The Christmas Wish

[Firewall]

Sooo..I know I said I would start putting out stories next year but this and another story have been bouncing around my noggin since the holidays began. It started as a small idea that bloomed into the story I'm posting here today.


I got the inspiration for this one from seeing the recent Hobby Lobby commercial but instead of an elderly couple setting up neighbors, we'll use Christmas Magic. If you haven't seen it, it's new to you! https://youtu.be/g-RCBAqRgi0?si=ZaV8R8NULiN4Vikd

Anyway, enjoy the first of two stories which will have parallel themes but will be different in their own ways. There's no hanky panky in these but lots of fluff! I had used a little of ChatGPT to help with a few scenes that required heavy lifting so enjoy!


The Christmas Wish

Harli Fullerton had always thought Christmas was supposed to be magical. But this year, her first Christmas after her divorce, felt anything but. Her apartment was neatly decorated, filled with a mix of warm lights and cozy throw blankets, but the holiday cheer stopped at the walls.

Across the hall, her neighbor Jakob York seemed to mirror her struggles. Though they’d exchanged a few friendly words—like a quick hello in passing or a compliment on Harli’s cooking when the smell wafted into the hallway—neither had pushed past polite small talk. Jakob, a quiet man who worked in with a height of 5’7 and short dark hair, had been healing from a rough breakup of his own.

Harli, with her dark, pink hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders, had always been a blend of bold and vulnerable. It was a trait her coworker Layla admired, which is why Layla couldn’t resist suggesting the town’s fountain as a place to make Christmas wishes.

“Come on, Harli,” Layla,her more adventurous co-worker had said. “It’s tradition! The fountain grants Christmas wishes if your heart is really in it.”

The suggestion felt childish, but as Christmas Eve was right around the corner, Harli found herself standing at the fountain under the twinkling lights, the crisp winter air biting at her cheeks. Her breath formed clouds in the air as she hesitated, a single coin clutched in her hand. Her dark pink hair peeked out from under a knitted hat, adding a splash of color to the winter scene.
Closing her eyes, she whispered, “For my wish, I’d like to get to know my neighbor Jakob better for the holidays.” Tossing the coin, she watched it sink into the icy water and felt a flutter of hope.

That night, she went to bed wondering if magic could truly exist.
=================================
Christmas Eve (Thursday)
Jakob York wasn’t expecting anything unusual on Christmas Eve. Growing up in a small Midwest town, Jakob's childhood had been filled with modest Christmases and a knack for building things. His parents encouraged creativity, gifting him tools and parts instead of toys, which led to his teenage fascination with tinkering and building different things.

Those memories felt distant now, buried under the weight of adulthood. His apartment was tidy but minimal, with a tree that was decorated more out of obligation than enthusiasm. Still groggy from the previous day's holiday party at work, Jakob fumbled with the coffee maker when something unusual caught his eye—a small box on the counter, wrapped in festive paper, with a note attached.

“To Jakob ~ From one of the elves”

Jakob furrowed his brow. He hadn’t put it there. Curious, he carefully unwrapped the package. Inside was something extraordinary. A tiny, pajama-clad Harli, around five inches tall, lay asleep on a bed of soft tissue paper. Her chest rose and fell gently, as though she were merely napping in an impossibly small world.

Jakob blinked, his heart racing. “What in the…”

Harli stirred, her tiny form stretching. Her dark pink hair fell around her face as she sat up, and her eyes widened as she took in the scene.

“Jakob?” she squeaked, her voice small but unmistakably hers. She looked around and gasped.

“Why are you so… big?” she asked groggily.

“Big? I think the real question is, why are you so small?” Jakob replied, his voice rising in pitch.

Harli’s eyes darted around, taking in the cotton bed, the walls of the box, and the looming figure of Jakob. Then, realization dawned on her.
“The fountain,” she murmured. “I made a wish at the fountain last night…” Her voice trailed off as she remembered her exact words. For my wish, I’d like to get to know my neighbor Jakob better for the holidays.

Jakob, still reeling, set the box gently on the counter. “This has to be a dream,” he muttered. “Or some kind of joke. Are there cameras somewhere?” He glanced around suspiciously.

Harli stood, wobbling slightly on the uneven cotton. “It’s not a joke! I don’t know how this happened, but it’s real. I’m real. And I’m… really small.”
Jakob rubbed his temples, trying to process the situation. After a moment, he looked back at her, his expression softening. “Okay, let’s say this is real. What do we do now?”

Harli hesitated. “I guess we… spend the holidays together? That was my wish, after all.”

Jakob exhaled a shaky laugh. “Well, this isn’t exactly how I imagined spending Christmas Eve, but… sure. Let’s figure this out together.”

Jakob started to reach for his new houseguest but hesitated, his hand hovering just above her. “Are you okay with this?” he asked softly, his voice tinged with both concern and wonder. At her nod, he carefully scooped her into his hand, marveling at how light she felt. He held her as if she were made of glass, his fingers steady and warm beneath her.

Harli hugged her knees, taking in the surreal scene. Despite her disbelief, Jakob’s calmness steadied her. Together, they agreed to take the day as it came, trying to unravel the mystery while making the best of the strange situation.

“Just don’t drop me, okay?” Harli teased, offering a small grin.

Jakob smirked. “Only if you promise not to bite my fingers.”
===============================
Jakob stared at the tiny, pajama-clad Harli in the palm of his hand, his dark eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. “This has to be some kind of dream,” he murmured, more to himself than to her.

“Trust me, it’s very real,” Harli said, crossing her arms and looking up at him with an amused smirk. “And before you start freaking out, I think we can both agree that this could be weirder. Like, I don’t know, if I’d turned into a reindeer or something.”

“I mean THIS itself is so weird,” he murmured.

“Weird for you?” Harli teased, settling into his palm. “I’m the one being cradled like a Fabergé egg.”

Jakob snorted, his tension easing as he carried her over to the coffee table. “I would say you’re way cooler than an egg, Harli. Plus, I think we’ve earned breakfast after what we just went through.”

“Breakfast?” Harli perked up, her tiny stomach rumbling audibly. “Now you’re speaking my language. What’s on the menu?”

“Uh, probably toast, eggs, and coffee,” Jakob said, glancing toward the kitchen. “Not sure how I’m going to make that work for you, though.”

“Get creative,” Harli said, smirking. “I trust you.”

“Creative, huh?” Jakob muttered, heading toward the kitchen with her still perched in his hand. “No pressure.”

As he set her gently on the counter, he began rummaging through the cupboards. “Okay, let’s see… maybe a piece of toast cut down to size? And, uh, juice in a… thimble?”

Harli laughed. “I like the way you think.”“Unless you want me swimming in a regular glass,” Harli pointed out, smirking.

“Fair enough,” Jakob said, shaking his head with a smile. “Let me get things started.”

A few minutes later, the two of them were seated—or in Harli’s case, perched—at the coffee table. Jakob had improvised a miniature setup for her, complete with a small piece of toast and a thimble filled with orange juice.

Jakob found a clean thimble, filled it with orange juice, and placed it next to a neatly cut square of toast. “How’s that for creativity?”

Harli climbed onto a small stack of napkins to get closer to her makeshift breakfast. “Perfect,” she said, picking up the thimble with both hands and taking a sip. “You’re a natural at this, Jakob.”

He watched her with a mixture of amusement and admiration, shaking his head. “This is not how I pictured spending my morning, but somehow… it’s kind of great.”

“See?” Harli said, gesturing toward him with a crumb of toast. “You’re adapting already. Maybe this whole ‘tiny neighbor’ thing isn’t so bad after all.”

As they ate, Harli couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly Jakob had adapted to the situation. His easygoing humor and attentiveness made her feel surprisingly at ease, despite her unconventional circumstances.

“You know,” Harli said, taking another sip of juice, “for someone who was nervous about picking me up earlier, you’re doing a pretty great job at all of this.”

Jakob shrugged modestly, his dark hair slightly disheveled. “What can I say? I’m a quick learner.
As they both ate, Harli scanned her surroundings. The thimble of orange juice glinted nearby, and a piece of toast lay like a massive platform next to her. She placed her hands on her hips, surveying the scene.

“This is surreal,” Harli said with a grin. “I feel like Arietty, exploring a world made for giants.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the counter. “Arietty? You mean from The Borrowers?”

Harli nodded enthusiastically. “I read it in ninth grade, right around the time I had my growth spurt. I got hooked. Part of me wished I could shrink down and live in tiny spaces like her. You know, scavenging buttons and needles for furniture. The irony is, that’s also when I shot up to 5’10 and started feeling like a giant instead.”

Jakob smirked. “So you’ve been training for this moment your whole life, huh?”

“Pretty much,” she quipped, grabbing a tiny crumb from the corner of the toast. “Add Alice in Wonderland to the mix, and you’ve got a childhood
full of daydreams about shrinking down.”

Jakob chuckled, folding his arms. “And now you’re living the dream. Should I be worried about you leading a Borrower revolution?”
She grinned up at him, popping the crumb into her mouth. “Depends. Are you planning to hoard the cookie jar?”
“Touché,” he said with a grin. “But for the record, I think Arietty would’ve been impressed with your survival skills. You’ve adapted pretty quickly.”

Harli raised her thimble of orange juice in a toast. “To living the tiny dream.”

Jakob gently tapped his coffee mug against it, careful not to jostle her. “To Borrowers and giants learning to get along.”

“You’ve got to admit,” Jakob said, after sipping out of his coffee, “this setup’s kind of charming. The toast’s just the right size for you, and the thimble is... well, surprisingly functional.”

Harli took a dainty sip from the thimble and grinned. “Not bad for a makeshift breakfast. Though if you’d had a dollhouse tea set lying around, this could’ve been a five-star experience.”

Jakob smirked. “Next time, I’ll plan ahead. So, you mentioned earlier that you liked The Borrowers and Alice in Wonderland. Guess it’s not too surprising you’re handling all of this so well.”

Harli nodded, tearing a tiny piece of toast. “Yeah, those stories really stuck with me. I always thought it’d be fun to experience life from a tiny perspective. You know, climbing furniture like it’s Mount Everest or using a spool of thread as a swing. But this...” She gestured to herself. “...is the perfect size. I’d never want to be that small.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean by ‘that small’? Like how small?”

Harli leaned back thoughtfully. “You ever see Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?”

Jakob grinned. “Of course. Classic movie. The ant scene still freaks me out.”

Harli nodded vigorously. “Right? It’s a great movie, but being that tiny? No, thank you. Imagine being smaller than a blade of grass and trying to survive against ants and raindrops. That’s nightmare territory.”

Jakob chuckled. “So, you’re saying you wouldn’t want to ride an ant like it’s a pony?”

Harli wrinkled her nose. “I’ll pass. Too slimy. Plus, the thought of getting caught in a puddle or eaten by a bug? Yeah, not for me.”

Jakob smirked. “Noted. Harli Fullerton’s approved tiny size is ‘thimble-friendly but not ant-rider.’ Got it.”

Harli laughed, tossing a crumb of toast at him. “Exactly. Though I wouldn’t say no to a tiny world adventure, as long as it doesn’t come with Honey, I Shrunk the Kids levels of danger.”

Jakob caught the crumb before it hit his plate and popped it into his mouth. “Fair enough. So, is this the kind of thing you daydreamed about as a kid? Swinging from thread spools and living in secret hideouts?”

“Pretty much,” Harli admitted, smiling softly. “I’d imagine tiny kitchens, tiny furniture... even tiny wardrobes. And now that I’m actually tiny, it’s a lot less scary than I thought it’d be. As long as I don’t get stuck in a bug situation, I’m good.”
J
akob leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Well, if a bug shows up, I’ve got your back. No giant ants allowed.”

"Whooo!" Harli cheered. "This is now an giant ant free zone!"
===========================================================
After breakfast, Jakob cleared the dishes, careful not to knock over the tiny thimble Harli had been using for her orange juice. He set her back down on the kitchen counter, and she crossed her legs, watching him with a curious expression.

“So, what now?” Harli asked, tapping her chin. “Got any ideas for how to entertain your fun-sized neighbor?”

Jakob smirked. “I might have something,” he said, disappearing into his closet. When he returned, he held up a well-worn box of Uno cards. “Ever play this before?”

Harli grinned. “Of course. But fair warning—I take no prisoners.”

“Good to know,” Jakob replied, walking to the living room. He set her on the coffee table and began shuffling the cards, his movements exaggerated as he glanced at her with a teasing smile. “I’ll even deal for you. Consider it part of the ‘fun-sized guest’ package.”

Harli chuckled, climbing onto a stack of napkins to give her a better view of the table. “Such a gentleman. But don’t think I’ll go easy on you.”

Jakob dealt the cards, carefully arranging Harli’s hand into a neat arc in front of her. The sight of the oversized cards next to her tiny frame was almost comical.

“Alright,” Jakob said, flipping the first card from the deck onto the table. “Game on.”

Harli grabbed one of her cards with both hands, studying it intently before calling out, “Blue four.” She slapped it down with a flourish, grinning up at Jakob. “Your move.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow, feigning suspicion. “You seem awfully confident. Do I need to watch out for any sneaky tactics?”

Harli shrugged innocently, though the glint in her eyes betrayed her playful intentions.

The game quickly devolved into a mix of strategy and mischief. Jakob couldn’t help but laugh when Harli used two hands to push a +4 Wild Card onto the table, her triumphant expression rivaling that of a chess master.

“Seriously?!” Jakob groaned, drawing four cards from the deck.

“What can I say?” Harli said with a smug grin. “I play to win.”

Jakob shook his head, laying down a Skip card. “Your turn—oh wait, never mind.”

“Oh, it’s on now!” Harli declared, grabbing her next card and dramatically slapping down a Reverse card.

They continued back and forth, trading playful insults and banter as the game unfolded.

“You’re awfully smug for someone who’s five inches tall,” Jakob teased as Harli gleefully declared Uno.

“And you’re awfully bold for someone about to lose,” Harli shot back, tossing her final card onto the pile with a victorious laugh.

Jakob groaned, slumping back against the couch. “Alright, alright. I admit defeat—for now.”

Harli climbed onto the stack of napkins, planting her hands on her hips. “For now? Please. You can’t beat perfection.”

Jakob laughed, leaning forward to meet her gaze. “You know, for someone so tiny, you’ve got a pretty big ego.”

“And for someone so tall—well, relatively speaking—you’re not half bad at this whole ‘losing gracefully’ thing.”

Their laughter echoed through the room, mingling with the soft hum of Christmas music in the background.
===================================================================
After the playful game of Uno and a morning filled with laughter, Jakob glanced out the window. The sky was a pale winter blue, with the occasional drift of clouds, and the town seemed alive with the hum of last-minute holiday shoppers.

“You know,” Jakob began, leaning against the arm of the couch, “it’s Christmas Eve, and the town square will be buzzing. How do you feel about a little fresh air, Harli?”

Harli, sitting cross-legged on the coffee table with her tiny arms stretched behind her, perked up. “You’re asking the five-inch-tall girl if she wants to brave the outside world?” She smirked. “Bold move, Jakob.”

Jakob chuckled. “Hey, I’d never let anything happen to you. Besides, it might be fun. There’s something magical about being out on Christmas Eve—lights everywhere, carolers, maybe even some hot cocoa.”

Harli tilted her head, pretending to consider. “Hmm, hot cocoa does sound tempting. Alright, York, let’s do it. But you’d better have a solid plan for transport.”
Jakob grinned, walking over to his desk and rummaging through a drawer. After a moment, he pulled out an old scarf. “How about a little makeshift pouch? I can tie this across my chest like a sling.”

Harli inspected the scarf as Jakob fashioned a small, secure pocket in the folds. “Not bad,” she admitted, stepping into the makeshift pouch. “Cozy and practical. You might have a future in giant accessories.”

With Harli snugly secured, Jakob bundled himself in his coat and scarf before stepping outside. The crisp winter air hit him immediately, and he adjusted the scarf to ensure Harli was well-shielded from the breeze.

“Comfortable?” he asked, glancing down at her.

Harli peeked out of her scarf nest, her vibrant pink hair catching the sunlight. “Perfect. Lead the way, giant.”

The streets were bustling with people finishing their holiday shopping, arms laden with gift bags and parcels. String lights twinkled overhead, and the sound of Christmas carols floated through the air. Jakob navigated the crowd carefully, keeping a steady hand near the scarf to ensure Harli stayed secure.

“This is wild,” Harli whispered, her voice full of wonder as she peeked out at the festive chaos. “I’ve never seen the town this lively before.”

Jakob chuckled. “It’s something, isn’t it? Everyone’s in a rush, but there’s a kind of charm to it.”
As they passed a shop window, Harli pointed excitedly. “Look at that! A whole display of gingerbread houses. Those are my size right now!”

Jakob laughed, pausing to let her admire the intricate cookie creations. “I could probably smuggle one out for you if you’re feeling peckish.”
“Tempting,” Harli replied, grinning. “But I think I’ll pass. I’ve had enough sweets for one day.”

They continued through the square, stopping to watch a group of carolers performing on the steps of the church. Jakob found a quiet bench nearby and sat down, adjusting the scarf so Harli could have a better view.

“Pretty cool, huh?” he asked.

Harli nodded, her tiny hands clutching the edge of the scarf. “It’s like a little Christmas movie scene.” She glanced up at him. “Thanks for this, Jakob. I didn’t think I’d be out enjoying the holiday like this.”

Jakob smiled. “I’m glad you’re having fun. It’s nice to have someone to share it with.”

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the sounds of holiday cheer swirling around them. Harli, feeling bold, teased, “You know, you’re not half bad for a giant. Maybe I’ll keep you around.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so now I’m the one auditioning for your approval?”

“Obviously,” Harli said, smirking. “Don’t worry, you’re passing so far. Barely.”

Jakob shook his head, chuckling. “You’re lucky I find your sass entertaining.”

Harli grinned up at him. “And you’re lucky I’m such a delightful pocket companion.”

The bustling town square was alive with holiday cheer as Jakob carefully navigated the crowds, keeping a steady hand near the scarf to ensure Harli’s safety. From her vantage point, tucked snugly against Jakob’s chest, Harli marveled at the world from her new perspective.

“Everything looks so different when you’re this small,” she said, craning her neck to see the towering Christmas tree in the center of the square.

Jakob chuckled, his breath visible in the cold air. “Different good or different terrifying?”

“A little of both,” Harli admitted. “It’s like being in my own personal theme park—except everything’s oversized, and I didn’t pay for a ticket.”

Jakob stopped at a small vendor cart selling roasted chestnuts. “Want to try one?” he asked, lifting the scarf slightly so Harli could peek out.

Harli wrinkled her nose. “Not really my thing. But I wouldn’t say no to hot cocoa if we pass a stand.”

“Noted,” Jakob said with a grin, continuing down the street.

They paused in front of a toy store, the display window filled with animatronic trains and snowglobes. Harli pointed excitedly at a miniature Santa’s workshop scene, complete with tiny elves bustling around.

“Hey, look! It’s me,” she teased, gesturing toward one of the tiny figurines. “Except I’m way cuter.”

Jakob laughed. “I don’t know. That elf has a pretty stylish hat. You might have competition.”

Harli pretended to pout. “Rude. I thought you were on my side.”

“Always,” Jakob said with mock seriousness. “But I have to call it like I see it.”

As they moved on, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, and Harli sighed contentedly. “This town really knows how to do Christmas Eve, doesn’t it?”

Jakob nodded. “It’s one of the reasons I love it here. There’s just something about this time of year that makes everything feel... special.”
They stopped near a small fountain surrounded by fairy lights, the gentle sound of water adding to the festive atmosphere. Jakob sat on a nearby bench, adjusting the scarf so Harli could sit comfortably on his lap.

“Better view now?” he asked.

“Perfect,” Harli said, her tiny legs swinging as she looked around. “So, what’s next on our grand tour, guide?”

Jakob tilted his head in thought. “Well, we could head toward the food stalls—there’s usually some great holiday treats. Or we could check out the ice skating rink. Though I guess skating’s off the table for you at the moment.”

Harli laughed. “Yeah, I think I’d get flattened out there. But the rink sounds fun. Let’s go check it out.”

As they reached the rink, Harli watched the skaters glide gracefully (and not-so-gracefully) across the ice. One young boy tumbled spectacularly, and Harli winced in sympathy.

“Oof, that looked painful,” she said. “But props to him for getting back up.”

Jakob chuckled. “He’s got more courage than me. I’d probably stay down and pretend I meant to do it.”

Harli smirked. “Really? I pegged you as the type to be a secret skating pro. All smooth moves and no falls.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? And what makes you think that?”

Harli shrugged. “Just a hunch. Plus, it’d fit the whole ‘surprisingly cool neighbor’ vibe you’ve got going.”

“Surprisingly cool?” Jakob echoed, pretending to be offended. “I’ll take that as a compliment. I think.”

“It’s definitely a compliment,” Harli assured him, grinning.

After watching the skaters for a while, Jakob turned to Harli. “So, hot cocoa? I think I saw a stand back near the square.”

“Lead the way, giant,” Harli said, settling back into the scarf with a satisfied sigh.

They walked back toward the square, stopping at a small stand decorated with holly and twinkling lights. Jakob ordered a cup of hot cocoa and carefully lifted it to Harli, who leaned forward to take a tiny sip from the edge.

“Mmm,” she said, licking her lips. “Perfect. And you didn’t even spill any on me. Impressive.”

Jakob grinned. “I aim to please.”

As they strolled back toward his apartment, Harli rested her arms on the edge of the scarf, her vibrant pink hair catching the glow of the streetlights. “You know, Jakob, this is probably the best Christmas Eve I’ve ever had. Thanks for taking me out today.”

Jakob smiled down at her, his voice warm. “The pleasure’s all mine, Harli. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner for the day.”

Their easy banter and growing connection made the cold seem distant, the warmth of their companionship carrying them through the bustling streets. After they finished their hot cocoa and admired the Christmas lights strung through the town square, Jakob glanced at his watch. A realization struck, and he groaned.

“Uh, Harli? Slight detour,” he said, starting toward the opposite end of the square.

“Detour?” Harli asked, peeking out from her cozy spot in the scarf sling. “What are we detouring to?”

Jakob grimaced. “My brother’s gift. I forgot to pick something up for him, and if I don’t ship it today, he’s not getting it until next year.”

Harli raised an eyebrow. “Jakob, it’s Christmas Eve. You waited until now to get your brother a gift?”

Jakob sighed, shaking his head. “I know, I know. I’m terrible. He’s hard to shop for! Last year, I gave him socks, and he hasn’t let me live it down.”

Harli smirked. “Let me guess—your socks had some questionable style choices, didn’t they?”

Jakob grinned sheepishly. “Okay, yes, they might have been bright orange with fish on them. But in my defense, he needed socks.”

Harli laughed. “You’re lucky he didn’t use them to strangle you. Alright, giant, let’s find the perfect gift before the day ends.”

Jakob hurried toward a small shop nestled on the corner of the square. Its window display was packed with gadgets, books, and trinkets. “This place has everything. I’m bound to find something decent,” he said as they entered.

Inside, the store was crowded with other last-minute shoppers. Jakob maneuvered carefully, keeping a protective hand near Harli. He stopped near a shelf filled with quirky board games and novelty items.

“What’s he into?” Harli asked, resting her chin on the edge of the scarf as she surveyed the options.

Jakob rubbed the back of his neck. “He’s kind of a tech guy. Loves building things and tinkering with gadgets. But he’s also got a goofy side.”

Harli pointed toward a sleek puzzle cube with glowing LED lights. “That looks fun. Maybe something like that?”

Jakob picked it up, inspecting the box. “Not bad. He’d probably enjoy figuring this out.” He turned to Harli with a grin. “Nice pick. You might be better at this than me.”

Harli gave a mock bow from her perch. “Happy to lend my expertise.”

With the puzzle cube in hand, they headed to the register. As they waited in line, Jakob glanced down at Harli. “Think this’ll redeem me for last year’s socks?”

Harli smirked. “Definitely. Though I’d suggest skipping the orange fish socks as backup.”

Jakob laughed, paying for the gift and tucking it into a small bag. From there, they made their way to the UPS store a few blocks away.
The shop was busy, with customers lining up to ship packages to their loved ones. Jakob filled out a shipping label while Harli watched from her scarf cocoon.

“Wow, this place is intense,” she remarked, eyeing the bustling workers.

“Christmas Eve rush,” Jakob said, slipping the gift into a padded envelope. “I’m just glad they’re still open.”

Once the package was sent off, Jakob let out a relieved sigh. “Mission accomplished. My brother will have his gift on time, and I won’t be the worst sibling ever.”

Harli smiled up at him. “Glad I could help you save your reputation.”

Jakob chuckled. “You’re a lifesaver, Harli. Literally couldn’t have done it without you.”

As they walked back through the town square, the festive lights seemed to shine even brighter. Harli stretched her arms out over the scarf’s edge, basking in the cheerful atmosphere.

“You know,” she said, her tone teasing, “for a guy who waited until the last minute, you handled that pretty smoothly.”

Jakob grinned. “What can I say? I perform well under pressure.”

Harli laughed. “Good to know. Maybe I’ll keep you around for emergency gift runs in the future.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so I’m your designated last-minute shopper now?”

“Obviously,” Harli replied with a mischievous smirk. “But don’t worry—I’ll pay you in hot cocoa.”

“Deal,” Jakob said, his voice warm.
==================================================================
The chill of the evening followed them as Jakob unlocked the door to his apartment. His cheeks were flushed from the cold, and Harli, nestled back into her scarf sling, gave a contented sigh as the warmth of the apartment greeted them.

“Home sweet home,” Jakob said, closing the door behind him and shrugging off his coat. He gently set the scarf down on the kitchen counter, allowing Harli to step out onto the surface.

“I didn’t realize how much I’d appreciate indoor heating,” Harli said, stretching her arms over her head. “I’m pretty sure the scarf deserves a medal for cozy services rendered.”

Jakob chuckled as he hung up his coat. “I’ll write it a thank-you card later. You okay? It’s been a busy day for someone your size.”

“Totally fine,” Harli replied, hopping lightly in place to shake off the cold. “Though I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to people not noticing me while I’m right in front of them.”

Jakob smirked. “Welcome to the perks of being pocket-sized. It’s like having a built-in invisibility cloak.”

“Not quite the kind of superpower I imagined,” Harli teased, crossing her arms, “but I’ll take it. At least I’m not stuck dodging ants or raindrops like in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”

Jakob laughed as he rummaged through his cabinets for a snack. “Still on that, huh? I’ll admit, you’ve got a point. Your current size is probably the sweet spot—small enough to fit in a scarf, but not small enough to be snack-sized for bugs.”

Harli wrinkled her nose at the thought. “Gross. Let’s not even joke about that.”

Jakob grabbed a bag of chips and leaned against the counter, looking down at her. “Fair enough. So, any grand plans for the rest of the evening? Or should we stick to something low-key after all that shopping chaos?”

Harli tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Low-key sounds good. Maybe we could play another game? You still owe me a rematch after that Uno fiasco earlier.”

Jakob grinned. “Oh, you mean after I destroyed you in Uno? Sure, I’m down. But don’t expect me to go easy on you this time.”

“Big talk for someone who had to use all the Draw Fours just to win,” Harli shot back with a smirk.

“Oh, it’s on,” Jakob said, already reaching for the deck of cards.
================================================
The sun had set outside and as the couple played Uno and thrown competitve banter at each other, The afternoon had becoming the evening by the time they finished. After their four round bought of Uno, Harli was feeling mighty beating Jakob 3-1. Harli leaned against the edge of a napkin Jakob had folded into a makeshift chair. She looked up at him with curious eyes. “So, Mr. York,” she began, a teasing lilt in her voice, “how does a guy like you end up living solo across from someone like me?”

Jakob chuckled, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Funny story—or not so funny, depending on how you look at it.”

Harli tilted her head, sensing the shift in his tone. “Let me guess. Ex-girlfriend?”

“Bingo,” Jakob said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Her name was Tiffany. Hell on heels, if I’m being honest. She was short, impatient, and had this… need to control everything. Where I was, what I was doing, who I was talking to—she had to know it all.”

Harli frowned. “Yikes. That sounds exhausting.”

“It was,” Jakob admitted. “But for a while, I thought I could make it work. I mean, she wasn’t always bad. But eventually, it boiled over. She wanted me to be someone I wasn’t. When I finally stood up to her, she lashed out. Told me I was useless and that no one else would ever want me.”

Harli’s expression softened. “That’s awful, Jakob. No one deserves that.”

He gave a small shrug, his gaze dropping to his hands. “It messed with my head, I won’t lie. Took me a long time to feel like I wasn’t… broken or something. And then you moved in, and, well—”

“And what?” Harli pressed gently.

Jakob’s cheeks reddened. “You were just… so different from her. Tall, confident, vibrant. That smile, your hair—it felt like you were on another level. I couldn’t even get past the small talk without second-guessing myself.”

Harli’s heart twinged at his vulnerability. “Jakob,” she said softly, “I don’t think you’re broken. If anything, it sounds like you’ve been rebuilding yourself, piece by piece. And from what I can see, you’re doing a damn good job.”

Her words settled over him like a balm, easing some of the lingering weight on his shoulders. He smiled faintly. “Thanks, Harli. That means a lot.”

“Anytime,” she said with a grin. “And for the record, you’ve got nothing to second-guess now. I think we’re past the small talk stage.”

Jakob laughed at that, his confidence sparking a little brighter. “Yeah, I guess we are.”

Jakob’s laugh faded into a thoughtful silence, and he glanced down at Harli, who was still lounging against the folded napkin. Her tiny form seemed so relaxed, but her eyes held a depth he hadn’t yet fully understood.

“You know,” he started, his voice careful, “I’ve been wondering… what about you? Why do you live alone?”

Harli’s expression softened, her gaze flickering to the tabletop as she traced a small circle on its surface. “That’s a fair question,” she admitted. “I guess it’s my turn to share, huh?”

Jakob nodded, a gentle smile encouraging her to continue.

“Well,” Harli began, “I was married before. His name was Matthew. We were… okay at first, but somewhere along the line, we just started drifting apart. It was little things at first, but then the little things turned into big things. We became… strangers. And eventually, a ‘dead bedroom’ marriage.”

Jakob’s brows furrowed, his voice soft. “That sounds really hard.”

“It was,” Harli said honestly. “But it didn’t devastate me like you’d think. It was more like—like this emptiness creeping in where there used to be a shoulder to lean on. We both knew it wasn’t working, so we parted ways. No big blow-ups, no dramatic fights. Just… a quiet end to something that used to mean a lot.”

“And then you moved here?” Jakob prompted.

She nodded. “Yeah. I wanted a fresh start, so I found this apartment on the other side of town. Far away from the townhouse we used to share. It was just easier that way. Clean slate, you know?”

Jakob tilted his head. “Do you regret it?”

“Not at all,” Harli replied, her voice steady. “It was the right call. But I won’t lie—it’s been lonely sometimes. I guess I got used to the quiet.”
Jakob’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, his fingers resting near her. “I’m glad you moved here, Harli,” he said finally. “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re braver than I could ever be.”

Harli smiled up at him, a warmth flickering in her chest. “Thanks, Jakob. But I think you’re braver than you give yourself credit for.”

After a beat, Harli’s lips quirked into a grin. “So… was it the hair?”

Jakob blinked. “What?”

“The pink hair. Be honest. Did it throw you off when we first met?”

Jakob laughed, his ears tinging red. “Okay, I’ll admit, it was… unexpected. But in a good way! I mean, it suits you. You’re, uh, bold.”

Harli arched a tiny brow, smirking. “Bold? That’s what you’re going with? Not ‘stunning,’ or ‘captivating,’ or even ‘breathtaking’? Just ‘bold’?”

“Hey,” Jakob protested, raising his hands defensively, “I’m new to this whole ‘complimenting women without messing it up’ thing.”

Harli giggled, leaning back with a mock sigh. “Well, at least you’re honest. And for the record, I noticed you, too. Mostly because I thought, ‘Wow, he’s actually shorter than me.’”

Jakob groaned dramatically. “I’ll never live that down, will I?”

“Nope,” Harli said, her grin widening. “But don’t worry, York. I like my guys fun-sized.”

Jakob shook his head, laughing. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re finally smiling,” she countered. “So I’d say my work here is done.”
==========================================================================
As the warmth of the Christmas lights flickered in the background, Harli found herself opening up to Jakob about her past—something she rarely did with anyone.

“So… Harli,” Jakob began, tilting his head with a curious smile. “It’s not a name you hear every day. Is there a story behind it?”

Harli laughed, the sound light and unguarded. “Oh, there’s definitely a story. My dad was obsessed with Harley-Davidson motorcycles—like, obsessed. He owned two of them, and he used to take them apart and rebuild them just for fun. When my mom was pregnant with me, he decided that if he
had a daughter, he wanted to name her ‘Harley.’”

Jakob grinned. “Let me guess. Your mom wasn’t a fan of the name.”

Harli nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Not at all. She thought it was too much, but she also didn’t want to completely crush his dream.

So they compromised. She let him have the name, but she got the final say on how it was spelled. That’s how I ended up as ‘Harli.’”

Jakob chuckled. “I like it. It’s unique, just like you.”

Harli smiled, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. “Thanks. Growing up, I wasn’t always sure about it. People used to make jokes about it, especially when they found out the motorcycle connection. But now, I think it’s kind of cool.”

Jakob leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. “And you’re not into motorcycles yourself?”

“Not really,” Harli admitted with a shrug. “I mean, they’re fine, but I’ve always been more into… other things.”

Jakob on his part figured this was a opportunity dig into . “So,” Jakob began, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, “we’ve spent most of today talking about me trying not to drop you or accidentally step on you. What about you, Harli? What’s something you love to do when you’re not, you know, pint-sized?”

Harli smiled, brushing a lock of her dark pink hair behind her ear. “Honestly, I’ve always been into cute things—stuff like plushies, art, and—don’t laugh—anime and manga. It’s my weekend ritual. There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a good manga or binge-watching a series.”

“Not bad,” Jakob said with an approving nod. “What’s your go-to genre?”

“Slice of life,” Harli replied without hesitation. “I like seeing characters work through their everyday lives, whether it’s managing a café or figuring out relationships. Though I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for anything with a bit of fantasy.”

Jakob grinned. “Okay, that explains why you were so chill about this whole shrinking thing. You’re living out your fantasy slice-of-life moment.”

Harli laughed. “Pretty much. Though I’m still not ready for any bug-related adventures, thank you very much. What about you, though? What’s your thing?”
Jakob rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little sheepish. “Well, back in high school, I was all about robotics. I even started a BattleBots club with some friends. We weren’t great, but building the bots and smashing them into each other was half the fun.”

“Wait,” Harli said, sitting up straighter. “You built robots? That’s so cool! Why didn’t you keep up with it?”
Jakob shrugged, a hint of regret in his expression. “Life, I guess. College happened, then work, and... well, relationships. Tiffany wasn’t exactly thrilled about me spending hours tinkering in the garage, so I kind of let it go.”

Harli frowned. “That’s a shame. It sounds like something you really loved.”

“Yeah, I did,” Jakob admitted. “I haven’t touched a wrench for a while now. And video games were my other thing—especially RPGs—but even that’s taken a backseat these days.”

Harli tilted her head, her small frame exuding curiosity. “Sounds like you’ve got a mission after the holidays. Get back to the stuff that makes you happy.”

Jakob smiled at her earnestness. “Maybe I will. But only if you promise to do the same. Dive back into your anime marathons and plushie collecting or whatever else makes you smile.”

“Deal,” Harli said, holding out her tiny hand.

Jakob gently tapped her palm with the tip of his finger. “Deal.”

As the hour grew late, Jakob carefully scooped Harli up, cradling her in his palm as he stood. His thumb instinctively stroked her back, a soothing gesture he hadn’t realized he was doing until he noticed her leaning into it.

“This is nice,” Harli murmured, her voice soft. “You’re surprisingly good at this.”

Jakob chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment. You’ve got a solid A+ in handling skills.”

He carried her into his bedroom, where he’d set up a makeshift bed on his nightstand using a small box lined with a soft sock and a folded handkerchief.

“There you go,” Jakob said, lowering her into the cozy space. “Not quite five-star accommodations, but I think it works.”

Harli settled into the makeshift bed, pulling the handkerchief over herself like a blanket. She looked up at Jakob, her dark pink hair spilling across the sock. “Jakob, promise me something.”

“Anything,” Jakob said, sitting on the edge of his bed.

“Promise me we’ll both get back into the things we love after the holidays,” she said earnestly. “No more letting life get in the way.”

Jakob’s gaze softened, and he nodded. “I promise. No more excuses.”

“Good,” Harli said, her eyes fluttering closed. “Because life’s too short to not do the things that make us happy.”

Jakob smiled, leaning down slightly. “Couldn’t agree more. Goodnight, Harli.”

“Goodnight, Jakob,” she whispered, already drifting off to sleep.

As the room settled into silence, Jakob lay in his own bed, staring at the ceiling. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace—and maybe even hope—that things were beginning to change for the better.

[Firewall]

Christmas Day(Friday)
The first rays of sunlight crept through the curtains, illuminating the soft glow of Christmas morning. Jakob stirred, blinking groggily before glancing toward the nightstand.

“Morning, Harli,” he mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep.

To his relief, Harli was already sitting up in her makeshift bed, stretching her arms above her head. She yawned before flashing him a bright smile.

“Morning, Jakob. Merry Christmas.”

Jakob grinned. “Merry Christmas to you, too. How’d you sleep? Was the sock bed everything you dreamed of?”

“Surprisingly cozy,” Harli replied, smoothing her dark pink hair. “Though, I think I might need a firmer pillow next time.”

Jakob chuckled, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “Noted. Come on, let’s get breakfast started. Christmas calories don’t count.”

He extended his hand to her, palm up, and she stepped onto it without hesitation. Jakob noticed how natural it felt now to carry her, and Harli seemed at ease as well, sitting cross-legged in his hand. As they entered the kitchen, the smell of coffee brewing filled the air. Jakob set Harli gently on the counter near a small plate he had prepared for her—half a slice of toast and a thimble of orange juice.

“Not the fanciest breakfast,” Jakob said, scratching the back of his neck. “But I figured it’s better than nothing.”

Harli’s eyes lit up at the sight. “Are you kidding? This is perfect!”

She picked up the thimble carefully and took a sip of the orange juice. Jakob couldn’t help but laugh. “You really look like you’re out of The Borrowers right now.”

Harli smirked as she took a bite of her toast. “I’ll take that as a compliment. But don’t get any ideas about asking me to live in your walls.”

“No chance,” Jakob said with a mock-serious expression. “I like knowing where you are, and I’d never get my security deposit back if I drilled tiny doors everywhere.”

As they ate, the casual banter flowed easily between them, building on the connection they had started the day before.

“So,” Jakob said after a sip of coffee, leaning against the counter. “Now that it’s officially Christmas, any holiday traditions you’re missing out on this year?”

Harli tilted her head thoughtfully. “Not really. Christmas was always pretty low-key in my family. We’d open presents in the morning, then spend the rest of the day doing our own thing. What about you?”

Jakob shrugged. “My brother and I would usually play video games after dinner. It’s kind of our thing. Other than that, it’s been quiet the past few years.”

“Well,” Harli said with a mischievous glint in her eye, “maybe we can make some new traditions. Starting with not burning the toast.”



Jakob laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. “Fair. Next time, you’re in charge of the kitchen.”

Harli grinned. “Deal. But only if you promise not to hog all the good snacks during the Christmas movie marathon later.”

Jakob smirked. “No promises.”
===========================================================================
After breakfast, Harli sat on the counter, kicking her legs idly as Jakob cleaned up their dishes. The warm hum of Christmas morning still lingered in the air.

“So,” Harli said, resting her chin in her palm, “what’s next on the agenda?”

Jakob leaned against the sink, drying his hands with a towel. “Honestly? I didn’t plan much. I wasn’t really expecting company.”

“Well, lucky for you, this company knows how to improvise,” Harli quipped, standing up on the counter. “Tell me you have some Christmas decorations stashed somewhere. We can’t just sit here in a holiday-less apartment.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow. “I might have a box in the closet. But full disclosure: I haven’t decorated in years.”
“Perfect,” Harli said with a grin. “You grab the box; I’ll supervise.”

Jakob chuckled, heading to the hall closet. A few minutes later, he returned with a dusty box marked “XMAS” in bold black letters. He set it on the coffee table and opened the lid, revealing a mishmash of decorations—tangled lights, a few ornaments, and a small artificial wreath.

“This is… a start,” Harli teased, examining the contents.

“Hey, I said it’s been a while,” Jakob replied, holding up a string of lights that immediately knotted itself.

Harli laughed. “Well, let’s make it work. First, untangle those lights before they turn into some kind of holiday monster.”

Jakob groaned but got to work. As he wrestled with the lights, Harli rummaged through the box, pulling out a set of ornaments shaped like
snowflakes and candy canes. She couldn’t resist holding one up to her size.

“Look at this! It’s like a life-size decoration for me,” she said, pretending to pose dramatically with the candy cane.

Jakob glanced up and snorted. “I think we’ve found your next modeling gig.”

“Right?” Harli said, laughing. “All I need is a backdrop of fake snow and a tiny sled.”

After untangling the lights, Jakob draped them along the window and bookshelf while Harli directed him from her perch on the coffee table. “A little more to the left—no, your other left,” she teased.

“You’re enjoying this way too much,” Jakob muttered, though a smile tugged at his lips.

“Admit it—you’re having fun,” Harli shot back, her grin infectious.

Jakob paused, glancing at her. “Maybe a little.”

Once the lights were up, they hung the ornaments on random hooks and knobs around the apartment. Jakob placed the wreath on the front door, and Harli cheered from the sidelines.

“See? Instant Christmas magic,” Harli said, surveying their handiwork.

Jakob crossed his arms, taking in the cozy glow of the lights. “I gotta admit, it does feel more… festive.”

“Of course it does. I’m a decorating genius,” Harli replied, striking a playful pose.

Jakob chuckled. “Thanks for convincing me to do this.”

Harli softened, her teasing tone giving way to something warmer. “Anytime. Christmas is about making memories, right? Consider this one of them.”

Jakob nodded, meeting her gaze. “Yeah. One I’ll definitely remember.”

They lingered in the moment, the soft glow of the lights casting a warm hue over the room. Harli broke the silence with a mock gasp.

“Wait,” she said, pointing to a lone sprig of mistletoe still in the box. “We forgot the most important decoration.”

Jakob smirked, plucking it from the box. “You mean this?”

“Exactly,” Harli said, hands on her hips. “Now, where are you going to hang it?”

Jakob twirled it between his fingers, considering. “Somewhere strategic,” he said with a wink, making Harli burst into laughter.
===================================================================
After their decorating success, Jakob rummaged through his pantry and triumphantly pulled out a gingerbread house kit. “How about this for our next project?”

Harli clapped her hands together. “Now, this is what Christmas is all about. Let’s do it!”

They set up at the dining table, Harli sitting cross-legged on a soft hand towel Jakob had placed down for her. He opened the kit, and an avalanche of pre-cut gingerbread pieces, frosting, and candy spilled onto the table.

Harli picked up a peppermint candy larger than her head. “These things are weapons at my size.”

Jakob grinned. “You’d be unstoppable in a food fight.”

They got to work assembling the house, with Harli carefully “directing traffic” for the icing while Jakob handled the structural integrity.

“Careful with the roof,” Harli warned, leaning over the frosting bag. “If it collapses, I’m not responsible.”

Jakob smirked. “You’re the foreman, so technically, it’s your fault.”

Before Harli could retort, a glob of frosting splattered onto her arm as Jakob squeezed the bag too hard.

“Hey!” she exclaimed, looking at the sticky white streak on her sleeve.

Jakob winced. “Oops. My bad.”

Harli rolled her eyes, grabbing a tiny piece of gingerbread. “I should throw this at you,” she threatened, holding it like a spear.

Jakob laughed. “Truce! I’ll make it up to you.”

As they continued decorating, the inevitable mess grew. Bits of candy and sprinkles surrounded them, and Harli ended up with more frosting on her hands and face than on the house.

“Okay,” Harli said, pointing to her frosting-covered cheek, “I think the gingerbread is winning this battle.”

Jakob reached out instinctively, his thumb hovering near her face to wipe the frosting away. Then he froze, Tiffany’s words echoing in his mind: “You’re so awkward, no woman would ever want you touching her.”

His hand dropped, and he cleared his throat, suddenly unsure.

Harli tilted her head. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Jakob said quickly. “Just... uh, let’s get you cleaned up.” He stood, avoiding her gaze. “Come on, I’ll take you to the sink.”

Gingerly, he scooped her up and carried her to the kitchen. Harli noticed his hesitation but decided not to press. She didn’t want to spoil the lightheartedness of the moment.

Jakob placed her on the counter next to the sink and turned on the tap. “I’ll leave you to it,” he said softly. “Take your time.”

“Thanks,” Harli replied, watching him retreat a few steps. She noticed the flicker of something in his expression—uncertainty, maybe even pain—but before she could ask, he gave her a small smile and walked back to the table.

Harli changed out of her frosting-streaked clothes and rinsed off under the steady stream of warm water, humming to herself as she washed away the sugary mess. She dried off with a paper towel Jakob had thoughtfully folded into a tiny rectangle and slipped into fresh pajamas he’d provided.

When she returned to the table, the gingerbread house stood proudly, its walls and roof decorated with neat rows of candy. Jakob looked up and smiled.

“All cleaned up?” he asked.

“Good as new,” Harli said, climbing back onto her towel perch. She studied his expression, softer now, though she could still sense a shadow lingering behind his eyes.

“Nice save with the roof,” she said, gesturing to the house. “You might have a future in construction.”

Jakob chuckled. “Only if you’re there to supervise.”

Harli gave him a teasing smirk. “Oh, I’d definitely keep you in line.”

Their playful banter filled the room again, the tension from earlier dissolving into the cozy warmth of the holiday spirit.
==========================================================
After cleaning up the remnants of their gingerbread house adventure, Jakob grabbed the TV remote and plopped onto the sofa. Harli followed, sitting cross-legged on the towel Jakob had thoughtfully placed for her.

“So,” Jakob said, flipping through a streaming menu. “What’s your stance on non-traditional holiday movies?”
Harli tilted her head, her pink hair catching the light from the Christmas decorations. “Depends. What are we talking? Nightmare Before Christmas territory or something spicier like Die Hard?”

Jakob smirked. “I was thinking Die Hard. Though Batman Returns is also a contender.”

“Ooh, now that’s a debate,” Harli replied, tapping her chin. “Batman Returns has penguins with rockets and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman.”

“But Die Hard has Alan Rickman and Christmas explosions,” Jakob countered.

Harli pretended to weigh the options with exaggerated seriousness. “Tough call, but I think I’m leaning toward Die Hard.”

“Good choice,” Jakob said, selecting the movie. “I’d hate to have to kick you off the sofa for bad taste.”

Harli laughed, sitting back against the armrest. “Like you’d even try. I’ve got the height advantage, remember?”

Jakob glanced at her, his expression amused. “You’re lucky I’m a gentleman.”

As the movie began, they settled in, the soft glow of Christmas lights creating a cozy backdrop. Harli leaned back against a throw pillow, her small frame relaxing in the warmth of Jakob’s apartment. Jakob sat nearby, trying to focus on the screen but finding his attention drawn to Harli’s quiet chuckles and running commentary.

“Bruce Willis barefoot on broken glass,” Harli said during one scene. “I mean, that’s dedication.”

“True,” Jakob replied. “But would you want to be that committed if you were shrunk?”

Harli gave him a pointed look. “I’d rather not think about stepping on anything at this size, thank you very much.”

“Fair point,” Jakob said, laughing.

Halfway through the movie, Harli shifted closer, crossing her legs under her. “This is fun,” she admitted. “I haven’t had a movie night like this in ages.”

Jakob smiled. “Me neither.”

When Die Hard ended, Jakob looked over at Harli, who was stifling a yawn. “Still got energy for another, or are you ready to call it?”

“Depends,” she said. “Are we giving Batman Returns a shot, or do I have to stage a revolt?”
Jakob laughed. “Guess we don’t have a choice.” He queued up the movie, and they dove into Gotham’s snowy chaos.

As the movie unfolded, Harli leaned against the arm of the sofa, her tiny legs stretched out on the towel. Jakob rested his arm on the back of the couch, fingers idly tracing the fabric as they continued their playful banter.

“Rocket penguins. I rest my case,” Harli said smugly during one of the final scenes.

Jakob shook his head, grinning. “Fine. You win this round.”

By the time the credits rolled, both of them were yawning, but neither seemed eager to move. The quiet hum of companionship filled the room, and the evening felt wrapped in the same magic that had carried them through the day.
==========================================================
Bundling up against the crisp evening air, Jakob slipped his coat on and carried Harli in his cupped hands, her tiny form nestled comfortably in a soft handkerchief. The streets were alive with Christmas lights, their multicolored glow reflecting off the snow-dusted sidewalks. Families and couples strolled by, their laughter and holiday cheer filling the night air.

“This is beautiful,” Harli said, craning her neck to take in the twinkling lights strung between lamp posts and trees.

“It’s one of the best parts of the season,” Jakob agreed, his voice warm. He adjusted his hands slightly, making sure she was secure. “Though I don’t usually come out to see them.”

“Then I’m glad I could drag you out,” Harli teased, grinning up at him.

Jakob chuckled. “You’re surprisingly persuasive for someone so small.”

They continued along the decorated street, stopping occasionally to admire particularly intricate displays. Harli’s eyes sparkled as they passed a shop window featuring an elaborate miniature Christmas village.

“This reminds me of those old train sets,” she said. “The ones with all the tiny people.”

“Maybe next year, I’ll set one up,” Jakob offered.

“You’d better,” Harli quipped. “I’ll need a new neighborhood to move into.”

Her playful comment earned a soft laugh from Jakob, but Harli noticed a flicker of hesitation in his expression—a shadow of something he wasn’t saying. As they reached a quieter stretch of the street, she looked up at him, her voice gentle.

“Hey, can we talk about something?” she asked.

Jakob glanced down at her, his brow furrowing slightly. “What’s on your mind?”

“When we were building the gingerbread house,” Harli began, “there was this moment where you stopped, like you were second-guessing yourself. I didn’t push then, but...what happened?”

Jakob’s steps slowed, and he glanced away, his jaw tightening. “It’s nothing,” he said quickly.

“Jakob,” Harli said softly. “I know it’s not nothing. You can tell me.”
He hesitated, the words caught in his throat. But as they reached a bench beneath a particularly beautiful canopy of lights, he sat down, cradling her carefully in his hands.

“It’s something Tiffany said to me,” Jakob admitted after a long pause. “When I ended things with her, she...she lashed out. Called me worthless. Said no one would ever want me.”

Harli’s expression darkened, her hands balling into tiny fists. “What an awful thing to say.”

Jakob shrugged, his voice quieter now. “I know it’s not true, but it’s like her words got stuck in my head. Sometimes, I feel like I can’t shake them.”

Harli’s face softened as she looked up at him. “Jakob, you’re not broken. You’re kind, thoughtful, and way too hard on yourself.” She smirked, crossing her arms. “And for the record, even at five inches tall, I’d kick Tiffany’s ass for saying that to you.”

Jakob blinked, then burst into laughter, the tension melting from his shoulders. “I can’t even picture that without cracking up.”

“Good,” Harli said, her tone mock-serious. “Because I’m deadly at this size.”

Jakob shook his head, still smiling. “Thanks, Harli. That means a lot.”

She leaned back slightly, her grin mischievous. “Just remember, if you ever need a tiny enforcer, I’m your girl.”

They sat there a while longer, surrounded by the soft glow of Christmas lights, the conversation lifting a weight neither had realized they were carrying. When Jakob finally stood, his heart felt a little lighter, the words Tiffany had once wielded against him no longer cutting quite so deep.

“Ready to head back?” he asked.

“Let’s go,” Harli said. “We’ve got more holiday cheer to spread.”

Back in Jakob’s apartment, the air was warm and filled with the faint scent of cinnamon from the candle he had lit earlier. The clock on the wall read 10:45 PM, leaving them just over an hour before midnight.

Harli stood on the coffee table, looking up at Jakob, who had settled onto the couch. Her tiny figure was illuminated by the soft glow of the Christmas tree.

“Hey, Jakob,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. “This has been...incredible. The kind of day I didn’t know I needed.”

“Same here,” Jakob replied, his smile soft. “It’s been a while since I felt this—” He paused, searching for the right word. “Alive.”

Harli tilted her head, grinning. “Not bad for your weird neighbor, huh?”

Jakob laughed. “Definitely not bad.” He hesitated for a moment before his expression brightened. “You know what we should do?”

“What’s that?”

“Take a photo. Something to remember today by.”

Harli’s face lit up. “I love that idea! Let’s do it.”

Jakob grabbed his phone from the side table and set it up on a small tripod. After adjusting the angle, he crouched down, ensuring both himself and Harli were framed perfectly.

“All right,” Jakob said, glancing at her. “You ready?”

“Wait!” Harli called, holding up her hands. “I need to do something.” She dashed over to the small ornament she had helped hang earlier and positioned herself next to it, striking a playful pose.

“Okay, now I’m ready,” she said with a grin.

Jakob chuckled and set the timer. He quickly sat on the couch, leaning slightly toward the coffee table where Harli stood. The phone’s countdown began.

“Say ‘tiny Christmas!’” Harli teased.

“Tiny Christmas,” Jakob echoed, his smile widening just as the flash went off.

The resulting photo captured the essence of their unique holiday: Harli, beaming with joy next to the ornament, and Jakob, his expression warm and full of quiet happiness.

Harli walked over to the edge of the table, peering up at Jakob as he checked the photo. “How does it look?”

Jakob turned the screen toward her. “Perfect. What do you think?”

She nodded enthusiastically. “Definitely one for the scrapbook.”
Jakob saved the photo and set the phone aside. “I’ll send it to you, so you’ll have a copy too.”

“Thanks,” Harli said softly. She crossed her arms, a wistful smile playing on her lips. “It’s nice to think that no matter what happens next, we’ll have this moment to look back on.”

Jakob nodded, his gaze lingering on her. “Yeah. Something tells me this isn’t the last unforgettable Christmas we’ll share.”
=======================================================================
It had been a hour since the duo had taken a Christmas photo together

The clock on the wall ticked steadily toward midnight, its rhythmic sound filling the comfortable silence in the apartment. Jakob and Harli sat on the couch, illuminated by the warm glow of the Christmas tree. Harli rested on a soft pillow placed beside him, her legs crossed and her gaze fixed on the clock.

“Fifteen minutes to go,” she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Jakob leaned back against the cushions, glancing at her. “It’s been quite the day, huh?”

“It really has,” Harli said with a soft laugh, but her smile faltered. “Do you think...do you think I’ll grow back at midnight? Or is something else going to happen? What if we fall asleep and wake up in separate beds, like it never happened?”

Jakob frowned slightly, noting the unease in her tone. “Why does that worry you?”

She hesitated, fiddling with the edge of the pillow. “I guess...this whole day has been special. I don’t want to lose it. I don’t want to wake up and have it feel like some weird dream.”

Jakob reached out, his fingers hovering for a moment before he gently cupped her tiny form in his hands. He lifted her so she was level with his face, his expression soft but resolute. “Hey, even if we wake up tomorrow and it feels like a dream, it won’t change the fact that it happened. You and me, we’ve shared something unforgettable today. That’s not going anywhere.”

Harli looked up at him, her nerves easing at the calm confidence in his voice. “You’re right. I just...don’t like not knowing what’s coming.”

“Neither do I,” Jakob admitted, his thumb lightly brushing her back in a comforting gesture. “But we’ll face it together, whatever it is.”

She smiled at him, her anxiety softening into gratitude. “Thanks, Jakob. I needed that.”

The two of them turned their attention back to the clock. The seconds seemed to drag on and fly by all at once. With five minutes left, the anticipation thickened.

“So,” Jakob said, breaking the silence, “what’s your guess? Do you think you’ll grow back like a reverse pumpkin situation, or will something more dramatic happen?”

Harli snorted, the playful question lifting her spirits. “Knowing my luck, I’ll probably grow back instantly and accidentally knock over half your Christmas decorations.”

Jakob laughed, his thumb tapping lightly against her back. “I guess I’d better brace for impact then.”

The clock ticked closer to midnight. Harli shifted nervously in his hands, and Jakob gave her a reassuring squeeze.

“No matter what happens,” he said, his voice low and steady, “I’m glad we had this day.”

“Me too,” Harli said softly.

As the clock struck midnight, the air seemed to hum with anticipation, and the two of them held their breath, waiting to see what the next moment would bring.

As the clock’s final chime echoed through the room, a soft, golden light began to shimmer around Harli, radiating warmth like a gentle sunrise.

“Uh... Jakob?” Harli said, her voice quivering slightly as she glanced at her glowing hands. “Something’s definitely happening.”
Jakob’s hands instinctively tightened their hold on her, a mix of awe and concern washing over him. “I see it. Are you okay?”

“I—I think so,” she stammered, though a strange tingling sensation coursed through her body.

The light around her grew brighter, filling the room with a golden glow. Jakob shielded his eyes briefly, blinking to adjust as Harli’s form began to shift and grow within his grasp.

“Whoa!” Jakob exclaimed, quickly lowering her to the couch as she expanded back to her full height.

Harli felt her feet touch the floor again, her surroundings shifting to their proper scale. The tingling sensation faded, leaving her slightly disoriented but unharmed. She flexed her fingers and glanced around. “I’m... I’m back!”

Jakob stepped back slightly, now looking up at her as she stood, her long legs making her towering height all the more noticeable. “Yeah, you are,” he said with a grin, still taking in the surreal sight of her transformation.

Harli turned to him, brushing her dark pink hair back and giving him a lopsided smile. “Sorry for taking over your couch like that. And for, you know, being five inches tall for two days.”

Jakob smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. “No need to apologize. You handled it better than anyone else would’ve. Plus, you didn’t knock over the Christmas tree, so I’d call it a win.”

Harli laughed, the sound light and melodic. She plopped back onto the couch, folding her legs beneath her. “I half-expected to wake up still tiny, or maybe not wake up here at all. Like this whole thing would vanish at the stroke of midnight.”

Jakob sat beside her, the comfortable camaraderie they’d built over the past two days still lingering. “Yeah, I wasn’t sure what would happen either. Honestly, I thought you’d grow back and immediately kick me off the couch.”

She gave him a teasing smirk. “Tempting, but I guess I’ll let you stay. You’ve earned it.”

Jakob chuckled but hesitated, his smile fading slightly. “Harli, about earlier today... I know I’ve been holding back a little, and I want to explain why. It’s just—Tiffany really did a number on me. She made me feel like I wasn’t good enough. Like I couldn’t be what someone needed.”

Harli reached over, resting her hand on his arm. “Jakob, you’re more than good enough. You’ve been kind, thoughtful, and—let’s face it—pretty amazing the past couple of days. Don’t let her words keep living in your head rent-free.”

Jakob met her gaze, and the warmth in her green eyes melted the last of his lingering doubts. “You have no idea how much that means, Harli,” he said softly.

“Then let me show you,” she whispered.

Before either of them could second-guess the moment, Harli leaned in, closing the gap between them. Jakob’s breath hitched as their lips met, the kiss warm and tender, full of the unspoken emotions that had been building between them.

When they pulled back, Harli’s cheeks were flushed, and Jakob looked a little dazed but happy.
“Merry Christmas, Jakob,” Harli said, her voice soft but sure.

“Merry Christmas, Harli,” he replied, his smile more genuine than it had been in years.

They settled back onto the couch, neither of them ready to let the moment end. The clock ticked past midnight, marking the end of Christmas, but for Jakob and Harli, it felt like the beginning of something much more profound.
================================================================
Saturday the 26th
The festive glow of Christmas lingered in the air as Harli and Jakob went about their morning, tending to errands they had postponed during the whirlwind of the holiday. Harli stopped by her apartment to pick up a few things, and Jakob ran out for groceries, promising to meet back at his place for their belated gift exchange.

By mid-afternoon, they were back in Jakob’s apartment, sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the coffee table. Harli wore a cozy sweater, her dark pink hair framing her face, and Jakob, in a simple flannel shirt, looked as comfortable as he felt. A small pile of wrapped gifts sat between them, ready to be exchanged.

“Ladies first,” Jakob said, pushing a box toward Harli with a teasing smile.

Harli laughed and unwrapped the box, revealing a beautifully illustrated collector’s edition of The Borrowers. Her mouth dropped open. “Jakob! This is amazing!”

“I remembered you mentioning how much you loved it,” Jakob said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Thought it might be nice to have a copy that stands out.”

Harli smiled warmly. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“My turn?” Jakob asked, gesturing to the gift she slid toward him.

“Go for it!” Harli said, her eyes sparkling.

Jakob carefully unwrapped his gift, revealing a sleek new set of tools for small robotics projects. He looked up at her, wide-eyed. “Harli... this is incredible.”

“You told me about your old BattleBots club,” she said, grinning. “Figured it was time to nudge you back toward something you’re passionate about.”

Jakob’s smile was soft, genuine. “You’re something else, you know that?”

They both laughed, a warm, shared moment that spoke volumes about their growing connection.

As the wrapping paper was cleared away, Harli leaned back against the couch, her expression thoughtful. “You know,” she began, “if I ever got the chance to be small again, I think I’d take it.”

Jakob raised an eyebrow. “Really? Even after all the adventures we crammed into two days?”

Harli nodded. “It was a perspective I’ll never forget. Sure, it was a little scary at times, but you made it... fun. Memorable.”

Jakob leaned closer, his tone teasing but kind. “You’re just saying that because I didn’t drop you in a coffee cup.”

Harli giggled, playfully nudging him. “That might’ve helped.”

A comfortable silence fell between them as Harli scooted closer, resting her head on Jakob’s shoulder. His arm instinctively wrapped around her, holding her close.

“Merry Christmas, Jakob,” she said softly, her voice laced with contentment.

Jakob chuckled, kissing the top of her head. “Merry Christmas... and a half.”

Harli burst out laughing, the sound filling the room with warmth. “You’re such a dork.”

“Guilty as charged,” Jakob said, grinning.

They stayed like that for a while, snuggled together on the floor, the glow of the twinkling lights reflecting their shared joy and the promise of more memories to come

~Fin



And that's a wrap for this story! Let me know what you think. I'll also gladly share some trivia as well.
Be on the lookout for the second story that is holiday themed and is also light hearted later this week!
Also, Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!