"Leah!"
Leah squawked as Tonya ripped her from the bar into an all consuming embrace; to her surprise, there wasn't a hint of anger or confusion in her friend's voice, just joy---joy at seeing her. That earlier guilt from ghosting her came biting back. She patted Tonya's back, beaming widely with tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry for ghosting you. I was going through some shit."
Tonya laughed, then coughed, pulling back and subconsciously adjusting Leah onto her hip.
"God you stink!"
"Yeah, that tends to happen when you mess yourself. And before you ask, yes, I do need diapers now."
Tonya's look of joy finally mixes with confusion.
"God, what happened to you since we last spoke?! I thought you just didn't want to be around me anymore!"
Leah feels embarrassed for the first time since her transition, and it had nothing to do with being a toddler, just being a bad friend.
"I...didn't for a while. But it's not your fault, it was mine! I didn't want you to see how much of a baby I'd become."
Tonya furrowed her brows in confusion, finally looking at her outfit.
"Wha- what do you mean by that? Why are you-"
"Remember your brother's birthday?"
"Um, yeah? You weren't there though."
"I was there. You saw me. I was waiting for you to finish up in the bathroom, and shit myself since you take so god damn long. Like, girl, what are you doing in there?"
Tonya's eyes widen, flatten, and blink in rapid confusion.
"Wait, that's- you were-...holy shit that was you. Oh my god, Leah, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to treat you that way! I thought- oh god, no wonder you avoided me!"
Leah actually laughed; only Tonya would jump to conclusions like that, immediately taking the blame in a situation she had no control in.
"Tonya, relax, I'm good now! It was really shitty of me to cut you off like that, and I have no excuse."
"But...I don't understand. Do you just like dressing up and acting like a toddler? Cause fuck, you are doing a phenomenal job! I was about to report you or something, jeez."
Leah shrugged, a little miffed that Tonya hit the nail on the head.
"I just...feel a lot more confident like this. I can't explain it, but it's like I'm a different person when I dress like this, one who doesn't hate herself."
"Oh Leah." Tonya said sympathetically, not a hint of judgement on her face.
"So...come on, this is weird, right? You can't see me like this and think it's not weird."
Tonya smiled despite her tears.
"Honestly, it suits you. You're an adorable toddler." She wrinkles her nose, "And a stinky one. Please tell me you know how to change yourself."
"I do." Leah answers before smiling mischievously, "I just don't like to."
Tonya's eyebrows raise in mild discomfort, and Leah laughs.
"My Aunt's here to change me, don't worry."
"Oh, no, sorry...I mean, if you wanted me to give you a change, I could."
"Wait, really?" Leah laughed in disbelief, and when Tonya didn't laugh back she went quiet.
"Yes, really. I do it often, and it's clear you need a change." Tonya smiled while bopping Leah on the nose, making Leah just a bit flustered. Did everyone secretly want Leah to be like this?
"I mean...if you want. I won't object."
The two made their way down the jungle gym and towards Rita, where the older woman (though surprised) allowed Tonya to use the changing supplies. Leah was set down, and her best friend got to work.
"So you want to stay like this? A toddler?" Tonya asked as she removed the diaper. Leah was still trying to accept the reality that her best friend is currently changing her diaper, almost not acknowledging the question.
"Oh, um, yeah."
"What's your plan, if you have one?"
"Well, I was hoping I could get into Tina's daycare while also doing my school work, just so I wouldn't stand out."
"That's...an interesting conclusion." Tonya tried to keep judgement out of her voice, but it's clear she thought the idea insane.
"Yeah, it's...not the best plan. I don't even know if I want to be around other toddlers. They aren't much for conversation, and are usually more potty trained than me."
Tonya burst into a snorting laughter, absolutely not prepared for the causal admission.
"You're not potty trained?"
"Eh, I am, it's just not sticking. You know me, Tonya, I've always had issues."
"Sure, sure. Well, would you hear me out on a plan?" Tonya asked, lightly peppering baby powder. Leah raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"If you're offering one, then shoot."
Tonya finished tapping the new diaper on, throwing the used diaper away with a dust of her hands.
"Well..."