperwork and scheduling to keep himself busy but…

Not going with Millie and Blitzø just made him feel like a liability. 

Why do they even keep him around if he can't do what he was hired for? 

Well…He won't always be a liability, he's decided that much. 

He'll figure this out. 

But for now…he can at least do what he can to help the missing littles. 

He tracked down a hellhound that his father sold to a sinner, they were only ten minutes away. 

“Where are you going?” Loona asks. 

“Where do you think I'm going?” Moxxie asks. 

Loona doesn't move her head, eyes still glued to her phone screen. But her voice implies she's a little worried about him when she says: “Just- make sure your location is on in case we need to track you down or something." 

“It's on.” Moxxie says deadpan.

He knows better though…

Loona doesn't care. 

~~~Millie and Blitzø:~~~~

“I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong! It's like little Moxxie doesn't like me at all!” Millie says. "He just hisses at me and hides away!" 

Blitzø rolls his eyes, she's been complaining about Moxxie for weeks now. Ever since Moxxie started regressing he's had to hear about how hard it is for Millie to deal with. 

Which annoys him but also makes him wonder if he's ever been too much for Stolas to handle. 

“Mills, why don't you just talk to someone? Aren't there support groups for caregivers online or some shit?” Blitzø suggests. 

“I've tried, but all they tell me to do is be patient. That's not exactly easy!” Millie says. 

Blitzø spots their target. “Shut up.” Blitzø says. 

Millie sighs and waits for Blitzø to shoot the guy they're after. She honestly can't find the enthusiasm for work she normally has, she's just…worried she's messing everything up. 

~~~Millie: not so distant past~~~

Millie started to talk to a therapist specifically for caregivers about a week ago. 

“How does Moxxie act when he's little?” The therapist had asked. 

“He just…hides and cries and sometimes he tells me he wants his daddy- if he talks at all.” Millie explains. “I don't know why he would want Crimson, the guy was awful and abusive towards him! He was the worst!” 

Her therapist adjusts her glasses. “Millie, little Moxxie has only known Crimson as his caregiver.” She says. “You need to validate his feelings.” 

“But his feelings aren't valid, Crimson was a monster who abused him!” 

“His feelings are valid.” She says. “He has every right to be upset right now.” 

“But, he doesn't understand-”

“Exactly, he doesn't understand.” Her therapist says. “So, to help him process these feelings, offer support and comfort him, don't tell him how to feel.” 

Millie sighs and covers her eyes. “That man was abusive. He kidnapped Moxxie, hit him, forced him to regress, and forced him to marry someone he didn't love!” 

Her therapist nods. “That sounds awful.” 

“Yeah…so, why doesn't Moxxie understand that when he's regressed?” She asks. 

“How did it make you feel when you learned he was doing that to Moxxie?” 

“Huh? I…I don't know…angry?” Millie suggests. She crosses her arms and looks away, then decides. “Real angry.” 

Her therapist nods and smiles. “Great, now we're getting somewhere. Let's unpack those feelings a bit more. Alright?” 

“We're talking about Moxxie-” 

“How can you help Moxxie with his grief, if you won't even deal with your anger?” She asks. 

Millie looks at her lap. 

“Here,” She takes a pad and pencil and hands it to Millie. “Write down all your thoughts and feelings about Crimson. We'll start there.” 

Millie takes the notepad and starts writing. 

She's willing to try anything at this point. 

~~~Present:~~~

She can't just let go of that anger, and she doesn't know how to talk to Moxxie about it either. 

Big Moxxie gets panic attacks thinking about Crimson, and little Moxxie idolizes him. 

Who else was she supposed to talk to? And how is she supposed to help Moxxie if he won't let her get close? 

The guy is shot and so Millie and Moxxie dispose of the body. 

“Blitzø?” Millie asks. 

“Yeah?” 

“Am I messing everything up?” She asks. 

Blitzø stops and looks at her. “No, Mills.” He sighs. “Stolas and I had an adjustment period too.” 

“Really?” Millie asks. 

“I won't go into detail but…I didn't really trust Stolas in the beginning, but he was patient and…he's always patient. And maybe it's possible that I sort of trust him now.” Blitzø explains. “And I'm sure Moxxie will trust you too just...give it some time." 

“Thanks Blitzø.” Millie smiles. “I could tell that was really hard for you.” 

“Just shut up and help me get rid of this body.” Blitzø says. 

~~~Millie and Moxxie:~~~

At the end of the day Millie and Moxxie headed home, both feeling absolutely exhausted from the days events. 

Moxxie had to kill three guys and just saved the one hellhound. 

And Millie and Blitzø killed like- six people in one day, which was a lot but their clients have been waiting weeks for someone to kill their most hated. 

Millie blames Crimson for them being so behind. 

“So, what would you like for dinner?” Millie asks. “I could make burgers or somethin.” 

“I got dinner.” Moxxie says. “You worked hard today.” 

“So did you.” Millie says. “Besides, you look tired.” Millie says, moving some hair away from his face. 

“I'm not that tired.” Moxxie lies. “I didn't even leave the building.” 

“Okay…but if you feel little at all, you'll tell me right?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie sighs. “Millie, I can handle dinner. It's not a big deal.” 

“That doesn't answer my question.” Millie says, taking his hand before he can move to the kitchen. 

“Millie, I can take care of it. I'm fine!” He snaps, pulling his hand away from her. 

“Okay…I'm sorry.” She says, taking a step back, her hands raised in surrender. 

For a split moment…He was almost scared of himself. “No- I'm sorry.” Moxxie retracts. “I-uh…I'm just a bit overwhelmed.” 

“What about?” Millie asks. 

Moxxie crosses his arms and looks away from her. 

“Mox?”

“Why don't you just tell me how I act when I regress?” Moxxie asks. “I've asked you a million times now and I've never gotten a straight answer.” 

Millie crosses her arms now too, and she looks a bit upset…or maybe confused. Moxxie isn't sure which. “I don't really want to talk about it.” 

“Why not?” 

“It's personal.” Millie says. 

“Personal? If it's personal to anyone, it's personal to me! It's my body and mind I'm asking about!” Moxxie says. 

Millie sighs. “It's…well, it's hard to explain.” She says. “I'm still trying to figure it out myself, I can't give you a clear answer.” 

“My dad used to do that all the time.” Moxxie admits. “Anytime I'd ask him for context, he'd refuse to tell me anything and it… it scares me.” 

Millie tilts her head. “Does it?” 

“I just want to know something…please?” Moxxie asks. 

Millie sighs again. “The truth is… you mostly hide from me.” Millie explains. “And when you don't, you're just quiet. You just stand or sit somewhere and stare at me. You don't even answer me when I talk to you…like you don't trust me.” 

Moxxie blinks.

He wasn't really expecting that…but he's not entirely sure what he was expecting. 

“I wasn't sure how to explain it I guess.” Millie frowns “I also- I'm worried. I might be doing something wrong…that maybe you'll think that I'm not a good caregiver.” 

Moxxie takes her hands. “Millie I- I'm so sorry. I…” Moxxie looks away from her. 

So…it's been hard for her…he is causing her stress. 

“It's okay.” Millie tells him. “We'll figure this out. We always do. Right?” 

Moxxie nods. “Yeah…s-sure.” Moxxie bites his tongue and releases her hands. “I uh- I need to step out for a bit.” Moxxie says. 

“What?” 

“I'll be back, I just…need some space.” He walks out the door, his hands shaking and tears threatening to pour out of his eyes- 

He can't do this! It's too much! He's a burden on Millie- 

What he promised he'd never be!

The situation is completely out of control and he doesn't know who he can turn to…

Everything is fucked up…and it's all his fault. 

~~~Blitzø & Moxxie:~~~

Blitzø was beat after today, and was ready to just relax and enjoy some quiet TV and ramen time! 

He added some vegetables and leftover meat to it. Good way to get rid of leftovers...it was okay he supposed but nothing he'd eat if he wasn't so tired. 

Loona was spending the night with her friend Esme; Actually…Loona's been spending more and more time with her friends, Blitzø should be happy about that but…it kinda felt lonely at home when she wasn't around. 

The second he sat down to enjoy his mediocre meal, there was a knock at the door. 

Blitzø wasn't expecting anyone, but maybe Loona forgot her key? He gets up and answers the door. Turns out it's one of the last people that he'd expect. “Moxxie?”

“I'm done! I'm sick of how this is going! I don't feel safe, I feel out of control! Millie is stressed and I don't know what to do! Everything fucking sucks and I just want things to go back to the way they were!” 

“I'm gonna need more info, drama queen.” Blitzø tells him, as if he doesn't already know the gist of it from Millie. 

“I’m not going to regress anymore, I’m not good at it!” Moxxie says.

Blitzø rolls his eyes. “Mox, no one is good at regressing, it's more of a mindset you can't control." 

“Well, I will because I can’t do this anymore! Every time I try I just stress her out, and I don’t get any better anyway! She can't talk to me about it without doubting herself and getting overwhelmed, and I'm overwhelmed because I can’t help but feel like I’m failing at the most basic thing possible and ruining everything!” He says, he moves over to the couch and sits down, hands covering his eyes as if he'd disappear if he did it long enough. 

Blitzø looks at him confused for a moment… then he remembered how it was like when Stolas started taking care of him…it was the furthest from the easiest thing he could think of. But what could he do if Millie didn't want to take his advice and talk to Stolas?

M&M had to figure this out on their own, and they will. They're basically the OTP. There's nothing in this world they can't handle.

But…

Blitzø looks at Moxxie… he hasn't seen him look this hopeless since he first moved here. 

Maybe Blitzø can't help him, but he could at least attempt to calm him down for now.

He turns the big light off to turn on the small lamp next to the couch instead. 

He sits down next to Moxxie and pulls out some coloring books from underneath the sofa. “I have ponies, paw patrol, Cats, and Bluey, take your pick.” He says.

Moxxie hesitates. “Blitzø, I don’t want to regress right now.” He says. “Regressing is the worst thing to ever happen to me, it’s what started this mess!” He complains.

“So don’t regress. We’re just coloring.” Blitzø says. “Or are you one of those people who thinks adults shouldn’t color?” Blitzø asked.

Moxxie shakes his head and decides to take the cat coloring book. He doesn’t want to offend Blitzø right now. He's the only one left to talk to after all... Moxxie only realizes now how little friends he has. 

Blitzø had a horse coloring book next to the others that he didn’t even offer Moxxie. Stolas said it was okay to keep special things to himself so long as he prioritized them and shared his other toys with his friends.

His tail swishes happily, he thinks Stolas would be proud of him for sharing with Moxxie.

He grabbed the crayons from the end table and set it on the coffee table for him and Moxxie to use.

“What’s this for, Blitzø?” Moxxie asks. “Why are we coloring?”

Blitzø shrugs. “It’s relaxing, and it’s something you can control right now. Just go with it.” He says.

Moxxie does, he liked that Blitzø wasn’t yelling at him for being stupid, or even comforting him for that matter… he was just being normal…weird..but normal. And that was comforting after the way everyone else has been acting lately.

And honestly…this was sort of relaxing. 

It was nice, but it was quiet too, which made it a bit awkward. 

Moxxie has never been used to the quiet. Life was always chaos for him.

“Would it be alright with you if I put something on?” Blitzø asks, probably sensing the awkwardness but not acknowledging it.

Thank goodness. “Yeah. That’s fine.” He says before turning back to his coloring page.

Blitzø was right, coloring was kinda relaxing. The cat he’s coloring is a tuxedo, Moxxie really likes those. It reminded him of Mr. Mistoffelees from the musical cats. He always liked tuxedo cats. They always seemed so fancy compared to almost any non-gelical cat.

This was actually really nice, maybe he should get his own coloring books for home. Maybe an actual adult one with colored pencils. Kid ones are too easy, and crayons don't work very well.

Suddenly he hears cheerful music coming from a bright blue light that illuminates the room. He turns his head to look up at the tv screen to see four cartoon dogs dancing.

“Mum!” The dog characters sang.

“Dad!” Was next.

What were they doing? Dancing then pointing at each member of their household? That's strange. Who does that?

“Bingo!” 

Mkay…cliché dog name. 

More music.

“Bluey!”

Ohh, Bluey! That’s what Blitzø put on. He’s heard of Bluey. No one would ever stop talking about it online. Something about cheeky dogs from earth teaching adults life lessons and pulling on kids heartstrings…

That’s probably reversed. 

But, why did Blitzø put this on? Wasn’t it a kids show? 

Well, Blitzø watched kids shows all the time. That pony show, that horse show, that other pony show…

But not Moxxie, he's far too refined to enjoy such-

Wait…

Was Blitzø regressed?

Blitzø’s eyes were bright and full of life in a way Moxxie has never seen before. He was…happy.

He was smiling and just enjoying the moment.

There was no stress, no fear over what others thought, or about bills or the fucking horrible world they were forced to live in.

Why couldn’t Moxxie be like that, for once? He was never so happy or calm…he wants to be, but he can’t be.

Though the second the show is on, it was like Moxxie was completely lured into it. The art was beautiful and the music was peaceful, Bluey herself was funny and bright and creative.

He especially related to bingo who was very good and very small. Sensitive but also very smart.

As the episodes played and Moxxie got more and more coloring done, he felt himself relax, something inside just felt calm yet happy at the same time.

Blitzø tried his best to stay big, even though it was hard. He kept looking at Moxxie to make sure he was okay and not panicking.

He wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do, he just wanted Moxxie to calm down. 

And this is how Blitzø calmed down so… it was worth a shot-

“Can she do it?” Moxxie asks suddenly.

“What?” Blitzø asks.

“Can boo’ey stopt da wa’er?” Moxxie asks, referring to the episode they’re watching ‘Rain’ where Bluey is trying to build a dam in her front yard. 

"I don’t know, Mox.” Blitzø lies, he’s seen the episode before. “But, let's find out.” He says.

Blitzø was honestly not expecting Moxxie to regress, he’s not really sure what he expected, maybe just that Moxxie would see the appeal and give it another chance? 

But now, he’s not really sure what to do, he hasn’t watched a little one alone since he and Fizz were teenagers.

Blitzø texts Millie and lets her know where Moxxie is, and that he may not be home tonight since he's small. 

Then he relaxes and sits closer to Moxxie who was infatuated with the show. 

Little Moxxie giggles and points at the screen. “She did it! She did it! Her mom help her!” 

Blitzø nods. “Yep, they did it.” 

Little Moxxie gasps. “A wainbow!”

“Yeah, pretty cool, huh?”

“Two!” Moxxie shouts, holding two fingers up. 

Blitzø laughs. “Yeah, double rainbow, very pretty.” He says.

“Did B'ooey make da wainbow happen?” Moxxie asks. 

“Uh sure.” Blitzø says. "Why not?"

“Her and her mom? Together?” Moxxie asks. 

“Yeah.” 

“They wok together?” Moxxie asks. 

Blitzø smiles. “Yeah.” 

Moxxie looks at Blitzø and then down at the table. He picks up the picture he colored. “Issa cat!”

“It's a nice cat, Mox.” Blitzø says, not sure what response Moxxie was looking for. 

“We color another one?” Moxxie asks. 

Blitzø smiles and places the coloring book back down on the table. “Sure, buddy. Which one would you like to color?" 

~~~Later: Stolas and Blitzø~~~

Blitzø grabbed his phone, happily kicking his feet. 

“Hello?” 

“Stowes! Stowes! I did good today!” Blitzø brags.

“Blitzy?” Stolas asks with a yawn. “Why are you awake? It’s very late.”

“Moxxie is here, n’ he was sad so I take-d good care of him an I stayed big before he felded sleep.” He says.

“Oh, well that was nice of you.” Stolas tells him.

“Den he was little, but I still took care of him.” Blitzø says.

“Moxxie was little?” Stolas asks. “I didn't know he was a regressor.” 

“Yeah, but don’t tell anybody. It’s a secret.” Blitzø whispers.

Stolas held back a laugh. “Alright, I won’t tell anyone.” 

“Moxxie and Millie did fight but I helpded!” Blitzø says. 

“They had a fight?” 

“Well, Moxxie doesn't like being small and Millie sad about him being small.” Blitzø explains. “But I help. Did I do good, Stowes?” Blitzø asks.

“You did splendid, darling. I’m very proud of you.” Stolas says. 

“Thanks.” Blitzø smiles very bright.

“But you should get some sleep now, my dear. It’s very late and you have work tomorrow.” Stolas says.

“Mkay. Bu’ I can just say no work since I’m da boss.” Blitzø says. “Don't need to work.” 

“Yes, but then how would you afford to buy more toys?” Stolas asks.

“Uhm…I know! You can get them, you have all the moneys!” Blitzø says.

Stolas laughs that time. “Not a bad plan, but either way you still need to get some sleep. You'll need your energy for our playdate with Fizz this week, right?”  

“Mkay, I sleep.” Blitzø mumbles. 

“Good job, darling. Goodnight.” Stolas says. 

“Night, love you.”

Stolas smiles…when did Blitzø start saying that? “I love you too, dear.” 

Stolas hums and makes a note for himself tomorrow. 

It sounds as if Millie and Moxxie could use some help. 

Perhaps he'll call Millie tomorrow and make sure everything's alright.