The night quietly wore on, gradually becoming so deep and still it could barely be considered night at all. The air grew thicker with the comforting scent of burned candles and softly smoldering logs, and the room was bathed in flickering shadows that danced along the walls. Sara’s soft laughter wove gently through hushed whispers as she and Chloe exchanged intimate, stolen conversations, their words careful and delicate, treasured for the privacy they shared away from prying eyes.
Sara briefly glanced downward, her gaze drifting to the two Littles nestled comfortably at the far end of the sofa. The gentle, protective warmth in her eyes softened further as she looked back to Chloe, affection sparkling in the muted firelight.
“We should really get them to bed,” Sara murmured softly, noting the heaviness creeping into both Littles’ eyes. “They look wiped out, and you do too,” she added gently, tracing her fingertips lovingly over Chloe’s wrist before reluctantly rising from their shared embrace.
Sara stood gracefully, her movements fluid and silent as she took a few steps, approaching the far side of the sofa with careful ease. Chloe moved quietly behind her, slowly extinguishing each candle one by one, the room gradually sinking into a deeper darkness, punctuated only by the soft amber glow from the dying embers of the fireplace. She crouched down quietly, giving Sara space to navigate this delicate moment.
Sara turned her attention to Kelli, her voice warm and inviting, purposefully gentle in tone. “Are you ready for some sleep, Kelli? You’ve had quite the night.” Her words were sweet and understanding, but Sara made no moves toward the smaller girl. She was careful, very careful, to maintain a respectful distance. She understood intuitively how crucial it was for Kelli to feel empowered, in control of her own choices. Sara knew the powerful difference it made when a Little as independent as Kelli felt like she was calling her own shots. It contrasted sharply with the firm, structured guidance she provided Jordan. Where he found comfort in clear plans and directives, she sensed Kelli would bristle at even the hint of being controlled.
“Ye—” Kelli started, the words catching lightly in her throat. She hesitated, eyes flickering upwards at Sara, the petite yet towering teen looming gently yet undeniably above her. Despite Sara’s intentional gentleness, the sheer difference in their sizes was daunting, something Kelli still found difficult to accept. Yet the truth lingered, undeniable, she was tired, deeply so. Her body felt heavy from the excitement of the evening, her limbs tingling with exhaustion. Whether this was a side effect of Smallara or simply because she’d enjoyed herself more than she’d expected, Kelli wasn’t entirely sure. But what truly unsettled her was how easily Sara read her state, noticing things her own sister Kayla never would.
A small, frustrated pang rose within Kelli at the realization of Sara’s skill, she saw clearly now the gap between a ranked guardian and an unranked one, between someone carefully trained and someone merely improvising. Sara’s quiet competence, her patience, her deliberate approach, it was suddenly clear to Kelli that this girl was the Kelli Wallace of guardians: skilled, confident, and effortlessly in control of any situation.
“I suppose I could use a small rest,” Kelli finally admitted quietly, careful to phrase it as neutrally as possible. She was unwilling to fully concede to Sara’s gentle suggestion. “It looks like you’re heading to bed anyway,” she quickly added, subtly reinforcing that the decision to rest was purely her own, preserving her dignity in front of the perceptive guardian.
“Great,” Sara smiled gently, warmth evident in every word. “We’ll get you and Jordy all fixed up and comfortable. You don’t have anything to worry about. Kayla’s already asleep, soundly curled up in Mal’s bed, see?” Sara briefly turned her phone, displaying an image softly illuminated by the device’s glow. Kayla lay comfortably asleep, nestled into Mallory’s luxurious bedding, while Mallory and Talisa were sprawled out nearby, oblivious and peaceful.
Sara lowered her open hand to the sofa, deliberately careful to keep it distant from both Kelli and Jordan. It was a small gesture, but Sara understood its weight. She offered nothing more than gentle, patient silence, knowing instinctively that Kelli needed to approach on her own terms. The invitation was there, quiet and unspoken, the warmth of her palm patiently waiting for the moment Kelli decided, freely and willingly, to accept it.
Jordan rose carefully from the softness of the sofa, reaching out instinctively to offer Kelli his hand. With a faint reluctance, she accepted, allowing herself to be gently helped to her feet. Her eyes flickered uncertainly toward Sara’s outstretched hand, looming calmly but inevitably before her, a warm, steady platform waiting patiently. While Kelli could clearly see Sara’s practiced skill, an inherent ease in how she moved and positioned herself, trust still evaded her. Sara’s confidence and easy control made Kelli cautious. She’d known Kayla her whole life; clumsy as Kayla was, her little sister was familiar, predictable, and safe. Sara was still a mystery, a powerful stranger with intentions she couldn’t yet fully trust.
Before Kelli could voice her hesitation or caution Jordan to wait, he moved forward with effortless confidence, stepping lightly onto Sara’s palm as though it were the safest place he knew. His motions were fluid, relaxed, and devoid of anxiety, a stark contrast to Kelli’s own hesitation. She watched quietly, a small pang of envy mixed with admiration stirring within her chest.
“Kelli, come on!” Jordan encouraged brightly, turning to look back at her with a reassuring smile. He was entirely at ease, comfortable in his guardian’s hand. As if in response to his calmness, Sara’s free hand gently reached down, fingers brushing softly over Jordan’s small form, tousling his hair affectionately. Kelli watched in fascination as Jordan instinctively leaned into Sara’s gentle touch, his eyes briefly closing, a look of deep comfort and tranquility crossing his face.
Slowly, cautiously, Kelli moved forward, approaching Sara’s open palm with measured steps. Her muscles tensed subtly, preparing for the inevitable petting or affectionate touches that she’d seen Jordan receive, gestures she intended to resist, ready to assert her autonomy. Yet, to her quiet surprise, Sara made no move toward her. No affectionate touches, no gentle pats, Sara simply held steady, offering a calm and respectful stability. The subtle gesture of restraint was profound, and Kelli felt an unexpected gratitude blossom quietly within her chest.
Accepting the silent invitation fully, Kelli finally stepped onto Sara’s hand, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath her tiny feet. She settled carefully next to Jordan, lowering herself down and allowing the gentle, radiant heat of Sara’s palm to seep comfortingly into her tired muscles. As Sara stood up smoothly, Kelli braced instinctively for the uneasy, jolting motion she was used to with Kayla. But it never came. Instead, Sara moved with an extraordinary grace and gentleness, so fluid, so stable, that Kelli felt like she was barely moving upward at all, as if safely perched upon solid, unmoving ground. The sensation was profoundly calming, and for a brief moment, Kelli understood why Jordan had so willingly embraced this guardian’s touch.
“What is that like?” Kelli whispered softly, her voice filled with quiet curiosity as she leaned in closer to Jordan, speaking softly enough for only him to hear.
“What’s what like?” Jordan asked, slightly confused, his expression innocent and questioning in the gentle darkness.
“You know, the pets, the pats. You have this look on your face whenever she does it. Like you’re somewhere else, somewhere peaceful,” Kelli clarified quietly, her eyes searching his features for an honest answer.
Jordan considered carefully, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. “It’s… strangely comforting. Honestly, I kind of hate that I like it, but I really do. It’s not even about the whole bonding thing. It just feels… good. Like, genuinely comforting, like a really warm hug after a hard day,” Jordan explained softly, a vulnerable honesty threading through his voice. He glanced gently toward Kelli, curiosity rising in his tone. “Does Kayla not do anything like that for you?”
Kelli laughed softly, shaking her head with quiet amusement and a flicker of pride. “Kayla would never,” she replied firmly, though affection colored her voice. “She understands perfectly clear that I’m still in charge, even if I’m small now. Being little doesn’t change anything about who we are to each other. She’s still my little sister, and she still takes direction from me.”
The soft smile she wore as she spoke held quiet strength, though beneath her confidence was a newfound awareness: perhaps, despite her certainty, there were parts of this new life she had yet to fully grasp, parts that could be gentle, comforting, and even healing, if only she allowed herself to experience them. The little pet Sara had done on her earlier was still fresh in her mind.
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appreciate that Sarah changed up her game with Kelli after earlier. Granted I can see how it still comes across as manipulation, but this time i think it’s more genuine than before. keeping her hand closer to jordan and further from kelli, recognizing Kelli and her are very similar and trying to respect that, not petting her like she had. that’s a lot more close to a mutual understanding in my mind.
Although I do love that Kelli saw the new tactics almost immediately lol
It wasn’t really after earlier that has no bearing to Sara. She is still using the same strategy with Kelli that she planned to use all along. She is approaching Jordan and Kelli differently though.
You get Kell’s perspective and thoughts on this episode tomorrow.
0) Since the night seems to be wrapping up, does this mean we have another hiatus coming, or will you jump straight into the second Saturday?
1.1) “She was careful, very careful, to maintain a respectful distance. She understood intuitively how crucial it was for Kelli to feel empowered, in control of her own choices” look at her, already learning from last time, that is so weird.
1,2) “Sara knew the powerful difference it made when a Little as independent as Kelli felt like she was calling her own shots” how would she know that?
2) “But what truly unsettled her was how easily Sara read her state, noticing things her own sister Kayla never would.” Sara can be very observant when it comes to ther’s feelings, it’s a tool she’s used in her previous manipulations of Jordan’s emotions.
3) “it was suddenly clear to Kelli that this girl was the Kelli Wallace of guardians: skilled, confident, and effortlessly in control of any situation” That ego’s gonna get Kelli in trouble at some point, lol.
4) “Sara lowered her open hand to the sofa, deliberately careful to keep it distant from both Kelli and Jordan.” – “”Kelli needed to approach on her own terms. The invitation was there, quiet and unspoken, the warmth of her palm patiently waiting for the moment Kelli decided, freely and willingly, to accept it.” weird how the same gesture that’s an order to Jordan is only an offer to Kelli, lol.
5) “With a faint reluctance, she accepted, allowing herself to be gently helped to her feet” how exactly does someone half her height (and presumably a smaller fraction of her weight) help Kelli up without being pulled over?
6) “His motions were fluid, relaxed, and devoid of anxiety, a stark contrast to Kelli’s own hesitation. She watched quietly, a small pang of envy mixed with admiration stirring within her chest.” i think part of the difference is Jordan’s bonded to Sara, He wasn’t this comfortable with her on day two, which would be as long as Kelli’s known Sara.
7.1) “Her muscles tensed subtly, preparing for the inevitable petting or affectionate touches that she’d seen Jordan receive, gestures she intended to resist,” after Sara did it earlier it’s good to see Kelli learning.
7.2) “Yet, to her quiet surprise, Sara made no move toward her. No affectionate touches, no gentle pats, Sara simply held steady, offering a calm and respectful stability.” looks like Sara learned some manners in that shower.
7.3) “The subtle gesture of restraint was profound, and Kelli felt an unexpected gratitude blossom quietly within her chest” not sure that needs gratitude, but it is better than last time.
8) “Kelli felt like she was barely moving upward at all, as if safely perched upon solid, unmoving ground. The sensation was profoundly calming, and for a brief moment, Kelli understood why Jordan had so willingly embraced this guardian’s touch.” That would help, but I think another important difference is Jordan’s wildly different personality.
9) “What is that like?” – “What’s what like?” – “You know, the pets, the pats. You have this look on your face whenever she does it. Like you’re somewhere else, somewhere peaceful,” We know Kelli’s already discussed the petting, but It makes sense she’d have more questions after seeing it in action.
10.1) “It’s… strangely comforting. Honestly, I kind of hate that I like it, but I really do. It’s not even about the whole bonding thing.” That’s because it’s addictive.
10.2) “It just feels… good. Like, genuinely comforting, like a really warm hug after a hard day,” I’ve heard heroine described in similar ways.
11) “She understands perfectly clear that I’m still in charge, even if I’m small now. Being little doesn’t change anything about who we are to each other. She’s still my little sister, and she still takes direction from me.” Oh, but Kelli’s losing that power, and Sara’s likely going to help with that.
12) “there were parts of this new life she had yet to fully grasp, parts that could be gentle, comforting, and even healing, if only she allowed herself to experience them” That is true, and it might help Kelli to experience them, but it’d need to be on her own terms, not forced upon her.
0) There is no planned extended hiatus after the end of this season of smallara. there may be a few days gap depending on when it ends and when the next starts but no multi week gap or anything is planned at this time.
1) Well it wasn’t really learned from last time. Its more she is just approaching Kelli differently then Jordan because she has had time observe Kelii’s nature and personality and its different then Jordan’s so she has a different plan on how to approach her. It falls into why she is actually a skilled guardian as she is able to employ multiple techniques and choose which one she feels will be most successful. Where most guardians only perform which ever method they are personally best at and don’t have actual options.
1.2) They do cover different types of personalities and how they differ and different approaches its just more advanced training so only skilled guardians are even taught more then one approach. They just learn the approach they have the most aptitude for.
Sara has an idea of what Kelli is like and her personality from having gone to school with her for a day plus she is Kelli Wallace so she does have a reputation sara was familiar with even if she didn’t know her like Mal.
Kelli even holds a number of school athletic records to this date.
2) Sara is pretty observant and does use it to her advantage as you noted. I don’t think that is necessarily odd as I feel like most people would do the same and whatever observation skill they had to their advantage.
3) I knew that would get a comment out of you. I agree that its not wise to have that level of confidence.
4) Their is this old movie called The Horse Whisperer where there is this horse that is a bit wild and mean they use this training technique of just sitting and waiting till he horse approaches the guy and it took awhile for it to happen. So I had the idea that Sara would do something similar with Kelli but on a more micro scale and not as drawn out.
5) Jordan is still pretty physically fit. So he does have muscle. Its also not like kelli was fighting him to stay on the ground she was actively wanting to get up as well. so while he was helping her up its not as if he was trying to move entirety of Kelli on a deadlift either.
6) Jordan also trusts Sara more at this point its been almost a week of being with her 24/7. Its not like he is blindly bonded to her but he does have a level of trust with her and Jordan himself isn’t as Anti-Sara as you are. So some of the things you have issues with he doesn’t necessarily have issue with all of them. Which would color his perspective a bit different compared to yours.
7.1) Kelli did have an expectation of what she thought Sara was going to do and how Sara would treat her. so when it didn’t happen she was surprised but you see more of Kelli’s insights tomorrow. As the next chapter is what she is directly thinking and feeling during these moments.
7.2) Sara has a plan everything she has done has been deliberate and with reason in regards to her actions towards Kelli.
7.3) I agree that she probably doesn”t need to feel gratitude but the thought process was that it felt respectful and courtesy that she didn’t have to do. So she was grateful that it did happen that way.
8) That is also true. Kelli as a little is trying to basically be her own guardian and also maintain control of Kayla which is unheard of for a little. Jordan doesn’t want to lead or control Sara or be the person mapping out what is going to be happening. When Kelli and Jordan are together Kelli ends up leading Jordan and he is quite comfortable following her lead.
9)Especially because it doesn’t happen to her with Kayla. so she has no barometer for it. So she can only get data or information on what its like from Jordan unless sara or someone does it to her for some reason.
10) The intent is that it’s comforting and feels good, so it’s enjoyable to him. So addiction could be the right word for it.
10.2) Im not sure id compare it to a drug like heroine.
11) I would say Kayla has more to do with it then Sara does. As the fight they have in the Kayla series isn’t caused by sara. Sara does help Kayla because shes kayla’s friend. But its not like Sara was sowing the seeds of conflict.
12) No one likes things forced upon them but sometimes when you are forced into something it makes you experience something you would never do naturally.
A) I am guessing from the way Kelli is talking, it must be before the Kelli and Kayla chapters because in my opinion she is talking dangerous and offensive to her guardian for what Kayla goes through to take care of Kelli’s needs. I am saying this thinking Kayla started out being horrible and uncaring but Kelli can be her own worst enemy.
B) I think it would be sweet if Jordan tells Kelli he wants to wake up in her arms. Because of the little culture.
C) I think Kelli would be a little that you would have to keep in there clear cage with everything she needs in it like Jordan has until she learns to listen because her little knows best attitude will get her killed because littles don’t know what’s going on around them just from being so small and cant do anything without being in danger from Dying.
D) I think people cheering for the way Kelli is acting as a little are not in my humble opinion looking at how dangerous just living anywhere for a little is and how much littles need humans help to live, other then little community’s and even then those are supplied by humans.
E) I hope Sara teaches Kayla to be a loving but capable guardian that can rain in Kelli and get her to be respectful and listen because littles by the way everything is set up and the dangers they cant see cant safely have the power Kelli is trying to have. She is going to make Kayla snap and just put in her in a cage to teach her a lesson.
A) The Kayla story would take place a week after this
B) That’d be cute, but it’s a bit soon in their relationship.
C) Kelli does have some things to learn about the world and how it’s changed for her, But locking her in a cage seems extreme, especially since she only recently got out of one.
D) Kelli isn’t entirely in the right, but She is one of the best Littles in the series, owing to the fact that she is the one who’s most able to openly criticise and argue with humans.
E) I don’t think Sara’s the best influence on Kayla.
A) Kelli is one of my favorite characters because of the great writing it she reminds me of my life after I got hit on my motorcycle. I had to learn humility and ask for help and rely on my wife for things to make sure I don’t hurt myself like Kelli because I think I can do things that I used to do but would put myself in danger. My life is better since i accepted I was not great at everything anymore and I was limited.
B) And I think Kelli’s life would be so much better if she would except being a little and embrace physicality bonding with her sister and let her perfect the back pet with Saras help and enjoy hugging her neck like Jordan and enjoying life with warm feelings being near her sister with out the need to take control but not losing the strong mind she has, but instead or ordering Kayla. Post bond she would make a respectful suggestion. I think after the Kayla and Kelli chapters, the physical bonding is a must because Kayla has has of enough of tiny , ungrateful , needy siter that she can physically do what she wants to discipline her and her parents and nobody else will save her. By law she is not human but a animal in a humans body so she is being a good sister but Kelli needs to give up her power before Kayla snaps and treats her like a pet to show who is in charge and make her pee outside and drink out of bowel.
.
A) Lethal is right this is before the Kayla series. So the events of that story have not transpired as of yet. But their have been some teases and build up.
B) Lethal is once again right. Its only been one date. That is moving a bit fast.
C) Im not sure Kayla has the ability to do that. That would be an awfully bold step for her to take. I do think the relationship needs to be reset as its understanding that Kelli is trying to keep as much of her wife as it was. The reality is things have changed and at some point the realization of things can’t stay the same or as they were. Which is kind of what the Kayla series is about is having that first conversation and look into the matter.
D) I think people cheer for Kelli a bit more in how she acts because Jordan is such a introverted lets not make waves kind fo character where he defers to Sara and is very much go with the flow. Processses and kind of accepts more easily.
Even in his “escape” attempt the actually escape was mostly done for him . He just basically walked awayfrom Dayton. He was more running from Dayton then Sara. Granted Sara didn’t help the situation and she could be better in some areas but their is also a level of this is who she is and what she believes. While it may not be the popular choice to the reader or the most ethical decision. Its also not a bad or immoral position based on her world.
E) Sara is mostly wanting to be friends with Kayla. While she will help when asked like she would any of her friends. There is a degree of Kayla has to want it and would need to ask for the help.
1.1) Well, she learned her last approach didn’t work so she knew to switch it up. It does make her seem more skilled, though.
1.2) N,o they don’t, it’s explicitly stated in 506 “In guardian training they don’t teach out about personalities. They dont’ teach how a little is basically a smaller person in so many ways”
2) That’s true, I was probably too harsh with that one.
4) I could see Sara trying that.
5) But she probably weighs between 8 – 10 times what he does, fitness aside physics are physics. Though her helping would work.
6) Sara’s really lucky she got a Little like Jordan and not one with a personality similar to Kelli’s or her own.
7.1) Good to know.
7.2) That sounds more like manipulation
7.3) Her options were something she didn’t have to do, and something she shouldn’t do, so I still think gratitude was too far.
8) I know Kayla’s the only case we’ve seen of the Little being more dominant, but I doubt it’s unique, rare, certainly but not unique. Sara is against it though; she’s at best confused but more likely offended by it.
9) Well, I can’t see her letting that second option happen for a while.
10.1) yeah, I think it fits. It likely boosts their endorphins and pleasure centres like drugs do
10.2) I figured, but it was that specific phrase comparing it to a hug.
11) Kayla would naturally gain more power over time, but I do believe Sara will accelerate the process, not sow the seeds herself, but maybe giving some gardening tips lol.
12) True, but if something a person like is forced upon them it can cause them to refuse to like it, as they’d associate it with being forced more than the feeling
1.1) That is kind of how I view at least a person with high degree of skill and multiple tools in the box. If one method isn’t working you have the knowledge and ability to be able to try something else and be able to implement it effectively where others cannot.
1.2) I did say it was advanced meaning not all guardians receive the training as its not part of the basic curriculum. Most don’t, its more of a if you’re a top ranked guardian you have access to more specialized training. So you are correct in that its not standard and nearly all people don’t receive it. But also needed to have some advanced level courses that people who excel and prove mastery can receive to differentiate further.
5) yeah the intent is he isn’t deadlifting the entirety of Kelli’s weight. He is just assisting her like a leverage thing.
6) I guess that’s the million dollar question though. As Sara as is being kind of shown here woudln’t have approached a little like Kelli the same way though. So it would be a different experience and she would also get different feedback yet. Kelli wouldn’t have let the body hottie thing go she would have immediately shut it down which is what Sara was expecting Jordan to do but when he didn’t she altered her approach to see how long he would let the joke go.
7.2) I wouldn’t say its manipulation. Its kind of like if you get two dogs and one is laid back and lazy and the other is getting into everything. You create a plan that is going to work with each animal. As the same methodology would not work. Sara understands from the day at school Kelli and Jordan are different littles so she would need a different approach with Kelli to build trust. She also needs to cut through a bit of Kelli’s hard headediness.
8) I think its more effective because of the relationship prior and that Kayla was a already submissive to Kelli in a lot of ways as Kelli was the older sister. It would be more difficult without the benefits that Kelli has. So while its not common and may be more effective here then in many other attempts. Its probably not wholly unique either for it to be attempted.
11) Kayla does also have more access to seeing how other people do things as well. So its not just her flailing about. She can see first hand how other guardians are doing things and apply on some level some of it.
12) That is true as well.
1.2) But the intent was to show that Sara herself didn’t know,
6) But her approach with Jordan had problems before learning about his personality, plus she has a desire to make Jordan fit the box she wants her little in, and I think she’d do that with any Little she owned.
Jordan did try to stop the Body Hottie thing earlier multiple times, Sara stopped him from doing it though, and I believe she knew what she was doing too, so it can’t really be said that she wanted to see when he’d put an end to it.
8) Their prior relationship is definitely helping.
11) She could also learn the wrong lessons from them though.
7.2) I’m with Lethal on this. The petting is just like a drug, and the Guardian training emphasizes that the petting does have that affect on Littles. In the Madison story, Madison uses it on Cindy and they both reflect back on their training on how it is used to influence the bonding. Madison is certainly using it as a means to bend Cindy to her will and Cindy recognizes it for what it is, but can’t seem to fight it (which sure sounds like addiction to me).
Jordan’s personality makes it easy for Sarah. Now some of the petting is therapeutic for Sara when she is tense, but she quite often uses it to get Jordan accept her will.
Of course this is an unfortunate fact of life for Littles, so unless they can get a Guardian that refuses to pet them. They are fated to eventually fall to this “addiction”
Those are good points in why it can be viewed as a drug. It wasn’t my intent but i can see how its viewed that way.
it kind of boils down to the fact that It is an accepted and normal part of their lives, culture and society at large. So its not going anywhere as to the world at large canonically as to them there is nothing wrong with doing it.
Outside looking in it would be a cultural difference that we as people in our world would probably frown upon but also that is another cultures belief system.
Similar to how some cultures are still allowed to hunt whales as they have done so for hundreds of years and its part of their society and they use every part of it and are not doing it for commercial purposes. So its allows for them even if by and large people frown against hunting of whales.