Because You Asked for It: Chapter 3 (Patreon)

Chapter 3. Kate

Jordan tends to think he’s much better at hiding things than he actually is. Of course I noticed he was wearing more often. The second trash can in the garage was thoughtful, but I knew what was in there. For one, wet diapers in the garage in summer time: dead giveaway. But I noticed he started wearing his larger shorts and pants more. He was always wearing an undershirt, even at home, tucked in. And we share a bank account, and it’s not like we’re buying any other medical supplies on a regular basis, so when I saw our statement every month, I knew he was spending more on diapers. So I wasn’t shocked when he said he wanted to wear 24/7. At that point, I think he was probably up to about 10/5 anyway. By the time I got home from work the next day, I was 95% okay with it. What took me a few more days was deciding if I wanted to ask for something in return. Several somethings, actually.

Marriage is about give and take, but it’s not about achieving complete parity. That’s not give and take so much as perpetually ensuring you’re getting your fair share. Regardless of his answer, I was going to say yes to his request.

“Jordy,” I said after dinner while we were sitting on the couch, “I’m ready to talk about you and your diapers.” Okay, I admit it, I phrased it that way because I like watching him turn red.

“Um, okay.” He really is adorable when he’s embarrassed. How some other woman didn’t snap him up long before I did ...

“I’m okay with it on one condition: it doesn’t change our lifestyle. Eating in more often is fine, but we’re still gonna go places, we’re still go go hiking, we’re still gonna travel, we’re still gonna see friends and family.”

“Okay. I’m fine with all that.”

“I wasn’t finished, sweetie. I don’t want to live like I have a big secret. I’m not gonna go around telling people, but I’m also not gonna go to silly lengths to hide it. If people find out, I’m telling them.”

“Will you ... tell them why?”

“We can say it’s a medical condition.”

“Like what?”

“You’re the expert. Pick a plausible one, and we’ll use that. DON’T pick something ridiculous that’s gonna be obvious is a lie. No one’s gonna believe you developed some neurological condition overnight.”

“You’ll tell anybody who finds out? Literally anybody?”

“Yes. And some people might have to know. Your doctor, for instance. And I think it would be a good idea if we told a few people proactively, just to get it out of the way.”

“Like who?”

“Kiley. My mom. My sisters. Ya know, people we see all the time. I think you should tell Mark, but he’s your friend, so up to you.”

“Do we have to tell my parents?” He was already speaking in terms of “do”, not “would.”

“Up to you, but since they live on the other side of the country I think we can wait on that.”

“Okay.”

“Is that an okay as in, you’re fine with all that and want to do this?”

“Yes.” He smiled so sheepishly.

“Do you know why I’m okay with this,” I asked him.

“Because it’ll make me happy?”

“Because it will make you happy.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, Jordan. Can we talk about some practical issues?”

“Sure.”

“I don’t It to smell like a nursery in here.”

“I ... I’ll do everything I can.”

“And I expect you to do everything you can to avoid leaking on things. I know that’s not 100% possible, but it needs to be minimal.” I knew it wasn’t 100% possible because I did the laundry, for one thing. Not always, but sometimes I’d find shorts or undies with a small, yellow stain near the edge.

“I’ll do my best,” he said.

“And this can’t be an on again/off again thing. Once we tell people, that’s kinda it, at least for long enough that if you change your mind it won’t be obvious we lied.”

“That makes total sense.” 

“And hygiene.”

“I know; I definitely know. I’ll keep very clean.”

“You’d better.” Those were non-negotiable. The next part was just an ask, but one I had been wanting to ask since forever, and as long as he had opened up, I wanted to as well.