Chapter 24 Really Really Little
*After dipping my foot into the pool of ABDL/Little fics on Wattpad, I decided I wanted to try a little something different with this chapter. So this little bonus scene popped up in my brain, and now I introduce to you (drum roll, please)
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TINY BABY SONIC! Enjoy! :D*

Sonic awoke after his nap deep in little space, the deepest he had ever been. To say he was confused and disoriented was the least you could say he felt. Not bad, but not absolutely fantastic either.
The best way he could describe it was like having tunnel vision in your eyes and mind. Nothing outside of what was right in front of you mattered or was quickly forgotten. Also, names for objects, people, and such eluded him. It was as if someone had wiped his slate clean, and he had to start learning about the world all over again. Such a feeling should have alarmed him, yet...it didn't, and he was curious about what it is was like to be so young. He didn't realize he could regress further than 2, so he just went with it.
Blinking the last bit of sleep out of his eyes, the hedgehog looks up to see his caregiver still working hard on what he didn't know, but the orangey fluffy thing on Eggy's face looked tantalizing, and he wanted to touch it to see what, it felt like. Raising a hand, he grabs a fist full of the orange fluff and squeals with joy at how soft it was. Sonic tugs it closer to inspect it better; thinking of maybe even rubbing it against his face; however, a large hand that overshadowed his own prevented this, gently prying his fingers away from the orange fluff; this made little Sonic sad.
"No, no, baby, that's not nice. You can't pull on Eggy's mustache." Eggman gently reprimanded, Sonic made grabby hands wanting the fluff on Eggy's face back in his hands. It was nice and soft; he just wanted to touch it, "Shhh, shhh, don't cry. Oh, dear...Orbot, could you bring Ivo and the diaper bag for me?"
"Certainly, doctor. It will be just a moment."
Sonic felt his ears turn back, suddenly hurting from a high-pitched shrieking noise. He didn't know where it was coming from, but he wished it would stop. "Shhh shh, don't cry, sweet baby. Don't cry." Eggman cooed, bouncing the blue blur.
Is that sad shrill noise hurting my ears coming from me? I'm crying. Is that what Eggy said? What's an Orbot or an Ivo, and why won't he let me have the fluffy thing? Sonic wondered as he continued to cry, reaching for Eggman's face. Why wasn't Eggy letting him have the orange thing? Why was he not being nice? The doctor tried to put a pacifier in the hedgie's mouth to quiet his cries, but he refused it, shaking his head.
After a few long minutes, Orbot arrives at last with the requested items; the robot hands Eggman the diaper bag, inquisitively looking at the crying blue blur in his arms. "Thank you, Orbot! Shhh, shhh, settle down now. Here, look at what I've got! It's your friend Ivo!" The doctor cooes digging the toy out of the bag and presenting it to the hedgie; Sonic's cries die down as he looks at the toy in confusion.
What was this thing Eggy was showing him? It looked like Eggy; it even has the orange fluffy stuff on its face like Eggy! He slowly reached out to touch it and found it was softer than Eggy; Sonic tried to ask if he could have it, but his mouth felt funny and babbles or gurgles came out instead of words.
Eggman seemed to understand and gave the toy to him, "Yes! There you go, you can play and tug on Ivo's mustache all you like; he doesn't mind just don't pull on Eggy's cause that's not nice, ok?" Sonic giggled, cuddling with his toy, he didn't understand what Eggman was saying, but he liked how the doctor's voice sounded.
Orbot stands in the background as a spectator watching the interaction with curiosity, wondering why the blue blur was acting much younger than usual, "Doctor, has Sonic...regressed further?"
"It seems so, " Eggman mused, laying a changing mat on the floor and Sonic on top of it, "He came home a couple of hours ago very upset and quiet. Extremely unusual for him."
"Really?!" Orbot dramatically gasped, "I recall from his old files that he wasn't the most talkative when you two had initially met, but he opened up more as time went on. I can't recall him scarcely going an hour without speaking since his arrival." Eggman nodded, taking a fresh diaper and unfolding it; Sonic kicked and wiggled on the mat, making happy noises while playing with Ivo, unaware of what was happening around him.
"Right you are. The pincushion is like a chatterbox at times; it makes me worried to see him so quiet. I suspect something happened during his visit with his friends. He refused to tell me anything earlier and didn't even have lunch. I wasn't surprised when he started to regress after coming home, but he's never been in such a young headspace before...at least that I know of. Do you have any knowledge of him regressing to this point?"
"Never, doctor, and I can assure you Cubot, Metal Sonic, as well as the rest, would agree with me."
Eggman hums thoughtfully as he finishes taping up the wiggling hedgie into his padding, "I'll have to talk with him then to find out what happened. I don't want to ask him to be big; he needs some time to cool off from whatever event that caused such a reaction before we can solve the dilemma." taking the pacifier that had fallen, Eggman places it in Sonic's mouth, which he accepts this time before the human picks the hedgehog up and cradles him. "Well then, what are you going to do?" Orbot asks, looking up at his Master.
Eggman stands up lightly, bouncing the blue baby who giggles, sucking on his paci happily, "We'll wait until he comes out of the headspace, which will hopefully be sometime tomorrow. Until then..." the doctor mumbles lowly, overlooking his charge, trying to determine how young Sonic currently was.
Sonic's emerald green eyes were dilated and sparkling brightly with innocence; he seemed incapable of speech; his body was floppy and uncoordinated. That'll make bath time interesting. The doctor noted that Sonic also couldn't focus on anything unless it were directly in front of him, like an infant. Based on this evidence, the doctor guessed Sonic to be below the age of 1.
"Have Metal cook up some soft foods for Sonic this evening, and make sure to have a couple of bottles ready with some extra nutritional supplements in them."
Eggman had read of other caregiver's experiences with their Littles similarly going to a much younger headspace and the strategies they had developed to make sure the Little's needs were met. Soft foods and sweet bottles with extra nutrition helped those below 1 to ensure the Little still ate and got their vitamins.
"Yes, master." Orbot bows, following Eggman and baby Sonic out of the lab.

The evening went as Eggman suspected; he offered the blue blur a few bites of solid food, but after nomming on the pieces, they would fall from the hedgie's mouth. Some mashed veggies and two milk bottles proved to be the better solution in feeding the blue baby. After dinner was his weekly bath, the doctor had to keep one hand on Sonic's back the whole time to prevent him from flopping over and drowning while he was washed.
To which the hedgie was very unhappy. Big Sonic would tolerate a bath; normally, Little Sonic, after some persuasion, would enjoy it so long as he had toys and bubbles to keep him distracted. Tiny baby Sonic, however, was not having it; he cried during the whole ordeal. Eggman scolded himself later for forgetting about the baby bath seat as it would have really come in handy.
After the bath and giving the hedgie a pacifier to calm him down, Eggman wrapped Sonic into a new diaper and some PJs; the two then reclined in the lounge. While Eggman watched a documentary, the blue baby sat in his lap and played with the man's fingers babbling with wonder at the larger digits. All under Eggman's watchful eyes as he sipped on another mug of tea.
It didn't take long for Sonic to fall asleep sucking on Eggman's fingers, the pacifier abandoned. The doctor didn't mind and let the sleeping hedgehog be until the credits rolled. He quickly swapped his finger for the more suitable paci; the blue blur didn't even whine at the switch. Wiping the drool from his hand, Eggman turned the tv and lights off before he quietly carried his charge to the nursery.
Keeping the nursery lights low, the doctor entered, squishing Sonic's diaper, and found it wet. He quickly changed the hedgehog with a light touch so as not to wake him. It had been a long day, and babies needed their rest.
Once dry and clean, Eggman placed Sonic in his crib and turned on the mobile letting the soft music surround the blue baby with a peaceful ambiance. He turned a nightlight on and made sure the baby monitor's battery was full just in case before turning the overhead lights off completely, crossing his fingers that Sonic would sleep through nightmare-free and that tomorrow he would be in a big enough headspace to explain what had happened today.
The doctor couldn't bear to see his baby so sad and would do everything he could to fix that frown upside down.

*The next morning*
Sonic's brain felt fuzzy when he woke, and everything also looked fuzzy, but things were starting to clear up. The fog in his mind dissipated, and the events of yesterday returned to him.
The downfall of his visit with Tails, his run, crying, going home early, and falling into little space, very little space.
Sonic epped bolting to an upright position as embarrassment washed over him, and he blushed at how he had acted in front of Eggman. Sure the blue devil had gotten used to openly acting like a toddler in front of the doc but a full-blown infant? That was new for him.
He shivered and rubbed his eyes until little wavey lines appeared, and he backed off, blinking until the wiggly lines went away; he found Ivo and his paci beside him. Clutching the stuffy and popping in his paci, he thought hard about his behavior yesterday, not sure what to make of it.
The hedgehog had regressed to such a young age, well below a year old, and discovering he could not move very well or speak in such a state had honestly been a bit frightening at first. Still, Eggman's calm demeanor had kept Sonic's panic at bay, so he didn't worry about it. After accepting what was happening, the event was actually reassuring and peaceful, letting everything literally go and allowing Eggman to care for him so that he could enjoy the simple things in life. It was so freeing, and just like running, it had its own beauty. The way lights shined so sparklingly and pretty, how soft fabrics felt against his skin, listening to the doctor's soothing and rhythmic heartbeat.
Only focusing on what was in front of him really helped his brain to cool off, and all his problems seemed more in proportion and less terrifying now. The sensation of being overwhelmed had disappeared.
As enjoyable as the experience had been, Sonic wasn't sure if he wanted to do that again. He liked doing things like speaking and moving how he wanted instead of being wholly dependent on Eggman for everything. For example, the blue blur always intentionally used his diaper, never having an accident, even in his little space despite his unpotty training. Yesterday, however, he never was aware that his diaper had been used until Eggman started to change him. So yeah, he wasn't too enthusiastic about regressing below the age of 1 or 2 again in the future.
The sound of footsteps alerted Sonic that someone had just entered his room, and he turned, looking up to see Eggman in front of his crib, "Morning, my little sunshine." the hedgehog smiled and raised his arms. Eggman picked him up and rubbed the fur on his head, "Baby, how old do you feel today?" the doc whispered in his ear. Sonic pulled out his paci to speak properly. "I feel like myself today." The doctor jumped, startled by the not-so childish voice he had been expecting, "Oh? Then why the pacifier?" the blue blur shrugged at the question, nuzzling Eggman and mumbling, "I just wanted something comforting."
"That's fine. Come, you didn't have much dinner last night, so I'm sure you're starving." the doctor smiles, carrying his charge to the dining room; Sonic's face turns red, recalling yesterday evening's bottle feeding as his stomach growls loudly and he pops the pacifier back in, hiding his head in Eggman's shoulder. The human chuckles at this cute display.
A moment later, they enter the dining room, and Eggman places Sonic in his high chair, the blue blur smiles, eagerly anticipating another one of Metal's delicious meals. Said robot walks by, beeps a bright good morning, and places a dish of scrambled eggs, chewy bacon, avocado toast, chocolate drizzled fruit, and a bottle of apple juice.
Sonic licked his chops and dug in, scarfing it all down with vigor. Eggman watched with amusement eating his own dish; he felt more confidant that today would be a better day seeing the blue blur act more like himself. Sonic burped loudly when he finished and sighed in relief, having a full stomach, relaxing in his chair. He was interrupted from almost dozing off when Eggman used a napkin to wipe bits of food off his face.
"Thanks," he mumbles shyly, "My pleasure, baby," Eggman replies, putting away the dirty napkin on his own empty plate and removes the tray. The doctor picks Sonic up and takes him to his office; the blue devil looks at Eggman quizzically and with a bit of worry. He hadn't been in this room in several months.
"Don't worry; I just want to have a small talk. You're not in trouble, sweetheart." Eggman rubs his back reassuringly, noticing the hedgehog tensing up; Sonic releases a breath at that. For a moment, he had been worried that Eggman was going to scold him for his behavior yesterday. Sonic laxes his hold letting Eggman lower him down on an office chair; he tugs on the cuffs of his gloves while the doctor sits at the desk. The air in the room turns more serious as Eggman clears his throat; the blue blur's ears react, standing in attention.
Preparing to assume his role as "the doctor," Eggman turns on his bedside manners, yet mindful that he needed to keep it casual, he begins speaking calmly, "How are you feeling today."
"Uh, fine, I guess? Better than yesterday." the doctor hums, nodding his head, "That's good. You had me worried there for a while; you were so upset and then regressed to a very young age." Sonic felt butterflies in his belly flutter and his cheeks warm with embarrassment. "Sorry, doc. I didn't mean for that to happen...I didn't think, or know-" he was silenced when Eggman lifted a hand for him to stop.
"It's alright. I was just caught off guard, is all. Thankfully I was prepared." Sonic tilted his head, taking those words in, and realized that the doc was correct, "Hey yeah, you were! You didn't freak out or anything. How did you know what to do?" Eggman leans back and chuckles, "I did my research. Before I started you on age regression therapy, I had to be prepared for whatever age you could have possibly regressed to so I could care for you appropriately. Not everyone regresses to a toddler. Most only regress to a certain age whether it be teenager, child, toddler, infant, or their age may change in a wide range depending on the individual and circumstances. Yesterday, for example, you were emotionally distressed more so than normal and thus regressed to a younger age than you usually do."
Sonic slowly nodded his head, it made sense, and he felt a little silly for not realizing that the doctor would have done so much research before trying this therapy on him to be prepared. The hedgehog was surprised to hear that one's regression age wasn't a fixed state but could fluctuate; he felt at ease knowing that yesterday's episode wasn't anything to be concerned about. However, it didn't lessen how flustered he felt for having been in that state in the first place.
"Oh! Ok. Heh, well, that makes me feel better. I was a little worried that something was wrong with me when that happened yesterday."
"Nothing to concern yourself with, Sonic. All perfectly normal." the doctor goes quiet after that, acting apprehensive about what he wanted to say next. The blue devil realizing what Eggman wanted to say, smiles assuringly that it was ok to ask; the doctor acknowledges the sign and continues, "What is concerning...is what had caused you to react that way. You were very much not yourself."
Sonic moved his gaze to the floor he had been waiting for the doctor to ask him that, taking a moment to collect his thoughts, the blue blur breathed in before answering with a soft voice. "I...got into a fight with Tails yesterday." he sighed and ran a hand through his quills, "Tails had been really suspicious about this contract since it started. I've tried to talk with him and show him that everything is ok, but he just won't let this go. He's convinced that you're brainwashing me or you've made me your...pet," he grimaced, spitting that last word out in disgust.
"Which I know is not true! I've tried so many times to explain it to him, and for a while, he quit, and I thought maybe I had finally convinced him, but yesterday..." Sonic gulps as he feels his eyes begin to water; Eggman says nothing waiting for the hedgehog to gather himself before continuing.
"He uh...he said I'd changed too much and that I'm not the same brother he had as I was before-" he chokes as unwanted tears pour out; he mutters a curse the Eggman doesn't hear and roughly wipes his eyes. Shit, I can't get through one day without crying. Hate this shit. A tissue is waved in front of his face, and Sonic whispers thanks before wiping his eyes and blowing his nose.
He sharply sniffs again, "Doc, have I really changed that much?" Eggman heaves a sigh, "I won't lie to you, baby. You have changed some since you came here, but I wouldn't say in a bad way."
"But I'm not the same as I was before."
"No, your not. Though it's no fault of your own, changes in behavior are to be expected with your current set of circumstances. Quite frankly, I'd be worried if you didn't."
"Really?" Sonic sniffs looking at the doctor, not understanding, "Why?"
"In this case, change means progress. We're addressing your issues and are working on fixing them to help get your mental health back to normal. No change means your condition would deteriorate, and eventually, your mental health would suffer and your physical. So really, the changes you've made have been positive. And look at what it's done for me! Would you say I've changed along with you?"
"Yeah, " Sonic said with a small smile, "You've changed a lot your not a bad guy anymore. You're my Eggy!" The doctor blushes at the warm statement feeling proud for having gained that title, "So I am." he leans over the desk and grasps the hedgehog's gloved hand, gently squeezing it. "And I always will be."
The blue blur smiles wider, his heart flipping like a gymnast. Despite his initial resistance, Sonic didn't regret all that had happened over the last few months. He had never had someone to look after him before, and having Eggman be his caregiver made him feel so special; the hedgehog got tingles and butterflies in his stomach every time he thought about it.
He looks at his guardian with love before his smile fades and his brows furrow, "Eggman...what do I do about Tails? I'm scared he doesn't want me as a brother anymore. What if he hates me now?"
"Did you tell him about your decision to stay with me?"
"I didn't get a chance, and when we started to fight, it...didn't seem like the best time." Eggman nodded in understanding, "I don't know, sweetheart. From what you've told me, it doesn't sound like he wants this situation to happen and refuses to believe that it will." Sonic's shoulders sag in disappointment, and he gazes down sadly; the doctor rubs his hand in comfort silently for a few moments when a sudden idea struck Eggman. "Do you think Tails would be willing to listen to what Shadow or Rouge could say about all this?"
The blue devil twitched an ear pondering on the thought. Though they were not close friends, Rouge and Shadow were more than acquaintances. They knew all that was going on on both parties and could serve as a good neutral opinion. Lord knows the bat and ultimate life form were both smart as whips and could be trusted, even if they were spies and agents of G.U.N.
A spark of hope ignited in Sonic; perhaps Tails would come around after all? He slowly nodded his head, "I think he would listen to them." Eggman did the same as he said, "Don't worry, baby, things will work out in the end. I'll be sure to talk with them about that next week." Sonic smiled gratefully.
It never ceased to amaze him how far the doctor had come and the lengths the human would go to make him happy. Doing whatever he could just to see a smile on the blue devil's face. Sonic wished he could do something in return, there had to be some way for him to show his appreciation, but he'd think about it later.
Hopping off his seat Sonic ran into the doctor's arms, hugging him tightly, "Thank you, Eggy!" he mumbles. "Any time, baby. Any time..." Eggman says, patting the blue blurs back; he then coughs awkwardly, pulling the hedgehog away yet keeping a hold of his shoulders. "That's enough serious discussion for today; how about we be lazy and watch a movie, huh?" Sonic gasps in delight, "Can Metal watch too! And we has popcorn and soda and candy too!" he asks in his childish voice.
He knew the doc was trying to get him to slip on purpose, and he didn't mind one bit; the distraction from the emotional past few days was more than welcomed.
"Well, of course! And it wouldn't be a movie without all the snacks, now would it?"
"Yay!" Sonic cheers throwing his hands in the air and giggling when Eggman tosses him in the air catching him back in his safe arms. The doctor sends a message to Metal about the movie and snacks while Sonic chattered away, trying to decide what the best movie was to watch first.