Page 24 of Slippery When Wet

He frowned as he surveyed his immediate surroundings. Where the heck had his binkie gone? He’d set it on the mat when he ate, but it was missing now. Ellery scrunched up his nose. Maybe the bad guy swept it away with the rest of the town.

Daddy pointed to the park. “I love the way you arranged the flowers, trees and benches. Good job.”

Ellery regarded his handiwork. Main Street was a disaster area, but the rest of it wasn’t bad, wasn’t bad at all. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d played like this. And as he’d explained to Calvin earlier, he’d never had the space to enjoy putting together such a big display.

And…just like that, his Little disappeared. Ellery sighed.

Calvin squatted on the mat next to him and placed a palm between his shoulder blades. All of Calvin’s soft touches helped ground him.

“What is it, baby boy?”

“I started thinking too much.” He peered up at Calvin. “You know, like a grown-up.”

“Well, that’s okay. Your age play experience is personal and doesn’t have to be a specific way to be valid. This is a brand-new world to you, baby. Allow yourself the chance to explore and experience rather than trying to box it in and label it.”

Ellery considered Calvin’s words. Yeah, he’d always been impatient. That was for sure.

“You’re right.” He regarded Calvin again. “It was just kinda cool to shed the adult Ellery for a while, you know?”

Calvin’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “I do, at least from the perspective of a Daddy who was seen many a boy lose themselves in play.”

Ellery nodded slowly, so many questions barraging his thoughts now that he was beginning to truly immerse himself in this new world.

“Do Littles enjoy Little stuff even when they don’t regress to a kid?”

“Absolutely. Like I said, it’s whatever you need to express your true self.”

“So…let’s say I wanted to wear a onesie, or you know…”There goes the blush again. Hopefully, he’d get over it eventually. “Diapers. Or cuddle with my stuffie or use the sippy cup all the time—do I have to be in Little headspace?”

Calvin shook his head. “Not at all. If that’s what feels natural to you then go with it. And no matter what, I’ll be here as your Daddy however you need me to be.”

“Huh.”

That made the idea of acknowledging to himself that he was a Little much more appealing. One of the main things he’d worried about with age play is that it had to be like a scene he did with a Dom. Turn it on and off like a light switch. But if he could enjoy the things he’d been forcing himself to suppress without making himself regress first—that was the best of both worlds.

Ellery gave a sharp nod. “That’s perfect. I want to have the fun stuff plus all the new things I’ve been hiding from myself all the time. Not only when I’m regressing.” He grinned at Calvin. “Thanks, Daddy.”

Calvin ruffled his hair. “You’re welcome, baby boy.”

Ellery’s stomach rumbled again, and Calvin laughed. He rose to his feet then offered Ellery his hand.

“That’s actually why I came in to check on you. Before my cook left for the weekend, he roasted some pheasant and prepared some fresh cranberry orange relish. Plus, he baked a four-cheese lobster macaroni that’s to die for. You told me you don’t like brussels sprouts and cauliflower, so he picked up some fresh zucchini and squashes I can whip up to go along with everything.”

Ellery blinked several times as he considered the evening’s menu. Undoubtedly, it would be fantastic. However…

“Um, I bet the mac and cheese is amazing.”

Calvin gave him a lopsided smile. “And the rest?”

“I guess I’m not all that worldly when it comes to food. I’ll give it a try, but please don’t be mad at me if I don’t like the pheasant.” Ellery thought he should mitigate his negative comment. “That relish stuff sounds pretty good, though.”

Calvin snorted. “Me getting mad over you not liking a particular food is never going to happen. I’ll encourage you to try new things but won’t force you. Remember, I doubt I could ever be mad at you. That’s not really my style anyway.” He ruffled Ellery’s hair again. ”Come on, pick up your toys while I get everything prepared then wash your hands when I call you to dinner.”

Wait, what?

“I have to pick up my toys?”

That sounded like the least fun thing ever. Hated it as a kid and he doubted he’d learn to love it now.

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