It had been hard adjusting to life in the large mammal district. Being a small brown squirrel, she was more used to living in the tiny homes and towns with her family and friends. She was forced to move there after taking a new job as a secretary at an investment firm. It paid a lot of money, and was a big opportunity for her. It was there that she met Micah, a tall, strong, dark furred gryphon with large wings and a chizzled bod. Although he usually wore a nice suit, she had the pleasure of seeing him in the buff once they were an official couple. They both fell deeply in love with one another over a delicious chocolate milkshake only sold at a cafe in the large animal shopping district. As such, it was only natural that she developed a particular love for this shake.
On one particularly difficult day, Stella needed something to lift her spirits. Micah was away on a business meeting in another city and wouldn't be back for a day or so. It didn't take long for Stella to start missing him, and wanted to soothe her soul with a comforting milkshake from that particular restaurant.
In the city there were districts sized for different species of animal. However, even in the larger communities, there were some amenities for smaller species like shops and toilets, seeing as how animals of all sizes sometimes had to work together. Getting to and from each district wasn't too difficult because there were signs telling everyone where to go and which sizes were allowed or not. However, to get this particular milkshake, a rodent the size of a squirrel would have to travel directly through large mammal traffic with no safeguards. Not that that was going to stop her. Besides, she had done it before.
She stared off into the distance where the giant mammals were walking and talking, then took a deep breath. She bolted from her position, scurrying here and there. “Hey!” she would yell in a loud voice. “Coming through!” Unlike most squirrels, she wasn't timid. She was, in fact, pretty brave. It was this aspect of her that first caught the attention of Micah. He loved her spunky attitude and fluffy little face. The way she wore her round, yellow framed glasses and curled her dark brown hair. She always dressed in a modest business dress that accommodated her large, fluffy tail, and sat at her tiny desk across from his large one. Her adorable appearance belied the fact that she was quite bold. She shouted and scurried her way around the large feet of the mammals, almost like it was a dance that she was quite used to. She even climbed up a giraffe wearing a suit and tie, then leapt off of his neck onto the head of a jackal.
“Hey! What's on my head?!” the jackal yelled, shaking his head around. “Get off!”
“This area is for large mammals only!” shouted a horse.
“It's a free country!” shouted Stella, jumping off and sliding down the elephant's trunk. She tucked and rolled, finally getting to the cafe that had her favorite milkshake. “Whew...” To her, it would all be worth it once she had that sweet, cold, refreshing milkshake with her lunch.
“Ah, it's you again.” said the deer behind the counter. She was familiar with Stella and knew about her and Micah. “You know how to make an entrance.” She had long blonde hair tied into a ponytail and wore a brown and green clerk uniform.
“Ah, yeah.” said Stella, wiping her brow. “Sorry, it's just that Micah is away and I need something to brighten my day.”
“So, the usual?” asked the deer.
“Yep!” replied Stella.
“One cheese burger, plain, with fries and a chocolate milkshake!” the deer announced to the cook.
“Thank you.” said Stella, and handed the deer some money. After a while, she was handed her meal on a large tray.
“You sure you got it?” asked the deer.
“Y-yeah.” said Stella. “I got it.” She wobbled a bit and made her way towards a table. She usually did this with Micah, so he carried the tray, but she didn't want to seem like she needed help. She wanted to look capable and show everyone she could function in the large mammal areas just fine on her own. Carefully she held the large meal above her head and moved forward, careful to balance it properly. Then something strange happened. A couple of small mice, seemingly dressed as children, ran by and accidentally bumped into her. It looked like there were more of them with a large female bovine, wearing jeans and a pink top with a pink apron tied around it, watching over them and calling them over for their lunch. Strangely, some seemed to be wearing diapers, but from Stella's point of view they were all adults. Compared to the large mammals in the area though, they could pass for small children.
Thankfully, she managed not to spill her food, and she continued on to her table. However, she didn't spot a small wet spot on the floor and slipped, causing her to lose her balance. The food seemed to launch from the tray and land all around her. She looked up just in time to see the big cup of precious milkshake falling toward her, top down. In an instant, she was covered in cold, sweet, delicious chocolate milkshake.
“Aww, man!” she yelled. “This sucks! Why me?” She looked down at herself, covered in chocolate milkshake, and sighed. “Now what do I do?”
“What do we have here?” asked the large bovine. She looked down at the chocolate covered squirrel and smiled. “Aww, did you spill your food sweetie?”
“Um, yeah.” said Stella, shaking some of it off. “Ugh, it's gross.”
“It'll be okay dear, once we get you all cleaned up.” said the bovine lady. “Come on everyone! Back to daycare!” She at once began herding all the childish-looking adults, Stella included, down the way.
Stella looked up at her. She had a very motherly look about her, with long curly blonde hair and two horns peeking out of it. “H-hey!” she said. “I'm no kid. I can take care of myself.” But her voice went unheard among the chatter of the others. She couldn't help but go with the flow along with the group.
“Come along children.” said the bovine. “No stragglers.” She led them all across the shopping plaza, through some crowds, to a brightly colored space. There was a sign above the large door that read “Small At Heart Daycare” and the windows of the place seemed painted over with colorful images of baby animals playing in a magical forest.
“I'm not a child!” shouted Stella. “I don't need daycare!”
“Shhh, quiet now.” said the bovine. “It's nap time for some of the others.” She led everyone through the door and into the daycare. Inside the floor was covered in a colorful, soft foam material. The walls were painted in a fun, brightly colored, daytime scene much like the windows on the outside. There were baby and toddler toys on the floor and some small animals laying and crawling around like infants. Some wore nothing but diapers, but others wore full outfits including shortalls and frilly princess dresses. The smell of baby powder was everywhere. The others in the group all scattered around to play at various areas, leaving Stella with the bovine.
“W-what is this place?” asked Stella. “Why are those adults acting like babies?”
“Awww, you must be new.” said the bovine. “My name is Miss Fae, and this is a sanctuary for all of those who find the adult world to be just too much, and would rather indulge in reliving their youth. They all get the chance to dress, act, and be treated like whatever age they wish. Since you are starting out, I will give you the basics. First, a bath.”
“A bath?!” squeaked Stella. “No, no, no, I can go home and get a bath myself. I am a perfectly capable adult woman.”
“I'm sure you were dear.” said Fae. “But not in here. Miss Fae knows when someone needs to embrace their inner child.”
“I don't HAVE an inner child!” shouted Stella.
“Nonsense.” said Fae. “Everyone does.” She led Stella to a large open bathroom where she began tugging her messy clothes off.
“H-hey!” squeaked Stella. “I can do it myself!”
“I am here to help you.” said Fae. “While you are here, I am your caregiver. Think of me like a mommy.” She continued taking off Stella's dirty business wear until she was down to her bra and panties.
“N-no.” said Stella, covering herself with her tail. “Please.”
“Awww, it's okay dear.” said Fae. She gave her a big hug. “Let me help you. You'll feel better, I promise.”
Something about Miss Fae's voice and demeanor made her want to obey, like a good child. She did seem like a nice, big, motherly person, and memories of being a small child looking up at her own mother flooded Stella's head. Blushing heavily, she nodded, and allowed Fae to completely undress her.
“That's better.” said Fae. Once she had Stella undressed, she ran a bath in a large tub and added some baby bubble bath to it, then picked her up and gently placed her into it.
“Eeep!” said Stella. The water was a bit deep for her to consider it a bath. It was more like a small pool.
“Oops, too much?” asked Fae. She drained some of the water until it came down to Stella's chest as she sat in the tub.
Stella blushed and looked around the large tub. There were rubber duckies, foam bath puppets, and some bath toy boats along the side. She idly wondered how many others had been bathed in this tub before. She brought one of her hands up out of the water and saw the bubbles on it. It was hard to believe this was happening.
Miss Fae gently began to clean Stella's fur with a fun time bath sponge, carefully removing her glasses for a moment.
Stella's vision blurred and it became difficult to tell what was going on for a moment. It came as a little bit of relief since she couldn't see the embarrassment for now, but once her head and hair was washed, her glasses were placed back on.
“There you go dear.” said Fae. “I know some of our little ones have trouble with their vision, but the glasses need to come off in the bath sometimes. It's okay, Miss Fae is here to take care of you.”
Stella just blushed and wished she could disappear, and sunk into the water.
Miss Fae just smiled and pulled her up, washing the rest of her fur out. “It's okay dear.” she said. “Why not tell me your name.”
“S-Stella.” she said. For the first time in a long time, she felt shy and meek. This wasn't how she usually behaved, yet somehow...part of her seemed to be liking it.
“Stella.” Fae repeated. “Such a lovely name for a sweet little girl.” She smiled and began rinsing out Stella's fur with the shower head. “Nice to meet you Stella.”
“N-n-nice to meet you too.” said Stella. She was lifted out of the tub and then toweled dry until her fur poofed out.
“Goodness.” said Miss Fae. “You could get lost in all that fur.” She chuckled a little and began brushing her head, body, and tail fur straight.
Stella just blushed and sat there. She couldn't remember the last time someone brushed her fur for her. It felt good and surprisingly calming.
“Now then.” said Miss Fae. “Lets get you something to wear.” She wrapped a towel around Stella and carried her to another room.
It felt strange being carried like this, but she was being held as if she were a toddler, with one hand supporting her bottom. Miss Fae was indeed a large bovine, so it was nothing to her. It just served to more remind Stella of her own childhood and make her feel less independent. It was when she was laid on a changing table that she protested again.
“No way!” she yelled. “No way am I wearing a diaper!”
“Oh, but sweetie, it's all we have.” said Fae. “Would you rather go naked?”
“I'll just wear my old clothes.” said Stella.
“They're being washed.” said Fae. “I'm sorry, but all we have here is clothing for adult cubs. It'll be okay, I promise. Besides, you won't be the only one wearing them.”
“I...guess I don't want to be naked.” said Stella. She still had the towel wrapped around her at the moment, but it was wet and getting cold.
“Good girl.” said Fae. “Go ahead and take off that towel for me.” She grabbed a white diaper with pink trim that was in her size, even accommodating for her tail, and unfolded it. She was able to lift Stella by the ankles and slide the diaper under her, then sprinkled powder on it, and settled her onto it.
Stella felt super embarrassed to be diapered like this. She wanted to say that she could diaper herself, but she had never worn one as an adult, and would probably need help anyway. She closed her eyes and whimpered as the diaper was pulled up between her legs and taped across her waist. She sat up and felt the bulk underneath her, then watched as Fae taped it around the base of her tail. She wiggled her tail, hearing the crinkle, and somewhere in the deep recesses of her mind was a memory of her wearing a diaper as a child, and crinkling her tail in it.
“There, that wasn't so bad now was it?” said Fae.
“I...guess not.” said Stella. “Still would rather have my panties back.”
“All in good time.” said Fae. “Now lets find a shirt for you.” She looked into a nearby closet of clothes and pulled out a short white shirt with a rainbow and clouds on the front. “Here we go.” She smiled and slipped the shirt onto Stella easily.
Stella blushed and looked down at the shirt. It was nice, but it was so short that she could see her belly, not to mention her diaper. “Got anything that will cover this up?” she asked.
“Well, we do have some pajamas.” said Fae. “But those are for nap time.” next she got out some little white socks and pink slip-on shoes, and helped her into them.
Stella looked down at the childish shoes. They had a little Velcro strap on them for easy dressing. Honestly, she was surprised there was so much babyish clothing in adult sizes. Then she remembered that she was small compared to larger mammals, and maybe they were actual baby clothes for their kind. “This is so embarrassing.” she said quietly.
Fae reached out and touched Stella's cheek. “It's only embarrassing if you think of yourself as an adult.” she said. “While you're here, you are a child. You can be a toddler or baby, but not an adult. To me, you are cute, and I think you will enjoy your time here.”
“I guess.” said Stella. “But once my clothes are clean and dry, I want to go home.”
“As you wish.” said Fae. “For now, why not try to play with the others?” She picked her up again and carried her down the hall to the play area where others were playing. She put her down on her feet onto the foam play mat. “Oh, and since you didn't get to drink your milkshake.” She turned and grabbed a sippy cup off a tray behind her. “Here you go. It's chocolate milk.”
Stella blushed and turned her head. “N-no thanks.” she said. “Not from that anyway.”
“Suit yourself.” said Fae. She sat it next to her though. “Just in case you change your mind.
Stella looked away, out to the others. There were some chipmunks, rabbits, mice, skunks, and even other squirrels. All adults and all wearing diapers and babyish outfits. She felt out of place, like when she started living in the large mammal city, but these others were at least around her size. Some of them were drinking from sippy cups, and some from baby bottles. “Well, I am really thirsty.” she said to herself. She took the sippy cup and tried drinking from it, blushing brightly. It wasn't so bad, and did supply her with tasty, sweet, cold chocolate milk. She walked around, but the diaper was pushing her legs apart a little, and made it harder to walk straight or fast. She looked at the front door, thinking about escaping. However, they made it so the door handle was only accessible to the larger mammals. Not only that, but there was no way she was going out in public dressed this way. On the floor she spotted a soft brown teddy bear wearing a red bow tie. It reminded her of one she had when she was little, so she picked it up. It was soft and cuddly in her hands. All around her were the sounds of others playing and sounds from a television playing a nursery age cartoon. She tried to shut it out, hugging the teddy bear and sitting in a corner. It was a lot to take in, and she began to wonder just how she got into this predicament. Maybe if she had been even more assertive or strong.
“Hi!” came a voice suddenly. It was an adult male skunk wearing some jean shortalls, an obviously thick diaper underneath, and some baby blue socks. “My name is Ozzie! What's yours?” He stood looking down at her as she sat on the floor. He was about the same height as she was, and had a big fluffy tail.
“S-Stella.” said Stella. She hadn't been this shy since her first day of school. It kind of felt like that here. She was able to stand up to big, intimidating mammals, but for some reason this skunk was making her feel shy.
“Hi Stella!” said Ozzie. “Wanna play? You like teddy bears?”
“Um, yeah.” said Stella, hugging the plush tightly. “It's soft.”
“Yeah, they are.” said Ozzie. “You okay? You look scared. Don't be afraid, we're all cubs here. None of us will hurt you.” He smiled and sat next to her. He had a tuft of white fur on his chest in the shape of a crescent moon, and the white hair on top of his head faded to light blue tips. His eyes were a deep blue, and his smile told her there really was nothing to fear. His diaper crinkled, a faint smell of baby powder came from him, and he held a super hero doll.
“Y-you like dolls?” asked Stella.
“Yeah!” said Ozzie. “Well, I like action figures and super hero dolls. The kind that have real clothes and stuff are neat! I have a bunch at home.”
“You do?” asked Stella. “You do this stuff at home too?”
“Yeah, don't you?” asked Ozzie. “My boyfriend and I both do! My friends and I come here sometimes to let go and be ourselves in a group where we have big caregivers that can make us feel like cubs again. My boyfriend is coming here later today. I can't wait to introduce you!”
Stella nodded and smiled a little. She looked and saw Fae tending to one of the small mammals, picking them up by the arm pits and carrying them to a changing table. To her, it was super embarrassing, but the one on the table was laughing and having a good time, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “She's very nice.” said Stella.
“Miss Fae?” asked Ozzie, turning to look. “Oh yeah, she owns this place. She's really nice, and loves to play mommy to us.”
“I don't...really do this stuff.” said Stella. “At least I haven't before, as an adult.”
“Then why are you here?” asked Ozzie. “Were you just curious?”
“I was at the restaurant earlier.” Stella said, still holding the teddy bear. “I accidentally spilled a big milkshake on my self and she thought I was one of you. I tried to say no, but she was kinda...strong. I just got caught up in the group by accident.”
“Oh.” said Ozzie. “Then why are you dressed in a diaper and stuff?”
Stella blushed. “Because she's washing my clothes.” she said. “She didn't have any grownup clothes for me to wear.”
“Oh, okay.” said Ozzie. “Well, you sure seem to like that teddy bear. Maybe you will like playing with us.”
“I don't know.” said Stella. “It all seems so...”
“Silly?” said Ozzie. “Yeah, I guess it kinda is, but that's part of the fun! I'd rather be silly than boring.” He playfully booped the teddy bear with his doll. “Come on, play with me.” He smiled and held his paw out to her.
Stella smiled and blushed, taking his paw and standing up with him, softly crinkling. “Th-thanks.” she said. Together they began playing with some plushes and dolls, putting various outfits on them and acting out scenes while giggling.
“I'm Ozzie the super hero!” said Ozzie, holding his doll. “Whoosh!” He pretended the doll could fly.
“My name is Monsieur B. Bear.” said Stella, still blushing a little and holding her bear, which now was dressed in a fancy tuxedo. “The B stands for Benjamin.”
“Nice to meet you Monsieur B. Bear!” said Ozzie, using his doll to wave to the teddy bear. “Hehehehe.”
“What kind of super hero are you?” asked Stella in her Benjamin voice.
“I'm a flying super hero!” said Ozzie, swooping his doll around. “I'm a strong super hero!” He pretended the doll could lift a house by lifting up a little wooden building.
“Oooh, very nice!” said Stella, getting more into it. “Would you like a spot of tea? I'm a very proper bear you see.”
“Sure!” said Ozzie, swooping his doll down to the bear. There was a tiny table and chairs made just for the plushes, and they sat their toys in them and smiled.
Stella pretended to pour some tea for them into tiny tea cups. “Ozzie?” she asked, but not to the doll.
“Yes?” Ozzie answered.
“W-what do you do?” she asked. “You know, for a living.”
“Oh, I'm a writer.” said Ozzie. “I write stories and novels. It can get very stressful sometimes.”
“Oh, really?” asked Stella. “I bet it can. I work as a secretary at an investment firm. It got pretty stressful there today. My boyfriend, and co-worker, is gone to an important business meeting and won't be back until tomorrow. I don't like being without him. Plus, I had to make up for his work load, and got yelled at a little when it wasn't done fast enough.”
“Hmpf.” said Ozzie. “Well, they'll get it when they get it. They can't expect one person to make up for two people in one day. It's unreasonable.” He continued to pretend with his doll drinking tea.
“Yeah.” said Stella. “I really wanted to tell off my boss, but I need that job. It's why I moved here to the large animal district.”
“Well, any time you get too stressed out, you can always come here to unwind.” said Ozzie, smiling.
“I guess there are parts of it that aren't so bad.” Stell Then she felt an urgent need to pee. “Uh oh, umm..”
“What's wrong?” asked Ozzie.
“Well, I really have to pee now.” said Stella.
“It's okay, just use your diaper!” said Ozzie, showing that he had already wet his.
“No way!” said Stella. “That's a line I'm not willing to cross. Don't they have like...potties around here?” She looked around, but all she saw was one bathroom in the back.
“Well, they have potties in the restroom.” said Ozzie. “But they're off limits to us littles. We just use our diapers.”
“Ew, really?” asked Stella. “How can you stand it?”
“It's what we like.” said Ozzie, shrugging. “It's all part of the real baby experience. I mean, I have been incontinent for years due to an accident, but I found others who wear and use diapers for fun who didn't mind.”
“R-really?” asked Stella. “I'm so sorry. It's just that I'm all so new to this. I don't think I can.” She struggled to hold it, and her body was too used to using a toilet to relax and let her go. “I'm gonna try.” She waddled over to the restroom door and tried opening it, but it was shut tight. “No no no...” She blushed and pressed against the front of her diaper. “Ugh, what is it with this place? Oh no, I'm going to...” She felt a warm rush of liquid between her legs and whimpered, falling to her knees. “No way...” Her body had given up and went on its own, flooding her diaper. She looked around, blushing brightly, and saw Ozzie looking at her.
Ozzie waddled over to her. He saw the yellowed front of her diaper and the little faded flower designs on it. “Uh oh, did you wet?” he asked, already knowing.
Stella just silently nodded.
“It's okay, so did I!” he said, as if proud of it. “Come on, let's go get changed. I'll get one with you so you won't feel so bad.” He took her hand and led her over to Miss Fae. “Miss Fae! We need changies pwease!” He spoke with a cub's lisp and tone to her.
Stella was a bit surprised. He had been foregoing his cub act for her comfort, only choosing now to use it when addressing Miss Fae. She just blushed and tugged at her shirt, which did nothing to hide her diaper.
“Oh my, I see you decided to let loose after all.” said Miss Fae with a smile.
“It...it wasn't by choice.” said Stella. “The stupid bathrooms are locked.”
“Oh yes, I forgot to mention that.” said Fae. “Come on, lets get you both changed. She led them both over to the changing tables, of which there were many, and helped them each up onto their own. First she went about changing Ozzie, unfastening the snaps on his shortalls and exposing his diaper.
Stella didn't want to look, but she found herself glancing every now and then. She was just so surprised that any adult would willingly do this and be okay with it. She saw how happy and free Ozzie seemed to be when being changed.
Miss Stella smiled and blew a raspberry on Ozzie's fluffy tummy, making him laugh and giggle. She then untaped his diaper and began wiping him clean.
Ozzie just laid back and cooed softly while sucking his thumb. He happened to look over at Stella and blush a little, but so many had already seen him getting a change that he wasn't bothered much. He was more embarrassed for her than himself.
Stella's gaze met Ozzie's and she looked away, blushing. Soon his change was done and he was back in a clean fresh diaper. Now it was her turn.
“Now lets take care of you dear.” said Fae. She untaped Stella's diaper and opened it, humming while she cleaned her down there.
Stella just blushed hard and closed her eyes and covered her face. She was so embarrassed, but at least she wasn't alone. It seemed to take forever, but soon her wet diaper was disposed of and she had a new, dry, powdered diaper applied to her waist.
“There we go, all snug and comfy.” said Miss Fae, lifting them both up. “Up you go. It's snack time.”
“S-snack time?” asked Stella. “Aren't my clothes clean?”
“Almost.” said Miss Fae. “Oh yes, I found this in your pocket.” She pulled out a small cell phone. “It got all sticky and messy from the milkshake, so I cleaned it for you. However, we do not allow cell phones in here, so I'll put it away.”
“No wait!” said Stella. “Can I make a call first?”
“Oh, I guess so.” said Fae. “Here you go.” She handed her the phone.
Stella's tail wiggled as she called Micah. He must have still been in a meeting though, because he didn't answer. “Oh crud.” she said.
“What's wrong?” asked Fae. “Oh, is this your daddy?” She picked up the phone and looked at it. “Don't worry sweetie, I'll keep trying to call him for you and let him know.”
“No wait!” said Stella, reaching for her phone, but Miss Fae had already taken it away. “Oh dang it!”
“It's okay Stella.” said Ozzie. “We don't have to worry about adult things right now. Let's just relax and have fun, okay? I promise things will be okay.”
Something about Ozzie's voice felt reassuring. “O-okay, I guess.” said Stella. “I've spent a few hours in here already. Things can't get much worse. Besides, no one outside can see me in here.”
“That's right, and besides, it's snack time!” said Ozzie. “Hehe, come on!” He smiled and led Stella back to the play room and to the snack table. There were sippy cups and baby bottles of juice and milk along with some fresh baked cookies.
“Oooh, she baked cookies today!” said Ozzie. He happily took one and bit into it. “Mmmm, sho good...” He munched and then grabbed a baby bottle of milk and began drinking it.
“R-really?” asked Stella. She took a cookie and tasted it. It was really good! It was still warm, soft, but also crunchy. The sticky sweet chocolate morsels filled her mouth with a child-like joy. She took a sippy cup of apple juice to drink. Maybe this all wasn't so bad after all. Everyone there seemed so happy and carefree. No one cared who wore what or how little they acted. Everyone seemed to be good friends. She found herself relaxing and feeling calmer around them. The diaper was humiliating, but she had to admit that it did feel very comfortable to sit on.
“See?” said Ozzie. “Told you they were good. Miss Fae is a great cook. Just wait until dinner.”
“Dinner?” asked Stella. “Am I really going to be here that long?”
“Well, I hope so.” said Ozzie. “You're fun to play with.” He smiled and suckled on his bottle.
Stella blushed and drank from her sippy cup. She wanted to say that she was having fun too, but the words wouldn't come out. She was still new to this and it still didn't feel quite right. However, soon she would change her mind about all of that, as her time in the adult daycare continued.
To be continued...
