Ian rolls his eyes. “While there are some idiots who still believe regression is a ‘problem’ and can hold someone back from facing their hardships, I don’t subscribe to that. Hell, none of us mental health professionals you’ve collected do.
“No, regression in the way Lio, and even Anderson, experience it is perfectly normal and natural for their type of Boy.” He pauses, giving me time to digest his words. “Do you know what age play is?”
I shift in my seat. “Yes, that was part of the rabbit hole I went down, and how I first learned about regression.”
“Good. Anderson and I have an age play dynamic. He is always my and Reid’s Lovebug, our sweet, sassy, and soft-hearted love, but he is also my Little Love. Still sweet, still sassy, but also an adorable Little that wants to love, be loved, color, play with his stuffies, and enjoys when Daddy gives him fun spankings…and not fun spankings, but he won’t admit that because, as I said, he’s sweet.
“Anderson believes Lio is also a Little. As I said, I’ve noticed he regresses in his everyday life, and if that’s what helps him destress while trying to put himself back together, that’s fine. But what about the rest of the time? What about when he’s further along in therapy and he needs more? As his Daddy, that’s something you can help with. Regression doesn’t need the dynamic in order for people to benefit from it, but for a Little like Anderson, and possibly Lio, having a Caregiver helps keep that safe, warm, and loved feeling going even after the scene, playsession, or moment—whatever you engage in—is over. It helps fulfill the need they have, gives them an outlet where they don't have to think; they simply need to trust their Caregiver to, well…care for them.”
I mull his words over, choosing my own carefully. “I’m not sure how much you know about the Martellis and their past with Il Padrone, but…I know Lio and Allesandro had a nursery, one that they spent some time in. I’m not sure how much because, well, Hollis and I are working on not being so angry with Allesandro. We’re taking it slow when it comes to the past.”
“That’s something you’ll have to talk to both your Boys about. See how they feel. I can tell you that Anderson loves his nursery, and it’s probably the one thing I wish I could give him now that I can’t. It’s a safe place for both Caregiver and Little. Not just to play, but when you step into it, you know you’re safe, loved, and can just let the world behind the door go for a while.”
“I’ll admit the nursery is…appealing. As well as a few other things I’ve read about.”
Ian smirks. “Mmm, that’s good to hear. I am happy to answer any questions you have.”
“I appreciate that, thank you. And… I appreciate your insight today into Emilio. I had a feeling it was something along those lines, based on what I knew from his history, what he’s shown me, and what I’ve been reading. Though…it was obvious he was regressing pretty hard when he met fucking Atticus and Fury.”
Ian rolls his eyes. “That damn bunny. I had to give my Boy something to do with his mouth in order to avoid playing twenty questions about another man’s fucking pet last night.”
I laugh. “Sounds about right.” Part of me is glad only Roman had to deal with Lio’s…excitement over the bunny in her harness and leash, but the Daddy in me wishes I could've heard all his excited chattering.
“Can I ask…what you think of Sandro? What type of Boy he might be? What he needs from me?”
Ian purses his lips. “We haven’t had enough sessions for me to determine that, and even if we have, I would need his permission before sharing it with you. Even for a Daddy, I cannot break my confidentiality rules.”
I incline my head. “I understand. I won’t ask again, but…can you reassure him? Next time you see him, if you could just…make it clear that I’m here as his Daddy, in whatever capacity he needs.”
“I can do that, yes. You understand he might not be Little? Or if he is, he could be very different from Lio?”
“Yes, of course. Already, what they need from me is so different. Yes, they both love Daddy Cuddles—as Lio calls them—but…Sandro needs something softer, sweeter than Lio, to be cared for in a…gentler way. Though, I’m sure anyone will tell you they’re surprised by how gentle I am with Lio, it’s…different, it feels different with Sandro.”
“I imagine so. They’re two very different people. But then, you have enough lovers you understand that while the love you have might be the same for them, unquantifiable, the way it makes you feel and how you express it is unique to each person.”
“Yes,” I agree.
Ian sits back in his chair again. “I’ll help both you and Sandro discover what type of Boy he is, and determine what you both want out of your relationship. I’ll do the same for you and Lio, of course. Especially if you’re going to implement age play into your dynamic.”
“I don’t like therapy, or therapists.” I try not to curl my lip. “My past history is…messy. But…I do appreciate the help. It’s refreshing that this is different.”
Ian laughs. “Yeah, non-traditional is my thing. You only have to look at my relationships to see that. Don’t worry, this is a non-judgmental zone, and I’m here simply to make sure you’re all comfortable, happy, and getting what you need in terms of both sex and intimacy.”
I smirk and lift a brow. “And to make sure no one is abusing their power.”
That thread of danger flashes in his eyes again. “Yes, that too.”
“Where would you recommend starting with age play? I want to try to help Lio destress without him having to regress alone. He’s done enough of his healing alone. I want to back up my promise to be there for him with actions.”
Ian shrugs. “There are a lot of things you can bring to the table. Anderson loves coloring. Hell, he’s suckered both me and Reid into coloring with him before, and Reid doesn’t have a Daddy or Little bone in his body. But it’s…something so simple, yet relaxing at the same time, and it can tell you a lot about his mindset withhowhe colors. Not just the…age range he regresses to, but if he’s happy, mad, sad, etc. It’ll show up in their crayon strokes, kind of like the brushstrokes of a painter.”
I nod in understanding. Could I get some coloring books and crayons, and just…suggest we color together? The idea…isn’t off-putting. New, and maybe a bit awkward, but not off-putting.
“There are also blocks, Legos, cars and trains and the like, stuffies, books—really anything that you might gift to Cole could be utilized for a Little Boy. Now, if he regresses a bit older, there’s action figures, Legos again—though I think that’s an everybody thing. Fucking Reid loves the different fandom sets they sell. It would depend on his personality and what he likes.
“Anderson is fairly confident in his assessment that Lio is a Little similar to himself, but you never know. We try not to judge people by their demeanor and what they ‘should’ be based on society’s rules. If he were older, then maybe video games. They have plenty of learning games. I think I heard he’s a mathgenius? You could probably find something with numbers for him. Though limiting screen time for Littles is important. Little shits can try to push their limits sometimes,” he grouses, as if he’s had personal experience with such a thing, and it makes me grin.
I lose my smile though when I think of video games. I hesitate a little before asking, “Video games…some Littles play those?”