This story has been a lot of fun so far!

As other reviews have mentioned, the basic concept for the story, that aware but unaware "I have a secret" concept is a great draw. From the moment Jordan became tiny and androgynous, the anticipation for the moment when Alice comes to know the truth has been building, making the reader yearn for it.

Not only that, but using this concept to frame a love story has the added benefit of another great concept: absence makes the heart grow fonder. Alice and Jordan have taken each other for granted, dismissing their feelings for each other because of their friendship and assuming the other would always be there. We see a little bit of this in this latest chapter, when Alice recalls how little attention she paid when Jordan left her side just before shrinking, too wrapped up in her phone and news of her favorite band to divert her full attention to what he was doing.

Seeing Alice agonize over Jordan's abrupt disappearance is heartbreaking but necessary for her to come to terms with how she really feels. The same is true for Jordan. From recklessly chasing after her when she had to leave the park to him telling Elsie about Alice, he's coming to understand how he feels about her as well.

Not to mention how fucking adorable their interaction was when Jordan tried to steal that chocolate from her as Leila demanded. It was incredibly cute just how much Jordan cared about not disappointing Alice, even going so far as to bend the rules a bit with the notebook just to ensure that his best friend's first encounter with a tiny wasn't a let down. And Alice is so sweet here. Asking for permission to pick him up and just generally being super considerate about everything. It's east to see why he wants to make her happy.

I also like how Alice's treatment of Jordan differs from how every other giant has treated a tiny in this story, even Jordan himself. His first interaction with Leila was really interesting. He wasn't really mean and announced right away that he meant no harm, and he talked to her like she was a person. Unfortunately, that also meant he was fine with calling her out and mocking her when she mentioned magic, which is how he got in this spot in the first place. Also, he's right in that he should have never picked her up and certainly should have put her down when she demanded that he do so. I find it interesting that although I'd call both Alice and Jordan pure-hearted, their reactions to the Fae were so different.

And of course, the way Emily's family is treating him now is completely different. Maybe part of that is that Jordan won't talk like Leila did for him (although I like that he made that decision in order to protect the village and not simply because he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to get his size back), but he didn't talk for Alice either and she threated him with so much respect. Sure, the family think he's a bug or some other weird tiny animal, but Maria seems to know that something is up with him, given the way she not only talks to him despite dismissing the possibility that he's a fairy and how she glared at him to drink from that bottle to keep Molly happy. Emily is catching on pretty quick, too. But Maria decided to just keep him anyway despite these maybe subconscious suspicions, and we'll have to wait and see what Emily does now that she's starting to piece things together. I just thought their natural tendency to treat him like a pet was a stark contrast to the way Alice treated him (maybe her belief in the Fae made a difference, but I think there's more to it than that).

Leila is a really interesting character. I love her false bravado when Jordan caught her, which even fooled me a little bit in the moment. To find out she was that scared of him (which makes sense, of course) and that she was just trying to get something from the outside world for her sister in the first place make her initial actions make a lot more sense. Even some of the rudeness to Jordan at first is justified, as, from her perspective at the time, Jordan was a threat that needed to be humbled and taught a lesson. I've very much enjoyed her changing view of him as the story progresses.

The introduction of Elsie endeared me to her right away. It's hard to not fall in love with a character like that, a frail kid who just wants to see the larger world but can't because it's too dangerous. This made me really start thinking about what happens once Alice finds out about all this and even if/when Jordan returns to normal. Will they be able to visit the village then? How would Elsie react to meeting Alice for the first time (I imagine this would be an incredibly cute moment if it happened!)? Would Jordan and/or Alice help the poor little Fae get that big world experience without the danger? It may be a little sappy on my part, but I hope at least some of this comes to pass at some point in the story.

Speaking of when Alice finds (found) out, this chapter didn't disappoint in delivering that moment. Leila turning to Alice for help makes a lot of sense here, and I think you handled Alice's reaction to everything really well here! There are elements of shock, guilt, fear, and even a tinge of anger. She feels like she let Jordan down. She feels angry at herself for not even realizing that he had him safe and sound but let him go. She's obviously terrified of what could happen to him or even just at the prospect of him suffering the humiliation of being stuck as a pet.

I also like how that anger comes out in her actions at one point but not too fiercely. Her brushing off Leila's explanation and telling her how important she was to Jordan out of worry and fear shows her frustration at the situation as much as it does his worry for her friend. If Leila had told her that back part of the explanation when Alice knew Jordan was safe, she probably would have been as touched as she would been embarrassed, but I don't even think she was capable of fully processing what Leila was telling her in that moment. I think this is a pretty realistic reaction.

I do have a bit of constructive criticism here, though. I feel like it was a bit too easy for Leila to just walk up and talk to Alice like that, given Leila has been so worried about humans, both for her own sake and for the sake of the village. I get that she needed to do this, so no problem there. I also understand that between getting to know Jordan (who she obviously knows is human), watching how Alice handled Jordan earlier, seeing how Jordan feels about Alice, and hearing how Jordan talks about Alice that Leila could logically come to the conclusion that Alice was trustworthy and wouldn't hurt her or try to keep her.

However, I think with her background and how long her people have feared human, this would still be a big step for her. I think this scene could have benefited from  short segment preceding it showing Leila work up the nerve to do this as she saw Alice approaching, or maybe instead of mostly smiling during the exchange, she appeared a little more nervous or tense. Maybe she gets jumpy at a casual movement Alice doesn't notice, such as a slight shift of her foot and leaning down too fast to listen. This would also give Alice an opportunity to show how considerate she is by recognizing this and being reassuring. Or, maybe it's so subtle that Alice doesn't even notice, and this helps drive home that feeling of insignificance tinies often have around bigs in these stories, even the gentle ones sometimes.

But again, there was nothing wrong with the scene as is. I just think things like this could have enhanced it even more, Just something to think about if/when you decide to write another story (this one isn't even over yet, and I'm already hoping it's when rather than if!).

Lastly, I think Alice finding out the truth this way is kind of clever. We've had the reveal, but not fully, which means we're likely going to get that gratifying moment twice. Because Jordan needs to fin out that Alice knows, and the two of them need to meet up now that she knows the truth. So despite feeling great now that Alice is clued in, I'm still anxious for that first moment when Alice sees tiny Jordan knowing who he really is. Nicely done!

So yeah, great job with this story so far, and I look forward to where you go from here!

After reading ch. 12 and 13 someone could ask: Why would Jordan risk his life for strangers who kidnaped him? This stark contrast between what one would expect from a human are often regarded as flaws, as naivety and folishness, but here that kind of assessment is mistaken since Jordan’s later actions fall in line with what we learned about his character before - It’s no wonder Alice feels more safe around Jordan – but also because it works in this context, translating and boosting this sense of wonder into action. Oh he is a fool for puting himself in danger like that, but a endearing one. We got to learn more about Leila situation while seeing how empathetic and carrying the protagonist can be. Instead of a flashback or Alice’s thoughts on him, we actually see Jordan into action.

I like how even with all that fantastic magic at their disposal, the Fey folk is still fascinated by plain humans. Humans whose sons and daughters alone are as imposing as skyscrappers - that was a good comparison. How a mother, a full grown adult, doesn’t look now? That might as well be magic to beings smaller than a beetle - and maybe it’s, but on the reverse: a lack of magic in exchange for a more suitable size to rule the planet.

Or maybe it isn’t (or it's a bit of both) and we will find out what happens when magic is used to change how nature made are – yes, I am talking about Leila changing Jordan. We know now that she did it in a moment of desperation. So... does she really understand everything that happened at that momment? Can she really just reverse things like that? I think even her is not sure and is trying hard not to think about it since it was unexpected for her and her sister to ever bound with him… he was human. Was.

I am not just thinking he will be stuck like that forever. More on the lines that he will be stuck and will die in one week if they don’t find a way to reverse things because Jordan's body won't be able to handle the magic/curse cast on him.

PS.: As soon as I posted my comment on ch. 12 and 13, ch. 14 was out! I just loved the part with Jordan right at Maria’s feet and being captured!! How Maria is kind and feels that Jordan is human… but can't fully  accept it... She is human and she is so much bigger and fairies can’t really exist… all the cruel “facts” and cold logic… from a loving mother. It really sent home how humans can spell terror to fey even when they don’t want to – what Leila herself experienced in Jordan’s hand.

And now I think I understand why Maria looks familiar to Jordan! She must be Emily’s mother! That’s my guess. Simply perfect! 10 out of 10. I am fully enjoying how everything is developing!

As always, thanks for writing and sharing with us! Stay safe!

I really like the world-building in the story so far especially when they ride the stag beetles with reins made of spider silk. However, I was hoping for a bit more interaction in this chapter with the mother and daughter (Eg: The little girl or the mother actually picks them up making things a lot more chaotic). That would be my suggestion for the future.   

Just wanted to say that im very love the story so far. I rarly find some good 'fluff'/Unaware/Gentle/Romace stories. Cant wait for more interaction with Alice. Thank you:)

I really like the premise of this story and i'm excited to see where it goes!  Thank you for sharing.

There is just something about unaware, be it when people shrink or grow… maybe it’s the feeling of confusion in either perspective (where am I? How did I get here?) mixtured with the tension, the build up, the possibility this person will be the one to destroy everything she holds dear despite having so much power (Where is everyone?!).

Upon shrinking, the people and the world we once knew become instantly aliens. But we too become like a alien to them. This spin you added transmits this kind of deep anguish efficiently in the story: light in tone but impactful at the same time.

Yes, I too love unaware scenarios. Have you heard of “Babysitter Trouble” by Shrinker 82? It’s one of the best stories here on the site and I must say no one writes unaware scenarios like him. God tier stuff. Just a reading suggestion for your enjoyment and for inspiration if you ever need it.

Now, the next part is a comment as well as a theory about how things might unfold in the next chapter. I just can’t help it. Often when I find a story I like I start making scenarios. Feel free to use it if you want.

Oh Jordan… little itty bit Jordan… some would say love is all about lying until you reach some truth. Maybe the truth is Alice will not be as gentle when you try to go away… after all, Jordan is not back yet and she has to show… you to him. Ah... the truth. Isn’t it all about knowing yourself? Kkkkkkk.

And not much is needed for one to talk. A moment of true fear. Jordan runs to escape and Alice quickly gets up to chase after, but loses him. Frustrated, she kicks her flip-flops and keep franticaly searching… On the ground, Jordan tries to hide but soon a shadow… “Alice, don’t! I am down here!!”

“Jordan?!”

All is not lost, but she listened to his voice, the magic rule was broken. What will be the consequences for Leila and Jordan? Will Jordan be stuck in the park... forever? But Jordan might be even more worried about something else entirely...  Alice sole above him were so… so…

Well, that’s it. Hope my comment is useful in some way.

Thanks for writing and sharing with us! Stay safe and until the next chapter!

It's nice that you are posting your first story after lurking for a while kind of like me. Interesting premise and excited to see what happens next