little jackets week 2025 @littlejacketsweek - Tumblr Blog

little!jackets week 2025: september 24 - september 30

day 1 ... regression sparks (aka what sparks their regression) day 2 ... fall outing day 3 ... comfort day 4 ... playdate / sleepover day 5 ... dress up day 6 ... bedtime day 7 ... favorite cg / little duo

how do i contribute?

littlejackets week is for anyone who creates or enjoys yellowjackets age regression fics & art! -> if you're interested, create a fic, moodboard, art piece, or headcanon list for as many or as little days as you would like. please tag them to #littlejacketsweek2025. all works under that tag will be reblogged here ! -> if you prefer to post on ao3, a collection will be started at 8am EST september 24 called littlejacketweek2025. fics can be posted there too!

late submissions are welcome and encouraged!! it's never too late to create something! i only ask that you don't post early, as it messes with the community feel.

guidelines

all submissions and interactions must be SFW only !! any NSFW submissions will be blocked. -> writing about darker aspects of the show and trauma related regression is completely welcome, just be sure to tag it appropriately ! -> you can focus on as many or as little characters as you would like, and include OCs! as long as it is about yj agere - it's welcome -> please support your fellow writers/artists ! be sure to interact with their work too !

if you have any questions at all please feel free to message me!!

started by @wiserteriaoverbarefeet with help from @infinitelysilly - please reblog to help get the word out!

#yellowjackets agere #yj agere #fandom agere #littlejacketsweek2025 #little!jackie taylor #little!shauna shipman #little!natalie scatorccio #little!van palmer #little!lottie matthews #little!taissa turner #little!melissa #little!mari ibarra #little!laura lee

bunnyslittleland

“there’s two wolves in u”

so close! there’s actually a baby bunny n a lil lamb in me

stcrewup

When I Couldn't Say The Words Like You

Day 7: favourite cg/ little duo (littlejacketsweek2025)

Little!Jackie, cg!Natalie

Cw: mentions Jackie struggling with eating, mentions wilderness trauma, mentions Jackie in pain (anything else to add let me know)

Word count: 2,629

rios-bug

Littlejackets Day 4:Play date!

Little Shauna/Caregiver Jackie & little Mari with cg taivan

rios-bug

Littlejackets Day 3: Comfort

Little Shauna with Cg Natalie

Needed comfort

wiserteriaoverbarefeet

day 4 - sleepover: little!jackie & little!lottie , fancy nancy sleepover

polyjacketpockets

day 4: sleepover

tws: minor violence throughout

tags: agere shauna, caregiver jackie, canon typical jackieshauna messiness, comphet

description: thought it'd be fun to do a role reversal on how i usually write jackieshauna

word count: 788

antlercarvings

Cradled in Calm

Day 3 : Comfort

Little!Shauna, Cg!Jackie.

word count: 13,886

Accepting that she was a bit different had never been easy for Shauna, even though most of the other girls in the house were, in truth, in the exact same boat. It wasn’t as though she was the only one who slipped back, but the thought of letting herself be seen that way, small, needy, stripped of her sharp edges, had taken her longer to come to terms with than she liked to admit.

She was getting better, though. Better at easing into her headspace when she needed to, better at not fighting the shift when that childlike warmth swelled in her chest at the end of a long day, or when illness left her too tired to hold the mask up.

polyjacketpockets

day three: comfort

tw: unsolicited advances/creepiness

tags: agere jackie taylor, caregiver lottie matthews, comphet, character psyche, anxiety, hurt/comfort

description: when jackie has a wobble at the country club, a familiar yet unexpected figure swoops in...

also doubles as part of the finding jax series <3

word count: ~700

wiserteriaoverbarefeet

sticks to your fingers and your clothes

little!jackie , cg!nat - part of the long story short au notes/cws: chronically ill, tube fed!jackie, regression from physical pain, medical trauma word count: 843

littlejackets week day 3: comfort

rios-bug

Little jackets Day one: Shay bug and lonely feelings

The prompt was their trigger for their regression for me I think Shauna’s is big feelings especially feeling alone.

rios-bug

Littlejackets day 2 Fall outing:

Little Mel and Shauna & caregiver Taissa and Van (they/she Van Palmer)

rios-bug

Little jackets Day one: Shay bug and lonely feelings

The prompt was their trigger for their regression for me I think Shauna’s is big feelings especially feeling alone.

antlercarvings

Hold My Hand Tight

Day 2: Fall Outing

little!nat & little!lottie, cg!jackieshauna

word count: 11,752

It wasn’t too often that Lottie and Nat were small at the same time, since Lottie heavily preferred taking care of Nat rather than letting herself be small, but it did occur on occasion. And when it did, since Lottie wasn’t quite in the mindset to be Mama, and Nat was often pretty small, naturally, the others would step in to take care of them.

It always felt a little strange to Jackie, seeing Lottie curled in on herself the way Nat usually was. The girl who always seemed to have the answers, who everyone turned to in moments of crisis, suddenly so soft and quiet, it reminded Jackie that even Lottie needed someone sometimes.

And when Lottie hadn’t come down for her early morning coffee like she usually did, especially since it was the day of their annual trip to an old farm in the valley that held the same hayride every year like clockwork, Jackie had started to get a little worried.

She stood from her seat at the kitchen table where she’d been idly tracing circles on her mug, watching Shauna try in vain to coax Nat awake. The little blonde was stubborn as ever, whining and curling deeper into Shauna’s chest every time the girl nudged her.

“Bud, come on,” Shauna sighed, tugging gently at the corner of her blankie. “If you sleep through the hayride again, you’re gonna be upset.”

A muffled whine came in response, and Jackie rolled her eyes with a half-smile. Typical.

Pushing back her chair, she decided she’d leave Shauna to wrestle Nat awake and check on Lottie instead. Her steps up the stairs were quiet, cautious, almost like she didn’t want to disturb the stillness of the house.

At Lottie’s door, Jackie offered a soft knock, pausing to listen. Silence. No creak of the mattress, no faint hum of acknowledgment like Lottie usually gave. After a few moments, Jackie let herself in, careful not to let the door creak too loudly on its hinges.

The room was dim, curtains drawn against the early morning light, the faintest glow slipping through the gaps. Even in the half darkness, Jackie could see Lottie’s lanky figure stretched out on her back, her favourite blanket bunched up close against her cheek. The fabric of her comforter barely covered her feet, leaving the rest of her body bare to the cool air.

Jackie blinked. It was unusual. Lottie almost never slept in this late. She was the type to be up, hair brushed and clothes on before anyone else had even considered getting out of bed. Now it was just past eight, and she was still deep in sleep.

Jackie crept closer, the mattress dipping as she carefully sat beside Lottie’s hip. For a moment, she just studied her, her brow smooth, her lips parted in even breaths. The kind of rest that looked too heavy to disturb.

Still, she reached out, brushing her hand along Lottie’s cheek, the warmth of her skin surprising against her palm. Her thumb stroked soft, careful lines along the bridge of her nose and under her eye, coaxing rather than demanding.

“Hey,” Jackie whispered, her voice gentler than she’d expected it to come out. “Lot, you gonna sleep all day on me?”

Lottie stirred faintly, her lips twitching as though she might frown. Her eyes didn’t open yet, though she nuzzled closer into the touch, her blanket shifting with her. Jackie’s chest tightened a little at the sight, it wasn’t often she saw Lottie this vulnerable.

“It’s the hayride day,” Jackie coaxed again, quieter this time, like she was telling a secret. “Thought you’d be the first one downstairs.”

There was no answer at first, just the steady sound of Lottie’s breathing. Jackie smiled faintly and kept her hand where it was, rubbing gentle circles against her cheek, patient enough to wait until Lottie was ready to stir.

Though, just as Lottie’s face relaxed again, a sound from in the hallway erupted, and Jackie could immediately tell it was one of Mari’s infamous shrieks of laughter, and she just shook her head. The sharp, glass-shattering sound carried straight through the walls, followed by the stamp of feet and another chorus of giggles, far too loud for how early it still was, but there wasn’t much that could be done with the little ones.

Lottie’s whole body jolted with the shrill sound and the laughter that followed, her shoulders snapping up, the blanket slipping from her cheek. Her entire face crumpled as though she’d been startled awake from a nightmare, and before Jackie could even reach to comfort her, the brunette let out an unexpected sob, raw and sudden.

“Oh, baby,” Jackie cooed immediately, her voice instinctively softening into that careful, coaxing tone she always used when one of the girls slipped small. It didn’t take much for her to understand exactly what had kept Lottie from her usual routine that morning. “Shh, it’s okay, Lot.”

She reached to help Lottie sit up, moving slowly so she wouldn’t startle her further. With a steady hand at her back, Jackie pulled the girl into her arms, nestling her against her chest until Lottie was tucked safely there. The sobs came harder now that she wasn’t fighting them, broken little cries muffled against Jackie’s shirt.

Jackie rocked the poor girl in her embrace, swaying gently back and forth as if they were the only two in the world. Lottie clung weakly, clearly so completely small and so tired, her body trembling from the force of her cries. Jackie rubbed her back in slow circles, whispering soft little words of comfort into her dark brown curls.

“There you go, sweetheart… I’ve got you. Shh.” She pressed a kiss to the top of her head, her cheek brushing soft hair dampened by tears.

“C’mere, baby. It’s okay.” Shifting her weight, Jackie hoisted Lottie up onto her hip, careful but practiced, thankful for her years of volleyball when it came to picking the little ones up. Lottie gave a faint hiccup as she settled against her, burying her face deeper into Jackie’s collarbone, clutching at her shirt like she didn’t want to let go.

Jackie didn’t bother to leave the room just yet, despite knowing that she’d need to get Lottie dressed soon, fully prepared to have a little to take care of all day. Truth be told, she was more than happy to watch over Lottie, since the taller girl had done it countless times for herself, and the others. She also knew it was only a matter of time before Lottie, so small and upset, lost control of her bladder, but she was solely focused on just getting her to calm down first.

Her eyes scanned the room, searching for something to soothe her with, glancing around the shelves, the dresser, the little baskets and ceramic trays Lottie always kept nearby. Jackie bounced her gently on her hip while she looked, murmuring to her the whole way.

“I’m right here, babydoll. Shhh. You don’t have to cry anymore. I’ve got you.”

Across the room, through the slightly open closet door, Marnie caught her eye, Lottie’s beloved stuffed deer, sitting propped up neatly beneath the small glow of the night light. Jackie grinned at the sight. Even when Lottie wasn’t little, she never forgot to leave Marnie near the light, because everyone knew the deer was afraid of the dark. That tiny bit of care made Jackie’s chest ache in a way she couldn’t put into words, thinking about the softness of Lottie, not regressed at all, and still making sure her baby deer was safe and sound.

She drifted toward the shelves inside the closet, spotting the wicker basket atop one of Lottie’s few Ikea shelving units, the ones they’d all struggled to assemble, and had handed off to HandyVan. Inside, among other small comforts, lay what Jackie was really searching for. She plucked up the heavily preferred soother, a soft, off-white pacifier patterned with little sleepy brown deer, Lottie’s favourite animal, of course.

Jackie made sure it was clean before turning it toward Lottie, gently holding it to her mouth. The poor girl gave off a soft, pitiful cry as she parted her lips, snotty little sniffles coming in waves, but almost instantly she latched onto it. Relief flickered across her tear-streaked face as she began to suckle on her soother, rubbing at her wet eyes with clumsy fingers. Jackie kept bouncing her softly on her hip, her hand rubbing steady down her back.

“Shh…” Jackie cooed again, reaching back over to the basket. With her thumb, she pushed open the flap of a pack of wipes and snatched one up. Balancing carefully, she stepped back out of the closet, closing the door with her opposite hip as she carried Lottie, though not before bending over about as much as she could to tug Marnie into her hand by the ear, making sure Lottie hadn’t seen it. She held the doe by her foot behind Lottie’s back until she could clean her face up.

“Let me see, baby,” Jackie murmured, nudging Lottie’s small hands gently away from her face. With tender patience, she cleaned up her nose, gathering the snot from her sobbing. She folded the wipe once, dabbing carefully under her eyes and along the curve of her cheek, then brushed away the small bit of drool gathered at her chin.

“There we go,” Jackie whispered, her voice as soft as the stuffed animal in her hand. She gave Lottie’s curls a stroke as she tossed the wipe into the trash by the door. “It’s all okay, my little doe. No more tears.”

Lottie whimpered once more, but the sound was muffled by her soother, her body loosening against Jackie’s chest as her sniffles began to quiet.

With the little girl finally able to get herself calmed a little bit, at least enough that she was merely sniffling and whimpering every now and again into Jackie’s chest, the older girl felt confident enough to lay Lottie down on the end of her bed. She moved slowly, easing her onto the blankets as though she might crumble if she let go too fast. Jackie tucked Marnie into her arms, nestling the stuffed deer close against her chest, and reached for her blanket, draping it over her chest with gentle precision to keep her calm.

Lottie’s hands immediately curled around the deer, pressing her fingers to its soft fur. Her fingers went straight for Marnie’s ear, rubbing back and forth over the fluff with absentminded fascination. That adorable childlike curiosity tugged at Jackie’s chest so fiercely it almost hurt. There was something so pure about it, about the way Lottie could get lost in such a small comfort, the texture and feel against the pads of her fingers, her eyes glassy and distant, her pacifier bobbing softly with every suckle.

Jackie crouched for a moment at the side of the bed, brushing a hand lightly across Lottie’s curls, watching the way her lashes fluttered with every quiet sniffle. When she was sure Lottie was settled enough, she gave her knee a soft pat.

“Good girl. You stay right there with Marnie, okay? I’ll be right back.”

Lottie blinked up at her, slow and hazy, but gave a faint coo around her pacifier before returning to her deer’s ear, as if the question had already drained her of energy.

Jackie used the moment of distraction to slip out of the room, padding quietly across the hall into what they all half-jokingly called the “nursery.” It wasn’t necessarily that, not in any traditional sense, but the name had stuck. The space had once been an unused storage room, but that hadn’t lasted long. Now, it was neatly organized with everything the girls might need during their softer moments, practical and comforting all at once.

Two cribs stood against the far wall, fitted with soft sheets and fleece blankets, lined with soft pillows and stuffies, and little crib toys for much needed naps. Along one side stretched a shelf stacked high with diapers and pull-ups in every colour and theme imaginable, cartoon animals, pastel stripes, even plain ones for the girls who preferred subtlety. On the opposite wall, open bins overflowed with toys, plushies, and blankets, while a short rack held a rotating collection of clothes and accessories chosen for comfort.

Jackie stepped straight to the shelves, reaching instinctively for one of the thicker overnight diapers, knowing Lottie would need it for the drive, given how deep into littlespace she was. She grabbed a soft beige cover as well, something plain enough to disappear discreetly under a skirt. Balancing them on her arm, she turned to the wardrobe.

The doors creaked softly as she opened them, pushing through the neat line of shirts and sweaters, pausing to let her fingers brush along the fabric until she found the ones that felt right. She pulled free a soft white tee, simple and warm, patterned with a handful of little ghosts dancing across the front. It was whimsical and on par with the season without being loud, something that always seemed to soothe Lottie. Behind it, tucked almost carefully as though waiting for this exact moment, was a little brown hoodie with a stitched deer tail dangling at the hem of the back. Jackie couldn’t help but smile as she lifted it free, undeniably Lottie’s.

She gathered everything carefully, cradling the small stack in her arms, and gave one last glance over the room to be sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. Satisfied, she slipped back across the hall, nudging Lottie’s bedroom door open with her hip.

Lottie was exactly where she’d left her, still sprawled at the end of her bed. Her blanket had slipped half down her chest, but she didn’t seem to notice. She was too busy weakly shaking the corner of the fabric in her hand, watching it sway like it was the most fascinating, complex thing in the world. Her pacifier bobbed steadily, a faint squeak sounding whenever she found humour in the way her blankie would ripple with each soft shake.

Jackie’s heart squeezed at the sight.

“You ready to get dressed, pretty baby?” she cooed softly, setting the bundle down on the bed. She dipped back into the closet for the finishing touches, plucking a black skirt and a pair of warm stockings to keep those long legs from catching chill while they were out at the farm.

“Gotta make sure you’re cozy for the car ride,” Jackie added, her voice light and sing-song, as she turned back to the bed where Lottie’s big, brown, tear-streaked eyes peeked up at her from behind the soft comfort of her deer that sat on her tummy.

Jackie reached for Lottie’s pyjama pants, bunching the fabric carefully in her hands before sliding them down her legs. She tugged them off as gently as she could, pausing every so often to free the hem from her heel, mindful not to startle her. Lottie didn’t resist, she just lay there pliantly, cheeks still flushed pink from crying, her thumb idly brushing the fur on Marnie’s ear as her pacifier bobbed.

“Good girl,” Jackie murmured, placing the pants neatly on the bed instead of just tossing them aside. She always made sure to keep things tidy, it mattered, especially when Lottie was small, to have everything calm and organized.

She eased her underwear off next, folding them with the same care before reaching for the diaper and the protective cover she’d laid out. The thick padding crinkled softly as she unfolded it, shaking it out before smoothing it flat on the bed. Jackie glanced down at Lottie, her voice dipping into that low, soothing lilt she reserved for moments like this.

“Alright, sweet girl. Lift up for me.” Jackie patted her hip gently, coaxing.

To her surprise, Lottie obeyed without hesitation, lifting her back off the bed just enough for Jackie to slide the diaper beneath her. It wasn’t always that easy, sometimes she didn’t understand or she fussed, but today, she just held herself in the air with quiet determination, waiting for direction. Jackie’s chest ached at the trust.

“That’s it. Good,” Jackie praised softly, steadying the diaper beneath her before instructing, “Okay, back down.”

Lottie’s hips settled back into place with a faint rustle, the thick padding cushioning beneath her. Jackie worked carefully, folding the front panel up against her belly, smoothing it flat with her palm. She pulled the tabs snug one by one, pressing them firmly onto the landing strip until the clouds and stars decorating it held them firmly. The fit was secure but soft, the way she knew Lottie liked.

“Up one more time, baby,” Jackie coaxed, tapping her hip again.

This time, Lottie hesitated, her pacifier bobbing faster as her eyes flickered nervously toward Jackie’s face. Her body lifted all the same, though with less confidence than before, her knees drawing together slightly. Jackie was quick, sliding the protective cover under her before snapping it snugly into place around her hips.

“There we go,” Jackie soothed, running her hand over the waistband to smooth it. She gave the front of the thick garment a gentle pat, the sound muffled and reassuring. “Good girl. All finished.”

Lottie let out a small sigh through her pacifier, her legs shifting against the new bulk. Jackie leaned down, brushing a curl from her forehead before murmuring, “Let’s sit you up and get dressed.”

She slipped her hands into Lottie’s, guiding her upright with ease. The brunette wobbled a little, her body still heavy with sleep and tears, but Jackie steadied her, cooing praise as soon as she was able to hold herself upright.

“That’s my big girl. You can do it.”

Lottie sat with her legs dangled loosely over the edge of the bed, Marnie hugged tight between her knees. She tilted her head up, her pacifier squeaking faintly as she sucked, and fixed Jackie with the softest little look. Her big brown eyes were wide and searching, almost shy, as if she needed to see the reassurance written plainly on Jackie’s face before she could relax.

“Almost done, baby.” Jackie hummed, running her knuckle softly over Lottie’s cheek.

She picked up the shirt and the hoodie, tossing the thick deer sweater over her shoulder so it was ready while she worked on getting Lottie into her clothes for the day. Moving slowly, she coaxed the girl’s little arms free from her sleep shirt, peeling the fabric gently away from her shoulders before tugging it up over her head. Lottie blinked at the sudden cool air against her skin, a faint pout tugging at her lips as her pacifier shifted, but she didn’t resist. Jackie smoothed her hair back down, folding the shirt neatly and laying it atop the growing pile of clothing she’d created.

“Arms up, doll,” Jackie said softly, stretching out the arm holes of the soft Halloween shirt so it wouldn’t catch.

Obediently, Lottie raised her arms, slow, tired movements, her eyes half-lidded as though the effort was monumental. Jackie slipped the shirt down over her head, guiding her arms through with care, and settled the soft cotton against her body. She tugged the hem straight, then reached up to untuck Lottie’s long, dark hair from where it had gotten trapped inside the neckline. The strands fell loosely back around her shoulders, and Jackie brushed them down gently with her fingers, smiling faintly.

“There we go,” she whispered before reaching for the hoodie.

She held one sleeve open, waiting patiently until Lottie slid her hand through. Then Jackie wrapped the hoodie carefully around her back, guiding her other arm into place. The deer-tail detail brushed against her hand as she straightened the fabric, and she gave the hood a little shake so it rested comfortably down Lottie’s shoulders.

“Look at you,” Jackie cooed warmly, adjusting the fit so there were no uncomfortable folds against her skin. “Cute little deer, hm? Comfiest one in the whole valley.”

She pressed her hand softly to Lottie’s side, feeling her body relax beneath the extra layer, before reaching for the soft stockings she’d pulled from the closet earlier.

“Feet first, sweetheart.”

Lottie shifted clumsily, letting Jackie guide one foot and then the other into the nylon. Jackie smoothed the stockings up her legs with gentle precision, crouching so she could tug them evenly into place without a wrinkle or twist to irritate her.

“Hold onto me, honey,” she instructed, steadying the brunette by her hips as she stood her upright just long enough to finish pulling the stockings all the way up. Lottie wobbled slightly, leaning heavily against Jackie’s shoulder, but her arms stayed wrapped around Marnie even as she obeyed. Jackie made sure the band sat securely at her waist, not digging in, not loose enough to slip.

“There. Perfect.” She gave the back of her thigh a little pat before reaching for the skirt waiting on the bed.

She held it low so Lottie could step in, then tugged it up over her stockings and clean diaper, securing it neatly in place. Jackie smoothed it against her hips, checking that everything underneath was covered and comfortable, before straightening up to admire her work.

“Good as new, baby girl,” she murmured, kissing the top of Lottie’s head before sliding her arms under her once more. With practiced ease, she lifted Lottie onto her hip, balancing her snug against her side. Marnie was tucked back into her arms without question, the deer pressed tight to her chest.

“All ready to go, sweet girl,” Jackie hummed as she headed for the door. At the very bottom of the stairs, she bounced Lottie gently, her body light in Jackie’s hold, before practically gliding into the kitchen with her in her arms.

“Lawwwtie!”

The sound came from the table, a happy, drowsy voice piping up at the sight of her. Little Nat had spotted her perched on Jackie’s side and instantly perked up, though she was still tucked warmly in Shauna’s arms, a sippy cup of warm milk balanced between her lips.

Her blonde hair was mussed, her eyes half-shut, but the moment she saw Lottie, her whole face lit up. She twisted around just enough to face Shauna while still clutching her cup, the spout never leaving her mouth as she mumbled around it.

“Can I sit ‘side Lottie in the van?”

Shauna chuckled, brushing a hand over Nat’s hair, and shook her head playfully. “You always do, bud.”

Nat grinned sleepily around her sippy cup, satisfied with the answer, and nuzzled closer into Shauna’s chest, already looking forward to the ride.

By then, mostly everyone was ready to leave, already bustling around the house in that particular half-chaotic, half-practiced rhythm that always came with group outings. Bags thumped against the hardwood as people shifted them closer to the door, voices overlapped as caregivers did their final checks, and the little ones clung or whined or distracted themselves however they could.

Laura Lee moved briskly but gently through the kitchen, tucking things into a tote with her usual methodical calm. She had lined up little packets of goldfish crackers, apple slices, and granola bars in neat rows, sliding them into baggies with the kind of care that made it clear she had thought about which girl liked what. And of course, she’d taken note of how small Lottie was, and made sure she’d packed some apple sauce and yogurt, and even some of the purée they made at home for when one of the girls slipped so small. A few juice boxes followed, then a couple of sippy cups of juice for the older ones.

On the other side of the room, Tai was finishing up with one of the diaper bags, crouched low to double-check that everything was stacked properly inside. She slipped a couple of sippy cups into the side pocket, then tucked in two bottles, their teats already covered in caps. With a little grunt she hoisted the strap over her shoulder, making a mental note of the weight, reassured it was enough to last through the drive.

Mari and Mel were perched at the table, their heads bent over their bowls. Whether it was oatmeal or cereal Jackie couldn’t quite tell, and she didn’t bother narrowing in on the details, the important part was that they were at least eating something, and nearly finished. Mel’s spoon clinked against the side of her bowl every few seconds, while Mari hunched in close, her mouth full as she leaned on one elbow. The background sound of their chewing mixed with the faint hum of chatter filling the space.

At the far end, Jackie caught the sound of Akilah’s voice, whiny and muffled, as she buried her face in Misty’s chest. Whatever complaint she had didn’t seem dire, just the weak little noises of someone tired and cranky before a long ride. Misty rubbed her back absently, rocking her slightly side to side, murmuring words too soft for Jackie to catch.

Turning her attention back to Lottie, Jackie patted Lottie’s bottom in muffled, rhythmic little motions, feeling the thick padding beneath her skirt. “Do you want your baba for the car, baby?” she cooed, tipping her head down toward the brunette. Lottie’s sleepy eyes fluttered, her hand rubbing against Marnie’s soft ear, the pacifier bobbing faintly with her sucking, and her blankie still clinging to her chin.

Jackie carried her over to the cabinet, shifting her weight on her hip while she leaned forward to search. Her free hand moved bottles around until she found one of the glass ones Lottie preferred. Meanwhile, the rest of the littles were being coaxed and ushered toward the door.

Nat clung stubbornly to the kitchen door until Lottie was in her sight again, shaking her head when anyone tried to nudge her forward. She wasn’t leaving without her. One of the caregivers ighed but let her be, letting the blonde linger close until Jackie emerged with Lottie and her bottle. Across the room, caregivers double checked stuffed animals, folded blankets under arms, slipped pacifiers into bags or popped them into mouths for comfort. It was a small parade of soft things and essentials, each little accounted for, the group slowly funneling into two lines toward the vehicles.

Jackie measured formula with practiced ease, the powder falling in a neat little pile at the bottom of the glass. She turned on the faucet, letting the water run until it was just right, hot enough to be comforting, but never so much that it would scald. Her palm tested the warmth against her skin before she filled the bottle to the line that matched the scoop, screwing the lid tight with one hand. She shook it briskly as she headed for the door, the liquid swirling into a cloudy, milky mixture. Nat trailed after her immediately, her little socks pattering across the floor as if tethered by an invisible string. Jackie could feel the small girl’s presence at her heel, loyal as a shadow.

“Let’s get your little feet into some shoes, hm?” Jackie murmured to Lottie, who was growing heavier in her arms as her eyes sank closed again. She crouched down at the bin by the door, shifting through the collection until she found Lottie’s Ugg boots. They were soft, sturdy, and by coincidence, almost the exact shade of soft brown as her hoodie. Jackie smiled at the match, tugging one boot open and slipping it over Lottie’s dangling foot.

While Jackie worked on sliding Lottie’s feet snugly inside, Shauna had crouched in front of Nat. The blonde stood wobbly on her socked feet, one hand on Shauna’s shoulder for balance as the older girl threaded the laces through her sneakers. Shauna slipped each one onto Nat’s feet and tugged them tight, looping the laces twice before making a bow that wouldn’t come undone. Nat leaned her weight forward slightly, clearly soothed by the feeling of snug laces holding her feet secure, it was one of her quirks, and Shauna never forgot to do it.

When Jackie finished the boots, she gave Lottie’s leg a gentle pat, then stood again with her on her hip. Shauna helped Nat into her little sweater, tugging it into place around her shoulders, before crouching again to check her diaper one last time with quick, careful hands. Satisfied that she didn’t need a change yet, Shauna zipped her sweater up and kissed the top of her hair.

With both littles bundled and ready, the group finally spilled out onto the front step. The brisk air carried a promise of travel, the faint scent of fuel from the vans mixing with morning cool. Taissa was already at one of the vehicles, guiding Mari and Mel up into the back row while Laura Lee leaned in to buckle them securely. Their chatter drifted out of the open door, small voices half-arguing over who got which side.

Nearby, Van crouched by the other van, tightening straps around Akilah and Gen’s car seats. Gen kicked her feet impatiently while Akilah fussed faintly, Misty squeezed in between them with a calm, cheerful smile. She already knew she’d be on baby watch for the next few hours, but there was no trace of complaint in her expression, if anything, she looked content at the thought.

Jackie and Shauna parted ways to access each side of the van, the cool morning air brushing past them as the chatter of the others echoed across the driveway. Jackie’s steps were steady and sure as she rounded the side, balancing Lottie’s warm little body against her shoulder before lowering her gently into the car seat. The soft fabric of the padding crinkled faintly beneath her as Jackie guided her arms through the straps, pulling them snug but not too tight, the way Lottie preferred. She clicked the buckle at her chest, then the one between her legs, the sharp snap of the plastic sounding final, secure.

“Comfy, sweetheart?” Jackie murmured, leaning in to tuck Marnie carefully against Lottie’s belly. The girl’s arms curled instinctively around the stuffed deer, fingers already tugging lightly at its ear. Jackie draped her blanket across her chest and shoulder, smoothing it down so it was just how Lottie liked it, soft weight, close enough to burrow into.

On the opposite side, Shauna crouched low to help Nat into her booster seat. Nat climbed in with a quiet sort of obedience, legs tucking up slightly before she let Shauna guide the seatbelt across her lap. The brunette double-checked the clip, then pressed a refilled sippy cup into her hands. Nat gripped it immediately, but her other arm reached for her beloved stuffed wolf, Quinn, who was already waiting on the seat. Shauna tucked the pup firmly against her side, making sure Nat’s hand was wrapped around his paw.

“All good, bud?” she asked, her voice softer than it ever was with anyone else, gentle, patient in a way Shauna rarely allowed herself to be. It was a tone she reserved for the very smallest littles, and Nat especially, since she always felt obligated to really take care of the girl when Lottie couldn’t.

Nat only nodded, her hair falling into her eyes as she bent forward to suckle on the strings of her hoodie. She stayed that way for about five seconds before Shauna’s hand gently intervened, pulling the dampened strings from her lips and swapping it for a pacifier. Nat accepted it without protest, lips sealing around the silicone teat as if she’d been waiting for it. Shauna ruffled her hair with one fond hand before sliding the door shut with a soft click.

On the other side, Jackie lingered for just a moment longer, crouched close as she tried to soothe the soft, wavering whimpers spilling from Lottie’s lips. Her brows knit as she reached for her girl’s pacifier, plucking it gently from her mouth and replacing it with the bottle she had warmed.

“I know, doll. Shh.” Her tone was coaxing, a steady balm. She tipped the bottle toward Lottie’s lips until she latched on, suckling immediately with slow, tired pulls. Jackie smoothed her hair back, keeping her voice low. “You’ll be able to see me from your seat, okay? I’ll be right there.” She pointed at the passenger seat diagonal from Lottie’s car seat, letting her eyes follow the line of Jackie’s finger until recognition flickered. That seemed to soothe her enough, her whimpers faded, her breathing slowed, and she clutched Marnie tighter as she drank.

Jackie exhaled a little, brushing her thumb across Lottie’s cheek before easing the door shut. She lingered just long enough to glance at the back, checking on Mari and Mel.

Mel’s face was scrunched, her cheeks pink and damp with tears as she whimpered softly, clearly missing her Mama already. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, arms stretching out as though reaching for someone who wasn’t there. Jackie’s heart tugged, but before she could step in, Laura Lee leaned in smoothly.

The older girl pulled Mel gently into her side, her arm circling protectively around the blonde’s shoulders. “Shh, I’ve got you,” she murmured, tucking a soother between Mel’s lips before rocking her slightly against her. Mel latched onto it at once, her cries softening to muffled hiccups. Laura Lee’s calm presence filled the space, steady as ever. She looked up at Jackie with a faint smile, her eyes warm but firm, the little shooing motion of her hand saying clearly: Don’t worry. I’ve got it covered. Go on.

Jackie gave a grateful nod, her chest loosening with relief, before stepping back to join the others, the van now humming with the layered sounds of pacifiers, bottles, and quiet shuffling as the littles settled in.

Mari had also been fine, minus her complaint about the music on the radio, so Jackie wasn’t all that worried about it, climbing into the passenger seat just as Shauna started the van up and waited for Taissa to pull out first before following her out of the neighborhood.

The drive had gone relatively smooth, the low hum of the tires on the road lulling most of the van into a rare, fragile quiet. Mel had drifted off early, curled small against Laura Lee’s side, her cheek pressed into the older girl’s shoulder as if it were a pillow. Every so often Laura Lee adjusted the blanket around her, her hand rubbing gently at her back without even looking, instinctive, practiced.

Lottie had lasted all of three minutes before her head tipped to the side, pacifier bobbing lazily at her lips as the rhythm of the van rocked her into sleep. Her bottle slid from her hands halfway through, and Jackie had tucked it away with a fond smile, brushing a stray curl from her forehead.

Nat, however, stayed awake. She sat with her wolf clutched tightly in her arms, watching the world blur past through the window, pacifier resting loosely between her lips. When Lottie stirred in her sleep, stretching with a tiny squeak, Nat let out a small, sudden giggle that drew Shauna’s attention immediately.

In the mirror, their eyes met, Shauna’s steady, questioning, Nat’s glittering with mischief. “What are you gigglin’ at back there, silly girl?” Shauna asked quietly, her voice pitched soft so as not to disturb the dozing blonde behind her.

Nat squeezed Quinn closer, her pacifier slipping from her mouth just enough to let words tumble out. “Lottie s’inky.” She snickered softly, shoulders bouncing. It was the kind of joke only a little one found endlessly funny, and Shauna recognized it instantly.

She shook her head with a smile tugging at her lips. “That’s okay, bud. She’ll get a change in a bit. We’re only a few minutes away.”

From the passenger seat, Jackie had swiveled around, one eyebrow arched. Reaching between Lottie’s legs with practiced care, she checked the state of her diaper, fingers pressing gently against the thick padding beneath the protective cover. It was heavy, swollen from the long ride, and Jackie let out a dramatic, playful gasp.

“Ohhh,” she crooned, her face softening into an exaggerated pout. “Are you soggy, sweet girl? Hm?”

Lottie blinked up at her with a dreamy, drowsy grin, utterly unbothered, her cheeks still warm from sleep. She didn’t seem to care in the slightest about being discovered, what mattered was the babying tone Jackie wrapped around her, and that alone made her beam like sunshine.

“Uh…” a voice piped up suddenly from the back row. Jackie’s head tilted, her attention snapping toward it. Mel was still fast asleep, which meant the shy, wavering call had come from Mari.

It wasn’t like Mari to sound so small, so hesitant. Jackie immediately leaned closer, curiosity and gentle concern tugging at her features. “What’s the matter, honey?” she asked, her voice smoothing over into its softest register. With one hand she bent down, plucking Nat’s sippy cup off the floor before it rolled any further.

Mari squirmed in her seat, her little blankie twisted tightly between her fingers. Her eyes flicked down, shame tugging faintly at her expression. “Um… I… wet.” The admission came out barely above a whisper.

Laura Lee reacted instantly, her calm presence filling the gap before Mari could spiral into tears. She reached over, brushing the waistband of Mari’s sweatpants aside just enough to check the pull-up beneath.

“It’s okay, sweetie,” Laura Lee soothed, her voice low and reassuring. “I’ll take you to get a change once we get there, alright? It’s only a little wet, and you did such a good job by telling us.” Her hand smoothed over Mari’s thigh in a steadying rhythm, grounding her.

Mari nodded faintly, still a little solemn, but the edge of panic had ebbed. She hugged her blanket tighter to her chest as the van began to slow, the gravel crunching beneath the tires signaling their arrival.

Shauna turned the wheel, guiding the van neatly into the long driveway that cut through the fields, the sprawling farm finally coming into view. Beside them, the other car was already pulling in, dust kicking up lightly in its wake. Shauna parked, stretching her arms overhead once the van came to a stop before stepping out to circle around to Nat’s side.

Jackie, meanwhile, immediately set to work unbuckling Lottie. The brunette blinked awake sluggishly, stretching her arms upward as Jackie scooped her up. “C’mon, baby girl,” Jackie whispered against her temple. “Let’s get you changed, hm?” She hefted her securely against her hip, the weight familiar, before sliding the diaper bag over her shoulder.

Mari crawled carefully out through Nat’s side, her blanket trailing behind her, while Shauna steadied Nat and helped her hop down.

Mel, roused by Laura Lee, rubbed her eyes blearily before scooting out of the van. The moment her feet touched the gravel, she stumbled forward and barreled herself straight into Tai’s arms, letting out a tiny, distressed cry. Tai caught her easily, cooing into her hair as she rubbed soothing circles along her back, swaying them gently from side to side. Mel clung to her like she hadn’t seen her in weeks, face buried in her chest.

Jackie headed straight for the trunk, laying out the soft changing mat with one practiced motion. She laid Lottie down gently, keeping Marnie within reach, and began the process of tugging her stockings down to her ankles. The girl only fussed for a moment, the sharp intake of breath when the cool air hit her bare legs, but otherwise lay still, pacifier bobbing lazily as she held onto her deer.

The wipes were colder, drawing a startled whimper from her, but Jackie hushed her with constant murmurs and gentle pats. “Almost done, sweetheart. You’re doing so good.” Her movements were efficient but tender, cleaning her up quickly before slipping a fresh diaper beneath her. The tapes sealed with soft snaps, and Jackie smoothed the waistband flat before discarding the used one into a bag.

“There we go. All clean.” She leaned down to kiss her nose, then scooped her back up, bouncing her lightly. “Such a good girl.”

By the time Jackie rounded the van with Lottie back on her hip, Mari had reappeared from the other side, her expression lighter, calmer. Laura Lee’s hand rested protectively on her shoulder, a sure sign she’d already been changed and reassured. Jackie smiled softly to herself, it seemed, for the moment, everything was settled again.

“The actual hayride isn’t for another, like, hour and a half, so I figured maybe we can set up a little spot to eat, maybe take some naps.” Van hummed, their hand resting lazily on the bill of Mel’s backwards cap as the little girl nestled herself as close to Tai as she could, almost burrowing into her side like she was trying to hide from the wide, open air of the farm. Mel’s thumb hovered uncertainly near her mouth before Tai gently redirected it to the small teether she’d clipped to her hoodie earlier, pressing a kiss against her temple.

It was a pretty mutual agreement between them all, and the bags were picked up and carried into the grass behind the cars. The gravelly dirt lot crunched underfoot, and once they stepped off it, the grass was damp and cool from the morning dew that hadn’t yet burned off in the sunlight. Luckily, most of the people there were focused on the cows milling around by the fence, or already making their way towards the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or corn maze. The little group found themselves tucked into a quieter corner, enough to spread out and have the space to themselves without worrying about wandering eyes.

The big picnic blanket was draped across the grass, smoothing down the edges so it didn’t curl, and Jackie sat down first, tugging Lottie into her lap. The little one melted her back against her chest without hesitation, fingers finding their way to the edge of her paci before Jackie intercepted with practiced hands. She reached into one of the bags, pulling out a soft pink bib decorated with faint stars, securing the velcro gently around Lottie’s neck. “There we go,” she whispered, pressing her lips against her hairline.

“You want some help feeding her?” Tai asked softly, lowering herself down onto the blanket across from them. She stretched her long legs out to the side and leaned in, making exaggerated silly faces at Lottie until she was rewarded with a tiny coo and the faintest flutter of a smile.

“Only if you wanna,” Jackie nodded with a smile, adjusting Lottie so she was sitting sideways across her thighs. “She had a bottle already, so I’m not sure she’ll eat too much, but maybe a little.” She brushed a thumb across Lottie’s bib as if to remind her it was there.

“Mm,” Tai muttered, a small hum of acknowledgment as she started digging through the diaper bag for one of the little containers. Her fingers curled around one with a cheerful yellow lid, and she pulled it out triumphantly, a container of puréed bananas and strawberries. She tapped it against her knee lightly. “This seems like a decent portion for her.”

“Perfect,” Jackie agreed, steadying Lottie’s hand as it grabbed at the edge of her sweater.

Tai peeled the lid back with a soft snap, stirring up the mixture with the flexible silicone spoon that had been tucked alongside it. The faintly sweet scent rose up, and Lottie’s nose twitched like she recognized it. Jackie tugged the pacifier gently from her mouth, giving her lips a quick wipe with the corner of the bib. Before the little girl could fuss about it, Tai had a spoonful ready and waiting, guiding it toward her lips with careful patience.

The first spoonful was mostly successful, just a little dribble down Lottie’s chin. Jackie let out a small laugh, swiping it away with the bib. “Good girl,” she cooed warmly, leaning a little to peek at her face. “You’re doing so good for Auntie Tai, aren’t you?”

Lottie blinked up with sleepy eyes but opened her mouth again obediently, making a faint humming noise that almost sounded like contentment. Jackie smoothed her hand down her back, rocking her gently while Tai kept spooning small bites into her.

Beside them, Nat was visibly starting to unravel. She sat on the blanket cross-legged, Quinn clutched tight against her chest, eyes darting around with a frown tugging at her lips. The little pouch of applesauce Shauna held out to her was barely touched, Nat turning her head away with a whine, her pacifier dangling from the neck of her hoodie.

“C’mon, bud, just a few more sips,” Shauna coaxed, but the whines quickly pitched into frustrated little whimpers. Nat’s eyes watered, her face scrunching as she clung to Quinn like she could disappear into him. Her voice cracked when she tried to speak.

Shauna didn’t need her to, she could already tell. Nat wasn’t just fighting the applesauce; she was fighting her exhaustion, the overstimulation, the absence of her Mama. Her lip trembled before she finally gave in, collapsing forward into Shauna’s chest with a muffled sob.

“Mama…” The word was broken, nearly swallowed by the fabric of Shauna’s flannel as she buried her face against her shoulder. Her little body shook, her nose already bubbling with snot.

“Oh, buddy,” Shauna sighed softly, though not unkindly. She gathered her up into her lap, straddling her waist as if she were much smaller than she was, rocking her gently. One hand rubbed her back, the other patting her bottom through the baggy cargo pants in a steady rhythm. “I know. I’ve got you, baby.”

While Nat understood that Lottie was a baby sometimes, it didn’t help her to stop missing her Mama, to stop craving her comfort and warmth. Something about it made sense, but was so hard to understand.

Nat’s cries softened into hiccups but didn’t fully stop, her fists clutching desperately at Shauna’s shirt. Shauna reached one hand out toward the diaper bag, snapping her fingers quickly in silent request. Misty was already on it, digging out one of the bottles of milk and passing it over without hesitation.

“Thanks,” Shauna murmured quickly, before nudging Nat’s pacifier from her lips and replacing it with the bottle’s nipple. She held it steady against her mouth, rocking her again. “There we go, baby. That’s better, isn’t it?”

Nat sniffled around the teat, but her lips sealed around it, drawing the milk in with slow, shaky sucks. Her tears eased as the rhythm soothed her, and Shauna tucked Quinn securely back into her arms so she wouldn’t have to reach for him. “Atta girl,” she whispered, quieter now, her tone softened to something so rare for her it almost startled the others.

Van leaned over then, wiping at Nat’s nose with a napkin, their movements gentle even when Nat gave a small whine of protest. “Shh, all clean,” Van soothed, tucking the napkin away.

“Close your eyes, baby,” Shauna whispered, pressing her cheek against Nat’s hair. “I’m right here.”

Nat’s lashes fluttered, heavy and wet, and her little body sagged further against Shauna, the fight in her replaced by the sleepy comfort of sucking her bottle and being rocked in Shauna’s arms, the idea of missing her Mama drifting away just as she did.

Nat slept in Shauna’s arms while Jackie and Tai continued to feed Lottie, each tiny spoonful coaxed into her mouth between murmured encouragements. Lottie had started leaning back against Jackie’s chest, her legs tucked up loosely, eyelids drooping a little from the warmth of milk still in her tummy. Jackie steadied her every time she swayed, wiping her chin with the corner of her bib whenever the purée escaped. Tai grinned faintly at her, exaggerating the “mmm” noises when Lottie swallowed, which earned her a soft blink and another clumsy little reach toward the spoon.

Mel had started picking at her lunch, taking tiny bites from the corner of her sandwich, then abandoning it to peel apart the crusts like it was far more entertaining than actually eating. Beside her, Mari was much less reserved, messily shoveling chocolate pudding into her mouth with the little plastic spoon, half of it smearing onto her cheeks and chin. Laura Lee dutifully leaned over every so often with a wet wipe, catching drips before they rolled too far, her patience endless.

On the other end of the blanket, Akilah was stretched out between Laura Lee’s legs, clutching her stuffed lamb in both arms. She pressed its little fabric nose to her face, whispering nonsense words into its ear, then making it kiss the top of her own head. Every so often she looked up at Laura Lee expectantly, and Laura Lee made the lamb kiss her too, much to Akilah’s delight.

Once Lottie was finished eating, her bib spotted with little smudges of orangey-pink purée, Jackie dabbed her clean and tucked the bib away. It was only ten minutes until the actual hayride, so things were quickly packed up, containers and spoons tucked back into bags, cups checked and repacked, little blankets folded up. Each little one had their hands and faces wiped down with chilly wet wipes that earned soft whines or giggles.

Nat was still fast asleep in Shauna’s arms through all the bustle, her cheek damp against the soft plaid of Shauna’s flannel. Shauna adjusted her hold carefully, keeping her upright but snug as she carried her down the gravel trail toward the carriage, murmuring every so often, “It’s okay, bud, I’ve got you,” when Nat stirred even slightly.

Mari, meanwhile, was incredibly intrigued by the horses, eyes wide, little hands clutching her blanket as she stepped closer than Laura Lee expected. “They’re huge! Did you know their teeth never stop growing? And, and their hearts are, like, this big.” She spread her arms wide as though to show everyone. Laura Lee smiled and nodded, humouring every fact as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.

Gen, however, was almost entirely terrified of them, shrinking back the moment one of the horses huffed and shook its mane. She immediately ducked behind Misty, clutching at her jacket. “Too big,” she whispered fearfully, eyes wide. Misty crouched to her level, smoothing her hair back. “They won’t hurt you, sweetheart. Look, they’re wearing little bells, hear them?” She pointed to the harnesses, letting Gen peek out just enough to catch the soft jingle.

Lottie, on the other hand, thought they were big kitties. And Jackie only knew this because every so often, behind her soother, Lottie tried to let out a weak little “meeeeow,” her voice muffled but distinct. Jackie smothered a laugh into her shoulder.

“Those aren’t kitties, silly girl,” she whispered, but Lottie just nuzzled closer, unbothered.

When the lineup began to move, Jackie climbed up the wooden steps into the wagon, choosing a spot close enough that Lottie could see the horses clearly. Lottie perked up a little, pressing her hands against Jackie’s chest as she leaned forward, meowing again. Van leaned over from the other bench, resting their chin in their palm. “They’re horses, baby girl. They say neigh.” She even made a playful neighing sound, scrunching her nose. Lottie paused, blinked at her, then buried her face against Jackie’s hoodie, clearly unconvinced.

Mari, meanwhile, hadn’t stopped listing facts about horses the entire time the wagon was loading up with people, something about their sleeping habits, their tails, how fast they could run. “They can even sleep standing up! And their tails keep flies away! Did you know,” She went on and on, though really, only Laura Lee was actually listening with nods and “mhmm” noises of encouragement. The others let her chatter blend into the autumn air.

Only once the wagon was locked up and began to roll did Nat stir against Shauna’s chest, squirming softly. Shauna shifted her hold, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “Hi, munchkin,” she whispered warmly. “You feelin’ okay?”

Nat blinked blearily, sitting up a little in her arms. For a second she almost looked panicked, her breaths short, eyes darting around, until she spotted Lottie perched with Jackie a few seats ahead. Lottie’s brown eyes were fixed on the horses trotting along the leaf-strewn path, her soother bobbing lightly in her mouth, completely captivated by the Halloween decorations strung up along the way.

The moment Nat saw her, she exhaled a shaky little breath and sagged back into Shauna’s lap, reassured. She hated being far from Lottie, and just knowing where the girl was settled her enough to relax again. Shauna rubbed a soothing hand over her shoulder, then wrapped her arms fully around her, tucking her close.

Nat sat sideways across her lap, her head resting back against Shauna’s chest as she adjusted to being awake. Her tired eyes slowly tracked the shapes strung along the trail, paper bats dangling from the branches, plastic ghosts swaying in the breeze, pumpkins perched along the edges of the path. Shauna pressed a soft kiss to her hair and rocked her gently with the rhythm of the wagon wheels.

The blonde was rather quiet, almost docile in Shauna’s arms, and it sort of concerned the older girl. Nat wasn’t usually this subdued. Even on her sleepiest days, she still had a mischievous streak, a constant undercurrent of restlessness that came out in squirms or little jokes. But now her body was limp against Shauna’s chest, her fingers lazily twining and untwining in Quinn’s scruffy fur. Shauna felt the difference immediately, it was like holding a smaller, softer version of her who wasn’t trying to wriggle free.

When one of the horses lifted his tail and began to go potty, Shauna braced herself for the inevitable outburst. Normally, Nat would have dissolved into giggles, hiding her face in Shauna’s shoulder but peeking back out just to laugh harder, maybe even try to point it out to whoever wasn’t paying attention. Bathroom humour had always been her kryptonite, something that cut through her shy exterior every time. But this time, there was no laughter. Nat only managed a small, almost absent smile, the corners of her mouth lifting faintly as if she knew it should be funny, but couldn’t quite reach it.

Shauna’s chest tightened a little. She rubbed her thumb across Nat’s shoulder, peering down at her pale dark. “You still tired, bud?” she asked softly, voice pitched low so as not to disturb the others. Her tone was all warmth and patience, the kind she only ever saved for moments like this.

Nat didn’t answer right away. She shrugged one shoulder with the smallest of nods, her head tipping to the side to watch the stretch of the big open field roll past them. Her cheek pressed heavier against Shauna’s flannel, and her eyes had that glassy sheen of a little who hadn’t quite shaken off her sleepiness.

Shauna freed one hand, slipping it into the deep pocket of her flannel. Her fingers curled around the familiar shape of Nat’s pacifier, the one she always carried for situations just like this. “Here, baby,” she murmured, holding the paci out in front of Nat’s mouth, giving her the choice.

Nat blinked once, then leaned forward just enough to part her lips and take it between them. Her shoulders dropped a fraction, that faint tension leaving her little frame. Shauna exhaled quietly, tucking a lock of Nat’s pale hair behind her ear before wrapping her arms more snugly around her middle.

Across the wagon, Akilah’s small voice piped up, muffled as she leaned into Laura Lee’s side. “Are we gonna get punkins?” Her stuffed lamb moved against her chest as the cart wobbled along the trail, and she tilted her head up hopefully.

Laura Lee’s hand immediately smoothed up and down her back, gentle and reassuring. “Yes, honey,” she cooed warmly. “After the horsies take us back around.”

That earned a soft “oh,” from Akilah, satisfied for the moment. She hugged her lamb closer, rubbing its worn fabric ear against her knuckles.

They had originally planned to pick apples too, but most of the girls were already looking droopy-eyed and sluggish, some of them barely holding themselves upright. The “adults” had shared quiet glances, silently agreeing it could wait. There was plenty of time in the season, and right now, pumpkins seemed ambitious enough.

The air was cooling quickly as the sun began to lower itself in the sky. A soft chill threaded through the breeze, lifting hair and ruffling the loose hay that lined the wagon floor. Most of the littles didn’t seem to mind it, still caught up in the novelty of the ride, though Mel squirmed constantly. The straw beneath her was prickly and itchy, sticking to her leggings and poking at her ankles, and it made her whine. Van finally sighed, lifting her up with ease and plopping her onto their lap. “Better?” they asked, already knowing the answer. Mel tucked herself into their chest, grumbling faintly but no longer fidgeting.

Lottie, though, had begun to shiver. The small tremors of her body pressed into Jackie’s side, little fists rubbing at Marnie’s fur without much focus. Jackie noticed immediately. Without hesitation, she pulled the hood of Lottie’s brown hoodie up, the little deer ears flopping down on either side. She zipped the front all the way up to her neck, cocooning her in warmth. “There we go, baby deer,” Jackie whispered, brushing her cheek. The fuss of the zipper seemed to ground Lottie, who relaxed again, hands moving absentmindedly over Marnie’s ear as her dark eyes stayed locked on the horses up ahead.

The scenery around them was almost unbelievable, like stepping into a painting. The path wound through rolling fields lined with trees already shedding their orange and red leaves. As the sun sank lower, big strands of warm golden lights flickered to life along the fences that bordered the trail, casting everything in a soft glow. The spooky decorations hung from the branches and fences seemed to glow against the backdrop, witch hats swaying, paper bats fluttering, carved pumpkins grinning from fence posts. Off in the distance, the big farmhouse on the hill stood proud against the horizon, its white siding lit up in the dusky light. It looked like it belonged on the cover of a greeting card, the kind of thing that made the season feel real.

After about half an hour of swaying along the trail, the wagon finally creaked back to the front of the lot. A few gravel paths branched away from the landing area, each marked with a weathered wooden direction board. “Pumpkin Patch,” “Corn Maze,” “Orchard,” the arrows declared, standing tall against the hedge. Families and couples started climbing down carefully, their chatter filling the air. Boots thudded on the wooden steps as everyone dispersed toward their chosen destinations.

Shauna adjusted her grip, placing Nat gently on her feet. She immediately caught her hand, holding on firmly. She didn’t trust that quiet, docile mood. Nat had always been something of an escape artist, even when she wasn’t fully herself.

She crouched down just enough to meet Nat’s eye, brushing her thumb over the back of her hand, before just scooping her up so she could see everything. “Do you wanna pick a pumpkin, bud?” Shauna asked softly, her voice careful, coaxing. “You and Lottie can carve it up together, if you wanna.” She knew the trick, sometimes the promise of Lottie’s involvement could pull Nat out of her shell faster than anything.

And it worked. Nat’s lips pursed around her pacifier, then she gave a small but clear nod. Her hand squeezed Shauna’s tighter, the other holding Quinn securely to her side. The stuffed wolf’s worn fur brushed against her hoodie as she leaned into Shauna’s arm, ready to follow wherever she was led.

The path to the pumpkin patch curved past the horse pens and through a tall hedge, and once the group stepped out into the wide open field, it felt like autumn had swallowed them whole. The ground was scattered with bright orange pumpkins of every size, stretching out in rows that seemed endless, their stalks curling like little handles. A few families were wandering between the vines, kids laughing and tripping over dirt clumps, but there was still plenty of space for the girls to spread out.

Shauna adjusted Nat in her arms just slightly as she looked out at it all. The little blonde’s weight was heavy and limp against her, her head still tipped into her shoulder. She hadn’t wriggled or reached out yet, which told Shauna she was still in that soft, foggy space. “Look, bud,” she murmured, lowering her voice to something steady. “Wanna look?”

Nat stirred only faintly, pacifier bobbing as her eyes lifted to the rows of orange. She didn’t seem all that interested until she caught sight of Lottie a few feet ahead, her hood pulled up so the little deer ears flopped down at either side, Jackie guiding her by the hand across the uneven ground. Lottie toddled carefully, Marnie’s worn hoof clutched in one hand while Jackie kept the other tucked safely in her own.

When Lottie stopped, Jackie crouched beside her, brushing her thumb along her cheek. “What about this one, sweetheart? See how big it is?” She pointed at a squat pumpkin near their feet. Lottie tilted her head, considering, then offered a tiny, soft “mm” around her paci that was more curious than certain.

That was all Nat needed, she wriggled suddenly in Shauna’s arms, reaching out toward Lottie with an impatient little whimper. Shauna bent down immediately to let her down, but kept hold of her hand once her sneakers hit the dirt. Nat’s other hand clutched Quinn against her chest as she toddled the rest of the way, sticking herself right to Lottie’s side as if she belonged there.

“Hey, dude,” Jackie said warmly, brushing Nat’s messy hair back. “You helping us pick too?”

Nat only nodded, still sucking on her pacifier, but her eyes were fixed firmly on Lottie. She tugged gently on her sleeve until the other girl glanced her way, their eyes meeting for just a second. It was enough, Lottie’s tired little face softened, and she let Marnie flop into her lap as she crouched clumsily beside the pumpkin Jackie had pointed out. Nat followed, knees sinking into the soft dirt, her hand never leaving the edge of Lottie’s hoodie.

Jackie balanced herself on her heels, letting them both feel the pumpkin’s smooth skin. “Think this one’s good? Or should we keep looking?”

Lottie gave it a slow pat with her palm, then looked up at Jackie with a quiet shrug. She didn’t have words for it, she just knew it was round and warm from the sun, and that was nice. Nat leaned in too, brushing her tiny hand along its curve, then tucking herself closer into Lottie’s side.

Shauna hovered just behind them, arms crossed but face soft. She caught the faintest flicker of a smile on Nat’s lips, barely there but real, and it untied something tight in her chest. “Looks like they like it,” she murmured, mostly to herself.

Just a few rows over, Mari was knee deep in facts about stems and vines, rattling them off to Laura Lee with no sign of stopping. “If the stem is green, that means it’s fresher. An’ if it’s hollow when you tap it,” She knocked on one with her tiny fist. “then it’s better for carving.” Laura Lee nodded patiently, encouraging her with little acknowledging sounds and soft smiles while keeping a steadying hand on her back.

Mel, on the other hand, had plopped herself right down in the dirt and was absently knocking two small pumpkins together like they were blocks. Van crouched beside her, adjusting her backwards cap, and teased, “Hey, knucklehead, those are for decorating, not drum practice.” Mel just giggled and tried it louder, making Van laugh as they scooped her up onto their hip.

Akilah had wandered only a few steps away from Laura Lee, clutching a tiny pumpkin to her chest like it was a baby doll. She brushed her cheek against its cool surface and whispered, “This one?” Misty hovered nearby, trying to wrangle Gen, who was clinging nervously to her sleeve and casting wide eyed glances at the distant horses as if they might trot right into the patch.

But for Nat, none of that mattered. All she saw was Lottie crouched beside her, hoodie sleeves falling over her small hands, pacifier bobbing gently as she studied the pumpkin. Safe, small, and close, that was enough to make the field feel less big.

Each little had picked a pumpkin, except for Nat, who was more than happy to let Lottie choose so they could do it together. Lottie’s pick could have the most ugliest pumpkin in the whole patch and Nat wouldn’t have cared. She was simply happy to be near her, to let her choose, her small hand resting on Quinn as she watched Lottie’s sleepy brown eyes examine the pumpkin she had chosen. The usual flutter of worry about Mama had melted away, replaced by a soft, steady comfort in Lottie’s presence.

The group made their way to the checkout line, pumpkins in hand. It had grown surprisingly long with families, but the littles were in good spirits, Mari chatting nonstop about which pumpkins would carve the best faces, Akilah clutching hers like a prized doll, and Gen peeking nervously out from Misty’s side, hesitant but curious. Mel fussed slightly at the wait, prompting Van to lift her up onto their hip and soothe her with gentle rocking.

Once they had paid, the adults efficiently loaded the pumpkins into the van trunks, doing quick diaper checks and changes, and adjustments before buckling the littles in. Nat and Lottie were placed in their same seats in the van, each with their small blankets and comfort objects. Lottie sat with Marnie tucked in her lap, hoodie ears flopped forward, paci bobbing softly, while Nat sat nearby, Quinn clutched to her chest and pacifier in place, her fingers occasionally brushing along the edge of her blanket.

As the van began to roll out of the parking lot, Mari, Mel, and Gen each fast asleep, squished up beside Laura Lee, since Gen had insisted on being with Mel for the drive home, Nat reached out, her tiny hand brushing against Lottie’s across the little gap between the van seats. Lottie looked down, sleepy brown eyes meeting Nat’s pale ones, and softly took her fingers in hers. She curled her little fingers around Nat’s until her hand warmed and settled snugly. Nat gave a tiny, contented hum, leaning just slightly toward her, their closeness forming an unspoken rhythm of comfort even across the slight space of the two seats.

Jackie turned in her seat to admire them. “Aren’t you two just the sweetest?” she cooed, her voice soft and warm. Lottie’s head ducked bashfully, her paci bobbing gently, but she refused to let go of Nat’s hand. Shauna, sitting beside Jackie while she drove, smiled quietly as she took a glance at the littles in the mirror, noting the tiny but powerful bond between the two littles. Even regressed and separate, they found solace in one another.

Nat’s eyes drifted over to Lottie, her thumb brushing along Quinn, and she felt it fully, Lottie wasn’t just her comfort or her friend. She was her absolute best friend in littlespace, and the love of her life outside of it, the one person who understood her so completely, even when she was too small to make sense of most things. That truth filled her chest with warmth, steady and unshakable, as she leaned slightly toward Lottie, holding her hand tightly.

Behind them, the van was quiet except for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional shuffle of blankets. In the other car, Akilah had relaxed against Misty’s shoulder, drifting into a light sleep. The older one hummed softly and rubbed her back. Tai monitored the road ahead while gently reassuring Van, who began to feel tired, and was probably on the verge of slipping, themself.

Back in Shauna’s van, Nat’s eyes began to droop, the rhythm of the ride lulling her into sleep. Lottie, still clutching Marnie, gave a tiny yawn and shifted to make herself more comfortable in her seat, wrapping one arm lightly around her stuffed deer. Nat rested her head just above her seatbelt, keeping a finger entwined in Lottie’s. Their pacifiers bobbed in tandem, and Jackie quietly hummed to herself, watching the soft rise and fall of their chests.

Nat loved these moments, these small, quiet spaces with Lottie where everything else faded away. Even when they weren’t physically side by side, the connection was tangible. She felt safe, understood, and loved, and that alone anchored her through the haze of littlespace. Lottie, in turn, gave just enough of herself, small touches, sleepy looks, the quiet hum of contentment, to let Nat know she was there.

Jackie whispered softly, glancing at Shauna. “Looks like bedtime’s going to be easy tonight.” Shauna nodded, eyes following Nat’s peaceful little expressions and Lottie’s gentle reassurance, both still holding hands despite the slight gap between their seats. The soft hum of the van on the road, the faint scent of pumpkin from the day’s outing, and the quiet warmth of the littles’ bond created a serenity that neither adult had expected to feel so fully.

Nat and Lottie, each in their own seat but still reaching for one another in little gestures of comfort, drifted deeper into the calm of the ride home. Their fingers stayed entwined, pacifiers in place, Marnie and Quinn nestled close, and the soft rise and fall of their breathing became the rhythm of the van itself. Outside, the world rolled by in gentle motion, but inside, everything was still, safe, and perfectly quiet.

The day had been long, full of sunlight, laughter, and little adventures, but it had ended in this perfect, quiet closeness, Nat and Lottie tethered together even when apart, and the adults around them smiling softly at the simplicity and completeness of it all.

This is kind of rushedddd and all over the place, so ignore any errors… Enjoy some baby Lottie, some baby Nat missing her Mama, and Caregiver Jackie & Shauna! :P

polyjacketpockets

day two: fall outing

tags: caregiver shauna, agere jackie taylor, jackieshauna, canon typical jackieshauna messy feelings, comphet, hints of autism, angst, hurt/comfort

description: jackieshauna's annual pumpkin patch plans don't go quite as expected...

word count: 700

unifoal-archive-deactivated2026

little jackets day 1 - “what sparks their regression?”

featuring : little nat, 420 reg, pre-crash. i haven’t written fanfiction in ages so apologies if this sucks!!! i also don’t smoke so this may be inaccurate (;-_-). not proofread

happy littlejackets week!! 🐝💙

#yellowjackets agere #yj agere #littlejacketsweek2025

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