Tʜᴇᴀ's Lɪᴛᴛʟᴇ : Aᴄᴇ Eᴠᴀɴ

[Three]

Today we're going shopping and I don't know how Ace will react to being babied in front of people. It's our first time in society after the revelation of his classification. I just hope we don't cause too much attraction.

"Ace." I stop him as he's about to get in the passenger seat. He looks at me with a frown. He's probably feeling a little big than his usual headspace but I can't take risk with his safety. "Baby, you can't ride in the front seat. It's not safe."

His brows crease further and he rolls his eyes, slamming the door shut extra loud. He doesn't argue though, and gets on the backseat. I let his attitude slide for now, when things turn a bit smooth, we'll have to discuss about his behavior. I will not tolerate this attitude.

As he buckles up, I get in the driver seat and turn the ignition on, swerving the car out of the driveway and onto the road. Ace grips the seatbelt tightly and stares out the window as I try to drive as carefully as possible—till we've installed his carseat.

While driving, I look at him through the rear view mirror and my heart saddens seeing his distraught face. I miss my happy boyfriend. I really need to do something to get him to accept all this faster so we could resume our healthy life.

"Baby, why are you still so upset? I told you it's okay and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Please, talk to me and let's move on, together."

"I'm not upset, Thea. I-" He exhales deeply and rests his head back against the seat. "I just don't know how to accept all this, or ho-how- or how to slip into my headspace."

I let out a small smile at that. "I can help you with that. After we've bought everything you need, we'd try to help you slip. Okay?"

He swallows, but nods.

"It will be okay. I promise. I'll always be here to take care of you."

We reach the mall and I park the car then we both get out, Ace almost stumbles a little but I catch him on time. I take a hold of his hand and we make our way inside the mall. He looks around nervously but doesn't let himself break. I make sure to give his hand an assuring squeeze every now and then.

We go over to the Littles' section and I start to gather everything necessary he'd need. Starting with eating bowls, sippy cups, spoons, bibs, pacifiers, then move onto the diapers, pull-ups, blanket, pillows, bottles, food etc. etc. I'll have to order the furniture online and they'll have it all fixed up in his new room.

Fortunately, the government pays for the initial necessities for every Caregiver and Little pair, so they can start without any financial problem. But for later, I'd need to start working. My dad's been asking me to join his company for quite some time now, I guess it's the right time to join him, as well as finish my studies. Luckily I have only a couple semesters left, maybe I'd be able to apply for online classes so most of my time is spent with Ace.

As I'm re-checking the list to see if I've missed anything, I suddenly notice Ace is not next to me. I turn around but he's not in the same aisle as me. My heart starts racing as I run to the next aisles. Before I can panic further I find him, and let out a huge breath of relief.

"There you are! You scared me!"

I rush to pull him in a hug, he returns it and looks at me guiltily. "Sorry." I grip his hand and look at him firmly. "Never do that again." He nods.

As I'm about to drag him away, I notice he was actually standing in front of the toys' section. And the way he stares longingly at all the stuffed plushies, my heart tugs.

"Do you want one?"

He is quick to shake his head, cheeks turning red in embarrassment and I stifle a chuckle. He's so cute.

"Baby, you can have whatever you want."

He chews on his lip but keeps glancing at the aisle. I drag him back to it.

"Choose."

He stares for a couple seconds then slowly points his finger at a dark brown horse plushie. Ace has always loved horses. No wonder little Ace wants a horse stuffed toy as well.

"That's a wonderful choice, Sugar." I praise and he smiles shyly. I grab the plushie and hand it to him, he quickly hugs it and rubs the soft surface to his cheek. My smile warmly.

"Come on, let's pay for all this and get some ice-cream. You've been such a good boy for me."

His face lights up as he nods, keeping a close hold around his new plushie. On our way to the counter, I fetch some more toys and colors and books. We head to the counter where Ace's eyes fixate on something, or rather someone.

I follow his gaze and he's staring at a Little throwing tantrum while his Caregiver is trying to get a grip on him. The said Little is currently lying on the tiled floor and screaming 'Elsa!'. Ace looks scared at the scenario and I feel pity for that Caregiver. It's not easy handling a stubborn baby.

The queue ends and the girl behind the counter starts packing our stuff. I lower my mouth to Ace's ear and softly whisper;

"My baby's not like that, right? I have a good boy."

His face blooms and he looks at me with a wide grin, scooting closer to me and resting his head against my shoulder.

"I good boy." He mumbles, making my heart coo.

"That's right." I kiss his temple.

"What a sweet little boy you got there." The counter girl says and beams at my baby, to which he hides behind me and smiles shyly at her.

"What do we say when someone praises us?" I remind in my mommy voice.

"T'ank you." He mutters and the girl smiles widely.

"You're welcome, sweetie."

I pay for the stuff and hold Ace's hand, leading us to our car. The stubborn Little from earlier had calmed down by now as his Caregiver looks mad. That baby got a spanking awaiting at home. I hope I never have to hurt my baby physically.

Afterwards, we get ice-cream and Ace seems a lot comfortable than earlier. Probably seeing other Littles have helped him cope. I'm just glad he's talking aloud in his baby voice. Not caring what others would think.

At home, we'll officially start mission slipping. He had resisted his headspace for long enough. It's not healthy. I just want my baby to be happy and carefree.

☃︎•••~~~•••☃︎

A/N:-

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