🍼🤖❤️Smaller💭💚👊

250 3 0
                                    

It had been a long day in the Avengers Tower, and Bruce was finishing up in the lab. Tony had been in his usual little headspace all day—around 4 years old—buzzing around the tower with boundless energy. His little self was curious and mischievous, always wanting to help, even if it was just handing Bruce random tools or asking questions in that sweet, childlike way.

"Brucey, look!" Tony had said earlier, holding up a toy wrench like it was the most important invention of the century.

Bruce had chuckled, patting Tony's head. "That's great, bud. You're really helping me out."

Tony had giggled, pleased with himself, before running off to play with his toy cars on the lab floor. Bruce kept an eye on him, knowing Tony in his regressed state had a tendency to get into trouble if left alone for too long.

But as the evening came around, the weather took a sudden turn. A storm began to brew outside, the wind howling against the windows. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, and Bruce noticed Tony's usual cheery demeanor start to shift. The little genius, who had been so focused on his toys, suddenly dropped them and looked around with wide, frightened eyes.

"Brucey...?" Tony called out, his voice shaky.

Before Bruce could respond, a loud clap of thunder echoed through the tower, and that was all it took. Tony jumped, his small body trembling as he bolted towards Bruce, clinging tightly to his leg.

"Hey, hey, it's okay, Tony," Bruce said softly, crouching down to his level. "It's just a storm. We're safe in here."

But something was different this time. Tony, usually quick to settle down when Bruce comforted him, seemed even smaller. His breathing grew rapid, and Bruce felt Tony pressing himself against him even more tightly, as if he was trying to disappear.

Then it hit Bruce—Tony was regressing further. From the usual four-year-old state, he was slipping into a much younger mindset. His hands clutched at Bruce's shirt, and when Bruce gently picked him up, Tony's small head burrowed into Bruce's chest, his thumb slipping into his mouth.

"Oh, buddy, you're okay," Bruce whispered as he gently rocked Tony in his arms. "It's alright, I've got you."

Tony didn't say anything, and Bruce could feel how much smaller he felt now. His body had gone limp, and the brilliant man who was usually full of energy was now reduced to a trembling toddler. Bruce cradled him carefully, taking in how small and vulnerable Tony seemed at this moment.

He knew Tony often regressed when things got overwhelming, but this was a deeper level than Bruce had seen before. At one year old, Tony's understanding of the world was much more limited, and his fear of the storm was all-consuming.

"We'll find somewhere quieter, okay?" Bruce murmured, walking out of the lab with Tony snug in his arms. He decided to take Tony to one of the quieter rooms, where they could be away from the noise of the storm. As they entered the living area, Bruce grabbed one of Tony's favorite blankets from the couch and wrapped it around him, holding him even closer.

Tony whimpered, burying his face deeper into Bruce's chest, seeking comfort. His tiny hands clutched the fabric of Bruce's shirt, and Bruce could feel the dampness of tears against his skin.

"Shhh, I've got you, Tony. You're safe," Bruce repeated, sitting down in a rocking chair and gently swaying back and forth. The motion was slow and calming, and little by little, Tony's breathing began to even out.

Bruce ran his fingers through Tony's hair, keeping his voice soft. "That's it, buddy. Just relax. You're safe with me. The thunder can't get you here."

Tony's tiny body snuggled deeper into Bruce's arms, his thumb still in his mouth as he gave a soft, contented hum. Bruce kept up the soothing rhythm, feeling Tony slowly relax in his embrace.

As the storm raged outside, Bruce made sure that inside, Tony felt nothing but warmth and safety. He hummed a little tune under his breath, something he used to hear as a child, and it seemed to have a calming effect on Tony. The little genius finally settled, his eyes fluttering closed as he leaned fully into Bruce's chest, his body going completely limp in sleep.

Bruce kept rocking, not wanting to disturb Tony now that he had found peace. He looked down at the small form in his arms and smiled softly. Even though Tony was usually so full of life and energy, Bruce always felt honored when Tony trusted him enough to regress, especially to a state this small.

"I've got you, Tony," Bruce whispered again, gently kissing the top of his head. "No matter what."

The storm continued to roar outside, but inside, Tony was safe, held close by someone who would always be there for him—no matter how small he became.

Avengers Age Regression OneshotsWhere stories live. Discover now