Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I’m tired and sore but I feel myself waking up even as I try to resist. It’s too cold to fall back to sleep and for some reason my bed feels hard. I open an eye to see concrete. Where am I? I sit up and rub my eyes noting that I’m in only my oversized shirt and shorts that I typically only wear to bed. How had I gotten here? I hadn’t had anything to drink last night, it wasn’t legal anyways so that was rare. I had probably cried myself to sleep like usual after my mom had died seven months back. So maybe I hadn’t actually fallen asleep in bed but there was absolutely no reason I should be sitting outside in an alley in my fucking pajamas. I tried to recall anything from the night before I’d rewatched some Supergirl while eating my sorry excuse for a dinner of chips and salsa. Then it was all fuzzy so I’d probably fallen asleep on the couch. Maybe the fuzz was caused by going little, I didn’t want to admit it but it was a problem. I’d never known anything about regression but suddenly my mom was gone and there I was finding myself desperately wanting to suck my thumb or be held. It’d taken time to realize that there was a name for what I was feeling. I still refused to tell anyone else. Perhaps though going little and blacking out could be blamed for finding myself waking up in this unfamiliar place without memory of how I got there. I at least had to figure out where the hell I was. I braced myself for the cold knowing I was probably going to have to stand it for a while since who knew when I could get actual clothes on. I stood my head feeling a bit fuzzy with my panic but I pushed it back there was no way I was letting myself be little right now especially if that's what got me into this mess. I grabbed my phone infinitely grateful these sleep shorts had pockets. Unfortunately the thing was dead, just my luck. Without a charger my phone was just a brick I had to carry around. I walked out from my alley and looked around.

I was in a city. A real actual downtown city that was definitely not my shitty on campus apartment. I looked around for anything to indicate where I was hesitant to resort to asking the passersby because they were already eyeing me like I was crazy. Then I saw something that just made my brain freeze. Only a few blocks down a building towered and on the side I read L-Corp. What the actual fuck?

This could not possibly be real. I was sure to be suffering some sort of psychotic break, really it was about time. I’d been spirally mental health wise for a while so I shouldn’t be shocked but this was unnerving. Everything looked so real but it couldn’t be because how would L-corp, a fictional company from a fictional TV show, be right in front of me in the very real city I was standing in? I rubbed my eyes. When I looked again it was still there. This day just kept getting better. Not knowing what else to do I just started walking towards the building. As I did I saw a poster, it was Kara Danvers, no it was Supergirl. This is ridiculous. I stared at it. It was a damn bagel shop and the only words on the poster were “Supergirl approved” Either my delusions weren’t very creative or I had somehow found myself in a Supergirl crazed city possibly in the National city of the Supergirl universe but that was absurd. I walked faster my eyes glued to the L-Corp logo now only a block away.

I made it through the doors of the shiny building and instantly felt how out of place I was. I had on pink sweat shorts, a maroon T-shirt that was at least two sizes too big that read “I’d rather be sleeping” and, as I now realized, the only thing between my bare feet and the ground were a pair of fuzzy blue slippers. Everyone stared at me, they were all in suits or at the very least a dress shirt and black pants. I went to the elevator not even sure of what I was doing. No one stopped me. I went to the top floor, that’s where the CEO would be right? I was heading for Lena, she was my comfort character and if this was real and she was really here maybe she could help me. I got off the Elevator and found myself in a waiting room. A reception desk stood to one side and I nervously went up to it. A dark haired woman I didn’t recognize eyed me. Maybe this was all a big hallucination. She said nothing about my odd attire and I didn’t offer up an explanation.

“Umm I’m here to see Lena Luthor, I think.” I couldn’t help the doubt that laced my tone. She raised one eyebrow.

“Ms. Luthor doesn't do walk-ins, dear.” My heart fell, this was stupid of course she wouldn't see me. I needed to see her though. The receptionist had been as kind as possible but I didn’t think I’d get anywhere with her. I glanced around then I just ran for it.

“Security!” The receptionist yelled. She must have already alerted them because they were on me in less than two seconds, I hadn’t even made it to an office door, not that I even knew which office was Lena’s. Hands were on me, oh god they were pulling me. Was I about to be arrested? I felt my mind fuzz. Shit. This would be such a bad time to slip. Then I was yelling.

“Lena! Please You have to listen get Kara please. I need to talk to you!”

Then there she was. Lena standing in front of me, she was real. She was staring at me. I heard the security apologizing.

“Ms. Luthor our apologies she got this far.”
“Ms Luthor please stand back she may be armed”

I struggled and I knew I was crying. Lena didn’t look scared but I watched her reach for her watch and press the button that I knew signaled supergirl to her distress. Then Kara was there. Holy shit Supergirl very much in the flesh and at Lena’s side and oh my god if this wasn’t so important I might have passed out from being starstruck.

“Lena what's going on?” Kara questioned, she didn’t seem very concerned with me only staring at Lena.

I was desperate. Big hands were trying to clamp themselves over my mouth as one did I bit down hard. He yelped and when my mouth was free for a second I said what I could.

“IjustshowedupherehelpIdon’tknowwhatsgoingonI-” It was all a jumble. I wasn't even sure I made any sense but I needed one of them to hear me. The hands were back on me and it really was not helping my building anxiety as I felt like I was suffocating. I also was teetering so close to dropping into a little headspace. I had never involuntarily dropped before the urge was there and I’d give in in small ways with thumbsucking or rocking myself, if I dropped now I would be out of control. Kara looked at Lena who shrugged she really didn’t seem stressed about me. I guess she shouldn’t be. I was about as intimidating as a fly. I wasn’t tall or muscular and I had on my stupid pajamas, besides that I knew I was crying, my face felt hot and wet. At a nod from Lena the hands released my mouth and just held my arms tightly to my back. It hurt the way they gripped me but atleast I wasn’t suffocating.

“Why’d you come for Lena, kid?” Kara asked, arms crossed. Suddenly I understood why criminals were scared of her. The powers were terrifying sure but her demeanor on screen was mostly goofy golden retriever energy, this was not that. I tried to explain without slipping though I felt it coming more and more strongly.

“I woke up in an alley. I don't know how I got here and then I saw L-corp. I know it’s weird and doesn't make sense but I know you guys, in a way. Kara, I know that Winn was one of the first people you told about being Supergirl. You just fell off of the CatCo roof and gave him a heart attack before flying back up. Who knows that? I know who Reign is or was and I’m not gonna say it because she’s great and has a daughter to raise and I don’t wanna mess with that. Please I know things there's no way I could know, and I just need help.”

I was so close to breaking. Tears were flowing, hell maybe I’d already dropped. I needed to be strong though I could see recognition in their eyes. It wasn’t a lot of information and it wasn’t big and important but it was something. I really hoped it was enough. Why weren’t they saying anything? I just wanted to collapse onto them. They were safe, they were the heroes of one of my favorite shows. I rushed forward not thinking I’d actually go anywhere but the security must have loosened their grip. I slipped free and made it two steps before pain rocketed through me. Someone was teasing me. Lena yelled “Stand down!” I shook. I looked down at myself and saw my shorts were wet. I couldn’t entirely blame the taser, I was feeling so fuzzy. Still, little or not, I couldn’t believe I’d peed myself in front of Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor. I looked up at their semi horrified faces and unable to stop myself burst into sobs.

I’d been crying for a while but now it flowed out of me uncontrollably. I was slipping so far down. I didn’t feel capable of anything. Then arms on me but these were smaller gentler. I was being picked up and I heard Kara saying “woah woah, kid you’re gonna be alright” I couldn’t stop sobbing. I buried my face into the suit no doubt soaking her shoulder in snot. With my cries muffled against Kara’s shoulder I could just hear Lena whisper “What’s wrong with her? Is she hurt?” I felt Kara mouthing something back but I didn’t care. I couldn’t make myself care. I was safe, somewhat. I felt safe in strong Kryptonian arms. I’d rather Lena but she probably couldn’t carry me so this was nice. When it became apparent to both women that nothing they said was really registering beyond the tone they used, Kara just started rocking me. Both she and Lena seemed confused but were instinctively treating me like the baby I seemed to be on the inside. I felt my crying stop and slowly my eyes got heavy. Kara was humming something. I fell asleep in Kara’s arms unaware of the confusion I was leaving behind.

Chapter Text

I woke up warm and cozy. My brain was still fuzzy and I was content to leave it that way since I felt safe at the moment. I opened my eyes and looked around realizing this was not my bed. Involuntarily a whimper escaped. Then feet were rushing to me. Kara was there. She was staring at me. Her face was somewhere between confused and trying to be soothing. I wanted to explain but words were hard and I still felt scared. She had a hand on my shoulder and I like that, I wanted more touch. I reached out a silent plea to be held. “Oh um you want a hug?” She asked awkwardly. The hug felt nice but I squirmed, frustrated she wasn’t understanding.

“Nuhhhh!” I whined. She pulled back looking scared.

“No hug? I’m sorry, it’s okay kid, don’t cry.” I hadn’t even noticed the tears welling up. “What do you want? Do you need water?” I shook my head, sticking my arms out again and managing to verbalize “Uppy!”

Kara looked shocked. When she didn’t move to lift me I dropped my arms feeling the tears begin. I knew I was being too babyish and she didn’t even know me so she probably hated me for it by now.

“I’s sowwy.” I murmured looking down. Kara softened. She put a hand to my cheek comfortingly. She definitely didn’t understand what was going on with me but she instinctively knew how to comfort someone. “No, no, don't be sorry. You want me to hold you hun? I can do that, I’m sorry I just was surprised.”

I peaked up at her soft face wondering if it was really okay. I couldn’t tell. “Su’pised cause I ‘posed to be big, huh?” I asked clarifying. She smiled softly, “Yeah, a little.” I looked away again but she rushed to reassure me “but it’s okay! I can hold you, it’s no trouble.” She held up her arm flexing and saying in a deep silly voice “I’m super strong see! I can totally hold a little thing like you.” I giggled, my tears gone. “Otay, uppy p’ease!” I requested.

Kara picked me up stiffly, seeming unsure but it felt nice and I wrapped my legs over her hips and my arms over her neck.When I was securely in her arms I smiled.

“Fank you Kawa” I said softly. She laughed “Of course sweetheart. Now do you think Lena and I can ask you some questions? Would that be okay? She’s waiting in the living room.”

We must have been at Lena’s place since I knew Kara’s apartment was all open without a separate bedroom. I pulled myself tighter to Kara. “Otay, I hafta get down?” Kara smiled at my sad tone assuring “No I can carry you. You want me to carry you to the couch?” I nodded though in truth I wanted her to carry me everywhere, it felt so nice and made me feel so safe.

Lena looked up as we left the bedroom. I didn’t recall ever seeing this place on the show but it fit her. It was sterile and proper all black and white and gray. There were a few more homey touches here and there like a book left out or the blanket thrown over the back of her long gray couch. Mostly though it was just like L-corp itself, something that reflected the kind of image Lena wanted rather than any personal beliefs.

Lena seemed unsure of herself as she watched Kara carry me out of the bedroom. “Um hello. Did you sleep alright?” I hummed in the affirmative which just seemed to make her more uneasy. Kara shrugged, settling me on the couch and going to sit next to Lena. I didn’t like that I wanted them close not across from me. I whined my displeasure and Kara looked worried.

The super asked “What’s wrong? Did I set you down too hard-” I reached for her. Words couldn’t quite explain what I was feeling but I could express the solution “want Kawa” Kara seemed startled before forcing her face to seem peaceful. “Sure okay.” She sat next to me. It wasn’t quite what I wanted, I’d have preferred she scooped me onto her lap so I could be close to both of them but it was better than before.

Lena starred, eyes wide. “Okaaaay” She said before collecting herself. She opened her mouth again probably to start on the questions they’d had for me when Kara beat her to it with one of her own that seemed to be burning to be asked. “Sweetie, how old are you?”

I scrunched up my face. I knew what answer was real and that was probably what they meant but it didn’t give the whole picture, I decided to say both. “Gwown up, I’s eighteen, buuuuut not righ’ now.” Kara tilted her head, I could tell she was trying to understand but I didn’t know how to make it easier for her. It was hard to explain things when I was little. “What do you mean? How old are you right now?”

I shrugged. “I is maybe fwee?” I felt the confusion radiating from the women on either side of me and I tried to explain. “I’s wegwessed.” I tried to enunciate but R was a hard sound. Kara tried to interpret “Did you say regressed? What’s that mean kiddo? I think Lena and I aren’t following.” I nodded. This was a hard explanation especially hard to give while I was little and since I’d never told anyone before about this side of myself.

“Um it mean that I’m little. Cause it's hard to be big all da time. And uhhh…” My words were failing and they still seemed confused. “I no expain good, you wesearch, m’kay?” I thought that was a good solution, wow how smart was I? Kara nodded, seeming to think that was good for now.

“So you’re just a little girl right now huh?” I nodded, smiling. She smiled back and reached out grabbing my sides to pull me closer “Well I think you’re a very very cute little girl. Does this little girl have a name?”

Kara was being sooooooooo nice. I beamed at her “Uh-huh, I do!” She grinned, obviously treating me like the toddler I said I was, seemed to be effective. “What name is that cutie?” I blushed deeply but managed to whisper out in my embarrassment “My name is Bella” Kara smiled “Bella? That’s a very nice name.”

I smiled big and wiggled to get closer to Kara so I was leaning on her. I looked up at her feeling very safe and very small. Lena was watching us and I wanted to be cuddling with her too but I sensed she wouldn’t really be comfortable with that quite yet.

Kara was so gentle. She asked me softly “Bella, do you think you can tell Lena and I what happened to you and why you needed us?” I nodded. I knew I needed to talk to them. “Ummm I woke up in an alley all alone. It was scawy.” Kara nodded affirming “I bet. Is that where you went to sleep last night kiddo? Or did you fall asleep somewhere different and then wake up there?”

I felt teary again. Cuddling with Kara was nice until I remembered that this wasn’t my world and I didn’t really know how to get back.

I answered her question “Diffewent. I went asleep on da couch at home.”

Kara made a face. “On the couch, why not in your bed? Do you remember what you were doing last night?”

I couldn’t tell her I’d been watching the TV show she was from so I said the rest of it. “I ‘member. I ate dinner then I watched TV, then I was sad and so I went to asleep.”

Kara nodded though my explanation was far from thorough. Finally Lena spoke up. “Bella, why were you sad enough to go to sleep on the couch?” Oh. I didn’t want to make them feel bad. I couldn’t help the tears welling up. “I-I m-missed my m-mmom…” please don’t ask, please don’t ask-Kara asked the question I was dreading “Where’s your mom sweetheart?” I couldn’t hold back the floodgates. I started to sob and through my sobs managed an answer “S-she d-died” When Kara and Lena understood the reason I was crying suddenly they were both around me. They cooed comforting words and Kara held me on her lap hugging me as Lena patted my back. “We’re sorry, oh honey…” Kara murmured remorsefully. Lena gestured to Kara to hand me off and though hesitant since Lena had shown only confusion to me before Kara did so. Lena held me on her lap as I cried and she just hummed and rocked. As my crying slowed so I felt I could breathe again, the ache in my chest a bit lighter, she spoke. “I’m so sorry Bella. I know it’s so hard. You can cry as much as you need to, we can talk any other time.” I nodded burying my face in Lena’s chest. If Kara felt safe then Lena felt like heaven. I knew she wasn’t as strong as Kara physically but something about her just calmed me. She was soothing and just her touching my back made me so happy. I was straddling her lap now. She brushed back my hair and looked at me softly as if finally seeing me. I could tell she was searching for little me trying to see past the teenager on the outside. I smiled wetly, cheeks still tear streaked.

“I think you need us to get you home right Bella?” Lena asked, correctly interpreting my situation. I nodded. “Are you from another Earth? Another universe maybe where there's no Supergirl, or no coffee, or just where something is very different?” I nodded again, could Lena read my mind? Lena smiled “Okay one last question and then I think we can relax. How do you know Kara and I? Why us?” I faltered. They couldn’t know. I teared up again. “Noooo! No you hate me can’t know!” I wriggled in Lena’s lap. “Woah woah, sweetie relax” Kara reached out seemingly worried I would fall from the couch. “Noooo, no you can’t know, Alex no know, nobody! It hurt you hearwt!” I thrashed as I yelled it. Lena seemed to understand “It would hurt our feelings? Is that what you mean?” I nodded, calming slightly and stopping my erratic wiggles “And huwt bwain too. It changes you and I don’t wanna tell you.” There was no good way I could see to tell them their lives, their extremely traumatizing and painful lives, were all a TV show written up by some randos in a writers room for people's entertainment. Lena nodded making meaningful eye contact with Kara that I didn’t understand.

“Okay, You don’t have to tell us how you know all that stuff right now. It’s okay.” Lena assured. I relaxed against her stuffing my thumb into my mouth and fisting her shirt with my other hand. She rubbed my back. Lena smelled nice. She felt soft too, like the best pillow. After a few moments of my silent snuggling Kara spoke up.

“I think we should go fill Alex in on all this. Bella, can you come tell Alex what you told us?” she asked, trying to coax me with her sweet tone. I shook my head and whined “Nuuuugh”, pushing deeper into Lena’s chest. The Luthor seemed surprised, her back rubs halting, but she didn’t push me off. Though I couldn’t see her I heard the smile in her voice as Kara asked “What was that Bella? Can you speak up for me?” I was feeling frustrated and so small. I didn’t want to answer all these questions. I pulled my thumb from my mouth to say “No wanna, Bella stay wif Lena!” I glanced up to see if Kara was angered by my answer but her whole face was soft and almost affectionate. “Why doesn't she come with then, huh cutie?” I debated. I nuzzled back into the startled brunette sighing “Otay!”

Chapter Text

Getting to the DEO had been a bit of an ordeal. Kara wanted to fly us over but I took some convincing. Going high up was scary and what if she dropped me?

Lena had convinced me saying “Bella, Kara carries me all the time and I’m much bigger than you.” Much was an exaggeration, the woman was smallish to begin with but I was a mere five foot two. I agreed.

When we arrived at the DEO I felt uneasy. Everything was so sterile and serious. I wanted to just be held and sleep. I knew I had passed out only a few hours ago but that sleep hadn’t really been restful. I was hungry too, I hadn’t eaten all day. I was holding Lena's hand and I looked up at her, my lower lip jutting slightly.

“Bella, is something wrong?” she asked looking at me nervously, I could tell she felt unsure of herself dealing with me. It made sense she wouldn’t know how to act with kids but to my fuzzy brain it just made me uneasy in return.

Instead of responding to her question verbally I just held out my arms in the universal sign for up. Lena looked absolutely bewildered, her hands still in mine stiff. Kara stepped in seeing the interaction.

“Are you asking to be picked up, Bella?” She asked sweetly. Although she’d never heard of regression or Littles she was a natural with kids and instinctively treated me like any other toddler, I liked that. I blushed, embarrassed by my own request but nodded looking at Kara. Lena dropped my hand as Kara scooped me up easily.

I whined. I wanted Lena, she was my favorite. At least she was on TV. “Leeena” I complained. Kara smiled lightly bouncing me “I don’t think Lena can hold you kid. Come on, let's go see Alex.”

We found Alex in her office and she looked up with a mix of confusion and concern on her face at seeing her sister holding me. “Hey Kara what’s going on?”

“Well we’re hoping Bella will tell you that and then maybe you can help her.” Alex just waited. Kara patted my hip signalling for me to talk. I didn’t want to. I just wanted to eat and take a nap and maybe get some cuddles. No, surely they wouldn’t cuddle me, they didn’t even know me. That thought sent tears to my eyes and I burrowed into Kara's neck instead of talking.

Kara was worried about me. She bounced like one would with a fussy kid. “Bella, remember you told me you could explain what happened to you again for Alex?” I whined my face against Kara's warm skin. Kara looked to Lena who just shrugged unsure why I was so whiny.

The kryptonian tried again “Bells what’s wrong? Can we help?” Her concern sent my head up. I did want help. “Hungy..” was all I managed, praying Kara understood. She smiled “You’re hungry kiddo?” I nodded. Alex watched her confusion mounting as Kara continued to treat me like a toddler.

“If you tell Alex what happened to you, we can go get some food, okay? As soon as you’re done I promise.” I pouted but agreed. Kara took a seat in front of Alex’s desk as did Lena. I wiggled in Kara's lap until she released me and I climbed my way onto Lena’s legs. Lena didn’t stop me so I plopped down.

Alex raised her eyebrows unused to seeing the powerful Luthor at such a loss for what to do. I began. “Dis mownin’ I woke up to da wrong stuff. I wasn’t in my bed an’ it was cold an’ I was here. Oh um also supergirl was weal!” I pointed to Kara sheepishly. Kara’s eyebrows shot up and I quickly realized my mistake.

“What do you mean real? I thought you knew who I was? You knew all about Lena and I?” Kara questioned. I couldn’t believe I’d said that my brain was too fuzzy. They were looking at me and it was too much. I felt tears filling my eyes and turned to cling onto Lena’s neck. I sniffled into her collar not looking up despite every comforting word Kara threw my way.

Finally they gave up on trying to coax anything out of me and Alex and Kara excused themselves as I sat on Lena's lap. I felt how tense she was but I didn’t want to leave her. She smelled nice and made me feel safe.

My tears were slowly petering out and I felt Lena shifting under me. I lifted my thumb to my mouth, sucking it to help myself calm down. I met Lena’s green eyes and blushed, popping the digit free of my lips and apologizing “Sowwy I shouldn’t-” Lena looked panicked.

“No, no, it’s okay Bella. You can suck your thumb.” She looked sheepish as she said it clearly uncertain if it was the right thing to say. I smiled “not upset?” I asked, making sure I wasn’t making her more uncomfortable than I already had. She softened and I saw the tender Lena who had held me on her lap back at her apartment.

“No darling, don’t worry about me.” I nodded, shoving my thumb back in my mouth and latching onto it, relaxing instantly. Lena’s hand began going up and down my back making my eyes flutter sleepily. Lena murmured something about getting me food but I could only grunt a response as my consciousness faded. Within seconds I was fully asleep my head on her chest as Lena rubbed my back.

Chapter Text

The whole day had been strange since Bella’s appearance but Kara found herself enjoying the girl's presence. It was certainly entertaining to watch Lena struggle to care for her. Kara’s best friend had never been good with kids. She liked them but she didn’t really get what to do with them and funnily enough this kid seemed to have attached herself to the clueless woman.

Kara smiled as she saw Lena and the girl talking through the window. She turned her attention back to Alex who looked utterly lost which Kara couldn’t blame her for.

“What’s the deal with the kid, Kar?” Alex asked her own eyes glancing to the side as she saw Lena began rubbing the girls back in a gesture so unlike the stiff CEO. Kara shrugged “Honestly, we don’t know. She showed up at L-corp this morning in that exact outfit and stuck out like a sore thumb.” Alex could imagine that. The kid was in some ridiculous PJ’s and from her limited trips to the office Alex knew that wasn’t exactly part of Lena’s dress code.

Kara went on. “She was trying to talk to Lena and when I showed up she started saying things about us, things people don’t know. She was trying to prove herself I guess.” Alex nodded.

“So what, she's from another earth? She knows us in her world?” Kara nodded at Alex’s guess which was the same as hers. “Okay but what about the… how do I say it, her behavior? Has she been like that the whole time?” Kara nodded. “Yeah she said she was um regressed? Lena and I couldn’t get her to explain much but she told us to look into it. I guess she’s not her age on the inside. I really don’t know.”

Alex grabbed her phone and started googling quickly finding some explanations. “Okay, yeah age regression, non-sexual usually rooted in trauma or as a coping mechanism. So she’s how old right now? This says you might have to ask.”

Kara smiled happy her sister had found some information on the subject. “She said she was three. It’s weird I know this should be strange to me but oh my goodness Alex you saw me carrying her she’s just so… I don’t know so cuddly and clingy. Honestly it’s really cute, look at her in there with Lena and tell me that’s not adorable.”

Alex smiled, she too loved kids and it seemed kids in grown up bodies were no exception. “Yeah she really is. So you need my help getting her home?” Kara confirmed “Yes, and figuring out what brought her here.” Alex nodded. She eyed Kara “This might take a while, is she staying with you? Or with Lena?” Alex raised an eyebrow, she had her suspicions about Kara’s feelings for her best friend and it was obvious to any and everyone that Lena had long been in love with the blonde herself. Kara still seemed to be utterly unaware of the possibility. Perhaps taking care of a kid together would spark some domestic affection between the two.

Kara shrugged “I hope she’ll stay with me but if we give her a choice I doubt it. She loves Lena, who wouldn’t though.” The blonde grinned. Alex rolled her eyes, really how clueless could her sister be?

Alex moved the conversation on. “Should I order us some food? Y’all want to get started on the tests now? I’ll need blood samples to track her Earth of origin and to look for a trace of what sort of dimensional warp got her here.” Kara looked warily at the sleeping girl on Lena’s lap. “I don’t know, maybe we should wait until she ages up a bit? I really don’t want to stick a needle into a toddler if we don’t have to.” Alex agreed.

They went back into the office where they got the full view of Bella curled in Lenas lap, her thumb hanging loosely from her lips and drool trailing down it onto Lena’s collar. Lena was rubbing her back and staring at her softly. She looked motherly. Kara could not hold in the coo of affection that left her at the endearing sight. “Awww”

Lena jolted up when she heard the kryptonian since she hadn’t realized the Danvers sisters had returned. Her jolt accidentally woke Bella who whimpered before she opened her eyes and realized where she was. She sat up quickly, clearly startled at where she found herself. She whimpered more as tears filled her hazel eyes.

“Oh rao” Kara swore hating that her startling Lena had awoken the girl so suddenly. Kara crouched so she was looking up at the teary girl in Lena’s lap. “What’s wrong kiddo? Do you need a hug?” Kara mostly asked for herself; she just wanted to wrap the poor girl in her arms and hold her safe and sound. To Kara’s surprise Bella reached for Kara in seeming answer to her offered hug.

Kara gladly scooped up the small brunette and hugged her. The girl wrapped herself around Kara, her legs over the kryptonian’s hips and her arms around her neck as she sniffled. Kara saw Alex watching with a smirk on her face and mouthed “What?” to her sister. Her sister mouthed back “Cute” pointing at how Kara was holding the little girl. Kara rolled her eyes but grinned she was thrilled her sister found Bella as adorable as she did.

“I know you’re probably tired and hungry Bella so we’re gonna go and get some food okay? Do you want to say bye bye to Alex?” Kara looked down at Bella whose eyes had once again grown sleepy but there was a hint of distress in them. The girl pushed herself up and cupped a hand to her mouth going to whisper in Kara’s ear.

Kara leaned in playing along although she could hear regardless thanks to super-hearing. As it turned out everyone could hear since Bella’s ability to whisper was the same as any other toddler making her words plenty loud. She told Kara “Kawa, I needa go potty.” Lena blushed and glanced away but Alex did not bother covering her laugh. Alex grinned impishly at her sister “You have fun with that Kara, I’m going back to work.”

Alex turned to go and Bella sadly waved “Bye-bye Alesk” Alex smiled wide at the girl's adorable pronunciation of her name, she waved back and cooed “Bye-bye Bella” as she left.

That Left Kara and Lena with the little girl. Kara set the girl down and took her hand. “Alright let’s get you to the potty and then we can get some food in that tummy.” She led Bella to the bathroom awkwardly wondering if she was supposed to follow the girl in since she was basically a toddler. Bella seemed to embarrassed to ask and Kara wasn’t about to go after her so she waited outside while the little girl did her business. Lena waited beside her.

“So,” Lena began sheepishly, “what are we going to do about Bella? When did Alex think we could get her back?” Kara grimaced “She won’t have an estimate until we get some blood drawn from Bella, and uh I really don’t want to try and get through that when she’s like this.” Lena nodded “Yeah, Alex have any insight on that?” Kara nodded

“Sure, but it all came from google. I think one or both of us are going to be doing some late night searching tonight. It is pretty cute though, right? It’s not annoying you or anything because I can totally take care of her if-” Lena shook her head “No. It actually is, I didn’t think kids liked me. I don’t know what to do and I feel really lost but she is pretty adorable.” Kara beamed “I know right, so then I guess we’re good to all go back to your place? I don’t want to leave her and uh my place isn’t really big enough for all three of us.” Lena agreed.

Bella came out her hands dripping water. Kara giggled taking the girls hands and drying them with her cape “I see someone washed their hands. Ready to go?” Bella reached up in response asking shyly “Uppy?” Kara was delighted to provide “Yes of course you can have uppies, such a polite girl asking.” Kara scooped the girl onto her hip and wrapped an arm around Lena’s waist on her other side and flew off. They arrived at Lena’s apartment just as the uber eats Lena had ordered arrived at the door.

Chapter Text

I liked being held by Kara. She was warm and I didn’t feel bad about weighing too much because she had literal super strength. I didn’t like being put down by Kara because wwwhhhhhyyyyy???? I whined my displeasure as we entered Lena’s home and Kara went to set me on the couch.

“What’s wrong Bella-bean?” Kara asked, bouncing me in her arms as I pouted. I stuffed my face into her neck, tightening my grip on her. She got the message cooing “you want me to keep holding you hun?” I nodded which I knew she could feel.

Kara hummed in response, her arms continuing to hold me up. I knew I should be embarrassed, big me certainly would be, but right now it felt nice. Kara walked through the living room into Lena’s kitchen, she grabbed the box of pizza and the bread sticks from the counter.

Lena came up to us and I felt her hand on my head. She was petting my hair. She cooed “Can you stay awake to get some food in that tummy?” I wriggled, of course I could! I stared at Lena indignantly.

“Yesh, hungwy! Eat now?” Lena chuckled as Kara patted my back a smirk on her face.”

I made grabby hands for the food and the kryptonian handed it over before Lena could protest fully as she began “Maybe don’t-” I took the slice and ate it messily and a drop of sauce fell to her clean wood floor. Kara looked sheepish as I stuffed the warm yummy food in my mouth.

“Sorry Lena, I’ll clean it up.” Kara apologized. Lena smiled “It’s alright. Give her here while you clean it up.” Kara looked at Lena skeptically. There was no way she could hold me even if I was quite small, I surely weighed a ton. Lena smiled and sat on her dining chair. “On my lap, Kara.” she explained. Kara nodded and handed me to Lena. I felt safe and perhaps younger as I wiggled myself into a comfortable position.

“Hello Bella. You seem to be quite the messy eater, huh?” I smiled as I stuffed the last bit of crust into my mouth, it seemed hard to chew but I managed. I tried to ask for more but between my exhaustion and how relaxed I felt on Lenas lap I had slipped a bit younger and could only verbalize “Muh! Peeees muh.” Lena cocked an eyebrow but saw what I was reaching for. She grabbed another slice and laughed as a bit of drool went down my chin. She wiped it away with the hem of her shirt.

“Did you want more? How about I feed you so we don’t make anymore messes alright?” I nodded. Lena ripped the slice into a bite sized bit and held it to my mouth. I took it giggling at how my lips brushed her finger tips in doing so. “Good job. More?” She asked, smiling and doing some gesture, with her hands in little O’s and then touching the fingertips together. I reached for my slice again.

“Can you ask for more Bella?” Lena asked, making the gesture again. I tried the word “Muhhhh!” then I mimicked the thing with my hands hoping it would help her understand and feed my hungry belly. She clapped and did the gesture again “More, that’s right. Good job.” Lena continued to feed me bite by bite.

When three slices were devoured and my face covered in sauce I was finally full. Lena took a wet cloth Kara held out to her and wiped my face as I squirmed. It was cold and I was sleepy. “Nuh uh!!!” I whined but Lena continued until no more remnants of my meal lingered on my face or hands. When she pulled away I sighed and quickly forgot my anger in favor of laying against her chest. I felt lena stiffen but I was too sleepy to care my eyelids already closing rapidly.

“What do I do?” Lena whispered above me as started to doze my mouth slightly open against her collarbone. Kara’s soft chuckle sounded above and I smiled at it wondering fuzzily what was funny. “I’ll take her, we should get her to bed.” Kara said and I felt hands under my arms. I whined as I was lifted off of Lena who had been such a comfortable pillow. “Noooo. Nuhhhh.”

“Kara turned me into her chest, a hand moving underneath my bottom to hold me up as she hushed my protests. “Oh I know, I’m so mean. I think someone is very sleepy, shall we get her to bed?” I grumbled but had no qualms at using Kara’s chest as my pillow instead. I started to close my eyes but Kara bounced me “Not yet. Keep those eyes open for another minute Bella.” That was unfair. I just wanted to go to sleep.

“Lena, can you set up that guest bedroom? I’ll take the couch.” Kara said as she bounced me and walked to the bathroom. Once in the white washroom I was sat on the closed toilet against my will. Kara bent to search Lena’s cabinets underneath the sink and eventually emerged with whatever she’d been looking for. She took another minute getting it ready and then held out a toothbrush with toothpaste on it. I stared at it. Why would I brush my teeth when I could just go to sleep now? I closed my eyes.

“No no no little one. Bella, can you open those pretty eyes huh?” I squinted at her. Kara was grinning and it was frustrating me. How could she be so happy when it was so late and she was torturing me? “No!” I said and closed my eyes again. Then my eyes flew open as I felt myself being lifted Kara cooing “Are you a little tired sweetie? Is that making you so grumpy? Can you just open your mouth a little tiny bit for me?” I did nothing, staring at her with my scowl firmly in place.

“The sooner you open up the sooner I can get you all cozy in bed.” That did it, I opened. Kara began brushing my teeth gently but thoroughly. I was then instructed to spit into the sink and a towel was taken to my foamy mouth before I was finally carried in the direction of the spare bedroom.

There Lena waited and I reached for her. She didn’t go to hold me but she took one of my hands grinning a bit sheepishly. Kara set me on the bed and Lena pulled back the covers helping me slide in. I wiggled down into the warmth, my exhaustion soon capturing me. Lena sitting on the edge of the bed instructed “Wake us if you need anything, we’ll both be here.” I nodded not really processing as my head turned my thoughts fuzzier and fuzzier until there was nothing but fluff between my ears. I felt a pat on my head and someone rubbed my arm.

The lights went off and the door closed but I was already asleep.

Chapter Text

Kara and Lena both let out a breath as the door shut. Their eyes met at the simultaneous exhale and they couldn’t help but laugh at their collective exhaustion.

“Who said taking care of kids was hard work huh?” Kara asks sarcastically. Lena responded with sarcasm of her own “Oh yeah, I know, it’s the easiest.” She shook her head with a tired smile on her lips.

Without speaking, both women sat on the couch just processing their day. Kara sat close to Lena making their thighs graze. The butterflies that such a little bit of physical contact with the blonde released in Lena’s stomach were pushed away as she tried to ground herself in reality.

“So… Should we get that research started?” Luthor asked, breaking their trance. Kara met her eyes looking confused and still somewhat stuck in her own thoughts so Lena clarified: “To help Bella, we don’t really know anything about regression… and umm I just don’t want us to fuck up y’know?” Kara nodded, smiling at Lena and assuring “I doubt you could mess up with her, she adores you, Lena.” Lena blushed and stood quickly to grab her laptop.

When Lena returned the two women began what turned into a two hour long endeavor to understand and help the girl sleeping in the next room. They learned a lot of valuable information, and some that both prayed was irrelevant (they couldn’t avoid seeing the sexual side of age play in their research). Although it was just past midnight when Lena finally deemed their research thorough enough neither woman pushed to go to bed.

“How long do you think she’ll stay in headspace?” Kara asked Lena, now both knew what the question referred to having gotten familiar with the regression terminology. Lena thought “Maybe she’ll wake up big, but remember that thing about panic drops? Isn’t that usually a longer regressed state? I hate to think about it but that’s probably what caused this drop for Bella.”

Kara looked a bit pained, “Was it me? Did I scare her that much that she regressed as a defense? I know she dropped after I showed up.”

“No Kara. She knows you, I’m sure that wasn’t it. It was a stressful situation. My security was grabbing her, we were both suspicious of her. I feel bad now too but we can’t blame ourselves. Now we know that she’s just a little girl we can do our best to protect her.” Lena squeezed Kara’s arm in further reassurance.

Kara cleared her throat the seriousness slowly ebbing out of her face as she turned to happier topics. “Okay. Speaking of protecting and caring for her I know she might age up by tomorrow but we don’t know how long it will take to get her back home. Do you think we could buy some supplies? I don’t want to make her uncomfortable but in headspace she’s really just a toddler and we’re responsible for her so I think we should be prepared, right?”

Kara was blushing hoping she didn’t seem too excited by the prospect of taking care of the girl. Really she couldn’t help it. She loved how Bella hugged onto her and her adorable littles toddler pronunciation of words. All of it just made the Super want to wrap her up in blankets and cuddle her so she wouldn’t have to worry about anything. Unbeknownst to her, Lena's feelings were almost identical to her own.

Lena smiled, clarifying “You want us to stock up on some Little gear?” Kara nodded sheepishly. “Great, I’ll pay for whatever we want and extra for fast shipping so we’ll have it as soon as we can.”

They sat eyes on the computer as they scrolled through all sorts of online shops for the items in question. Every now and then one of them would let out a coo or remark about how cute something was and soon after it would be clicked into their shopping cart. Lena tried to ignore the domesticity of it all, how similar the situation was to what it would really be like to raise a child with Kara. Lena’s cheelks pinkened at the thought and so wished it could be reality though she’d surely never verbalize it.

A pack of binkies, two stuffed animals and some adorable clothes later the duo was about ready to check out. Before they did though their scrolling landed them both looking at a pack of diapers. They were in adult sizes but like everything else on the site looked like childrens supplies with cute patterns. So far they hadn’t had any indication Bella would need them but…

“Do you think we should um get her some protection?” Kara asked hesitantly. It wasn’t something she would have ever suggested before their research but now understanding what she did she knew if Bella slipped any littler it wasn’t really an option. Kara didn’t want to make the girl uncomfortable but she also couldn’t hold a baby responsible for using the toilet, and if Bella dropped further that’s exactly what she would be.

Lena thought about it before adding a pack with little teddy bears on them into the cart. “Just in case, we won’t bring it up but I don’t want to be caught without if she needs them.” Kara nodded her agreement. They were ready to check out and Lena did so happily grinning at the haul, they may have gotten a bit over excited with the clothes but who could blame them when everything would just look so adorable on Bella?

Kara yawned as Lena placed the order and Luthor took that as her cue that it was finally time to retire. “Shall we head to bed?” Kara nodded as Lena got up and stretched herself out on the couch. Lena looked at her in confusion “What are you doing Kar, come on we gotta go to bed?”

“I thought I was umm taking the couch since Bells is in your guest bed.” Now Kara was flustered. For some reason the thought that she might not be sleeping in Lena’s living room both excited and terrified her though she hadn’t a clue why. Growing up she’d often slept in friends beds and she’d never had a friend as close as Lena so it shouldn’t be different and yet somehow it was.

Lena was too absorbed in her own thoughts to notice Kara’s blushing. She worried she was overstepping know but barreled on with her offer “I have a queen you can share my bed.” God what was she thinking, sharing a bed with her crush was wrong, Kara wouldn’t have been comfortable if she knew about Lena’s feelings surely! Still Lena didn’t rescind the invitation even as her mind screamed at her that she was being deceitful by inviting Kara without disclosing her feelings. Kara accepted after a moment and Lena’s fears quieted, replaced quickly by her efforts to hide her excitement at the prospect of having Kara so close that night.

At just past one both Super and Luthor made their way into Lena’s bedroom, soon finding themselves under the covers inches from each other. They didn’t speak, both their thoughts plagued by the urge to reach out for the other that they staved off by falling asleep instead. Both women were woken far too early by the sound of a girl's distraught crying.

Chapter Text

I woke up slowly. My mind was so fuzzy and I didn’t seem to be able to move very well but some soothing voice in my head implied that that was okay so I just rolled to my other side and relaxed again. I mouthed at the sheet feeling cozy and safe. I thought I’d maybe go back to sleep and found myself relaxing even further. Then I relaxed too much.

A comfortable wetness started to spread between my legs. It was nice… No! I sat up with a start, my eyes going wide as my headspace was suddenly aged up. I wasn’t my big self but I was a Little old enough to be absolutely mortified at what I’d just done. Since I was still little more than a toddler I had no idea what to do about the icky yellow wetness on Lena’s nice white sheets.

I burst into tears. “WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!” I didn’t want to wake Kara or Lena, not really but I also really wanted them. Someone to hold me and fix this and make everything better. In an instant Kara was there, a minute later Lena by her side. It was instantly obvious what the trouble was.

My blankets had fallen away in the night leaving only the sheet over me. I was sitting with that sheet now pooled in my lap and tinted yellow. Underneath me was undoubtedly worse. My face was flushing from how hard I was wailing but I couldn’t calm myself, I was terrified the two women before me would see this as the one step too far. They certainly had not signed up to clean up my bodily fluids.

“Oh baby,” Kara cooed. Well that was unexpected. My cries faltered a bit as I saw the sympathy written all over her face. Hesitantly, even though I knew the request was unfair given what it would get on her, I reached out my arms and whimpered “U-uppy?” Kara let her smile show and did not hesitate despite that she certainly would now be wet with my pee too.

The Super held me close, one hand under my bottom the other cradling my head to her shoulder. As my sobs turned to cries which soon were only sniffles she whispered to me comforts like “Breathe, sweet girl” “That’s it just breathe, it’s all okay.” “You’re alright kiddo, it’s nothing to worry about.” When I calmed enough to process the words I sat up to face her wiping my tears.

“Not mad?” I asked, fearful of the answer. Lena provided the answer before Kara could; leaning in to rub my back as she assured “No, no, we would never be mad about this darling. It was an accident and nobody could blame you for an accident.” I was doubtful about that and some part of my big girl brain seemed certain that was not the case.

“But I’m a big girl an’ not s’posed to..uhh..” I just pointed at the bed too embarrassed to actually verbalize what I’d done. Apparently Kara shared no such embarrassment as she clarified “To go pee pee in bed?” I nodded my face feeling hot as a blush appeared. Kara giggled at my face “Bella, I know you’re a big girl, but you’re not the biggest you can be right now huh? You’re still feeling pretty little right?” I nodded, it was hard to admit but it had to be obvious.

Kara smiled at my admission and bounced me a little in her arms. “I thought so, how old are you right now hun?” I had to think. I’d been very little this morning, maybe littler than ever before, between my half awake state and how safe I felt in Lena’s home it was so easy to regress to infancy. Now I was bigger and I held up three fingers to Kara “Maybe even fouw.” I added hoping she’d like how big I was today. I wanted to clarify though “I was smaller when I had the acc’dent though.” Kara smiled.

“Of course, Bella, now you’re a big girl huh?” I nodded glad Kara understood. Lena smiled at us and then started to instruct Kara “You get Bella in the bath while I clean up here.” Kara nodded and bounced me in her arms as she made her way to Lena’s bathroom. It was of course a giant space for a bathroom which made sense for the wealthy CEO.

Kara set me down, embarrassment now evident on her face. “Sweetie, is it alright if I give you a bath, I don’t think I can leave you alone.” I wiggled nervously pulling at my wet bottoms. Little me felt it was obvious she would bathe me but I also knew that meant seeing me naked and Big me was probably not okay with that.

I nodded and pulled at my shorts again indicating what was already apparent “Icky, wan’ off” Kara nodded and smiled. After starting the water she carefully began helping me out of my clothes. At first I covered my small chest but then she reached for my shorts and that became more important. Kara smiled in sheepish sympathy not saying anything in an attempt to not worsen my embarrassment.

When the tub was half full and I was standing nude in front of the kryptonian, my hands doing a poor job hiding what was between my legs, Kara dipped her hand in the water. “Bells, can you see if it’s too warm for me?” I dipped in a finger “It’s good.”

With no warning her hands were under my armpits and I quickly found my bottom half emerged in the warm water. “There we go.” Kara cooed, not seeming to notice my surprise. I wanted to protest that I was a big girl who could get in the bath on my own but I was distracted again as Kara added soap to a loofah. “Bella, can you put your arms up?” I did so and Kara began soaping me up carefully. It kind of tickled.

Kara noticed my wiggling and took full advantage when she moved to my belly her fingers poking my ticklish sides. “Is someone ticklish?” I laughed involuntarily kicking my feet out causing water to slosh over the sides of the tub. “Oh Rao, you are making such a mess huh little one?” I couldn’t stop laughing as Kara’s fingers found all my weaknesses. “Kara-hehe-noo-kara!” I squealed as I writhed in the water.

As one last kick sent a loud splash onto the bathroom tile Kara’s fingers ceased and she grinned at my pink face “Wow kid I’m just getting you clean no need to get all worked up.” I gaped at the liar arguing “Nuh uh! You was ticklin’ me lots!” Kara averted her eyes making a serious face “I’ve no idea what you are talking about now stand up.” I stood catching her smile and realizing Kara was just being silly.
Kara ran the loofah down my lower half quickly and let me sit back down. She shielded my eyes as she narrated her actions “I’m just gonna wet that hair now. Alright head up, time for shampoo.” The bath was relatively quick but Lena still completed her task first coming into the bathroom as Kara did one last rinse ridding my hair of conditioner. Lena eyed the flooded floor.

“What happened here?” She was smiling but her eyebrows were raised in concern. Kara grinned impishly back at her as she grabbed under my arms again. “Nothing to worry about someone is just very ticklish it seems.” Lena grinned her worry easing away. “Is that so?” I laughed at her cocked eyebrow. Kara held me close, soaking herself as she did.

“Are you all ready for some warm clothes, kid?” I nodded wiggling to be put down and Kara obliged, wrapping me in a fluffy towel as Lena handed it to her. I was immediately scooped up again towel and all and taken to Lena’s bedroom where the brunette had provided some of her own wardrobe for me. Kara helped dress me in a maroon sweatshirt and black sweatpants.

“Hold still, Kara can’t dress you if you’re moving dear.” Lena commented as she watched the Kryptonian pulling the sweatshirt over my head, my arms flailing. As soon as I was dressed and Lena had taken my old pajamas to join the sheets in the washer Lena asked “What would you like for breakfast Bella?”

I looked at Kara who shrugged, not helpful at all in this very important decision. “Ummm waffles? Do you have?” “I can manage that, you don’t want pancakes instead?” I shook my head. Waffles were always better. Kara squinted at me “You like waffles better?” She looked aghast. I nodded “They are better. I can put the see-ser-sy’w’up in all the holes!” Kara shook her head and Lena left as she said something about french toast.

I jumped up to go after her but Kara caught my hand. “Let’s take care of the hair first, kiddo.” She patted my head where my damp locks lay flatly. She led me back the the bathroom and hoisted me onto the counter where she could have more control over my movement. Sitting up there though I was taller than her but her solution was easy enough as I watched her float up about a foot so my head was just below hers. “Look up.” she ordered my eyes to leave her floating feet.

She brushed out my shoulder length brown hair. It seemed she didn’t have anything for curls so I knew it was going to be frizzy as soon as it dried fully. For now I didn’t really care and was more focused on the delight when Kara pulled out two hair ties. “How do pigtails sound?” I grinned, I couldn’t remember ever having someone do my hair like this but at some point they must have. “Yes please Kawa!”

Chapter Text

Kara had gotten me bathed, dried, dressed and was currently attempting to feed me. The waffles were very yummy, she was going way too slow.

“Woah Bella, let Kara feed you,” Lena tried to help from where she stood, still pouring batter into the waffle iron.

I giggled my hand darting out again to grab a handful of the bready goodness from my plate and stuffing it all into my mouth ignoring the fork Kara was holding out to me. It seemed like a good idea because now I got the big bites I wanted instead of the little baby bite Kara was offering but now my hand was sticky. Also my mouth was too full, I couldn’t chew. I stared at Kara, the waffles almost falling out of my mouth.

“I think that might have been too much waffle for you kiddo.” Kara grinned waiting to see how I’d cope. I wasn’t about to give in. I tried to chew but a bit of waffley mush fell out of my mouth.

Suddenly a napkin was over my mouth. I looked up to see Lena looking exasperated. “Spit it out, Bella. Let Kara feed you.” She sounded serious, it was kind of scary and I didn’t want her to be mad so I spit out my humongous mouthful of waffle. Lena to her credit showed no disgust and calmly threw the icky partially chewed waffle away.

My hand was sticky and so was my face. I whined. “What’s the matter now Bells?” Kara questioned. In response I held up my syrupy hand. It felt icky and I wanted it gone.

Lena knew exactly what was wrong. From behind my chair she leaned over grabbing my hand and wiping it with a damp paper towel. “Ewwy” I remarked at the stickiness. Lena arched her brow “Yes, very ewwy, I think it was your choice that made your hand all ewwy wasn’t it?” I nodded, feeling guilty, I’d just wanted more waffle. Lena softened and moved to wipe my chin “Then let’s make better choices next time alright sweetie?”

My cheeks flushed as she called me sweetie. Lena was so nice. “I pwomise” I agreed, wanting to make the older woman happy.

When breakfast was finished both women looked at me and I stared back not quite understanding what they were contemplating but happy to have the attention.

Kara and Lena spoke at the same time “I can take the day off-” “I’ll stay home with her-” They both stopped realizing they had the same sentiments. “Kara, I’m a CEO. I can definitely stay home, they don’t need me for the day to day, don’t you have work?”

Kara smiled at Lena “I have the day off at CatCo already, and I’m sure J’onn or Nia can take over the super duties for a bit. Also won’t we need super strength for carrying Bella around and if she ages up I should take us to the DEO right?” Lena shook her head fondly at the Supers rather flimsy logic.

“Okay we can both stay home, there’s no reason to argue.” Lena smiled. The conversation turned back towards me, Lena cooed “How does that sound Bella? You want to spend the day with both of us?”

“Yaaayyy!” I squealed, happy to be with my favorite people for the day.

“Yay is right, come on munchkin, let’s go play while Lena does the dishes,” Kara giggled, scooping me up and running us out of the kitchen sticking her tongue out at Lena on the way. “Kara” Lena sighed and Kara called over her shoulder “You snooze you lose Lee!”

Kara wasn’t allowed to be mean to Lena! What if they had a fight? I stopped smiling frowning at the Superwoman who held me. “Kawa! Say sowwy.” I protested wanting her to see what a meanie she was being to my most favorite person.

Kara had been distracted, her brain having already moved on from the teasing as she searched for a way to entertain me. “What did I do, Bells? Why such a grumpy face huh?” She reached to tickle my belly but that wasn’t fair! She couldn’t tickle her way out of accountability! She was mean to Lena and made her do dishes and stuck her tongue out at her which was very very rude. Maybe it made Lena feel bad and then everyone would feel bad because Lena would be upset and Kara would regret her words and I wanted them to get along!

“Say sowwy now! No be a meanie, s’posed to be good!” I exclaimed seriously. Kara stopped her wiggling fingers finally looking truly concerned “Bella how was I mean to you sweetie?”

She didn’t know? I calmed a little bit to explain it to her simply so maybe she could see what she did wrong. “You was mean to Lena. You needa not be a meanie and make her feel bad.”

Kara softened, seeming to finally understand the obvious. “You want me to apologize to Lena for teasing her?” she clarified. Yes!

“Yeah, you needa ‘pologize cause maybe she feel bad and you stuck your tongue out which is naughty.” I nodded solemnly to emphasize the point hoping Kara would say sorry and there would be no hurt feelings.

“Bella Lena knows I was only teasing her, just kidding. I was being silly, okay?”

“No! No! Lena needsa know. Cause you was meanie face to her and and-”

“Woah kiddo, calm down. Everything is okay. Lena and I are best friends, we like to joke with each other sometimes and I just wanted to spend some time with you so I made a little joke about her doing dishes and me being with you.”

That wasn’t good enough! Kara needed to say sorry cause sometimes jokes are mean to people. How could I make Kara understand? “Well I no wanna spend time with yous if you don’t ‘pologize! Gonna not be your fwiend unless you and Lenna be fwiends!” I wanted to cry. Kara and Lena needed to be nice and good to each other cause they were best friends. I wanted to stay friends with Kara but I cou;dn’t be friends with a meanie!

“Okay sweetie okay. I’ll say sorry. You’re right sweetie, that was not how we treat our friends, it’s okay. Shhhh, I’m gonna make it all better.” finally! Kara returned to the kitchen looking sheepish.

“Umm Lee, I’m sorry for making you do the dishes.” Lena turned to see her looking confused but I wanted Kara to keep going say all the sorries.

“Kara, say sorries for sticking your tongue too cause dats super mean,” I tell the now blushing Super.

It must be working cause Lena’s smiling at Kara as she says “And like Bella said, I’m also sorry for sticking my tongue out at you, that was not very nice.”

Lena stifled a giggle “Well thank you very much Kara. You’ll be forgiven if-”

“If?” Kara questioned.

“If you finish the dishes,” Lena smirked as Kara let out a defeated sigh.

“Yay” I cheered. “Now hug it better!”

Kara grinned “Alright, alright. Whatever the Kid demands.” She approached Lena and they hugged, smooshing me between them.

I turned my body clinging to Lena instead as they separated. Surprisingly Lena could hold me up. She was stronger than she looked and I beamed realizing she could carry me around too. “Yay all better!” Lena grinned down at me “Yes good job helping dear.”

Kara smiled “So are we friends again Bella? Now that I said my “pologies,” like you wanted?” I was busy cuddling into Lenas shoulder but I nodded “Okays we fwiends. No more meanie to my Lena though or no more fwiends.”

I looked up as a hand touched my head. It was Kara looking at me seriously “I won’t be mean to your Lena, I promise.” I grinned and sought Lena’s eyes which I thought looked a little wet. “Good.”

Chapter Text

I sat on the floor facing Lena’s large television. Lena sat behind me on the couch watching me. The TV was playing Bluey and I was entranced by the colorful Australian dog family. I sucked my thumb absentmindedly until I heard Kara’s footsteps approaching. I looked up at her happily calling “Kawa!”

The Super grinned at me “Hello Bella bean, you enjoying your show?” I nodded. Kara sat with Lena behind me and in the background I heard them start discussing adult things quietly.

“Should we take her somewhere? I feel bad keeping her cooped up.” Lena wondered.
“I think we should give it a few more hours to see if she ages up. There's no rush, Lee”
“Are we going back to the DEO then?”
“That was the plan, would you rather use your lab for the blood tests?” Kara questions.

Although I was still mostly just watching the TV, the combination of the safety I felt with the two women behind me and listening to them talking logistics for the day start to make me slip into my big headspace. My thumb drops from my mouth a bit sheepishly and I turn to look at the two women knowing I should probably let them know that I’m back with my full mental capabilities.

Seeing me facing them Kara leans towards me using that same sweet tone she’s been employing on my three year old headspace “What’s up sweetie? Something you want to say?”

I can’t help the blush I feel rush to my cheeks. I hesitate not wanting to make things awkward but I have to tell them “Umm I’m big again. I’m eighteen now.” Kara sits up with surprise.

“Oh,” the confused kryptonian says, seeming at a loss.

I smile back at her sheepishly “Hey” I wave. I don’t really know what to say either to these women who’ve been taking care of me for the last day, feeding me, clothing me, even washing me I realize with embarrassment. “Thank you guys for umm.. taking me, in I guess.” I think of everything I did while little and start to ramble “I’m really really sorry about the trouble I won’t go little again around you guys I-”

Lena is the one to cut me off reaching forward her hand on my shoulder in an uncharacteristic show of physical affection “Hey hey, Bella. It’s alright. Kara and I did some research, we understand about the regression and it was really no trouble, okay?”

I nod clarifying “Thank you. I still don’t want to be extra trouble. I don’t usually need to regress, actually that’s the first time it's happened involuntarily so I promise it won’t happen again.”

Now it’s Kara who reassures me “Bella it isn’t a problem okay? I at least really enjoyed taking care of you, you’re a pretty adorable little girl and I think Lena agrees.” Lena nods adding “We did a lot of research hun and please don’t think you have to be big just for us from everything we read that’s not healthy. Anytime you feel little is perfectly okay.”

They really respond perfectly. I can’t believe they are so accepting of this side of me. I’d never let anyone see it before and now two women I idolize, my role models, are telling me that they like my little side. It’s everything I could hope for and a bit overwhelming too.

Kara switches the subject, getting down to business. “Alright Bella, come up here now that you’re big I think we need to talk.” she pats the couch next to her.

I get up and sit beside her facing the two older women as Kara questions. “So I know you told us yesterday but I just want to clarify with big you how exactly did you end up here and where are you supposed to be?”

I nod and explain just as I did yesterday about waking up in the alley a few blocks from L-corp adding “I’m definitely from another universe. I know of you guys but things are different in my world.” I still don’t want to tell them they are from a TV show.

Lena pipes up “How are things different?”

“Well there aren’t superheroes or aliens as far as anyone knows.” I hope they don’t press me too much on how I know them if there aren’t superheroes. I don’t have a good lie but I also am not ready to give them and all their friends an existential crisis by revealing in my world they are mere characters. Thankfully they drop it.

Kara says “Alright. If you’re on board with it we’d like to take you to the DEO, they’re going to try and figure out what brought you here and hopefully how to get you back.”

I ask “How are they gonna find what Earth I’m from?”

Lena supplies the answer “Alex is going to draw your blood and we’ll see what frequency it has to find a match from one of the other earths.”

I try not to wince but apparently my face gives away my displeasure because Kara asks “What’s wrong Bells?” I grimace “I umm… I’m just not good with getting blood taken, or needles in general really.”

Kara nods clearly relieved it’s a normal issue “Alex will be very gentle, kiddo and we’ll be there too for anything you need okay?”

“Okay. Yeah I can do it. Yeah. I just haven’t had to deal with needles without my umm… well everytime I went my mom used to hold my hand so it’s just a little scary y’know?”

Lena’s eyes soften as she realizes why this is so hard for me. “I’m sorry Bella. If it helps I promise you can squeeze our hands as much as you need.” I smile at her and then Kara adds “Yeah I’m the woman of steel you definitely don’t have to worry about hurting me.” I laugh at her goofiness and nod “Okay we can go whenever, I’m ready”

Chapter Text

Arriving at the DEO is strange. I was already there of course but little me failed to experience the same wave of fangirl excitement at the setting. I try my best to contain it but my hands are fidgeting at my sides with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Kara gently takes my hand and I blush, she knows I’m not little but she gives my hand a reassuring squeeze anyways.

“Come on kiddo, Alex is waiting for us” Kara directs me forward, Lena trailing behind. We come to one of the exam rooms the DEO has and I see Alex there waiting.

“Hello Bella, how are we feeling today?” Alex greets, her tone making it clear she thinks I’m still little.

“Good, I’m.. umm big today so… just so you know.” Kara squeezes my hand again.

I see Alex process the information but her small smile doesn't disappear. “Well okay then. That should make this a bit easier on you. Can you hop up on the table for me?”

I try to hoist myself up. I fail. I’m a bit mortified with the three women watching me struggling to get high enough to sit on the table.

“Here Bells, let me” Kara says as her hands grab my waist easily, giving me the extra inch I need to reach the table and setting me down there. Her boosting me up makes me feel like a child, it’s not necessarily a bad feeling but I can feel it tugging at my little side which desperately wants that kind of casual care. I push it down since I have done nothing but be little around them so far I don’t want to be a further burden.

“Okay Bella, I’m just going to take your blood pressure and then we’ll draw some blood and go from there.” I nod even though Alex wasn’t exactly asking. I hold out my arm for her. She straps on the band, I try to breathe but I always get nervous about being squeezed by the test. Alex starts it and I feel the pressure on my arm as it squeezes before it stops and holds tight, then if deflates. Alex hums.

“It’s a bit high, is that normal for you?” Alex comments looking at the numbers on the monitor.

Ugh I was hoping this wouldn’t happen. “Can you just do it again? It's usually high the first time, I’m just anxious.” I ignore Kara and Lena’s not so subtle looks of pity, they must think I’m a mess to be so anxious that my blood pressure test always comes back high.

Alex agrees “Alright we’ll go again. This time take some deep breaths first okay?” I do so, breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth a few times before I nod and Alex starts the test again. This time it comes out normal and the band is removed.

“Let’s get your blood draw out of the way and then we can have a normal physical okay?” I nod to Alex but I see she’s mostly looking at Kara and Lena who must have soaked up my anxiety. Their eyebrows are drawn together and they look at me with a great deal of worry. Their concern is surprisingly comforting.

Alex preps me by putting the band on my arm and numbing the area. I cringe knowing what comes next and looking to Kara and Lena who both step forward. Kara puts her hand in mine and Lena rests hers on top while putting her other arm around to my back and rubbing up and down. “Ready” Alex asks.

I squeeze Kara's hand knowing there's no way I’d hurt her. “Y-yeah”

Alex sticks me with the needling and I feel the momentary prick. After that it’s just a fuzzy discomfort as the blood is drawn. I don’t look at it knowing it might make me nauseous. “You alright Bella?” Alex asks softly. I nod and feel Kara inch closer “You did so good kiddo.”

I feel my little space wanting to come out. I was scared and now that it’s nearly over I know being little would let me take all the comfort I need. Alex finishes and puts a colorful Band-Aid on my arm. Seeing the cartoon figures on the Band-Aid and then hearing the chorus of praise from the three women- Alex, “All done! You did great.” Lena, still rubbing my back, “It’s all right now, you were so brave, Bells.” and Kara “Good job Bella” -it all combines and serves to draw my little side out. I still won’t lose control but the pull to be little is so strong I have to ask

“C-can I be little now?” It’s barely more than a whisper and it seems to catch all three by surprise.

Kara is quick to reassure me. “Of course honey, you can always be little with us” and without I let my big girl worries go.

Tears well in my eyes and my bottom lip juts out. I can’t believe Alex just took my blood! It was so so scary! I feel my vision blur as the tears build and Kara fails to suppress a coo of “aww baby” as her heart wells with sympathy for my fear. It’s Lena who acts though with a firm but loving “It’s alright, come here Bella”

Lena's hand that was on my back pushes me off the table pulling me into her body. She picks me up briefly then sets me down still hugging me. She sways from side to side as I bury my face in her shoulder and she hushes me. “Oh sweetheart, you’re okay. I know that was scary huh? It’s all okay now.”

I nod into her shoulder because, yes, I know it’s okay now that I’m in Lena’s arms. After a minute of this I look up at Lena to see her smiling down at me.

“All better now?” She questions and I nod sticking my thumb in my mouth as I do so.

I watch Lena cringe “Oh Bella, I’m sure there are lots of germs on that” She pulls my hand away from my mouth, “Not without at least washing your hands okay?” She looks to the other two women for guidance and Kara stares back blankly, seeming in shock. Alex has no such problem.

The redhead rushes to a drawer as she explains “I’m sure we have pacifiers somewhere. That has to be better than her hands… We got a bunch when we were helping that big fleet of Alien refugees….” She opens another drawer in search as she continues talking “their kids were all coming in for checkups and pretty distressed… hmm where are-” She pulls out two more drawers before emerging with a dull looking blue pacifier, Alex rinses it before handing it to Lena.

Lena looks down at me and offers the blue soother. I pout. “I not a baby…” I whine. Lena nods “That’s okay, you don’t have to be a baby to use it. Can you try this instead of your thumbs for me please?” I nod. Hesitantly I take the pacifier in my lips and start to suck. It feels strange at first and it’s not perfect, it’s baby sized and I am not so it doesn't fit me quite right, but it does soothe me and satisfy the need to suck on something so it’s good enough.

Lena smiles at me and gives my forehead a kiss. Kara seems to emerge from her reverie still staring at Lena but finally speaking “Wow Lee… you are so good with her.”

Lena blushes and ignores the comment talking to me instead. “Ready to let Alew finish your exam hun?” I nod sucking fervently on the pacifier. Lena and Kara sit down in the waiting chairs and I make my way back to the table. This time it’s Alex who helps me up, an easy feat for the strong DEO Agent. She smiles at me sucking on the pacifier. “Alright cutie, can Dr Alex take a look at you?” I nod, feeling much calmer now that everything scary is out of the way.

Alex performs a routine check up. She looks in my ears and my mouth with a light. She checks my reflexes too. She uses a stethoscope which makes me jolt with how cold it is. She even has me lay down and lifts up my shirt as she presses my tummy and with permission lifts the top of my pants too. When I get down from the table with her help I’m weighed and my height is measured. Finally she declares “You are all done Bella! Congratulations.”

I grin as Alex leans in conspiratorially “Would you like a lollipop?” she pretends to whisper. I really really want a lollipop and my vigorous head nodding conveys as much.

“Here you are sweetheart.” She hands me a red sucker which I try to stuff into my mouth forgetting the pacifier I’m already sucking on. Alex laughs and takes the soother out for me “Here Bella, now you can have the lollipop.”

I grin “T’ank you Alesk!” I say before popping the sucker in my mouth.

“You’re welcome kiddo.” I scurry off to scramble onto Lena’s lap which she seems to be expecting more and more. She helps me up and wraps an arm around my back to hold me up. Alex turns to Kara “Kara why don’t you come with me to the lab?” Kara gets up patting my head before following her sister out.

Chapter Text

Kara and Alex stand in the lab a few doors down from the exam room where Lena and Bella are waiting. Kara turns to her sister in question as the door closes behind them “What’s up Alex? I know you definitely don’t need help with the sciency stuff.” She pauses then adds “Well if you did you would have asked for Lena.” Alex laughs at that, unable to deny the truth of Kara’s statement.

“Okay you got me. To be fair I would have grabbed Lena too but I think Bella would have had a problem with that. She seems rather attached.”

Kara nods. “Yeah who could blame her though Lena’s pretty great.”

Alex rolls her eyes at her hopeless sister “Well that aside I wanted to talk with you guys about Bella. Even if Lena is great, do you two know what you’re getting into?” Alex questions

“What do you mean Alex?”

“I mean, it seems like she’s getting really attached to you two, honestly both of you. I know I already told you this might take a while but I want you to actually think about what that means. You and Lena, raising a child.” Alex’s voice is serious.

Kara tries to argue “Alex we’re not raising her she’s eighteen we’re just-”

Alex doesn't let her finish “She’s in the exam room right now cuddling on Luthor’s lap and sucking a pacifier Kara. Do you really want to tell me she’s an adult?”

Kara sighs “No, I know she’s not right now but she is sometimes. She was this morning. Besides, how long is this really going to take? We've dealt with other earths before.”

Alex puts a hand to her forehead as if she’s anticipating a headache. “Yes Kara that was before the Anti-monitor though, there aren’t supposed to be other earths, I don’t have a database to pull from… literally anything to reference. I think maybe I can find her earth in a week, more likely two. Then there’s the part about figuring out the how and why of her suddenly popping up here, another week or two, and lastly I have to reverse engineer that or find another way to get between earths that we don’t have! That could take a month or it could take five! I know we have Lena who’s a literal genius but even she can’t make thing happen instantly.”

All Kara can say is “Oh”

Alex calms down a bit to make things clear for her sister. “Bottom line is Kara, while she might be here for just a few weeks, she could be stuck here for six months. During all of that time she needs caretakers and with her regression taking care of her is going to be a lot more than just food and a place to sleep.”

“Alright. I know it’s a lot. It’s more time than I was expecting but I’m willing to do that. I want to take care of her, Alex. I’ll ask Lena if she does too.”

Alex takes a good long look at her sister. “Alright Kara. I just want you to know what you’re signing up for. There are other options, the DEO has families who take kids in these kinds of situations.”

Kara raises her eyebrows “I don’t think we’ve ever had a situation like this.”

Alex laughs “Right, well situations that a normal foster family wouldn’t understand. I’m here to support you no matter what though, I promise. She is really sweet.”

Kara smiles “You don’t even know the half of it Al, she’s so cute.”

Alex nods and turns away as a nearby monitor dings with a notification from the blood test.

“Alright I’ve got her blood in the system. She’s O+ and yeah like I expected we don’t have a match for her earth right away, I don’t know how we’re going to find one either. Think I can get Lena in on this?”

Kara agrees "Definitely, you know she’d never turn down the chance to play with DEO toys.”

“They’re not toys Kara. I know Lena sees them like that though.”

“Maybe she can help tomorrow though, I think we better get home. You still coming to game night?”

“You still hosting game night?”

Kara smiles “Always, I’ll text everyone though if we need to do it at Lee’s.”

With that, the super heads out going back down the hall where she can hear the sweet sounds of Lena making Bella giggle.

When they got home Bella was only half awake so Kara carried the girl in and laid her down in Lena’s guest bedroom. She tucked her in taking a moment to brush the girl's dark frizzy hair from her forehead.

Kara left Bella in the guest room and found Lena sitting on the couch. “Hey Lee.”

Lena looks up and smiles indulgently at Kara “Hello Kara. You get Bella all tucked in?”

“Yes, the baby’s taking a well deserved nap. I’m thinking about taking one myself.”

Lena raises her eyebrows sensing Kara has something more on her mind “but…. You want to tell me something. Right?”

“I want to talk, yeah.”

“Is this about whatever Alex told you?” Lena asks casually.

“What-how did you-”

“Kara there’s no reason Alex needed your help testing Bella’s blood. We don’t make a big deal of it often with so many literal geniuses in our friend group but Alex is incredibly smart and besides that she certainly knows how to work the DEO tools without anyone's help. That all aside though truly you are rather obvious Kara, you’re quite easy to read it’s a wonder I didn’t figure out you were supergirl the first time we met.”

Kara laughs awkwardly “Yeah okay. You make a fair point though I don’t think I’m so bad at keeping things secret.”

“Do you want to keep this secret? You don’t have to tell me anything, I trust you.”

Those three words make Kara’s chest ache and feel full all at once. She knows how much it means to have Lena’s trust. Not just because of how few do but because there was once a time when she lost it and thought she could never earn it back.

“No, no secrets. Alex just talked to me about Bella. She wanted to give me a reality check I guess.”

“How so?

Kara explains, “She was checking that I, that we, are actually prepared to care for her. I definitely am, even after she explained. She said getting Bella back home could take awhile, maybe weeks but possibly, probably, months. With Bella being regressed so much too, we’re basically raising a kid.. I just want to make sure you’re all in on this.”

Lena nods. “I’m in. I don’t usually do well with kids but something just clicked with her it’s like… like I just know what she needs. I’m happy to care for her for however long she needs it.”

Kara lets out a breath of relief. “Thank Rao, I think she would have found a way to put kryptonite in my food if I took away her Lena.”

Lena laughs “Oh I’m hers now?”

Kara shrugs “I think you are. She certainly thinks so.”

Kara pauses to enjoy her banter with Lena and think about the small girl currently sleeping a few feet away behind a door.

“So we’re doing this. We’re raising a kid together.”

Lena blushes “Kara you’re making it sound like we’re parents.” God how Lena wishes they were or could one day be. Parents, a couple with children but they're not a couple and Bella’s not their child.

“Sorry. I guess caregivers is the word right? Littles have caregivers? But are we both her caregivers? She seems more attached to you and we don’t live together so I’m not sure how we can care-give together. Aren’t we supposed to give her rules or something? And supplies oh my god what about the stuff we ordered-”

Lena cuts off Kara’s panicked rambling not knowing it was caused by Kara’s sudden and confusing wish that just so happened to match Lena’s: being parents together. “Kara calm down. Yes I think we are her caregivers, we should talk to big Bella about it though. I agree that it might be hard not to live in the same place, I don’t want to make you stay but my house is plenty large. I think she needs us both equally. If you’re willing I think you should live here for a bit. As for the things we ordered and rules for little Bella, we can talk to her when she’s big again about what she’s comfortable with.”

Kara nods along. “Okay yeah. I’m happy to move in if you’re sure I’m not imposing.”

“You’re never imposing.”

“Speaking of imposing though, this might be the time to mention tonight's supposed to be game night. Should we have everyone come here?” Kara smiles sheepishly.

“Shit” Lena sighs. “I suppose, I totally forgot. I guess we’re ordering pizza. Again.”

“Yay. I’m sure Bella will be thrilled about pizza for a second night.”

At that the door to the guest room creaks open and a sleepy looking Bella peaks out her hair a mess and eyes glazed. She rubs a fist against her face and wonders sweetly “Where peeza?”

Lena shoots Kara a glare and Kara bursts out laughing before they both get up to care for the sleepy little girl.