Ash led the small group into her office, her mind racing as she closed the door behind them. “Mia, finish closing up for me?” she called out. “I’ve got a potential new client here who needs to review some details.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Mia replied cheerfully from the front. “The last Little’s being picked up now. I’ll lock up when I’m done.”

Ash exhaled, turning back to the peculiar pair in her office. Venli struggled to climb out of the stroller, her movements hindered by the thick diaper between her legs. She stumbled slightly, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment, and before Ash could step in, the Tweener girl gently scooped Venli up, cradling her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Venli’s face was a deep shade of red as she settled into the Tweener’s lap, clearly humiliated but resigned to her circumstances. She cleared her throat and met Ash’s gaze, her voice tinged with irritation and discomfort. “Ash, this is Liora,” she said, gesturing to the Tweener holding her. “She’s been helping me stay… under the radar.”

Liora smiled warmly, her demeanor calm and reassuring. “It’s nice to meet you, Ash,” she said, her voice smooth and composed. “Venli’s told me a lot about you.”

Ash’s eyes flicked between them, her sharp gaze taking in every detail—the tension in Venli’s jaw, the protective grip of Liora’s hands. “Under the radar?” Ash repeated, her voice low, the weight of the words heavy in the air. “What’s going on, Venli?”

Venli shifted uncomfortably, her eyes reflecting the urgency of her situation as she met Ash’s gaze. “It’s… complicated,” she admitted. “But I need your help. There’s more at stake here than just me, and I wouldn’t have come if it weren’t necessary.”

Ash folded her arms, her expression unreadable. “Start talking,” she said, her tone firm but not unkind. “I need to know what I’m getting into before I even think about helping.”

Venli took a deep breath, her composure faltering momentarily as she prepared to explain. Liora’s hand gently rested on her shoulder, offering silent support. Ash could see the flicker of gratitude in Venli’s eyes before she began.

“I’m being hunted,” Venli said softly. “And it’s not just me. The Resistance… everything we’ve been working for… it’s all at risk.”

Kaylee shifted in Ash’s lap, her thick diaper crinkling softly as she settled. Venli’s sharp eyes zeroed in on her, her expression a mixture of confusion and suspicion. “Who’s that?” Venli asked, her tone edged with disbelief. “I didn’t think you were the type to have a Little of your own.”

Ash adjusted Kaylee’s position, her hand absently patting the girl’s diapered bottom. “She’s not mine,” Ash replied calmly, her tone carefully neutral. “I’m just caring for her while her Mommy is away.”

Kaylee glanced up at Ash, her thumb still in her mouth, and then relaxed into Ash’s chest. Her trust was evident in how she seemed to melt into her caregiver’s hold. Ash gave her a gentle squeeze, her steady presence a quiet reassurance.

Venli’s gaze lingered on Kaylee for a moment longer, as if weighing the truth of Ash’s words, before finally shifting her attention back to the matter. “The Amazon government,” she began, her voice low and heavy, “is tightening its hold around the Resistance. They’ve ramped up their surveillance, and the measures they’re implementing…” She trailed off, her fists clenching in her lap. “It’s suffocating.”

Ash frowned, her fingers tracing slow circles on Kaylee’s back. “What kind of measures?” she asked, her voice quieter now, a trace of apprehension beneath her steady tone.

“They’re using Littles to break us,” Venli said bluntly, her eyes flashing. “More programming, control, and ways to manipulate and degrade them into compliance. And they’re targeting the people who resist the hardest. I need to know where you stand, Ash. What do you think of their control over Littles?”

Ash’s jaw tightened, her gaze darkening as she looked down at Kaylee, then back at Venli. “I hate it,” she said, her voice steady but filled with quiet fury. “I opened this daycare to offer something better, something kinder. I didn’t want to be just another Amazon-run daycare enforcing government-mandated programming. But now, with the Little Care Act and all these new regulations, it feels like I’m being forced into the same mold I swore to avoid.”

Venli studied Ash carefully, her sharp features softening slightly. “And yet,” she murmured, “you’re still here. You’re still trying.”

“I am,” Ash said with unwavering determination. “But it’s a losing battle. Every day, I feel like I’m one step closer to becoming exactly what I despise.”

Venli nodded slowly, her expression grim. “Then we have a lot to talk about,” she said, her words carrying the weight of the impending conversation.

Venli shifted on her Tweener friend’s lap, her diaper crinkling softly as she leaned forward. Her expression was serious. “Since Welby’s confession,” she began, her voice low, “we thought we’d managed to slip away unseen. But we were wrong. Several of our headquarters have been busted, forcing many Resistance members into hiding.”

She glanced up at the Tweener holding her, a silent gesture of acknowledgment. “That’s where she comes in. The Resistance has started recruiting Tweeners sympathetic to Littles, using their homes as safe houses to hide them in plain sight. But…” Venli hesitated, her voice growing heavier. “The problem is simple: we have too many Littles and insufficient housing. Our current methods for getting Littles back to Earth are too slow. If we don’t find a way to move them faster, more will get caught.”

Ash’s brows knitted together, her grip tightening slightly around Kaylee. “Let me guess,” she interjected, her voice laced with sarcasm and incredulity. “You want me to adopt ten Littles or something? Venli, I can’t do that. It’s impossible.”

Venli shook her head quickly. “No, that’s not what I’m asking,” she assured her, though the intensity in her eyes didn’t waver. “For you, Ash, I have something different in mind.”

Ash’s frown deepened, her apprehension clear as she waited for Venli to continue.

Venli’s voice dropped even lower, her tone carrying the weight of her words. “Your daycare’s building is right on top of one of the tunnel networks we use to funnel Littles to the portal buildings. It’s a crucial route, but it’s become increasingly dangerous to move Littles without raising suspicion.”

Ash’s eyes widened, her mind racing to keep up. “And you’re thinking… what? Do you want me to let these Littles hide in my daycare? Use it as a front?”

Venli nodded. “Exactly. They’d be clients of your daycare until their transfer window. You’d care for them during the day, just like any other Little. But when the time comes, they’d move through the tunnels to safety.”

Ash ran a hand through her hair, her nerves prickling at the enormity of the request. “Venli, do you know what you’re asking? If the government finds out…”

“They won’t,” Venli interrupted firmly. “We’ve already taken every precaution. And Ash, you wouldn’t be doing this for free. The Resistance would compensate you handsomely for the risk.”

Ash’s gaze flicked to Kaylee, quietly nursing her thumb, and then back to Venli. “You’re asking me to gamble everything,” she murmured, her voice thick with uncertainty.

“I’m asking you to make a difference,” Venli corrected, her tone resolute. “You said it yourself—you hate what this government is doing to Littles. This is your chance to fight back, to offer them a real shot at freedom.”

Ash stared at her, the weight of the decision pressing down on her like a storm cloud. She felt Kaylee shift slightly in her lap, the girl’s innocent trust a painful reminder of the stakes. Finally, Ash took a deep breath, her voice quiet but steady.

“I’ll think about it,” she said, the resolve in her tone unmistakable.

Venli grimaced, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Ash, we don’t have the luxury of time,” she said, her voice urgent. “The Amazons are dangerously close to cracking the serum. Once they do, it’s game over for the remaining Resistance members and any hope of protecting the Littles. We’re trying to develop a new formula, but the government keeps staying one step ahead. And now, with our research facilities being raided, we’ve had to focus all our efforts on what we can control—getting Littles to safety.”

Ash’s jaw tightened as she absorbed the weight of Venli’s words. “I get that,” she replied, her tone measured, “but you need to understand something. My daycare has a nanny bot. It records conversations and logs everything. And then there’s the inspector—she’s already breathing down my neck.”

Venli’s expression darkened, and for a moment, her confidence wavered. “I didn’t realize about the nanny bot,” she admitted, her gaze flicking to her Tweener companion. “That complicates things… but we can still make it work.”

“How?” Ash asked sharply, her arms instinctively tightening around Kaylee. “You’re asking me to take in Littles, and now you’re saying I can’t even protect them.”

Venli leaned forward, her voice firm but laced with a desperate edge. “The Littles will be treated like any other. No special treatment, no deviations from the standard protocols. They’ll blend in, just like the others. If we stick to that, the bot’s recordings won’t raise any red flags.”

Ash sighed, her hand rubbing Kaylee’s back in a soothing motion. “You’re asking me to put everything I’ve worked for on the line, Venli.”

Venli’s eyes softened, and she reached out, placing her hand over Ash’s. “I know it’s a lot, Ash, but you’re making the right choice. You’re giving those Littles a chance—something they don’t have without you.”

Ash hesitated for a long moment, the room heavy with silence. Finally, she nodded, her voice quiet but resolute. “Fine. But if anything goes wrong—if even one thing feels off—I’m pulling the plug.”

Relief washed over Venli’s face, her shoulders sagging slightly as she smiled. “Thank you, Ash. You don’t know how much this means.”

Liora gently guided Venli back into the stroller, ensuring the blanket was tucked snugly around her before stepping back. Liora adjusted the bonnet on Venli’s head, their eyes briefly meeting Ash’s in a silent exchange of gratitude.

Before Venli could leave, Ash cleared her throat, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. “Wait,” she said, her gaze sharp but not unkind. “There’s one more thing.”

Venli paused, looking up at her with curiosity and caution. “What is it?”

Ash crossed her arms, her tone firm but measured. “When you develop that new serum, I want a dosage.”

Venli blinked, clearly caught off guard by the request, but she quickly nodded. “Consider it done,” she replied, her voice carrying a note of respect. “Thank you, Ash.”

With that, Venli and her Tweener companion turned toward the door, leaving Ash in the quiet office. She glanced down at Kaylee, perched in her lap, her wide, confused eyes searching Ash’s face.

“Why would you want the serum, Ash?” Kaylee asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant. “Are you worried they may start targeting Tweeners next?”

Ash’s expression softened as she ran her thumb gently over Kaylee’s cheek, her touch tender but resolute as she shook her head. “It’s not for me,” she murmured.

Kaylee stared at her momentarily, the confusion slowly giving way to realization. Her eyes welled with tears, and without another word, she wrapped her arms tightly around Ash’s neck, hugging her fiercely. Ash held her close, one hand rubbing soothing circles on Kaylee’s back as she whispered, “I’ve got you, Kaylee. I won’t let them win.”

Kaylee felt hope for the first time in days, her trust in Ash unwavering. She didn’t need words to convey her gratitude—her embrace said everything. And for Ash, that was enough.

*

Emily waddled alongside the group, her heavy and waterlogged diaper sagging noticeably beneath her dress. An awkward squelching sound accompanied every step, and her cheeks flushed as a few passersby giggled or cooed at her state. She shot a mortified glance at Lucas, who looked equally drenched, his diaper swollen and bulging hilariously. Lucas caught her look and grinned sheepishly, shrugging as if to say, ‘"What can you do?’"

Evelyn walked beside them, trying and failing to stifle her laughter. “Well,” she said between giggles, “I suppose we should’ve thought this one better. Swim diapers would’ve been the smarter choice.”

Lucas snickered. “You think?” He tugged at the waistband of his bloated diaper, which sagged so low it threatened to fall off entirely. “I feel like I’m wearing a water balloon.”

Emily groaned, trying to shift the bulk between her legs, which made her waddle even more exaggeratedly. “This is so embarrassing,” she muttered, her face redder than ever.

Evelyn playfully patted Lucas on the back, steering him toward the nearby restrooms. “Alright, kiddos, let’s get you both cleaned up. No sense dragging all this extra weight around.”

Welby chuckled as he followed, carrying a thoroughly soaked Hannah. “At least we know the ride lives up to its name,” he said, adjusting Hannah’s dress, which dripped comically with water. She gave a tiny, tired giggle, clearly too exhausted to care about the state of her diaper.

As they approached the restrooms, Emily couldn’t help but glance down at herself, her swollen diaper sloshing with each step. ‘Why do these things have to absorb so much?’ she thought miserably. Still, Lucas’s lighthearted attitude made it a little easier to bear. She glanced at him again, his grin contagious, and managed a small smile.

Evelyn held the door open for them, ushering the group inside. “Alright, Lucas, you’re up first,” she said, pulling a fresh diaper from the bag. “Let’s get you back in action.”

Emily shuffled over to a bench, flopping down with a wet splat. She waited her turn as she watched Evelyn and Welby work seamlessly to sort Lucas and Hannah out. ‘This is just part of the magic,’ she told herself with a wry smile.

Welby worked swiftly, pulling off Hannah’s waterlogged dress and tossing it into the small drying unit built into the changing area. The machine hummed to life, the gentle whir of the motor filling the restroom as he focused on changing Hannah’s swollen diaper. “Wow, you filled this one up, didn’t you?” he teased with a warm smile, wiping her clean and powdering her before securing a fresh, snug diaper around her waist. Hannah’s cheeks turned pink, but she couldn’t help but giggle a tiny bit as Daddy gave her a playful pat on her freshly padded bottom.

“There we go,” he said, lifting her into the stroller. “All set, princess.” He adjusted her bonnet, ensuring it sat just right, then turned to Emily.

“Alright, your turn,” Welby said, scooping her up and laying her gently on the changing table. Emily squirmed, her cheeks burning as he stripped off her soaked dress and set it in the drying unit alongside Hannah’s. She quickly crossed her arms over her chest, feeling exposed in just her saturated diaper.

Welby’s touch was gentle but efficient, and he offered a few teasing remarks to lighten the mood. “Let’s see if your diaper held up as well as the ride,” he joked, carefully undoing the tabs. Emily groaned, her face bright red, but Lucas’s laughter from his stroller helped her relax. She couldn’t help but snicker as Welby finished taping her into a clean, dry diaper.

“All done,” Welby said, lifting Emily and placing her back into the stroller beside Hannah. Evelyn had already finished changing Lucas, who now sat with a goofy grin, kicking his legs as if nothing had happened.

With all three Littles sitting in their diapers, the drying unit continued its work, the faint heat and spinning making the room feel cozy. Welby crouched down, smoothing out Emily’s hair. “You three look ready for a lazy day by the pool,” he teased, earning a chorus of giggles.

Evelyn chuckled, handing Lucas a small toy to occupy him while they waited. “At least this gives us a breather,” she said, glancing at the timer on the dryer. “Five more minutes, and we’ll be back to exploring.”

Emily leaned back in her stroller, her cheeks still pink but her embarrassment fading as she saw the playful smiles around her. Maybe this wasn’t so bad, she thought, watching as Lucas made faces at her to make her laugh. For now, she felt safe, surrounded by people who cared for her, even in the middle of her most awkward moments.

As Daddy turned their strollers to face the wall, Emily furrowed her brows, puzzled by the sudden shift. “Why are we—?” she began, but Welby’s soft chuckle interrupted her.

“The grown-ups need their clothes dried too,” he explained casually, his tone lighthearted.

Emily’s cheeks flushed a deep red as realization hit her. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, the crinkling of her diaper the only sound she dared make. Moments later, she heard the rustling of fabric as Welby and Evelyn began stripping out of their soaked clothes, and her blush deepened.

A faint giggle escaped Evelyn, followed by Welby’s teasing voice, “At least the Littles didn’t get everything soaked.”

Emily groaned quietly, burying her face in her hands, while Lucas leaned over in his stroller, his grin practically splitting his face. With his elbow, he gave her a playful nudge, his eyes sparkling with mischief. She peeked out between her fingers, and they exchanged a knowing look that spoke volumes. Adults… their shared exasperation seemed to say, followed by an almost synchronized roll of their eyes.

Despite her embarrassment, Emily couldn’t stop herself from glancing at Lucas. His carefree laughter made her heart flutter slightly, and even in nothing but a diaper, he looked… well, she hated to admit it, but attractive. The way he carried himself, so confident and playful, was enough to make her stomach do tiny flips. She quickly averted her eyes, silently scolding herself.

The sound of the drying unit’s hum filled the room, mingling with Welby and Evelyn's quiet laughter. The whole situation felt surreal—here they were, a group of Amazons and Littles united by shared experiences, awkward moments, and a strangely comforting sense of family.

Lucas leaned closer again, his voice a playful whisper. “Bet you didn’t think a trip to Disneyland would involve this much diaper time.”

Emily stifled a laugh, nudging him back. “Speak for yourself,” she retorted, her voice just as low. “You’re the one who said you liked it.”

Lucas grinned, unfazed. “Doesn’t mean I expected to be this exposed.”

Despite herself, Emily couldn’t help but laugh softly, the tension easing as they continued to wait, sharing quiet jokes and stolen glances while the adults finished drying their clothes.

As the whirring dryers wound to a stop, Emily could hear the soft rustle of fabric as Welby and Evelyn began redressing. Moments later, they turned their attention to the Littles. Daddy carefully helped Hannah into her freshly dried dress, adjusting the hem with practiced ease. Evelyn, meanwhile, slipped Lucas into his shorts and shirt, her touch gentle and familiar. Finally, it was Emily’s turn, and she felt a strange comfort in Daddy’s steady hands as he dressed her, smoothing out any wrinkles before giving her a playful pat on the head.

“Alright, all set,” Welby announced warmly, his voice carrying a sense of ease that made Emily smile.

As they exited the restroom, the sunlight streaming through the park trees felt refreshing against Emily’s face. Evelyn glanced at her watch, then turned to Welby with a thoughtful expression. “It’s getting close to Lucas’s nap time,” she said, her tone light but firm. “We could use a little break, too. Maybe some mint juleps while the kids rest?”

Hannah immediately whined, crossing her arms. “I’m not tired,” she insisted, her voice petulant. But the betrayal of a yawn slipped out, punctuating her statement and drawing amused chuckles from the adults.

“I think your body’s trying to tell you otherwise,” Daddy teased, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Nap time sounds like a great idea.”

The group approached the dining area near New Orleans Square, the gentle hum of jazz music floating through the air. They parked the strollers beside a shaded table, and the adults quickly ordered their drinks. As the server brought out the frosty mint juleps, Evelyn leaned over Lucas’s stroller, pulling the canopy forward.

“Alright, kiddos,” she said softly, her voice laced with warmth. “Time for some shut-eye.”

Emily blinked in surprise as the cover over her stroller was drawn down. The fabric was thick and opaque, blocking out nearly all the sunlight. The sound of the bustling park faded to a faint murmur, leaving only a soothing stillness. It was as if the world outside had vanished, replaced by a cocoon of quiet comfort.

Emily shifted slightly in her stroller, the padded seat crinkling beneath her. She glanced at Lucas, who was already nestled comfortably under his cover, his eyes drooping. Hannah let out a small huff of protest, but the park's warm cocoon and gentle rhythm soon had her eyelids fluttering.

“Sweet dreams, girls,” Daddy whispered, his voice low and calming.

Under the dim canopy of their strollers, the world felt distant, a soft hum of life filtering through the fabric. Emily shifted slightly, her diaper crinkling as she tried to get comfortable. She heard the faint rustle of Hannah doing the same, the silence between them stretching long enough to feel almost tangible.

Hannah broke it first, her voice quiet but clear. “Hey, Em… how are you holding up?”

Emily turned her head slightly, though she couldn’t quite see her sister through the thick cover. “I’m doing okay,” she murmured, tone honest but tinged with weariness. “It’s a lot, you know? All of this.”

Hannah hummed softly in agreement. “Yeah… it is.” She hesitated before adding, “How are you really, though? With… everything.”

Emily took a moment, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of the blanket draped over her. “Honestly? I’m scared sometimes. But I’m trying to stay positive. It helps to have you here.”

Hannah’s soft laugh carried a hint of warmth. “Same. I don’t think I could do this without you.” She paused, then her voice dropped to a whisper. “Do you ever feel like… like you’re losing yourself?”

Emily frowned, considering her words carefully. “I’ve thought about that. Especially with everything they’re pushing on us. But I don’t think we’re losing ourselves, Han. I think we’re finding ways to hold on—together.”

Hannah didn’t respond immediately, but Emily could hear her breathing slow and steady. Finally, Hannah said, “Thanks, Em. That helps.”

“Always,” Emily replied softly, her fingers brushing against the stroller cover.

The quiet settled again, but it felt less heavy this time. Their unspoken bond was a comforting thread that kept them tethered, no matter what.

Hannah’s soft voice broke the comfortable silence in the dim cocoon of the stroller. “So,” she began, her tone playful yet curious, “what do you think of Lucas?”

Emily’s cheeks immediately flushed, the warmth spreading up to her ears. She shifted awkwardly, the confines of her stroller amplifying her discomfort. “I… think he’s nice,” she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hannah chuckled softly, her amusement clear even through the muted light. “I’ve seen the way you look at him, Em.”

Emily’s heart raced, her mortification doubling. “What?! I don’t—Hannah, it’s not like that!” she stammered, struggling to find the right words.

“Relax,” Hannah cut in gently, her voice soothing yet firm. “It’s okay, really. I just… I want you to be happy. You deserve that.”

Emily blinked, caught off guard by her sister’s sincerity. The knot of embarrassment in her chest unraveled, replaced by a warm, aching gratitude. “Hannah…” she whispered, her throat tightening as tears pricked her eyes.

Hannah’s voice softened further, filled with a quiet warmth. “If you like him, go for it. You’ve been through so much, Em. You deserve someone who makes you smile like that.”

The heartfelt encouragement shook Emily, and her emotions spilled over. She reached out as best she could, her arms limited by the stroller’s snug restraints. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Hannah shifted closer, their fingers brushing in a small but significant gesture of comfort and solidarity. “Always,” Hannah replied, her voice thick with emotion.

At that moment, surrounded by the soft hum of the park and the faint murmurs of their caregivers chatting nearby, the bond between the sisters felt unshakable. 

Emily reached over again, her fingers brushing gently against Hannah's arm. “No matter what happens, Han,” she said softly, her voice filled with unshakable conviction, “you’re my sister. My baby girl.”

Hannah’s face lit up, and a wide grin spread across her features as she nestled closer to Emily. Her diaper crinkled slightly with the movement. “Mommy,” she murmured, the word slipping out like a tender secret. Her voice carried a playful warmth.

The simple word sent a rush of emotion through Emily, swelling her heart. She leaned down as much as the stroller restraints would allow and gently kissed Hannah on the top of her head. “Always,” she whispered, her voice full of love and reassurance as she wrapped her arms around her sister.

At that moment, the world outside their stroller melted away. The laughter and chatter of the park faded into a distant hum, leaving just the two of them in their shared bubble of safety and love. They didn’t need words to express the depth of their bond—it was in the way Hannah snuggled closer, in the way Emily held her protectively, and in the quiet, unspoken promise that no matter who else came into their lives, nothing could ever break the connection they shared.

“I love you,” Emily whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

“I love you too, Mommy,” Hannah replied, her voice barely audible but every bit as heartfelt. The sisters stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s warmth, their hearts beating in perfect sync.