Published: November 3rd 2022, 7:56:04 am
Ben was so caught up in playing, that before he knew it, it was getting dark. Once again, he was led back to the starry nursery where he got to sleep in a crib cuddled by his big soft and fluffy friends, and of course cuddling his own little bear, Mr. Stuffles. He must have really wore himself out too, because he fell asleep while he was getting changed for bed, and only half-woke up as he nursed on a warm bottle of friendship formula.
When he woke up, he once again forgot where he was.
"Oh, man.. This bed is so comfy... but when did I get a fur blanket? Hold on... Whoa!"
Ben sat up and rubbed his eyes, wiping a bit of drool off his cheek as he saw a fallen pacifier dangling from a string attached to his fuzzy fleece sleeper.
He sat up with a loud crinkle, and was next aware of how thick and swollen his diaper was between his legs. The bulge was quite obvious under his adorable pajamas.
"Wha? Why the heck is..." Suddenly the big furry form that was next to him stirred and with a loud snort stopped snoring.
"Oh! He's awake! Yaawwwwwnnn!" Sleepy bear sat up and stretched, rubbing his eyes. "Hey, there, sleepyhead."
"Sleepy bear... what time is it?"
"I dunno," said sleepy bear. "That's more of an Earth thing. We bears don't really measure time."
"That's weird," said Ben. "The game always told me the time right away when I asked..."
"There's a lot that's changed since those days," giggled Sleepy Bear.
"Those days? That was yesterday," said Ben.
"In your time maybe," giggled sleepy bear, before placing a big warm paw on the front of Ben's sleeper. "Speaking of time... I think it's time for somebody to get a diaper change!"
"No, I don't need that," said Ben, blushing deeply. Sleepy bear, however, pulled him into a big bear hug.
"Well, then, you better just give me some sleepy snuggles and I might just let you hit snooze..."
"I thought you didn't keep time!" protested Ben, who ended up giving up and letting Sleepy Bear snuggle him. Despite himself, he really enjoyed the physical contact, and he smiles, feeling warm inside. The icon on Sleepy Bear's chest glowed as well, and he smiled, a twinkle in his eye. "That's more than enough energy for the day's operations. We can expand plenty with that energy. Thank you Ben."
"You're welcome?" Ben replied. "What did I-"
He was interrupted by the click of the crib rails as the crib rails slid open - sideways now, not dropping, for greater safety. He wriggled around in Sleepy Bear's grip to see Cheer Bear and Baby Bear reaching in for him.
"Here ya go, guys," said Sleepy Bear, handing Ben into the open paws of his friends.
"Off we go to change the baby!" giggled Baby Bear.
"That's the way!" said Cheer Bear, giving Ben a little nuzzle and kiss. Once Ben was over his giggles, he was ready to tell them he wasn't a baby, but not until after they were done with his change.
"Yessir. Let's see what we can dress you up in today," said Cheer bear as zipped off Ben's sleeper and tossed it into the Happy Hamper.
"Ooh! I know! I know!" said Baby bear, raising his hand. "Let's put him in a cloth diaper today! I think side-tie is so classic!"
"Hehe, side tie it is!" said Cheer Bear, pulling a stack of flat birdseye cloth diapers and folding them, like magic, into a nice thick diaper to tie around Ben's waist. Ben was astonished at the transformation, too busy admiring Cheer Bear's handiwork to remember that it was going on him until he was changed into it.
Now that he was changed into his diaper, Ben thought it was a good time to let them know that he was definitely not a baby.
"This one's pretty cute," said Cheer bear, holding up a shirt as he spoke to Baby Bear.
"But what about something that represents Ben? Wouldn't it be cute if he had something with his own belly patch?"
Ben tried to interject, but to no avail. "Um, guys? Guys!"
"Well, that would really have to go to committee, unless he manifests one of his own... can humans even-"
"Wahhh! Ben said, finally resorting to the most babyish plea for attention, but also the most effective.
"Huh? What's wrong?" asked Sleepy bear, walking up to the trio and rubbing his eyes.
"I dunno, maybe he's hungies," said Baby bear, looking at Ben with sympathy.
"Um, well, yeah, actually," said Ben, "But I also had something important to say."
"Oh yeah?" asked Cheer Bear. "What is it, buddy?"
With the three bears staring intently at him for his answer, Ben felt silly. He stirred uncomfortably before looking down and muttering out, "I'm not a baby."