Chapter Text
You think it's hilarious, because it is. Yes, you love your big brother, but yes, he is in fact the villain. Why shouldn't he dress up as the Rat King? You're the Sugar Plum Fairy, it's only fair. It's a live performance after all, having a flair for dramatics is a part of the fun.
If only you had calculated for the overwhelming process of getting ready...
You weren't sure if you wanted to cry or laugh as bubba, Jeremiah, fixes the glittery wings on your dress, mouse ears perched on his head. You already feel overwhelmed, but you so desperately want to see this ballet.
Jeremiah says nothing when he notices you starting to slip. He already knew it would happen, his bag packed with a few regression gear that he knows will help once the two of you are inside.
No one dared to glance too hard at the Jeremiah Valeska escorting his sister into the theater, they knew better.
Once the two of you are seated in the balcony, a perfect view of the stage with plenty of privacy. Before you can guiltily tell Jeremiah you think you may be slipping, before you can profusely apologize, your older brother hands you a fluffy pastel pink bear and pulls your seat closer to his. As the ballet starts you hug the bear, your anxiety slowly melting away.
After a few songs your stress grows again. Tears prick your eyes as you struggle to enjoy the show while fighting off your regression. You feel your heart racing with the dramatic scenes. All you can think of is how you're ruining the special show. You can't help but think your bubba must be so annoyed.
Jeremiah glances at you, immediately picking up on your mindset and without hesitation picking you up.
"Come on, little princess." He says in a calm soothing voice.
He carries you out of the theater, your eyes sting as you fight back tears. Your bubba soothes you, reassuring you're okay.
"It's just a show." He tells you.
"I'm not upset, I promise." He reassures.
"Cry if you need to," He pets your hair. "I've got you."
"We can watch it some other time. You need this more."
Jeremiah comforts you the entire ride home, slipping a pacifier into your mouth. Despite the small amount of lingering guilt you begin to ease more gently into that safe mental age.
The two of you enter the heavily secured bunker. Bubba takes you straight into the nursery, despite his usually stoic demeanor, he makes silly faces that make you giggle. He recites a few of the Rat King's lines in the ballet, playfully "antagonizing" you. You don't even realize you're out of that scratchy costume until you're in fluffy frog footie pajamas.
Your bubba continues to keep you entertained, yet not rile you up given how emotionally strained you were earlier. As if making it up to you, he puts on Barbie in the Nutcracker and cuddles you on the couch.
It isn't how you planned to watch the ballet, but you're content with this outcome.