Work Text:
Lilia has always stayed up late and has seen a lot of things that have occurred in the dead of night. However, he never guessed this would happen: the boy he saw as his son was knocking on his door at 12 AM.
Knock Knock Knock
A knock came on Lilia’s door. He wasn’t expecting any visitors and no one else in the dorm dared to bother the vice dorm warden.
“Yes? What is it?” He got up slowly, pausing his game as he walked over to the door. Only a small whine came from beyond the door. Lilia knew exactly who it was now. There was only one person who whined like that. Malleus. “Malleus? What’s wrong?” Lilia opened the door worriedly, looking at Malleus, being met with a pouting face on the brink of tears. He was in his favorite black nightgown and was hugging a gargoyle plushie as he looked down at Lilia desperately.
“Mnngh…” Malleus leaned onto Lilia, who cupped his face.
“Did you have a nightmare?” Lilia asked, only getting a sad nod in response. “Aww.. there, there… Do you want me to read you a bedtime story?” He knew Malleus would reject, saying he wasn’t a child, but to his surprise, Malleus merely nodded. Lilia blinked in shock before smiling gently. “Come now, then, my child..” Lilia used his magic to bring one of his old books to him, having held onto the children's book he had as a memento.
Once they were in Malleus’ room, Lilia felt a tug at his sleeve.
“Tuck…” That was all Malleus said.
“Tuck…?” Lilia had to think for a moment before he realized what the dragon fae meant. “Ah… I will gladly tuck you in!” Lilia beamed. It had been years since he had tucked one of his sons into bed. Honestly, he missed it.
Malleus lit up like a child who just saw a bucket full of candy and giddily got onto the large bed, fit for a king, as he giggled like a child. Lilia was not expecting this. What had gotten into him? Usually, Malleus is composed and rarely got excited like this. Maybe he was missing this type of stuff like he was.
Lilia walked over and smiled gently as he tucked his son into bed, patting the prince’s head before sitting beside him, and opening the book he brought with him. “Ready?” The shorter fae asked, receiving a frantic and excited nod in response. “Then, let’s begin…” Lilia began his story. He told a story about a dragon that went on an adventure to find a chest of shiny coins. It was Malleus' favorite story as a child, and he appeared to even adore the story now as he listened intently. Once Lilia finished the story, Malleus wiggled further under the covers, his hands holding the top of the blanket before closing his eyes, smiling happily. Lilia looked at him fondly before leaving a gentle kiss on his son’s head before getting up but halts when he heard a whine.
“Stay…” Malleus said softly. Lilia looked back and saw a pouting Malleus, his eyes pleading for the other to stay,
“...” Lilia stood for a moment before returning back to Malleus’ side, earning him a smile from Malleus, who shut his eyes and started to doze off. The shorter fae chuckled softly before petting Malleus’ head, lulling him to sleep further as the dragon fae began to purr in his sleep.
Lilia stayed there for nearly an hour before leaving his son’s side reluctantly, returning back to his room to finish his game. The next day, he was met with a similar knock but more hesitant this time.
Knock… knock… knock…
“Come in!” Lilia called, knowing who it was. He turned to face the door to look at the visitor. Malleus entered the room and shut the door behind him with a guilty expression, looking at the ground. “What’s wrong, Malleus?” He got up, concerned, and came over to check up on him.
“I… apologize… for last night…”
“..Why?” Lilia tilted his head to the side, confused. He didn’t mind at all, but it appeared something was troubling Malleus about it.
“....That… I wish to speak to you about..”
“Oh? Then, please sit.” He gestured to his bed, sitting on it and patting a spot next to him. Malleus stood still, hesitant, before sitting next to the older fae. “What’s troubling you, my child?”
“...Last night… I didn’t mean to bother you.. I apologize..”
“There’s no need to apologize, Malleus! I don’t mind at all! It was nice to do stuff like that again.” Lilia kicked his legs back and forth as he thought about the past. He smiled fondly before turning back to Malleus, sensing there was something more to his behavior. “What else is wrong..? You look upset still..”
“.....I wanted to tell you.. About something that.. I’ve been going through for a while..”
“Does it relate to last night?”
“..Yes.”
“I see…” Lilia was confused. What could be wrong? “Go on, when you’re ready…”
“...mnngh…” Malleus made a soft noise, thinking for a few minutes before looking away, grabbing at his shirt like a child in trouble. “I looked into it a bit.. and I believe it’s called… age regression.. I…” Malleus hid his face in his hands as he slouched over.
“Age regression? I have not heard of that before… Though, I admit, you were acting like a child last night.” He hummed.
“...Forgive me…”
“Oh my darling child, you don’t need to apologize, it was endearing! It reminded me of the old days…” Lilia stroked Malleus’ back comfortingly. “Besides, I would never judge you for stuff like this. I’m here for you, always. No matter what!” This caused Malleus to look between his fingers and at Lilia, who was smiling reassuringly.
“....but..”
“Can you tell me more about it? So I can support you better!” With this, Malleus was surprised and removed his hands from his face as he began explaining in a low, shy voice.
“If.. you could.. Do that stuff.. I would really appreciate it…”
“I will do my best! Would you like to go shopping with me to pick out toys?”
“I think the prince of Briar Valley would be looked upon strangely for buying children's toys…”
“Hmm.. true.. We can order online then! Come come, let’s search for some!” Lilia bounced to his feet and over to his computer, pulling up a shopping site, waiting for Malleus to come over. Malleus slowly comes over, glancing away every now and then before sitting in a chair next to Lilia. “Now then, what toys would you like?”
“...Shiny toys..”
“..And?”
“..chew toys? And squeaky toys.. I really like the squeaky sound, it makes me happy.” Malleus’ voice began to rise in pitch, getting excited, his eyes lighting up at the thought of toys. Lilia chuckles happily at his son’s excitement as he browses through the toys, finding some that work, and adding them to the cart. “And coins? Can I have coins, please? Please??” Lilia looked over at the giddy Malleus, who was practically jumping in his seat.
“Of course, and a chest to match I presume? What about gargoyle toys? I’m sure there are some toys designed after then!”
“Yes! Please!” Malleus’ tail was out now and wagging excitedly, nearly knocking Lilia in the head.
“Okay! Anything for my little prince!” Lilia put more toys into the cart, adding some other special toys in there as well before clicking confirm the purchase. “Done! They should be here in a few days!”
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Malleus beamed gleefully, hugging Lilia tightly. Lilia pats the taller fae’s head and hugged him back.
“Do you wish to keep them in your room or mine?”
“....” Malleus fell silent suddenly. “Attic?” He finally said.
“Attic? Ah, that’s where your nest is! Shall we make that into your playroom?” To this, Malleus nodded fast, smiling again. “Alright! Then it shall be done!”
The next few days passed quickly. Everyone in the dorm saw a noticeable change in Malleus behavior. He was smiling so happily and would often wag his tail when around Lilia. No one questioned it besides Silver and Sebek, but they didn’t pry any further when Lilia shut them down time and time again. They would wait until Malleus told them himself.
The toys arrived in 2 big boxes. Malleus ran over to them and looked at Lilia expectantly, entering little mode quicker by the second.
“Wait a moment my child, let’s first get them to the attic, okay?” Malleus nodded at Lilia’s words before using magic to transport the boxes to the attic, then him and Lilia. “Can you sit for me, my little prince?” Malleus immediately sat down criss-cross with his hands in the middle on the make shift nest made out of his loved ones' clothes, wagging eagerly as he waited impatiently for the toys. It took only a few moments for Lilia to take out all the toys using magic and place them around the nest before assembling a chest to put all of the toys. There was a smaller chest, but much shinier, that he placed at the top of the toy-filled chest, too.
“Mnngh Papa!!”
“Huh--?!” Lilia twirled around to face Malleus, who was pouting at Lilia. He was taken aback by the term. He had never been referred to as that before. He stood there in silence as Malleus began to huff smoke and green fire.
“I want play!” He scrunched his nose in a childish manner. He was fully regressed now.
“Oh… yes, don’t fret my little one, which toy do you want to play with first?”
“...” Malleus titled his head to the side, thinking. “Shiny!” He beamed, wagging his long tail. Lilia chuckled and grabbed the tiny chest and gave it to Malleus.
“Here you go, little prince!” Lilia handed him the chest. Malleus instantly hugged it and opened it, eyes gleaming with excitement and happiness as he saw the shiny coins and trinkets inside. Only a second passed before he put one of the trinkets in his mouth, sucking on it. “Ah- Malley, don’t do that, okay? You could choke on it.” Lilia tried to take the trinket out of his mouth, only to be met with a loud whine and a thrashing tail smacking his hand lightly. “Malley… We can’t play if you don’t behave.” This made Malleus sulk immediately, taking the trinket out of his mouth as he sniffled, nearly crying. “Good boy! I’ll get something for you to chew on, okay?”
“But… shiny….”
“You can play with the shiny toys still, but you cannot bite them,” Lilia stated, earning a tail wag from the younger fae. Lilia returned to the chest and grabbed a tiny plastic box. He was going to save it for later as he didn’t know how the youngling would react, but it was worth a try now. He brought the box over to Malleus and let him open it, revealing a gargoyle-themed binky. Malleus immediately went wide-eyed and wagged his tail harder, taking it and sucking on it happily as he played with the coins and trinkets in the small chest. Lilia sat beside him and played alongside him, enjoying the moment. He missed times like this.
The two played until the sun was about to set. Lilia stood up on his knees as he tried to take the toys away from Malleus.
“Mnnn” He whined, still sucking on his binky as he tried to keep the toys away from Lilia.
“Come on, little one, we have to go eat.” Lilia tried persuading him with food. Malleus continued to curl around the toys as he shook his head no. “A growing prince needs his food! We can have shaved ice after ~!” Lilia smirked after seeing Malleus’ eyes lit up at the mention of shaved ice. It was always Malleus’ favorite dessert. Lilia quickly took the toys and put them away in the bigger chest before turning to Malleus. “I need the binky, too, Malley.” He held out his hand expectantly.
Malleus held his tail close to his chest as he look at the nest sadly. He found it very comforting to have, especially with the biting urges he gets due to his dragon instincts. “Do you want to keep that in your room then? You can suck on it after dinner if you wish!” Malleus thought about it for a few moments before nodding, reluctantly putting the binky back in the cute box it came in and giving it to Lilia. “There’s a good prince!”
After they put the binky in Malleus’ room, Lilia led the way to the kitchen, starting to make food as Malleus kicked his legs on a nearby stool, looking at the big kitchen with amazement. The food Lilia was making was nowhere near good and it looked far worse than anything Malleus had ever seen before, but he blinked at it curiously before taking a bite, gagging at it and spitting it out, starting to cry.
“Mal mal, what’s wrong?” Lilia came over worriedly.
“Bad…”
“...........” Lilia would never admit his food was bad. His food was the best! No one had the taste buds to handle it is all. “...I think Silver made some food for himself a while ago, maybe you can eat that?” Lilia hummed. “It may suit your tastes better.” He talked to himself as he looked through the fridge, taking Silver’s food and heating it up. “Don’t tell Silver, though!” Lilia put a finger over his lips mischievously. “Now, eat up!”
Malleus ate the food happily, albeit a bit messily, getting food on his cheeks and clothes as he held the utensils awkwardly.
“Hmm.. it seems I need to order you a bib….” Lilia hummed softly before opening his phone and ordering the necessary items before going to Malleus side. “Mal mal, is it good?” He held his head in one of his hands as he smiled at his son.
“Mnyesh!” Malleus spoke with his mouth full.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Malley..” Lilia scolded softly, earning a sad look from Malleus who quickly chews and swallows his food.
“Ish Good!” He said happily, eating the rest almost greedily. Lilia merely smiled fondly at the boy before going to the freezer, beginning to make the shaved ice. Malleus pushed the plate away from him, food still covering the majority of his mouth as Lilia finishes up and comes over, picking up a spoon with some of the ice in it.
“Here comes the choo choo train! Chugachugachuga chugachugachuga choo! Choo!” Lilia moved the spoon like an approaching train towards Malleus’ mouth, who immediately opened his mouth, wagging his tail as he happily ate the ice. Lilia continued to feed him like that until it was completely gone. “All full, my little prince?”
“Yesh!”
“Good! Now, it's clean-up time!” Lilia uses magic to clean up the dishes and gets a wet rag, holds it close to Malleus’ messy face, and rubs it gently to clean it. Malleus scrunched up his face at the actions, but allowed it. “All done! You are a very well-behaved boy!”
“Hehehe!” Malleus smiled gleefully as he kicked his legs back and forth.
“Look at the time.. I think it’s someone’s bedtime!”
Malleus pouted and shook his head.
“I don’t wanna… I wanna play!”
“You need to get rest to grow into a big boy, though!”
“I am big boy!”
“Then you don’t need your binky or your special gargoyle plushie?” Lilia raised an eyebrow.
“No!” Malleus teared up and shook his head. “Mmnngh…” Malleus started to cry softly.
“Oh, no, my baby deer, I’m sorry…. Big boys can have special plushies and binkies… I won’t take them away, I promise…” Lilia tried to comfort him, rubbing the taller fae’s back in a soothing manner.
“Mmn promise..?”
“Promise!”
“...” Malleus sniffled and smiled softly. Lilia ruffled the dragon fae’s hair.
“Papa!”
“Yes, Mal mal?”
“Uppies?”
“..” Lilia stood for a moment, unsure if he could even pick up the taller fae with ease, but wanted to indulge his son like old times. “Alright!” Lilia smiled fondly and used magic to strengthen his arms as he picked up Malleus, rocking and making him hop slightly in his arms. Malleus giggled all the while as they headed back to his room, Lilia exclusively taking a path that had no one. Once there, Lilia put Malleus onto the bed and tucked him in, handing him his binky and gargoyle plushie before sitting next to him. “Do you want a bedtime story, my little lizard?”
“!!!” Malleus nodded excitedly.
“Then… Once upon a time…” Lilia spoke softly, lulling the younger fae to sleep as he told a story he used to tell Silver. “Good night, little prince.” He kissed Malleus’ forehead before standing up and heading back to his room, happy and full of warmth from spending time with one of his beloved sons like in the old days.
The next few weeks passed similarly, Malleus coming to Lilia’s door to ask to play, while in little space. Malleus would occasionally enter little space randomly, making it so Lilia would have to excuse themselves from the others. Malleus was having a hard time coping, and the constant reminders around him made him regress more and more. Soon, Lilia found himself being hounded by Silver and Sebek about what was wrong with Malleus. They had witnessed Malleus go off with Lilia in a depressed state far too many times to keep quiet any longer.
“Malleus… are you ready to tell the others? They are getting antsy..” Lilia asked, petting malleus head as his son laid on his lap like a cat.
“Mnngh… they’ll judge me…” He curled up in a ball more.
“I don’t think they will, little prince. They adore you and will support you. Maybe you can get two more play buddies, too!”
“...really?”
“Truly.”
“Hm..” Malleus considered it for a few minutes. He would love to have more play buddies.. But..”
“Whenever you’re ready my baby deer, I’ll be right there beside you..”
“...then..if you’re there, I feel I can tell them…”
“When would you like to do it?”
“Can we do it over dinner…? In case it goes south, I want to taste Silver’s cooking one last time..”
“....my precious baby, you won’t have to worry about that..” Lilia gave Malleus a sad expression. “Silver won’t stop loving his precious brother..”
“..brother?”
“Ah… forgive me..”
“...Brother…” Malleus smiles softly. “He is a wonderful brother..”
“...” Lilia’s sad expression went away quickly, happy from Malleus’ words.
Later that day, Silver cooked dinner at Malleus’ request before they all sat down at a table together. Sebek smiled giddily as he was overwhelmed with joy from eating with his dear lord. Lilia looked over at Malleus, who merely shook his head, signaling it wasn’t time yet. Halfway through their meal was when he spoke up.
“Everyone… I.. I have something I wish to tell you..”
“...?” Silver perked up, curious as to what it could be, but suspected it had something to do with his disappearances with Lilia. Sebek chewed his food quickly before staring at Malleus, expectantly.
“Mmmg…” Malleus began to regress, the stress causing him great distress as he looked over at Lilia for help, pulling at the shorter fae’s sleeve. “Papa…” He started to tear up. Silver gasped quietly at Malleus’ words, Sebek merely going wide-eyed.
“It’s okay.. Want me to tell them?” Lilia asked softly. Malleus nodded and stared at the table sadly. “Well… Malleus has been.. Age regressing for some time now. I have been taking care of him during this time, which is why we leave so suddenly occasionally…” Lilia stated carefully, looking at the others for their expressions.
“...Age regressing?” Silver asked.
“IS MY LORD OKAY? DID SOMEONE CAST MAGIC ON HIM TO CAUSE THIS??” Sebek yelled protectively, causing Malleus to flinch and whine softly, trying to hide away behind Lilia.
“Sebek… please be quieter, you’re scaring Mal mal…” Lilia pleaded, petting Malleus’ hand that clutched onto him.
“Ah- I apologize,” Sebek said quieter, bowing at the two across the table.
“Father.. Can you explain what exactly is happening? I don’t understand.”
“Of course… I should probably explain what age regressing is…” Lilia continued to explain everything to the two before him, getting mixed reactions from the two, but neither seemed angry or disgusted. They looked more worried and comforting than anything. Though, Sebek looked confused still.
“I see… Malleus?” Silver called to his brother.
“.....” Malleus peeked past Lilia’s arm with a teary-eyed expression, fear across his face.
“Would you let me play with you sometime?” Silver smiled softly.
“...!” Malleus’ eyes widened at this, nodding quickly.
“M-may I join too??” Sebek asked quickly, looking unsure of what to do, but deciding following Silver’s lead was the best bet.
“...” Another silent nod from Malleus made Sebek beam with joy.
“Thank you, my lord! I will be the best playtime buddy!!” Sebek exclaimed, putting a hand over his chest to show sincerity.
“See, Mal mal? They still adore you.” Lilia turns around to tell the boy behind him. Malleus looked very happy and slowly went to sit in his seat again, sitting criss-cross on the chair before eating sloppily. “...” Lilia watched Malleus with loving eyes, happy to see his son so happy.
“Mal mal..? Do you wish for dessert after this?” Silver asked with a smile on his face still, a bit unsure at the beginning with the usage of the nickname.
“Yesh!! Please!” Malleus beamed and shook his head up and down excitedly.
“Alright, then we can go play until it’s your bedtime.”
“Really??” Malleus nearly bounced out of his seat in excitement.
“Mhm! Sebek can play with you as well!”
“Yay! Thank you, big bro!” Malleus says giggling happily as he rocks back and forth.
“Bi-” Silver stares, mouth agape like Sebek at Malleus. “Big brother?”
“I may have called you his brother not too long ago… He’s taken a liking to you as his brother it seems.” Lilia smiles fondly.
“Me-? What about me my lord???” Sebek points at himself with a serious, yet excited expression.
“Spikey Big Bro!” Malleus beamed.
“Ah!!!!” Sebek started to cry joyfully, quickly excusing himself so he could scream out his excitement outside.
“...did I do something wrong, papa?” Malleus pouted at Lilia.
“No, my little prince, he was merely overjoyed!”
“Really??”
“Mhm! Now eat up! You want dessert right?”
“Yeah!” Malleus happily ate the rest of his food. He ate his dessert before heading upstairs to the attic with his Papa and Big Bro.
Once upstairs, Silver and Malleus played for a few minutes before Sebek joined them, Lilia kicking his feet on the chest as he watched. Sebek sat awkwardly next to the rest of them, unsure of what to do, following Silver’s example every now and again.
“Mnnngggh..” Malleus stopped playing and looked at the toys with a scrunched face.
“What’s wrong Mal mal?” Silver tried to get Malleus to play again, but was smacked lightly by his tail.
“Cubble.”
“Cubble?”
“Cubble!!!”
“I think he wants cuddles, Silver.” Lilia smiled softly and floated over, petting Malleus head. “Isn’t that right?”
“Yesh! Cubbles!” Malleus nuzzled into Lilia’s touch and did grabby hands at him. Lilia chuckled softly and hugged the taller fae, encouraging the others to do the same. With all the weight, they fell over onto the nest. Sebek nearly died from happiness as he hugged Malleus the tightest. Soon enough, Malleus was snoring softly in the embrace of the others, curling his tail across Silver and Sebek as Lilia patted his head. The others followed shortly after, everyone content with the position and the warmth of one another.
The next morning, Sebek stopped Silver in the dorm, just outside his dorm.
“Silver.. I wish to speak with you..” Sebek was oddly serious.
“...Yes? Come in.” Silver led the way inside, closing the door behind them as he gestured for Sebek to sit down.
“No need.. I just.. I’m not sure how to treat Lord Malleus… when he’s little.. I don’t want to do the wrong thing and upset him.. You do so well with him, can you give me any tips???” Sebek looked desperate.
“Ah-” A small smile graced Silver’s lips. “I would be delighted.. I actually read a bit about it earlier. I can share my findings.”
“Yes, please do!”
“First…” Silver began to list things Sebek should do when with little Malleus and gave some tips.
“Thank you! I will cherish this information for as long as I live.” Sebek bowed dramatically and hugged Silver tightly before bouncing off into the dorm, probably to read more into it to surprise Malleus the next time he regressed.
~
Months passed and Malleus’ nails were getting incredibly long. He would refuse to have them trimmed or filed, especially when little. Lilia shook his head as he failed another time that day to trim his son’s long nails.
“Little Malley, please let me cut your nails…” Lilia pleaded to the pouting prince. Malleus hid his hands in his armpits with puffed cheeks, glaring at Lilia.
“Don’t wanna!!”
“Please???”
“Nu!”
“...” Lilia pouts sadly, but it doesn’t work on Malleus.
“Hmp!” Malleus huffed green flames and smoke. Lilia texted Silver for help, who quickly went into action. Silver grabbed Sebek and went to the store, looking at items that might be able to coax Malleus into letting Lilia trim his nails. Everything they came across didn’t seem like they would work.
“Hmm.. What about a scratching post?” Silver suggested, thinking hard.
“Lord Malleus is no cat!”
“He may enjoy it, though. He has many cat behaviors already.” To this, Sebek didn’t retort.
“I suppose it is worth a try…”
“Agreed. Let’s get him a special pillow, too. In case he wants to sit upon it.” With that, they went to the pet section, finding the largest cat tree there that. Although strange, it seemed like the world was listening to them, or was it Sam’s friends? Either way, they found a black and green cat tree that could easily support Malleus. It would take a lot of work to move, but it would be worth it if it worked. After purchasing it and a perfect pillow, plump and soft, Sam somehow shipped it to their dorm with a snap of his fingers.
“Thank you little imps!” Sam bowed slightly as they made their way back to the dorm. There, Malleus was beside Lilia, tugging at Lilia’s sleeve excitedly as he stared at the new cat tree in his room.
“Papa! Papa! I wanna play!” He jumped slightly as he pointed at the cat tree, the pillow laying gently in the middle bed area.
“Not until- Oh, they are back, welcome back!” Lilia greeted with a thankful smile, trying to hold back a giddy little Malleus. “You may play now, Mal mal!” He let the dragon fae loose, letting him explore and claw at the cat tree. It was slow, but the tree managed to file down Malleus’ nails. After scratching the tree, he moved onto the pillow, kneading at it gently as he started to purr loudly.
“Do you like it little Malley?” Silver asked as he approached.
“Yesh..” Malleus stopped kneading for a second before crawling in a circle a few times before curling up in a ball on the pillow, still kneading softly with his hands.
“Hehe!” Sebek looked extremely proud and happy as he put his hands on his hips.
“You two are the best big bros to mal mal, I couldn’t be a happier papa.” Lilia smiled fondly at the two before him. “Come give Papa a hug!”
Silver grabbed Sebek’s arm and dragged him to Lilia’s open arms, hugging him.