Chapter Text
Reid stared at his scars in the mirror
Down the entire left side of his abdomen and stretching down towards the front of his thigh were jagged and swirled marks. They differed from his light brown skin just enough to be noticeable, but surprisingly they didn't make him seem marred. It looked more like a continuation of his actual skin more than scar tissue, and if they weren't so rough-edged, Reid would have guessed he’d woken up with vitiligo or something.
Some of the scarring curled over his belly, blemishing a little more than half his abs. Fuck, Reid frowned. How was he supposed to take mirror pics looking like this?
He let go of his black hoodie and let it fall loosely over his body. Reid gripped the edges of the sink and leaned into the mirror to look himself deeply in the eyes. His fingers found one of his coils- he had a red skunk stripe, but the rest was light brown- and tugged it, watching as it bounced like a spring. He did that a few more times, jumping when he heard three sharp knocks on the door.
Mr. Conan. Ugh.
The man was who had been assigned to be Reid’s guardian for his stay at Wonderreach. Which really meant forever if you considered the fact that this was the afterlife.
“Reid, are you done?” Mr. Conan’s gruff voice came from just beyond the door.
Reid only hummed in response. “Mhm.” he unlocked the door and opened it to step outside into the hallway.
His new home in the Wonderreach was bigger than both his mother’s and father’s house down on Earth. It was made mostly of dark wood and had floor inlays and warm lighting that would be comforting. It was pretty eerie for Reid though, since this was his first time here and he had to live with a stranger.
Mr. Conan had black hair and eyes that matched. His skin was a little pale, and he had a splatter of freckles on half his face. What stuck out the most, however, were the fluffy wolf-like ears he had on his head. Or the fact he had an actual tail and not just a useless tailbone.
Reid craned his head to look up at the taller man. Mr. Conan’s face revealed nothing, as usual, and he motioned for Reid to follow him as he turned to walk downstairs.
“You like your room?” asked Mr. Conan as they both sat on opposite ends of the kitchen table. His tone of voice kept taking Reid by surprise. Unlike his intimidating features, it was soft. Like a mother comforting her baby.
But Reid did not feel comforted right now. He nodded anyway. “I guess.”
Mr. Conan made a low noise in acknowledgment and reached over to grab a few papers off the table. He glanced over them.
“Your name is Reid Carmine, and you are eighteen correct?”
Reid nodded, staring out the window.
“Verbal answers please.”
Tearing his gaze away from a bird he was trailing outside, Reid sneered. Who the fuck? He didn't respond.
Mr. Conan stared right back, and Reid didn't have the mentality to sit here for long so he rolled his eyes. “Yes.”
“You understand how things work around here? Or do I need to go over it again for you?” Mr. Conan looked back at the papers.
A tingling sensation went up Reid's shoulders and chest. He did not need to be reminded of what went down in the Wonderreach. Hearing it once was enough. “No, thanks.”
Mr. Conan tapped the edge of the papers. “Anything I should know about you? Any health problems?”
Reid shrugged. “Not that I know of.”
“Do you have any... problems at night?” Mr. Conan glanced up.
He couldn't tell exactly where this was going, but Reid did not like it. “No.”
Mr. Conan’s eyes went back to the file. “Do you wear diapers? Or pull-ups of any kind?”
“What?” Reid’s frown deepened. What kind of foolishness was this? “Hell no.”
Glancing up from the papers, Mr. Conan tilted his head slightly. “Language… We’ll come back to that tomorrow.”
No the fuck they wouldn't. Reid scoffed but said nothing as Mr. Conan continued to talk.
There were so many little rules regarding this place. No swearing, no attitude, no staying up late, no leaving without permission. Have respect, call everyone “sir” and “ma’am”, no drinking or smoking. Reid already knew he was basically in his own personal hell.
The sun had set long ago by now, and Mr. Conan decided it was time for bed. Reid thought it was way too early but Mr. Conan gently coerced him to his room anyway, and he gave up on his protests.
Reid skipped showering and just changed his clothes. Gross? Sure. But he was only going to sleep so he’d just wash up the next day. Besides, ever since arriving at Wonderreach he felt as fresh as a baby.
He huddled under the covers of his bed. His room wasn't that big, and it smelled like oranges. There were some paintings on the walls and plants in the corners. He’d totally have to give the decor a little upgrade later.
The feeling of the soft pajamas Mr. Conan had provided against the sheets of the bed, made Reid close his eyes, comforted.
But then he remembered where he was and his eyes shot open to stare at the wooden wall beside him.
Reid was not pleased with the amount of restrictions he was going to have. He missed his freedom down on Earth.
After his parents split, his mom didn't really care about what he did, as long as he returned home safe Reid was free to do whatever he’d like.
It was a little different with his dad though. His dad only cared when news of Reid’s behavior actually got to him. Because it’d “make him look bad” or “disgrace him” or something. He really only used Reid for bragging rights for his friends back in Africa.
In short, he was not used to being monitored this closely. He hated it. His eyes welled a little and he shut them tightly.
He really wanted to go home.
-
An orange ray trickled into the room as the sun rose. Two birds chirped out a melody to signal the morning’s arrival. The scene was warm and tranquil.
Reid felt wet and icky. He blinked his eyes open, bracing himself against the sunlight, and sat up to stretch. The covers fell off his body as he moved, and he pushed them to the side to see what was wrong.
A large, dark circle had covered the sheet under him, and there was a matching one, on the center of his pants.
Three knocks sounded at his door, and that was enough warning for him. Reid threw his blanket back onto himself. It was wet too, but the rich brown material was dark enough that the spot could barely be seen.
The door opened just then, and Reid fought to look as chill as ever.
Mr. Conan stepped inside. “Oh, you're awake. Good morning, Reid.” He stepped up to the side of the bed. “Did you sleep okay?”
Reid nodded.
“You sure?” Mr. Conan frowned a little.
Irritation was beginning to build in Reid. He really wanted Mr. Conan to hurry up and go so he could discreetly take care of his, well, problem.
“Yes I’m sure.” Reid answered curtly. Mr. Conan stared at Reid intently and the boy swallowed. “What?”
“I'm part animal, Reid.” Mr. Conan’s ears twitched. “I have a really good sense of smell. Would you like to tell me what happened? Before I deduce it on my own?”
Reid glanced away. Heat burned his ears as he stared down at the covers of the bed. He said nothing.
Mr. Conan reached over to pat the boy’s head. His hand rested there, and he kept his voice light as he asked, “You wet the bed?”
A scowl, set upon his face, Reid knocked away Mr. Conan’s hand. He kept his gaze averted, but nodded.
The man sighed, and Reid prepared himself for a lecture or a scolding, but Mr. Conan just hummed and promptly left the room.
He laid back on the bed and used a hand to cover his eyes. Reid felt off balance right now. He’s never done this before, why was it happening now? Of all times too.
The doorknob rattled a little as Mr. Conan returned. Slipping his arm off his face, Reid tried to look as unaffected as he could while Mr. Conan walked over to him.
“You can go take a bath while I clean the sheets.” The man reached out to Reid, a white item in hand. “And go put this on.”
Reid grabbed the item without looking, and slid out of bed. He scurried out of his room, hurrying into the bathroom, and slammed the door shut.
He looked down at his hand. A diaper. He put it in the wooden bin next to the sink.
-
After his bath, Reid hesitantly made his way back to his room. Seeing Mr. Conan wasn't there, Reid relaxed and got into a pair of black jeans and a leather racer jacket. He even found some jewelry in a drawer and slipped on a few golden rings and a chain. Reid thought about putting on the ruby stud earrings, but ultimately decided against it. I look fine enough, anyway.
Startling as the door shook, Reid turned as Mr. Conan walked in.
“All done?”
“Yup,” responded Reid. He’d put the events of the morning as far back into his mind as possible by now.
Of course, the other had to bring it up. “You got your diaper on?”
Your diaper. Your. Reid grumbled, a disgusted look on his face. “No. I don't need that shit.”
Mr. Conan blinked. “Language. If I have to keep reminding you about how to properly speak to me we are going to be having a very long talk.”
Reid could guess what that’d entail, so he shrugged and kept his mouth shut for now.
“Go put it on, please.” Mr. Conan said.
“No.” Reid turned so the man couldn't see him roll his eyes. “I promise you I don't need it. What happened… that was one time, okay?”
“Look at me,” Mr. Conan ordered, and when Reid turned back to face him his eyes softened. “How about this? You don't have to wear it during the day. But if you end up having an accident while you're awake you have to have it on? Agreed?”
Reid could live with that. But wait. “I don't have to wear it during the day? But what about night?”
Mr. Conan flicked his ear. “You’ll be diapered at night for the foreseeable future.” Reid opened his mouth to butt in but Mr. Conan continued. “The deities put it in your fate that you would be prone to wetting. The only reason I didn't implement it yesterday was because I wanted to give you a chance.”
A muscle in Reid’s face twitched. “How could that possibly- I’ve never done that in my life! Why would it be in my file?”
Mr. Conan shrugged “Well, the gods know a lot we don't. And things can change after you… well…” His expression turned troubled for a moment.
Reid raised a brow. “After I what? Explain.”
“After you die.” the man finished. “I don't wish to trigger you, Reid.”
Reid crossed his arms. “I'm not that easily bothered. Go ahead.”
Mr. Conan gave him a sideways look, then sighed. “Well, I'm sure you've seen your scars. When you crashed your body suffered some extreme damage. To your pelvic area mostly.”
“That shouldn't have changed anything though. I died on impact.” Reid said slowly.
“Hm.” Mr. Conan tilted his head. “No. You did not.”
Reid’s face scrunched up and he gave Mr. Conan a sideways glance. “How’re you gonna tell me how I died? The moment I hit the truck everything went black. Then it was all starry and glowy and stuff.”
“Exactly, Mr. Conan retorted, “It went black first. If you’d just died it would have gone straight to the stars and whatnot. You probably lost consciousness, then died.”
“Huh.” Reid thought back to his death, and he frowned. This information didn't really make a difference, but talking about his demise so casually was doing something to him, deep in his heart.
Mr. Conan patted Reid’s shoulder, drawing the boy's attention. “Sorry. We probably shouldn't talk this much about your death when you're fresh into the afterlife. That's my bad” he sighed. “I'll leave you to… ponder. Or whatever people your age do. I'll be back in an hour so we can tour the town okay?” And then he left.
Reid laid facedown on his, now bare, bed and groaned into his pillow. An hour? What was he even supposed to do? He didn't have his phone, or his iPad, or a ball. There was nothing to do in here!
The prior conversation, along with his idleness, forced his thoughts to drift back to his life on earth. His mom would probably be heartbroken, Reid was basically all she had after the divorce. He wondered if his dad would care at all. Well, he’d totally care about the car getting wrecked and that his son just ruined his perfect family image, but Reid wanted to know if his dad actually cared about losing him. Their relationship was rocky, but that was his child.
Who he’d led to his death.
Reid wasn't one to cry, he hadn't in ages, and he wasn't about to break his streak now. He shut his eyes tight and settled to nap instead, trying as hard as possible to convince himself that these past three days were all a dream.
-
Mr. Conan’s cottage was on the edge of the Thicket, the region of Wonderreach that was entirely forest.
There was a small town near here, Mossmere, but the cottage was isolated at the outskirts of the woods. Even so, it was only a ten-minute walk to get to town.
Mossmere was awfully pretty. Cobblestone paths weaved through the wooden and brick buildings, which were all connected by fairy lights and garlands. It looks kinda like a fantasy movie.
Mr. Conan suddenly stopped in front of a door, and Reid almost walked into the man’s back.
“We’re going to say hi to a friend of mine, okay? It'll be quick.”
From prior experience Reid knew those words meant they'd be here for a minute. He smothered a sigh. He just wanted to nap all day.
The store smelled like cinnamon and herbs. The ceiling and flooring was a rustic cherry, making the area a little dim. There were two men talking near a wall. One, the shopkeeper Reid guessed, was behind a dark wooden counter, layered with trinkets and other shiny things. The other was a blonde man with scarring on his arms, he was leaning on the counter.
Reid gasped, and the conversation stopped as they glanced at him and Mr. Conan. But how could he not? The shopkeeper was gigantic. Not because he was fat or anything, he just was overly tall and took up even more space because of the horns on his head. His hair was long and red and when he blinked at Reid he saw that he had no color to his eyes.
Reid gaped.
Mr. Conan flicked his forehead. “Don’t stare.”
Reid huffed, and tried to appear less interested in the shopkeeper’s features. “My fault.”
The blonde chuckled and strided over to Mr. Conan and Reid. “It’s great to see you, Vince. Even brought Little Red along, hm?”
“Vince?” Reid mused, giving Mr. Conan a look. “That’s your name? Can I call you that?”
“Don't start.” Mr. Conan’s stern gaze met Reid’s and the boy pouted, but let it go.
“Ths is Mr. Claude.” Mr. Conan gestured to the blonde. “And this is Mr. Ashford-”
Mr. Claude waved a hand, turning to speak directly to Reid. “Don't bother with all that. Please, just call me Horace.”
Reid tried to speak but Mr. Conan interjected. “‘Don't bother with all that’?” he frowned. “No. I'm raising my boy up properly from the start. We’re not doing that whole leniency thing you did. Need I remind you that your charge ended up in Eterna? With giants?”
Mr. Conan’s tone sounded a tad judgmental, but Horace (Mr. Claude? Horace will do, Reid decided) only laughed it off.
“I understand that now. And he only made one mistake, albeit a big one, but only one. He’s been mostly well-behaved now. He hasn't stolen a thing, or talked back to me in ages.” Horace’s eyes suddenly lit up. “And guess what? I got little Jackie to call me dada-”
“Dad!” whined a voice from deeper into the store. “You said you wouldn't tell people that I-”
Reid turned, locking eyes with a boy about his age. He was a little taller though, with paler skin and short, slightly curly, brown hair. He held a broom in both hands, and his face was flushed.
“Oh! You’re here.” said the boy. He glanced between Reid and Horace.
Mr. Conan and Horace shared a look, before Horace provided a handful of coins to the boys.
“Jachary,” said Horace, placing the coins in his hand when he reached out. “You can take a break from cleaning. Go buy something nice for the new guy, okay?”
“Yes, sir.” Nodding, Jachary took hold of Reid's arm and dragged him deeper into the store. Once they got to a corner that was hidden by a shelf, Jachary let go, spinning to face Reid with a large smile on his face.
“I've been so excited to meet you, y’know?” he beamed.
“Oh, uh, you have?” Reid said awkwardly.
Jachary nodded. “We came from the same place. Well, we went to the same school! I don't really remember you though.”
Reid opened his mouth, about to agree, then startled. “Wait, I know you. Your death was all over the news. Your dad-”
“Reid.”
The boy jumped, cringing when he turned to meet the steely eyes of Mr. Conan. “Yes?”
“You do not talk about people's deaths, okay? That's very insensitive,” Mr. Conan scolded.
“Sorry...” Reid mumbled to Mr. Conan and Jachary. The man nodded and went back to chatting with the others.
Jachary’s smile had dimmed a little. “It's cool. You just got here right? You didn't know.”
Reid nodded, suddenly feeling sheepish.
For a few more moments the air between Reid and Jachary was awkward, but the other boy's enthusiastic demeanor had Reid opening up.
“Your guardian is like, really big. Not Ashford big, of course, but he’s like super tall, dude.” said Jachary.
“Hm? Reid glanced at Mr. Conan. The man was tall. And that was saying something considering Reid was six foot. Mr. Conan was at least a foot taller than him. He shrugged. “I guess he is.”
Jack huffed. “Good luck getting spanked by that.”
“I’m not going to,” Reid rolled his eyes. “You think I’ll let that fucker put his hands on me?”
Jack looked at him sideways. “With the way you talk it probably won't be long.”
“Sure, dude.” Reid scoffed.
They spent the evening joking and reminiscing about things that happened at their school. They even played on Jack’s phone- Reid didn't know they had phones here. As a matter of fact, where was his? It was in his pocket when he died.
Eventually, Mr. Conan and his friends started to wrap up the conversation and Jack and Reid brought their game to a close as they noticed the sudden stillness. Mr. Conan and Horace made their ways to the pair.
“Jachary,” Horace spoke softly. “Can you stand for me real quick?”
Jack stood. “Yes, sir. Uh… do you want me to do something?”
“Yes actually. I've gotten a report from Eterna. One of the giants you stole from said they couldn't find their ring.”
Reid watched Jachary’s throat bob as he swallowed. Horace continued, “It was for a wedding. Custom made and human sized, with a real sapphire in it. I heard it's hard for giants to make things so small. A lot of detail.” He sighed. “Anywho, I'm gonna search you now, Jackie.”
“Search me?” Jack’s voice went up in pitch, and he glanced at Reid who now stood as well. “I returned everything I took. Swear. M-maybe I left something out by accident...? Uhm, if I truly took it surely it'd be more efficient to search my room first..?” He held his wrists behind his back.
Reid felt something nudge him, and something small and cold was pressed to his fingers. He barely had time to grasp it before Jachary put his hands up.
“Okay, you can search me, sir.” He paused and played with his earring for a second, he glanced at Reid again. “You… you're not gonna…”
“No. Your clothes stay on this time.” Horace started to pat him down.
Reid slipped the ring into the back pocket of his pants, just as Horace straightened and hummed. “It really isn't there. Huh. Maybe you did leave it at home.”
“Or,” Jack shrugged. “I never stole it at all.”
Horace chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair. “Sure. You get back to cleaning now. Mr. Conan and Reid have to go. Say bye.”
“Wait.” Mr. Conan’s voice. “Reid has it.”
“Dude! What the fuck?” Reid whipped his head to glare at Mr. Conan.
“Give it to Mr. Claude.” Mr. Conan’s eyes narrowed. “Now, Reid.”
Reid scoffed. “No. The fuck? It's just a ring. If you need it so bad get it your-”
Pain blossomed in his ass and Reid stepped away but Mr. Conan wrapped an arm around Reid’s middle, ignoring his squirms and slipping the ring out of his pocket. He handed it to Horace, who was now gripping Jack’s arm. Probably to keep him from running off.
“C’mon, we’re going home.” Mr. Conan swung Reid over his shoulder, carrying him like a sack of potatoes and he walked out of the store, waving bye to everyone.
Reid could hear Horace scolding Jack as they left and he wriggled to get out of Mr. Conan's grasp.
“Can you put me down?” Reid grumbled. A few townspeople glanced at them, but no one truly paid them any real attention.
“Put me down!” Reid repeated when they were out of Mossmere.
Mr. Conan set Reid down on the trail to the cottage, and they walked in silence until the house was in view.
Reid glared at Mr. Conan. “I- Don't do that again.”
Mr. Conan turned his head to look at him. “Do what?”
“Y’know! Smack my-” Reid cut himself off with an aggrieved noise.
Mr. Conan stayed quiet for a moment. “I’ll do whatever I see fit to your bottom, kiddo.”
“Woah. Pause.”
“Don't.” Mr. Conan sighed. “I did not do it with malicious intent. You were helping Jachary lie. You were going to help him steal.”
“So? That doesn't mean you should- ugh.” Reid was getting more heated the more he thought about it. “Bitch, I'm not some toddler. Don't-”
They'd reached the house now, and Mr. Conan stopped at the porch. “What’d you just call me?”
Reid groaned. “My god! I can't do shit here without you getting on my ass about it. Why can't you just-”
A hand pushed down on Reid's back and suddenly the cool metal of the porch railing was pressed into his waist. He didn't have time to gather his bearings before something hit his bottom.
“Hey- wait, no-” Reid tried to twist away but the hand on his back kept him still.
The swats kept raining down and Reid fidgeted. They didn't hurt that bad but he was awfully uncomfortable anyway.
Reid had never gotten spanked before. Whooped? Sure. But that was different. That was rapid fire and the hits always landed wherever his parent could reach. They weren't evenly spaced and on his ass. Reid closed his eyes tight, fighting the heat that rose to his cheeks- both pairs.
“Fuck you!” Reid gasped, his hands were clenched and his muscles were tight. “Stop touching me!”
“You don't understand do you?” Mr. Conan sounded more resigned than anything, and he grabbed Reid’s arm to march the boy inside.
He sat on the couch, tightly gripping Reid’s wrists in one hand as the other tried desperately to get away. Reid’s struggles became more frantic once Mr. Conan’s fingers touched the button of his jeans.
Reid failed to hold back a whimper once his pants came down, to which Mr. Conan lightly hushed him and pulled him over his lap.
“You do not speak to me like that. Ever.” Between each word a smack landed, harder than before, on Reid’s bottom. “Do you understand?”
Reid stayed silent, his jaw was clenched as he tried not to make a sound. Mr. Conan let out a breath then paused, rolling up his sleeves to begin again, faster this time.
Reid writhed.
“You will show respect.”
He bit his lip.
“You will not curse.”
A tear rolled down his cheek.
“I will not let you act like this.”
His breath hitched.
“You have people who care about you here, Reid.”
He cried.
Mr. Conan stopped at that, his hand resting lightly on Reid’s rump.
Reid tried to hold back any more noises he’d make but the pain he was in felt overbearing. He put his hands over his face in shame, his palms getting wet from his crying.
Mr. Conan hauled Reid upwards, the boy perched in his lap. “Do you understand why I don't want you to speak in such a way?”
Reid, too busy trying to control his crying, didn't respond. He didn't want to anyway; he was awfully angry.
“Carmine. I am fairly disappointed in you.” Mr. Conan’s voice was stern, a profound contrast from his regular tone. It made Reid… upset? Oddly, he felt hurt by the words. His chest tingled, and, unbidden, his eyes grew damp once more. As tears rolled down his face Reid began to sob uncontrollably, and it took everything in him to stay where he was and not run off to hide.
The ears on Mr. Conan’s head twitched and his expression dropped into a concerned frown. “I know, I know.” He ran his hand through Reid's curls and bounced him in his lap. “Im not mad at you, baby. You're alright… Everything is alright.”
Reid’s sobbing didn't end, as a matter of fact, it rose in volume and the boy pressed his face against Mr. Conan’s shoulder to try and conceal his disgraceful sounds.
Mr. Conan sighed and moved his hand to rub Reid’s back. He held the boy close and squeezed him, continuing to rock and bounce him. “It’s okay, darling.”
Mr. Conan continued to comfort Reid, holding him and whispering sweet words to him. After a moment, Reid halted his crying and pulled away slightly, slapping a hand to his jaw.
Because Mr. Conan had kissed him.
It was chaste, pretty quick and barely more than a peck to his cheek, but Reid was taken aback by it anyway.
“Ew!” he exclaimed, “Why- what the heck?”
Mr. Conan looked alarmed for a second then he smiled warmly at Reid. “Sorry. I was just trying to comfort you, I promise. And it worked, you're not crying anymore, hm?” He cupped the other's face and used the pads of his thumbs to wipe the tears off Reid’s cheeks. “You just needed some doting, didn't you, baby?”
Reid succumbed to the frustrated look that begged to set on his face. However, his voice shook a little, revealing his vulnerability. He managed to sound irritated anyway. “Dude. I'm not some kid. The scolding, the spanking, calling me ‘baby’ and ‘darling’. Would you stop talking to me like I'm five?”
Mr. Conan didn't flinch at Reid’s tone. “I guess you wouldn't understand yet. Reid? Things work differently in the Wonderreach. When you first came you saw those papers I had when I asked you questions right?”
Reid nodded.
“Thats what we called your ‘fate’. They're just a bunch of files that tell me about your life on Earth and what the gods have planned for you here.” The man paused. “Every boy has their actual age, which is eighteen for you, and their ‘tale age’ which is how old the gods think you should be treated.”
Mr. Conan took in the look on Reid’s face, which hadn't changed one bit. He sighed. “It’s there for a reason. You're here because you need guidance and healing. If the gods deem that you should be treated younger because of that then it's probably because you need extra love and care. Or just a break from being pressured with obligations.”
“Well then what’s my tale age, or whatever?” Reid asked.
“Well,” Mr. Conan's tail swayed as he thought. “If I remember correctly, it was five. But your tale age is a range so it could change from anywhere within five years above or below the recommended. So you’re zero to ten.”
Reid was getting fed up with this realm. “Can’t you just treat me my age? How would the gods know? Please?” He whined.
His heart sank when Mr. Conan shook his head. “It’s not healthy for you if I don't treat you as your tale age. Once the magic begins to work you'll-”
“Magic?” Reid perked up.
“Yes, there is magic here. Now settle down so I can finish explaining, please.” Mr. Conan caressed Reid’s head. “Like I was saying, you had magic cast upon you when you arrived. It'll set in slowly but once it does you'll be more prone to act your tale age. That's probably why you were crying so much earlier.”
Reid flushed at the reminder but Mr. Conan continued. “It probably adds to your bedwetting problem as well but I’m not sure. Here, I can show you where your spell is if you’d like.”
Reid nodded and Mr. Conan took hold of his jacket, lifting it. Reid frowned at the sight of his scars, but Mr. Conan didn't notice. The man pointed to the bottom of Reid’s chest, just where his scars stopped.
There was a small shape there, and when he looked closer, Reid could see it was a deer. Cool.
“May I?” asked Mr. Conan. Reid nodded before he even knew what he was giving permission to.
Mr. Conan pressed a scarred hand to Reid’s side. Unknowingly, the boy leaned into his touch a little.
The deer illuminated, faintly glowing a brilliant red-orange color. Reid gasped. “That’s pretty cool.”
Mr. Conan hummed in affirmation and tugged Reid’s jacket back down.
“Now,” He sighed. “Let’s talk about your behavior.”
Reid groaned and Mr. Conan tsked, patting his rear firmly. “None of that, you know you've been naughty today.”
Fighting back a complaint at the use of the word naughty, Reid complied and stayed quiet.
“I told you yesterday to watch how you speak. You had many chances to fix your tone and stop swearing but you didn't. And you tried to help someone steal something. Do you know that what you did was wrong?”
“Yeah…”
“Are you going to do better?”
“Mhm.”
“Is there anything you have to say for yourself?”
Reid took a deep breath. He tried to sound sincere. “Sorry.”
“For?”
“For cursing. And helping Jack steal. I won't do that again, okay? And… I'll try not to curse as much. But I can't stop right away. It's a habit, and I-”
“Relax, I know.” Mr. Conan chuckled. “Youll probably slip up a few times. I just want you to try. And if you do curse, just apologize or acknowledge it for me okay?”
Reid nodded, and Mr. Conan stood from the couch. He held Reid in his arms, one hand under his still sore bottom. “Let’s get you ready for bed alright?”
Reid would have asked to be set down, but after everything he'd been through today he decided he deserved to be carried. Just for a moment.
-
After his shower, Reid saw Mr. Conan standing outside the bathroom, blocking him from reuniting with his plush bed. “Can I help you?” Reid inquired, leaning against the door frame, which pressed into his skin past the thin, striped pajamas he wore.
Mr. Conan extended his hand to give Reid a… diaper.
“No,” Reid said.
“Yes,” Mr. Conan responded, mimicking the boy’s tone. “We agreed, remember? You wear these at night.”
Reid’s expression turned livid. Mr. Conan didn’t budge, he shook the diaper. “Just one night, Reid. If you end up not using it I promise I won't make you wear them. Deal?”
Reid snatched the diaper and took a step back into the bathroom. He slammed the door.
“Don’t do that, please.” he heard from the other side. “You could’ve hurt yourself.”
Reid paused at Mr. Conan being worried about him and not the door. “Uh, sorry.” His voice came out weaker than he’d like.
“It's all good. Come out whenever you're done, okay?” There was some shuffling behind the door, then silence.
Reid slid his plants and underwear down and opened the diaper. He guessed which side would go in the front and haphazardly put it on before maneuvering his clothes back up.
It was bulky, and his legs felt weird in it but he’d push through. It was only for tonight after all. Plus its soft material felt better against his red butt.
He stepped into his room where Mr. Conan was waiting for him. The man’s eyes glanced down to Reid’s pants and he sighed, motioning him over.
“Do you mind if I check?”
“Check what?”
“Your diaper,” said Mr. Conan, “I need to make sure you put it on correctly.”
Reid backed away, whining but not fighting back when Mr. Conan grabbed hold of his arm.
He fidgeted when his pants were tugged down. He prepared himself for the diaper to come off and expose him, but Mr. Conan only undid the straps enough to tighten and rearrange them a bit.
The man pulled Reid’s pants back up and to Reid’s surprise, picked him up to set him down on his bed. Mr. Conan put the covers over Reid who let out a contented breath and fought to keep his eyes open.
Mr. Conan smiled. “You don't need to act tough all the time, okay? You can be a sweet little one now. I'll love you regardless.”
Eyes blinking open, Reid gave Mr. Conan an unamused look. Yet, the deer on his heart pricked.
The man’s smile turned a little rueful. “It's okay, I don't expect you to say it back or anything. We’ve only just met.” His ear twitched and he leaned in to place his lips against the boy’s head. A small bit of stubble poked him. “Good night, Reid.”
Mr. Conan reached over to turn off the lamp, enclosing the room in darkness. Reid’s heart fell in rhythm with the steps leaving the room as he gave himself up to slumber.