Baby Talk

I wore one our road trip today.

Thanks! And it will make more sense after more is posted. Basically the story is being told through flashbacks during the final scene. I considered arranging it more normally but I figured everyone had seen the "slow build toward diapers" stories in this universe and would know where its going anywhere, so we are doing it differently

Oh shoot. Monica's in deep trouble!

@butters11@djembe@DannyDoo @007specialk @zzzz50 @Pierry Louys @dyperaby @Frostybaby @D503 New update tonight at 11:30pm EST

Chapter 19 The dining room was filled with the sounds of clattering cutlery, light conversation through bites of scrambled eggs and toast, and the hungry suckling of two Littles.  Hazel held Lucas in her lap as he nursed from her, the mornings now being the only time she could do so as Charlotte tended to her own breakfast. Next to Hazel, Sophia sat secure in her high chair, where she held a bottle of formula in her two hands, tilting her head backwards to get every drop of the liquid.  Lucas’ eyes fluttered open and shut, drifting in and out of a state of half-sleep and half-wakefulness. The familiar haze created by the milk was of course part of it, but his night’s sleep wasn’t great either, thanks to a late night diaper change that Sophia was badly in need of. As he had wet during the night himself, he was roped into being changed as well. Though both Littles were too tired to protest, it was certainly an embarrassing experience for Lucas, as the changing table was wide enough to accommodate them both at once - resulting in a side-by-side diaper change, something he didn’t want to soon repeat.  He finished drinking nursing from Hazel and was promptly burped over her shoulder. At the same time, Sophia finished drinking, and held the empty bottle out for Alicia to see.  “All gone Mommy!”  Alicia smiled and looked to Hazel.  “Miss Hazel, would you mind once you’re done with Lucille?” Lucas burped as she gently patted his back, having gotten very efficient at hitting just the right spot to draw all of the excess wind from him. “Of course, Lady Alicia.” Finished with Lucas, she placed him back into his vacant high chair and removed Sophia from hers, and began burping her as well. Lucas sat in his chair, too bloated and dazed to really process what was going on around him for the time being.  “Actually, Hazel, I was thinking you could bring Leo and Juliette into town today. Show them around a bit.” Charlotte glanced up at the maid.  Hazel paused. She knew what the queen was doing - getting her out of the picture for the day. She wanted to protest - she certainly didn’t appreciate the way Brock handled the Littles, even if Alicia trusted him. Nonetheless, she had no reason to refuse, especially given she was already on thin ice.  “Not a problem, your highness.” “Ooh! Shopping!” Juliette bounced in her seat.  “Good. You can get the girls dressed and be on your way.” Charlotte’s tone was unusually short and to the point. With a sigh, Hazel arose and took the two Littles into her arms.  “Let’s go, girls.” — Lucas sat in the playpen, his attention once more fixed firmly to the tablet. He had asked to see it again as soon as they’d gotten to the playpen, and Alicia obliged - though not before insisting on a photoshoot to show off the cousins in their matching outfits. Both wore frilly pink dresses with short, fluffy skirts. Alicia and Charlotte had demanded photos from numerous angles of the girls posing together, including a particularly embarrassing one of the two showing off their matching diapered butts side by side.  With that out of the way, Lucas was happy to be back to playing this oddly transfixing bubble game. Immediately as he played, the dopamine rush began. Although the timer ticked away at the top of the screen, he was content to squeeze every moment he could from it, hoping to beat yesterday’s high score.  “My, she’s certainly enjoying it, isn’t she?” Charlotte asked as she watched Lucas tap at the screen.  “Not surprising. It’s a game designed to stimulate a Little’s senses - Sophia enjoys it quite a bit too.” “I’d heard of these tablets for Littles but never looked into it myself. I had heard they can be quite… addictive.” Alicia leaned in closer, her voice lowering. “That’s what you want. It worked wonders for helping Sophia over the early hurdles of adjusting. An hour or so every day… you’ll see results pretty quick.” Charlotte seemed to catch her meaning, nodding as she watched Lucas play, a thin stream of drool falling across his chin as he sucked absent-mindedly on his pacifier.   “Quit hogging it!” Sophia pouted as another of Lucas’ games ended. She tried to take the tablet from his hands. “You didn’t let me play yesterday!” “Wait, I’m almo-” Lucas protested through his rubber teat-filled mouth, yanking the tablet back from Sophia’s grasp. The two playing tug of war activated another game as their fingers pressed against the glass and the sounds of gameplay chimed off.  “Sophia! No grabbing!” Alicia chided with a raised voice. That alone got her to stop pulling as she looked toward her mommy with big eyes.  “But Mommy! She’s not sharing!” “Then you ask nicely. Unless you want a trip over Mommy’s lap? Because that can be arranged.” Sophia didn’t reply, but felt tears welling in her eyes.  “Lucille,” Charlotte jumped into the conversation, “apologise to Sophia this instant. You have to share your toys or there won’t be any tablet for anyone.” The scolding dragged Lucas out of his fixation. He looked to Charlotte, then to Sophia, who was on the verge of tears. Suddenly, his behaviour did strike him as odd and unnecessary. It was just a game, he thought - and a pretty simple one at that. He wiped the drool from his chin and handed the tablet to Sophia.  “Sowwy.” She sniffled a bit and smiled at him as she took it. She sat immediately next to him and placed the tablet between their two laps so both could see the screen, and began a new game. Lucas was finding that, although not as satisfying as playing himself, watching someone else play did give him enough to be content. “There, that’s better.” Charlotte nodded and returned her attention to Alicia.  “So,” Alicia crossed her legs and gave a smirk that Charlotte recognised - one that often preceded her sister bringing up a topic she knew she shouldn’t. “Did you get a change to look at that link I sent?” Charlotte knew what link she meant. A clinic, one known for “Little aesthetic modification”. She shook her head with a sigh.  “Honestly, Alicia…” “All I’m saying is take a look!” Alicia waved a hand to quiet her sister. “You should have seen Sophia when I found her. The doctors there are very thorough - now she’s every bit a baby as she ought to be.” “They’re not babies,” Charlotte disagreed, “or, well, they are - but they’re Littles first and foremost. If I wanted a baby, I’d simply have one. Littles are another case entirely. I’d prefer to just leave her as is.” “You say ‘Her’, and yet…” “Well, that’s different. For one thing, boy’s clothes are just boring. A girl is much more fun to style. Second, look at her! Her little cheeks and her flowing hair… no, Little Lucille is much more cute as a girl.” “All I’m saying is to look at the options. If you don’t wanna get rid of it, there are other things you can do.” “Such as?” Charlotte asked guardedly.  “Well, for one thing, her voice would be quite easy to change. I’ve also heard there are ways to make it so she gets less… excited down there.” Charlotte grimaced at the euphemism. “Yes… Hazel has mentioned that happening a few times now.” “You removed her hair, right? What’s a few more alterations? She’s your Little.” Charlotte nodded and didn’t answer. Partially to end the discussion there, and partially because she was beginning to consider her sister’s advice. She wasn’t convinced on any surgical alterations, but she wondered if there was any more she could do with her new daughter.  The timer ran out on the tablet, much to Lucas’ frustration, as it ran out right in the middle of the first game after getting his turn again. He threw the tablet away in frustration, where it bounced harmlessly along the ground thanks to its thick rubber case. Sophia crawled over to the edge of the playpen.  “Mommy! Can I show Lucille the playhouse?” The question caught Lucas’ attention. Playhouse?” “Oh, what a good idea! We just had it installed a few weeks ago, Charlotte - the latest tech. You should look into getting one for the castle.” “Oh, I saw your photos! I brought it up with Alexander the other day, but you know how it is with that stuffy old castle… getting renovations done is such an ordeal. So many historical preservationist types sticking their noses in.” “I say leave Alexander to the castle and get yourself a house like this. Can’t beat having your own space to do what you want with.” As Alicia and Charlotte rose to pick up their Littles, they heard a chime at the door. Lucas wondered if Hazel and the others were back already. Brock wordlessly left his position in the room to answer the door. The two Amazons picked up the Littles and began bouncing them in their arms, as well as checking their diapers - all clean, for now.  A moment later, Brock re-entered the room.  “Your highnesses, a Mr. Derek Hale & son are calling.” “Oh yes, yes!” Alicia smiled, seemingly just remembering that she was expecting company. “Send them in!” Brock left, and then returned a moment later. Behind him was Derek, clean-cut as the morning of the debut, but now sporting a more casual outfit, a button-down shirt with his sleeves rolled up to reveal his well-toned arms. In those arms he held his Little, Noah, who sucked on a pacifier vigorously. He too was dressed differently than the debut, now wearing a red onesie with a pair of denim shortalls overtop.  Lucas saw Noah and instantly remembered him from the party. The Little had slipped his mind shortly after he left - the onstage performance immediately took up his thoughts much more intensely. Still, he remembered how odd his interaction with Noah had been that day, however brief.  “Your highness - Lady Alicia. Thank you so much for inviting us.” Derek bowed.  “Nonsense, thank you for making it out! I’ve been wanting to have this meeting for some time. And please, call me Alicia.” The Amazons exchanged pleasantries. Lucas, still suckling on his pacifier, occasionally glanced over at Noah, feeling the unfamiliar Little staring at him every so often. Each time Lucas glanced his way, Noah simply averted his gaze and continued suckling on his own pacifier.  “Well, we were just about to bring the girls over to the playhouse. Why don’t you drop Noah off and we can get chatting?” Charlotte smiled.  “Sounds like a plan. What do you think, buddy?” He looked to Noah, who shyly nodded. “That’s affirmative from the big man!” The three Amazons brought their three Littles down a hallway that Lucas had not yet seen. It was on the opposite side of the house to the common areas and the bedrooms. At the end of a long hallway, a set of double doors stood, mysterious in their extended size and place of prominence. Brock had led the way and stopped just short of the doors. From his pocket he produced three colourful bands - they seemed to be rubber wristbands. The first, in pink, was strapped tight to Lucas’ wrist. Although it was rubber, it seemed to have an electronic component, with a slightly raised segment at the front. The band beeped once as it was sealed around his wrist. Sophia’s band in purple followed in similar fashion, followed by Noah’s in blue.  Next, Brock opened the double doors and held them for the Amazons to follow through. As they stepped through the doorway, Lucas was amazed as he looked around. Standing before them was a kind of indoor playground - slides, mini obstacle courses, a ball pit - all of it padded in brightly-coloured foam and rubber to dull any hard surfaces.  “Wow…” he exhaled in awe. Sophia eagerly wriggled around in Alicia’s arms.  “Alright, hold your horses! She’s been loving it.” “I’ll bet. How’s it work?” Derek asked, as impressed with the room as his own Little.  “I’m not too clear on the specifics… the bracelets act like sensors. When it detects that a Little is about to fall over and hurt themselves, the padding of the playhouse automatically shifts to become softer and break their fall. The entire space is enclosed and monitored at all times, but it allows Littles run around and play even if there are no Bigs in the room with them.” “Are you sure it’s safe…?” Charlotte asked, clearly a little concerned as she held Lucas protectively, pressing his cheek against her exposed bosom.  Alicia had a smile of confidence on her face. “Believe me, I’d never let this little daredevil toddle around unless I was sure it was safe. It’s been extensively tested and Sophia’s been in here a few times - I’ve seen it in action myself.” She set Sophia down and the Little excitedly ran towards the play area. She stumbled a bit on her way in, but sure enough, the bracelet beeped twice, and within a second the floor seemed to soften into a more spongey foam that successfully broke Sophia’s fall. She was on her way, climbing up a small ramp which led to the baby-safe obstacle course inside.  “Wow!” Derek mused.  “Right? Perfect place to leave the little ones while we all chat for a bit, don’t you think?”  Derek kissed Noah on the forehead and placed him gently on the floor. He then encouraged him to go have fun before patting him on the butt twice. Noah slowly began to approach the playroom, looking back with trepidation at his Daddy and at Lucas.  Charlotte planted a loud, wet kiss on Lucas’ cheek, prompting a groan from him.  “Now you be good, Princess, hm? Go and make friends and be careful.” She placed Lucas down on the ground as well, in a crawling position. The three Amazons left the room, beginning their discussions of business and other matters for Amazons, and the door was shut behind them. The door clicked to indicate a lock had been activated, and a camera watched down on Lucas intently.  A feeling washed over Lucas. The realisation hit him - he was alone. No Amazons around him. Of course, he’d had fleeting moments by himself, and he had the nights swaddled in his crib to contemplate things alone - but this time, he was free to walk around in a room with no supervision. He had barely even been allowed to walk on his own two feet the past few weeks, almost always crawling or being carried. And what’s more, he was in this room with two people from his dimension.  This was his chance. He had to plan.  He rose to his feet, his thin legs wobbling slightly as he attempted to gain balance - he still found it hard to get used to the uncomfortable girls’ shoes, which today were a transparent, glittery pink. Steeling himself with resolve he hadn’t felt in some time, he began marching into the playhouse, attempting to make himself look confident and ambitious - at least as much as he could, marching about in a bouncy skirt and thick, crinkling diaper.  The floor had an odd texture to it in this room. It was a foam mat, not unlike the kind he was used to feeling under him in playpens and such. However, he could tell that this mat had a kind of reactive nature to it, slightly shifting under his feet in order to provide the best stability for a Little’s unsteady gait. It was some of the most unique and fascinating technology he’d seen in this dimension so far - he vaguely remembered hearing on TV, way back in his dimension, of certain technological advancements in this dimension of Amazons.  But the details had always been scarce, and the relative difficulty and random nature of portal crossings meant that any such advancements in technology were unlikely to mean any of it would make its way to his world. Not to mention the fact that portals only seemed to open in his world to take people into this one - a fact he rued, given how it thwarted a potential way home for him.  He continued his march through the padded passageways of this playhouse. The walls were colourful and similarly foam-textured, and with illustrations of fluffy clouds and smiling suns. Every so often he noticed a camera, not particularly well hidden, that seemed to follow him - either motion-activated or remotely controlled by someone watching. He was used to cameras, as they existed in certain areas of the castle that often found himself in, but the motion as they followed him was certainly unnerving. He began to take notes of certain spots that he could go to where cameras might not see, if needed.  Finally, he ran into Sophia and Noah, who were playing in a section of the playhouse where hopscotch squares lined the floor. Noah was hanging back and watching Sophia jump like a pro, though her jumps were not particularly high - more like the kind of jumps an infant would perform and think they had jumped high. Her hair danced wildly around as she hit each square with a giggle. As soon as her foot made contact with each square, a special chime sounded off to indicate success. Reaching the final square, a short melody played. It reminded Lucas of the melody which would play at the end of his bubble game.  “Wow! You did it!” A voice spoke over a speaker to congratulate Sophia. The voice was soft and warm in its praise.  “Okay! Your turn!” Noah stepped forward and looked at the hopscotch squares. As soon as he came within a few feet of them, he looked to Lucas and suddenly a blush fell across his face. He stepped back.  “N-no thanks! I’ll just watch…” Sophia rolled her eyes. “Luci! C’mon!” Lucas looked at the hopscotch squares. He didn’t particularly want to do it either, but he figured playing along for a moment might make Sophia more open to listening to him - plus, he did enjoy the melody that played, and wanted to see if he could do as good as Sophia. He didn’t really know what Noah’s deal was, but the more people he could get in on this opportunity to plan the better.  He stepped up to the first square. He suddenly felt less confident than he had watching Sophia do it - she’d clearly had lots of practice. The mass of padding between his legs wouldn’t help him. He began stepping across, one by one, letting the chimes fuel his desire to keep it going. His pigtails bounced from side to side, sometimes getting in the way of his eyes, and his petticoats caught the air as he swayed, leaving his diaper visible more often than not. Although he stumbled and lost balance a couple of times, the floor changing underneath his feet was certainly doing its job and kept him upright, though it was no less unnerving to him.  As he reached a portion near the end, however, even the floor proved not enough to save him as he stumbled over a more difficult jump. Lucas tripped over his own feet and landed on his butt with a thud. Thankfully it didn’t hurt, thanks to the foam floor which softened with a beep from his pink bracelet - though his pride didn’t manage to escape unscathed.  “Aww! Next time!” The announcer voice chimed in a tone no less chipper than the victory phrase. Lucas got to his feet and looked at Sophia.  “Hey, listen, I wanted to-” “Oh hey! Come look at this - the next room is real fun!” “Wait, I-” Lucas was unable to stop Sophia as she scurried off to the next area. He sighed and rolled his eyes. She wasn’t going to be easy to pin down, that’s for sure. He saw Noah begin following her - he figured now was a good time to get to know this new addition.  “Hey, wait a sec!” He blurted out. Lucas lunged forward and grabbed Noah’s hand to stop him from leaving. Noah yanked it away, looking at Lucas and standing still now, face burning red.  “Sorry, I just… uh, I wanted to introduce myself. You’re Noah, right?” “…Yes.” Noah answered lowly.  “Nice to meet you. My name is- well, they call me Lucille here. But my real name is Lucas.” He smiled, trying to put Noah at ease.  “Um…” Noah stammered, his feet shifting uncomfortably in place. He was trying to think of something to say.  “This place is pretty wild, right? How long have you been here?” “…Well, uh… I lost count. It was a few months, but that was a while ago.” “I just got here… almost a month ago now.” Lucas realised how insane it was that he’d been here just under a month. It felt like a lifetime had passed.  Lucas continued. “So listen, I don’t know how often you get away from your Da- uh, Derek, but I’m always with Amazons. This is my first time spending time with people like me without them breathing down my neck. I think… I think we should try and make an escape plan. Are you in?” Noah was looking at his feet. He tried to speak but couldn’t find the words.  “…Uh… is everything okay?” Lucas finally asked.  Noah paused for a long moment before working up the courage to speak.  “Is… is it true that… you’re a princess?” Lucas was taken aback. He was silent for a moment too as he parsed the question.  “I… uh… well, I guess here technically yes. But that’s really not-” “O-okay!” Noah nodded and proceeded to waddle off nervously in the direction that Sophia went, leaving Lucas standing all alone. He crossed his arms in bewilderment.  What was this guy’s problem? — In town, Hazel huffed as she carried several shopping bags, increasingly full as Juliette continued to add to them with each new store that they visited. She was filling the bags with toys, clothes and candy. Given she was a royal, and a minor celebrity, money was no object - several of the employees had even given her the items free of charge, beloved as the royals are. Still, Hazel felt it would soon be time to cut Juliette off, if only to save her back.  “Here, let me help you with that.” Leo took some of the bags from Hazel to lighten the load.  “Oh, Prince Leo, there’s really no need to…” before she could finish protesting, he had already taken them. She thanked him for his kindness.  “Well, you looked like you were about to collapse. Frankly, I don’t see why a six year old needs so many things.” “Shorewood is known for its shopping destinations, so I suppose she wants to take advantage while she can… though let’s hope she tires out before I do.” Leo nodded and looked ahead as they walked. He noted the positions of security guards - the “chaperones” as his father called them. Hired body guards who hovered nearby to the royal family - far enough to not get in their way, but close enough to intervene should the need arise. It was standard practice whenever a royal family member was out in public like this. It was certainly odd to be followed and watched, but they had all grown used to it. What bothered Leo more were the common folk who would stop and point, mouths agape, and snap photos as he passed by.  “The same story everywhere we go, isn’t it?” He sighed.  “The life of a royal.” Hazel replied.  “It would be nice to walk around in peace for once…” he said, trying to avoid a woman seemingly holding back tears as he and Juliette walked past. “Juliette, close to me.” Juliette moved close to her brother, and he placed a hand on her shoulder.  “Hey Miss Hazel?” Juliette turned to the maid. “Hm?” “How come you’re not feeding Luci as much no more?” Hazel’s eyes widened slightly at the unexpected question.  “Ah, well, Princess… your mother and I decided to try a different approach with Lucille for a bit.” “I don’t think Luci likes when Mama feeds her.” Hazel raised an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?” “She squirms a lot, and Mama doesn’t sing to her like you do.” Hazel blushed. The truth is she often didn’t realise she was humming softly as she nursed Lucas - she just got into the habit of it. “Well, Juliette, different Amazons have different approaches with Littles. There’s nothing wrong with the way your Mama does it. Lucille is very well taken care of.” “She’ll feed her plenty, but when it comes out the other end, mother is nowhere to be seen.” Leo quipped.  “Oh, hush, Leo. That’s what I’m here for, after all. Speaking of… think you’ll wanna tackle a change soon?” Leo sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to… I’ve put it off long enough. Mother and father have been hounding me.” “You’ll do fine. They just want you to be able to do it - don’t worry, you’re not gonna be on call with me every time.” “Can I help?” Juliette asked hopefully. Hazel smiled.  “You can handle supplies with Leo, how’s that sound?” Juliette smiled back. That seemed to do the trick for her. Hazel thought fondly of the royal siblings - Juliette was an endless source of enthusiasm. It did her heart well to see her immediately accept Lucille as a new addition to the family, when so many others her age would feel threatened by it. And even Leo with his rough exterior had come a long way with Lucille - she noticed every small moment of protectiveness in him, even if he tried to hide it.  She then thought about Lucas himself. She couldn’t help but agree with Juliette in her head - though she could never say it out loud, she felt more and more that Charlotte didn’t have a certain touch that was necessary for Little care. When you raised Amazon children, you could see them grow in maturity. You raised them from the ground up and they would eventually become independent.  Littles, the poor things, didn’t have that luxury. Everything was new and scary to them. They needed care and guidance, even when they didn’t think they needed it - especially when they didn’t think they needed it. And although some Littles could manage to be potty trained and gain some freedoms, for the vast majority, that care would continue indefinitely. Although it pained her, Hazel knew that Lucas would be one of those Littles. She knew that he would regress, slowly but surely, and that it would be hard on him. And she felt more and more that she was the only one who truly knew what he needed.  She grunted as she carried the bags. Not only were her shoulders aching, so was her back - and her breasts. The reduction in feedings were beginning to grow noticeable. She worried at times her nursing bra would pop open on its own for all the swelling she’d been having.  It was an odd feeling, being away from the Princess for the day. She could only hope he was okay in her absence.  — “C’mon Luci!” Sophia cried out with a smile.  “I’m coming!” Lucas replied with a short tone, but hesitated at the top of the slide.  “You’re not chicken, are ya?” “Of a slide? Seriously?” “I dunnoooo… smells like someone is a scaredypants!” Lucas grimaced. Of course, he wasn’t scared of the slide - it was short and simply led to the ball pit at the bottom, where Sophia and Noah were already fighting their way playfully through a sea of plastic balls. No, the real reason was that, at some point during the journey through the foam obstacle course, Lucas had wet his diaper, and he was in no hurry to get on a slide. He knew he had to, because he had to catch up with the others to try and get some kind of plan together.  He felt a bonk on his head, caused by a flying plastic ball. He looked down and saw Sophia holding a handful, ready to throw more.  “Come down or there’s more where that came from!” She threw two more for good measure.   “Ah, okay, fine! Jeez…” With a sigh, he sat his wet bottom down on the plastic slide and began to descend. The warm padding pressing against him and squeaking as it moved down the plastic slide was unpleasant to say the least. He landed in the ball pit with the hollow clatter of the balls spreading in his wake. Sophia giggled and moved herself out of the way just in time.  “Okay, tag! You’re it!” She dived into the balls, which were about waist high for all three Littles when standing. Perfect to duck into and hide in.  “Sophia, please - I’m not playing tag. I wanna talk.” Sophia’s head came up from the colourful mass like a shark fin.  “‘Bout what?” “About escape!” She rolled her eyes. “This again?” “Look, I get you’re comfortable here - somehow - and hey, even I’ll admit that it hasn’t been all bad. Living up the rich life has been kind of interesting. But I’m ready to go home - to be me again. Aren’t you?” “Why should I?” Sophia groaned. “My old grownup life was BORING. I had to shop and drive and go to work. Here I don’t worry about none of that. You’re a Princess, for cryin’ out loud! Why would you trade that?” Lucas gripped the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Because I would rather struggle being in charge of my own life than live in luxury with no freedom.” Sophia feigned a yawn and continued to swim away in the plastic balls. Lucas balled his hand into a fist.  “Fine. Have fun with… this.” He stomped over, in decidedly tantrum-like fashion, to the far corner of the pit, where Noah was quietly sitting and playing.  “Hey Noah.” “Ah! Hey…” “Mind if I sit?” Noah shook his head with a blush. Lucas sat next to him, kicking some of the balls out of the way to make room.  “Listen, Noah, you seem like you’re nervous. Like you’re having a tough time here - I get it. When I’m around most Amazons I’m afraid to say anything. But you can talk to me, okay? I want us to be friends.” “R-really?” “Of course. Tell me, how did you get here?” “Well… I actually don’t remember a lot now…” His voice grew quieter.  “Whatever you can think of.” “I was… in a big building… there were lots of machines. Big ones. They were… tricky…” Lucas nodded. “Okay, machines…” “One of the machines was turned on… and I think I was there, with other people, doing something with it… then there was a big flash.” “Okay…” “And then I woke up here. Well, uh, not here… exactly… I was in a big building with lots of other Littles. They took care of me. And then Daddy came and adopted me.” The gears began turning in Lucas’ head. A big building with machines and a flash of light… “Wait, Noah… I need to ask. Back home… were you working on a machine that had something to do with… portals?” “Uh… I really don’t remember too good…” he began to grow flustered. Visibly so. Lucas pulled back.  “That’s okay! No need to remember all at once. If you had the chance, would you… want to go home?” Noah thought, and glanced to Lucas. His gaze rarely stayed fixed on him for long, especially when Lucas was looking back. He seemed jittery, constantly moving his fingers with nerves. It was odd, but Lucas chalked it up to being freaked out by this whole world. Who wouldn’t be? Besides Sophia.  Finally, Noah shrugged his shoulders. Not the response Lucas wanted, but not a no.  “Okay. I’m trying to find a way home, Noah. I think you and me might be able to work together. How does that sound?” “I… uh… oh!” Noah placed his hands between his legs frantically. It was hard to make out between all the balls tumbling around, but for a brief moment Lucas heard the hissing sound of a diaper being peed into.  “Oh, uh, it’s oka-” His attempts to comfort Noah were cut off by the Little frantically crawling away through the pit. Lucas sighed heavily once more, sitting down in his own wet diaper and staring at the ceiling. Why couldn’t he have met Littles like him, that actually wanted to go home? Everything was such an uphill battle here.  He missed Hazel. He hated admitting that to himself, but paradoxically, he missed her, despite Hazel being the biggest obstacle to him getting home, with her constantly being present in his life. He missed her warmth, the way she made everything better…  He shook his head. He was being ridiculous. He often was these days. Seeing that the other two were not receptive to his plans, he decided to waste some time in the ball pit and try again in a little while.  The three played separately for a while. Sophia tried to get Lucas to play tag, and he refused. Sophia was quickly coming to see her cousin as a boring stick in the mud - fine by him. She instead moved to Noah, who strangely seemed more receptive to Sophia than Lucas. At first they played for a while, alternating between tag and throwing the balls. Noah wasn’t very good at either, soft and sensitive through and through. Eventually, though, they began talking. Not just talking - whispering. Lucas took notice.  He couldn’t make out what they were saying to each other. He could only see from afar as they both occasionally glanced at him. Were they conspiring against him now? Was there some kind of ridiculous baby conspiracy happening? Lucas was getting tired of all this. He wanted to nap more than anything at this point. He diverted his attention for a moment. And then he heard Noah, shushing Sophia loudly.  He looked over and saw a wide smirk across Sophia’s face - a kind very similar to Alicia’s mischievous smirk. Then, she dove under the balls, moving her way towards Lucas.  “S-Sophia! No!!” Noah cried out, frantic and voice shaky.  Sophia’s head erupted next to Lucas, startling him.  “Luciiii…”  “What?” “I’ve got a secret.” “Okay?” “Guess.” “No.” “Come on! Guess!” She grew more persistent, her smirk never leaving her face.  Lucas sighed. “I’m guessing it’s something Noah said?” “Mhmmmm…” “I give up. You’re gonna have to tell me.” Sophia stifled a giggle. “Noah… likes you.” “What?” Sophia emerged from the ball pit even more to prod Lucas in the abdomen teasingly.  “Noah has a crush on youuu!” She sang melodically.  “…What??”