Sissy Room

A Long Quiet Longing: The Skyler Keeney Story - Part One https://archiveofourown.org/series/5736016 Skyler Keeney was a typically average four-year-old boy with bright blue eyes, fair hair, and a smile that could light up any room. He was a joy to be around, always running through the backyard, playing with his toys, or watching cartoons. His laughter was infectious, his energy boundless, and his imagination knew no limits. To the outside world, he was the picture of childhood health and progress, a testament to successful parenting and developmental milestones. But beneath the baseball caps and the denim jeans, there was a secret reality. A quiet, persistent longing that set him apart from his peers and shadowed his transition into 'big boy' life.  While other kids his age were busy shedding their babyhood, Skyler was secretly mourning it, carrying around a hollow ache for a comfort he wasn't supposed to miss. Like most kids his age, Skyler was fully aware of his body's signals and mostly capable of controlling its functions. Still, he was what some would call a 'late potty trainer'. In fact, it had been two days since his fourth birthday, and he'd spent less than forty-eight hours of his life wearing underwear. While the rest of the world celebrated this milestone as a belated victory, Skyler felt a quiet sting of loss as he said goodbye to a cherished relic that had been a constant his entire life. The truth was, Skyler hadn't been difficult or stubborn about potty training. It wasn't that he was unable to hold his pee pees and poo poos and make them on the toilet like a big boy. It wasn't that he didn't understand that's what big kids are supposed to do.  It was simply that he had zero interest in doing so. The idea of trading his thick, comforting padding for scratchy cotton had never appealed to him. Not in the slightest. It was a strong, conscious objection he had held ever since the day he first learned of the universal expectation placed on every child his age. His inevitable destiny. His mother, Robin, spent months waiting for the classic signs of readiness from him, such as informing her when he needed to be changed or showing interest in the toilet. But Skyler had been perfectly content to continue with his same-old routine. Even the pristine new potty she had brought home months earlier failed to capture his interest. Robin had made the purchase in the wake of a tense exchange with her mother regarding Skyler's continued use of diapers past the age of three, a conversation that remained sharp and vivid in his mind.  It was the day the countdown had begun. Though Skyler feigned excitement at the initial sight of his new potty chair, cheering a loud "Yay!", a nervous twist he couldn't name stirred deep inside him. "Isn't it neat? I knew you would like it," Robin had said gently, noticing a hint of unease beneath his enthusiasm.  "There's no pressure at all, okay, sweetheart? I want you to take your time and get used to it for now. It's okay to just sit on it with your diaper on if you want." "I will," Skyler had promised as he grabbed one of his toy figures, desperate to shift the focus away from the unwanted chair. Despite sensing his unease about this new phase, Robin wasn't discouraged in the slightest. She had come to realize that his diapers were a genuine source of comfort and contentment for him. Her main goal with bringing the potty home was to plant the seeds. She suspected that as more of his peers started making the switch to "big boy" underwear, it would soon become his own idea to leave the diapers behind and move forward. But that's not what happened.  Even as his friends and preschool classmates graduated to cloth underpants and using the potty, Skyler remained steadfast in his familiar ways. He went out of his way to avoid even looking at the unwelcome fixture sitting in the living room, treating it instead like an intruder with nothing to offer. As the months ticked by toward Skyler's fourth birthday, his reluctance to the transition only grew stronger. Whenever the topic came up, he would offer a soft, non-committal nod, always eager to change the subject to something he actually enjoyed. It was then that Robin realized she would have to give him a loving nudge. Setting aside the pressure from her own mother, she knew that the expectations of the world posed a real risk of shame or embarrassment. Eventually, he would have to make this leap. Just days before the big birthday celebration, Skyler's parents sat him down for an important talk. They gathered him in the living room, snuggling together on the sofa, their faces warm but tentative. "Are you excited for your big day coming up?" asked his dad, ruffling Skyler's hair with a gentle smile. "Uh huh," Skyler replied, his blue eyes widening with excitement.  "Will there be cake?" he asked. "Of course, sweetheart," Robin answered, her voice full of warmth. "Everyone gets cake on their birthday, silly." "Yummy!" Skyler laughed, his excitement bubbling over as he pictured the treats to come. Robin shifted slightly, clearing her throat as she prepared to speak. She hesitated for a moment, her smile faltering as she struggled to find the right words. "Me and Daddy want to talk to you about something pretty important. Okay?"  Skyler nodded slowly, picking up on the shift in his mother's tone, his own laughter fading away. "Well, you're getting to be such a big boy now, and we are just so proud of you," Robin said, her voice gentle and caring.  She paused, taking a breath before continuing.  "As we have mentioned before, we are getting super close to the time when you will start wearing underwear," she continued softly, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze while offering him a warm encouraging smile.   "And that means you'll also start making your poopy and pee pee on the potty, just like the big kid you are." The thought hung in the air. The words were far too heavy for Skyler to process all at once. His young heart simply wasn't equipped to handle such a massive shift in his world. He had spent so long avoiding the very thought of this looming expectation that having it laid out so plainly felt impossible to comprehend. The only parts of his mother's speech that truly registered were the words "poopy" and "pee pee." He knew the topic was serious and that his mom meant business, but he simply blocked out the rest, his mind instinctively defending itself against the threat. "And don't you worry about any accidents that might happen," Skyler's dad, Mitch, added, his voice steady and soothing. "We know it will take some getting used to." "That's true!" Robin chimed in, smiling softly. "We know that mistakes will happen. After all, you've been wearing dipees your whole life," she added, giving his puffy bottom a loving tap.  "But Mommy will be right here to remind you and to get you all cleaned up if you have an accident." "Okay then," her eyes searching his after a soft pause, "Are you excited?" "I am," Skyler beamed, mirroring his mother's enthusiasm with an upbeat and approving tone.  If his mom was happy, then he was happy.  Deep down, he convinced himself that if he simply refused to think about the words she had just spoken, they wouldn't be real. "I'm so thrilled to hear that, sweetie," Robin said, sensing that he had accepted the news positively and was truly ready for the next step.  "We'll start this Saturday, the day after your birthday."  She smiled warmly at him, hoping to confirm that he had understood the implications.  "Sound good?"  Her words drifted in the air for a brief moment. "Sounds good, Mommy!" Skyler replied in a bright, confident tone. He was eager to put the uneasy conversation behind him.  "Can I watch a show before bed?" he asked, intentionally changing the subject. "Sure thing," Robin said with a wink.  "Let's just go change your wet dipee and get your jammies on first." Excited to experience the soft comforts of a diaper change, Skyler happily followed his mom down the hall, blissfully unaware that the conversation he had just agreed to would change everything. The next few days passed in a blur of excitement and milestones. On the evening of his fourth birthday, after enjoying a big slice of ice-cream cake, Skyler dove into his presents.  He was left confused, however, after tearing open the very first one. Inside was a bundle of clothing he didn't quite recognize. That was when his mom gently reminded him of the promise they had made just days before. "Those are fresh pairs of big-boy underwear," his mom said, her voice a warm, loving tone.  "For your big day tomorrow, like we talked about."   "Yay! Thanks!" Skyler replied, his voice bright with genuine enthusiasm.  He was grateful for the gift, even if his mind couldn't fully process what it meant. Not wanting to spoil his birthday with such heavy thoughts, he quickly moved on to the rest of his presents, choosing to focus on the thrill and excitement. Later that night, as the family settled in to watch a movie, Skyler retreated behind the sofa for a secret celebration all of his own.  It was a deliberate choice, driven more by a desire for that comforting embrace than by a mere biological urge. In that moment, the birthday boy wasn't thinking about endings, milestones, or any of the heavy expectations placed upon him. His mind was clear. He acted with a single purpose. To cherish the tender sensations of his beloved endeavor.    He savored every passing instant.  The pressure. The push. The release. The aftermath.  All exquisitely relished. This mindful indulgence solidified his passion, turning a simple pleasure into a conscious, treasured longing.  It was no longer just something he did; it was now a piece of who he was.  He went to bed that night with a nervous stir in his tummy, unsure of what the morning would bring. The big day had arrived, and the potty sat in the middle of the living room like a bright plastic boss. With the unfamiliar sensation of cotton hugging his bottom, Skyler greeted the day with excitement and a slight flutter of fear.  After a few close calls, he soon got the hang of it and successfully made his first poopy on the potty. "I did it, Mommy!" Skyler exclaimed, his little face lighting up with joy. "Yes, you did, sweetheart," she beamed, her voice tilting upward with pride. "And tomorrow at Grandma's house," she continued, her tone turning a bit more serious.  "You'll be wearing underwear just like today... and I just know you'll do great at keeping them clean and dry." Robin was absolutely thrilled, covering Skyler in kisses and cheers, but her relief was short-lived. The very next day brought a trip to her mother's house, where, in her view, an accident would have been a complete disaster. She dreaded confrontation, and Skyler’s potty training, or lack thereof, was a raw nerve in their relationship. Skyler basked in the spotlight of his mom's celebration, happy enough to forget the cozy luxury he’d just traded away. For a shining moment, the pride of being her "big boy" outweighed the squishy comfort of a diaper.  But his special, hidden feelings were never too far away. The next day, though it was supposed to be a celebration, Robin couldn’t seem to relax. Laser‑focused on Skyler’s back side, she moved through what was a birthday party for everyone else but, for her, felt more like a stakeout. Skyler knew how much it meant to his Mommy to keep his pants pristine, and his heart was set on making her proud. But staying clean was turning out to be much harder than it looked. When a tell-tale rumble hit his belly, his muscle memory tried to take over, filling him with a strong urge to just let go.  He fought off the sweet temptation, but without his trusted safety net, finding relief wasn't going to be easy. Terrified of falling into the giant porcelain monster in Grandma's bathroom, he made a silent promise to himself that he would hold it until he was safe back home... The air in the car on the ride back felt lighter, as if they had deflated a giant stress balloon. Robin let out a long breath, thrilled that her little man had survived the day without a single drop or smudge in his pants. Best of all, she had dodged any sharp comments from her mother.  Skyler was just as proud, though his mind was on a different prize. He wiggled happily in his car seat, knowing that soon he would be back in his safe zone to finally let go of the pressure in his tummy. Despite Mitch's best efforts to carry the boys inside like a stealthy ninja, the shuffle of the door woke them both up. Once the bags were dropped, Robin did a quick check of Skyler's pants and guided him toward the potty before rushing off to soothe the baby.  Doing exactly as he was told, Skyler planted himself on the plastic seat with a look of intense focus. He tried with all his might to make it happen, his little face scrunching up with effort, even though the tummy rumble from earlier had now faded into a stubborn silence.  Watching his son try so hard made Mitch's heart swell with pride. He knew this was a massive transition for Skyler, especially since he was so reluctant to leave his old ways behind. Seeing him push through that resistance and nail it anyway felt like a huge win for the whole team. "Hey, buddy," Mitch said softly, kneeling down to Skyler's level.  "You've done such a great job today. I've got one more surprise for you." Skyler's eyes lit up with curiosity. He wondered what could be left after such a big birthday weekend. Maybe a special bedtime snack or getting to stay up a little later than usual. His mind raced through the fun possibilities, completely unaware of the reward that was waiting for him. "What is it, Daddy?" he asked eagerly, looking up at his dad with big, bright eyes. Mitch smiled, his eyes crinkling with affection as he reached down and briefly tousled his son's fair hair.   "You'll see, champ. Wait right there. I know it's something that'll make you really happy." Skyler remained perched on the miniature throne, still determined to do his duty for Mommy, but his thoughts were wandering. He was totally absorbed by the mystery of his final birthday surprise. His imagination ran wild as he heard his dad rummaging for something behind him. As his father walked back into view, Skyler's eyes instantly locked onto the object in his hands. It wasn't a snack or a toy, but something worlds better.  His joy was instant and electric, his little feet wiggling with pure eagerness. The sight of that thick, folded padding was better than any birthday cake. He felt his dad's gentle signal to rise, helping him hop off the little seat. Together, they peeled away the pants and underwear that had bunched around his ankles, swiftly casting them aside. Then came the sound Skyler had been missing, the soft crinkle as his father unfolded the diaper. His eyes sparkled as he watched his dad prepare it, his heart beating faster with anticipation.  With gentle hands, Mitch slid the cushioned shield into place and secured it snugly. The sensation was heavenly, a warm and cozy welcome home. Standing there in his living room, thickly padded and feeling brand new, Skyler could hardly believe his luck. It was as if his dad had peeked inside his brain and plucked out his most sacred wish. He was over the moon about the gift, but totally baffled as to how his dad had figured out his secret desire.  Mitch stood next to Skyler, his voice gentle and encouraging.  "Alright, buddy, you can go ahead now," he said, giving Skyler a reassuring smile. Looking up at his father, Skyler's eyes were wide with curiosity. "Are you sure, Daddy?" he asked, wanting to be absolutely certain. His smile never wavering, Mitch replied warmly.  "Yes son, it's perfectly fine. It's not like we've never seen you in a poopy diaper before... Go for it, champ." Skyler let out a small breath. In that moment, he was at peace. Skyler Keeney was a bright‑eyed, energetic four‑year‑old with a spark that was impossible to miss, and a joy that seemed to follow him. In many ways, he was just like any other kid his age. He laughed easily, found joy in the simplest things, and adored his mother. In every ordinary sense, he fit right in.  But when it came to what he considered the ultimate birthday present, that's where Skyler stood apart. Behind the safety of the sofa, Skyler beamed with pure joy.  A million questions raced through his mind, but he didn't care about the answers. He was simply thrilled to have received this incredible gift from his dad. He crouched down low, feeling the moment arrive. He clenched his little fists and bore down, his face scrunching up with effort.  He was ready.  "Okay, I just got the baby back down," his mom said as she walked back into the room. "How's Skyler doing on the potty?" she asked, he words trailing off as she looked around. The question floated in the air. Mitch and Robin exchanged glances.   Skyler froze.  For the past two days, his mom had been so proud of him for being a big boy, wearing underwear, and using the potty. Now he worried she would be disappointed to find him back in a diaper. He turned his head, just poking up from behind the sofa, and saw her standing there.  With his underwear and pants bundled on the floor near the potty, his diaper bag open, and him in his usual pooping spot, Skyler had been busted. "It's okay, sweetie. You can go ahead," his mom said softly, giving him a reassuring nod. That was all he needed to hear. Knowing his mother was on board with the special birthday treat meant everything. In that time, in his favorite spot, he had all that he needed.  The love and understanding of his parents, the sturdy embrace of his trusty padded pants, and the deep desire to use them.  His life was complete.  Without another word, Skyler picked up right where he had left off. The pressure had returned, and he was more than eager to release it. The back of his diaper instantly drooped, heavy with his private indulgence. He felt a sudden rush in his cheeks, an uneasy flutter as the realization hit:  He was filling a diaper like a baby after already proving he could be a big boy. As he let slip a warm stream of pee pee, feeling the soothing glow spread throughout his bottom, all other feelings washed away. Skyler was in heaven. His hand drifted around to his backside, ready to explore the rigid lump of his glorious creation, when a hushed voice broke the silence. "I think someone did you-know-what," he heard his mom murmur softly as she snuggled next to his dad on the recliner nearby.   The scent of his handiwork had wafted through the room, tickling Robin's nose. "Oh yeah," Mitch whispered back, affirming her suspicion while matching the soft tone. Robin's gaze melted with tenderness as it met Skyler's. With a gentle smile, she opened her arms, offering a warm invitation to join their cozy embrace. Drawn by the love and acceptance radiating from his parents, Skyler responded instantly to his mother's reassuring gesture. He quickly waddled out from behind the sofa, the jostling contents of his diaper reaffirming the sheer joy he felt in every sensation. He nestled into the small space between his parents on the large recliner in the corner of the living room, sinking into their warmth with a happy, squishy sigh. As his weight settled, the thick mound spread into a comforting, gooey cushion, making him feel like the happiest boy in the world.  Sitting down in his warm, mushy aftermath was a pleasure he had cherished for as long as he could remember. While most mothers might have recoiled at the thought of their little one sitting in a messy diaper, Robin never did. To her, a little extra cleanup was a small price to pay for the comfort and joy it obviously brought him. As long as Skyler was happy and safe, she didn't mind the mess in the slightest. It had been a bittersweet birthday weekend for Skyler, filled with sweet cake, exciting presents, and plenty of celebrations. Yet, amidst the fanfare, the weekend also marked a drastic shift that seemingly severed his final ties to his baby days. But thanks to this special, final gift, a brief regressive treat, the occasion would be padded in his memory for a long time to come. "Sweetheart," Robin said softly, breaking Skyler from his daydream.  "I know it's hard to let go of something you've relied on for so long. But Daddy was right, you really did deserve this last hurrah for being such a big boy all weekend. From now on, though, I think you are totally ready to make your poopy and pee pees in the potty." Mitch smiled softly and nodded, a knowing look in his eyes that silently suggested this wasn't necessarily the last time Skyler would be allowed such a comfort. The weight of his mother's words finally settled on Skyler; he could no longer ignore the truth or pretend that this moment wasn't real. As the reality sank in, a wistful feeling washed over him. It was then that a deep longing began to stir, a desire to hold onto this fleeting sense of security just a little while longer. Over the next few days, Skyler slowly began to settle into his new routine. He did his absolute best to keep his pants clean and dry for his mom, though he wasn't always successful. He still had a stubborn tendency to wait until the very last second before heading to the potty, usually with messy results.  However, he missed the safe confines of his diapers most in his moments of potty-training success. The contrast was jarring. He had traded the warm, plush security of his absorbent pants for the cold, impersonal grip of a plastic seat.  He missed the immediate, reassuring pressure of his poop pressing back against him as he pushed it out. In its place, only the distant, hollow thud as it vanished into the bowl.  It was the same with his pee pee. Gone was the gentle, enveloping warmth of his padding, replaced by the sharp, echoing patter of a stream hitting the pot below. Every victory on the potty felt like a small, sensory betrayal. Whenever his mom changed his little baby brother's diaper, Skyler watched with keen interest. He loved the smells, sounds, and textures of the entire process. These moments stirred up his fondest memories. He could easily picture himself as the one getting his bottom wiped and taped into a fresh, crinkly new garment. As the days turned into weeks, he continued to wistfully reflect on his 'glory days'.  Each night, he silently wished his dad would surprise him with another special treat, like the one after the party at Grandma's house.  But he never did. During their trips to the store or preschool, Skyler sat in the back strapped in his car seat next to Chris. He would reach into the tote on the floor and pull out one of the baby diapers, keeping it hidden on his lap. There, he would deeply inhale, savoring the sweet, powdery scent that defined his earlier life. He loved to unfold it and listen to the satisfying crinkle, staring at the soft inner lining as he imagined what it would look like after being used. Graduating to big kid underwear also meant graduating to the Pre-K room at preschool, where strong potty habits were a requirement. The change was both exciting and scary for Skyler. He missed the familiar safety of his old class, where everyone was happily protected by padding. While the new room meant new friends and toys, it also brought new rules and expectations. Whenever he spotted one of his former classmates in the lobby or on the playground, he felt a distinct pang of jealousy, yearning for the simpler, diapered days of the past. Trips to the grocery store were another trigger for his nostalgia. Whenever they went down the baby aisle, Skyler would breathe in deeply as his mom dropped packages of diapers into the cart for Chris. He loved the clean, powdery scent of the entire aisle. He also found himself peeking into other people's carts, noticing when parents of kids around his age were buying diapers.  A wave of envy washed over him as he imagined what it would be like to still need them. Even the usual comfort of his favorite shows couldn’t keep the memories at bay. Daytime television featured a non-stop parade of diaper commercials, each one a tiny, thirty-second movie made just for him. The moment a jingle for one of the popular brands started, usually a happy, bouncy tune designed to get stuck in your head, his world would shrink to just the television screen. His eyes would go wide, captivated by the happy, diapered toddlers prancing around. He loved the visual promise of it all, the vibrant characters printed on the waistbands, the look of pure carefree joy on their faces, and the satisfying crinkle of the padding he could almost hear in his mind. It was a life he desperately wanted back, a reminder that somewhere, other kids were still living in the soft, padded paradise he missed so much. Of course, though he often found himself reminiscing about his recent past, diapers weren't the only thing on his mind. Skyler had plenty of other interests to keep him busy. He loved watching television, playing with his action figures, and he was just starting to develop a real love for sports. In fact, as the weeks went by, those big kid games and heroes began to take up more and more space in his thoughts. As he moved closer to the monumental milestone of starting kindergarten, Skyler became even less focused on his bygone, babyish interests and entirely captivated by the exciting, uncharted world ahead of him. Instead of dreaming about crinkly plastic, his head was now filled with the satisfying ping of a bat making contact and the glorious, dusty slide into home plate.  He was suddenly fascinated by the secret symbols on the pages of his beginner books, feeling a surge of pride each time he managed to string them together into a word.  Even the wind in his hair as he raced his new bicycle down the driveway became a fresh thrill. The reassuring wobble of its training wheels chased those old, pampered wishes further into the back of his mind. Though his life was changing in many new and exciting ways, his love for diapers was always there, just beneath the surface. He still looked back on all of his fond, formative memories with a warm smile. Until one day, during his second week of kindergarten, when a chilling incident changed everything.   Skyler had felt the need to pee almost immediately upon arriving at school that day. Still not comfortable with using foreign toilets, he was determined to hold it until he was safely back home.  At first, it wasn't too bad; he had even forgotten about it for a while. But later in the afternoon, when clean-up time came, the signal had returned.  This time, it was way more urgent... He ignored the last call for bathroom visits, confident he could make it despite the growing need. He teetered like a penguin, his legs pressed tightly together as he walked to the shelves to put away his crayons and paste. Moving in tiny, shuffling increments, his sneakers barely leaving the floor. Listening to his teacher's final instructions of the day, he leaned forward in his chair, propping himself up with his elbows, trying to take the pressure off his lap. His eyes lost focus on the board, staring blankly at the wall as all his energy went inward. After grabbing his lunch box from the cubby, he lined up by the wall, ready for dismissal. Standing there, he bounced on the balls of his feet, a frantic rhythm of please-please-please hold it. Marching down the hall in a line with his classmates, Skyler could see the end in sight. If he could just make it to his seat on the bus, it was only a short ride home. But then... The line stopped.  Paused right in the middle of the hall, Skyler had no idea what was happening. Usually, they went straight from the classroom to the bus. As the need intensified, he stood on his tiptoes, trying to look ahead to see what was causing the delay. The loud chatter of his schoolmates made it hard for him to concentrate on holding it. The line finally jerked forward again, a slow, agonizing crawl. Through the doors at the end of the hall, he could see the bright yellow of the school buses waiting. A fresh wave of hope washed over him.  He was so close... He took a shuffling step, and then another.  And then... it happened.  A small, shocking warmth suddenly bloomed in his underwear.  It was just a spurt, a warning shot from a body that had reached its limit.  He froze, every muscle clenching in a final, desperate attempt to stop the flood he knew was coming.  But it was no use...  He couldn't hold it any longer. He simply let go. He wasn't thinking about the consequences, only the overwhelming relief. A familiar heat spread below his waist, a warm, unstoppable tide that soaked through his jeans and down his leg. There was no sound, just the helpless, silent swell as the world around him faded to a dull, distant roar. He held his race car lunch box over his crotch, hoping desperately that no one had noticed as the line stopped again. His eyes began to well with tears as the tension became too much to bear. He quickly wiped them away with the back of his wrist, trying to act normal. Up until this very moment, Skyler had loved being in kindergarten. He had made several new friends, he adored his teacher, and the slide on the playground was the best he'd ever seen. But standing in there in the bus loop, tears in his eyes and pee pee running down his leg, he wished he was invisible.   As the line began to move again toward the waiting steps of the bus, he couldn't stop himself from looking down. The evidence was undeniable. A dark, wet sheen covered the entire side of his left leg, turning the light blue denim a deep, shameful navy. Standing on the curb, ready to take his first step onto the school bus, he looked over. His bus monitor was staring directly at him.  His secret was out.  He froze, waiting for her response.  He knew for sure she was going to pull him out of line. Everyone would know.  His heart raced as his foot reached for the step.  "Have a nice weekend, Skyler," the monitor said, a warm, reassuring smile on her face. He kept moving, reaching the second step while pretending he heard nothing, just wanting to make it to his seat and be home free. The bus was packed. The only seats free were at the very back. He had to walk past all the kids, who were already sitting and looking forward. He felt like all eyes were on him. He clutched the handle of his lunch box tightly with both hands as he made his way. Step by step, amidst all the hooting and hollering, Skyler was laser-focused on reaching his seat. He saw an empty bench, second row from the end, and darted straight for it Sliding all the way up against the window, Skyler curled up with his lunch box on his lap, hoping no one would sit next to him. As the door to the bus shut and the wheels started rolling, Skyler deeply exhaled. He had made it. His mom would be waiting for him at the bus stop; everything was going to be alright. He pressed his race car lunchbox down harder onto his lap, trying to cover the evidence. His other hand went to the damp denim of his pant leg, his fingers tracing the edge of the stain as if trying to measure the size of his mistake. He felt small and helpless, like a baby again, but not in a good way. And then, a thought popped into his mind, cold and sharp.  He actually used to like this. He used to wish for this. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to push the memory away.  He was a big boy now.  The accident was his final straw.  Right then and there, he vowed to move on, once and for all. It was a drastic decision, a deliberate choice to cut ties with his juvenile inclinations and leave it all in the past. As the weeks passed by, Skyler had officially put his silly, infantile thoughts behind him. He was committed. He still retained his vivid memories of those past comforts, but now he viewed them as a measure of how much he had grown.  He knew now that only babies wore diapers. He no longer paid attention when his mom changed his brother's diaper, preferring to lose himself in his many other interests.  He now flipped the channel without a second thought whenever a diaper commercial came on, knowing with a certainty that they were not for him. Most days, he barely thought about it at all. Yet, the one constant thing that could still stir his old feelings was the diaper aisle at the grocery store. The distinctive, powdery fragrance would wash over him, and for a fleeting second, it all came back.  But Skyler was now quick to dismiss it, turning his focus to the bright colors of the cereal boxes instead. By the end of the school year, Skyler felt like a whole new kid. He had completely cut ties with his babyish habits of the past and was excelling at life as a five-year-old.  He was the best player on his t-ball team, the star of every game. His teacher adored him, often bragging about his kindness to the other students. He was also one of the best readers in his class, proud whenever he was chosen to answer a question.  Life was good. The stakes grew even higher after Skyler turned six and prepared to enter first grade. He'd be taking a new bus, facing fuller school days, and meeting harder expectations. He faced the challenge head-on, all his prior childish fascinations left far behind him.  Until, one day, right before school started, when he noticed something that would change everything. Out of the blue, he detected something in his little brother's eyes that wasn't there before. It was a subtle spark, an awareness he could recognize but didn't have a name for.  It was a quick and sudden realization.  His baby brother, was no longer a 'baby'.   Chris was now a little boy, just like Skyler, only smaller. He could talk with him, share the same toys, and they even laughed at the same silly jokes.  It was a stark difference from the tiny, warm bundle he had known since the day Chris was born, a little creature defined only by soft coos, milky scents, and the desperate need to be held. This spurt in awareness opened up a whole new world of fun possibilities as Skyler now had a live-in playmate.   One late August afternoon, after returning home from 'Back-to-School' shopping, the two brothers were lying on the living room floor filling in the lines of a giant coloring book.  Chris was scribbling vigorously with a large yellow crayon, doing his best to fill in a cartoon character's shirt on the page.  Skyler, his skills much more refined, held a more narrow, brown crayon as he worked on the shoes. Despite Chris's limited vocabulary, a shared love for the character and an easy agreement on colors created a silent, happy bond between them. Together they were having a wonderful time, until, for no apparent reason, Chris suddenly froze. His crayon still pressed against the page, his little hand gripping it tightly, but his spirited movements had ceased.   Skyler looked over, curious about the abrupt stillness that had left half of the illustrated bear's shirt untouched.  Chris dropped his crayon, pushing himself off the floor, bracing his hands on the large paper page. Skyler watched as his younger brother toddled across the floor, toward the corner of the room, near the big, leafy plant.  From his spot on the floor, he saw Chris's back arch and his legs lock, his little body going rigid as his hands tightened into small fists.  Skyler's heart started racing, spellbound by his brother's movements. He inched forward, very slightly, as a tiny grunt floated through the air. He couldn't look away, his sibling's distinctive pose was like a magnet, pulling his eyes in.  A strange, confusing warmth unfurled deep in Skyler's tummy, a forgotten feeling he somehow knew by heart. The air in the room seemed to hold its breath as he waited and watched. He knew it was coming. Any second.  Any moment. And then, it happened...  What Skyler was about to witness would change his life forever.   It all came rushing back, awakened by a soft, but forceful eruption in the back of Chris's pants.   Skyler toyed with his fingers as his gaze lingered, his dawning realization like a light switch turning on. A flicker of envy washed over him as he watched Chris remain frozen in his pronounced pose.     He could almost feel it himself, that wonderful sensation of satisfaction, a job well done. Skyler continued to study his kid brother, imagining what he would do if he were the one with a loaded diaper taped around his bottom.   "Are you pooping your Pamper?"  Skyler called out, almost involuntarily, a way to instinctively interject himself into the moment.   "PAMPER."  Chris muttered in an affirming tone as he completed his deed and walked back to the coloring book.  Skyler's thoughts had been completely taken over. He was no longer thinking about the new clothes he had gotten, or who his new teacher would be. He now had a singular focus. The warm, luxurious protection of a softly padded diaper. Over the next few days, the newness of the school year kept him busy, but his mind would frequently drift back, drawn to that beacon of comfort and safety from his past.  Once again, he was enchanted by the sight of his brother's diaper changes, offering to help his mom whenever he noticed the need. He would linger nearby fixed on the familiar ritual of wipes, powder, and the soft crinkle of fresh padding being taped into place. Skyler found himself becoming more and more jealous of his 'baby' brother. If Chris could wear diapers, why couldn't he? They had a lot of other things in common now, he wished this could be one of them. He also had a renewed interest in diaper commercials, watching closely whenever one would interrupt his favorite shows. He even began rummaging through the stack of 'Women and Mothering' magazines by the sofa, his eyes scanning intently for the glossy ads he knew were hidden within. Often, when his mom was preoccupied, he would sneak into his brother's diaper bag and pull out one of the billowy, white prizes. He loved the smooth, crisp texture beneath his fingers, he delighted in the way it rustled as he unfurled the ends, his insides stirred as he imagined what it would feel like placed around him.   It was during these times when a mischievous side of Skyler's psyche would occasionally emerge.  Like a cat burglar scheming his next heist, he would hatch a cunning plan to snag the loot and escape to the bathroom.  His mission, should he choose to accept it, would allow him only precious few minutes to shed his clothes, don the diaper, do his duty and clean it all up. Though he wanted nothing more than to once again feel that soft, cushy lining pressed against his skin as he released his natural urges, the risks of capture were too great. The thoughts of his mom's response had she caught him in the act of using a stolen diaper were too devastating. Each time he'd scrap the plan before it ever left the ground. As the weeks marched on, these desires didn't fade away like they did when he was younger.  This time, they only grew stronger.   Aware of societal expectations and what is considered normal, Skyler wouldn't dare mention his secret wish to anyone. He did his best to keep his feelings buried deep inside, but it wasn't always so easy. His ears would instantly perk up at any mention of the word "diaper," a physical betrayal of the private truth he struggled to hide. It was especially tricky to hide his special thoughts when he was out and about in the world. With reminders all around him, his forbidden feelings would sometimes bubble to the surface. On this particular Friday night in late October, Skyler and his family were at the Mall of Georgia, celebrating Chris's third birthday. They had just had a cheerful dinner and were roaming the corridors of the mall, entering whichever stores sparked their interest. The toy store was Skyler's favorite, and even though it was Chris's birthday, he was allowed to pick out a treasure of his own. He clutched his new action figure close to his chest, buzzing with excitement. The family headed to Build-A-Bear as their next stop. Chris's choice, not Skyler's. Standing in line, waiting for Chris's bear to be stuffed, Skyler began to grow impatient. Wanting nothing more than to be home, playing with his new toy figure, he tapped his toe vigorously against the floor as he watched the girl in front of them get her stuffed frog meticulously sewn up.  The wait was endless.     Skyler released a deep, exaggerated breath as Chris took his sweet time choosing the perfect outfit for his new bear, 'Christopher'. His attention was lost, staring at the back of his new action figure when, without warning, his ears instantly perked up. "PAMPER."  The word from his little brother's mouth was a sudden spark, cutting through his impatience like a flash of lightning. Skyler lifted his head, his eyes fixed on Chris, the younger boy's small fingers rifling through the wide assortment of stuffed animal clothing. Ever since that day in the living room two months prior, 'Pamper' had become Chris's all-purpose word to signal the need for a diaper change.  "PAMPER."  Chris repeated, his tongue catching slightly on the 'P' as Robin checked his diaper, confirming it was clean and dry. Watching the situation closely, Skyler could tell from his brother's insistence that he meant something else this time. Seeing his parents confused by Chris's intent, he decided to speak up.  "Mom, I think he wants the teddy bear to wear a Pamper," he said confidently, trying to bring clarity and speed the process along.   Robin's face lit up as she finally understood the meaning behind her youngest son's cryptic communication. They searched the store, hunting for a diaper to complete the fluffy bear's outfit. With none in sight, she turned as a friendly store associate approached them.   "Chris here wants his teddy bear to wear a Pamper. Do you sell those?" Robin asked the worker, a teenage girl with long auburn hair. An obviously outgoing and affectionate girl, she crouched down and scooped Chris up into her arms. In a sweet, high-pitched tone, she asked him. "Do you wear Pampers too, little precious boy?" Chris nodded so enthusiastically that it seemed he might strain a muscle in his neck. His emphatic response was confirmed by the soft crinkle of his diaper resting against her forearm. Still holding Chris, the girl helped them search the store. When their hunt came up empty, she offered a practical suggestion to Mitch and Robin: they could simply use one of Chris's own diapers, which would be much cheaper and fit just as well. "Okay, Chris, what do we say to the nice lady?" Robin prompted gently.  Chris hesitated, his little face scrunching in thought before he finally remembered and exclaimed, "THANK YOU!"  The teenage girl smiled, clearly charmed. Then, just to make sure Skyler wasn't left out, she turned to him with a playful question.  "Do you wear Pampers, too?" A warmth bloomed in Skyler's cheeks. He gave a small, almost invisible shake of his head, a silent 'no' that betrayed the yearning 'yes' in his heart "I think we’re past that with him now," Robin added with a warm smile. Hearing this, Skyler ducked behind his dad’s leg, his presence a comforting shield in the awkward moment. The girl's surprising question had caught him off guard, but it was his mom's casual comment about his past diaper use that made his heart race, not with embarrassment, but with a secret thrill of excitement. As they completed their purchase and headed to the new sports memorabilia shop across the way, the action figure in Skyler's hand felt forgotten, his mind now consumed by his true, favorite passion. Enjoying the soft, reassuring warmth that enveloped him whenever his thoughts turned to diapers, Skyler floated through the store, closely following his parents. That's when he saw them. Right there on the corner display.  Somehow, with no prior knowledge of them, he knew exactly what they were.  "Look!!"  He burst out, pointing at the packages.  He dashed toward the rack of neatly stacked, colorful packages. The product was called "Super Fannies". They were disposable diapers, just like Pampers, but with a strange and wonderful twist. Each one was decorated on the back with the bold, colorful logo of a college team.   The family stared for a moment, realizing these were real diapers.  "How about we buy some for Christopher?" Robin asked Chris, holding up a package.  Chris nodded eagerly.  Since their dad was a devoted Tennessee Vols fan, Robin grabbed a pack of large-sized diapers with little UT prints and tucked it under her arm, figuring the remaining diapers could be used for Chris on game days until he was fully trained. Skyler couldn't resist. The charm of these special, team-themed diapers pushed him past wishing and into wanting. "Can I have some too?"  Skyler asked hesitantly as he impulsively grabbed one of the packages from the shelf. His silent craving finally too much to hold, the words just spilled out.  Had he thought about it first, he likely would have just stayed quiet. But as the question lingered, a flicker of hope ignited within him. His parents were in an exceptionally good mood, and in that moment, he was sure they couldn't deny his sweet request. He glanced at his dad, his eyes shining with wonder. The memory of that ultimate birthday wish, granted just two years prior, remained a vivid, secret dream he held close. Just as his father was about to speak, a warm laugh bubbled from his mom, her eyes warm and soft. Skyler's heart leaped at her gentle reaction. "You're too big for diapers, sweetie," his mom explained, her tone warm but edged with a finality that left no room for argument. A heavy weight settled in Skyler's stomach. The bright package suddenly felt clumsy in his hands. With a sigh that seemed to drain all the air from his lungs, he placed it back on the shelf, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "How about some UT boxer shorts instead?" Robin suggested, her smile a gentle attempt to mend the crack in his heart.  He just nodded, the happy feeling from moments before completely gone, replaced by a sinking drop in his tummy. As his mom held a pair of the shorts up to his waist, trying to pinpoint his size, Skyler looked back at the coveted packages of Super Fannies.  For a brief moment, he pictured himself wearing one of the UT-branded diapers during their weekly game days. Showing his team pride with a soft, cozy diaper felt truly thrilling, infinitely more comforting than the flimsy cotton shorts his mom was holding. Staring at the street lights as they blurred by out the window, Skyler replayed the moment over in his mind. His mom's gentle answer of "no" to his genuinely earnest request echoed over and over. Lulled into a hypnotic-like state by the car's steady hum, he regretted asking the question. He much preferred the hopeful possibility from before over the sharp sting of disappointment he felt now. He went to bed that night with a deep, wistful longing in his heart.  The October sun spilled into his room the next morning, chasing away the last gloomy shadows from the car ride. Skyler bounced out of bed, a big smile already on his face. Saturdays were the best, but the ones in the fall were pure magic. It was game day, the day the whole family piled into the 'Boys Room' to cheer on the Tennessee Volunteers football team.  The 'Boy's Room' wasn’t the kids’ bedroom, it was Mitch’s special den, meticulously designed for sports viewing. The sign on the door boldly declared "NO GIRLS ALLOWED," though there was one important exception: moms were welcome. Robin always had free rein to enter this male-only domain, a rule she cheerfully ignored. After lunch, the house buzzed with energy. Skyler and Chris thundered around the living room, their toys scattered across the floor like casualties in a great, imaginary battle. Meanwhile, Mitch and Robin were busy in the kitchen, putting together a game-day spread of snacks. Kickoff was near.   For a moment, Skyler's attention shifted. He took a break from the action to change the armor on his new figure, but when he looked up, Chris was gone. A familiar thrill of suspicion shot through him. Not wanting to miss the moment, Skyler scurried around the house, checking all of Chris's favorite pooping spots. When he reached the threshold of their shared bedroom, his eyes landed directly on Chris, who was standing at the far side of the room, his back to the door.  Skyler didn't make a peep, not wanting to interrupt his little brother. He knew what happens next. A soft crackling sound lofted through the room. The youngest Keeney boy was in a very particular pose, a large bulge jutting from his backside.  Skyler didn't move a muscle. He watched every detail, imagining it was him standing there, feeling the sudden, satisfying weight settle in the padding and the blissful freedom of not having to worry. As quickly as it all began, Chris turned around and scurried out the door, passing Skyler like he wasn't even there. Skyler lingered, lost in his daydream. He had never felt more envious in his life. He would trade everything for the special privilege his brother had. The honor of being able to wear and use diapers, with no questions, no expectations, it was the pinnacle of permission as far as Skyler was concerned.   He looked toward the corner of the room, his eyes fixing on the bright, colorful package of Super Fannies that sat on the shelves beside his three-year-old roommate's dresser. The seam on the edge of the packaging had been torn open, with one of the diapers having been removed, used to complete the outfit of Chris's new teddy bear Christopher. His attention snagged on the pristine stack peeking from the gap in the plastic wrapper, each one a folded, plush temptation. The sight of the inviting bundle sent him right back to the store, a reprise of his mother's 'no' playing in his mind. The hopeful bubble in his chest burst, leaving behind a dull, hollow ache. He already knew the answer to the question burning in his heart, a truth that made the sight of his wanting hurt even more. A quiet disappointment had just settled within his chest when suddenly, the thought of Chris's sacred deed bloomed again in his mind.  A fresh wave of delight washed over him as he thought about what comes next. Watching the loving ritual of his brother's diaper change provided a chance for him to bask in the good fortune he couldn't have for himself. With a new sense of purpose, he bounded out of the room, ready to inform his mom of the inside story.   By the time he had reached the kitchen, he could see that the news had already spread. His mom was down on one knee, right next to Chris, pressing her fingers against the innocent bump in the back of his pants.  Robin led Chris by the hand, down the hallway, and back into their bedroom. Skyler followed eagerly behind, excited to help his mom with the special duty.  The little boy promptly climbed onto his toddler bed while his mother picked up the large container of wipes from the supply shelf. With Chris on his back, Robin hooked her fingers into the waistband, whisking his pants away in one smooth motion, revealing the snug, puffy garment beneath. The front panel was heavy with moisture, swollen thick between his legs. Along the elastic leg bands, the clean white was marked with the faint, dark brown smudges of his accomplishment. Skyler stood nearby, watching intently, vibrating with a readiness to help.   Robin worked the tapes free one by one, two soft rips followed by the gentle pull of the front flap as she lowered it down straight. She then gathered his ankles in one hand, lifting his legs straight up in the air, his bottom bearing the telltale signs of his latest production. The air blossomed with a sweet, familiar fragrance. A complex mix of the earthy, the clean, and the powdery, a scent that bypassed his thoughts and invoked Skyler's most precious memories.  The sight and smell of a poopy diaper, things that sent other children running, held no repulsion for Skyler. On the contrary, he was completely captivated. He saw them not as messes, but as unique works of art, each one with its own special shape, size, and texture, a small, squishy mystery to be admired.  He watched as his mother used a fresh wet wipe, its once-pristine white purity immediately surrendering to the deep brown mark of his brother's creation. "Skyler honey," his mom spoke, breaking his gaze.  "Could you hand me one of the Super Fannies from the package?"  His eyes flew open, he moved on pure instinct. His breath caught in his throat. He reached into the bright package, lifting one of the perfectly folded treasures, the object of his affection finally in his hand.  Autumn sunlight streamed through the window, lighting him from behind as he stood there, a silent silhouette gazing at the golden promise in his grasp. He could almost feel its warm and comforting snug around his own waist, the fantasy so vivid it pulled him under. "Sweetie, I can really use that diaper now." Robin's voice, gentle but firm, pulled him back from the edge of his daydream. Shaken from his trance, Skyler passed the pristine, white gem to his mom. She accepted it with a gracious smile, her main attention fixed on Chris as she held his little legs aloft, his bottom now a perfect, polished ivory.  Robin's hands moved with natural ease, fastening the UT-branded padding around her son's plump bottom before rolling the soiled garment into a neat bundle, trapping the brown-streaked wipes within.  Freshly changed and as good as new, Chris was ready to cheer on the Vols. Robin handed him his new diapered buddy, and sent him toddling off to the 'Boy's Room' to find daddy.  Skyler turned to follow his little brother, who had scampered out of the room, the UT emblem on his bottom a proud cheer with each wiggle.  "Wait just a second, honey," his mom called out before he reached the door.  His heart gave a sudden, nervous flutter against his ribs. He'd been caught. His mom had seen the reverence in his eyes, he was sure of it.  He stood frozen, bracing himself for a gentle but firm reminder that he was too old for such things. Slowly, he turned to face his mother, his shoulders already slumping in anticipation of his fate. He looked up, fully expecting the worst. But her face wasn't stern or cross. It was simply... soft. And in a blink, his fear was gone. Though Skyler dreaded an angry reaction, it was an entirely irrational worry. He knew his mom never truly got upset, not over spills or messes or anything. She always handled things with a gentle voice and a helping hand. The real worry wasn't a scolding; it was the scary thought that if he ever pushed too far, he might finally break the unspoken rules of her kindness. Studying his mom's big brown eyes, it was now clear what came next. The tremble in his hands quieted, and he stood up a little straighter. He was preparing for the soft letdown, the tender explanation on why his obvious feelings were outright silly and babyish. And then, she said it. "Skyler, how about I put a diaper on you as well?" The question lofted between them, shimmering and impossible.  For a second, his brain just stopped. The words didn't make sense, a jumble of sounds that had no business being in his mom's mouth.  He blinked, sure he must have imagined it, a wish so powerful it had tricked his ears. As the magnitude of the request hit him, he knew he had to answer instantly, fearing she would change her mind if his silence lingered.  His eyes blew open wide, like two giant blue saucers. A giggle, sharp and bubbly, tried to escape his throat before he spoke. "Really?! Okay!" he blurted out, not entirely sure if this was still real life.  A wide, knowing smile bloomed across Robin's face, not in the least bit surprised by her son's enthusiastic reply. "Well, okay then," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Go ahead and grab another 'fanny' from the pack." A tremor of pure joy shot through him as he scrambled to the package. His fingers, clumsy with haste, fumbled for the edge of the plastic wrap. This time, the crinkle he was about to hear wasn't for his brother, or for a teddy bear. It was for him. In a flash, he was on the bed. The wiggles and fidgets that usually lived in his limbs vanished, replaced by a statue-like calm as he lay back, presenting himself for the ceremony. Though it had been two long years since his body last knew this feeling, the routine was etched into his soul. He lay there, breathing in the anticipation of the greatest feeling on earth, as he felt the gentle tug of his mom's hands at his waist.  The soft shhhhlick of his jeans sliding down his legs was a familiar prelude. He looked back at her, his eyes wide, as her smooth, reassuring fingers hooked into the waistband of his plain white underpants. They, too, were peeled away in a single, fluid motion, leaving him bare from the waist down, a small boy in an oversized orange t-shirt, waiting for his dream to become real. The crisp crinkle of the diaper unfolding was the sweetest music he had ever heard, and a grin so wide it almost tickled his cheeks.  He felt the unmistakable, gentle presence of his mom as she lifted his legs and bottom from the bed, holding him suspended in a moment of perfect trust. Then, the cool, fresh padding was glided into place beneath him. He was lowered down, sinking into the pillowy softness, a feeling he remembered from his dreams but never thought he'd feel again. With a final, subtle tug, Robin pulled the thick material snugly between his legs. The adhesive tabs found their marks in a series of silent, perfect presses, sealing his fate in the best possible way.  He was still small enough that the diaper hugged him perfectly, a soft, secure embrace that felt like it was designed just for his body, just for this moment. He looked down, his bright eyes shimmering with awe. The thick, cushioned garment felt so wonderfully right, a soft, secure container for everything that made him a boy.  He was diapered. It was a fact so simple, yet so monumental, he could hardly believe it. "How's that?" Robin asked, her voice a soft, warm melody.  In response, Skyler launched himself forward, wrapping his arms tightly around his mom's neck. He buried his face in the familiar scent of her hair, pouring every ounce of his gratitude, his relief, and his overflowing joy into a hug that needed no translation. "Okay, let’s show Daddy that he now has two little diaper boys to watch football with," Robin said playfully, her voice full of warmth.  She took his hand, her fingers lacing with his, and led him from the room. The thick, soft cushioning with every step was a constant, blissful reminder that this was real.  The distant roar of the TV echoed down the hall from the 'Boy's Room'. Skyler could tell from the urgent tone of the announcers that kickoff was near. He pressed his lips together and swallowed hard as they approached the doorway, his heart thudding at the thought of how his dad would react to seeing his six-year-old son diapered just like his toddler brother.  The thick, fluffy cocoon hugged his bottom, a soft, secure shield against his doubt as his mom led him into the room. A hopeful, trembling smile was plastered on his face as he entered, his bright eyes fixed on his dad, waiting for the verdict. A loud, joyous giggle burst from Chris as soon as Skyler appeared. The sight of his big brother wearing a diaper just like him, sent him into a genuine fit of laughter, pointing a chubby finger with pure, uninhibited delight. Skyler ignored his baby brother's dramatic reaction, the opinions of a three-year-old having no impact on his resolve. Instead, he looked straight to his father, who was sitting comfortably on the sofa in front of the TV. His dad's expression was a locked door, his features settled into a familiar look of deep concentration, quieted by the calm contentment of the pre-game show. His gaze broke from the television's glow, drifting slowly across the room until it landed on Skyler, who was still lingering in the shadow of the doorway. A wide, slow smile spread across Mitch's face.  "Well now," he said, his voice a low, warm rumble.  "Look at my two little Vols! You boys look totally ready for the big game. Go team!" A huge, beaming grin lit up Skyler's face. He scrambled onto the couch, plopping down between his dad and brother with a soft, swishing sound. He wiggled his bottom, sinking into the plush cushions and the thick padding underneath, a perfect, happy sigh escaping his lips as he settled in to watch the game. The four of them gathered in snuggly, only breaking their focus during commercials to refill their snack plates. The game was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, all eyes glued to the screen.  All except for Chris, who would dissolve into fits of giggles at any glimpse of his older brother's diaper.  Two hours later, with the game deep in the third quarter, Skyler felt a tell-tale rumble in his tummy. A clear signal of what was to come. Skyler had been so lost in the joy of his plush, padded pants that the thought of actually using them had never even crossed his mind. Lost in his own perfect world, he'd barely said a word the entire game, content to just bask in the warm, fuzzy glow of a wish come true.  While his eyes followed the action on the screen, his true focus was lower. Every few minutes, he would sneak a peek down at the white, puffy barrier encircling his bottom, a quiet smile touching his lips each time. Though the familiar urgency in his belly grew, Skyler hesitated to inform his mom. Certain that she would take him to the bathroom and remove his precious treasure, he didn't say a word. But as the pressure intensified, regardless of the consequences, he had to let her in on his predicament. He held his tongue for as long as he could, but the insistent, steady urge was a powerful force.  Finally, he knew he couldn't keep it to himself anymore.  "Umm, Mommy," he said, breaking his silence.  "I have ta go potty." He remained perfectly still, holding his breath as he waited for her response. A soft, knowing smile touched Robin's lips. She leaned in close, her voice a hushed, gentle murmur that was just for him.  "That’s OK, dear. Just go in your dipee if you’re about to," she said, her tone radiating a calm understanding. His mom's words were a warm wave of relief, but they didn't wash away all of his doubt.  A small wrinkle formed between his eyebrows as he processed her permission, realizing he hadn't given her the full story. The thought of her reaction to the complete, messy truth made his tummy flutter, and he just had to be sure.  Taking a tiny, shaky breath, he hesitated for a moment before being as clear as he possibly could. "It’s gonna be poopy."   As Skyler's tiny confession hung in the air, the world between them went silent. He waited for a response, any response, his heart pounding in his chest.   Then, a low chuckle from the end of the couch softly broke the tension.  This time, it was his dad who chimed in.  "It’s okay, son," Mitch said, his eyes crinkling with an easy smile, his tone lighthearted and encouraging.  "It's not like we haven’t seen you in a poopy diaper before."  With those words, a fizzy, tingling warmth erupted in Skyler's chest, a thousand tiny bubbles popping just beneath his skin. His heart gave a wild, joyous leap as he hopped up onto his feet, ready for action. In that moment, he was complete. Skyler Keeney was a typical boy with a unique passion. Though he was similar to other kids in many ways, one distinctive trait set him apart. Together with his family on a tranquil Saturday in late October, he was on top of the world. The six-year-old boy had been reunited with a loyal old companion, a trusted source of comfort from his earliest days.  With a crisp disposable diaper securely fastened around his bottom and a pressing need in his belly, Skyler was on the verge of pure, unadulterated bliss. Though his spirit soared with elation, a slight flicker of shyness held him back. This was a private, special moment, not a performance. With a short, happy glance at his parents, he quietly slipped away behind the sofa, creating his own small, secret world. Tucked into his quiet nook, he stood perfectly still. The thrill in his heart merged with the presence in his belly, forging one powerful, undeniable desire. His palm drifted down, resting against the smooth, taut backing of his protective pants, the outer shell a cool, solid assurance under his hand. In the stillness, just moments before embarking on his grand endeavor, a flash swept through Skyler's mind.  Every treasured moment and each whispered wish from the last three years flooded over him. Many blurred together, single images made from countless happy incidents.  The vivid recollections of those carefree toddler days, when his prized, secure comfort was his everyday routine, were as clear as the instant they happened. The intense push, the soothing release, the squishy aftermath, all recalled with explicit detail, all at once.  He bit his bottom lip, just slightly, enough to prove it wasn't all a dream.  And with that, he was ready.  Six-year-old Skyler was about to make poopy in a diaper, and he'd never been happier.  The roar from the television faded into a distant hum as the game entered the fourth quarter. The secluded refuge behind the sofa became his entire reality, nothing else mattered. He bent his knees, sinking into a once forgotten position. He gave a small, tentative push, a gentle inquiry to test the waters. A soft, muted pop answered from his behind as the weight inside him began to shift. It was the first whisper of the main event. "You think he's doing you-know-what?"  It was a hushed tone but Skyler heard it clear as day, coming from the sofa behind him. It was his mom asking his dad a playful question, using their own secret language.  "Oh yeah."  A cheeky smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, amused by his parents loving support of his unique desires.   With his final permission slip in hand, Skyler bore down. The tell-tale pressure in his stomach, now a very distinct signal, demanded his full attention. His small hands tightened into fists as his face screwed into a mask of concentration. A deep internal heave signaled the start of his journey. The intensity of the game grew tighter as the Vols pushed down the field, the announcer's urgent voice spilling from the screen, a perfect match for the force gathering deep within Skyler's core. "The quarterback has it! He drops back, looking for an option... he finds his man!"  Skyler heard nothing. His focus solely on one thing. He pushed again, a deep, deliberate effort. The movement gained momentum, a clear point of no return. "The receiver breaks free from the tackle! He's got open field!" the play-by-play echoed through the room, the words tumbling out in a rush. Skyler could feel the inevitable as it slowly progressed. He held his breath, just for a second, as a sudden, tingling, stretch bloomed within his backside. Every nerve ending was alive, immersed in this single, sacred act.   "He's at The fifty! The forty! Thirty! One man to beat!" the voice on TV strained, building to a fever pitch. The encroaching mass was on it's way. There was no turning back, no stopping it. Its destination final.   It didn't matter if this wasn't something big kids were supposed to do.  It made no difference if people thought it was gross or inappropriate.   None of that mattered at all, because it was about to happen, right now, whether anyone else liked it or not.   A quiet, breathy gasp escaped his lips.      Then he felt it. The final, satisfying release. A reunion with a dear, old friend. A long-held wish, finally made real. It felt like home.  The poop piled up in the back of his diaper, a warm, solid weight settling gently against his skin. “TOUCHDOWN! TENNESSEE!” The roar of the crowd erupted from the television. He watched as his parents shot from their seats, a blur of high-fives and hugs, their faces alight with the thrill of the play. He could feel it pressing against him, the warm heft slowly pulling the diaper lower, the thick material sagging to its limit. Oblivious to the symphony of victory around him, he reveled in his own thrilling achievement, the profound weight in his pants his own private trophy. He had done it.  A mischievous curiosity took over. His hand drifted around back, softly cupping the proud bump. He felt its firm shape between his fingers, a quiet joy fluttering in his chest at his wonderful, solid creation. A sudden stream of warm pee pee followed, flooding the swollen garment until a pleasant, encompassing heat hugged all of his most sensitive areas. Skyler was in heaven.  "Hey, buddy,"  His spell instantly dissolved at the sound of his father's voice, pulling him back to earth.   "How's it going back there? Come rejoin us if you're done."   He hesitated, a sudden warmth washed over his face, a shy blush creeping slowly up his neck. Despite his parents explicit blessing, a small part of him felt like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't. Feeling strangely naughty, Skyler began his journey out of his sanctuary behind the couch. In an unconscious attempt to hide the heavy bulge in the back of his diaper, he walked with a slight, careful waddle. With each step, the tender bundle shifted against him, a thrilling, squishy reminder of his wonderful creation. Trying not to make eye contact, Skyler stood near the side of the sofa, pretending to follow the game.  Would they snicker and make fun of him? Laugh at his babyish state. Or worse, would they silently judge him despite their approval?  He felt a soft quiver in his lip, a jolt of uncertainty as he stood there waiting for acknowledgement.  A gentle tug on his sleeve was all it took. His dad drew him close, a soft, sideways hug, pulling Skyler from the edge of uncertainty. All the tension and worry, instantly drifted away. His dads silent reassurance sent all of his fascination, all of his excitement and all of his wonder to come rushing back. His heart skipped a beat as his dad guided him to the empty spot on the couch.  Enchanted by the thrill of it all, Skyler had almost forgot about his favorite part.    As he settled onto the cushions, the solid mound in his seat began to flatten and shift, molding itself to his shape. A blissful warmth radiated through him, an intimate embrace that chased away any last bit of shyness. A deep, contented sigh escaped his lips as the familiar squeeze became a perfect essence against his skin. A rich, musky scent began to waft up, a private fragrance that added to his profound sense of comfort, the final, intoxicating piece of his secret paradise. Just as Skyler was settling into his blissful state, the quiet moment was suddenly broken by a small, pointing finger. Chris had spotted the source of his brother's contentment.  "PAMPER!" The innocent observation was so perfectly timed that it shattered any remaining tension, sending the whole family into a warm, shared laughter. Mitch pulled them in for a big family hug, all tangled up snugly on the cushy sofa. He kissed Skyler on the forehead, a final assurance that he was perfect, regardless of the state of his pants. Skyler Keeney was a normal, everyday kid. A proud example of a regular child. Alike in many ways to other boys his age.  But he also held a wonderful secret. A secret that most other people could never understand. On that perfect Saturday afternoon, the waning rays of golden sunlight filtering through the window, his secret didn't feel much like a secret at all.  It just felt right. In that moment, with his family by his side, Skyler smiled.  His warm, satisfying remnant cradled against him, enveloped by his soft, cozy padding, he chuckled.  Life was perfect.     The End.    Read part 2 here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/79468876 A Kept Precious Secret: The Skyler Keeney Story - Part Two  Some secrets are meant to be shared, and for six-year-old Skyler Keeney, his has woven his family closer than ever. But every paradise has its end, and when the outside world comes knocking, their private sanctuary is shattered. As his greatest comfort is suddenly taken away, Skyler must face a world without it... unless the magic of Christmas holds one last, impossible surprise.  

The new ones

Check out this hilarious video from one of my fave creators about it.   https://youtu.be/FUtgcOxRrqY?si=X89ousjK8Y9gyYNY

The last of the originals, Mikey, or the new ones? I have both, but obviously, I'm drawing down the old ones. I have a soft spot in my heart for them, because they were the first ABDL diaper that I was confident enough to wear everyday; I found them slim enough to work under daytime clothes, and they were a good deal, in a 48 pack. However, the new ones are much more capable - the originals were not an all-day diaper. But the new ones come in packs of 30...  To answer the overarching question of this thread, I'm in a BeDry. Good diaper for a busy Saturday running errands - they've essentially taken over the role that the old Lil' Monsters played in my wardrobe. 

Take care, @Annie_Austria - we are thinking of you. I hope that things work out for your dad. That is very stressful - I have been there. The ICU is the best place he can be. Don't forget to look after yourself.