Realistic or Modern Whispering Pines ᨒ↟ 𖠰 ~ Cozy Winter SOL ~ MAIN

[travelbypages]

HANNA KHUMALO

Hanna lay in bed for a few moments longer, the warmth of the blankets still cocooning her in comfort as Hades’ words lingered in the air. His playful tease about her being "girlfriend material" made her smile, but there was something else in the way he said it, something that kept her from fully dismissing the idea. She liked him. A lot. But the territory between “just a good friend” and “something more” felt uncharted, and she wasn’t sure what it was they were doing. She didn’t need to label it, at least not yet, but the question still nagged at her in the quiet moments.

She sighed, pushing those thoughts aside for the time being. Hades was a constant storm, always moving, always shifting, but somehow she found herself wanting to weather it with him. Maybe that was enough. Maybe it was okay to just enjoy the calm in the middle of the chaos. But first... she needed to get dressed.

She rolled out of bed and glanced at the clock. It was still early, but there was something about the holiday spirit hanging in the air that made her want to make an effort today. She had packed a small overnight bag the night before, a habit she’d recently picked up, for moments like these. Moments when she wasn’t sure what to expect or how long she’d be staying, but wanted to be prepared.

After a quick trip to the bathroom, Hanna rummaged through the bag. She pulled out a white skirt that seemed a little too festive for most occasions, but perfect for today. It was knee-length, flared just enough to be comfortable, and had a slight shimmer to it, perfect for the holiday vibes she was feeling.

She paired it with a loose, green sweater with Santa faces all over it. It was ridiculous, in the best way possible, with little jolly Santas scattered across the fabric like a holiday print straight out of a Christmas catalog. It made her laugh just looking at it. She knew it wasn’t a “fashion-forward” choice, but for once, she didn’t care. It felt right, the cozy green color bringing out the warmth in her eyes. It was festive and fun and, more importantly, comfortable. Something about wearing it made her feel like she could breathe a little easier, like she wasn’t pretending to be something she wasn’t.

She grabbed her boots, slipping them on before smoothing down her skirt. Standing in front of the mirror for a moment, Hanna brushed a few stray hairs from her face and gave herself a quick, almost imperceptible nod of approval. She was ready. Ready for whatever the day would bring.

The apartment, which was still unfamiliar, felt more like hers with every visit. As she walked back into the main room, she noticed Hades was already up, his eyes following her movements as she approached, a lazy grin stretching across his face. He didn’t say anything, but there was something in the way his gaze lingered on her that made her feel seen. He liked what he saw. And that was a good feeling, even if she wasn’t quite sure what it meant yet.

"Is this okay?" she asked, her voice light, though there was a hint of teasing in her tone. “I figured we could match the Christmas tree today... not that I’m trying to outdo the decor or anything,” she added, half-joking, half-wanting to see his reaction to the outfit. But even as she said it, a quiet thought crossed her mind. Maybe she was dressing for more than just the tree. Maybe she was dressing for him.

Mentions: Hades - PrincessAveRedfern

coded by kaninchen

 

[travelbypages]

CALLA CARLTON

Calla felt the electric pull of Finn’s gaze before he even spoke. It was as if the air between them hummed with an invisible tension, something unspoken but undeniable. When he leaned in, voice dropping low with that teasing challenge, she wasn’t surprised. It was just the way he was, he was trying to make the game more interesting. But Calla wasn’t about to let him think he had the upper hand. His words ’I'm determined to unravel the depths of your secrets’ settled in her chest like a quiet dare. And she wasn’t one to back down.

She allowed a moment to pass, just enough time for the energy to build. The bar’s low murmur of voices, the clink of glasses, the hum of holiday music in the background, all of it faded as she focused on him. Finn had this way of looking at her, like he was trying to see through every layer she wore, and it made her want to laugh. He had no idea.

Calla leaned in a fraction, her lips curling slightly into a smile as she caught his gaze. His confidence was almost too easy, like a shield he wore to protect whatever lay beneath, but Calla could see the flicker in his eyes, the curiosity just beneath the surface. It was too tempting to ignore.

“Secret, Finn?” she echoed, voice soft but laced with the rhythm of her Spanish accent. There was something about the way the words left her mouth that felt like a little game, an invitation. "You think I have secret?" she asked, eyebrow arched just enough to make her teasing tone clear.

Her laugh was quiet, sweet, almost musical, and she could see the way his expression shifted, just slightly, as he caught the tone. There was something else there, something he hadn’t quite figured out yet. And that made her want to dig even deeper. She watched him carefully as he recovered, the smirk on his lips flickering before it settled back into place. Calla knew better than to let him believe he was the only one with the power to pull the strings.

"No," she continued, voice a little lower now, a touch more serious. "Maybe… you, you are one with secret." She felt a flicker of satisfaction when she saw him stiffen, just for a moment, his posture tightening as if her words had struck a nerve. It wasn’t enough to throw him off completely, but she knew she’d planted a seed of doubt. ‘That’s right, Finn. There’s more to you than meets the eye.’

Her eyes never left his as she took a slow sip of her whiskey, letting the warmth of the liquid settle into her chest. The burn felt good, familiar, but the heat from Finn’s gaze was what really made her pulse race. There was something magnetic about him, his confidence, the way he hid behind that aloof attitude. But she could see through it, and she wasn’t going to stop until she had him all figured out. Maybe her determination stemmed from the boredom of the flight.

The glass clicked softly as she set it down, each movement slow and deliberate, like she was savoring the moment. Finn hadn’t taken his eyes off her, and she could see the flicker of something, maybe hesitation? Maybe curiosity? Either way, it was her turn to make a move. She leaned in close, lips mere inches from his ear, “You know it all, don’t you?” she asked, the challenge clear in her voice. She kept her tone light, teasing, but there was a sharp edge behind it.

When she pulled back, her eyes held his, steady and unflinching. She wasn’t going to back down, not this time. She wanted to see just how far he would push, how much he would reveal to her in the game of secrets they were both playing. "But you unravel," she murmured, her smile growing, a hint of satisfaction at how well he seemed to be biting.

Her voice softened, becoming a little quieter, more intimate. "Bit by bit, piece by piece, you pull. I wonder... what you find." Calla leaned back just slightly, watching him closely. She could see the gears turning behind his eyes, the battle between his arrogance and his curiosity. It was delicious, how he tried to keep his cool, to stay in control, but Calla could see the cracks. She liked that about him, how much he tried to control, but how easily he could slip.

"You think you can peel me," she added, letting the words linger between them like a promise. "But be careful, Finn... Maybe you won’t like what you see when you reach end." Her voice was still teasing, but there was a deeper undercurrent now, a subtle hint of something more sincere. Something that made her heart beat faster, something that made her wonder if she was pushing him too far or just far enough.

Her fingers lightly brushed against his, a casual but flirty touch that sent a shock of warmth up her arm. It was nothing more than a playful gesture, but the effect it had on her was undeniable. She liked the way he watched her, how he didn’t quite know what to expect next. “You think you know me?” she asked, the words almost a dare. She leaned in slightly, her face inches from his now. The air between them thickened, charged with something unspoken. “Maybe you only know what I let you see.”

Her gaze lingered on him, studying every detail of his face, the way his jaw tightened slightly, the small movements of his eyes that betrayed more than he wanted to let on. She could feel the pull between them, the way he was drawn to her challenge, to the game she was playing. And for once, she didn’t mind the thrill of it. “You can handle more than this,” she said, voice lowering into something more intimate, more dangerous. "But you can try."

She saw the shift in his expression, something flickered behind his usual cool façade. For the first time, she wondered if he was beginning to realize that he wasn’t the one calling the shots. The whiskey between them wasn’t enough to drown out the tension. No, it only seemed to make it sharper, more intense. Calla wasn’t finished yet. Not by a long shot. And tonight, she was going to make sure Finn would remember her, every little piece of her.

Mentions: Finn - PotatochipsRlit

coded by kaninchen

 

[Lizy]

mood :

happy

location :

family home

outfit :

mentions :

n/a

interactions :

mikey fieldofclover

carasso

;; Rachel

The warmth Mikey brought into the room with him was well received. The household was quite energetic enough while it was, the holidays had been nice so far. There had barely even been any minor squabbles, so the room was filled with joy. Mikey's energy just seemed to fit in well with Rachel's family's. Chaotic and high spirited.

Of course he went to get hot chocolate first. It was the right call, as it would likely be completely gone within the next hour or two, devoured by her family. He needed to get it while he still could. When he began greeting everyone in the family, Rachel smiled. Everyone else in the family was touched by his lighthearted greetings, looking of prom their conversations and activities to shout out their greetings to the boy. Pretty much everyone in her family knew Mikey, and they really did like him. They were always happy to see him when he showed up at family events. Despite him not actually being family, he was welcomed in with open arms.

Upon Mikey's call to party, a couple family members cheered. They were always ready to party. Rachel giggled, then turned to Mikey, realizing she had something for him. "Oh! I almost forgot!" She took a few steps over to the nearby tree and picked up a small gift bag. "For you," she said, handing the bag to her friend. Inside was a knit hat, a fun little gift that she'd figured Mikey could get some use out of, considering how cold it could get in their little town.

coded by reveriee.

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Isabelle Rose Everhart

Author

Location

Jupiter's Bed

"Ugh... why so loud?"

interactions.

celestialbody -Jup

B

elle recoiled in terror at Jupiter's mention of a snake.

"WHY WOULD YOU CURSE US LIKE THAT!?"

It wasn’t rage that fueled her scream; it was pure, unadulterated fear—she was absolutely petrified of snakes. The mere thought of one sent a chill racing down her spine, and now that the image was dancing in her mind, her heart raced like a wild animal trying to escape a trap.

In a panic, she bolted toward the bathroom, slamming the door to block the entrance and create a barrier between herself and the terrifying thought. After a moment of frantic breathing, she leaped onto his bed, curling her knees tightly to her chest, as if trying to make herself as small as possible.

"Just end me... seriously, if you see one,"

she whimpered, looking up at him with wide, terrified eyes. After a brief pause, reality hit her like a tidal wave, and she realized she had completely overreacted. But she couldn’t help it; snakes and her were a volatile mix, and the disgust was still churning in her stomach.

As she began to settle down, the tension slowly dissipating, a chuckle escaped her lips, surprising even herself.

"I can’t help but find this a bit amusing. You said you didn’t cuddle me in your sleep... yet I distinctly remember an arm wrapped around me."

Was she teasing him? Oh, absolutely. A playful smirk crept onto her face as she relished the shift in her own emotions.

In that moment, she wasn’t quite sure when her anger and despair toward him had faded, but she found herself enjoying this unexpected banter. She felt a strange warmth creeping in, one that contrasted sharply with the fear she had just experienced. It was almost comforting, like a blanket wrapped around her in the midst of a storm. As she gazed at him, her heart began to settle, and she realized that maybe, just maybe, this was a moment worth savoring.

 

[Lizy]

mood :

tired

location :

bakery

outfit :

mentions :

n/a

interactions :

ave PrincessAveRedfern

lewis

;; Sidney

Sidney grinned when Ave accepted the offered whiskey. He poured a bit into her coffee cup, keeping it to a light pour since he figured this girl wasn't all that experienced in day drinking. But, it was the holidays. Everyone seemed to need a little something to make it through in one piece.

He took a look around at the Christmas decorations, shrugging and shaking his head. He didn't like Christmas, but there were a lot of things he didn't like. If the world suddenly got rid of all the things he disliked, it probably wouldn't go over too well. "You don't have to take them down on my account. They're just things, really." He paused, taking a sip of his drink and sighing. "Just things... Materialistic representations of a now shallow holiday."

Sidney was sure that there were some people who truly celebrated the holiday, taking in it's full effect. Religion and all that. But to him, even the statement that the true meaning of Christmas was to cherish loved ones fell flat. If they were loved ones, shouldn't you just do that any day? He didn't see why Christmas should be special to him. Seriously, it was just an excuse to overconsume.

"Thanks," he took the warm chocolate muffin and bit into it. "Wow. You really know how to bake." He smiled, then looked around at some of the high up decorations that he may be useful in getting down, considering Ave's earlier statement. "If you're taking the decorations down anyways though, I can lend a hand."

coded by reveriee.

 

[travelbypages]

ELLIOT BROOKS

Elliot had just set down the coffee in front of Héctor, trying his best to balance the nerves that always seemed to flare up around him. But just as he was about to retreat back to the counter, his boss’s voice called out from the kitchen. “Elliot! Shift’s done! Get out of here!”

He winced, a little embarrassed by the loudness of it, but he couldn’t help the relief that washed over him. His shift was over, thankfully. He glanced down at his nametag, the familiar piece of metal that had felt like an invisible wall between him and everything else. Slowly, he took it off and dropped it on the table next to Héctor’s coffee with a quiet clink. He didn't look at it again. It was almost like shedding a skin, and he didn’t want to feel like a waiter anymore. He wanted to just be… himself.

But even with that small action, the nerves didn’t entirely fade. He tugged off his apron and folded it, still feeling awkward in his own skin. There was something in the air now, something that made his stomach flutter, something that wasn’t there when he was just serving coffee. Héctor was still sitting there, looking so unbothered, as if this whole interaction was no big deal. It made Elliot feel even more out of place, though he couldn’t quite figure out why.

Héctor’s eyes were on him, of course. Elliot felt the heat creep up his neck as he shifted his weight, still standing by the table. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to sit down, but the whole thing felt… too much. Too real.

“Guess I’m off the clock now,” Elliot mumbled, finally sliding into the chair across from Héctor. His words felt clumsy, his voice a little too small. It wasn’t like he had anything better to say, and just sitting there in silence seemed impossible. He fiddled with the hem of his shirt, trying to distract himself from the fact that Héctor’s eyes were still on him, still studying him.

Before he could say anything else, though, his coworker Ava came over, smile wide. "Hey, Elliot! You done for the day? What can I get you?"

Elliot blinked, startled by the interruption, and glanced up at her. “Uh, just... black coffee, I guess?” he said, voice a little more hesitant than he would’ve liked. His eyes flitted back to Héctor briefly, trying to gauge if he was still waiting for something. After Ava nodded and walked off, he felt even more unsure of himself. The noise of the café felt louder now, and his usual shyness seemed to weigh heavier, making it harder to keep his mind from spiraling.

His fingers drummed against the edge of the table, but he quickly stopped, suddenly self-conscious of even the smallest gestures. "So... uh, yeah," Elliot continued, barely meeting Héctor’s eyes. "I guess I’m stuck here for a bit. I—uh—hope that’s okay."

It was strange, the way Héctor looked at him, like there was some unspoken thing between them. But Elliot couldn’t figure it out. Maybe it was just his usual awkwardness getting in the way. Or maybe Héctor had expected him to make a move, but Elliot didn’t even know where to start. Every time he thought he might say something, his mind went blank, and he felt like he was back in high school, trying to get up the courage to talk to someone he liked.

The silence stretched for a moment, and Elliot couldn’t help but feel the weight of it. His fingers twitched again, but this time, he kept them still. “I, uh... I don’t know what I’m doing here,” he muttered, more to himself than to Héctor. It wasn’t like he could admit how badly his nerves were getting to him. He knew Héctor probably wasn’t thinking anything of it. He’d probably never even noticed how much Elliot was stumbling over himself.

His coworker returned a few moments later with his coffee, and Elliot managed a soft, grateful smile before quickly taking a sip. The warmth calmed him for a second, but the tension was still there, a little electric and way too present.

He finally looked up at Héctor again, but his gaze was fleeting, like he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to meet it for too long. “I—I didn’t mean to make this... weird,” he said quietly, unsure of what else to say. “It’s just... I don’t really do this. Like, uh... hang out, you know? Not like this, anyway.” His face flushed at his own words, and he quickly looked down at his cup, the heat against his hands helping to distract him from his nerves, even if just a little. There it was again, the silence. He wasn’t sure what Héctor thought of him, or if this was all just a small thing to him. But if he could just figure out how to stop stumbling over his words, maybe, just maybe, he could find out.

Mentions: Héctor - ShellBelles

coded by kaninchen

 

[travelbypages]

GRAYSON HOLT

Grayson’s chest felt tight as Esme’s words slammed into him, every sentence like another blow. The silence that followed was suffocating, pressing down on him until he couldn’t breathe. His anger, the hurt, all of it, everything he’d been holding onto since she left, was spilling out in jagged pieces, and he could feel the weight of it suffocating him.

Her words hit harder than he expected. She didn’t want to leave. She tried. She was drowning. He knew she was hurting, but hearing her say it, hearing her actually say it out loud cut deeper than he ever imagined. He wanted to scream, to demand more answers, but every time he opened his mouth, the words seemed to choke him. The pain in her eyes mirrored something he didn’t know how to fix.

Grayson ran a hand through his hair, pacing as the silence stretched between them, both of them clinging to the ghosts of things unsaid. She was right. He hadn’t been able to see her. Not really. His frustration, his anger had clouded his judgment, and now it was too late. Too much had built up between them.

He sucked in a breath, his shoulders stiff with frustration. “I’m not doing this anymore, not on Christmas,” he muttered, the words coming out rougher than he intended. “I can’t keep fighting like this.” His gaze flickered toward her, but he couldn’t meet her eyes for long. Instead, he turned toward the front door. As he left the kitchen he noticed Julian eavesdropping.

He knew his brother's stance on Esme, on the divorce. So with a stern look he said, “don’t say anything to her.”

"I'm going for a walk," he announced, trying to keep his voice steady, but it was still thin with emotion. "I’ll be back later." He didn’t wait for any responses, just yanked the door open and stepped out into the cold, the crisp air burning his lungs as he walked away from the house, away from everything, everything except his spiraling thoughts.

***

The snow crunched underfoot as he made his way into the mountains. It was quiet up here, eerily so. The stillness was suffocating, but it gave him the space to think. The space to not think, if he could manage it. His legs burned from the climb, but he kept moving, his mind racing, turning over every word Esme had said. I didn’t leave because I didn’t care...God, how long had he been so blind to that?

By the time he’d realized how far he’d gone, and he didn’t care. This was his usual hiking path, so even with his mind swimming and his migraine hammering against his skull, he knew it like the back of his hand.

But then came the growl.

Grayson froze mid-step, his heart pounding in his chest as the sound echoed through the trees. The world around him felt suddenly too still, too quiet, the calm before the storm. Slowly, he turned, his breath catching in his throat.

A bear. A massive one, emerging from the shadows just off the path. Its eyes locked onto him with an intensity that made his stomach drop. He didn’t have time to think. Instinct kicked in, and he turned to run.

The bear was faster than he could have imagined, its powerful legs closing the distance in seconds. Grayson’s foot caught on an outcrop of rock, sending him sprawling to the ground. His palms scraped against the snow as he pushed himself up, but the bear was already on him, its weight crashing into him, winding him as he tried to scramble away.

He kicked, tried to fight back, but the bear’s claws swiped at him, grazing his side. The pain was immediate, burning deep into his ribs, but it didn’t stop him. Grayson scrambled to his feet, adrenaline flooding his system as he ducked and dodged, desperate to escape the bear’s relentless assault. His heart pounded so loudly in his ears that he couldn’t hear anything else, except for the sound of the bear’s growls, its breath coming in heavy bursts.

The next swipe caught him across the chest, sending him sprawling again. His jacket tore open, and the cold air bit into his exposed skin. Grayson tried to rise, but the pain in his side made it hard to breathe. He couldn’t think clearly. His body was failing him, the cold, the pain, and the fear making his legs shake, his head swim. He needed help. But there was no one. Just the bear and him, alone in the mountains.

Just as he felt himself starting to fade, a sudden shot rang through the air. The bear stopped, hesitated, then began to pull back, retreating into the shadows of the trees. Another shot, followed by a command. “Get back, now!”

The voice was strong, commanding. A man appeared, a rifle in his hand, accompanied by a woman and two kids. Mountain climbers, clearly experienced. They had the right gear, the right tools. The man shouted at Grayson to stay still, to not move, while his wife dialed 911. Grayson could barely hold onto his consciousness, the blood seeping out of his wound being the only thing to keep him warm while his body felt like it was made of lead, his chest tight with every shallow breath.

His mind kept returning to Esme, to the argument. ‘I’m sorry’, he thought, but his words wouldn’t come. The dizziness was too much.

The man stayed with him, making sure Grayson didn’t move while the woman worked to stabilize him. It wasn’t long before the sound of helicopter blades filled the air and paramedics dropped to the ground on a line. Everything to Grayson was becoming more and more of a muffled blur and eventually, the last thing he heard before losing consciousness was the familiar rush of a helicopter taking him away to the hospital.

Mentions: Esme - celestialbody and Julian - Lizy

coded by kaninchen

 

[fieldofclover]

now playing: much too young (to feel this damn old) - garth brooks

Banter came naturally to him when he was with Cora. With most people, it didn't. He felt like he could really relax around her, which was rare for Monroe to do. Lately, he had been too formal, too rigid. But when he was around Cora, all of that formality...all of that rigidness just went away. Her smile seemed to do wonders for him. It was like magic. What wasn't magic, on the other hand, was a way to bring the farm back to its glory days. As he looked over the land, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of sadness washing over him. "A lot of love is an understatement. I'm going to need a miracle to get this place back up and running." He let out a sigh, running a hand through his tousled hair.

That sadness quickly faded as Cora boldly started for the back porch, Monroe quickly picking up his own pace in order to follow her there. "Well, of course, I could have easily done this by myself. I'm a Calhoun, you know. We're known for being resourceful. Besides, I've gotten some of it done by myself already." Monroe gestured to the small piece of fence that made up the side wall, which wasn't very big to begin with. But still, he had done it by himself, which was impressive. Had he cussed and fussed the whole time he had done it? Well, yeah. But did it get done? Absolutely. And that was all that mattered.

"But now that you're here, we can get it finished in half the time it would have taken me to do it myself. C'mon, let's get to work." And before he gave her room to interject, he was headed in the direction of his shed in order to get the materials needed to finish the project. Sitting on his rocking chair during the summer would be enjoyable once the screening would be in place - no mosquitoes to bother him as he took in the sights and sounds of the farm.

wearing: no ace left in the hole
tags: PrincessAveRedfern (Cora)

pantone

®

#8f705c
Monroe Calhoun

coded by weldherwings.

 

[fieldofclover]

now playing: red hot winter - xylo

Now, Tori could definitely get a bit carried away sometimes, and right now, it was one of those times. And as the guy began to talk again, she had realized she had made a grave mistake. He wasn't part of the paparazzi after all. He was just a regular guy who was trying to photograph nature until she barged in and ruined his photo. She was at a loss for words as her anger quickly dissipated. No wonder she got such a bad rap. She was a total bitch - and she knew it. So she decided to say the two words that she hated to say: "I'm sorry." Tori rarely admitted when she was wrong, but in this case, she was one hundred percent in the wrong. She had just made another enemy over a misunderstanding.

She hung her head in shame, tears beginning to dot her eyes. "I don't expect you to forgive me. In fact, you probably don't believe my apology anyway. As you can see, I'm a total trainwreck." Tori wasn't acting here - she truly knew that she was beyond help at this point. When even her own family didn't want anything to do with her anymore, she knew that it was over for her. And now, here she was, in an unfamiliar place, making a complete ass of herself in front of a stranger who probably meant well. "I'll get out of your hair now." She turned to walk away, but hesitated. Looking back at him, Tori opened her mouth to speak again, but quickly decided against it. She had already gotten herself into enough trouble as is.

wearing: it's a beautiful day for the end of the world
tags: celestialbody (Lucian)

pantone

®

#004ab5
Victoria Sinclair

coded by weldherwings.

 

[fieldofclover]

now playing: lonely people - orla gartland

"What I'm wearing?" Molly quirked an eyebrow, glancing down at her outfit. Sure, it provided little coverage against the winter chill, but it was all she had. Of course, she could have gotten Mikey or one of her friends to go and grab some of her clothes from her room, but she didn't want to be a burden. Besides, she could get by like she was. "Oh, yeah - I didn't really expect to go out like this. It was unexpected, but hey, I'll be fine. I always find a way to get by." She wasn't going to worry about herself, and she didn't want this mysterious stranger to worry either.

Molly walked alongside the still-nameless guy in a bit of silence before opening her mouth to speak once more. "You're new to town? It seems like there's a lot of new faces around here these days. Luckily for you, I know the perfect spot to warm up." She grinned, a mischievous glint shining in her eyes. She had gotten accustomed to crashing in the vacant studio apartment above the rink when the owner wasn't tending to the rink. Today would be the perfect day for her to have a warm room to stay in, since he was out of town for the holidays. "Come on, it'll be fun!" She grabbed his hand, pulling him down the sidewalk even further in the direction of the apartment.

wearing: i'm not sure i've got the heart for this
tags: PrincessAveRedfern (Clay)

pantone

®

#3a382b
Molly Harding

coded by weldherwings.

 

[fieldofclover]

now playing: break my stride - matthew wilder

He often wished that he could have been born into a family like Rachel's. They all seemed to love and appreciate him for who he was - and most importantly, wouldn't force him to be anyone he didn't want to be. If his own family had been like that in the first place, he wouldn't have skipped out on his own Christmas celebration. But he couldn't change his family, and so he was more than happy to be absorbed into this one. If his own family didn't want him, then he was more than welcome to be here today.

Mikey's expression turned from that of joy to utter surprise as Rachel handed him a gift bag. He set his mug of cocoa down before tearing into the bag, pulling out the hat. "It's perfect! Rach, you really know the way to a guy's heart." He tugged it on over his mop of curls, a big goofy grin on his face. "Oh, and uh...I ordered your gift a little too late. It's on its way, though! You know how I always wait 'til the last minute and all..." The goofiness faded into a sheepish smile. He had gotten her a pair of high-quality goggles - but the thing was, it was on backorder. It was in high demand with it being winter and all.

"So, what does my bestest friend in the whole wide world have planned for Christmas?"

wearing: nobody gonna slow me down
tags: Lizy (Rachel)

pantone

®

#1c2127
Mikey Harding

coded by weldherwings.

 

[travelbypages]

TALISA SKY

Talisa’s heart was pounding in her chest, the weight of Lawson’s gaze lingering like an electric charge, as if he could see straight through her. The intensity of his words, the way his voice dipped low, everything about him was magnetic. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked at her like that, not with such genuine curiosity, or with such… hunger. When his lips brushed hers again, she melted into the kiss, her body reacting with a life of its own, warmth flooding her cheeks and her skin prickling with the thrill of it. The taste of him lingered on her lips when he pulled away, leaving her breathless, as if the air had been knocked right out of her.

He stepped back, and her eyes snapped open, instantly feeling the distance between them like a physical ache. She swayed slightly, feeling suddenly vulnerable, flustered by the intensity of what had just transpired. Her hands, slightly trembling, reached for the bottle of wine sitting just behind her on the counter. She quickly uncorked it, desperate for something to calm her nerves, and poured herself a glass. The rich red liquid sloshed into the glass as she brought it to her lips, her hands still unsteady. It was only a sip, but it felt like a lifeline, grounding her, even as her mind reeled from the moment.

She didn’t even care that her face felt hot, she had never been good at hiding how much things affected her. She swallowed the wine, hoping it would calm the rush of emotions swirling inside her, and for a moment, it did. The warmth of it spread down her throat, settling her just enough to give her a breath. She looked up at Lawson, catching a glimpse of him from across the kitchen, his figure silhouetted in the dim light, deep in thought.

The seconds stretched into minutes. There was a delicate tension between them now, and Talisa wasn’t sure what to make of it. Her thoughts were still a jumbled mess, and she could feel her pulse quicken again as she tried to focus. He had just made her feel things she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

Shaking her head slightly, she moved away from the counter, taking the wine with her, trying to compose herself. She needed something to do, something to focus on, and the dinner was the only thing that made sense right now. It felt like a good distraction, a way to bring her back down from the rush of everything.

A little time passed, and soon the house was filled with the smells of the finished cooking. The soft hum of the oven and the sizzle of the pan were the only sounds that filled the air now. Talisa had set the table, carefully placing everything out; steaming dishes of roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, a roast that was perfectly caramelized on the outside, and finally she old traditional recipes her mother had taught her before she moved, fresh bannock and beef stew. She had made sure to leave nothing to chance. The table was laid with care, each item placed just so. The soft golden glow of the candles illuminated the room, casting gentle shadows on the walls, making it feel like a moment frozen in time.

She stood back for a moment, taking it all in. The atmosphere, the food, the quiet tension that hung between them, everything was coming together. She just needed to pull herself together, too.

Mentions: Lawson - PrincessAveRedfern

coded by kaninchen

 

[celestialbody]

Ophelia Devereux

O

phelia led the way to the diner, the short walk giving her enough time to glance at Soren from the corner of her eye. She could sense how withdrawn he was, his posture stiff, his gaze focused anywhere except on her. Once they were seated, she placed her hands gently on the table, fingers laced together, and sat back, giving him the space he seemed to need. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was heavy with unspoken words.
As she watched him, her heart ached for him—her friend, so clearly struggling to keep it all together. She could tell there was so much more beneath the surface, but Soren had always been someone who hid behind walls. The apology he muttered under his breath wasn’t surprising, but it still stirred something in her.

"Soren,"

she said softly, offering him a small but reassuring smile, her voice gentle. Her hand rested on the table, palm up, an unspoken invitation for him to take it if he needed the comfort.

"It's okay. You don’t need to apologize more than once. I was worried, but I get it."

She gave him a moment, her eyes soft with concern.

"You’ve been under a lot of pressure. I know how messy and exhausting our world can be. Sometimes, you just need a break—a time to disappear, to breathe, right?"

Her fingers tapped lightly against the edge of the table, thoughtful but calm. She wasn’t rushing him, not expecting answers right away.

"I won’t push you to talk about anything you’re not ready to. I’m not here to drag anything out of you."

She leaned forward just slightly, her expression warm, open.

"But just know this, Soren... if you ever need someone to talk to, or if you just need someone to sit in silence with you, I’m here. Always."

Ophelia paused, her gaze steady, as if to let the weight of her words settle between them. Her voice was low but sincere, the understanding in her tone unmistakable.

"I know what it feels like to be stifled, to be used by the people in our industry. I can’t fix everything, but I can be here for you—no judgment, no pressure."

She gave him a soft, comforting smile, her tone shifting gently as she tried to lighten the mood.

"You know, you sure did pick a cozy little spot to retreat to. And what luck, running into a friend on Christmas of all days."

She tried to make the conversation flow a little more easily, a small attempt to give him space without the heaviness lingering too long.
Her eyes brightened a little, eager to take the conversation somewhere lighter.

"Have you been around town much? I’ve been exploring a bit and found this little Nigerian restaurant with the nicest owners. My co-star’s parents run it, actually."

She leaned in slightly, her smile widening with the excitement of sharing something small but pleasant.

"You should check it out sometime. They’ve got the best jollof rice."

outfit:

location:

Main Street

tags:

Soren Lizy

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Ivy Hayes

Influencer

Location

Hayes House

"I love these people!"

interactions.

fieldofclover - Naomi @faeriehollow -Oliver

I

vy beamed at her two friends, her heart swelling with excitement as the warmth of the holiday season enveloped them. With a playful glint in her eye, she leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Naomi’s cheek just as her mother breezed into the room, a radiant smile lighting up her face.

“Ah, Naomi!”

she exclaimed cheerfully, her voice filled with affection.

“And Oliver!”

she added, giving him a playful wink as she wrapped her arm around Naomi’s shoulders, drawing her close.

Ivy’s heart fluttered at the sight of Oliver opening his arms wide, inviting her into an embrace. She rushed into his warm hug, snuggling her head against him, feeling the comfort of friendship wrap around her like a cozy blanket. “You can place them under the tree,” she giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she pulled back to look at him.

“Also, if you hate pink, I am truly sorry! Christmas is always pink here!”

With that, she led them both into the living room, where a symphony of shades of pink greeted them: a baby pink couch, a bubblegum pink rug, and a hot pink Christmas tree adorned with shimmering ornaments. The vibrant hues filled the room with a playful cheer that perfectly encapsulated her family’s festive spirit.

As everyone settled in, Ivy couldn’t contain her excitement.

“I can’t wait for you both to open your gifts!”

she cheered, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. The anticipation of the moment made her heart race, and she felt a giddy thrill at the thought of sharing this cherished tradition with her friends. The air was thick with joy, laughter, and the promise of surprises yet to be unveiled, and Ivy reveled in the warmth of the moment, grateful for the company of those she held dear.

[/div]

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Hades Hawthorne

Astrologist

Location

Hades Apartment

"God She is something else"

interactions.

travelbypages -Hanna

H

ades observed her as she gracefully re-entered the room, his eyes widening in awe at her presence.

“You look absolutely resplendent, as always,”

he remarked, his voice infused with genuine admiration. Extricating himself from the bed, he strode towards her, his movements imbued with a sense of purpose.

“Are you going to feel chilly?”

he inquired, a note of concern lacing his tone as he leaned in closely to whisper softly into her ear.

“I wouldn’t want you to freeze; I can’t really warm you up in public.”

With a tender kiss to the side of her head, he turned and sauntered into his closet, retrieving a sumptuous black ensemble crafted from luxurious velvet. The fabric draped over him effortlessly, enhancing his striking silhouette.

Once he was properly attired, he pivoted to face her, a playful wink gracing his lips.

“Alright, I’m ready to go,”

he declared, excitement bubbling beneath the surface of his calm demeanor. Having her here today felt invigorating; the prospect of spending this time with someone he had been growing increasingly close to was far more appealing than languishing alone in solitude. There was an undeniable richness to her presence, a warmth that rendered everything in his world suddenly worthwhile.

As he reflected on their time together, Hades began to notice the smallest details upon his return from his various escapades. A solitary hair tie left behind, a stray shirt of hers casually draped over a chair—each item was a subtle token of her presence, as if she had left pieces of herself scattered throughout his life. He found himself genuinely relishing these little surprises, the intimate signs of her comfort within his space. Each token served as a gentle reminder of their deepening connection, and he cherished the warmth it brought to his heart.

He couldn’t help but smile as he thought about how her laughter echoed in the corners of his home, filling the once-quiet spaces with a vibrant energy. The way her eyes sparkled when she spoke, how her presence seemed to illuminate even the most mundane moments, was something he had never anticipated. With every shared glance and subtle touch, he felt the walls he had built around himself begin to crumble, allowing a sense of openness to flourish.

As they prepared to step out into the world together, Hades felt a surge of gratitude. The prospect of facing whatever awaited them outside was far less daunting with her by his side. It was the little things—the shared smiles, the comfortable silences, the knowing looks—that made their time together feel extraordinary. He had grown to treasure these moments, each one weaving the fabric of their relationship a little tighter, binding them in a way that felt both exhilarating and deeply fulfilling. He was ready to embrace whatever adventures lay ahead, knowing that as long as she was with him, every experience would be enriched by her presence.

 

[Lizy]

mood :

excited

location :

coffee shop

outfit :

mentions :

elowen

interactions :

t'kaya travelbypages

dunn

;; Brandon

T'kaya had a way with words, that was for sure. The way she spoke about impulsivity made Brandon feel like there could be hope in letting go of control. Maybe, just maybe, a little adventure could lead to a good thing instead of his usual pit of despair. He'd been burned too many times, it was hard to believe. But, T'kaya was beginning to crack his thick shell.

He nearly choked on his coffee, having to cough lightly when she called his serious energy hot. Brandon wasn't terrible at picking up signals, he'd gotten the flirtatious energy. He just wasn't expecting the forwardness of her remark. He smiled, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes showing that he didn't dislike her comment.

Brandon felt his breath hitch when her fingers made contact with his skin. They were soft, warm, everything he had hoped her touch would be, really. He hadn't felt like this about anyone in a long time. T'kaya made him feel like he should go out on a limb, take risks again. And he didn't feel scared to do so. He felt safe. Not like when he was with Elowen, who made him feel like he was constantly on the verge of panic from the weight of his emotions.

He took another sip of his coffee before grinning. "Let's do something adventurous," he nodded. There was still a bit of coffee left in his cup, but he felt like the energy had shifted. They needed to get out and explore. "Shall we walk and drink?" he asked, standing up and extending his hand. Brandon took his hand in her's as she stood up, his fingers closing around hers. "How about we start with sledding? Sounds simple enough. I need an adventure suitable for a beginner. I'm not as experienced as you."

coded by reveriee.

 

[ShellBelles]

Ozelia Mae Bonet

O

zelia grinned happily as she saw Eileen finally crack a smile, the younger woman bursting into laughter beside her. It warmed Ozelia’s heart to see the shift in her mood, and she couldn’t help but let out an unrestrained laugh of her own. There was something so pure about hearing Eileen’s laughter—it was as if a weight had lifted from both of them.
She leaned back against the bench in satisfaction, savoring the moment. She had managed to bring a little joy to Eileen’s day, and though it might only be a fleeting happiness, it was enough for her. She couldn’t stand seeing sad faces, especially on a day like today, when everyone was supposed to come together and share the spirit of joy in their little town.
As a longtime resident of Revelstoke, Ozelia had grown up with the belief that you didn’t just walk past someone who was feeling down. You didn’t leave them to face the weight of their troubles alone. That wasn’t how she had been raised, nor was it the kind of person she wanted to be.
Their laughter eventually began to slow, and Ozelia glanced over at Eileen, her wide, goofy grin now softening into a more gentle, relieved expression. She was glad to see that Eileen seemed to be alright for now.

"Fair enough,"

Ozelia said with a playful smile.

"But when you’re feeling down, it helps to hear how someone else has slipped up or done something silly. Not everyone can be as weird as me and laugh at themselves, especially when they’re feeling low."

Her gaze wandered out to the bustling scene around them—the families passing by, the couples and friends walking hand-in-hand, all wrapped in the warmth of shared happiness. It made her heart ache just a little, but there was something beautiful about it too.

"I’m really happy you could laugh with me, Eileen,"

she added, her voice softening.

"It’s nice to share these moments with someone, even if that someone is a stranger."

Ozelia paused for a moment, her fingers tracing the edge of the bench as she chose her next words carefully. She didn’t want to spoil the bright mood they had just shared, not after managing to lift it so effortlessly. But she also felt it was important to say what was on her mind.

"I hope you know,"

she continued gently, her voice sincere,

"that whatever it was that had you feeling blue... you don’t have to deal with it alone. I don’t know who’s in your life, but I’m sure there are plenty of people who love someone as sweet as you and are more than willing to sit with you, just be there for you, instead of a nosy stranger like me."

She smiled softly, hoping that the kindness in her words would resonate with Eileen. It was the truth, after all—no one should ever feel like they were carrying their burdens alone.

outfit:

location:

Main Street

tags:

Eileen ShellBelles

POV - Eileen Harigold
​

Eileen couldn't help but light up a little at Ozelia's soft and joyful tone as she spoke. It was honestly so refreshing to have her here and chatting with her. For some reason, she felt all the more comfortable being around her, even if she's only known her for a couple of minutes. She admired her wisdom and selflessness. Ozelia was like a beacon of light in this world, making it her mission to spread enough joy and laughter to those in need. Why couldn't more people be like her? Something Eileen couldn't help but wonder as she sat there gazing upon the sights all around them. "Yeah. I guess that's true."

She brought her attention towards the people around them as the two sat together. Eileen watched all the happy families and couples walking together and engaging with each other happily. It made her realize how peaceful Revelstoke was compared to her home back in the city. That there was much more emotion and realness that could be seen just between the townsfolk alone. Seeing all those people together also made Eileen feel bad about ditching her family, her solemn thoughts now starting to flow back into her mind.

Though she then turned to Ozelia as she brought up her and her well-being again. The way she spoke with so much passion and concern made Eileen feel a warmth inside her chest. The more she thought about it, the more she was losing that ability to hold back her emotions anymore. She sighed as she lowered her head, now just staring at her lap. Ozelia already told her a funny story from her life just to cheer her up. She already went out of her way to try to make her feel a little better. And she did. Now Eileen felt like she at least owed her an explanation for why she was feeling so bad in the first place. It was only fair.

"It's just...Christmas used to be a fun time for me. I liked being able to spend it with my family. But ever since..." Eileen paused, taking a deep breath before she continued. "Ever since my mom died...I don't know. It just never felt the same. I've tried getting over it. To just move on like my dad wanted to. But everytime I think I have, she just floods my mind until I break. Like all of a sudden, every memory of her comes back just to torment me. A-And I know I'm not supposed to forget her, o-or even want to, but...at this point, i-it feels like it's the only way I can really move on. Cause everytime I think of her I just...shatter. I don't know what's wrong with me. I just...can't do it. I-It just feels wrong to find joy on this day now, without her. That's why I had to leave my dad and my other family back at the house, which...which is wrong, I know, but..."

As Eileen continued to vent, the more tears started to well up in her eyes, two now running down her cheeks as she tried not to completely break down. She felt terrible to have just undone Ozelia's achievement with her own mind. She felt terrible to be bringing such negativity on this joyous holiday to begin with. But she couldn't help it. The poor girl had been building up so much bad feelings within her that she just had to release it. Or else she might drive herself insane.

Eileen sniffled as she wiped at her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket, the pain she's been feeling now fully present on her face. "I'm sorry." That was all she could muster up to say. She felt powerless to her own mind now. Helpless and unknowing of how to help herself. If she even could at this point. She wasn't even sure if she was just being stubborn now. She just wanted all this pain to go away. She just wanted to be free from the past, instead of repeatedly dwelling on it and doing all of this to herself.

celestialbody (Ozelia)

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Aveline Odessa Linchette

Bakery Owner

Location

Linchette's Bakery

"Christmas time!"

interactions.

Lizy -Sidney

A

ve Ave regarded him with a curious expression, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

“You have indeed tasted my baking before,”

she replied with a light-hearted laugh, graciously accepting the compliment.

“If I didn’t know how to bake, I would certainly think I owned the wrong shop!”

She shook her head playfully, her demeanor radiating warmth as she took another sip of her drink.

As she turned her gaze to the whimsical decorations adorning the walls, a thought crossed her mind.

“If you don’t mind helping me,”

she began, her tone earnest,

“it would be a tremendous assistance since we won’t be open tomorrow.”

She nodded appreciatively, her enthusiasm palpable. Rubbing the back of her neck, she took another sip of her drink, savoring the flavors that danced on her palate.

Her eyes traveled around the bakery, and a soft sigh escaped her lips. This place was more than just a business; it was her sanctuary, the only haven that kept her feeling grounded amidst the chaos of life. The comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, wrapping around her like a warm embrace. Each pastry, each loaf of bread, held a piece of her heart, a testament to her passion and dedication.

Looking back at Sidney, she felt a renewed sense of joy. His presence felt reassuring, a reminder that she wasn’t alone in this journey. Seeing him enjoy her creations filled her heart with a sense of fulfillment that was hard to articulate. It was moments like these that made all the long hours and hard work worthwhile.

[/div]

 

[celestialbody]

Blair Rosewood

B

lair settled down on the couch, trying to keep the atmosphere light and easy, focusing on Maisel. He casually asked about how school had been going, asking small, comforting questions to keep the conversation flowing. It was just their usual banter, a quiet, comfortable exchange as they waited for Maisel’s parents to emerge from the kitchen. He didn’t mind the wait—it gave him a chance to catch up with her, to keep her company before they all gathered around for the meal or for her to open presents.
But as the minutes ticked by, Blair’s good mood started to slip, replaced by an uneasy sensation. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled, an odd feeling settling in. It wasn’t long before he noticed the harsh whispers from the kitchen growing louder, voices rising in tension.
Curious, Blair glanced over his shoulder, spotting Julian standing by the wall, his face set in a hard expression as he listened to whatever was going on between Grayson and Esme. Though he couldn’t hear the words clearly, he could feel the undercurrent of anger—something was off, and it was clear that whatever was happening just in the other room was spilling over into the air of the house.
Trying to shake off the unease, Blair turned his attention back to Maisel, trying to keep her distracted, but his focus was broken again as Grayson suddenly stormed out of the kitchen. The man’s face was tight with frustration, his posture tense as he made a beeline for the door. Before exiting, he shot a brief, stern look toward Julian saying something to him that Blair didn't quite catch before announcing to the room that he was taking a walk.
The door slammed shut behind him with a sharp finality that made the air in the room feel heavy and thick, as if the weight of the argument had followed him out. Maisel, who had been sitting beside him, immediately reacted—her little brow furrowing as she glanced between her father’s departure, her mother frozen in the kitchen, and her uncle, still propped up against the wall, her wide eyes full of confusion. The change in the atmosphere was palpable.
Blair’s heart sank a little as the cheer drained out of the room. The smile that had once come so easily now felt forced. He quickly glanced toward Julian a mix of confusion and concern on his face, before turning his attention back to Maisel, doing his best to keep things light.

“Hey, how about you open one of the presents I got you? I know we’re supposed to do them all together, but I just can’t wait for you to see what I got you! Think of this as your little freebie until you get to open all the others!”

Blair’s words fumbled a little at first, the nerves in his chest twisting, but by the end of his sentence, his tone picked up with more confidence. He flashed a bright smile at Maisel, his attempt at bringing back the energy, though a quiet part of him knew it was a distraction, a small attempt to steer her away from the tension that had thickened in the air.

outfit:

location:

Holt Household

tags:

Julian Lizy Grayson travelbypages Esme

 

[ShellBelles]

Auriela Grace Hale

Constable Daughter/Wild Child

Location

Hale house

"They mean the world to me"

interactions.

ShellBelles -Roman

A

urie beamed with unrestrained joy as she absorbed the infectious exuberance radiating from Roman, who was brimming with excitement for their upcoming celebration. The air was thick with anticipation, and when she heard them mention the much-anticipated music album, her eyes sparkled with delight, reflecting her eager anticipation. She took a moment to survey the living room, a cozy haven filled with her beloved family, and her grin widened, illuminating her face with warmth.

As her gaze drifted towards the kitchen, a soft chuckle escaped her lips at the sight of her family bustling about, their movements a delightful dance of camaraderie. It amused her to think that they were working diligently to ensure everything was ready in record time, the aroma of festive dishes wafting through the air, heightening the spirit of the occasion.

When Roman gently placed their hand atop hers, a wave of affection washed over her, prompting her to redirect her focus back to them. Unable to suppress her laughter, she giggled—her heart swelling with happiness. In a moment of playful spontaneity, she passed the remote to them, encouraging them to select a cherished Christmas movie that would further enrich the festive atmosphere.

As she nestled her head against their shoulder, a profound sense of contentment enveloped her. Engaging in delightful conversation with her mother and grandmother, she felt a deep connection to her roots, the stories and laughter weaving a tapestry of cherished memories. In that moment, Aurie was overwhelmed with gratitude for Roman, appreciating their thoughtful decision to bring their family together for this special occasion.

This gathering felt extraordinarily meaningful to her; it transcended the usual celebrations and resonated with the true essence of Christmas. She could feel the palpable warmth of love enveloping her, a reminder of the bonds that held them all together. In the heart of her home, surrounded by laughter, shared stories, and the spirit of togetherness, Aurie knew this was a Christmas she would treasure forever.

POV - Roman Marshall
​

Roman continued to sit with Auriela while the rest of their families engaged with each other. This was such a tender moment for them. It almost felt so surreal, seeing Auriela chat with their mother and grandmother. Roman had told them about her plenty of times. And vice versa. But seeing them actually being together and sharing stories almost made them emotional. But they kept it together, just relishing in the surplus amount of joy and laughter being spread around.

They comfortingly put their arm around Auriela as she rested her head against their shoulder, continuing to engage in the conversations. They smiled along with the stories about their childhood christmases, telling Auriela all about the gifts they've gotten, which they still have to this day. Roman's never thrown out a Christmas gift in their life, since it always meant something special to them.

They pouted and blushed with mild embarrassment when Roman's mother told Auriela all about the story of when they were caught acting along with a love scene in a movie, pretending that it was them and Auriela. They laughed along to the story of the time that they all nearly got lost in a snow storm because of their taxi driver being drunk. Then they were simply just full of warmth when their grandmother shared one of the few memories she could recall, about her romance in life and how they and Auriela reminded her of it.

All in all, Roman could simply stay like this forever if they could. Just having this oppurtunity was enough of a gift for them. It was perfect for this holiday. Once their mother went and offered to help out in the kitchen, Roman brought their attention back to Auriela as they smiled down at her. The look of joy on her face was filling them with nothing but passion and affection. They kissed the top of her head before speaking in a soft tone. "You know, I think this is the happiest I've ever seen you."

They sat there with her, enjoying her warm embrace as they listened to the Christmas tunes on the album. They thought about all the special moments that were to come in the future, getting all aflutter from every single one. Romance used to be a foreign feeling for Roman. But ever since Auriela came along, they never wanted to lose that feeling ever again. She made it feel all the more normal for them.

PrincessAveRedfern (Auriela)

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Cora Reed

Poet/Country Girl

Location

Monroe's

"Hello old flame"

interactions.

@fieldofclove -Monroe

C

ora nodded, a light chuckle escaping her lips as she observed him making his way to the shed, his movements imbued with a playful energy. While he was away, she took a moment to check her texts, a smile spreading across her face as she read messages from her parents. They truly were the best, always going above and beyond to support her in every endeavor.

When he returned, she quickly tucked her phone away and reached for the gardening gloves he handed her, the fabric feeling sturdy and reassuring in her hands. As she walked up the porch, she looked at him with a determined expression.

“Alright, Mon,”

she said, a sense of camaraderie in her voice,

“since you’re taller, you’ll staple it in, and I’ll hold it up.”

Though she may have lacked experience in this particular task, her willingness to learn was unwavering.

As they worked together, Cora found herself stealing glances at him, her heart swelling with a mixture of admiration and resolve. She was determined to see this project through to completion today, knowing how much it meant to him. She had heard him speak of it since they had first met, and the weight of that significance sat heavy in her heart. The thought of contributing to something that brought him joy filled her with purpose, yet a twinge of guilt lingered in the back of her mind.

Despite her inner turmoil, she continued to assist him, focusing on the task at hand. With each staple that punctuated the air, she felt a sense of accomplishment.

“Good job, Mon!”

she giggled, her voice light and cheerful as they finished the final touches. The satisfaction of their labor hung in the air like a gentle breeze, and in that moment, Cora felt a warmth envelop her—a reminder that she was not only helping him but also forging a deeper connection with him through their shared efforts.

 

[celestialbody]

Natalia Zamora

N

atalia felt her heart flutter when she felt Joon’s hand come to rest on top of hers. That simple, reassuring touch was enough to push away the nerves that had been building inside her. Her smile returned, the warmth spreading through her as the small gesture gave her the confidence she needed to speak her mind, to say what had been swirling around in her thoughts.
Following Joon, she entered his room and took in the space around her. It was much like her own room—simple, clean, with only subtle differences in layout and his personal items scattered around, giving it a distinct, familiar feel. There were a few items of his, small things that hinted at his personality, but the overall tone was still minimalist, much like hers.
Following his suggestion, Natalia moved to sit on the edge of his bed, feeling the plush mattress beneath her as she leaned back for a moment, resting on her palms. The soft fabric of the comforter beneath her was surprisingly soothing, helping to calm her a little. She took in a deep breath before sitting up a bit straighter, her gaze turning to Joon, who was casually leaning against the wall, his patience clear in the way he watched her. He already seemed to know that something was on her mind, but the last thing she wanted to do was rush into it without feeling sure of what she was saying.
She wasn't planning on diving into the topic so quickly, but with Joon already sensing something was off, she didn’t want to prolong the inevitable. She licked her lips, gathering her thoughts as she finally met his eyes, her gaze steady. This wasn’t going to be easy, but she had to do it.

"Alright,"

she began, her voice calm but with an underlying tension.

"You remember that project we worked on a few months ago? We worked well together, right? Got along pretty quickly!"

A small, fond smile tugged at her lips as she recalled the days they’d spent working closely. It felt like a lifetime ago.

"Sorry, I’m kind of beating around the bush here,"

she added with a small laugh, trying to lighten the air.

"But do you remember that night we spent together? The... last night?"

Her voice softened at the end, not wanting to be too direct, but the words still hung in the air. She knew he’d remember—how could he forget? It had been more than just a goodbye. It was something that had lingered with her, and she was sure it had with him too. She didn’t want to assume too much, but the memory of that night, of their final moments together, felt special-at least to her. She glanced at Joon, waiting for him to make the connection, hoping he’d understand exactly what she meant without her having to spell it out. She doubted he would, but a girl could hope.

outfit:

location:

Revelstoke Mountain Lodge

tags:

Joon PrincessAveRedfern

 

[Lizy]

mood :

upset, weirdly nicer than usual

location :

zane's place

outfit :

mentions :

n/a

interactions :

zane travelbypages

Samson

;; Casper

Casper hung on to Zane's words as he spoke. He liked how the man talked about him like he was worth something. He wasn't quite used to that. It was so foreign that he couldn't even completely accept that Zane was being genuine. He had no reason not to believe the words coming out of his mouth, he sounded genuine enough and had no reason to lie. Casper just preferred to hang on to his scrap of doubt. Because if he let himself completely believe Zane and the man happened to be bullshitting him, it would break him.

He liked how Zane kept things fun though. It was a nice contrast to whatever he was feeling inside. Casper laughed when Zane talked about cookies and pizza, and somehow made talking about deeper things sound a little lighter. What made Casper really stop and think was the comment about not having to be anything special right now. He considered that point so hard that he'd almost missed what Zane said about how he was looking at him. Almost, but not quite.

Casper smirked and kept his eye's locked onto Zane's, as if taking it as a challenge. He reached for the bong, taking it out of Zane's hands and taking a hit. "That sexy enough for you?" He passed the bong back with a wink before taking another cookie and biting into it. He stood up and paced a little as he finished up the cookie and begun to speak.

"You know, I don't think I've ever considered just... not being special. I've always just kind of had it in my head that I have to be either totally perfect or a complete fuck up. And since no one is perfect, I've been leaning really really heavily on the whole fuck up thing," He let out a little laugh, continuing to pace and motion with his hands as he spoke. His way of letting it all out. "But, I don't think that's me. Not really anyways. It kind of feels like I'm always acting and I never really get to just be. I'm not that bad. I may not be very good either, but... I'm not that bad. I'm just a bit of an attention whore, I think."

Casper's pacing had led him closer to the couch and he took a seat, positioning him right next to Zane. Was all this pacing an excuse to get off of the beanbag chair and closer to Zane? Maybe. "I'm just some guy, really. Just a normal guy." He paused, taking another hit when the bong was passed to him again.

"I think you're the first person to see that guy and call him sexy." Casper's hand found it's way to Zane's, his fingers gently tracing along the back of the man's hand. "And that actually means a lot, coming from the hottest goddamn weed man I've ever seen. You're really great." His tone progressively got gentler, a little quieter as he felt the weed hit. It simultaneously made him feel calmer and amplified how drawn to Zane he was. "I kinda wanna kiss you right now." He paused, looking around for a second. "Shit... did I say that out loud?"

coded by reveriee.

 

[travelbypages]

ZANE BENNETT

Zane watched Casper pace with a lazy grin, the weed settling into his system like a slow-moving wave. Casper’s pacing wasn’t frantic. It was thoughtful, deliberate, like he was trying to walk off the weight of the words spilling out of him. Zane found himself caught up in it, in the way Casper gestured, laughed at his own insecurities, and let himself unravel a little. When Casper smirked and took the bong from him earlier, Zane had barely managed a chuckle. 'That sexy enough for you?' The wink and the confidence were there, but Zane saw more than the playful exterior. This was someone testing waters, gauging reactions, daring to believe he could be seen as enough.

Now, as Casper sat down next to him, Zane leaned back against the couch, his arm draped lazily along the backrest, his body relaxed but his attention sharp. He let Casper’s words wash over him, nodding here and there, chuckling softly at the self-deprecating humor but not interrupting. When Casper’s fingers brushed against his hand, tracing slow, deliberate lines along the back of it, Zane’s heart skipped. He glanced down at their hands and then up at Casper’s face, taking in the shift in his tone. 'I kinda wanna kiss you right now.'

Zane’s lips curved into a crooked smile, his voice low and teasing but laced with warmth. “Yeah, you said that out loud.” He shifted, turning more fully toward Casper, their knees now brushing. “Good thing I don’t mind.” He let the moment linger, watching Casper’s reaction, giving him the chance to back away if he needed to. When Casper didn’t move, Zane leaned in, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. “You know, you talk about yourself like you’re just some guy, like you don’t deserve more. But from where I’m sitting? You’re pretty damn hard to ignore.”

He paused, letting his words sink in before tilting his head slightly, his lips brushing Casper’s in a kiss that was slow and intentional. When Zane pulled back, the kiss lingered in the air between them, his lips brushing Casper’s once more, almost by instinct, as if letting go too soon wasn’t an option. His breath was warm, mixing with Casper’s, and his hand stayed steady on Casper’s jaw, his thumb tracing slow, deliberate strokes along the edge of his cheek. He didn’t speak right away, letting the quiet tension build, his dark eyes searching Casper’s face as though committing every detail to memory. When he finally did speak, his voice was low, husky, and intimate. “You’re not just some guy, Casper. Not to me.” He leaned closer again, their lips almost touching as he spoke, his words brushing against Casper’s mouth like a whisper. “You’ve got this way about you, like you don’t even realize how much you pull someone in. It’s maddening, in the best possible way.”

Zane’s fingers slipped from Casper’s jaw down to his neck, his touch deliberate and firm, grounding both of them in the moment. “You don’t have to be perfect,” Zane murmured, his lips brushing the corner of Casper’s mouth as he spoke, teasing, tempting. “I like you exactly as you are, at least, from what I've seen so far.” His gaze flicked from Casper’s eyes to his lips, his smile returning, softer but laced with heat. “And for the record,” he added, his tone dipping lower, more playful but no less sincere, “that little bong performance earlier? Completely unfair. How am I supposed to keep my cool when you’re pulling moves like that?”

Zane leaned in again, his lips capturing Casper’s in a kiss that was deeper this time, slower, more intentional. It was the kind of kiss that didn’t ask questions but answered them instead, a silent promise that Casper didn’t need to be anything more than himself.

Mentions: Casper - Lizy

coded by kaninchen

 

[PotatochipsRlit]

mood :

Entertained

location :

Redfern Kitchen

outfit :

mentions :

interactions :

PrincessAveRedfern - Kennedy

Mckdowell

Bryson

As Bryson busied himself with the preparation of his ingredients, he couldn't resist stealing a glance at Kennedy, who met his gaze with an exaggerated roll of her eyes... "Me, secretly enjoy the banter? Please," he chuckled, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "The only reason I bother to retaliate your teasing is because you thrive on my silence."

With a mischievous glint in his eye, he turned and leaned in closer, planting a soft kiss on her shoulder before reaching for a few eggs from the carton, a light snicker escaping him... "Alright then," he declared, turning back to his makeshift cooking station, a determined look settling on his face...
"I might just surprise you, Kennedy." He glanced over his shoulder, a spark of mischief in his eyes, before cracking eggs into his bowls, mixing in flour and an array of unexpected ingredients that formed the basis of his secret pancake recipe.

After a good twenty minutes of focused silence, he broke the quiet, his voice teasing. "How are you holding up back there? Not making a mess, are we?" He knew her tendency to get a little chaotic in the kitchen, a trait he found endearing and that only deepened his fondness for her in this new town they were navigating together.

As he finished his task, wiping the sweat from his brow, he covered his bowl with plastic wrap and placed it in the fridge, noting the puzzled expression on Kennedy's face. "Hey, it helps the batter settle nicely," he explained, leaning casually against the counter beside her, watching her intently as she continued to add ingredients to her bowl.
A soft chuckle escaped him as he observed her concentration. "My, you’re really focused," he remarked, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a smirk playing on his lips as he admired her dedication...her brow furrowed in determination as she measured out the sugar with meticulous care.. "You know, if you keep that up, you might just outshine my pancakes," he teased, crossing his arms and leaning back against the counter, a playful glint in his eye..

coded by reveriee.