Crossing Worlds 2
A Diaper Dimension story by SolaraScott
Chapter 18 - Playing the Part
Emily adjusted her stance, her thick diaper crinkling faintly as she reached for another ornament. The padding between her legs was a constant reminder of her new reality, making it harder to move as gracefully as she’d like. Still, it wasn’t nearly as restrictive as what poor Hannah had to deal with. Emily couldn’t help but glance toward her sister, nestled in the newborn bouncer.
Hannah was softly bouncing, her pacifier bobbing rhythmically in her mouth. For a moment, Emily caught a flicker of an odd expression on Hannah’s face—her nose wrinkling slightly, her brows furrowing in effort. Emily froze mid-reach, her hand holding a glittering star ornament, as she tried to decipher what she’d just seen.
Was she… pooping herself?
The thought made Emily’s cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and amusement bubbling up inside her. But as quickly as the expression had appeared, it vanished. Hannah’s face was serene again, her pacifier bobbing gently as if nothing had happened.
Emily shook her head with a small, private smile, deciding not to dwell on it. Hannah’s situation was already challenging enough, and the last thing Emily wanted was to draw attention to her sister’s predicament. Instead, she returned to the tree, carefully placing the star on a lower branch.
The soft glow of the lights and the scent of pine filled the room as she continued decorating. Daddy handed her another ornament, his smile warm and encouraging. Whatever challenges they faced, Emily reminded herself, they were in this together—and, for now, the simple joy of decorating the tree was enough.
Daddy reached up and carefully placed the star atop the tree, its golden light casting a soft glow over the branches. “There,” he said with satisfaction, admiring their work. He handed Emily the remaining ornaments and gave her a warm smile. “You finish the lower branches while I fix us some lunch,” he said, heading toward the kitchen.
Emily nodded, her focus shifting to the tree as she placed the last few ornaments. Her movements were careful but slowed by the thick diaper that crinkled softly with every step. As she adjusted a particularly shiny bauble, she glanced at Hannah, who was still nestled in the bouncer. Her sister’s cheeks were flushed, and her pacifier bobbed nervously.
“Caught you,” Emily said teasingly, her voice soft but pointed as she glanced over her shoulder at Hannah.
Hannah blinked, her pacifier pausing mid-motion. “What?” she mumbled around the rubber nipple, feigning ignorance.
Emily smirked, crouching to place another ornament on a lower branch. “Don’t play dumb. I saw your face earlier. You pooped yourself, didn’t you?”
Hannah’s blush deepened, spreading to the tips of her ears. She squirmed slightly in the bouncer, clearly mortified. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she muttered, though her tone was far from convincing.
Emily raised an eyebrow, giving Hannah a knowing look. “Uh-huh. Sure, you don’t.”
Hannah sighed, her gaze dropping as she muttered, “Fine, okay. Maybe I did.”
Emily chuckled softly, though her teasing expression softened. “Hey, no judgment here,” she said lightly. Her voice lowered as she asked, “Did you… Do you feel anything weird? Like, from the cartoon?”
Hannah frowned, meeting Emily’s gaze. “No. Why?”
Emily hesitated momentarily, her fingers idly adjusting the ribbon on an ornament. “When I went potty earlier,” she admitted quietly, “I felt… good. Like, warm and happy. Like it was the best thing in the world to use my diaper.”
Hannah’s brow furrowed deeply, her pacifier falling from her lips. “Emily,” she said slowly, her tone uneasy. “That’s not good. That’s exactly what they want. Why would I not feel it, but you would?”
Emily shrugged, trying to keep her voice calm despite her unease. “I don’t know. Maybe… maybe the cartoon didn’t hit you as hard. Or maybe it’s because of how much they focus on you. You’ve got all these extra protocols now—thicker diapers, the newborn bouncer, the constant formula. Maybe it’s something different for me.”
Hannah chewed on her lip, her face clouded with worry. “If you’re feeling lingering effects, that’s bad, Em. Bad. We need to figure out why.”
Emily nodded, placing the last ornament on the tree and resting on her heels. “We’ll figure it out,” she said firmly, trying to reassure her sister.
But as she looked at Hannah, still bound by her restrictive sleeper, Emily couldn’t shake the unease in her chest. Whatever the cartoon had done, it was just the beginning—and they both knew it.
Daddy cheerfully returned to the living room and handed Emily a colorful kids’ plate. The plate was divided into neat sections, each containing a carefully portioned meal: juicy slices of fruit, crisp veggies, sandwich squares with the crusts cut off, and a sippy cup of juice.
“There you go, sweetheart,” he said warmly, patting her head before taking a big bite of his sandwich. He dusted his hands off and made his way to Hannah, his eyes narrowing as he caught the unmistakable bulge of her soiled diaper.
“Looks like someone made a present for Daddy,” he teased lightly, scooping up the bottle he had prepared earlier. “I’ll change you after this, little one,” he added, bringing the bottle to Hannah’s lips.
Hannah groaned softly, her cheeks flaming as the rubber nipple brushed against her lips. “Another one?” she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
Daddy chuckled, his expression gentle but firm. “Yes, another one. You need to keep up with your feedings, baby girl. Open up.”
With a reluctant sigh, Hannah complied, nursing the warm, sweet formula while Daddy rocked her gently. The soothing rhythm and the thick, creamy taste of the formula filled her senses, though the flush of embarrassment on her cheeks never faded.
Meanwhile, Emily sat cross-legged on the floor, nibbling on her sandwich squares. Despite the meal's simplicity, the flavors were vibrant, each bite bursting with the freshness of high-quality ingredients. She sipped sweet and refreshing juice from her sippy cup as her eyes drifted to her sister.
Hannah’s face was a mix of resignation and discomfort as she nursed, the obvious swell of her diaper pressing against her padded sleeper. Emily’s stomach twisted slightly, and the memory of her own hypnotic experiences from the cartoon was fresh. She worried silently as she chewed—how much worse could things get if they were forced to endure more episodes?
Hannah let out a small whimper as the bottle emptied, limping in Daddy’s arms. He removed the bottle and gently burped her, his large hand patting her back. “Good girl,” he murmured, his tone filled with pride.
Emily watched the scene, her appetite faltering for a moment. She wanted to trust Daddy—needed to—but the gnawing fear of what the Amazon government was planning loomed over her like a dark cloud. She took another sip from her sippy cup, trying to push the worries aside, at least for now.
*
Kaylee sat stiffly in Ash’s lap, her cheeks glowing red as the morning buzz of the daycare swirled around them. Ash had dressed her in a pastel onesie embroidered with the daycare’s logo, which was practical yet undeniably infantilizing. The material was soft and stretchy, but the Little-proof snaps along the crotch and the snug fit over her diaper made it clear that it was designed for function over fashion. Every time Kaylee shifted, the crinkle of her diaper beneath the uniform reminded her of her predicament.
Ash perched confidently behind the check-in counter and handed clipboards and pens to the Amazons arriving with their Littles. Each guest was required to fill out detailed paperwork outlining care preferences and health information. Kaylee watched Ash manage the process calmly, her focus unwavering as she greeted each Amazon politely.
“Isn’t she just the cutest?” an Amazon woman cooed, leaning forward to peer at Kaylee with a wide smile. “You must be so proud of your Little girl.”
Kaylee squirmed, avoiding the woman’s gaze as she ducked her head into Ash’s shoulder. The woman’s baby talk was thick with condescension, her tone dripping with the patronizing affection Amazons reserved for Littles.
Ash chuckled lightly, her hand resting on Kaylee’s back. “She’s a good girl,” she replied, her tone even. “She’s been helping me settle into things here.”
Another Amazon in line glanced over, her expression softening as she caught sight of Kaylee. “Oh, look at her! I just love Littles, who are so well-behaved. It makes all the difference.”
Kaylee could feel her humiliation building, her fists clenching as she fought to keep her composure. Ash glanced down at her, the faintest flicker of sympathy in her eyes, and gently squeezed Kaylee, silently encouraging her to endure it.
“Thank you,” Ash replied smoothly, returning the completed paperwork to the first Amazon. “I hope you and your Little have a great first day here.”
The Amazon grinned, ruffling Kaylee’s hair as she picked up her own Little—a wide-eyed boy clutching a stuffed bunny—and approached the playroom.
As the line moved forward, another Amazon leaned in, her voice warm but saccharine. “She’s such a doll. You’ve done a wonderful job with her.”
Kaylee wanted to disappear. Every comment, every coo, every exaggerated smile was like another pinprick to her dignity. She shifted in Ash’s lap, her discomfort obvious as Ash wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying her.
“Almost done,” Ash murmured loud enough for Kaylee to hear. The words were meant to reassure, but they didn’t do much to ease the knot of frustration and embarrassment building in Kaylee’s chest.
Another Amazon stepped up, and the cycle repeated: paperwork, compliments, and cooing over Kaylee. By the time the line had dwindled, Kaylee felt like she had endured a lifetime’s worth of humiliation, and the day had barely started. She sighed, leaning back against Ash, silently hoping the rest of the morning would pass more quietly.
After the last guest checked in, Ash stood and plopped Kaylee onto her hip with practiced ease. The motion caused Kaylee’s wet diaper to squish audibly beneath her, and Kaylee winced, her cheeks flushing as the sensation spread through her. Ash, unfazed, gave her a reassuring pat on the butt before striding into the playroom.
Most of the Littles had been changed into the daycare’s uniforms, identical to Kaylee’s, designed to match the facility's bright and cheerful aesthetic. The uniformity made them look like a group of toddlers ready for a day of play, though the occasional grumbles and pouty expressions suggested not all of them were thrilled about it.
Ash gathered the group near the center of the room, her voice warm but firm as she began the short tour for the Amazons. She explained the layout of the play areas, the nap zones, and the changing stations, all while gently bouncing Kaylee on her hip to keep her soothed. Kaylee stayed quiet, trying to avoid eye contact with the parents whose gazes occasionally lingered on her.
Once Ash had finished her overview, she flashed a polite smile to the gathered parents. “That’s everything for now,” she said. “You’re welcome to check in anytime, but rest assured, your Littles are in good hands.”
The parents exchanged pleasantries before filing out, many stopping to coo over their little ones one last time. Kaylee felt sympathy for the little ones left behind as their caregivers waved goodbye, the door clicking shut behind them. The room fell into a quiet hum of anticipation as Ash turned to the nanny bot, her expression sharp and focused.
The bot sprang to life with a smooth hum, its mechanical arms unfolding gracefully as it began its rounds. Its sensors scanned each Little, gently checking their vitals and, more importantly, their diapers. Kaylee couldn’t help but squirm as she watched, her eyes narrowing suspiciously at every move the machine made.
The adjustments Ash had made were working. The bot was far less overbearing than during Kaylee’s ordeal the previous day. It approached each Little with a calm, measured demeanor, efficiently tending to their needs without unnecessary theatrics. When it found a wet or messy diaper, it swiftly and gently changed the Little, speaking softly and soothingly as it worked.
Even with the improvements, Kaylee’s eyes stayed glued to the machine, her body tense. She flinched every time the bot’s arms extended, and when it came near her, she instinctively buried her face in Ash’s shoulder.
Ash noticed Kaylee’s unease and gave her a gentle squeeze. “It’s okay,” she murmured. “I’ve got my eye on it. Nothing’s going to happen to you.”
Kaylee nodded slightly, though her grip on Ash’s shirt didn’t loosen. As the bot continued its work, Ash made her rounds through the room, engaging with the Littles and ensuring they settled comfortably. Despite the cheerful surroundings, Kaylee couldn’t shake the unease lingering in the air, and she knew it wasn’t just from the nanny bot.
For now, though, the morning had started without any major hiccups, and Ash seemed determined to keep it that way.
Ash carried Kaylee to the changing table, her movements efficient but gentle. She laid Kaylee down and began undoing her uniform with practiced ease. Kaylee groaned softly, still embarrassed by the routine care, but Ash didn’t seem fazed. She cleaned Kaylee up quickly, replaced her wet diaper with a fresh one, and snapped her back into her uniform.
“There we go,” Ash said with a small smile, lifting Kaylee back into her arms. “Now, into the play area. I want you to give me some insights into how my clientele are doing.”
Kaylee blinked, her brow furrowing. “Wait, you mean like… report on them?” she asked, incredulous.
“Exactly,” Ash replied cheerfully, plopping Kaylee down into the middle of one of the soft, colorful play areas. The mats beneath her were cushy and inviting, surrounded by bins of toys and activity stations. Several Littles were scattered about, some sitting quietly, others more engaged.
“Ash—” Kaylee started, but Ash was already walking away, her bag slung over her shoulder.
“Have fun!” Ash called over her shoulder, leaving Kaylee to groan in frustration.
Kaylee glanced around at the Littles surrounding her, assessing the situation. There was a range of behaviors among them. A few, clearly more seasoned Littles, were completely spaced out, drooling softly around their pacifiers with vacant expressions. Kaylee felt pity for them, knowing exactly what “conditioning” had likely left them in that state.
Other littles were more alert, playing with toys or chatting quietly. They seemed more accustomed to the daycare environment but still retained some spark of individuality. Finally, the newer littles were uncomfortable and out of place, sitting stiffly or fidgeting with obvious anxiety. Their expressions screamed that they didn’t want to be there, their eyes darting toward the exits or the nanny bot making rounds.
Kaylee sighed, already feeling the weight of the assignment Ash had given her. She picked up a nearby stuffed bear, turning it over in her hands, when a boy nearby caught her eye. He was dressed in the daycare’s uniform, his pacifier clipped to the front of his outfit, but unlike some of the others, his expression was alert and curious.
“Hey there,” he said, his voice light but tinged with caution. “You new here?”
Kaylee blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Uh, kind of,” she admitted, setting the beardown. “Name’s Kaylee.”
“Nice to meet you, Kaylee. I’m Matt.” He smiled a boyish grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes as though he were weighing his words carefully. “So, what’s your story? You don’t seem like you’re… fully in it, you know?”
Kaylee chuckled dryly. “That obvious?”
“Yeah, you’ve got this… edge to you,” Matt said, his tone dropping slightly. “Most of us lose that pretty quick in places like this.”
Kaylee glanced around again, her eyes lingering on the drooling Littles nearby. “Yeah, I can see that.”
Matt nodded, leaning back slightly. “Well, good luck. It’s not an easy place to keep your wits about you.”
Kaylee smirked faintly. “Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Matt offered a small smile before turning his attention to a nearby toy. Kaylee settled back, taking in the scene around her. She didn’t know what Ash hoped she would glean from this experience, but she had a sinking feeling there was a lot more to uncover in this daycare than met the eye.
Matt raised an eyebrow, his expression curious but wary. "So, what’s your story? You don’t seem like the others.”
Kaylee hesitated, her mind racing. She knew she couldn’t let on about her actual situation—not here, not now. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to fabricate a story, weaving it with just enough truth to make it believable.
“Got caught not too long ago,” she muttered, keeping her tone low as though admitting something shameful. “They, uh, decided I wasn’t fit to be alone. So, here I am.”
Matt tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. “Caught, huh? That’s rough. Where?”
“City outskirts,” Kaylee lied, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She hated how easily the words came to her, hated how convincing she sounded. “Didn’t even see it coming.”
Matt winced, nodding sympathetically. “Yeah, that’s how they get you. Quick and merciless. Still, you seem like you’re adjusting… kinda.”
Kaylee forced a weak smile, but before she could respond, the Nanny bot rolled up, its mechanical arms extending toward her.
“Baby Kaylee recognized,” the bot chirped in its monotone voice. “Care protocol initiated.”
Kaylee stiffened, her fabricated composure shattering as the bot’s arms deftly scooped her up. “Hey, wait—” she started, but her protests were swiftly silenced as a pacifier was popped into her mouth.
“Fussy detected,” the bot announced, securing Kaylee in its grip. It cradled her momentarily, gently patting her diapered bottom, and then performed a quick scan. “Diaper status: clean. Proceeding with engagement protocol.”
Matt snickered softly from his spot on the floor, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Looks like they’ve got your number.”
Kaylee glared at him over the pacifier, her cheeks burning as the bot deposited her back onto the soft play mat. The bot fussed with her uniform, straightening it unnecessarily before retracting its arms and rolling off to check on another Little.
Kaylee spat out the pacifier the moment it was gone, scowling as she wiped her mouth. “That thing’s too efficient,” she muttered, shooting Matt a dark look.
Matt chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Or not. Either way, you’re officially part of the program now.”
Kaylee groaned inwardly, the weight of her fabricated identity and the humiliating encounter with the bot pressing down on her. She reminded herself that this was temporary—just a role to play. But as she glanced around the room, watching the Littles in various states of acceptance and resistance, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that she was losing herself in the charade.
For the rest of the day, Kaylee played the part, interacting with the Littles in the daycare. It was exhausting work, especially whenever the nanny bot came around to change or feed her another bottle.
As the last parent and their Little exited the daycare, the door clicked shut behind them, leaving the place eerily quiet. Ash leaned heavily against the counter, her shoulders slumping with exhaustion. With a sigh, she wandered over to the play mat where Kaylee sat, her weariness evident.
Flopping down beside her, Ash let out a groan. “Okay, spill. How was your day?”
Kaylee shot her a deadpan look; her cheeks tinged with mild annoyance. “How do you think it went? I spent the entire day pretending to be a baby.”
Ash winced, offering a sheepish smile. “Fair. I mean, I’ve been there… literally. But come on, how did it really go? What did the Littles think? I know they were probably playing it up around me.”
Kaylee hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip before answering. “The ones who still had their wits about them? They were… surprised. Shocked, really. No hypnotic triggers, no subliminal messaging, no punishments for stuff their Amazons would have flipped over. They couldn’t believe it.”
Ash’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s amazing!”
Kaylee nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah. By the end of the day, most of them were starting to relax. They were playing, Ash. Playing, not just going through the motions to avoid getting in trouble. It’s been long since they felt that kind of freedom.”
Ash’s grin widened, and she threw her arms around Kaylee in a sudden burst of gratitude. “Thank you! Seriously, thank you for this. It means so much to hear that.”
Kaylee squirmed slightly in the hug, but her lips twitched upward in a faint smile. “Yeah, yeah, don’t get all mushy on me.”
Ash pulled back, her expression softening. “I mean it, though. This is what I’ve wanted—to make a space where Littles can just be. No fear, no constant pressure to conform, just… a little slice of freedom.”
Kaylee met her gaze, the sincerity in Ash’s words cutting through her usual defenses. “You’re doing a good thing here, Ash,” she said quietly. “Even if I hate playing the part, I can see what it means to them. And to you.”
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the faint hum of the daycare’s systems the only sound around them. Ash reached out, giving Kaylee’s hand a quick squeeze. “We’re gonna make this work. Together.”
Kaylee nodded, her resolve solidifying. “Yeah. Together.”
As the shadows lengthened and the soft hum of the daycare's systems filled the quiet space, Ash stretched, groaning softly as she rubbed her neck. The day had taken its toll on her, and the weight of running the daycare and caring for Kaylee began to show. She glanced over at Kaylee, sitting quietly on the play mat, fiddling with the hem of her uniform, her expression distant.
“Alright, little one,” Ash said softly, stepping over and crouching. “Let’s get you back upstairs. It’s been a long day.”
Kaylee didn’t argue as Ash scooped her up, cradling her easily. Her wet diaper squished faintly against Ash’s arm, but neither acknowledged it. Kaylee leaned her head against Ash’s shoulder, her exhaustion evident. She felt the slight sway of Ash’s steps as they moved toward the door, the familiar rhythm oddly comforting despite the day’s trials.
Ash paused at the daycare’s console and entered a quick command. The nanny bot activated with a quiet hum, its mechanical arms beginning to clean and organize the space for the next day. Satisfied, Ash adjusted Kaylee in her arms and stepped into the hallway, the doors locking securely behind her.
The elevator ride was silent, save for the soft ding as it ascended. Kaylee’s eyes drooped, and her body relaxed against Ash. Despite her exhaustion, her thoughts raced, a mix of frustration, gratitude, and lingering embarrassment from the day. Ash held her close, her mind occupied with the day’s successes and challenges.
When the elevator doors opened, they were greeted by the familiar quiet of their apartment floor. Ash carried Kaylee inside, the door locking automatically behind them. She set Kaylee gently on the couch, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
“I’ll grab us something to eat,” Ash said, her tone soft but firm. “You just sit tight and relax.”
Kaylee nodded faintly, watching as Ash moved to the kitchen. She pulled a blanket over herself, her mind still processing the day's events. Unbeknownst to them both, the calm of their evening would soon be interrupted, setting the stage for the challenges yet to come.