"Saturday's Exchanges"

While it was only the middle of May, the summer heat was already present as Charlie and Melanie made sure the air condition was on and pointed right at them.  Perhaps this was why their dad was thinking about shopping for their summer clothes and maybe their summer vacation plans.  However, before the summer fun can being, there was another thing preoccupying his mind. His kids were bright, very bright.  Their constant curiosity for knowledge as well as their interests in the hard sciences was something they could not learn in class.  Their dad had sometimes taken time on his weekends to teach the kits advanced math, chemistry and physics.  Seeing their development, he came to the conclusion that the public schools they were and will be in would not fulfill their needs and challenge them.  While the two didn't think much about it, their dad had been pushing for the two to at least skip a grade or two but the school kept pushing back.  He also knew that Melanie was about to enter middle school while Charlie had one more year to go, meaning the two would be apart for the first time since they were born.  While it would be good to develop on their own, he also knew that the two kits working on concert was the real reason why they did so well.  If their school wouldn't give them the challenge and growth they needed, he didn't know what he'd do; as an engineer he really didn't have the time to invest in home-schooling but if that was what the needed, he needed options.  Based on those struggles, part of the reason the kits were out with their dad was that so he could talk with the school counsellor to see if he could get his kits testing so they could be open to move into gifted or advanced STEM programs, giving the two kits the challenge they needed.  He didn't reveal that, though, to either one of them; sometimes those worries should wait until the time was right.  As he sighed, the two kits were barking and singing to the songs playing off the radio as they made their way over to the office supply store - their dad was going to meet the counsellor there and his kits needed some notebooks and drafting tools; Melanie used them in her artwork. Charlie did use those tools in the same way, too; though compared to Melanie, he just dabbled in artwork.  Charlie used it more for drafting and mechanical design.  When they parked, the two kits were all too happy to help each other out of their booster seats, Melanie blushing a bit as he accidentally got a peek of her diaper as he fumbled with the lap bar...though they both smiled in approval as Charlie wiggled her out of the seat.

"Do you two mind if you pick out your tools?  I have someone I need to talk with here," their dad asked his kits as they started to walk with him.

"Who are ya seein' daddy?" Charlie asked curiously as the store's doors opened.

"I'm meeting your counsellor here," he answered as he shooed the two over to the tools and stationary.

"What for dad?" Melanie asked.

"Just a few things since it's the end of the school year," he answered, keeping the subject matter vague so they wouldn't get suspicious.  The two kits just shrugged as they went off to find their tools with Melanie leading Charlie over to the aisle.  The two made a bit of a game out of it with Charlie trying to catch his sister, but Melanie was also the faster kit so it was almost always the case that Melanie could beat him anywhere on foot.  But just as Melanie scooted over to the the tools they were needed, he heard a sassy pout behind her.  She turned around to find Charlie was not very enthusiastic about her always making a race out of her shopping days.  Mel tried to give him an apologetic look but Charlie huffed as he looked away.

"It's good for you to get some exercise, Kit," Melanie nodded at Charlie.

"I don't mind running," Charlie fussed, "But not as a race."

"Play tag then?" Melanie asked as she flicked Charlie's nose.

"Noooo," Charlie pouted, "M-Mel, I want to...I want to run with you, not after you."

"Run, with me, Kit?" Melanie asked shyly as she looked at a small 30-60-90 triangle.

"Mel," Charlie softly spoke, "I don't wanna chase you, the sister I love.  We should run hand in hand."  Melanie blushed as she gazed at Charlie softly.  He was right, the two did love each other, but why was Melanie still acting like the previous night didn't happen?  He thought after that special night Melanie might have been more open about what happened, more open about how they felt.  But deep inside, Melanie knew that not was not quite the time. She didn't want to tell Charlie that she needed a little more time before going farther so she needed a tasteful way to tell him those thoughts.  Thankfully the drafting tools gave her an idea.

"Not here, Kit," Melanie sneaked a kiss on Charlie's lips, "I don't want to get off on the wrong tangent with our encounter, I don't want it to be a path with only one path."

"M-Mel?" Charlie started to whine softly.

"I-I love you Kit," Melanie cooed softly as she embraced Charlie, "I really do, but one date isn't enough to really know for sure."

"H-how do we find out then? Daddy keeps us under close watch," Charile answered.

"Summer is coming up, Kit," Melanie cooed softly, "We can date every day...but I really hope we can find an earlier opportunity." The two nodded in agreement as they hugged each other.  The two had a secret wish to just dive in but Melanie at least was being logical - it takes time to develop a healthy relationship in most cases.  Sadly Charlie had to concede to Melanie for the moment as the two finally broke the embrace, then began to shop for their supplies.  Melanie kept smiling tenderly at Charlie, doing her best to reassure Charlie that it was alright.  Charlie, however, was impatient and just couldn't wait for another opportunity to spend time with his sister.  He loved her and just wished he could be open about it around anyone outside of Kyle and Jessie and of course Melanie herself.  Thankfully Melanie could sense the tension and gave Charlie a warm hug before they went on to pick up some notebooks for their classwork.

"T-thanks, Mel," Charlie softly whispered as he gave Melanie another hug as they picked up several notebooks.  With the supplies they needed, the two decided to look together for their dad.  Unfortunately, their dad was walking with the school counsellor so finding their dad was a bit of a hunt.  The two kits must have walked the length of the store twice before they found their dad talking a short cayman with short blond hair.  The kids at school called her Miss Scaly Shorts, a nickname she loathed, but despite the teasing (which she got as often as Charlie and Melanie did concerning their mutual special needs and intelligence), Ms. Amazonus was a really kind-hearted counsellor who did her best to serve the kids at the school.  When Charlie and Melanie found the two, they could tell their dad had a disappointing look as she shared some news.

"I'm sorry Mr. Silverleaf," Ms. Amazonus shook her head, "Even if Charlie and Melanie ace these tests, I don't think the district is going to let them get accelerated education."  Their dad sighed in disappointment, he was always in a uphill battle with the district to make sure his kits received the education and services they needed.  He suspected it was because of the favoritism placed on their athletics program...he also heard of rumors of other things going on that were less than savory, which was the other reason he wanted to get the two into accelerated education or a better learning environment altogether.  

"But they can still take these tests?" their dad asked.

"10 AM Monday morning," Ms. Amazonus nodded, "It's their Field Day so they won't be missing any classes.  Each will have a private room to take the test so they will have full concentration."

"At least I can use these scores to get them elsewhere?"

"Yes, Mr. Silverleaf," She answered as she caught sight of the two kits, "I think your kits finally found you.  I think we have covered all we need to today."  Their dad nodded as the cayman bowed out and walked along, leaving the store.  With the consellor gone, their dad chuckled as he saw his kits with arms full of their supplies.  Boy did those two made tracks to get what they needed, then going to find their dad.

"Did you two overhear us?" Their dad asked.

"We did," the kits answered, "We're taking tests Monday?"

"Mhmms," he nodded, "The school knows how smart you two are so...they agreed to set up a couple of tests for you two to take.  One is an advanced IQ test, the other is a college entrance exam."

"You think we're ready for...college?" Charlie asked shyly.

"You're not going to college this soon, kiddo," he chuckled and shook his head, "I just want to get you two more challenges so you two can move at your own pace."

"Oh, okay," Melanie nodded as they went to pay for their things, then walked to the car, "Will this get us out of boring ol' PE and mean kids picking on us for our special needs?"  Their dad nodded slowly, but not mentioning that the school had already rigged the game against kids like Charlie and Melanie, kids who were ready for more advanced material and academic challenge and needed a better learning environment.  It just pained him that he was in a situation where he couldn't give his kids what they needed within the system.  He shook it off again as the two kits helped themselves back into their booster chairs.  Like Charlie, he was feeling impatient about sharing his own feelings; feelings of discontent and anger.

"Yes, it would get you out of those classes," their dad answered belatedly, "Anyway, I think we need to go to the store now - groceries and you two need to restock your nurseries."  The two blushed as their dad drove across town to the grocery store first.  They loved to restock their nursery but it was something like their dates, something they wanted to do by themselves.  As they pulled into the lot, the kits noticed that Kyle and Jessie's folks were actually at the grocery store as well - their baby blue station wagon was parked up towards the front of their lot.  The two softly giggled, wondering if they wanted to talk about the previous evening to Kyle and Jessie.  The two thought about it as their dad pulled in and helped the two out of their seats this time.  They were both daydreaming as they walked paw-in-paw with their dad as they entered the store.  As their dad started to pick out some produce (that they couldnt' get at the farmer's market), the two kits noticed a pair of closely swaying leopard tails peeking out from the tomatoes.  Charlie and Melanie decided to slowly sneak around and see who they belonged to...and they both nodded as they actually did belong to Kyle and Jessie.  Charlie started by tapping Jessie's shoulder, then Melanie playfully tugging Kyle's tail, the two kept teasing the two until Sampson giggled very playfully at his kittens.

"Kyle, Jessie, I think you have two neighbor picking on you," Sampson smiled, "Must mean Kendrick is nearby since I have two little kits going shopping."  Rosalyn nodded in agreement as Kyle and Jessie finally got wise and hugged their neighbors and best friends.

"Charlie!" Jessie mewed happily, "How are you?"

"I'm okie Jessie, how are you and Kyle doing?"

"We're okay," Kyle answered as the four started to roam through the produce.

"Kyle..." Jessie whispered, "Just because you kiss and make up doen't mean I'm fully okay." The two kits heard what she was talking about and blushed.

"What happened?" Melanie asked. Jessie made sure they were out of easy earshot of their folks before continuing.

"Maya was in Kyle's room," Jessie fussed quietly, "Alone...he was kissing and cuddling tight to her!"

"Your cousin?" Charlie asked.

"Yes, Aunt Helena's little girl." Jessie nodded, "Why did Kyle do that..he never romped with me like that or held a kiss that long."  Kyle remained silent; his sister was ratting him out for his little romp with Maya that morning.  On top of that, he still didn't know how to really answer his sister on how he felt.  And of course, he was starting to make some sense out of what his father was talking about.  Both Charlie and Melanie noted his expressions as Jessie was talking about the morning to the two.

"Erm, Jessie, I think your brother is puzzled," Charlie whispered, "Maybe...him and Maya have a bit of history you don't know about?"  Jessie blushed furiously - it only made her more jealous of Maya.  Kyle wasn't forthcoming about those moments, Jessie wasn't around when those incidents happened so she didn't know.  The fact that he may have had secret meetings with her or those little visits without her knowing about it made her all the more concerned.

"J-Jessie, Charlie's right," Kyle reluctantly answered, "Maya and I had some special moments and when it was like that, I felt very familiar around her...I secretly wanted to be a kitten like her, too."  Jessie blushed as the four shadowed their parents; she didn't know that Kyle had those feelings for Maya.  Maybe that could explain why we couldn't understand his feelings and couldn't come to terms with his feelings for his sister.  It was almost like Jessie was forcing him to choose one over the other and he didn't want to.  His dad played with two special spotty kittens, too, so why couldn't he do the same?  Maybe for Jessie, it was because she only wanted Kyle and to see another girl that close was getting in her territory.

"Kyle, it's okay," Melanie nodded, "Jessie, I think you need to give Kyle some space on that."  Kyle nodded softy as Mel ruffled his hair as Jessie blushed and nodded.  Maybe her confrontation earlier was a little too much, her jealousy made her go after Kyle like that to defend what she thought was hers.  Maybe like Kyle she needed to sort a few things out as well...and she wanted to change the subject a bit.

"But, Kyle did give me a special wonderful kiss of his own," Jessie blushed, "Does Charlie do that with you, too?"

"He sure did," Melanie nodded and blushed, "Kit and I had a date of our own while our dad was out.  He...kissed me with his tongue and...he rubbed into me like he does his plush."  The two kittens blushed as Melanie told a bit of their night together; while Jessie was complaning about Kyle hold a kiss with Maya...Charlie and Melanie actually made out for a bit and even dry-humped with her.  Kyle was starting to think more about Maya telling him about her little episode of voyeurism where she saw her mom and dad rub each other but without clothes.  He was starting to think about what Melanie said...could it be they were practicing for what his Aunt Helena was doing with his uncle?

"H-how did it feel?" Kyle asked shyly.

"It was magical," Charlie blushed and bit his lip, "Mel and I...fitted into each other just right.  W-we made special pee together when we rubbed."  Charlie went a little overboard on his description as Melanie's blush indicated.  But the kittens were intrigued by the description; they were both wondering if rubbing their diapers together that would feel just as good for them.  And why was it so easy for Charlie and Melanie to go like that?  Was there no one else in their circle that made them feel that way; Charlie and Melanie had their own relatives too but for the most part, the two were the only kits their age in their family - most of them were either already adult from their older aunt or just little toddlers from their younger uncle and their younger aunt.  They also didn't have many friends outside of their circle but they all decided that they'd rather have good friends who'd stick by them than many friends.  Even with those thoughts swirlling around in the kittens' minds, they shyly looked at each other and held their paws together as they shadowed their folks through the meat counter and dairy sections

"Kit!" Melanie fussed, "Not too much now!" Charlie softly giggled and tapped Melanie's nose with his pawdigit.

"I kinda like it," Jessie purred and blushed, "Sounds like you two enjoyed your night. Kyle, though, couldn't stay up through the movie."  Kyle whined as they followed along.

"Did too!"

"Do you know how it ended?" Jessie teased.

"N-no!"

"Cause you ate too much lasagna," Jessie grinned, "Stuffed on pasta."

"Like canelloni," Charlie added playfully as the two picked up some sugary cereal without their parents' notice.

"Silly Kit," Melanie shook her head, "How as the movie Jessie?"

"It was pretty good, pretty cute too," Jessie smiled as they finally decided to catch up with their folks, "So what are you and Charlie going to do next week; school's gonna be out Wednesday!"

"Kit and I are going to be taking some tests on Monday," Melanie answered quietly, "Looks like we'll miss the tug-o-war event."

"Don't be," Kyle answered, "Stupid school pulled that and Red Rover out of the events after some whiny parents complained about it being too rough."

"Figures," Charlie shook his head, "I might not be a physical kit, but it's stupid that stuff like that get yanked by over-protective parents.  How do they do anything with their folks hovering over them?"

"It's okay, Kit," Melanie nosed Charlie's cheek, "They make fun of you anyway when you play."  Charlie blushed and nodded as the kittens clung onto Sampson's leg, looking up at their dad with loving expressions.

"So what did you kiddos talk about?" Sampson asked his little kittens.

"Just school stuff," the four answered, their parents smiling as they answered.

"Heard that Charlie and Melanie are taking special tests," Kyle answered as the parents got their milk and eggs, then went to get yogurt.

"That's right Kyle," Kendrick answered, "My kits are taking tests to see if they can get into gifted programs."

"Gooood," Jessie teased, "Melanie spends too much time doodling in class anyway!" Melanie barked in protest which made Kendrick chuckle and smile in agreement.  The two families then made their way up front, randomly conversing about various topics as they both covered their grocery bill and headed out to their cars.

"Kendrick, where are you taking your two kits next?" Rosalyn asked.

"I have two kits who need to restock their nurseries...and get some new summer outfits," Kendric smiled as he helped his kits into the car, "How about you?"

"Went there first," Sampson answered, blushing a bit as he loaded their car up.  He didn't tell his wife that he gotten something from the cubs' store for himself he wasnt' ready to show his wife.  His kittens had a bit of an idea but they didn't know if their dad had the courage to broach his repressed need to be a kitten himself to Rosalyn.  But the kittens paid no mind for now - that's grown-up business for their mom and dad to sort out.  But sadly for the four kiddos, they were going their seperate ways for the day as the Burundi family had to get some hardware supplies to fix up their porch.

"Oh, going to fix that backyard of yours then?" Kendrick asked as they were both entering their cars.

"If Sampsie can use a hammer without breaking a claw," Rosalyn teased Sampson as they closed their doors and headed on out to their respective destinations.  Charlie and Mel were holding paws for this leg of the trip, smiling softly at each other as their dad drove over a few blocks to the big cubs' store.  The two were sneaking peeks of each other as they started to wet, gazing in interest as they watched their distinct pee spots showing up on their respective diapers knowing that they were different - different for a reason.  The two softly blushed as they felt each other's gaze meet just as their dad pulled into their next stop.

"Do you two need a change before we go on?" their dad asked the two kits.  He reached back after parking the car and playfully shook his head, "Yup, you two need to scamper off to the changing rooms then.  I'll be picking out some new sheets and blankets for you two while you do."  The two nodded and blushed sheepishly as they helped each other out of the car.  "Seperate changing rooms you two, you know the rules."  

"We will daddy," Charlie nodded, secretly disliking that rule after experiencing his sister give him a paw.  Melanie blushed too when their dad insisted they use seperate changing rooms; she wanted to change her baby brother...and of course she wanted him to change her.  But since their dad wasn't going to watch them, why would he care as long as they didn't take too long?  When they entered, the two carried their respective diaper bags (though considering they carried the same diapers and everything they could have gotten away with just having one), the two made a beeline for the changing rooms, walking together as they giggled and teased each other.  They felt their hearts pounding as they were tempted to disobey and share a changing room.  Cubs were very private individuals anyway so none of them would pay too much mind and there were no cameras there.  They carefully staked out the changing room they wanted and having found the second one from the left available, they quietly scampered in and quickly closed and locked the door.  The two hanged their diaper bags on the hooks and opened them for their changing supplies.  But of course, who to let up first?

"So who'd like to go first, Kit?" Melanie cooed and smiled as she undid Charlie's shorts.

"Ladies first, Mel," Charlie smiled and patted the table, lifting her jumper dress up, "Y-you look pretty in those soggy 'panties.'"  Melanie blushed furiously as she climbed up, then tugged Kit right on up with her, making him quietly yelp in surprise.

"You like me wetting my diapers, Kit?" Melanie cooed seductively, blushing as she wetted herself a little more, watching Charlie trying to paw his soggy diaper front, then wrinkling his nose a bit.

"I think we're both messy, too," Charlie blushed, "I see you wrinkling your nose too."  Melanie blushed and nodded again.  It was a recent development but they must have made their mess as they entered the cub store.  The two decided then to just quickly change each other - messy bottoms were a challenge enough; to please each other would have gotten suspicious in the changing room.  The two smiled as they tried to do a simultaneous change of each other at the same time.  Carefully they cleaned each other's fur up, then gingerly lotioned each other and powdered themselves down.  Melanie cooed and smiled as she pulled out matching princess diapers; nice and pink of course.  The two gazed into each other as they snuggly taped the other up, then wiggling around, Charlie placed his diapered front to Melanie's muzzle as he pressed his muzzle to her padded front.  Without a word, the two nuzzled, then kissed each other's padded fronts, then helped each other down.

"I wanted to play," Melanie blushed, "You did too...but when you gotta mess, you gotta mess right?"  The two kits nodded in agreement; they loved to wet and the feeilng of wet diapers but messes where a different matter.  It was a necessity but they didn't have to like it so when they were messy they were all business as it took them long enough to clean up.  As Melanie finally got Charlie's shorts back on, blushing as she found her brother's gaze waiting for her.

"M-Mel," Charlie cooed softly, "Since we didn't play...can I do this?" He gently brought his muzzle close to Melanie, blushing softly as he pulled her in close.  Melanie didn't have to answer verbally as she also blushed, but she didn't push him back, she pulled him in as well, gently fitting her muzzle to Charlie's as the two shared a deep kiss, opening their maws to allow their tongues to briefly meet, breathing heavily for a minute as they made out, then ended with a quick hug.  The two cooed happily as they cleaned up the room and picked up their bags.

"Kit, have you ever thought about a jumper dress?" Melanie asked cutely, "Would make it easier for everyone to chagne you."

"Everyone...as in you, Mel?" Charlie asked with a blush as the two carefully exited the changing rooms.  Thankfully the only reaction they got was a cute kangaroo caretaker complimenting on the two being good kids and helping each other.  As they headed over to bedding, Charlie was thinking of Mel's request to start wearing what he considered more girly clothing for the ease of his needs.

"Well, I guess so," Melanie giggled softly as she squeezed his paw, "Think about it, all cubs used to wear dresses until a certain age.  Made changes easier and they look cute.  And before you fuss, I saw you a few times in one of my princess shirts...watching my shows.  I think you like to have some matching outfits with me; like we were twins."  Charlie gulped as Melanie mentiond she caught him in few of his guilty pleasures.  He did like a few of the shows she mentioned, in fact he had a couple of cute crushes that if Melanie found out would have made her jealous. Maybe not like Jessie since they were make-believe characters, but jealous enough.

"Promise it'll only be at home or around Kyle and Jessie or at daycare if we go there?" Charlie asked Melanie.  He wanted to make sure if he agreed to Melanie's request that she wouldn't go overboard and really make him feel embarrassed.  As he knew well enough, his diapered bottom got him teased plenty of times; a jumper dress would just add to that teasing.  He was just thinking away when he accidentally tripped on the foot of a cute wolf.  The wolf looked down at Charlie and Melanie, giving the kits a soft smile as she helped Charlie back up.  He was too shy to really thank the wolf for her help, and way too shy to hear her ask, "My daughter says she's seen you sneak into science club meetings...and help her with chemistry.  And she said you were really cute, too."  Melanie giggled and flicked Charlie's ear to get him to pay some attention.

"Sorry ma'am," Melanie giggled, "My brother is a little shy.  But you said he helps your little girl?"

"She's actually a sophomore," the wolfess answered, "But yes, he's helped her with chemistry and she helps him sneak into science club."

"Oh," Melanie giggled, "Is that when you tell me you're working on a science fair project, Kit?" Charile blushed hard - he never met the girl's mother before and didn't expect to run into her. "Why are you here though?"

"I kit sit for a few kiddos," she answered, "Just kids under about 3 though...but I see you shop here all the time."

"Kit and I, have special needs," Melanie blushed softly, "And it's our day to restock the nursery."  The wolfess awwed as she also noticed Charlie's pink diaper as well.

"I think there's more than that," she chuckled, "You two look like a cute couple for being siblings."  The two blushed furiously; they wondered if she knew just from observation that they may have an unconventional sibling relationship together.  Thankfully their dad saved them any explinations when he ruffled their hair and chuckled.

"They are inseperable," Kendrick smiled, "But they are good kits.  And you are?"

"Oh, I'm Erica," the wolfess smiled, "I'm just here to get things for kitsitting duties."

"I'm Kendrick," he answered softly, "You seem as well-prepared as my kits are."

"I can say your son really is well-prepared for college," Erica teased, "Heard from her that he is a sneaky kit and goes to high school science club meetinng and helps my daugther with chemistry."  Charlie glupled as Erica revealed that information to his dad with Melanie giggling.  He didn't scold his kit though for sneaking off like that when he said he had "science fair" projects but again proven that the school wasn't providing him a challenge that he has to go find some challenges.

"It's why I'm getting my little kiddos some testing next week to see if the school finally will let them go into gifted or accelerated programs," Kendrick nodded.

"Well, if your kits need watched after or would like to help my girl with her homework, don't hesitate to call," Erica smiled as she gave him a card with her number, "And...maybe while my Julieanna watches them you and I can spend some time together.  I-I saw you at a few of those single mingles before; are you divorced?"  Kendrick just nodded his head softly as she asked him.

"Sad to say for my kiddos, it's something I was glad happened," Kendrick nodded as he showed Charlie and Melanie the sheets he picked out, "Their mother wasn't interested in being a mother while I was happy to take on the role of their father."

"My husband sadly passed away," Erica answered, "He got terminally ill with a rare disorder, thankfully my little girl doesn't carry those genes."

"I'm sorry, Miss."

"Just Erica, Kenny," Erica hugged Kendric, "Hope you don't mind me calling you Kenny." The two kits giggled as they looked at the sheets.  Melanie's conversation about Charlie considering jumper dresses was coming to mind as they both wondered if they would be okay with sharing their bedding as well.  They let their dad and Miss Erica finish their conversation, listening in.

"Is Julieanna your 'Maya?'" Melanie asked shyly, "You seem to love to help her with her homework."

"Nah," Charlie shook his head, "She's just a good friend and surrogate big sister."  Melanie smiled when Charlie answered her; he wasn't that good at lying anyway and the fact she could not find any lie when he spoke made her happy.  Perhaps she could use a surrogate big sister and knowing that Charlie had one, perhaps she could ask Julieanna to be her "big sis," too.  She smiled and hugged Charlie as they looked on.

"Okay Erica," Kendrick smiled, "I think we made a big social faux-paus though when we talked about our spouses."  Erica shook her head and smiled.

"I'm not perfect," Erica smiled as she ruffled the hair of the kits, "You aren't either; we're just doing the best we can with our families.  Should I let you get back to shopping with your kits, I think they'd like to chime in on the choice of sheets."  Kendrick chuckled and nodded in agreement, letting Erica go her own way as he turned to the two kits.

"Dad," Melanie cooed softly, "Would you mind if Kit and I had...matching sheet sets?"

"What kind of sheets may I ask?"

"I'd like to share Mel's sheets," Charlie blushed a bit, "She called me out on my guilty pleasures."

"I think that'd be cute," Kendrick smiled as he wagged his tail softly, "She's right though you do have a tendency to share things with Mel, including your favorite shows I hear."  Melanie giggled as Charlie blushed, their father alright with the choice of bedding to get his kits. So out went the seperate bedding sets for his two kits and instead getting two sets of a cute princess character and two sits of baby vixen bedding.

"Dad," Melanie asked, "When you get some outfits too, can Kit get some jumper dresses?  I think they'd look cute on a kit like him.  Plus we can look a little like twins too."  Kendrick just went to a roaring chuckle as he fluffed Charlie's fur.

"So kiddo, was that your idea...or Mel's idea?" he asked Charlie, watching him squirm and gulp a bit.

"Both I suppose," Charlie blushed as their dad took them shopping around the rest of their store, getting the two swim clothes (and swim diapers), new summer outfits (and as Melanie requested, matching jumper dresses for the pair) and of course plenty of matching diapers for the two kits.  Kendrick couldn't help but chuckle about his son wanting to wear some jumper dresses around the house and for play. At least the two had compelling logic to present their dad and he was open to try something as long as it didn't hurt his kits.  Sometimes, he surmised, his kits did know best (though the jumper dress idea might have been a little dubious).  As the Silverleaf family headed on out, they happily loaded up their minivan, then hopped on board.

"Let's see, how did you two behave?" Kendrick asked his two kits.  The two had puzzling faces as they thought about how they behaved.  Only after a moment did the two shrug, acting like they didn't know how well they did.  Looking back through the rear-view mirror, Kendrick just smiled as he watched his kits act quizzical.  Since he didn't know about the two being sneaky kits, he had no reason to believe that either one of them misbehaved.  As they drove on, Melanie could tell where they were going; as they drew near the city park she knew that their dad was taking the two over to the farmer's market and then letting them go out and play.  There were times when the two got in trouble while shopping, but that only happened about five percent of the time, the last incident being back in kindergarten while they were fighting over Valentine's candy.  It was odd for siblings to be so well behaved, but Charlie and Melanie always supported each other and after their Valentine's incident the two kits (with their father's help) helped the two learn how to resolve their candy fights.  Melanie and Charlie could barely contain their excitement as their dad stopped the van and went to help them out so they could get some fresh food.

Meanwhile...

When the Burundis returned home and all the groceries and supplies off-loaded, Sampson made sure the two kittens had a good afternoon nap.  While he didn't know about the little going-on with Maya, his two kittens had plenty going on so a nap was a good thing for both his kittens and of course him and Rosalyn.  Once they were tucked in, Sampson nervously padded up to his wife with a very guilty expression.  Both the items he bought at the cubs' store as well as the challenge Kyle made to him were starting to come to a head.  He wondered if between the two if he had repressed memories thanks to what happened to Naomi as well as a repressed need to be a kitten.  As he was thinking, he stated to recall that since his kittens were born and Naomi passing away, he didn't feel as intimate with Rosalyn.  They rarely shared a moment anymore where they could be passionate and loving.  On the surface, he thought he gave up his ageplay and diaperfur tendencies because he wanted to be more normal.  But as he thought about Naomi, he started to sniff and cry.  No.  The real reason, he concluded, was that he felt an immense guilt over Naomi's passing that turned to fear.  He feared if he became a kitten for Rosalyn he'd break down and something bad would happen.  But not facing that fear was worse.  Jessie had been noticing that Kyle was also hesitant about various topics; on those observations he also saw much of himself in Kyle as well.  He couldn't take it no more.  Sampson couldn't hide behind his guilt anymore; Rosalyn needed to know how he felt and if she'd help him confront his lingering guilt and fears.  He finally worked up the courage to call Rosalyn to his room, sitting his bag from the store on the bed beside him.  He was sweating from his decision, not knowing if Rosalyn would turn him down or if she'd understand those repressed feelings.  When she finally came in and saw him with the bag, she realized that something was off about him.  She spoke first to her mate, knowing there was something deeply bothering Sampson as he sighed, then sobbed softly.

"Sampson," Rosalyn softly mewed, "I haven't seen you like this in a long time.  Talk to me."

"R-rosie..." Samspon sadly mewed, "I need my Rosie to take care of me."  Rosalyn was taken back by his request.  The last time she was called Rosie was right when Kyle and Jessie were born.  And as Sampson was a stubborn leopard, she couldn't believe that Sampson, her husband, wanter her to take care of him.

"You haven't me that in a long time," Rosalyn shook her head in disbelief, "I thought we were going to stop after they were born!"

"I lied about that, Rosie," Sampson cried, "I lied!  I stopped not because of them...but because of me.  My guilt!"  Rosalyn was shocked to hear that Sampson lied about giving up his ageplay.  It wasn't because of his kittens?  If he felt such remorse over Naomi's death, why didn't he open up to her sooner?  Upon looking at her mate again, she could see the anguish he tried to hard to hide from her.  He was stronger than she thought if such a crippling remorse was hidden from her.  But in that strength, Sampson was also very vulnerable and upon seeing that vulnerability, Rosalyn was starting to feel very maternal again.  She sighed as she blushed, looking at her mate...maybe she, too was repressing some feelings as well.  She cared for his half-sister deeply as well but like Sampson, she hid those feelings so he wouldn't be ostrasized from his family.  They both were in a prison from Naomi's death but now...those feelings finally had a way out.

"Sampsie," Rosalyn cooed sadly, "Does my Sampsie need his Rosie to take care of her little boy, her special son?"  Sampson shyly nodded as she slowly took his adult dignity off of him.  She shyly cooed at him while she started to go for her delicate razor so she could get him ready for the kitten treatment.  As she dug up those old memories, while she was saddened, she felt a weight starting to lift from her shoulders.  Meanwhile, as she was gathering her things, Kyle dug through the bag he picked up, first, looking at the onesie and the sleeper he picked out for himself, but also his diapers, his thick baby blue diapers that connected him with so many deep memories.  Sampson sighed as he realized that he needed to let go of being an adult and just let things flow; like Rosalyn, he too started to feel some weight being lifted. That was until he found a picture that was hidden within his album; as Sampson reached for it, he could tell it was faded, older than the rest of the photos in his album.  A shivering sensation crept down Sampson's arm as he pulled it out.  He gasped and sniffled a bit when he looked at it.  It was Naomi with him in the picture as were many of the photos in the album...but they were not adults in the photo.  There were about Kyle's and Jessie's age...roughly 10 to 11, holding hands as Naomi smiled at him wearing just a diaper as was Naomi.  Did he always wanted to feel little?  Was Naomi the reason he was an ageplayer and a diaperfur?  As he turned the photo over, he noticed a note scribbled on the back and a note taped to it.  He only read the note briefly but after he read it, he quickly hid the letter.  In fact, all he read was the following:

"Sampsie,

Did you remember this?  I think it was the 10th time mom and dad yelled at you for peeing on the bed again.  So I thought I would share a secret with you.  I had to wrestle you down as I fitted you in my diapers - stubborn brother.  You were also shocked that I was strolling in just my diaper, my little nipples poking out of my flat chest and we started to talk about the names we'd name our kids.  You came up with Helena I believe..."

"Helena?" Sampson gasped in shock, "N-no...did mom and dad lie to us about my little sister?"  Sampson shook his head again as Rosalyn came back over, softly singing him a sweet lulaby to sooth him.  The revelation to his Rosie would have been enough to shut him down, but finding that secret photo really put him into a state of shock.  And now as Rosalyn was cleaning up his nether regions, he coudln't take all that any more as he fully allowed himself to sink into his preschool mind set.  He idly mewed and batted at Rosalyn as she got him all shaved down, then started to work lotion on him.  His adult self was turning off as Rosalyn was slowly babying her mate once again.  The last things he was thinking of with his adult mind was "No need to hide this anymore...I should just let Rosie keep my like this all the time.  Still have a big boy's mind, but finally be like my kittens.  They know anyway...but not about what I just found..."