As the door clicked shut behind Daddy, leaving the girls alone in the nursery, the tension in the air seemed to thicken. Hannah immediately turned to Emily, her pacifier falling from her lips as she clutched her bunny tightly. Her wide eyes shimmered with fear and frustration, her voice trembling as she spoke.

“Emily,” she whispered urgently, her words spilling out in a rush, “what are we going to do? We can’t possibly watch that show! You know what it does to Littles!”

Emily heaved a sigh, leaning back against the play area wall. Her fingers brushed idly against the hem of her dress as she stared at the foam mat beneath her, worry etched into every line of her face. She seemed to slump slightly, her usual composed demeanor giving way to the weight of their situation.

“I don’t think we have much of a choice,” she admitted softly, her tone tinged with resignation. “Miranda made it very clear what would happen if we didn’t follow the guidelines.”

Hannah’s cheeks flushed with anger, her grip tightening on the bunny as she struggled to process Emily’s words. “But this wasn’t part of the plan!” she exclaimed, rising slightly. “We agreed to come back because we thought it would be safe! No one told us about... about this!”

Her frustration bubbled over, her small fists balling against her lap as she shook her head. “How could they do this to us?” she demanded, her voice breaking slightly. “How could Daddy agree to this and not even tell us?”

Emily straightened slightly, reaching out to place a calming hand on Hannah’s arm. “Hannah,” she said gently, her voice steady despite the turmoil visible in her eyes. “I don’t think Daddy knew.”

Hannah blinked, her anger faltering as she looked up at her sister. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice quieter but still laced with disbelief.

Emily sighed again, her gaze shifting toward the door. “We know how manipulative and controlling the government is here,” she explained. “They probably didn’t tell him about the experiment until we agreed to return. Maybe not even until after we arrived. You saw how embarrassed he was when he explained it.”

Hannah’s expression softened slightly, though the frustration in her eyes lingered. She bit her lip, her mind racing as she tried to piece it together. “But what are we supposed to do?” she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “We can’t just sit there and let them test us like... like lab rats.”

Emily met her sister’s gaze, her amber eyes filled with determination and regret. “I don’t like it any more than you do,” she said firmly. “But right now, we’re stuck. If we refuse or push back too hard, Miranda will swoop in, and she won’t have the same... leniency that Daddy does.”

Hannah’s chest tightened at the thought of Miranda, her sharp gaze and cold smile flashing through her mind. The idea of being under that woman’s control made her stomach churn.

Emily’s hand tightened gently on her arm, grounding her. “We have to go along with it for now,” she said softly, her tone soothing despite the weight of her words. “At least until we can figure out something better. Daddy’s on our side. He won’t let anything bad happen to us.”

Hannah looked down, her fingers absently stroking the bunny’s soft fur. The anger in her chest began to ebb, replaced by a reluctant understanding. She didn’t like it—she hated it—but Emily’s words rang true. They had to choose their battles carefully, and this wasn’t one they could win. Not yet.

Taking a deep breath, Hannah nodded faintly, her voice small as she whispered, “Okay.”

Emily offered her a faint, reassuring smile, gently squeezing her arm. “We’ll get through this,” she said quietly. “Together.”

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the room's stillness, and both girls turned toward the door as Daddy stepped inside. His warm, familiar smile was back, starkly contrasting to the tension that had lingered after Miranda’s departure. 

“Here we go,” Daddy said cheerfully, his deep voice soothing as he stepped closer, carrying two bottles. He knelt beside Emily first, offering her a bottle filled with vibrant orange juice. The bottle was cute, more fitting for a young toddler than a baby, with a cheerful design of animals frolicking in a meadow.

Emily hesitated momentarily before taking it, her fingers curling around the smooth plastic. “Thanks,” she said softly, her voice steady but reserved. She glanced at Hannah, her expression guarded as she watched Daddy turn his attention to her sister.

Daddy leaned in and scooped Hannah into his arms with practiced ease, cradling her against his chest. She looked up at him, her eyes flicking to the bottle in his other hand. Unlike Emily’s, this one was filled with a creamy white liquid that swirled thickly as he moved.

“What’s that?” she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Daddy hesitated briefly, his smile softening as he met her gaze. “It’s a formula, sweetheart,” he admitted gently. “Miranda’s already been adjusting the ‘necessary’ care guidelines for each of you since she left. I’ve been getting updates from her, and formula will be a regular thing for you.”

Hannah sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly as she processed his words. She wanted to protest, to argue against the indignity of it all, but the memory of Miranda’s stern gaze and the rules she had laid out silenced her. She knew better than to fight something she couldn’t change—at least not now.

“Okay,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daddy’s smile grew a little warmer, his affection evident as he gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. “Good girl,” he murmured, holding the bottle to her lips. “Let’s see how you like it.”

Hannah opened her mouth obediently, letting the soft rubber nipple slip between her lips. As she began to nurse, the formula flowed smoothly, surprising her with its sweet and thick taste reminiscent of a watered-down vanilla milkshake. She relaxed almost immediately, the comforting rhythm of nursing and the pleasant flavor easing the tension in her chest.

“There we go,” Daddy said softly, his voice filled with pride as he carried her to the rocking chair in the corner. He sat down carefully, cradling her securely in his arms as he began to rock them gently. The soothing motion of the chair, combined with the warmth of his embrace, made it impossible for Hannah to hold onto her earlier frustration.

The room blurted slightly at the edges as she focused on the bottle, her small hands gripping its sides as she continued to nurse. The gentle creak of the rocking chair and the low hum of Daddy’s voice, as he hummed a soft tune, created a cocoon of comfort around her.

Hannah felt her eyelids grow heavy, her body sinking into the steady rhythm of the moment. She wasn’t sure if it was the formula, the rocking, or simply the feeling of being held, but a deep sense of relaxation began to wash over her. The earlier anxiety and frustration seemed to melt away, replaced by a quiet contentment she hadn’t realized she craved.

As the bottle emptied, Daddy tilted it slightly, encouraging her to take the last few sips. “Good girl,” he murmured again, his tone soft and full of love. He kissed her forehead lightly, his hand rubbing slow circles on her back as he rocked her gently.

As Hannah finished the last few sips of the bottle, Daddy gently removed it from her lips. He adjusted her in his arms, lifting her over his broad shoulder. His hand supported her back as he began to pat it lightly, his firm but gentle motions coaxing a soft burp from her. The sound made her cheeks flush slightly, but before she could dwell on it, Daddy leaned her back just enough to wipe her face clean with a soft cloth he had retrieved from the nearby shelf.

“There we go,” he said warmly, taking her pacifier and offering it to her. She took it gratefully and nursed on it softly as he cradled her once more and resumed the gentle rhythm of rocking.

As the chair creaked softly, Daddy glanced over at Emily, who had been quietly sipping her juice from her bottle in the play area. “How’s your bottle, Emily?” he asked, his tone light and affectionate.

Emily paused, lowering the bottle slightly as she considered her response. “It’s... pretty good,” she admitted, her tone soft but genuine. “The juice is really sweet.”

Daddy chuckled, his warm laughter filling the room. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” he said with a smile. “Only the best for my girls.”

Hannah snuggled closer against Daddy’s chest, the warmth of his embrace and the steady motion of the rocking chair lulling her into a deeper state of relaxation. Her body felt heavy, her limbs cushioned by the soft padding of her diaper and the plush fabric of her onesie. The lingering sweetness of the formula blended with the faint scent of Daddy’s shirt, creating a cocoon of comfort that seemed to melt away her earlier worries.

But as she lay there, a growing sensation began to build in her lower abdomen—a familiar, pressing need to pee. Her cheeks flushed hotly as she became acutely aware of the feeling, her body tensing slightly against Daddy’s chest. The idea of wetting herself, even in the safety of her diaper, brought a fresh wave of embarrassment.

Hannah hesitated, her heart beating faster as she grappled with the feeling. She knew what was expected of her knew this was part of the role she had agreed to play. Taking a deep breath, she tried to relax, focusing on the soft rhythm of Daddy’s rocking and the soothing sound of his voice as he continued to speak with Emily.

After a few moments, she let go, allowing the warmth to spread through her diaper. The sensation was comforting—the initial release brought a slight tickling warmth that quickly soaked into the thick padding, spreading evenly as the diaper absorbed everything. The plush interior swelled slightly, cradling her with a newfound snugness that added to the sense of security she had been feeling in Daddy’s arms.

Her cheeks burned as she shifted slightly, the soft crinkle of the dampened diaper faint but unmistakable. But there was no judgment in Daddy’s embrace, no reminder of her vulnerability beyond the comforting weight of his hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on her back.

Hannah closed her eyes, her pacifier bobbing softly as she nursed. Despite her embarrassment, her diaper's relief and comforting warmth left her surprisingly at ease. Daddy’s steady presence and the gentle rocking of the chair made it easy for her to let go of her self-consciousness, at least for now. She felt deeply, undeniably safe, and as she settled back against him, her earlier tension seemed like a distant memory.

A few moments passed in quiet contentment before Daddy returned to Emily. “All done with your juice, sweetheart?” he asked, his tone light and affectionate as he glanced at her.

Emily lowered her bottle, the last sip of juice gone, and nodded. “Yeah, I’m done,” she replied, setting the bottle aside and brushing her hands against her dress.

“Good girl,” Daddy said with a warm smile. He stood, still cradling Hannah securely against his chest. His large hand rested under her bottom for support, and as he adjusted his grip, he paused briefly, his expression shifting. A soft laugh bubbled from his throat as he gave her a gentle squeeze, his hand patting her lightly over the back of her diaper.

“Well, well,” he said with a playful lilt, his voice rising in delighted surprise. “Did my little peanut use her diaper already? Such a good girl!”

Hannah’s cheeks flared red, the heat spreading to her ears as she buried her face against Daddy’s chest. “Daddy!” she squeaked, her voice muffled by his shirt, though a giggle escaped despite her embarrassment.

But Daddy wasn’t deterred by her reaction. He began to sway slightly as he carried her, his tone shifting into exaggerated baby talk, his delight unmistakable. “You did such a good job, didn’t you?” he cooed, patting her padded bottom again. “Daddy’s so proud of his little one, using her diaper just like a good baby. Yes, you are!”

Hannah couldn’t help but giggle again, her earlier embarrassment fading under the warmth of his praise. His playful tone and the sheer joy in his words made it impossible not to smile. Her small hands clutched his shirt as she peeked up at him.

Daddy’s grin widened as he saw Hannah’s reaction, his eyes twinkling with delight. “Oh, look at you,” he cooed, his tone exaggerated and playful as he continued to pat her diapered bottom gently. “Such a good baby, going potty in your diaper for Daddy. You’re just the best little peanut ever, aren’t you?”

Hannah squirmed in his arms, her face buried in his chest as giggles emerged. “Daddy!” she squeaked, her embarrassment clear, though she couldn’t stop laughing at his sheer enthusiasm.

But Daddy wasn’t about to stop. “Yes, you are!” he continued, rocking her gently as he carried her toward the living room, his voice a mix of affection and teasing. “The best baby in the whole wide world. Daddy’s so proud of you.”

Hannah’s laughter continued, her small hands clutching his shirt as she wiggled in his arms. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and amusement, but the warmth in Daddy’s words made it impossible to feel anything but loved.

Emily followed behind them, her expression carefully neutral as she watched the playful exchange. Despite herself, she felt a small tug of comfort at the scene. Daddy’s unwavering warmth and care were undeniable.

When he reached the living room, Daddy settled onto the couch, shifting Hannah in his arms as he adjusted to sit comfortably. Emily climbed beside him, tucking her legs under her and smoothing her dress as she sat.

Daddy continued to cuddle Hannah, his large hand resting lightly on her back as she nestled against him. Her giggles began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of awareness as Daddy adjusted her in his lap. He turned her slightly, sitting her upright and facing her toward the large television mounted on the wall.

The sight of the screen brought everything rushing back, and the smile slipped from Hannah’s face. Her small hands gripped the edges of Daddy’s shirt as her breathing quickened slightly, the weight of what was coming crashing down on her once more. The playful comfort of the moment was gone, replaced by a gnawing sense of dread.

Daddy noticed the change almost immediately, his hand moving to rub her back gently. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. “I’m right here. Nothing’s going to happen to you.”

Hannah glanced at Emily, whose expression mirrored her apprehension. Her sister gave her a small, faintly forced smile.

The television flickered to life, casting a soft glow across the room. Bright, cheerful colors filled the screen as a lively theme song began to play, accompanied by giggles and playful sounds that immediately drew attention.

Hannah tensed in Daddy’s lap, her small hands gripping his shirt as the cartoon characters of Naomi and Oliver danced onto the screen. They were animated Littles, with exaggerated proportions to emphasize their childlike appearance, wide eyes, rosy cheeks, and movements brimming with over-the-top energy.

Naomi appeared first, twirling in a frilly, flower-patterned dress that flounced around her as she moved. Beneath the hem of the dress, a thick cloth diaper was visible, its bulk exaggerated in true cartoonish fashion. Her hair was styled in perfect pigtails, each tied with an oversized pink bow, and her sparkling eyes radiated confidence and charm. Despite her bubbly demeanor, something was unnerving about her exaggerated smile—a condescension hidden beneath the saccharine sweetness.

Following close behind her was Oliver, his animated form bounding onto the screen with a series of playful hops. He was dressed in simple blue overalls, the straps slightly askew as though intentionally rumpled to make him look “adorable.” Beneath the overalls, the unmistakable outline of a thick disposable diaper was visible, its crinkling exaggerated with every movement. His mop of messy brown hair and toothy grin completed the image of the perfect, endearing Little—though his overly enthusiastic energy carried a hint of forced cheer.

Together, the pair danced across the screen; their synchronized movements perfectly matched the saccharine melody of the theme song:

“With Naomi and Oliver, come play today!
We’ll learn and laugh and sing. Hooray!”

Naomi and Oliver stopped mid-spin as the song ended and turned to face the screen with bright, exaggerated smiles.

“Hi, Littles!” Naomi chirped, clapping her hands together in excitement. Her voice was high-pitched and melodic, dripping with patronizing affection. “We’re so excited to have you here for a special episode today!”

Oliver hopped in place, waving enthusiastically at the screen. “That’s right, Naomi! And do you know why today’s episode is so special?”

Naomi leaned in slightly, her smile widening as though sharing a secret. “Because today,” she said with deliberate sweetness, “we have some very special guests joining us!”

Hannah’s heart sank, her fingers tightening on Daddy’s shirt as she exchanged a panicked glance with Emily. Her sister’s expression was tense, her jaw set tightly as she stared at the screen in disbelief.

Oliver grinned widely, his animated face lighting up as he exclaimed, “That’s right! Today, we’re welcoming two very special Littles—Hannah and Emily!”

Hannah’s breath hitched audibly, her pacifier slipping from her mouth as her eyes widened. They knew their names?! The shock of hearing their names spoken aloud was like a cold slap, and she felt her stomach twist in disbelief. Emily’s fists clenched tightly at her sides, her face frozen in a mask of quiet horror.

Naomi clasped her hands together, her smile brimming with saccharine delight. “Welcome, Hannah and Emily!” she cooed. “We’ve been waiting for you and can’t wait to show you how much fun we will have together!”

Oliver bounced up and down, his voice bubbling with feigned excitement. “Yeah! We have fun activities planned to help you be the best Littles!”

The two animated hosts turned to one another with matching grins, their exaggerated expressions filling the screen with an unsettling sense of forced enthusiasm.

Hannah’s chest tightened, her breathing quickening as she fought the rising tide of panic. This wasn’t just a children’s show—it was tailored to them, a carefully crafted tool designed to pull them deeper into the infantilized roles they had reluctantly accepted. The realization left her feeling exposed, as though the screen itself could see straight through her. Naomi and Oliver’s voices filled the room, their cartoonish giggles carrying an eerie undertone; Hannah couldn’t help but feel like the walls were closing in.

*

The plane shuddered slightly as it came to a halt, the hum of the engines tapering off as passengers began to stand and retrieve their belongings. Ash remained seated momentarily, her hands gripping the armrests as she tried to steady her thoughts. Her gaze shifted to Miss Kaylee, who sat beside her in the oversized airplane seat, her cheeks flushed crimson as she attempted to cover herself with her small arms.

Miss Kaylee’s mortification was palpable. Her diaper crinkled softly as she shifted awkwardly, one hand pressed to her bare chest while the other tugged futilely at the edge of the seatbelt that Ash had unbuckled moments ago. Her wide eyes darted around the cabin, avoiding the glances of curious passengers as she shrank into herself, her blush spreading to the tips of her ears.

Ash’s own emotions were a tangled mess. The dynamic between them had shifted so drastically that she struggled to understand it all. Just hours ago, she had been the Tweener navigating life under the shadow of Amazons, but now, she was in control. The responsibility weighed heavily on her shoulders as she reached over, scooping Miss Kaylee into her arms with a practiced ease that surprised even herself.

Miss Kaylee let out a small squeak of protest, her small hands clutching at Ash’s shirt as she was lifted. Her legs dangled awkwardly, the thick padding of her diaper forcing them apart in a way that only heightened her embarrassment. Ash grabbed her carry-on bag with her free hand, slinging it over her shoulder as she entered the aisle.

The cabin filled with passengers' murmurs as they shuffled toward the exit. Ash moved with purpose, her expression set in a determined mask. She had barely made it a few steps before an Amazon woman seated nearby turned her attention to them.

“Oh my goodness!” the Amazon exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she leaned forward slightly. “What a precious little thing you’ve got there!”

Ash tensed instinctively, her grip tightening slightly on Miss Kaylee. The Amazon’s gaze was fixed on Miss Kaylee, who buried her face in Ash’s shoulder, her mortification radiating from her trembling form.

“I just adore new Littles,” the woman continued, her voice taking on the sickly sweet tone that Amazons reserved for Littles. “They’re always so bashful at first, trying to come to terms with their new reality. It’s adorable.”

Ash’s jaw tightened, but she forced a polite smile, nodding curtly as she shifted Miss Kaylee higher in her arms. “Thank you,” she said tersely, hoping the interaction would end quickly.

But the Amazon wasn’t done. Her gaze flicked to Miss Kaylee’s state of undress, and a smile of approval spread across her face. “You’re doing such a wonderful job,” she gushed, her tone dripping with condescension. “Parading her around in just her diaper like this will make her so much more accepting of any clothing you choose later. She’ll know she has no say in the matter—it’s a brilliant strategy.”

Miss Kaylee let out a soft whimper, her small fists clutching at Ash’s shirt as she tried to disappear into her caretaker’s arms. Ash could feel the heat of her blush against her neck, the humiliation practically rolling off her in waves.

Ash swallowed her frustration, forcing herself to remain calm as she replied, “She’s adjusting well. Thank you for your... encouragement.”

The Amazon beamed, clearly taking Ash’s response as validation. “You’re very welcome,” she said warmly, waving as Ash stepped forward to continue deplaning. “You’ll make an excellent Mommy!”

Ash didn’t respond; her teeth clenched tightly as she approached the exit. Miss Kaylee’s small frame trembled in her arms, and Ash tightened her hold. As Ash stepped onto the jet bridge, the cooler air brushed against her face, momentarily grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. She glanced down at Miss Kaylee, who was still curled against her chest, trembling with humiliation. The sight stirred a conflicting mix of feelings.

Part of her felt a deep, almost smug satisfaction at the irony of the situation. Here was an Amazon—one of the powerful, untouchable giants who had spent their lives imposing their will on Littles—reduced to the helplessness they so often inflicted. It was poetic justice, a reversal that Ash couldn’t entirely dismiss.

But the other part of her, the part that remembered the raw sting of her own time as a helpless Little, couldn’t help but feel a flicker of pity. She knew all too well the burning humiliation Miss Kaylee felt—the helplessness and loss of dignity. Even now, the memory of being paraded around in nothing but a diaper, with no control over her circumstances, sent a pang of discomfort through her chest.

Still, no amount of pity could erase the betrayal. Ash’s jaw tightened as the memory of Miss Kaylee’s actions replayed in her mind. The trust she had started to rebuild, the fragile bond that had begun to form—had all been shattered the moment Miss Kaylee tried to strip her of her autonomy. That pain and betrayal was a wound that wouldn’t heal easily.

Ash straightened her back, her resolve hardening as she carried Miss Kaylee through the terminal. The girl squirmed slightly, her small hands clutching at Ash’s shirt, and Ash’s grip tightened instinctively. She adjusted her hold, patting Miss Kaylee’s diapered bottom with an almost mechanical rhythm, reminding her that she was in control now.

The signs for taxi services loomed ahead, their bright arrows pointing toward the next leg of their journey. Ash moved purposefully, her steps steady as she navigated the bustling terminal. The weight of Miss Kaylee in her arms was both a burden and a symbol—a reminder of the shift in their roles and responsibilities.

As Ash pushed through the airport doors, the blustering cold hit her like a slap. Rain whipped through the air, carried by gusts that tugged at her hair and clothes. The low hum of sleek hover taxis filled the bustling terminal entrance. The vehicles glided smoothly, stopping to pick up passengers before floating into the rain-slicked streets.

Miss Kaylee shivered violently in her arms, her teeth chattering audibly as goosebumps rose across her bare skin. Ash glanced down, her jaw tightening as she weighed her options. The sight of Miss Kaylee’s trembling form stirred a pang of conflicted emotion—she didn’t want to comfort the woman who had so recently betrayed her trust, but neither was she heartless enough to let her freeze.

With a resigned sigh, Ash shifted Miss Kaylee’s weight in her arms and reached into her bag, retrieving a quilted blanket. The fabric was soft and warm, one of the few comforts Ash had packed for herself, but she unfolded it and wrapped it snugly around Miss Kaylee anyway. The smaller woman immediately snuggled into the blanket, her trembling subsiding as she breathed relief.

“Thank you,” Miss Kaylee murmured, her voice expressing genuine gratitude as she rested her cheek against the blanket.

Ash didn’t reply, her expression remaining impassive as she adjusted her grip on the bundled girl. She didn’t need the thanks but acknowledged it with a subtle nod before returning to the taxi. One of the sleek vehicles pulled up to the curb, its glowing sign flashing green to indicate availability.

Ash opened the back door with her free hand, and the cool, automated voice of the cab welcomed her inside. She carefully stepped into the vehicle, lowering Miss Kaylee into the child-sized car seat on one side of the rear bench. The irony wasn’t lost on Ash, but she worked quickly, buckling the straps securely over Miss Kaylee’s chest and fastening the buckle between her legs.

Miss Kaylee squirmed slightly, her blush deepening as she adjusted to the snugness of the straps. She avoided Ash’s gaze, her hands clutching the blanket's edges as she mumbled, “I’m fine. You didn’t have to…”

Ash cut her off curtly, climbing into the seat beside her and closing the door. Then, in a clipped but clear tone, she gave the cab driver the address to her new apartment.

The driver nodded, tapping the coordinates into the navigation system. The hover taxi lifted gently from the ground, the faint hum of its engines blending with the patter of rain against the roof as it floated smoothly into the stream of traffic.

Ash leaned back in her seat, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, and stared out the window. The cityscape blurred by, a mix of glowing neon lights and towering steel structures shimmering through the rain. Despite the warmth of the taxi’s interior, the cold of the evening seemed to linger, a subtle reminder of the long road ahead.

Miss Kaylee remained quiet beside her, her small form bundled tightly in the blanket as she looked down at her lap. The soft rustle of the car seat’s straps shifting with her movements was her only sound, her earlier gratitude hanging in the air unacknowledged.

For Ash, the silence was a small mercy. She had enough to think about without adding words to the mix. Her gaze remained fixed on the rain-streaked window, and her thoughts turned to the challenges waiting for her at her new apartment and the complicated role she now found herself playing.

The taxi floated onward, its gentle hum a steady rhythm against the backdrop of the storm.