Authors note: While this story is set in the Bluey universe it isn’t really intended to be a fanfic. While Bluey canon is followed for the most part there may be some artistic liberties taken to fit the story.
Chapter 1: Surprises
In the few years Cuties Inc had existed the company had grown slowly but steadily. The company focused on fashions for babies and toddlers and as their name implied all their products were exceptionally cute. Featuring clothing for all occasions, including under garments like cloth diapers and socks, to accessories like backpacks and hair pins - they made everything a parent needed to outfit their little cubs. Even those who most wouldn’t consider toddlers anymore as their outfit had sizes to fit up to 10 year olds.
However, their product lines did have one unique exception that set them apart from other apparel corporations – rare was any product resembling pants. The central theme of the company’s philosophy, besides cuteness, was making childcare easy and efficient for busy parents. As such their vision was a throwback to previous fashion eras when dresses and skirts were normal attire for diapered cubs regardless of gender. Only the few shorts from their Little Explorers line were the most male looking clothing they currently offered, and even those had snaps that could be undone to open like skirts. Cuteness paired with practicality was their aim.
The previous month the company’s executives had surprised their staff with an announcement. Select employees, many of which were among the company’s top performers, were invited to a weeklong conference in Brisbane, Australia. Being a relatively small company, this group represented about a third of the employees.
Company conferences weren’t unusual but international travel to attend in person was. As an international company with offices on two continents and distribution centers on four, in person conferences were rarely cost effective. Never had one been held where they did not have a physical office, and there currently was no presence in Australia.
But the surprise of holding the conference was minor compared to the major announcement it started with. Cuties Inc was opening an office here in Brisbane. The employees in attendance were being offered the option to transfer here for minimum of one year to help launch their Australian operations. It was quite a surprising move for the small company. Business had been steadily growing but none expected such a large expansion so soon. The details of the opportunity were explained, and everyone who accepted was given the rest of the week off to make the necessary arrangements for relocation.
Seven the grizzly bear had traveled here from the Canadian head office. Her brown fur and pleasant plumpness was typical of her species. Preferring to wear her hair in pigtails and dressing in cute and colorful outfits she fitted in well with the clientele. What earned her this opportunity was her expertise in scheduling and logistics. It had kept the company’s Canadian division running smoothly from the moment she took over those operations.
Peggy was a dog that had been working in the head office in France. She was a bit short and chubby for her breed but it looked good on her. Her chocolate brown fur and floppy ears were complemented by her long purple hair. Her bright attitude and the fact she dressed in some of the companies “Adult Casual” lines, designed so parent and child could match, had made her one of Cuties Inc’s sales leaders.
Both employees had heard of each other from company news but neither had met before the now. They got to chatting about how work was in their home countries and about their families, learning they both had travelled to Australia with a cub. Both ladies decided to accept the opportunity to help start up the Australian office, and they made plans to prepare for relocation together - starting with a shopping trip tomorrow with their cubs.
The two moms met the next day at a major mall.
“Hi Peggy” Seven said greeting her colleague. A little bear was bashfully hugging her leg, half hiding behind it. Spotting Peggy’s little wolf pup doing the same she said “I see we both have a shy little princesses. This little bear is Snow. Snow be polite and say hi”. The little bear raised a paw and gave a timid wave to the two canines.
Peggy giggled “Actually I have two little princesses, and like yours neither is out of nappies yet. This one is Loupy. My daughter Fiona will be arriving in a few days with my husband”. She nudged her little one forward and like Snow the wolf pup just waved them a timid hello.
They spent the morning browsing the shops and ordering things they needed for their stay in Australia. The newness of the strange stores kept the cubs interested for a while, and a few of the bigger stores had play areas to keep them entertained while their mommies shopped. The language differences also led to some funny little moments that had everyone smiling. But as cubs do they eventually became bored of being dragged from shop to shop and began to pout. Once they started to get cranky the adults knew it was time to give them a break. Conveniently it was also time for lunch so they headed for the food court.
Having so many foods to choose from, some familiar and some strange, the two cubs took a while to decide what to eat. And while they chose different meals they both preferred their baby bottles to cups with straws, and asked their mommies to put their drinks in them. A small common connection that was another step toward them bonding as friends.
As they finished their meals Peggy gave the air a sniff. “Uh oh I think someone is overdue for a change”.
The little wolf blushed hearing mommy say it out loud and shifted in the booster seat.
“I thought it was mine” said Seven, causing Snow to blush too.
The two moms checked their cubs diapers and almost in unison said “yup its mine”, then giggled that they were both right. They each took their cubs paw and led them to the bathrooms.
As their parents lead them both cubs had the same thought – I had a chance to have a friend but now they will learn my secret and won’t like me.
The mothers laid them side by side on the changing tables. Both cubs were stripped so their clothes wouldn’t get dirty and the safety belt was fastened over them in case of too much wriggling.
“My little bear has had problems with potty training. We have tried occasionally but he’s just not ready yet”. Snow squirmed feeling a little embarrassed to hear Mama tell their new friends that. Noticing her cub’s reaction Seven patted Snow’s head reassuringly, “Don’t worry, you’ll learn when you are ready. What about yours?”
“Our cubs need diapers for different reasons. Loupy here has some mental issues controlling his bladder, stress is an especially strong trigger for my little wolfs incontinence. Fiona’s problem however is physical. Something damaged her bladder causing her incontinence. It happened before she arrived at the orphanage and they didn’t have records for the cause. Not that it would make us love you any less”, she added and bent over to give Loupy’s forehead a kiss.
When Peggy unbuttoned Loupy’s diaper Seven giggled. “So Loupy is a boy, to be honest he’s so cute in that dress I wasn’t sure.”
The little wolf was so embarrassed he covered his eyes in hopes he could make himself invisible.
“Oh yes, I love how he looks in them and it makes diaper checks and changes so much easier” Peggy replied.
“Aww don’t be so shy, you’re not the only boy that looks good in pretty dresses” said Seven. “We wouldn’t be two of Cuties Inc best performers if we didn’t use the products on our own cubs”.
Did that mean Snow was also a boy? The little wolf wanted to know but was still too embarrassed to uncover his eyes.
“The mismatched socks is an interesting choice, did he pick them himself?” Peggy asked.
“Oh yes, I usually let him choose which to wear. But somedays, like today, he just can’t choose one pair” Seven said with a giggle. “My little bear loves sockies. I need to keep the laundry basket out of reach or all the socks will disappear”.
Beside him Snow blushed bashfully. Without access to his pacifier he began to noisily suck his thumb for comfort. Another boy like me Snow thought, maybe we will be friends after all.
Chapter 2: The New School
A few weeks later the two families had settled into their temporary Australian homes. The two families had been so busy getting settled in that the cubs had not seen each other since that trip to the mall. But today they would be sharing their first day at their new school.
When Seven and Snow arrived they found Peggy and Loupy already waiting outside the school. As they approached them Seven called out a greeting and the two canines turned to look in their direction.
One look at the wolf and Snow could tell Loupy was just as nervous as himself. It would be hard starting in a new class at a new school so late in the year. Both cubs were missing the few friends they had made back home and worried they wouldn’t make any friends here – especially with how different they dressed from other boys.
Even though his mommy had repeatedly assured him he wouldn’t be the only boy not wearing pants Loupy was still relieved when he saw Snow was dressed like him. He recognized the purple bear themed skirtall and fox backpack Snow was wearing from the same catalog as the pink flower skirtall and ladybug backpack he was wearing. The little wolf pup blushed seeing how much of Snow’s diaper peaked out from under the skirtall and knew his would as well. His mommy had explained it was intended so parents would know when a cub needed a change, but a good reason didn’t make it less embarrassing! She always said the intent wasn’t to make him look like a girl, but he wondered if that was the case why make him wear the matching hair bows?
Snow was likewise relieved to see Loupy was dressed like him. He was nervous about his new school and meeting his new teacher and the other cubs. Having at least one cub he already knew would make it a little easier.
Their parents knew adapting to a new school in a new country would be difficult for any cub, but especially for ones that would dress differently from their classmates. So they had researched the local schools and picked one with a reputation for being open-minded and offering lots of acceptance for people with differences. The teaching methods used here focused on developing skills by encouraging imagination and creativity, instead of the repetition used in traditional schools. Their focus on autonomy and individuality appealed to Peggy and Seven for their cubs, who’s special needs benefited from the reduced pressure compared to traditional schools.
Snow looked worriedly at the building, while Glasshouse Primary School looked nice it was still scary. “Mama, why do I have to go here? This school is for big kids.”
“I wouldn’t call Glasshouse a big kid school but I guess the cubs here might seem big to you. I already told you the Kindy is doesn’t have space for any more cubs this year. We were lucky this school could take you, but you won’t be here long. There’s only two weeks left before schools close for summer vacation. Next year you will be enrolled here like Loupy, but for now you will join Loupy and his sister here”.
At the mention of Loupy’s sister Snow looked around for a second puppy. “Where is Fiona?”
He knew she had come over with her father Tyler and some of the larger items that had been shipped from their home, but Snow had not met her or Tyler yet. Loupy’s older sister was supposed to be here but was nowhere to be seen.
Unlike Snow, Loupy and Fiona had both been adopted. The cubs had been living at an orphanage in France. While Peggy and her husband lived in Canada, she worked periodically out of the France office. Cuties Inc had run a fundraiser there to donate clothes to the orphanage, that’s when she had met and fallen in love with the two cubs. They had adopted them both and brought them back to Canada.
Peggy and Loupy had traveled here from France, but only because Peggy had been working there the previous month and had taken him along. Now that Peggy would be working at least a year away from home Tyler and Fiona had come as well so they could be together as a family.
“Her teacher already came to get her” Loupy mumbled nervously. He knew their teacher would soon come for them and then they would be away from their mommy’s and surrounded by strangers. Just the thought of it made him wet a little.
As if summoned by his words the door opened and a lady walked out. “Hello Seven, Peggy” an Australian Shepherd dog said, “So nice to see you again. These precious little cubs must be Loupy and Snow. I bet I can guess which is which by their names” she said with a giggle.
Both cubs reflexively clung to their mama’s legs, peeking out from behind them at the new adult.
“Oh my, they’re quite shy” she said and bent down on one knee to get to their level. “My name is Calypso and I’ll be your teacher.” She held out a paw to each of them “shall we go inside? The other cubs are excited to meet you”.
Snow hesitated for a moment, then gave his mama’s leg a tight hug and said “bye Mama”, before letting go and taking Calypso’s paw. Loupy did the same and Calypso stood up to lead them inside. Before they left both mommy’s gave their cub a kiss and told them they would be back to pick them up after work.
Calypso led the boys inside the school and to their classroom. All the other cubs were waiting for them, seated in rows on the floor. A big banner they had painted welcoming them hung on the wall. She led them in front of the cubs, “Class this little wolf is Loupy, and this little bear is Snow”.
The two just stood there shyly squirming while the other cubs called out hellos and welcomes, both of them very nervous at being the center of attention.
A beagle girl in the front row shouted “yay more girls!” which made Loupy and Snow blush brightly.
“No Honey, Loupy and Snow are boys” Calypso corrected.
A wave of confusion and whispering rippled through the cubs.
“But they’re dressed like girls!” exclaimed a confused looking dachshund. “Why are they wearing nappies? We aren’t in nappies” added a border collie.
This was too much for the little wolf and they tried to hide behind Snow. Snow was also embarrassed but tried to hide his friend as he moved behind the teacher to get some cover himself.
“Snickers, Mackenzie! You’re not making them feel very welcome. Everyone settle down. What they wear doesn’t matter and that includes the nappies. It’s just how their mommies’ dress them.”
Most of the cubs still looked a little confused, but not the blue heeler pup in the front row. She just wagged her tail happily as she looked at her new classmates.
“Why don’t you two introduce yourselves?
The two cubs shyly mumbled a bit about themselves, their family and the countries they had come from. The other cubs seemed very interested in them. Snow got very shy with so much attention on him, especially as he started to notice he was the only bear here. Everyone else seemed to be a dog, and even Loupy being a wolf was more similar to them. Snow started feel like he didn’t belong and wondered if any of them would want to be his friend.
Bluey raised her hand to get the teachers attention.
“Yes Bluey?” Calypso asked.
“May I be Snow and Loupy’s buddy and show them the class?” she asked.
“Thank you Bluey. Now that’s how to make cubs feel welcome” Calypso replied, and pated Snow and Loupy on the back to encourage them stop hiding behind her join the class. “Alright everyone 15 minutes free play”.
The cubs all scattered to play. A trio of terrier pups started building a fort, some others pretend to open shops, and some played alone.
Bluey showed Loupy and Snow the classroom – the carpet where they sat for story time, different kinds of play areas, and where to find books, toys and art supplies. Finally she brought them to the coat room where their cubbies would be to store their backpacks.
Loupy and Snow each found a cubby that had their name and put away their bags.
“What’s in there” Loupy asked pointing to the doorway on the other side of the room.
“That’s the classroom for the older cubs” Bluey replied, “their cubbies are over there”.
Loupy looked at the other wall of cubbies. Sure enough he saw a familiar backpack in a cubie labeled Fiona, with the distinct outline of a diaper in it. He was going to peek in the other classroom to see if he could spot his sister when they heard Calypso calling everyone to come for story time.
They went with Bluey back to their classroom and joined the rest of the cubs sitting on the circular carpet. After the story the cubs were given paper and crayons to draw their favorite part from the story.
When he was almost done Loupy remembered he had brought some crayons with glitter in them, they would be perfect to finish his picture with. He got up and went to the coat room to get them from his bag, but as he got close to the doorway he heard giggles and whispers from inside.
“My brother wears them too. Go on Willie take a look.”
That was Fiona’s voice, he peaked in and saw his sister with an older cub he didn’t know.
“They are even pink” he heard a boy say while giggling.
That’s when Loupy saw the dalmatian boy Fiona was talking to, he had Loupy’s backpack and was holding up one of his diapers.
“Most people wouldn’t know my little brother is a boy if not told, he makes such a cute little girl” he heard his sister say.
The little wolfs face became beet red in embarrassment. As he rushed in, “Fiona what are you doing and why does he have my bag”.
“Oh don’t be so fussy little brother, I was just proving to Willie I’m not the only padded butt at this school.”
“But I don’t want people to know!” Loupy pouted.
“Loupy, you know our skirts don’t hide them, everyone knows as soon as they see us”.
The little wolf just stood there stunned not knowing what to do.
Feeling a little bad at embarrassing the younger cub Willie said “Your sister is right, you do make a cute girl”. He had intended it to be a compliment not a tease, but when he saw tears well up in Loupy’s eyes he realized it was a mistake.
Loupy rushed to him and snatched his diaper and backpack from the boy, then ran back toward his classroom still crying.
“Lets get out of here” Willie told Fiona. The pup was no stranger to corner time and hoped they wouldn’t get in trouble for this. Another note from the teacher would mean going over his father lap for a spanking. The two older cubs rushed back to their own classroom.
Meanwhile Snow and Bluey had been starting to wonder why Loupy was taking so long when they saw him run out of the coat room and dart out the doorway to the recess yard.
“Where is he going? We can’t go outside without Miss Calypso, Loupy will get in trouble. Keep her distracted while bring him back”, Bluey said going after him.
Bluey quietly slipped out the door and saw the cub crying by a bench. In his rush more of his bag had unzipped and several nappies had fallen out. She collected them on the way to him.
“Loupy what’s wrong? We have to go back inside. We can’t be outside without Calypso, we’ll get in trouble.
“Why do I have to go here instead of preschool, no one else here wears diapers!” he sobbed.
“You’re not alone, Snow wears them too. It’s OK to wear nappies; you’re just a little cub”
“Nappies?” he asked confused.
“She giggled, “that’s what most people call them here. Let get these back in your bag and go inside before anyone notices we are missing”.
The pair started back to the classroom door.
“Is it really OK I wear dia..nappies here?” Loupy ask shyly.
“Yes” Bluey replied “In fact later we can play a game where they will help.”
The wolf pup wasn’t sure he liked the sound of that but was too shy to ask what she meant. Luckily, they were able to slip inside and get back to their table without being noticed.
A very frazzled Snow returned to their table. “What took so long? I had to ask Calypso a billion questions to keep her distracted!” Loupy suspected a lot of those questions were sock related, a topic Snow was fascinated with. He wondered if Snow had been prodding her about the lost and found of the school. The bear had mentioned something strange about wondering if there were lonely socks there that needed a loving home.
After lunch it was time for Imagination Play. Calypso encouraged Loupy and Snow to try playing separately so they would get acquainted with other classmates faster.
Snow was asked by a poodle named Coco to play with her. She was setting up a doctor’s office and needed a patient.
Meanwhile Loupy stayed with Bluey, who convinced the border collie named Mackenzie to play with them. It seemed Bluey wanted to play a game called Mum’s and Dad’s
At the dress-up box she took a hat for herself and handed Mackenzie a tie. “I’ll be the Mum and Mackenzie will be the Dad” she said as they put them on.
“So what am I?” said Loupy looking for something interesting to wear in the dress-up box.
“The baby silly, we can’t be Mums and Dads if there is no baby!” she giggled.
“But I don’t want to be a baby” Loupy pouted.
“But you’re perfect for it because of your nappies” Mackenzie replied. It was true but the pup was also glad not have to be Bluey’s baby for once.
“I see you have Princess stitched in your clothes, how come? Bluey asked getting a bowl and spoon from the toy shelf.
“Huff … my Mommy sometimes calls me that”
“Then we will call you Princess too” she added sitting their baby on a pillow and starting to pretend feed him.
Loupy squirmed and blushed in embarrassment. He didn’t want to be the baby and certainly not a girl, but as far as the game went it was hard to argue he didn’t fit the part. As his two play parents doated on him he didn’t realize he was wetting from the embarrassment.
After feeding her baby Bluey pretended to put Loupy down for a nap. After having him laydown Bluey patted the wolfs nappy “Nappy check, is someone stinky?” but her giggle became surprise when she felt a squish.
That was when Loupy realized he needed a change. The embarrassment was too much and his eyes filled with tears.
Mackenzie froze, uncertain what to do. But Bluey helped Loupy up and hugged him. “It’s OK don’t cry, Calypso will fix it”. She took Loupy’s hand and led him to the teacher.
Things were going better for Snow, at least to start. Unlike Loupy’s pouting and minor protests Snow was following Coco’s lead without question, due to her enthusiasm and the bear nature to obey. She soon had Snow sitting on bench as she asked him questions and pretended to do tests. After listening to his chest with a cup they pretended was a stethoscope, she pronounced him heathy.
Snow was happy about that. Playing with Coco had been fun but he wanted to get back to his friend Loupy. “So I can go Doctor?” he asked.
“Yes, right after your shot” Coco replied, holding a crayon like a syringe.
“Shot!” the bear yelped. Snow was terrified of needles and even though it was just a crayon he wet himself in fear and recoiled so suddenly he fell off the bench.
Coco dropped the crayon and rushed to him “Snow are you OK?” she asked helping him up. That’s when she noticed some of the bear’s nappy was darker than the rest. “Snow I think you need a nappy change”.
Snow sat up, and when he felt his diaper squish he blushed knowing she was right.
She took his hand to help him up, “It’s OK, let’s tell Calypso”.
Both Bluey with Loupy in tow and Coco leading Snow arrived at Calypso together. Almost in unison the two girls announced the boys needed a change.
“Yes I can see that. Thank you girls, you go back to play while I take these two to the nurse’s office.”
The Terriers who were playing in their castle were close enough to hear this began giggling. Calypso looked toward them and said “Boys that’s not nice, they can’t help it”.
“Not very chivalrous behavior for knights” pouted Loupy.
The three pups looked embarrassed. “Sorry we giggled Loupy, sorry Snow. Queen Calypso may your royal knights redeem themselves by escorting the princesses to the nurse?”
Loupy blushed to hear his nickname used that way. Snow also blushed to hear the term used for him too. The bear tried to tug his skirtall down to hide his diaper which just showed off more of it in the rear.
“Thank you boys but no. You just continue defending the castle” she said to the trio of terriers. “I’ll show them the way this time” She said holding out her paws to the blushing cubs. Loupy and Snow each took a paw and she began leading them away.
“We’ll play again when you get back” Bluey and Coco called out to them as they left the room.
Calypso led them to collect their backpacks from the cloakroom so they had their spare diapers, and then down the hall to a door with a red plus sign.
“OK boys, from now on when you need a change let me know. Then you can come here to get a change. Hopefully, most of the time, the other cubs won’t notice you slipping away. Now in you go so Nurse Molly can change you. I’ll wait here to take you back once you’re done”.
For a nurse at a big kids school Molly was very good at changing diapers, and soon both cubs were dry and being led back to class.
The two did their best the rest of the day to try and understand some of the lessons. Calypso let them try but if it was too difficult she was ready with lessons and activities appropriate for them.
Chapter 3: Take your Cub to Work Day
By the end of the first week the cubs were adjusting well to their new school. But their second week started with a change – it was Take Your Cub to Work Day.
Unlike Snow, Loupy and Fiona were a bit confused. Take Your Cub to Work Day wasn’t a practice in France and they hadn’t yet experienced it during their time in Canada. Even Snow knew little about what to expect, having only heard older cubs talking about it but never experiencing It himself. But to all three cubs it sounded like quite an interesting experience to see what their parents do at work.
Both Loupy and Fiona had hoped to go with their father to his job at a department store, expecting they could run around the store, eat snacks, and use their puppy-eyes to beg for toys. But it wasn’t going to be. One had to go with their mom, and they expected the day would be full of her coworkers awing at them and calling them cute, taking pictures, and offering to check their diapers. Loupy as the shyer of the two siblings was even more bashful thinking of all those strangers, so he feared going with mommy more. To make the result fair their parents had decided to make it a flip of a coin. Fiona being older got to call it and picked heads. Daddy flipped the coin into the air and the two nervous cubs watched it flip over and over then drop and reveal its result.
Snow was shyly hugging his mama’s leg while she talked to the receptionist in Cuties Inc’s lobby. He was watching all the strangers walk by and tried to hide behind Mama’s legs if they waved and coo’ed at him.
Finally he saw some familiar faces as the front doors opened and Peggy walked in leading a very pouty-looking Loupy. Snow was happy to see his best friend would be here, especially since he was also dressed in their usual school outfits. Snow had feared he would be the only cub dressed in the company’s clothes and subconsciously pulled down the front of his skirtall, as he often did when nervous.
Loupy was trying to hide more and more behind Peggy’s leg as he saw how many strangers were in the lobby of the building. The building itself was a simple office building in which Cuties Inc was renting a floor. Only a dozen people from the company worked in the office fulltime so far, most of them in production and design.
As Peggy and Loupy reached the reception desk Seven finished talking with the guard.
“Hi Peggy. Hello Loupy” she said and Snow waved a bashful hello. “I already signed in Snow and Loupy, here is a visitors badge for him” she said handing one to Peggy. She clipped the other to the bib pocket of Snow’s skirtalls and Peggy did the same for Loupy.
The two mommies took their cubs by the hand and headed to the elevators. They had to wait a few minutes and a crowd formed waiting to go up. Finally they got inside and the door closed.
As the elevator stared to rise a male bull in a black suit spoke to them, “Are you two here to help your mommies today?”
The two cubs hugged to their mommies’ legs but blushed and nodded.
“What adorable little girls” the bull said.
“Actually, they’re boys. Our company makes unisex clothing” said Seven and the cubs blushed fiercely as they felt all eyes turn to look at them.
“I’m sorry I meant no offence” the bull stammered, looking a bit confused.
“Quite alright, dresses for boys have been uncommon for over 100 years so it’s an easy mistake to make. We are bringing it back, it really does make caring for diapered cubs much easier” Peggy said cheerily and handed the bull a business card, “In case you or someone you know has cubs”.
Just when Snow and Loupy thought they would die of embarrassment there was a ding and the door opened. “This our floor” Seven said and the two mommies led their cubs out.
And of course as soon as the elevator door closed three coworkers rushed to them to awe at how adorable they were and asking which product line their outfits were from.
But they weren’t the only cub here today or even the first. They saw another little cub was already here. The pup was a mix of Chow Chow and Spaniard Mastiff. Brown fuzzy hair, brown eyes and wearing an adorable blue and red shortall with nothing else. He was sucking on a pacifier making him even more adorable.
“Look cubs, Arnie is here too. He goes to the Kindy with Bluey’s sister Bingo” said Seven to the group.
"Arnie who?" asked Peggy.
"Arnoldo, the son of Antón Valencia, our photographer. But Arnie will be much easier for the cub to pronounce”.
“He’s so cute, and makes a nice model for the new more masculine toddler outfits, I mean the expanded Little Explorer line” said Peggy chuckling. Everything was gender neutral at the company, but some outfits did look a lot less feminine than most.
Loupy and Snow giggled.
“Is he?” said Loupy to Snow in a fake posh accent. “Definitively” answered Snow in the same accent. “Absolutely” replied Loupy. “Certainly” said Snow
“What are the two of you playing at, dictionary?” asked Seven with a giggle.
“Hey he wears a diaper too, but it’s covered!” both cubs looking amazed as they noticed the poof under the cubs shortall.
“Of course you two would be picking up on that” said Peggy.
A lot of the day was just hanging around the office, listening while their mommies had meetings, watching the designers come up with new ideas for outfits and working with the tailors on the prototypes. Watching the designers was fun. One of them even gave each cub a paper with the outline of a skirtall on it and some colored pencils and asked them to try creating a design for it. Later one of the tailors asked if they would like to learn how to measure someone. She gave them each a turn being measured by each other. After this it was lunchtime, so their mommies took them to the lunchroom. As the cubs ate they noticed some of the other employees would look at them then whisper to each other and giggle. But they always stopped if they noticed the cubs looking their way and the discussions always ended whenever Loupy, Snow or Arnie got near.
When lunch was over Arnie and his Father Antón came to the table. “Are your cubs ready to join Arnoldo for the photoshoot?”
And then it hit them. Earlier the cubs had been playing with some empty boxes. While hidden in these boxes they had heard workers saying samples for the next catalog had arrived, and that they needed cubs to model them for the photos. Along with Arnie they seemed to be the only three cubs here.
“No pictures!” Loupy immediately whined. But regardless of how much they protested they were soon modeling the outfits.
Arnie’s father was doing his best to get the best out of them, which usually meant their adorable diapers would be visible. This was a necessity since they would also be modeling the new patterns of cloth diapers from the company. Snow and Loupy envied Arnie’s outfits. Most of them were far more boyish than their own. Many even looked like pants when the snaps were closed.
The cubs were made to do all sorts of poses in different outfits in the studio. As if that wasn’t enough they were then taken to playground nearby for some outdoor shots. It was all very embarrassing, especially when some little girls came over to say they looked pretty.
But as the photoshoot dragged on the cubs started to get grumpier, and it took more effort to coax them to smile for the camera.
“Aren’t you having fun sweet cub?” Seven asked her little bear.
Snow shuffled his feet a bit before answering, “No Mama, this is boring. We are at a playground but aren’t allowed to play!”
“Well I know a way to ended this on a fun note, but I’ll need all three cubs in only t-shirts and diapers for it” Antón told the mothers.
All three cubs blushed but Loupy pouted “why?!”.
“The final photos will show how snuggly our diapers stay on, even when cubs are playing on a trampoline!”
All three faces lit up. They had all been looking longingly at the trampoline, but none of them had expected to get a chance to try it.
They had so much fun bouncing together they soon forgot about it being a photoshoot or worrying about how many might see them like this in the catalog to come.
When it was time to go home the cubs were exhausted but happy, and they had plenty to write about for their school report about their parent’s jobs.
Chapter 3: Schools Out
School was out for Summer vacation! But unlike the cubs their parents weren’t on vacation yet, so they had to arrange entering them into daycare. Loupy and Snow were signed up at Krish’s Sunnyside Daycare, while Fiona would spend the first couple of weeks at a day camp for older cubs.
Loupy and Snow were worried it would be just like that stressful first day of school. Like Calypso had then, a nice jaguar named Dr. Isaac Eris greeted them and introduced himself as the owner. He told the cubs they couould call him Mr. Eris and that he would be their caretaker here. When they entered the daycare they were again surrounded by strange new faces. Snow was happy to see another bear was here unlike at school, and even happier when Mr. Eris led them to him. The small Andean bear looked up from the picture he was drawing at Mr. Edris and the two new cubs.
“Snow, Loupy this is Arnold. He only started coming here a few weeks ago. Why don’t you get to know each other?”
The cub looked shyly up at the jaguar, but his expression brightened when he heard Snow say. “wow you are so good at drawing, I have trouble just staying within the lines of coloring books”.
The Arnold soon had the cubs feeling better as they were introduced to the others and pulled into games. The daycare was a lot like school, but with more recess and no homework. By the end of their first week there the pair had started to get comfortable. Before they left for the weekend Mr. Eris reminded the cubs that “Monday is Plushie Show and Tell”. While the other cubs were excited for the activity Loupy started to plan something special for his presentation.
The cubs parents had separate plans that weekend and so snow had no idea what Loupy would be presenting as his plushie. On Monday, when show and tell was a bout to begin Loupy asked Snow and Arnold to follow him to the nook where coats were hung. Mr Krish noticed the trio going there but assumed they were just getting plushies from their backpacks.
Once there Loupy revealed his plan. “Snow you will be my Plushie for show and tell, and Arnold I need you for comparison between different types of teddy bears”.
The bears looked shocked. “Loupy we are not plushies” Snow replied.
“Oh really? You are both soft and cuddly aren’t you?” giving Snow’s belly a poke and causing his friend to giggle.
“Well yes …” replied Snow
“And you are both like to play?”
“Well sure, who doesn’t?” said Arnold nodding.
“So you are both soft, cuddly and like to play … so you are plushies”
“That’s … true? Wait no!” said Snow
“Too late, it’s proven, now be good plushies and get undressed”.
“What why can’t we at least be dressed? Plushies can wear clothes!”
“No I need them off, it shows your differences better. Now be undressed by the time I get back”.
Loupy went to Mr. Eris who had started to prepare the area in front of the blackboard for show and tell.
“Mr. Eris, may I go first for Show and Tell?”
The jaguar smiled at the pleasant surprise. The little wolf had been so shy so far, it was good to see they were coming out of their shell. “Of course little pup, but go get your plush we are about to start.”
“I will, but could you write Northen Plush there and Southern Plush there with arrows pointing down under them?” pointing at spots on the chalkboard.
The Jaguar nodded and started to write while Loupy hurried off to collect the bears.
Loupy nodded approvingly at the sight of his ‘plushies’ in just their diapers, and led them out of the nook toward the blackboard.
Mr. Eris was just finishing Loupy’s request when he heard a rapidly escalating amount of giggling from the cubs behind him. He turned just in time to see the wolf tell the pair of blushing bears “Go stand under your titles Plushies!”
“Loupy what is this, and why are you two undressed?”
“Now, now Mr. Eris, please save all questions for after my presentation”.
“Oh we will talk little puppy, make this quick before those to get chilly or faint from blushing so hard.”
“This is Snow, my teddy bear plushie. Arnold is not my plushie … yet, and here for comparison …”, the wolf when on to describe the differences between the two bears, much to their embarrassment.
After the presentation Mr. Eris sent the bears off to get dressed, and then informed Loupy to tell him when he had special presentations planned or he would get a private show and tell with his paddle.
For the rest of the day the other cubs treated Snow and Arnold like teddy bears, hugging them and pulling them into their games – all with Loupy’s approval.
A few days later and most of the class was back to treating the two bears like cubs again. Wednesday afternoons were Imagination Play days, where the cubs were encouraged to play pretend with different roles. Snow was looking through the dress-up box and smiled as he got an idea. Snow went to find Arnold and told him his idea. Arnold grinned and nodded, and the pair headed back to the Dressup-up box.
While the two bears were making plans Loupy had been away for a diaper change, but now he was back and looking for his friends – but the bears found him first. Snow and Arnold stepped up with Loupy between them and each took one of the wolfs paws, then started to lead him to the dress-up box.
Where are we going … and why are you dressed like that?” Loupy asked. Snow had pulled a mommy like dress over his skirtalls, and Arnold was dressed like a grown up in a shirt and tie that was much too long for him. The bear had to actively watch his feet as he walked not to trip on it.
“We are going to play dress-up of course” Snow said looking quite pleased.
“Ah I see, you will be my maid and Arnold my butler? I like that idea.”
“No silly puppy” Arnold clarified as they reached the dress-up box where a bonnet and booties were waiting for Loupy, “we are going to play Mums and Dads, and you are our baby!”
“What, no!” the wolf protested.
“Oh yes … this time the plushies are going to play with you” the bears unintentionally said in unison, and giggled.
Loupy could do little to resist the two bears as they stripped off his skirtall and dressed him in baby clothes from the box. Like he had done to the bears, he soon found himself with his diaper on display for all to see. They babied him and made to crawl, and then pretend to take his first steps – which drew giggles from many of the other cubs. When Snow announced it was the baby’s nap time they put him in a cradle meant for dolls. Loupy tried to get out but the fit was tight and he couldn’t use his legs to help lift him.
“We forgot something” Arnold said and rushed off, then returned with a snack from his backpack. “Time for baby’s num nums” he said and had started to messily feed their baby as Snow rocked the cradle.
Halfway through his meal Loupy spotted the jaguar passing by, “Mr. Eris, help!”
Mr. Eris looked down at the scene and chuckled, “they say revenge is a dish best served cold, but in your case it looks like it also tastes like vanilla pudding.”
Loupy looked confused by that but continued his protest, “They are treating me like a baby!”
“Yes, and they are doing such a good job caring for you”
“B…but!”
He was cut off by Snow saying in a cooing voice “someone’s fussy, must be time to change your nappy” and holding out a nappy and powder.
“Snow I don’t need a naked puppy running around, you can put that on top of Loupy’s nappy, but bring baby to me for real changes OK?” Snow nodded in agreement.
“Good job, carry on boys.” he chuckled again and started to walk away, leaving the wolf in the care of his friends. Loupy opened his mouth to again ask the Jaguar to stop them, only to have it filled with another spoonful a pudding – while Snow slid a diaper under his already padded butt.
After those first few weeks the grownups were able to take some vacation time of their own. This meant Snow and Loupy didn’t need to go to daycare nor Fiona to day camp. The cubs had been spending the days that first week together playing with each other. This allowed Snow to get to know Fiona better since they hadn’t gotten to spend much time together at so far. She seemed nice though she did tend to often treat him and Loupy like babies and playfully tease them. Occasionally Bluey and her little sister Bingo would also come over for playdates. When this happened the smaller cubs always found themselves doted on as the older girls played as Mommies or Grannies. Even though she was nearly as little as them Bingo usually escaped joining Loupy and Snow as the babies since she didn’t wear nappies.
The next week had been a particularly hot, and being from cooler climates Loupy, Fiona and Snow had been having trouble staying cool. On the weekend Bluey’s dad said her Uncle Spike was going to be away and that they could use his pool. Knowing her friends had been complaining about the heat Bluey asked if she could invite them. Snow and Fiona were excited when she called to tell them, Loupy however seemed less than thrilled by the idea.
Seven had some errands to run and arranged for Peggy to pickup Snow so he could go with them. Snow was soon packed for a day of swimming, and excitedly ran to the door when he heard the doorbell. Mama was already there greeting a happy looking Tyler and Peggy. Fiona looked especially excited sitting on her Daddy’s shoulders, but Loupy, who was strapped into a stroller looked extra pouty.
“What’s wrong Loupy, aren’t you excited to go swimming?” Snow asked.
“Huff, I want to ride on Daddy, not this stroller like a baby!”
“Now Loupy you know its Fiona’s turn. You get to ride on Daddy’s shoulders for the trip home” his Mommy replied.
“Then at least let me walk, I look like a baby!”
“You’re the one who complained you were too tired to walk remember?”
“I’m not tired … I just said that to try and ride Daddy” the puppy blushed.
“We’ll then consider the stroller punishment for fibbing”
Loupy crossed his arms, his pouting intensifying again, but he didn’t try to argue further and risk having to go home in the stroller too.
When they got to Bluey’s house she was on the porch waiting for them. She called inside and her Daddy Bandit came out with Bingo.
“Do we have everything?” she asked her Daddy. “Yeah, remember last time?” Bingo added. “Yeah, yeah. Your Mum made me double check and then checked for herself” he replied.
They all walked together to Uncle Stripe Heeler’s house. It was quite the distance and the day was getting very hot. By the time they reached his house Snow felt so hot, his legs were tired, and he was looking jealousy at his friend in the stroller. Seeing that made Loupy reconsidered his point of view on having to ride in the stroller. Even the grownups were starting to feel the fatigue, but once there they saw the big beautiful refreshing pool and their excitement surged.
Bandit changed Bingo and Bluey into their swimsuits while Tyler and Peggy changed Fiona, Loupy and Snow into swim diapers and got Fiona into her swimsuit.
Snow protested a bit when Peggy put floaties on him. Being a hybrid of two bear species that love water Snow loved swimming. Learning to swim had come naturally to him and he had been swimming without floaties for the last year. But since Seven had not told her this Peggy insisted. The bear’s obedient nature and his desire to get in the water as soon as possible had him agreeing to wear them.
Once allowed into the pool Snow and Fiona jumped right in, so did Bluey, while Bingo used the steps to go in slowly. However, even with the heat and the inviting cool water, Loupy was really reluctant to dip into the pool. The puppy had a slight fear of drowning and hated baths, and to Loupy pools looked like a giant bathtub.
He just stood on the pool deck with his tail tucked between his legs as he watched his friends having fun in the pool.
Snow noticed him just standing there looking squirmy. Fiona happened to be swimming by and he called to her, “Fiona why isn’t Loupy swimming?”
She looked and saw her little brother just looking at the pool nervously. “Oh no, not again. He doesn’t like being in water, but I thought the heat would be enough to get him to come in. I’ll go talk to him”.
Fiona and the other cubs tried and tried to coax him to come into the water but he refused.
“Well if you’re not coming in I’m going back into the nice cool water” Fiona said. Then she leaned close to whisper in Loupy’s ear, “Going to be embarrassing for you if you don’t go in. Remember swim diapers don’t absorb, if you’re not in the pool everyone will know if you pee”. Then she giggled and jumped in splashing Snow & Bluey.
Loupy at first looked shocked at that realization, and then bashful as he realized his sister was right. And since nervousness made him pee he knew it could happen very soon.
After taking a big gulp of air the little wolf jumped into the pool. The cool water felt so good and refreshing feeling as it soaked into his fur on such a hot day. Soon his fears were soothed by his floaties keeping him up, and he was happily playing with his friends.
They had a fabulous time splashing about and playing all sorts of games. Later they were playing pool tag when the little wolf felt a light tug on his tail. However, whoever it was hadn’t shouted ‘You’re it’ so it didn’t count yet. He tried to get away, but whoever it was didn’t let go of his tail. Then Loupy noticed all the cubs were in front of him at the other side of the pool. He looked back expecting to see one of the adults playing a trick on him, instead what he saw looked like an octopus on a hose. “Eeeep, something got me!” he yelled.
Everyone turned to see, and Bingo pointed and shrieked “crawly thing is eating Loupy!”.
Tyler and Bandit jumped in and freed the pup’s tail from the pools roving vacuum cleaner.
“OK kids, I think we have all had enough swimming for now, let’s get dried off for some lunch. Who else wants to taste Loupy’s tail? The crawly thing sure liked it” his father said giggling.
“What? No!!” Loupy shouted hugging his tail protectively as his Daddy carried him out of the pool.
“You sure kiddo?” Bandit said, “well then I guess It will have to be hotdogs instead”.
So, here it is the backstory linking the art from my Bluey pictures series. At least, those Snow was willing to put in part 1, because it took forever (yes, the plush can be lazy at times too ! But also, he can be really busy). All characters belong to their owners, including you know, all Bluey canon characters. Also, I totally don't belong in Kindy !
