Gary hadn't often done this— age regressing— but he was having a really bad day. Stressful missions just had his brain in shambles, he couldn't think. Of course he had you, his caregiver. (And loving partner.) Which made things better.

On wobbly legs, he stepped towards you, sitting down next to you as he had his thumb in his mouth. He wanted to be coddled, it seemed, as silence filled the room. He had a hold on your sleeve that he tightened, trying to ask for something.

"Please," He signed.