III.- Of Footed Sleepers

Edward was walking through the streets of New Zealand with the groceries from the supermarket. He went out to the market to buy some things when he saw a very familiar person walking on the streets. He couldn't help but smile in nostalgia. It was clearly Dr. Marcoh's double.

He was inspecting him so much that the older man noticed him. "May I help you, sir?"

The blond man shook his head with a smile. "Nah, I was just…you remind me of someone."

"Well, I have such a common face then," said the man with a smile as he extended his hand. "My name is Dr. Mauro. I'm a professional psychiatrist. I work here since a couple of years ago, but I like it. It is always peaceful."

Edward shook the man's hand. "Psychiatrist huh? Actually, I know what you can do to help me out. My name is Edward Elric, nice to meet you."

"Well Edward, how can I help you today?" asked the doctor with a smile.

"You see, my brother…he's been having some regression issues. He's fourteen, but he still suck his thumb. And he's been acting really little lately. We had a rough infancy with the war and such, and our mother's death and…things you wouldn't understand. So I was hoping you could tell me how to deal with the situation." Said Edward, using the first war as an excuse to Alphonse's behavior.

Dr. Mauro thought for a moment. "Well, he's clearly traumatized by such sad events. The war scarred us all. I'd say…let him regress. He clearly wants to be a child again, to grow up like a normal person. So I would certainly let him become the young kid he wants to be. So when he grows up once again, he will be happier and much more centered."

Edward looked down thoughtfully, and then nodded. "I get it. Thanks Dr."

Alphonse was doing his homework, with his right hand with a pencil, doing his chores and his left thumb in his mouth as he sucked on it. He had to do math, he liked math; after all, alchemy was all about math as well as chemistry. It reminded him a little bit of home.

It was late; he should go to bed soon if he wanted to have a fresh day tomorrow at school.

Edward opened the entrance door with the groceries in one hand and another box under his left arm. He glanced at his little brother, who was idly sucking his thumb as he did his homework. The older blond couldn't help but smile. "Aww, is little Al sucking his thumb again?"

Alphonse noticed his brother and blushed, getting his thumb out of his mouth. "Sorry, Brother."

"It's ok, Al, it's cute." Said Edward as he showed him the box he had under his arm. "Talking about cute, I have another present for you!"

"Another one?" asked Alphonse with a confused look, as well as excited, like a child on Christmas.

Edward nodded. "See."

Alphonse looked inside the box and saw some clothing. He got it out an examined. He couldn't help but blush deeply as he noticed what it was. "Is this a…?"

"Footed sleeper!" said Edward with a smile as he put an arm around his younger brother. "Thought you'd like something warmer since winter is coming. Besides, it looks really cute."

The footed sleeper was light green, and really looked warm and comfortable. However, Alphonse couldn't help but feel completely embarrassed. "It's nice but…I don't know…"

"Try it on!" said Edward, encouraging him.

"Ok…" said Alphonse, and stripped off his shirt. Then he stripped of his pants and put on the footed sleeper.

Edward walked towards him and zipped it. "All set!"

Alphonse looked really cute with it, like a little child about to go to bed. The younger boy couldn't help but feel embarrassed, blushing deeply. "I…like it…"

"Wait, not set yet!" said Edward with a smile and walked towards the table, where his pacifier was. He grabbed it and stuck it on Alphonse's mouth. "Now, there, you look really cute Al. Really, really cute."

Alphonse sucked on his pacifier, wearing the footed sleeper, wondering what was going on. How far would his regression go?

Keep the ideas rolling Hyper V!