Kaylee squirmed uncomfortably as Ash finished pulling the last piece of her outfit into place—a pastel pink romper adorned with frills, ribbons, and matching lace-edged baby socks. The snug fit and overtly infantile design made her cheeks burn with humiliation, but Kaylee bit her tongue, knowing any protest would likely be met with teasing rather than sympathy.

As Ash reached for a pair of tiny, soft shoes to complete the look, Kaylee held up a hand, her voice hesitant but firm. “Leave those out,” she murmured, her face flushing even deeper.

Ash paused, raising an eyebrow. “Why? They match perfectly.”

Kaylee shifted on the bed, her gaze dropping as she explained. “Amazon parents sometimes leave Littles in just socks. It makes them look even more helpless—and it’s a subtle way to keep them from running. Socks don’t give any traction on smooth floors.”

Ash studied her for a moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she gave a slow nod, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “Good idea,” she said, placing the shoes back in the closet. “Thanks for the tip, baby girl.”

Kaylee winced at the nickname, but Ash scooped her up effortlessly before she could respond, cradling her in her arms. “You’re proving to be quite the helpful little one already,” Ash teased, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.

They left the apartment, Kaylee clutching tightly to Ash’s arm as they stepped into the elevator. Each floor they descended only amplified her growing sense of dread. She could feel the blush creeping up her neck as they approached the ground level, where a massive supermarket sprawled across nearly the entire floor.

Kaylee saw the bustling crowd through the glass entrance as the elevator doors opened. Her humiliation surged as she imagined the stares and coos she was bound to attract in her current state.

True to her fears, Ash headed straight for a pushcart, setting her bag into the cart’s main compartment before returning to Kaylee. The mortified Amazon barely had time to protest before Ash lifted her and deposited her into the cart's baby seat, her diaper crinkling audibly as she settled into place.

Kaylee’s face burned as Ash buckled her securely, the harness pressing snugly against her chest. The soft padding of the seat only heightened her sense of infantilization, as if the cart had been designed specifically for someone in her current state.

Ash pulled a pacifier from her bag, holding it up with a smirk. “You’ll want this,” she said, popping it gently into Kaylee’s mouth before Kaylee could respond—the soothing rubber teat pressed against her tongue, muffling any protests she might have voiced.

As Ash pushed the cart into the supermarket, Kaylee felt every pair of eyes on her—or at least, that’s how it seemed. She caught glimpses of knowing smiles and heard faint coos from passersby, their gazes lingering long enough to make her squirm.

Despite the overwhelming mortification, Kaylee forced herself to stay quiet, nursing the pacifier and gripping the cart’s edges. She reminded herself of the resolve she’d made earlier: if earning Ash’s trust meant enduring this, she would have to accept her new role—for now.

Ash seemed unbothered by the attention; her posture relaxed as she steered the cart toward the baby aisle. “See?” she said lightly, her tone teasing. “You’re already blending in perfectly, little one. Let’s ensure we stock up on everything you need to keep that image going.”

Kaylee whimpered softly behind the pacifier, her cheeks flushed as Ash began examining the shelves, clearly enjoying herself.

Kaylee's mind swirled with mixed emotions as Ash pushed the cart steadily through the supermarket aisles. While she tried to focus on helping Ash, subtly nodding or pointing to items they needed to comply with the Little Care Act, the weight of her predicament pressed down on her. Each addition to the cart—a bottle warmer, pacifiers, bibs, baby powder, and more—seemed to hammer home her diminished state.

Her humiliation peaked when Ash stopped in front of the diaper aisle. The shelves stretched endlessly before them, stacked with colorful boxes boasting extra absorbency, maximum comfort, and the cutest designs. Kaylee’s cheeks burned as she watched Ash examine the options with genuine care, eventually adding several large boxes to the cart.

Kaylee squirmed in her seat, her gaze fixed downward. She knew those diapers were for her, the thought making her stomach churn. Unfortunately, the churning sensation wasn’t just from her embarrassment.

A familiar pressure was building in her abdomen, and Kaylee shifted uncomfortably, trying to suppress the growing need. The straps of the baby seat held her snugly in place, preventing her from adjusting enough to find relief. She gripped the sides of the cart tightly, her knuckles whitening as she clenched her muscles.

The pressure only grew worse as Ash continued down the aisle, seemingly taking forever to inspect every detail on the packaging of various items. Kaylee’s breathing quickened, her body betraying her as her control began to slip.

With a muffled whimper behind her pacifier, Kaylee’s body gave in. She hunched forward as much as the straps allowed, her face burning with humiliation as she felt the inevitable happen.

The release was slow at first, a soft, muffled sound accompanying the mess as it pushed out into her diaper. The snug, infantile outfit she wore only added to the sensation, the tight fabric spreading the mess across her bottom and pressing it firmly against her skin.

The seat of the cart offered no reprieve. The firm surface pushed back against her diaper, causing the mess to squish further with each movement. The warmth spread quickly, encasing her in an undeniable reminder of her helplessness.

Kaylee’s cheeks glowed red-hot as she whimpered again, unable to do anything but endure the sensation. The bulk of her diaper swelled slightly beneath her, the snug harness of the cart seat pressing her even closer to the aftermath.

Oblivious to Kaylee’s predicament, Ash continued adding items to the cart, chatting softly about what might be needed. Kaylee’s head dropped, her pacifier bobbing faintly as she nursed it out of habit, trying to find comfort in the humiliating moment.

When Ash finally returned to the cart, she paused, tilting her head as she studied Kaylee. Her eyes narrowed slightly in thought before a small, knowing smirk tugged at her lips. “Well,” she said softly, her tone teasing but not unkind, “I guess it’s a good thing we stocked up on diapers, isn’t it?”

Kaylee’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with embarrassment as she avoided Ash’s gaze. The cart's straps kept her securely in place, and her warm, messy diaper was an unavoidable reality. She whimpered softly, her pacifier still in her mouth, as Ash pushed the cart forward.

“Don’t worry, baby,” Ash said, her tone light. “We’ll get you cleaned up soon enough. But let’s finish up first—no sense in wasting a clean diaper just yet.”

Kaylee groaned softly, sinking as much as she could into the seat, the mortification of her situation settling heavily in her chest.

As they navigated the baby aisle, Kaylee felt a twinge of unease. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed an Amazon woman lingering nearby, her sharp gaze fixed on them. The woman’s expression was smug curiosity, and her lips curled slightly as she observed Ash and Kaylee interacting.

Kaylee squirmed in the cart seat, the warm, messy diaper beneath her making her discomfort even more acute. She lightly tugged Ash’s sleeve, whispering urgently, “Check my diaper.”

Ash blinked, pausing mid-reach for a pack of baby wipes. “What?” she asked, clearly confused.

“Just do it,” Kaylee whispered, her voice tense as she flicked her eyes toward the observing Amazon. “Please.”

Kaylee felt the humiliation burn deep in her chest as Ash followed her earlier suggestion, unclasping her from the cart seat and hoisting her up to check her diaper. The motion itself was degrading enough, but the act of being held up like that—her messy diaper prominently on display—made it almost unbearable.

Ash tugged the back of her frilly diaper cover aside, peeking in with exaggerated cheer. “Oh, what a good girl,” Ash cooed, her tone loud and deliberate. “You made such a big mess for Mommy!”

Kaylee’s face burned hot with shame, her hands balling into fists as she tried to suppress the indignation rising within her. The sound of crinkling plastic and the subtle shift of her diaper’s bulk against her only made it worse.

She saw the Amazon woman step closer from the corner of her eye, her sharp gaze zeroing in on Kaylee like a hawk spotting prey. The woman’s smirk widened as she crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly.

“That’s exactly how Littles should be,” the woman said, her tone syrupy with condescension. “It’s so refreshing to see one who knows her place—and is kept there.”

Kaylee’s breath hitched, the humiliation mixing with a bubbling sense of indignation. Knows her place? The words stung, twisting like a knife in her already wounded pride. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped the fabric of Ash’s shirt, the realization of how low she’d been reduced pressing down on her like a weight.

The woman’s smug expression pushed her over the edge. Her indignation flared hot, overwhelming her better judgment. Kaylee snapped before she could stop herself, her voice sharp and defiant: “I’m not a Little!”

The words hung in the air, freezing the moment. The woman’s smirk vanished, replaced by a look of perplexed offense. Her piercing gaze bore into Kaylee as if trying to comprehend the audacity of what she’d just heard.

“Excuse me?” the woman said, her tone dangerously low. She took a deliberate step forward, her posture oozing authority.

Ash stiffened, her arms tightening instinctively around Kaylee as she glanced between her and the Amazon. The tension was palpable, and for a heartbeat, no one moved.

Kaylee’s eyes widened as the full weight of her mistake crashed down on her. What had she done? She immediately realized that she should have stayed quiet, swallowed her pride, and endured humiliation. She could feel Ash’s hesitation and the subtle shift in her grip, and she knew that the woman would step in if Ash didn’t act quickly.

Her heart pounded as desperation took hold. Ash wasn’t saying anything, wasn’t reprimanding her for her outburst, and Kaylee knew what needed to happen. She tilted her head up, whispering urgently, her voice trembling. “Spank me.”

Ash blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. “What?” she whispered back, clearly caught off guard.

“Spank me,” Kaylee repeated, her voice more insistent this time. Her cheeks burned with shame, but she pressed on. “It’s what she’s expecting. If you don’t… she will.”

Understanding flickered in Ash’s eyes, followed by a flash of hesitation. But the Amazon woman was watching them closely now, her arms crossed, her gaze expectant. Ash sighed, shifting her grip on Kaylee and sitting on the cart's edge.

“Little one,” Ash said, her voice firm but not unkind. “You know better than to speak out of turn.” She adjusted Kaylee’s position, laying her across her lap with practiced ease.

Kaylee felt her heart drop as she was positioned, her legs dangling awkwardly as Ash secured her in place. The first smack landed on her diapered bottom with a soft thud, the thick padding muffling the impact but amplifying the mortification.

Another smack followed, then another, the rhythm steady as Ash delivered the “punishment.” Each strike pressed the warm, messy diaper further against Kaylee’s skin, spreading the bulk uncomfortably. The sensation made her stomach churn, but it was the sheer humiliation of being spanked publicly that broke her.

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she began to cry softly, her sobs muffled by the pacifier still in her mouth. The Amazon woman’s smirk returned, her approving nod a sharp contrast to Kaylee's overwhelming shame.

“That’s better,” the woman said, her tone smug. “Teaching her properly. Littles need clear boundaries.”

Ash gave a tight, polite smile, her hand resting lightly on Kaylee’s back as she straightened up. “Thank you,” she said coolly. She lifted Kaylee back into her arms, cradling her as the small Amazon sniffled quietly against her shoulder.

As the woman walked away, Ash glanced down at Kaylee, her voice soft but firm. “We’ll talk about this later,” she murmured, her protective grip on Kaylee tightening briefly.

Kaylee nodded faintly, her head resting against Ash’s chest as they continued shopping. She felt utterly defeated, but a small part of her was relieved. They had avoided something far worse—for now.

At the checkout, the cheerful cashier’s eyes immediately lit up upon seeing Kaylee perched in Ash’s arms. “Oh, isn’t she just the sweetest little thing!” the woman cooed, leaning forward to retrieve a lollipop from a jar beside the register. She unwrapped it deftly and held it out to Kaylee. “Here you go, sweetheart. For being such a good girl.”

Kaylee hesitated, her face flushing as her gaze flicked to Ash. A subtle nod from Ash prompted her to take the lollipop with trembling fingers. “Th-thank you,” Kaylee murmured, her voice barely audible as she nursed her pacifier. She knew it was expected of her and didn’t dare risk another scene.

The cashier beamed, clearly delighted. “What wonderful manners! You’ve got a treasure on your hands,” she said to Ash, who smiled politely.

“Thanks,” Ash replied lightly, grabbing the receipt. She collected a single bag of essentials, leaving the bulkier items for the building’s workers to deliver, before heading toward the exit with Kaylee securely in her arms.

The hum of activity faded as they stepped into the elevator, the quiet enclosure contrasting the bustling supermarket. Ash pressed the button for her floor, the soft glow of the panel reflecting in her eyes as she leaned back against the wall.

Kaylee shifted slightly in Ash’s arms, her small hands gripping the edges of her romper. She hesitated, then glanced up at Ash. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “For… for listening to me. About, you know… what Amazons expect. If you hadn’t… I don’t know what would’ve happened.”

Ash looked down at her, her expression unreadable for a moment before she gave a small nod. “You’re welcome,” she replied, her tone thoughtful. “And thank you, too. I’ve dealt with Littles and babies in daycare, but being a Mommy? That’s… different.” She sighed, her grip on Kaylee adjusting slightly. “I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I hadn’t listened to you back there. This is going to be… a challenge. For both of us.”

Kaylee bit her lip, her gaze dropping. A pang of regret tugged at her chest, the reality of her situation pressing down on her like a weight. She didn’t want to get used to any of this. She didn’t want to be in this position at all. But as much as she hated it, she knew there was little she could do to change things for now.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Ash stepped out into the hallway, her steps steady as she carried Kaylee back toward the apartment. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was heavy with unspoken thoughts, each woman wrestling with her emotions.

Ash set the bag on the counter as they entered the apartment and gave Kaylee a small squeeze. “We’ll figure it out,” she said softly, quiet and determined. One way or another.”

Kaylee nodded faintly; the lollipop still clutched in her hand as Ash carried her toward the living room. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but for now, she could only hope they would find a way to navigate this strange, humiliating new reality.

As they entered the living room, Ash shifted Kaylee slightly in her arms, her gaze scanning the space. Before Ash could set her down, Kaylee held up the lollipop she’d been given, her expression uneasy. “Can you… toss this out?” she asked hesitantly.

Ash frowned, puzzled. “Why? It’s just candy.”

Kaylee shook her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Not always. Sometimes, the candy made for Littles is… mixed with other things. You know, to make us more ‘compliant.’” Her voice dropped to a whisper, the humiliation of explaining such a thing evident in her tone.

Ash’s brows furrowed as realization dawned, her eyes widening slightly. “Seriously?” she asked disbelief in her voice. But the look on Kaylee’s face was answer enough. Without another word, Ash plucked the lollipop from Kaylee’s hand and strode to the kitchen, deftly tossing it into the trash. “Good call,” she muttered, shaking her head as she returned.

Setting her bag down, Ash spread a changing mat across the couch, her movements efficient as she gestured for Kaylee. “Come on, let’s get you sorted out.”

Kaylee felt relief as Ash laid her down. The messy bulk of her diaper was a constant, uncomfortable reminder of her situation. Ash worked quickly, her hands surprisingly gentle, peeling back the frilly diaper cover and unfastening the tabs. The cool air hit Kaylee’s skin, and she shivered slightly, her face burning as Ash cleaned her up.

As Ash worked, Kaylee bit her lip, glancing up at her. “You’ll need to keep track of this, you know,” she said softly.

Ash paused, raising an eyebrow. “Keep track of what?”

“My… diaper usage,” Kaylee murmured, her voice barely audible. “If an Amazon official ever does an inspection, they might ask for records. It’s part of the Little Care Act.”

Ash’s expression darkened slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line as she resumed cleaning Kaylee. “Of course it is,” she muttered under her breath, clearly irritated by the invasive nature of the rule. “Fine. I’ll start keeping a log.”

Kaylee nodded faintly, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. “Thank you,” she whispered, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as Ash finished the change.

Once Kaylee was clean and dry, Ash secured the fresh diaper around her and adjusted her romper back into place. She lifted Kaylee into her arms, her expression softening slightly as she looked down at the smaller woman. “Is there anything else I should know?” she asked, her tone lighter, almost teasing.

Kaylee hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. “Not right now,” she said softly, though the weight of their new reality lingered heavily in the air.

Ash nodded, settling Kaylee on the couch and brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Good. Then let’s take a moment to breathe before we tackle anything else.”

The silence between Ash and Kaylee hung heavy as they sat on the couch. Kaylee was tucked against the cushions, her newly changed diaper crinkling softly whenever she shifted. Ash sat nearby, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees, her hands clasped as she stared into the distance. The tension between them felt like a physical weight, the awkwardness lingering after everything they had endured together.

Finally, Ash broke the silence, her voice quiet but steady. “What do you want, Kaylee?”

Kaylee blinked, the unexpected question pulling her from her thoughts. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… what do you want from life? What’s your plan?” Ash turned to look at Kaylee, her expression curious but cautious. “We’re in this… situation now, but I figure there’s still room to think about what comes next.”

Kaylee hesitated, her gaze dropping to her hands. She fiddled with the hem of her romper, her fingers smoothing the fabric as she thought. After a moment, she took a deep breath, meeting Ash’s eyes. “I want a family,” she said softly, her voice trembling with vulnerability.

Ash raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise. “A family?”

Kaylee nodded, her grip on the fabric tightening. “My time with Welby, with you, Emily, and Hannah… it was blissful. I felt part of something real for the first time in a long time. I loved every moment of it.” She paused, her cheeks flushing slightly. “But I want more than that. I want to have kids of my own. Amazon kids. I want to start a family.”

Ash’s expression softened, and she leaned back slightly, her arms crossing over her chest as she listened.

“I want to get away from this,” Kaylee continued, gesturing vaguely to her current state. “From having Littles. I’ve realized that my actions with you showed me how much the Amazon mindset had gotten to me. I let it seep in, and I didn’t even realize how far I’d gone until it was too late.”

Her voice cracked slightly, and she looked down again, her eyes glistening. “I hate what I did to you, Ash. I hate what it says about me. And I don’t want to be that person anymore. I need to be free of it. I need time to clear my head and figure out who I am outside of all this.”

Ash was quiet for a long moment, her gaze steady as she studied Kaylee. Finally, she nodded slowly. “That’s… a lot to unpack,” she said carefully, her tone free of judgment. “But it sounds like you’ve been doing some serious thinking.”

“I have,” Kaylee said softly. She glanced at Ash, her expression pleading. “I don’t expect you to trust me again, not after what I did. But I promise… I’m going to work on myself. I want to make things right.”

Ash sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “I appreciate that,” she said, her tone honest. “And for what it’s worth… I hope you find what you’re looking for. It won’t be easy, but you’re ready to start trying.”

Kaylee gave a faint smile, her eyes still filled with emotion. “Thank you,” she whispered.

The tension between them didn’t fully dissolve, but the conversation felt like the first step toward something better. As the two sat in silence again, the quiet wasn’t as heavy as before. There was a tentative understanding between them now—a bridge that might, one day, lead to healing.

Ash leaned back against the couch, her head tilted slightly as she considered Kaylee’s heartfelt admission. The vulnerability in Kaylee’s voice had struck a chord, and after a moment of reflection, Ash spoke up, her tone thoughtful.

“You’ve told me what you want,” Ash began, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, “so I guess it’s only fair I tell you what I want too.” She glanced down at Kaylee, offering a small, genuine smile. “I want my daycare business to flourish. I want it to be where Littles and babies can feel safe and happy—even if their lives outside aren’t perfect. I want to create something good in a world that isn’t always kind to them.”

Kaylee’s eyes widened slightly, her expression softening as she listened.

“I probably could never have a Little of my own,” Ash continued, her voice quieter now. “Not after everything I’ve been through. Technically, I have you for the moment,” she added with a teasing smirk that made Kaylee’s cheeks flush. “But maybe I could settle down with enough time and healing. Find someone to share the work with—a husband, maybe. Someone who’d understand what I’ve been through and help me carry the weight of it all.”

Kaylee’s lips curled into a faint smile. “That sounds… nice,” she said softly. “I like that idea.”

Ash chuckled lightly, her fingers tracing the edge of the couch cushion. “Yeah, me too. It’s a dream for now, but… who knows? Maybe someday.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of their earlier tension easing slightly. After a moment, Kaylee shifted, leaning her head against Ash’s side. The gesture was hesitant, almost shy, but Ash responded without hesitation, draping an arm over Kaylee and holding her close.

The quiet stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. There was a flicker of peace between them for the first time in what felt like forever—a fragile but genuine moment of connection.

“I think you’ll get there,” Kaylee murmured after a long pause, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve got what it takes.”

Ash smiled faintly, her hand giving Kaylee’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Thanks,” she said simply. For now, it was enough.