Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fluttershy walked beside Twilight with a gentle smile, her saddlebags bouncing softly at her sides. Discord slithered along the other side, humming to himself while carrying three shopping baskets in his mismatched claws.

Twilight’s ears flicked nervously as they stepped into the little Ponyville shop. Bright, cozy, and brimming with things she hadn’t looked at since she was a filly—plush toys, starry blankets, glittery pens, soft pajamas.

“Remember,” Fluttershy said warmly, “we’re just browsing. If something makes you feel… nice, that’s all that matters.”

Twilight nodded, though she felt a flutter of embarrassment in her chest. “I don’t need foalish things,” she murmured.

Her gaze was immediately drawn to a lavender plush pup tucked in a corner. It had floppy ears, a big purple nose, and a little green collar. Twilight’s eyes widened. Magenta… from Blue’s Clues? She reached out and hugged it close. Its soft fur pressed to her chest, and for a moment, all the princess-like composure she worked so hard to maintain melted away.

Then, shaking her head, she carefully set it back on the shelf. “I… I don’t need this. I don’t… age regress.”

Fluttershy only nodded, voice soft. “That’s okay, Twilight.”

Discord, grinning in mischief, plucked up the plush pup and made it do a little pirouette in the air. “Oh, she wanted her. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her… for now.”

Twilight blushed, stifling a laugh, and moved along.

A few shelves over, her eyes caught star-themed blankets and little pillows stitched with moons and comets. Her hooves hovered over them, fingers grazing the silky fabric. They were calming, peaceful—something she didn’t know she needed. But again, she whispered, “I don’t need them… I don’t… regress.”

Even when she spotted a small star-shaped nightlight, designed for foals’ rooms, she picked it up, turned it over in her hooves, then set it back down with a quiet, I don’t need this.

By the end of the trip, Discord’s baskets were full of everything she had hesitated over, including the Magenta plush pup, star blankets, and nightlight. Twilight tried to protest as they walked out.
“Discord! I told you—I don’t need any of this!”

He tilted his head, grinning softly. “Maybe not, Sparkle. But you wanted it, even just a little. That’s reason enough.”

Fluttershy nuzzled her cheek gently. “And if you ever change your mind… we’ll be here.”

Twilight swallowed, cheeks pink. She said nothing, but as they walked home, her eyes kept flicking toward the bags. Deep down, a tiny part of her wondered what it would feel like—not to be strong, not to be a princess—but simply small, safe, and cared for.

Chapter Text

Twilight trotted down the aisles of the cozy little store, eyes wide at the bright colors, soft textures, and whimsical items. Plush animals, star-themed toys, and gentle blankets filled the shelves. Discord floated above, twirling a few sparkles for fun, while Fluttershy padded softly behind her, offering quiet encouragement.

“Twilight, you can pick anything you like,” Fluttershy said gently. “There’s no rush, sweetie.”

Twilight hesitated, her hooves hovering over a row of soft star-shaped pillows. She picked one up, turning it over carefully, but then set it down again. “I… I don’t need this. I… I don’t age regress,” she whispered, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Discord leaned down, his eyes gleaming with playful mischief. “Oh, but little princess, what if you do need it? You might not even know it yet!”

Twilight’s ears flicked, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She wandered to the plush section, where she found a Magenta pup from Blue’s Clues. Her hooves clutched the soft toy instinctively. “It’s… cute,” she muttered, hugging it to her chest. But doubt immediately crept in. “I… don’t need this. I really don’t…”

Fluttershy approached, a soft smile on her face. “It’s okay to like it, Twilight. You don’t have to decide right now.”

But Twilight’s uncertainty gave way to a sudden impulse. Her breathing quickened, and a tiny thrill of excitement rushed through her. She looked around nervously. “Maybe… maybe I do need something…”

Before Discord or Fluttershy could say anything, Twilight bolted. Hooves barely touching the floor, she ran out of the store, clutching Magenta tightly. Her heart pounded as she felt a warm, strange sensation—the first stirrings of age regression. Her little body wanted comfort, safety, and reassurance all at once.

Outside, Discord and Fluttershy quickly caught up to her. Discord’s eyes softened, and he gently used a small levitation spell to hold Magenta steady. “Easy there, little princess. It’s okay—we understand.”

Fluttershy put a calming wing on her shoulder. “Twilight, you can have your Magenta, and we can also pay for the other things you were interested in. You don’t need to worry about it.”

Twilight blinked, a mixture of relief and embarrassment on her small face. “You… you’d do that?”

“Of course,” Discord said, his voice gentle but playful. “Daddy always makes sure you get what you need. And Mama too.”

Fluttershy nodded, smiling. “Yes, sweetie. You can take Magenta home, and the star pillow and blanket will come too.”

Twilight hugged the pup tightly, her tiny body trembling with excitement and nervousness. “I… I think I want to… be little for a little while,” she admitted softly. Her voice was small, hesitant, but filled with trust.

Discord grinned, twirling a few sparkles above her head. “And that’s perfectly fine, little princess. Daddy will be here to guide you.”

Fluttershy brushed back her mane gently. “And Mama will be right here too, Twilight. You’re safe.”

Twilight’s heart swelled with a mixture of relief, curiosity, and budding excitement. She hugged Magenta close and let herself feel the soft stirrings of regression, knowing that with Discord and Fluttershy by her side, she could explore this new part of herself safely.

By the time they returned to the store, the items were purchased, neatly packed, and waiting for her. Twilight’s hooves brushed over the soft star pillow as she clutched Magenta again. Her small voice whispered, almost to herself, “I… think I’m ready…”

Discord and Fluttershy exchanged a knowing glance, their smiles gentle. They would support her, guide her, and keep her safe, no matter how far she wanted to go in this new little world she was just beginning to explore.

Chapter Text

Night had fallen over Ponyville, and the castle was quiet except for the soft glow of the star-shaped nightlight on Twilight’s bedside table. She sat in her little bed, Magenta plush pup clutched tightly, and the star blanket wrapped snugly around her.

Yet, despite all the comforting items, Twilight’s brows were furrowed. She tugged at the blanket, sighed, and whispered, “I… I can’t sleep. Something’s missing…”

Fluttershy, quietly checking in from the doorway, tilted her head. “What’s wrong, Twilight?” she asked softly.

Twilight looked up, her eyes wide and uncertain. “I… I need… something above me. Like… something to watch over me.” She gestured helplessly at the empty space above her crib. “I can’t sleep without it.”

Discord appeared in a flicker of magic, floating a few feet above her bed. “Oh! An observation post! A… magical guardian… something above! How perfectly dramatic!”

Twilight shook her head, cheeks pink. “No, not like that… something gentle. Safe. Calm.”

Fluttershy smiled gently, understanding immediately. She carefully reached for a small, glowing star mobile from one of the shopping bags. “Maybe this,” she said, holding it over the crib. “The stars can watch over you as you sleep.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up, and she nodded, clutching Magenta closer. Discord, eager to help, twirled a few tiny floating sparkles around the mobile, making the stars twinkle and spin gently. The effect was soft and mesmerizing.

“I… I like this,” Twilight whispered. She tucked her head under the blanket, snuggling Magenta tightly. Her breathing began to slow, and her eyes grew heavy.

Fluttershy brushed back a lock of her mane. “There. Safe, warm, and watched over by stars. Sleep well, Twilight.”

Discord hovered nearby, keeping a careful eye on the little princess. “And I’ll stay here too, to make sure no mischievous dreams sneak in.”

Twilight yawned, snuggling deeper under the blanket. “Thank you… both of you,” she murmured, her voice soft and sleepy.

With the gentle glow of the mobile above her and the warmth of her caregivers beside her, Twilight finally let herself drift off. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t have to think about being strong, or a princess, or solving problems. She just… was. Small, safe, and deeply cared for.

And the stars watched over her.

Chapter Text

Sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, painting Twilight’s bedroom in warm golden hues. The star mobile above her crib twinkled faintly in the morning light, and the Magenta plush pup was tucked under her chin.

Twilight stirred, blinking sleepily. She yawned and hugged Magenta tighter, burying her face in the soft fur. For a moment, she didn’t move—just relishing the warmth of the blanket, the gentle glow of the stars above, and the quiet of the morning.

A soft knock came at the door. “Good morning, Twilight,” Fluttershy whispered as she entered with a tray. “I made some warm cocoa and a little breakfast.”

Twilight’s ears twitched, and she blinked slowly. “…good morning,” she mumbled, her voice still small and sleepy.

Discord stretched dramatically across the windowsill. “Ah, Princess Sparkle is awake! Welcome to the first chapter of your morning adventure!”

Twilight giggled softly, peeking out from under her blanket. “Adventure…?”

Fluttershy smiled, sitting beside the bed. “Just a gentle one. Breakfast and some stretching. Nothing too big yet.” She carefully helped Twilight sit up and slide her hooves into her soft slippers.

Discord floated over with a tiny towel, brushing imaginary dust off the blankets with exaggerated care. “And I’ll make sure everything sparkles just right! You wouldn’t want your morning to be dull, now would you?”

Twilight hid her face in Magenta for a moment, giggling quietly. “You’re ridiculous, Discord.”

“I prefer ‘dramatically whimsical,’” he corrected with a flourish.

After a few minutes, Fluttershy helped Twilight to the little table they had set up. Warm cocoa steamed in a small cup, and a plate of soft, star-shaped pancakes waited. Twilight reached for the cup, holding it carefully with both hooves, and took a tentative sip.

Discord hovered nearby, making the pancakes dance gently across the plate like little floating stars. Twilight’s eyes widened in delight. “They’re… moving,” she whispered, amazed.

“They’re magical breakfast stars,” Discord said proudly. “And fully edible, of course.”

Twilight giggled again, this time more freely, before settling in to eat. Fluttershy sat close, quietly humming a soft tune, while Discord made small sparkles dance around the table. Twilight felt safe, cherished, and, most importantly, allowed to just be little.

As she finished her breakfast, she hugged Magenta tightly and whispered, “Thank you… both of you.”

Fluttershy smiled, nuzzling her mane. “You’re welcome, Twilight. We love taking care of you.”

Discord grinned, floating upside down above the table. “And we’re experts at it, naturally.”

Twilight leaned back, yawning and stretching under the warm morning sun. For once, she didn’t feel the weight of being a princess. She was just Twilight, little and cared for, surrounded by two friends who cherished her no matter what.

Chapter Text

The morning had been slow and cozy, just the way Twilight secretly liked it. After breakfast, Fluttershy suggested something quiet and creative.

“How about coloring?” she offered, setting a stack of coloring books and a small box of sparkly markers on the low table.

Twilight hesitated, shifting from hoof to hoof. “Coloring? That’s… for foals…”

Discord immediately snapped his claws, making the markers float up and form a silly marching parade. “And what a delightful parade it will be! Come, Twilight Sparkle—join the Festival of Colors!”

Despite herself, Twilight giggled and sat down on a cushion. She picked a book with starry skies on the cover and carefully opened to a page filled with constellations. Fluttershy sat nearby, working on a picture of flowers, while Discord dramatically pretended to “paint” a page with a marker clutched between his claws like a fine quill.

As the three of them colored, Twilight grew more relaxed. Her strokes went from stiff and neat to loose and playful, stars shimmering with mismatched colors. She hummed softly under her breath, so focused she didn’t notice her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth.

Discord leaned over, peering at her work. “Well, well, well. Look at those constellations! Truly a masterpiece—Picasso would weep.”

Twilight giggled, cheeks pink. “You’re silly.” She leaned into him without realizing it, brushing against his arm as she colored in another star.

Discord froze, just for a moment, then very carefully rested his paw around her shoulder. “Carry on, little star,” he murmured, softer than usual.

Twilight blinked up at him, the words slipping out before she could stop them. “…Thank you, Daddy.”

Silence.

Her face went crimson, and she gasped, clutching the coloring book to her chest. “I—I didn’t mean—I—”

But Discord didn’t laugh. He didn’t tease. Instead, his eyes softened, and he reached out to gently boop her nose. “Shhh, little star. It’s alright.”

Fluttershy’s eyes glistened with warmth. She leaned over, smoothing Twilight’s mane. “It just means you feel safe with him.”

Twilight’s lip trembled, tears welling in her eyes. “But… I shouldn’t… I’m supposed to…”

“You’re supposed to feel loved,” Discord interrupted firmly, his tone for once steady and calm. “And if that means you see me as a… daddy figure… well. I’ll wear the title with pride.”

Twilight sniffled, hugging Magenta close, and whispered, “Daddy…” a little more softly this time.

Discord’s heart gave a strange, unfamiliar tug, but he smiled warmly and brushed a claw through her mane. “That’s my little star.”

Fluttershy beamed, watching as Twilight settled back into Discord’s side, calmer than she’d been in days.

And so, with stars on the page and warmth in her heart, Twilight Sparkle let herself stay little—coloring, safe, and loved.

Chapter Text

Twilight’s cheeks burned as the word slipped out again, barely above a whisper. “Daddy…”

She wanted to hide. She wanted to shrink into her star blanket and never come out. But instead of teasing or laughing, Discord froze—then slowly, carefully—he smiled.

“Oh, little star…” he murmured, his voice softer than she had ever heard it. He bent down, curling his long body protectively around her. One claw gently brushed through her mane, while the other tilted her chin up so she would look at him.

“You called me Dad.”

Twilight squirmed, her ears flat. “I-I didn’t mean to! I just—it slipped! I don’t even—”

Discord pressed a paw gently to her lips, silencing her rambling. “Shhh. You don’t need to explain. I know what it means.” His mismatched arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a snug hug against his chest. “And do you know what? I like it. Very much.”

Twilight blinked up at him, tears prickling at her eyes. “Y-you… do?”

He chuckled warmly, pressing a kiss to the top of her mane. “Oh, Twilight Sparkle. I’ve been called many things—Lord of Chaos, Spirit of Disharmony, even ‘nuisance’ by your dear Rainbow Dash—but never something so precious as ‘Dad.’ If that’s what makes you feel safe…” His paw rubbed soothing circles along her back. “…then I’ll be your dad, for as long as you want me.”

Twilight sniffled and finally let go of the tension she was holding. She buried her face against his fur and whispered again, stronger this time: “Daddy…”

Discord squeezed her close, his long tail curling protectively around her like a blanket. “That’s my little star. Daddy’s here.”

Fluttershy, sitting nearby, couldn’t help the tears welling in her eyes. She quietly joined them, draping a wing over both of them. “You’re so loved, Twilight,” she whispered.

Twilight whimpered softly, clutching Magenta the plush pup in one hoof while holding onto Discord’s fur with the other. For the first time, the word felt natural, safe, and right. She didn’t need to be strong, or explain, or apologize. She just had her caregivers—and her dad.

Discord nuzzled her cheek gently, his mismatched eyes soft. “Rest easy, little star. Daddy’s not going anywhere.”

And in that embrace, Twilight melted, finally letting herself believe she was safe.

Chapter Text

Twilight tossed in her crib, wings twitching beneath her blanket. Her eyes were heavy, but sleep wouldn’t come. “It’s… too quiet,” she whispered.

Discord leaned over the rail, his golden eyes softening. “Too quiet, hm? Well, Daddy knows how to fix that.”

He snapped his claws, and the air filled with the soft, tinkling notes of a lullaby. It was the My Little Pony theme—but slowed down, drawn out, each note spilling like starlight from a magical music box that floated in the corner. The melody was familiar, but now it sounded gentle, tender, meant only for her.

Twilight gasped softly. “Our… song…”

Discord lifted her against his chest, rocking her gently as the music played. “Yes, little star. But tonight, it’s a song just for you.”

He began to sing along with the music, his deep, soothing voice carrying the words like a cradle:

🎵
My little star… my little star…
How I love you just as you are.

Sleep so sound, don’t be afraid,
Daddy’s here, your fears will fade.

Friends will shine and dreams will glow,
You are safe, I hope you know.

My little star… my little star…
Daddy loves you, just as you are.
🎵

The enchanted music box continued its slow, dreamy tune, weaving around his voice like a blanket. Twilight clung to him, Magenta tucked under one hoof, tears glimmering in her sleepy eyes.

“Daddy…” she whispered, her voice breaking but full of trust.

Discord pressed a kiss to her mane and tightened his arms around her. “That’s right, my little star. Daddy’s here. Always.”

The lullaby played on as Twilight drifted into dreams, safe and warm in her father’s arms. Fluttershy, peeking in from the doorway, dabbed her eyes with a wing. She could feel the music too—it wasn’t just a song. It was love, woven into every note.

Chapter Text

Sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting Twilight’s room in soft gold. The star mobile above her crib twinkled faintly, and the Magenta plush pup rested in her hooves.

Twilight stirred, eyes heavy, and let out a small whine. “I… don’t want to wake yet…”

Fluttershy padded softly into the room, her voice barely above a whisper. “Good morning, Twilight. I thought I could sing a little song to start your day.”

She began softly, letting the slow, gentle melody of the My Little Pony theme play in her mind as she sang:

🎵
Good morning, star… good morning, star…
Daddy’s here to love you as you are.

Sunlight glows, the day’s begun,
Stretch your wings, have gentle fun.

Friends are near, and skies are bright,
Little star, you’re safe in light.

Good morning, star… good morning, star…
Daddy’s here to love you as you are.
🎵

Twilight’s tiny hooves twitched, and she hugged Magenta close. Discord floated above the crib, a soft grin on his face, gently twirling a few sparkles in time with Fluttershy’s voice.

“Little star…” Discord murmured, leaning down to nuzzle her mane. “Daddy’s here too. Good morning.”

Twilight blinked up at him, eyes half-closed, and whispered, “Daddy…”

Fluttershy smiled, brushing a soft wing along Twilight’s shoulder. “You’re safe, Twilight. The day is just beginning, and we’re right here with you.”

Twilight yawned, stretching under her star blanket. “I… I like this…” she murmured. Her voice was small, warm, and sleepy, but full of trust.

Discord wrapped a paw around her gently. “And Daddy will be here the whole day, little star,” he said, his voice low and soothing.

As Fluttershy finished the last notes of the song, Twilight snuggled deeper into her blanket, letting the morning sunlight, the lullaby, and the warmth of her caregivers wash over her. For the first time in a long while, waking up didn’t feel scary. It felt safe—and even a little magical.

Chapter Text

The morning sunlight filled Twilight’s room, casting warm, golden patterns across the floor. The star mobile twinkled faintly above her crib, and the Magenta plush pup rested in her hooves.

Twilight sat on a soft cushion, her star blanket draped around her like a cape. Discord floated nearby, twirling a few sparkles lazily, while Fluttershy sat cross-legged on the floor with a small box of coloring books and sparkly markers.

“Do you want to color today?” Fluttershy asked softly, holding up a book filled with constellations and gentle patterns.

Twilight nodded shyly, clutching Magenta. “Yes… please.”

Discord made a show of puffing his chest. “Ah, nothing like the artistry of chaos and color combined! Let Daddy supervise your brilliance.”

Twilight giggled, dipping a marker into a star she wanted to color. As she worked carefully, she hummed the morning lullaby Fluttershy had sung, the melody lingering in her mind. Fluttershy leaned over, humming along quietly, reinforcing the calm, safe feeling.

Discord hovered just above the table, gently nudging the markers to float closer whenever Twilight dropped one. “There we go, little star,” he murmured. “Daddy’s here to help.”

Twilight’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Thank you… Daddy.” She hugged Magenta tightly, feeling a warm bubble of safety in her chest.

Fluttershy smiled, brushing back Twilight’s mane. “And Mama’s right here too. We love seeing you happy and safe.”

Twilight worked on her coloring quietly, occasionally glancing up at Discord or Fluttershy, feeling the soft security of their presence. Sometimes Discord would float a tiny magical star above the page, letting it twinkle before letting her color over it. Other times, Fluttershy would gently nudge a stray marker closer or hum softly, keeping the room peaceful and warm.

Time passed slowly, filled with soft giggles, quiet humming, and the scratching of markers on paper. Twilight’s tiny voice broke the silence now and then:

“Daddy… look!” She pointed at a star she had colored perfectly.

Discord floated down, pretending to inspect it like a critic. “Ah, exquisite! Truly a masterpiece, little star. Daddy is proud.”

Twilight’s smile widened, and she hugged Magenta close again. “I… I like this.”

Fluttershy leaned forward, wrapping a wing around Twilight. “We like it too. Spending time with you is the best part of our morning.”

Discord nudged her gently with a claw. “And I’ll make sure every morning can be just as magical, little star.”

Twilight yawned softly, resting her head against Magenta. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel the need to be strong or in charge. She was little, loved, and cared for—and that was more than enough.

Chapter Text

After a morning filled with coloring, soft laughter, and gentle humming, Twilight’s eyelids grew heavy. She yawned, snuggling Magenta closer and tugging the star blanket up around her shoulders.

“Are you sleepy, little princess?” Fluttershy asked softly, noticing her dozing posture.

Twilight nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes… I think so…”

Discord floated down, curling around her gently. “Ah, the little Sparkle needs her rest. Excellent. Daddy will make sure you drift off safely.”

Fluttershy lifted Twilight carefully, letting her settle back into her crib. She tucked the blanket neatly around her, making sure Magenta rested close to her chest. The star mobile above twinkled faintly, casting soft patterns across the room.

Discord hovered nearby, softly twirling tiny sparkles above the bed to create a calming glow. “There we go… Daddy’s here, little princess. Nothing can disturb you now.”

Fluttershy hummed the morning lullaby softly, her sweet voice blending with the faint magical music box sound that Discord kept playing in the corner.

🎵
Good morning, little Sparkle… good morning, little Sparkle…
Mama’s here to love you as you are.

Sunlight glows, the day’s begun,
Stretch your wings, have gentle fun.

Friends are near, and skies are bright,
Little princess, you’re safe in light.

Good morning, little Sparkle… good morning, little Sparkle…
Mama’s here to love you as you are.
🎵

Twilight’s tiny hooves curled around Magenta, her breathing slowing as sleep finally overtook her. “Mama… Daddy…” she murmured in a tiny, sleepy voice.

Fluttershy kissed her forehead softly. “Rest well, little princess. We’ll be right here.”

Discord nuzzled the top of her mane, brushing a paw along her back. “Sleep tight, little Sparkle. Daddy’s not going anywhere.”

The music, the soft hum of Fluttershy’s voice, and the gentle presence of her caregivers wrapped Twilight in warmth and safety. In her dreams, the stars above twinkled just for her, and for the first time in a long while, she felt completely at peace.