Ash worked quickly, deftly maneuvering her hands as she taped a fresh diaper onto Kaylee. Then, she slipped her into a soft, pastel romper adorned with small, embroidered flowers. The outfit was undeniably cute, with puffed sleeves and ruffles around the legs, exuding a childish charm that made Kaylee uncomfortable. Ash followed up with matching socks and shoes designed to look like baby booties, securing them snugly on Kaylee’s feet.

“All done,” Ash said, stepping back to admire her work, though her tone lacked the usual lightness she might have employed. She grabbed a simple yet professional outfit and quickly dressed, glancing at the clock. “We’re cutting it close,” she muttered. “We’ll grab something to eat on the way. Sound good?”

Kaylee nodded, her thumb unconsciously slipping into her mouth as Ash hoisted her into her arms. They moved toward the door, Kaylee lazily nursing her thumb until she suddenly realized what she was doing. She pulled it out with a soft pop, her cheeks burning as she avoided Ash’s gaze.

“It’s okay,” Ash reassured her, her voice gentle. “Honestly, it’s probably better to lean into it for now. They’ll expect to see… results from the show.”

Kaylee hesitated but nodded again, her discomfort clear. Ash reached into her bag and pulled out an unassuming pacifier, free of any locking mechanism. “Here,” she offered, holding it out. “Just in case you need it.”

Kaylee took it with a quiet thank-you, slipping it into her mouth and finding solace in its familiar, soothing presence. Ash adjusted Kaylee on her hip and grabbed her bag before entering the crisp morning air. They made their way to the nearby transit station, the hum of the city around them mingling with the faint rhythmic suckling of Kaylee’s pacifier.

The transit station was bustling with Amazons going about their day, their towering forms a constant reminder of the precarious world Kaylee now lived in. Ash held her tightly, her protective instincts flaring as they boarded the train. The ride was mercifully short, but every glance, every cooing comment from passing Amazons, felt like an eternity.

Kaylee stayed quiet, her pacifier bobbing slightly as she rested her head on Ash’s shoulder. Ash’s mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming meeting at the Little Affairs Office, her stomach knotting at the prospect of more scrutiny. She could only hope they’d make it through without incident.

The towering Little Affairs Office loomed above them, its sleek, modern design a stark reminder of the bureaucracy and control that defined Amazon society. Ash paused in the lobby, scanning the directory on the wall. She found the floor and room number they needed, making a mental note before adjusting Kaylee on her hip.

“Let’s grab something to eat first,” Ash murmured, her voice calm but tinged with tension.

Kaylee nodded, her pacifier bobbing slightly before she pulled it from her mouth. The faint pop broke their silence as they crossed the street to a nearby fast-food restaurant. The rich aroma of fried food and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Kaylee’s stomach growl loudly enough for Ash to chuckle softly.

Stepping up to the counter, Ash ordered a simple breakfast from the Amazon menu, much to Kaylee’s relief. She hadn’t seen any dreaded “Little Meal” options, often with mashed, flavorless foods. Once they received their food tray, Ash led them to a table in the back corner, away from prying eyes.

Ash frowned as she looked at the small booster seats available, realizing they wouldn’t be enough to keep Kaylee at a comfortable height for the table. With a resigned sigh, she set Kaylee into a high chair, fastening the safety straps securely. “I know it’s not ideal, but it’s practical,” Ash said apologetically.

As Kaylee eagerly dug into her meal, her excitement over having something other than formula or mush was palpable. She picked up the warm sandwich, inhaling its delicious aroma, and took her first bite—only to immediately gag. Her face twisted in disgust as she spit the bite back onto her plate, coughing and shuddering.

Ash looked up sharply, her fork pausing midair. “Kaylee, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Kaylee wiped her mouth, her eyes watering slightly. “It’s awful,” she said, her voice trembling. “It tastes… I don’t know; someone turned the flavor to a hundred. It’s too much—salty, greasy, everything.”

Ash frowned, glancing at the sandwich on Kaylee’s plate. “That doesn’t make any sense,” she murmured. She reached over, plucked a piece of uneaten egg from the sandwich, and popped it into her mouth. Her expression remained neutral as she chewed. “Tastes fine to me.”

Both of them froze, their eyes locked as the realization sank like a stone dropped into a still pond. Kaylee’s breath hitched, her hands trembling slightly as she whispered, “My taste buds… they’ve changed.”

Ash’s stomach twisted with unease. “The Little programming,” she said softly. “It must’ve… reprogrammed your senses too.”

Kaylee’s breathing quickened, her chest rising and falling as panic set in. “I can’t eat normal food anymore,” she choked out, her voice wavering as her eyes darted to the discarded meal. “Ash, I—what am I supposed to do? I—”

“Kaylee, breathe,” Ash interrupted, her voice calm but firm as she swiftly stood and scooped Kaylee into her arms. She held her close, one hand gently rubbing the girl’s back. “You need to calm down. We’re in public,” she whispered, her voice low and soothing. “If you don’t pull it together, I’ll have to do something to help you relax.”

Kaylee stiffened, the implication of Ash’s words cutting through her panic like a cold splash of water. She nodded faintly, forcing herself to take slow, deep breaths. “Okay… okay,” she murmured, her voice shaky but steadying.

Ash exhaled softly, relieved. “Good girl,” she said, patting Kaylee’s back gently before setting her down in the high chair again. “Just sit tight for a minute.”

Kaylee watched as Ash walked back to the counter, her heart racing but her panic ebbing. She couldn’t help but notice the warm smile on the worker’s face as Ash ordered. Moments later, Ash returned with a brightly colored tray bearing a Little meal: a miniature sandwich, soft fruit slices, and a small cup of juice.

Ash sat across from Kaylee, her gaze steady and reassuring. “Try this,” she said softly. “It’s made for Littles. It should be easier for you to handle.”

Kaylee hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked up a slice of fruit. She took a cautious bite, her nerves making her stomach twist. Much to her relief, the taste wasn’t overwhelming—it was pleasant. The fruit was soft, sweet, and just right. Her eyes widened, and she quickly took another bite.

“This is… good!” she said, her voice rising excitedly as she grinned at Ash.

Encouraged, she eagerly tried the rest of her meal. The sandwich, though simple, was flavorful in a way that didn’t overwhelm her, and the juice was refreshingly light. She smiled more with each bite, the earlier panic melting away. “This is amazing!” she exclaimed softly, savoring another fruit.

Ash, who had been watching closely, visibly relaxed, her shoulders dropping as she breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad,” she said with a gentle smile, finally picking up her food and taking a bite.

Kaylee continued to munch on her meal happily, her earlier fears forgotten. As Ash ate, she reached over to finish Kaylee’s first sandwich, chuckling softly. “Looks like someone’s got her appetite back.”

Kaylee nodded enthusiastically, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk as she chewed. Ash smiled warmly, the tension from earlier replaced by a quiet sense of normalcy as the two enjoyed their breakfast together.

Ash watched Kaylee devour her food enthusiastically, making her heart twist. She couldn’t quite tell how much of Kaylee’s bright demeanor was genuine happiness and how much was a lingering effect of the programming. Either way, she was just relieved that Kaylee wasn’t panicking anymore.

As Kaylee reached for another slice of fruit, giggling softly between bites, Ash debated whether to bring up the one thing gnawing at the back of her mind. Little meals often came with "special additives"—strong diuretics and laxatives—to ensure Littles used their diapers frequently, reinforcing their dependency. She frowned, her thoughts swirling. Did Kaylee know? She had to, right? She was an Amazon, after all.

Ash opened her mouth to say something but hesitated. Kaylee seemed so content, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she happily swung her legs under the high chair. Did Ash want to ruin this fleeting moment of peace? No, she wouldn’t. As Kaylee finished her meal, Ash wiped her face clean with a napkin before bussing their table and carrying the girl from the restaurant.

The crisp morning air followed Ash and Kaylee into the sleek, imposing Little’s Affairs office. The atmosphere was sterile, and the walls were a cold white accented by soft pastel hues, creating an illusion of warmth that didn’t quite land. The receptionist greeted them with a polished smile, her eyes flicking briefly to Kaylee, snug in Ash’s arms, before shifting back to Ash.

“Good morning,” the receptionist said with practiced cheer. “How can I help you?”

Ash adjusted Kaylee slightly on her hip. “I’m here to finalize the paperwork for her adoption,” she said, her tone firm but polite. “We need to make sure everything’s in order.”

The receptionist nodded, typing swiftly on her keyboard. “Of course. Please have a seat. A nurse will be with you shortly.”

Ash thanked her and carried Kaylee to an area with oversized chairs to accommodate Amazon caregivers and their littles. She chose a corner spot and eased into the plush seat, placing Kaylee on her lap. Kaylee’s hands fidgeted with the hem of her toddler-style dress, and her nervous energy was palpable.

“Is all this necessary?” Kaylee asked quietly, her eyes darting around the room. Littles in varying states of compliance shuffled past, some clutching stuffed animals, others sucking on pacifiers. A few were being led by stern-looking Amazons, their movements sluggish as if their spirits had been dulled by repetition.

Ash placed a steadying hand on Kaylee’s back, her voice low and soothing. “It doesn’t seem like we have much of a choice,” she replied. “Besides, once the drugs wear off and you’re back to your normal size, none of this will matter.”

Kaylee hesitated, then exhaled slowly. “You’re right,” she murmured, her tension easing slightly. “It’s all for show.”

Ash nodded, though her unease remained buried beneath her calm exterior. She shifted her focus to Kaylee, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. The girl seemed to find comfort in Ash’s presence, her fidgeting slowing as she leaned into her caregiver. Despite the facade they were forced to maintain, Ash couldn’t shake the growing weight of responsibility pressing on her. Whatever lay ahead, she’d have to be prepared to protect Kaylee—and herself—from the ever-tightening grip of the Amazon world. They waited in relative silence, the muted hum of conversation and distant whir of machinery filling the sterile air. Both braced themselves for whatever the next step in this twisted charade would bring.

A nurse in pastel pink scrubs, clipboard in hand, greeted them with a warm, practiced smile. “Ash and Kaylee? Come with me, please,” she said, motioning for them to follow her.

Ash adjusted Kaylee on her hip and stood, the weight of the moment settling heavily in her chest. Kaylee clung to her, her pacifier bobbing slightly as she nervously nursed it. They followed the nurse down a quiet corridor lined with cheerful yet clinical decorations—cartoon animals, soft rainbows, and clouds with smiling faces.

The nurse led them into a bright pediatrics exam room. The walls were adorned with more childlike artwork, though the sterile antiseptic smell was unmistakable. She gestured to the padded exam table in the center. “Go ahead and set her down here, Mommy,” the nurse said gently.

Ash hesitated momentarily before placing Kaylee on the table, her small frame dwarfed by the oversized padding. The nurse smiled kindly. “Let’s get Kaylee into just her diaper for the checkup. We’ll do a quick exam to ensure she’s nice and healthy, and I’ll determine her true developmental age.”

Kaylee’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she remained silent as Ash unbuttoned her dress, pulling it over her head and folding it neatly. Now, in just her thick, pastel-patterned diaper, Kaylee shifted uncomfortably under the nurse’s appraising gaze.

The nurse hummed approvingly, gently pressing a stethoscope to Kaylee’s chest, checking her breathing, then examining her ears and throat. “Such a good girl,” she cooed as she jotted notes on her clipboard. “Does she sleep through the night, Mommy?”

Ash swallowed her discomfort, nodding. “Usually, yes.”

“Good, good. And her feeding schedule?”

“Three bottles a day, plus snacks,” Ash replied, doing her best to stay composed.

The nurse scribbled more notes before glancing up. “Does Kaylee have a TinkerTag installed yet?”

Ash blinked, confused. “A…TinkerTag?”

The nurse chuckled softly, her pen tapping against the clipboard. “It’s a GPS tracker, dear. It keeps Littles safe and ensures they don’t wander off. Mandatory for certain age brackets under the Little Care Act.”

Ash’s stomach turned. “No, she doesn’t have one,” she said, her voice tight.

The nurse nodded as though she had expected that answer. “We will take care of that today,” she said, her tone light but insistent.

Ash forced a polite smile. “I’ll think about it; I’d rather not.”

The nurse’s expression softened, though her voice remained steady. “I understand it’s a lot to take in, but safety is our top priority. The tracker is non-negotiable for a Littles under four years. It keeps them safe and ensures caregivers are compliant. I promise it’ll be quick and painless.”

Kaylee glanced nervously at Ash, her brow furrowed. After a moment, she gave a small nod, silently urging Ash to comply. This wasn’t a fight they could win, not here, not now.

Ash exhaled slowly, the tension in her shoulders visible. “Fine,” she murmured, the word bitter on her tongue.

The nurse brightened. “Good choice, Mommy! Let’s get that taken care of.” She reached into a drawer, pulling out a small device. With practiced ease, she flipped Kaylee onto her tummy, pulling her diaper aside to expose her pale skin. Kaylee’s eyes widened, but before she could protest, a sharp sting pierced her bottom.

“Yelp!” Kaylee cried, her pacifier falling from her lips.

“All done, sweetheart!” the nurse cooed, gently pulling Kaylee’s diaper back into place. “That wasn’t so bad, was it? What a brave little girl.”

Ash clenched her fists, her jaw tightening as the nurse jotted something onto her clipboard. Kaylee sniffled quietly, her face flushed with embarrassment. The nurse handed Ash another pamphlet titled “Understanding Your Little’s TinkerTag.”

“Now, if you’ll follow me,” the nurse said, her tone saccharine. “We’ll finish the paperwork, and you’ll be all set.”

Ash lifted Kaylee into her arms, cradling her close as she followed the nurse out of the room. Kaylee’s small body felt heavier than usual as if it carried the burden of everything they were forced to endure.

Ash’s grip on Kaylee tightened as they entered the small, pastel-colored office. The room reeked of sterile cleanliness, its walls adorned with posters of smiling Littles, all dressed in cutesy outfits, their faces frozen in artificial glee. Kaylee whimpered softly, her bare legs dangling against Ash’s side, the thin diaper her only semblance of modesty.

Now radiating smug professionalism, the nurse began arranging a stack of brightly colored paperwork on the desk. “Now, Mommy,” she said cheerfully, “these documents outline everything you need to know about raising your sweet Little girl. We must establish a clear routine to help her fully embrace her role.”

Ash forced a stiff nod; her jaw clenched as she balanced Kaylee on her hip. Kaylee, meanwhile, buried her face into Ash’s shoulder, wishing she could vanish into thin air.

The nurse picked up a sheet decorated with cartoon animals. “Here’s the feeding schedule. At her age, she’ll need a strict formula regimen to ensure proper nutrition and hydration. And here”—she handed over another sheet showing a crib diagram—“is her sleep schedule. Littles thrive on consistency, so naps and bedtime must be adhered to without deviation.”

Ash’s eyes flicked over the diagrams, her stomach churning. She barely registered the nurse’s voice until she heard “training regime.”

“This program,” the nurse continued, sliding over a binder labeled Advanced Developmental Care for Littles, “includes a specialized training regime to ensure Kaylee becomes a compliant and well-adjusted baby. With regular exposure to the approved shows and activities, she’ll babble and toddle without a care in no time.”

Ash’s throat tightened. “And if I… choose not to follow this?” she asked cautiously, her voice low.

The nurse’s smile hardened. “Oh, that wouldn’t be advisable, Mommy. The Little Care Act requires compliance. Failure to adhere could result in consequences—inspections, fines, or worse.” She leaned in slightly, her voice softening as if to convey empathy. “It’s really in her best interest. You’ll have a perfectly content baby by the end of her training.”

Kaylee shifted uncomfortably, her small hands clutching Ash’s shirt. She didn’t dare look at the nurse, whose saccharine tone only deepened her humiliation.

Ash forced herself to meet the nurse’s gaze, her expression neutral. “Understood,” she said through gritted teeth, her arms tightening protectively around Kaylee.

“Wonderful!” the nurse beamed, handing Ash a final booklet titled Steps to Success: Bonding with Your Little. “You’re off to a great start, Mommy. You’ll raise a happy, healthy baby with patience and persistence.”

Ash froze as she felt the sudden pressure against her arm, Kaylee’s diaper noticeably bulging. A soft, involuntary moan escaped from Kaylee, her cheeks flushed as she instinctively rubbed her padded bottom against Ash’s side, grinding her rapidly swelling diaper.

Ash’s heart sank, her gaze snapping down to Kaylee’s face, now glazed with embarrassment and hazy contentment. “Kaylee…” she whispered, her voice laced with concern. Still, Kaylee only whimpered softly, burying her face deeper into Ash’s shoulder, her moans muffled by Ash’s shoulder as Kaylee orgasmed into her messy diaper.

Observing the scene, the nurse let out a light, knowing chuckle. “Oh, she’s adjusting beautifully,” she remarked, her tone dripping with condescension. “The programming seems to have taken hold much faster than expected. I doubt she’ll need the entire regimen, but we’ll check in regularly to ensure she’s progressing appropriately.”

Ash’s stomach churned at the nurse’s words, her grip on Kaylee tightening protectively. She felt the warmth radiating from Kaylee’s diaper, her discomfort palpable despite the girl’s satisfaction. Ash forced herself to remain composed, offering the nurse a tight, strained smile. “Thank you,” she said curtly, already moving toward the door.

As they exited the office, Ash’s mind raced. She couldn’t let this continue; she couldn’t stand to see Kaylee reduced to nothing more than a puppet for the government’s twisted agenda. She glanced down at the girl in her arms, her expression softening despite her inner turmoil. “We’ll figure this out,” she murmured under her breath, her resolve hardening with every step toward the exit.

Kaylee shifted slightly, her body still trembling from the lingering effects of the programming. Though her cheeks remained flushed with humiliation, there was a faint flicker of awareness in her eyes. She clung to Ash, her trust unwavering even as her world slowly unraveled around her.

As they entered the lobby, Kaylee squirmed slightly in Ash's arms; her cheeks still tinted pink from earlier. She glanced around, her thumb edging toward her mouth before she hesitated, instead tugging gently on Ash’s sleeve. “Umm, Mommy?” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the murmur of the room.

Ash blinked, looking down at her with concern and confusion before her eyes widened in realization. Kaylee was still practically naked, save for her crinkly, thick diaper. “Oh, crap,” Ash muttered under her breath, glancing around quickly. She fished into her bag, pulling out Kaylee’s dress, and within moments, she had the girl dressed, smoothing the fabric down with gentle hands. “I’m so sorry, Kaylee,” Ash murmured, her tone genuine as she adjusted the hem. “I should’ve noticed sooner.”

Kaylee sighed, her small shoulders sagging in relief as she tugged slightly at the dress to settle it more comfortably. “It’s fine,” she muttered, though her face flushed. As they exited the building and started their walk back to the transit station, Ash glanced down at her again.

“You sure you’re okay?” Ash asked softly, her voice laced with worry.

Kaylee hesitated momentarily, her eyes focused on the pavement before nodding. “I’m fine,” she said, though her tone betrayed a hint of lingering embarrassment. “Beyond humiliated, but fine. My… my ass hurts, though.” She shifted slightly in Ash’s arms, her expression a mix of discomfort and indignation.

Ash couldn’t help but let out a small, humorless chuckle. “Yeah, I don’t blame you. That injection was brutal.” Her arms tightened around Kaylee, her protective instincts flaring.

As they walked toward the bus stop, Ash glanced down at Kaylee, her expression softening. “By the way,” she said, her tone gently teasing, “you might want to watch your language. As long as you’re playing the part, no swearing, okay?”

Kaylee blinked, her cheeks flushing anew as she realized her slip. “My bum hurts,” she corrected herself, her voice small but determined to play along.

Ash chuckled warmly, giving Kaylee’s diapered bottom a light, affectionate pat. “That’s better,” she said, her smile genuine. “You did great back there, you know. I don’t think I could’ve handled that level of indecency.”

Kaylee tilted her head, a small grin tugging at her lips. “You’re stronger than you think, Ash. Way stronger.”

Ash’s chest tightened slightly at the compliment, her smile softening. “Thanks, Kaylee,” she murmured, pulling the girl into a reassuring hug. “That means a lot.”

The sound of the bus pulling up broke their moment, and Ash stepped forward, still holding Kaylee securely. As they boarded, they exchanged a brief, knowing glance. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they’d face them together.