Chapter Text
There is confusion about what Cale is. No worries, Cale is confused too.
This world has a classification system. A system where one is classified as a little, a caregiver, a babysitter, or a neutral.
These four classifications would appear as someone grows. Either during puberty, before, or even after. However, due to the lack of education, research, and resources, people have developed harmful stereotypes about each classification.
This is especially true for littles like Cale. Usually, they're easily distinguished and hidden away from society. “Precious children” to be pampered and never grow up nor seen as a person who can think for themselves.
Cale is a rare case.
The only ones who could truly understand Littles are caregivers and babysitters. While babysitters still need to fully understand, they still have some capabilities to care for littles, even if not for the long term.
Nobles who are Little would be locked away. Commoners who are little, are taken to the care centre. The unfortunates are sold and taken advantage of… and some wouldn't live past ten.
Life is like that.
Now, despite Cale being a noble, Little Cale is roaming freely in the world. No one jn outer society seems to know what a little is or if they do, they won't think Cale is one because most littles are- you know… Not usually out and about?
Some would have suspicions but whenever they do, it is quickly dismissed as Cale stops being Little.
Bilose is an exception. He won't be the only exception with how much of Cale's little side is coming out these days.
There's still the fact that Cale's little side isn't really little.
Why is a kid acting mature for their age?
Why isn't the kid acting like a kid?
That's well… there should be a cure.
A healthy cure.
Which brings us back to little Cale meeting with the shiny prince. Cale’s mother once said that smiles can cure anything. The shiny prince has the biggest and shiniest smile Cale has ever laid eyes upon.
That’s why he’s here.
“...would young master Cale like some refreshments?”
Cale stares. Took a bite. Immediately grabbed the cup and gulped the tea down.
How can cookies be sour?! Yellow cookies…no- they can’t be?!
Why are the cookies lemon-flavoured?!
Tears welled up in his eyes. It would be a problem to suddenly have yourself crying in front of the First Prince of Rowoon Kingdom. To be accurate, Cale is whining while Alver tries soothing the noble with cookies and tea.
"they're yucky!"
Alver felt very offended.
"Don't eat them then ^^"
Silence, quivering lips, and then tears. Oddly enough they don't fall. Pools of tears in his eyes if that is even possible.
Alver wonders how he got into this situation… Well, he doesn’t know but Cale does– kinda. Little Cale has an idea to get a cure for his little problem. Little Cale knows he shouldn’t be little. Especially right now in front of the shiny prince. This was supposed to be professional.
Alver, on the other hand, is sweating profusely. He’s never had to deal with this kind of situation before. Calling someone over would make it even more awkward. What is he to say if they see Cale the trash Henituse crying in his office?
Alver has never encountered a little before. So don’t blame him for not knowing how to handle little Cale.
Even if one is classified as a caregiver, they still need to learn and gain experience.
Fate is giving Alver that experience by sending him a wild little on the loose. Like a new parent, Alver panics. He scrambles around for something— anything that would make Cale stop crying.
It’s natural for a caregiver to care for littles.
Let’s rectify that statement. It’s natural for caregivers to have the urge to care for littles but that doesn’t mean they’re a natural at taking care of them. Babysitters like Bilose are only natural at caretaking because they’re babysitters. Their naturalness is temporary.
Narrator is rambling while Alver is still scrambling~
“Wha?”
Alver has presented a … shiny ball
“A communication device”
Cale is distracted, alright. Shiny Prince gave him a shiny ball.
“It won’t activate so you can have it”
“Why?”
How does Alver explain that the thing hasn’t been fixed yet, without also telling the noble that he just gave the thing he found safest to give from his office?
“Because… you can… um”
“Because it’s broken like me?”
The prince’s eyes widen to the point it hurts his own eyes. Scratch that, it hurts him as a caregiver in general.
“That’s okay. Mama said a smile can fix anything. That’s why Cale sees Shiny Prince cuz he smiles super extra brightly!”
“I– I see…”
Alver smiles but it felt too awkward for him.
“What do you plan to heal with my smile exactly?”
Little Cale hummed while scratching his chin, his eyes were shut as he wandered in thought. He didn't think this far at all.
“Can smile bring mama back?”
“I'm sorry but not even I can do that”
“... It's ok… Cale miss mama tho. Can smile heal here?” , The little pointed towards his chest. His heart would always feel heavy. Very uncomfortable.
Alver is rethinking his life choices. He isn't cut out for this. But he's a competent person. He’ll be king so what good would he be if he can't take care of this all on his own?
“Well, that’s very hard. Do you believe my smile helps at all?”
“Nope”, he shakes his head quickly. Nothing has healed his heart. Not even sweets.
“When did you start feeling this way?”, Alver asked carefully.
Cale looked at him oddly. The little didn't quite understand. How does he discern when it started? when did he become little again? Is he little right now? oh no…
“Cale is…no I- umm… where-”
Cale feels embarrassed. He isn't little right now. What does he do? He bothered the crown prince over a stupid smile.
“My apologies, your highness, It seems I’ve overstepped. Please forget this ever happened”
with that, Cale got up abruptly and headed straight towards the exit. He walked with quick strides, holding a pent up face. The servants who saw could only assume he caused trouble and pity their crown prince.
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He screams into his pillow. How embarrassing. So embarrassing! Wish to dig a hole and bury himself in it. At least with that tiny tea shop owner, Cale could held a higher standing.
Out of everyone in this entire kingdom, why did it have to be the crown prince?!
What kind of rumours would reach his family now? Oh no…he already promised.
Papa trusted Cale… tears welled up in his eyes as he laid on the bed, curled up within the pillows and blankets. He doesn't cry tho. Cale never cries.
The weight in his chest increases with every thought that passes.
He so desperately wished mama is here. She would know what to do. With every hitch in his breathing, he cried out, “Mama…p- please help Cale…mama…where did mama go…c-Cale wants mama”
His voice yearns for his mama. He wants his mama. Why isn't mama coming?
The windows to his room opens.
At night, Cale should be wary. but the stranger gave him warmth. 'It feels like mama... ', thought the little as he drifts off into slumber.