As Kaylee shifted uncomfortably in Ash’s lap, her pacifier bobbing rhythmically between her lips, the tension in her posture was impossible to miss. Ash’s sharp eyes caught every subtle squirm and wiggle, her brows knitting together in concern as the sitcom continued playing in the background.

“What’s with all the fidgeting?” Ash asked her voice light but tinged with curiosity. She gently adjusted her hold on Kaylee, her hand resting lightly on the smaller woman’s back.

Kaylee’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, her gaze darting toward the holo-screen as if it might distract her from the vulnerable confession she was about to make. Her voice was muffled by the pacifier, shy and hesitant. “I… I need to go,” she admitted, her fingers nervously clutching the hem of her onesie.

Ash’s expression softened, her hand gently rubbing small circles on Kaylee’s back. “Well, that’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” she said kindly. “When you do, I’ll change you right away. No waiting around.”

Kaylee’s blush deepened, her pacifier stilling momentarily as she processed Ash’s words. They brought an odd mix of emotions—relief at Ash’s immediate offer of care and a strange sense of disappointment that felt foreign yet undeniably present. She squirmed slightly in Ash’s lap, trying to push the conflicting feelings aside, but they lingered, gnawing at the edges of her mind.

She wanted to be good. The thought echoed in her mind, unbidden yet insistent. Naomi and Oliver’s cheerful encouragement had left a mark, embedding the idea that “good Littles” accepted their circumstances without complaint. Kaylee felt a tug of desire to follow that script, to stay in the messy diaper that would soon come and bask in the praise she imagined receiving.

But another part of her—stronger, more resistant—clung to the remnants of her dignity. She didn’t want to give up entirely or lose herself to the influences slowly shaping her thoughts and behavior. The struggle left her vulnerable and uncertain, caught between two conflicting identities.

Ash’s voice cut through the haze of her thoughts. “You’re not going to make yourself uncomfortable, are you?” she asked gently, tilting her head to meet Kaylee’s gaze. “There’s nothing wrong with letting go when you need to.”

Kaylee hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her onesie. “I… I don’t know,” she admitted softly, her words barely audible around the pacifier. “I just… I want to be good.”

Ash’s brow furrowed at the admission, her hand stilling momentarily on Kaylee’s back. She didn’t miss the subtle shift in Kaylee’s tone or the unspoken weight behind her words. “Good?” she repeated, her voice carefully neutral. “Kaylee, you don’t need to push yourself to fit someone else’s idea of what ‘good’ means. You’re fine just as you are.”

Kaylee’s heart fluttered at the words, the sincerity in Ash’s tone grounding her amidst the swirling emotions. But even as she felt a flicker of reassurance, the pull of Naomi and Oliver’s influence lingered, tugging her in a direction she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to go.

For now, she held on, her body tense as she fought to maintain control. But deep down, she knew the battle wouldn’t last much longer. Her cheeks burned with anticipation and embarrassment, and the comforting weight of Ash’s presence provided both solace and a reminder of her vulnerability.

As Kaylee squirmed slightly in Ash's lap, she clenched her hands into the soft fabric of her onesie, forcing her thoughts away from the pressing sensation in her abdomen. She concentrated on the sitcom, the gentle hum of the holo-screen, and the soothing motion of Ash’s hand rubbing slow circles on her back.

But the more she fought, the more strain built. Her thoughts faltered momentarily, and Naomi and Oliver's programming seized the opportunity. Without warning, Kaylee’s body relaxed, instinctively pushing as if it had been on autopilot. Her pacifier slipped from her lips, and her wide eyes met Ash's in a fleeting moment of helpless realization before the inevitable happened.

As she filled her diaper, a muffled crinkle and a distinct sensation of warmth and weight spread through the back. The relief came first, but it was immediately followed by a strange, unfamiliar tingling that coursed through her entire body. It began at her fingertips and toes, spreading upward like a gentle wave until it reached her chest, pounding her heart.

Then, the euphoria hit.

Kaylee let out a soft, involuntary moan as the rush of endorphins overwhelmed her senses, a giddy pleasure blooming within her that she couldn’t suppress. Her cheeks burned bright red, the heat spreading down her neck, but she couldn’t focus on anything beyond the dizzying flood of emotions coursing through her. She felt limp in Ash’s arms, her body melting into the embrace as a haze of warmth and contentment clouded her mind.

Ash’s arms tightened instinctively around Kaylee, her concerned expression growing sharper as the smaller woman’s moans filled the room. “Kaylee?” she asked, her voice tinged with alarm as she shifted to get a better look at her. “Hey, what’s going on?”

Kaylee could barely hear her through the haze. Her head lolled slightly as her breathing slowed, and the euphoria left her dazed and pliant. Her pacifier dangled from its ribbon, forgotten, as she stared up at Ash with glassy eyes and a small, blissful smile.

Ash’s jaw tightened as she recalled what had happened, her sharp gaze flicking between Kaylee’s flushed face and the slight sag of her diaper. Her gut twisted, and anger simmered beneath the surface as she realized the influence Naomi and Oliver had exerted.

“Kaylee,” she said again, her tone softer this time as she brushed a strand of hair from the woman’s flushed face. “Are you okay?”

Kaylee’s gaze fluttered to meet hers, and she nodded faintly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I’m good,” she murmured, the lingering euphoria evident in her tone.

Ash’s chest tightened at the admission, her concern warring with growing frustration. She held Kaylee a little closer, her protective instincts overriding her anger. “Alright,” she said quietly. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Even as Ash stood and began gathering the supplies for a diaper change, her thoughts churned. The hold the programming had on Kaylee was deeper than she’d feared, and she knew she couldn’t let it go unchecked. But for now, all she could do was provide care and support, even as the weight of what had just happened settled heavily in her chest.

Ash froze mid-motion, the wipes, and a clean diaper in her hands, as Kaylee’s sudden, desperate “No! No changes!” cut through the quiet room. Her sharp intake of breath was audible, and Ash turned to Kaylee, her expression a mixture of confusion, shock, and dawning horror.

Kaylee’s face turned crimson as she avoided Ash’s gaze, her hands trembling as she clutched at the edges of her onesie. “I… I didn’t mean it,” she stammered, her voice barely audible. “It wasn’t me… it was Naomi and Oliver.” Her voice cracked, and she clenched her eyes shut as if trying to block out the sound of the cheerful giggles that echoed in the back of her mind.

Ash stared, her grip tightening slightly on the supplies as she tried to process what she’d just heard. “Kaylee,” she said slowly, her tone carefully measured but heavy with concern. “Do you want me to change you now?”

Kaylee hesitated, her breath hitching as she wrestled with the conflicting desires surging within her. The rational part of her, the part untouched by the programming, wanted nothing more than to be cleaned and free of the humiliating situation. But the voice implanted by Naomi and Oliver whispered other thoughts, urging her to stay in the warm, squishy confines of her diaper and bask in the “goodness” they promised.

With a weak nod, Kaylee finally whispered, “Yes… please change me.” The words felt foreign, almost forced, as though she were pushing through a fog to speak them. Yet, even as she complied, some of her wanted to say no, to let Ash leave her in this state a little longer.

Ash sighed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly as she set the supplies down and helped Kaylee lie back on the couch. The smaller woman flinched as her messy diaper squished beneath her, the sensation sending an unexpected rush of euphoria flooding her system. Her body tensed briefly, her cheeks burning with fresh humiliation as she fought to suppress the soft moan threatening to escape her lips.

Ash didn’t miss how Kaylee’s body reacted. Her keen eyes caught the faint shudder and the glazed look in her eyes. Her jaw tightened, anger simmering beneath her concern as she began changing Kaylee. The sound of the diaper’s tapes being undone filled the air, and Ash worked carefully, her movements methodical but not rushed.

As Ash cleaned her, Kaylee’s breathing hitched, her chest rising and falling as she struggled against the surge of emotions coursing through her. Every touch felt amplified, every movement a battle to maintain composure as the voices in her mind cooed encouragement, praising her for being such a good girl. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, her shame and frustration bubbling to the surface.

Ash glanced up at Kaylee’s flushed face, her brows knitting together as she saw the tears threatening to spill. “Kaylee,” she said softly, her voice steadier than she felt. “You don’t have to fight this alone. I’m here.”

Kaylee’s lip quivered as she looked away, the weight of Ash’s words both a comfort and a reminder of how deeply she’d been affected. “I… I don’t know who I am anymore,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I just… I just want to be me.”

Ash paused, her hand resting lightly on Kaylee’s knee as she locked eyes. “You are you,” she said firmly. “No matter what they’ve tried to make you believe, you’re still Kaylee. And we’re going to make sure you stay that way.”

Kaylee’s tears spilled over, her hands gripping the edges of the blanket draped over her as Ash finished securing a fresh diaper around her waist. The cool, clean padding felt like a reprieve from the haze that had clouded her mind, and she let out a shaky breath, her body relaxing slightly.

Ash helped her sit up, pulling her into a gentle embrace. Kaylee buried her face against Ash’s shoulder, her small hands clutching at the fabric of her shirt as sobs wracked her tiny frame. Ash held her tightly, her own heart heavy with determination and guilt. Whatever it took, she would fight to protect Kaylee from the grip of Naomi and Oliver’s programming—and from the pieces of herself that had begun to waver.

Ash carried Kaylee down the dimly lit hallway, her steps soft and deliberate as the smaller woman sobbed quietly into her chest. The faint glow of the bedroom’s smart lighting activated as they entered, casting a soft, soothing ambiance. Ash’s expression remained set, her jaw tight, and her amber eyes shadowed with anger and guilt.

But the anger wasn’t directed at Kaylee.

As Ash gently lowered herself onto the edge of the bed, she kept Kaylee cradled against her. The smaller woman trembled in her arms, hiccuping breaths tugging painfully at Ash’s heart. Stripping off her shirt and pants, Ash slipped beneath the covers with Kaylee still nestled close, their shared warmth a fragile anchor against the storm of emotions swirling around them.

Ash held Kaylee securely, one hand resting lightly against the girl’s back while the other stroked her hair in slow, repetitive motions. Each stroke seemed to ease Kaylee’s sobs just a little, though her body still shook with residual emotion. Ash tilted her head to press a soft kiss against Kaylee’s hairline, her chest tightening with the weight of her thoughts.

She couldn’t find it in her to be angry with Kaylee, not like this. How could she, when the girl clung to her so desperately, so vulnerably? Ash’s anger wasn’t for Kaylee—it was for the Amazons, the system that had twisted their lives into this grotesque mockery of normalcy. The memory of Naomi and Oliver playing on the holo-screen sent her a fresh wave of rage. That insidious programming show had stolen pieces of Kaylee and warped her into something she didn’t recognize.

Ash shifted slightly, adjusting the covers around them as Kaylee’s breathing began to even out. Her gaze softened as she looked down at the girl in her arms, her tear-streaked face buried against Ash’s chest. Despite the anger in her core, Ash felt a profound tenderness for the fragile woman curled against her. Kaylee hadn’t asked for this—none of them had.

“I’m so sorry, Kaylee,” Ash whispered, her voice breaking as she pressed another kiss to the girl’s forehead. “You didn’t deserve this.”

Kaylee stirred faintly, her hiccups tapering off as exhaustion overtook her. Her small hands clutched weakly at Ash’s shirt, and her body went limp as her sobs faded into quiet sniffles. Within moments, her breathing slowed, and Ash felt the telltale weight of sleep settling over her.

Ash tightened her hold, pulling Kaylee closer as she rested her chin against the girl’s soft hair. The steady rhythm of Kaylee’s breaths was soothing, reassuring her that she was still here, fighting despite everything. Ash’s resolve hardened as she lay there, her eyes drifting closed.

Whatever it took, Ash would protect Kaylee from the Amazons, the programming, and the voices whispering in her mind. Ash wouldn’t let them take another piece of her. As they lay entwined beneath the covers, Ash silently vowed to find a way to undo the damage—to give Kaylee back the freedom and dignity she deserved. The room grew quiet, save for the soft sounds of their breathing, as Ash held Kaylee tightly in her arms, refusing to let go.

Ash stirred first as sunlight poured through the window, painting the bedroom in soft golden hues. She blinked against the brightness, yawning and stretching as her muscles protested the night's stiffness. Her arms instinctively tightened around Kaylee, who remained nestled against her, the smaller woman curled up like a kitten in her sleep.

Ash’s movement brought her hand into contact with Kaylee's diaper's unmistakable cold, clammy texture. Her brow furrowed as she stilled, a pang of pity tightening her chest. Had Kaylee wet herself during the night? Or had she woken, felt the familiar pressure, and chosen to use her diaper rather than disturb the quiet intimacy they’d shared?

It didn’t matter now. What mattered was ensuring Kaylee’s comfort.

Careful not to wake her, Ash gently pulled back the covers. The soaked state of Kaylee’s diaper immediately confirmed her suspicions. The faint scent of ammonia reached her nose, but she ignored it, focusing entirely on the vulnerable girl in her arms. Kaylee’s pacifier had fallen out during the night, resting against the pillow beside her, and her soft breathing filled the room with a calming rhythm.

Ash leaned over and reached for the supplies she’d left on the bedside table, setting everything within reach. With practiced care, she began to undo the tapes of Kaylee’s diaper, wincing slightly at the cool air that met the damp padding as it peeled away. The smaller woman stirred faintly at the shift, her nose wrinkling as she let out a soft, sleepy mumble.

“It’s okay, Kaylee,” Ash murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she continued working. “Just go back to sleep if you can. I’m just getting you cleaned up.”

Kaylee’s eyes fluttered open groggily, her gaze unfocused as she blinked at Ash. “Mmm... what’s going on?” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

Ash offered a reassuring smile, pausing briefly to tuck a stray lock of hair behind Kaylee’s ear. “Just changing you,” she said gently. “You had a little accident last night.”

Kaylee’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, the haze of sleep not enough to fully shield her from the embarrassment of the situation. She shifted slightly, the motion causing the sodden diaper beneath her to squish uncomfortably. “I… I didn’t mean to,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ash’s heart ached at the sight of Kaylee’s shame. “Hey, it’s alright,” she reassured her, her tone calm and soothing. “You don’t have to explain or apologize, okay? I’ve got you.”

Kaylee nodded hesitantly, her blush deepening as Ash resumed cleaning her up. The cool sensation of the wipes made her shiver slightly, but Ash’s gentle touch and calm demeanor eased some of the tension in her body. As Ash worked, Kaylee’s thoughts swirled in a foggy mix of gratitude, residual embarrassment, and a faint, inexplicable comfort at being cared for so intimately.

Within minutes, Ash cleaned Kaylee and snugly taped her into a fresh diaper. The soft, dry padding starkly contrasted the discomfort she’d woken in. Ash smiled down at her, brushing a hand lightly over Kaylee’s hair as she adjusted her onesie.

“There we go,” Ash said warmly. “All set. Feeling better?”

Kaylee nodded faintly, her eyes still heavy from sleep, but her lips curved into a small, shy smile. “Thanks, Ash,” she murmured, her voice soft but sincere.

Ash gently squeezed her, pulling the covers back over them as she settled Kaylee against her again. “Anytime,” she replied, her tone filled with quiet determination. “Now, why don’t you rest a bit longer? I’ll be right here.”

Kaylee’s head rested against Ash’s chest, her breathing evening out as sleep began to claim her again. Ash held her close, her thoughts racing as she stared out the window at the sunlight streaming in. Whatever challenges the day ahead held, she resolved to face them head-on—for Kaylee’s sake, if not hers.

Ash pulled the blanket snugly around them, curling Kaylee’s small body against her, the girl’s head tucked beneath Ash’s chin. Kaylee's rhythmic rise and fall in breathing were soothing, her warmth grounding Ash in the fleeting peace of the moment. For a brief time, the chaos and demands of the day seemed like distant worries, muted by the quiet intimacy of the morning.

The sunlight streaming through the window cast long, golden beams across the room, illuminating the faint patterns on the ceiling. Ash let her eyes trace them absentmindedly as her thoughts began to drift. Perched high in the sleek Amazon tower, her apartment felt like a world apart from the bustling chaos below. Despite its height, the structure was rock solid, a testament to Amazon's engineering. The tower swayed imperceptibly in the wind, but Ash barely noticed—it was one of the few things about her current life that didn’t feel precarious.

Her thoughts, however, were far from steady.

Today would bring its share of challenges. The daycare always demanded a careful balance of patience and vigilance, especially given the expectations placed on Littles. Though she had once found joy in her work, the recent changes to her routine had made it far more complicated.

Her gaze flicked down to Kaylee, her chest tightening. The girl looked so peaceful now, her features relaxed and her breath soft against Ash’s neck. It was hard to reconcile this image of vulnerability with the difficult choices Ash knew she’d make in just a few hours.

The show. Naomi and Oliver. Even thinking about it made her stomach churn. She hated that vile, manipulative program, hated how insidious it was, how it twisted the minds of Littles with its saccharine veneer of fun and positivity. But it was required, enforced by the same system that had dictated so many of her humiliations. The thought of sitting Kaylee in front of that screen again made her jaw clench.

Ash’s memories stirred, vivid, and unbidden. Her time as a Little under Amazon care flashed before her—each episode of the show burned into her mind like a scar. She remembered the frustration, the humiliation, and the slow erosion of her sense of self as she fought to retain control over her own identity. Even now, the emotional wounds felt fresh. She’d escaped that life, but it had left a mark on her that wouldn’t fade.

And now, she was complicit in subjecting Kaylee to the same thing.

Her grip on Kaylee tightened ever so slightly, her protective instincts flaring as guilt bubbled to the surface. Ash tilted her head slightly, brushing a soft kiss against Kaylee’s hair. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I wish there was another way.”

The irony wasn’t lost on her. She’d spent so much of her life fighting against the system, only to find herself tangled in its web again. But she wasn’t the same person she’d been back then. This time, she wasn’t powerless.

Ash silently resolved to keep fighting—for Kaylee, herself, and the countless Littles caught in the same system. She didn’t have all the answers yet, but she knew she couldn’t let the Amazons take any more than they already had.

As Ash lay there, holding Kaylee close beneath the warm covers, her thoughts wandered back to a time that felt like a distant dream. It had been only a few short weeks ago, but the memories carried the weight of an eternity. Kaylee had been an Amazon then—confident, composed, and entirely in control. Together, they’d worked tirelessly to bring the daycare to life, pouring over color palettes and furniture catalogs.

Ash could still see it so clearly. Kaylee stood beside her, gesturing animatedly at fabric swatches as they debated the perfect shade of blue for the playroom walls. Kaylee insisted on something calming but cheerful, while Ash was drawn to a softer pastel. Eventually, they compromised, settling on a blend that balanced beauty and functionality. Every piece of furniture had been carefully chosen and placed, a labor of love that had felt so rewarding at the time.

Those days had been warm and comfortable, filled with shared laughter and easy companionship. Ash admired Kaylee’s eye for detail and instinctive ability to make a space feel welcoming and safe. It had been more than just a professional partnership—a bond of mutual respect and trust.

But then came the betrayal.

The memory surfaced unbidden, sharp, and raw. Ash clenched her jaw as the image of the syringe burned in her mind: Kaylee’s hands trembling, her voice pleading, the venomous sting of betrayal in her words as she revealed her plan. That syringe had been meant for Ash, a cruel twist designed to shrink her back into the life she’d fought so hard to escape. But Ash had reacted quickly, seizing it in the heat of the moment and turning it back on Kaylee.

The scene played out in her mind like a vivid nightmare. She remembered the shock in Kaylee’s eyes as the serum took effect, her body rapidly diminishing before Ash’s stunned gaze. What had once been a confident, towering Amazon was now the fragile, vulnerable Little nestled in Ash’s arms.

The betrayal cut deep, but Ash couldn’t ignore the flood of conflicting emotions that came with it. Did one terrible act wash away months of joy and companionship? Were all those happy memories nothing more than a calculated ploy to gain her trust, to lower her defenses for the ultimate betrayal?

No. As much as those thoughts gnawed at her, Ash couldn’t believe that. Kaylee’s laughter, kindness, and warmth they’d shared couldn’t have all been a lie. Kaylee had made a horrible mistake, yes, but Ash didn’t believe it defined her. The woman who had once argued playfully over paint swatches and stayed late to arrange furniture wasn’t a monster. She was human, flawed, and broken, like everyone else.

Ash sighed softly, her hold on Kaylee tightening as she pressed her lips to the girl’s hair. The smaller woman stirred slightly but didn’t wake, breathing steadily and peacefully. “We’ll figure this out,” Ash whispered, her voice filled with determination. “I don’t know how yet, but we will.”

No matter how much the memories hurt, they were still hers. And no matter how much Kaylee had changed—or been changed—Ash couldn’t abandon the girl she’d once known.

Ash shifted reluctantly beneath the covers, careful not to disturb Kaylee too much as she slid out of bed. The room's cool air greeted her bare arms, a stark contrast to the warmth she’d just left. Kaylee stirred faintly in her sleep, murmuring something unintelligible, and Ash couldn’t help but pause, her heart tightening at the sight.

The thought of preparing a bottle crossed her mind as she padded softly to the small kitchenette in her apartment. It was a routine she’d quickly grown used to—one that still felt strange, even now. The tasks were simple: measuring the formula, warming the water, and shaking the bottle until it mixed perfectly. Yet every step was loaded with the weight of what had happened and their situation's enormity.

Ash gently eased Kaylee into her arms as she returned to the bed, bottle in hand. The smaller woman blinked groggily, her eyes still heavy with sleep, and instinctively reached for the bottle Ash offered. She nursed quietly, her cheeks hollowing with each rhythmic suckle, and Ash let her mind wander.

The whirlwind of thoughts returned with a vengeance. Could she return Kaylee to her original body? Should she? The questions swirled in her mind like a storm, each bringing more uncertainty than the last. Ash had no idea where to start; the serum Kaylee had used didn’t come with an instruction manual, and any details about its origin remained a mystery. Kaylee hadn’t volunteered any information, but Ash hadn’t exactly pressed her for answers, either.

It may be time to change that.

Ash glanced down at Kaylee, her expression softening as she watched the girl nurse. There was something undeniably tender about the moment, but it was a tenderness tinged with sadness. Kaylee had once been strong, independent, and proud. Now, she was fragile, dependent, and lost—both to herself and to the world around her.

Ash’s jaw tightened as resolve began to take shape. She needed to know more. If there was even the slightest chance of reversing the effects of the serum, she had to try. But she couldn’t make that decision alone. Kaylee deserved a say in her future, no matter how tangled and complicated their situation.

“Kaylee,” Ash said softly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence. The smaller woman’s eyes flicked to meet hers, questioning but still sleepy. Ash hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to frame the question. “About the serum… the one you had. Do you remember where it came from? Or how it works?”

Kaylee’s lips stilled around the bottle, her brows furrowing slightly. She pulled back with a soft pop, her voice hesitant and unsure. “I… I got it from a lab,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t… I didn’t think I’d need to explain it. I didn’t think…” Her words trailed off, shame coloring her features as she avoided Ash’s gaze.

Ash sighed, her hand resting on Kaylee’s back, rubbing slow, reassuring circles. “I’m still mad,” she said gently. “But I need to understand, Kaylee. If there’s a way to undo this… if it’s what you want… I need to know everything.”

Kaylee’s lips trembled as she glanced back up at Ash, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “You’d… you’d help me?” she asked softly.

Ash nodded, her expression firm despite the storm raging inside her. The girl’s grip on the bottle tightened slightly as she wrestled with her thoughts, her face a mix of emotions. For now, Ash let her take her time, holding her close and steady as she nursed once more, the questions lingering between them. As Kaylee finished the bottle, she began to explain.