pete had never heard of it before a few weeks ago, but he could not stop thinking about it.

patrick had explained to him how it all worked, and that if pete ever wanted to try it, he would love to care for him.

pete had been stressed out lately, having a lot to do at work, dealing with anxiety and lows in his mental health due to it all. patrick said it might help, so hoping patrick was not too busy, he crept into the office where his boyfriend was currently doing some work.

"h-hey, 'trick...?" pete asked quietly from the open doorway.

"yeah, hon?" patrick did not look up from his typing just yet.

he seems busy... maybe later.

patrick waited for another moment, listening for an answer. still receiving nothing, he turned in his chair, smiling softly at the young man in the doorway. "everything okay, baby?"

"y-yeah... I was just wondering, are you too busy? i-if so, I can come back later!"

patrick shook his head. "never too busy for you. what's up?"

pete nodded a little, quietly walking in the office. he found a seat on the desk, sitting quietly and staring at his dangling feet.

sometimes pete absolutely hated how patient patrick could be with him. he simply sat there, awaiting pete's explanation for his presence. patrick would wait all night if he had to, and pete knew that.

pete sighed after a long, silent moment. "you remember that thing you told me about?"

ooh

patrick nods, smiling at the thought of being able to care for pete like that. "of course I do, why?" he asked, hopeful that he knew the answer.

"well, you said that it might be able to help with stress and anxiety and stuff?"

patrick nods.

"m-maybe I could try it...? I've been feeling pretty bad recently, a-and I was hoping if you weren't too busy, you could help me out...?"

patrick nodded again. "I told you, I'm never too busy for you," he said softly, opening his arms to pete. "of course I'll help you out, honey." he kissed pete's head, wrapping his arms securely around him.

"thank you..." pete whispered, laying his head on patrick's shoulder.

"mhmm," patrick hummed, holding pete there for another moment, keeping him close. he hummed softly as he stood, taking pete to the bedroom. "I don't know what could really help get you into headspace since you've never done it, but I could do some stuff that helps me occasionally, and some stuff I've seen others do." he said, sitting pete on the bed.

pete nodded, messing with his hands patiently. he had to admit, patrick holding him like that helped a lot, even with just calming him.
~~~

it took being swaddled in a blanket, cartoons, and a pacifier patrick used from time to time, (cleaned, of course.) but pete was actually able to do it. he giggled quietly, watching the show, clapping as the team of pups completed their mission. "patty, wook!" he smiled, pointing to the dogs.

"I see!" patrick chuckled, holding the man close.
~~~

pete had stayed in that headspace all the way up to bedtime. he seemed to enjoy it a lot, and it clearly helped de-stress.

the next day pete awoke, smiling happily at patrick. he told him how better he felt after last night, how nice it was to simply be held, and be able to relax with it. he told patrick that he would not mind doing it again sometime.

to which, of course, patrick told him he never minds taking care of him. especially if he needs it.