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

[celestialbody]

Wren Cross

W

ren kept a watchful eye on their new guest as she slinked back into the kitchen, still casually nibbling on his grandmother's freshly baked cookies.
He knew he might’ve come off a bit stiff when he’d first greeted Raven’s guest, but it wasn’t that he was trying to be rude. It’s just that he hadn’t expected her to actually show up, and when she had emerged from the kitchen—completely at ease, as if she belonged there—it had thrown him off balance.
He replayed their brief interaction in his mind, feeling a wave of nerves rising, but then he was snapped from his thoughts by a soft, reassuring squeeze on his shoulder. He looked down and met his sister’s gaze as she smiled at him gently, her touch grounding him. Wren smiled back, the tension easing from his shoulders as she turned and walked toward the kitchen, likely to join their guest.
For a moment, he considered following her in—maybe introducing himself again in a warmer, more friendly manner—but decided he needed a few minutes to collect himself first. There was no rush, after all.
He made his way into the living room, where his grandfather sat. Wren settled down next to him on the couch, feeling the familiar comfort of family. His grandfather patted him on the back three times with a knowing smile, his voice warm as he greeted him.

"Hey there, kid."

Wren smiled back, the last remnants of his nervous energy fading as he relaxed next to his grandfather.

"Hi, Grandpa."

The greeting was brief, but Wren was grateful his grandparents understood him well by now. They knew he was a man of few words, and after all these years, they could read his mannerisms and tone enough to know that, beneath his quiet exterior, he was genuinely happy to be with them.

"Don’t get too comfortable,"

his grandfather chuckled.

"Your grandma’s got something she needs you to do for her. I’m not sure if she’s ready for it yet, but you should go check in with her."

Wren nodded, a small sigh escaping him as he stood up from the couch. He hadn’t even had a chance to fully settle in yet. But he knew his grandmother well—during the holidays, she was always on the move, darting around with a list of things to do. “There’s always so much to get done,” she’d say with a smile, and Wren couldn’t help but smile at the thought as he headed into the hallway, scanning the rooms for her.

outfit:

location:

Grandparents Home

tags:

Raven travelbypages Hollis

 

[celestialbody]

Ozelia Mae Bonet

O

zelia sat patiently, watching as the girl looked over at her with a mix of confusion and hesitation. It was a fair reaction—after all, being approached by a stranger while feeling upset and then being told you could unload on them wasn’t exactly an everyday occurrence.

"Eileen, what a beautiful name! It’s so nice to meet you!"

Ozelia smiled warmly, hoping to ease the girl’s nerves. She wasn’t at all surprised when Eileen declined the offer to talk, but that didn’t discourage her. She could tell the girl wasn’t quite ready to open up, and Ozelia, ever understanding, nodded slowly, respecting her hesitation.

"That makes sense,"

she said thoughtfully.

"Dredging up bad feelings can be exhausting for some, while for others, talking about it can actually be a relief."

She tilted her head slightly, pondering for a moment. She didn’t want to leave the girl alone, especially since she looked so troubled. Maybe there was another way to help? After a brief pause, Ozelia beamed brightly at Eileen, her face softening into an encouraging smile.

"Oh! Then how about I talk instead?"

she suggested cheerfully.

"I can distract you!"

Ozelia placed her gloved hands neatly in her lap, ready to dive into one of the many stories she had in mind.

"I’ve got plenty to talk about!"

she continued, her voice bright and full of enthusiasm.

"For example, I’m a kindergarten teacher—my students are just the sweetest little things! Oh! Or I could tell you about a time I went out with friends to Karaoke and somehow ended up with my foot stuck in a toilet! It was so silly! I’ve got a ton of goofy stories like that, so if potty humor’s not your thing, I’ve got other things to share!"

She grinned, hoping to bring a little lightness to the situation and ease Eileen’s worries, even if just for a moment.

outfit:

location:

Main Street

tags:

Eileen ShellBelles

 

[Lizy]

mood :

upset, weirdly nicer than usual

location :

zane's place

outfit :

mentions :

n/a

interactions :

zane travelbypages

Samson

;; Casper

If you asked Casper how he was feeling, he'd say he was pissed off. Clive had shown up to his room at the lodge, to try to spend time together on Christmas. At first it was fine, the brothers did have their positive moments. But then one thing led to another and they found themselves discussing something that always led to an argument- their childhoods. The ways the two dealt with their father were extremely different, and there was built up resentment over that on both ends. Words were exchanged, feelings were hurt, and Casper would tell anyone that he was angry about the whole situation.

Casper was a notorious liar though. The truth was he felt rather sad. Deep down, he really just wanted to curl up and rot all alone. But, he'd rather run from those feelings. Besides, in his eyes, being that vulnerable kind of upset was letting his brother win. It wasn't a competition, he knew that. But, at the same time it kind of felt like it was. And he wouldn't give Clive the satisfaction.

So, Casper decided he was going to get high out of his mind. He'd gotten some drug dealer's number from a local and got lucky, the guy had no holiday plans. Well, at least none that took precedent over making some money off of Casper. Surprisingly, the drug dealer seemed pretty nice over text. At least, he didn't seem like some intimidating guy who would break kneecaps over drug money. Casper decided that he'd stick around this guy as long as he was able to, take his mind off of his present troubles until the drug dealer got sick of him.

He knocked on the door of the apartment, tapping out a rhythm. When the door opened he was met with Zane and his goofy grin. Casper couldn't help himself as he gave a smirk back. "What up," Casper nodded as he stepped inside the place and looked around. "Cozy place." His smirk turned into a grin when he saw the setup on the table.

He felt like a weight was lifted off of his chest, this guy seemed to want to hang out with him for a bit. It was rare, but Casper didn't want to feel like a nuisance today. He spent so much time as "that one annoying guy" and sometimes he needed a break. He only did it because it was the easy choice- at least if he was being an asshole deliberately he knew what was wrong with him. People (people being his father) found him annoying when he was actually trying his best, and that was unbearable.

Today, he was trying his best. If things went south, he'd probably spiral and then do a bunch of dumb stuff that absolutely no one would enjoy. But, something about Zane made him feel calmer than normal. "You smoke out and eat cold pizza with all your clients? Or am I special?" Casper batted his eyelashes, a hint of joking mischief in his voice.

coded by reveriee.

 

[Lizy]

mood :

hungover

location :

bro's house

outfit :

mentions :

n/a

interactions :

gray travelbypages , blair, esme celestialbody

Holt

;; Julian

Julian was awoken by the feeling of being nudged and the sound of his brother's voice. He grumbled a bit, rolling over as he slowly gained consciousness. He opened his eyes and grimaced, quickly closing them again. "Fuckkkk," he muttered under his breath, nodding after Grayson said he'd get coffee.

Julian opened his eyes, for good this time, and then sat up on the couch. He'd spent last night at a party, and decided to just crash on his brother's couch so he wouldn't have to bother with getting there on Christmas morning. Julian had actually spent a decent amount of nights on his brother's couch, despite having his own apartment. Sometimes he was drunk and mysteriously ended up there. Sometimes he wanted to annoy his brother. And sometimes... well, sometimes he didn't want to be alone.

As the smell of freshly cooked food hit him and he heard noise coming from the kitchen, he rolled his eyes and frowned. It wasn't that the food didn't smell good, it smelled delicious. But, it was a reminder that there was someone else in the house. Esme. In Julian's mind, Esme was enemy number one. She'd taken up Grayson's time when Julian really needed him, so his only living family member was constantly busy with a wife and a kid. And then, she didn't even bother to stick around, leaving Gray in the dust. She was really the worst.

But, Julian still showed up for Christmas, despite that meaning he'd have to interact with the woman he despised. Despite having frequent conflicts with his brother, he still loved him, and he loved his niece as well. He'd stick it out for them.

Julian stood up from the couch, pausing for a moment as his head reeled. Then, Blair showed up. Julian liked Blair, the man was one of the few people he'd actually listen to. But right now, the sound of his cheery voice made him close his eyes and groan. "So... loud..." Julian shuddered before opening his eyes and making his way towards Blair, bringing him into a friendly hug. "You are my favorite narc though. Merry Christmas dude," he greeted, tone still mildly pained, but he did his best to sound happy.

 

[Lizy]

mood :

happy

location :

family home

outfit :

mentions :

n/a

interactions :

mikey fieldofclover

carasso

;; Rachel

The holidays at the Carasso/Jacobson household was always a bit of a beautiful mess. Everyone but the youngest two kids had moved out, so day to day life in the house was less chaotic than when Rachel had lived there. But, on important holidays, the entire family came back to the home to spend time together. Since the family had always celebrated both Christmas and Hanukkah, there was always a lot of family time to be spent together during the holiday months. And today felt extra special, since Christmas and Hanukkah fell on the exact same day.

All of the Carasso siblings and Jacobson cousins in one place was enough to make certain people's heads explode. But, Rachel loved it. She always thrived on her family's never ending well of energy. She enjoyed her time with her family in the morning, helping her aunt make a special breakfast, then exchanging gifts with everyone. By 11Am the house was a complete mess, wrapping paper, bags, and gifts scattered about. It was also extremely loud as everyone chattered, conversations overlapping and laughter bubbling up every so often.

Rachel was talking with her cousin Peyton about some makeup she had gotten, the two deciding to test it out, smearing glitter over their eyelids. They both giggled as they glanced at themselves in their phone cameras, realizing they'd kind of overdid it with the glam. Oh well, it was fun.

When she heard the doorbell ring, Rachel stood up immediately. "I'll get it!" She declared as she rushed to the door and opened it. She knew who it was, she was expecting her bestie Mikey to drop by to hang out, become infected by her family's Chrismukkah cheer. "Mikeyyyy! What is up, my guy?" She let him inside and closed the door behind them. "Make yourself at home, mi casa es tu casa. We have hot chocolate in the kitchen if you want some." A smile game to her face as her family noticed Mikey's arrival, all calling out their greetings, happy to welcome him into their home.

coded by reveriee.

 

[murphalicious]

scroll

christmas day.

rowan briar.

mood.

happy.

outfit

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/b0/60/80/b060805696ec45a929d23e103dda4a1a.jpg

location

autumn's shop.

interactions

autumn.

tags.

travelbypages

Rowan had been up since the ass crack of dawn, tending to the cows and getting all of her chores down for Monroe so she could go into town. She had a mission today. She was going to find Autumn Bloom—someone who was near and dear to Rowan's grinchy little heart.

After cowgirling for the day, she had changed into a black skirt, black boots, a black turtleneck, and a blazer, along with some sunglasses and tights. She still didn't have a winter coat and was sorely paying the price when she went out. When she did work on the farm for Monroe, she borrowed one of his god-awful work coats which she absolutely abhorred.

Rowan had borrowed Monroe's truck to drive into town to go and find Autumn's shop. She had looked it up and mapped it before she went but she was still nervous and she couldn't figure out why. Rowan didn't get nervous.

Maybe it was because Rowan hadn't exactly said goodbye to Autumn the last time they had seen each other, she had just left, ever avoiding her feelings.

Rowan took a deep breath before getting out of the truck and walking to the shop's door, practically throwing it open before she could lose her edge. She was noticed by Autumn practically instantly and engulfed in a hug. She smiled lightly and wrapped her arms around the shorter girl.

"Hey Bloom."

She said, the old Rowan peeking through.

"I know. I've been here a few weeks. Got a job and everything. I wanted to get settled before I came and said hi."

She said softly, it was fully the truth, something Rowan rarely admitted. She hated the fact that she needed to have a job right now, but there was no getting around that.

"How are things with you? I like the shop."

She said, pulling off the hug and gesturing around, going to look at some of the displays.

♡coded by uxie♡

 

[murphalicious]

scroll

christmas day.

darcy henry.

mood.

nervous.

outfit

https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/aa/71/07/aa710781018d7cab52fd321dd4005ba2.jpg

location

the redfern's home.

interactions

mason.

tags.

PrincessAveRedfern

Darcy and the twins had come over to the Redfern's for Christmas practically first thing in the morning. Darcy had always loved Christmas Eve and had started doing multiple traditions with the twins since they had been born. Since she had been so accustomed to doing it alone, she had opted to stay at her place alone with them. She was exhausted after making all the magic happen.

But she had woken up at 7am with them and watched them open gifts. Then got the twins ready in their matching Christmas sweaters, as well as her own. She had decided to wear a Ralph Lauren sweater (which was a gift her parents had sent her), some jeans, and a cute pair of earrings.

Darcy had honestly been anxious to go over to the Redfern's and was grateful that the kids had barely wanted to go inside and just start sledding instead. She wasn't ready to face Mason. Not after almost knocking herself out when they had seen each other at the beginning of the month. She had avoided him until today.

She looked up to see him walking outside and awkwardly smiled

"Hey Mace."

Her voice was soft.

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna slip and fall on my ass today, that was only because I was hiking up and down the hill to help the kids. The hill here is much more manageable and they don't need help."

♡coded by uxie♡

 

[murphalicious]

scroll

christmas day.

sutton sullivan.

mood.

nervous?

outfit

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/21/19/e1/2119e1462517d1ccbceac3f773b6d551.jpg

location

the lodge.

interactions

jace.

tags.

travelbypages

Sutton had not expected to spend Christmas day with the handsome mechanic but she wasn't mad at it either. He had offered to pick her up, talk about her truck, and get food, just the two of them.

It beat the other option which would be locking herself in and forcing herself to write another chapter of her book after her call with her family who was upset with her for not being home. The whole writing process had been tedious, she wanted to scrap the entire thing and just start over, but her publisher was nagging her on getting it out.

She had thrown on a baby pink sweater, jeans, and a pastel rainbow scarf. Sutton loved to dress in bright colors and she wanted to look her best with the mechanic as he was easy on the eyes for sure.

She had picked up a pack of beer as a thank you for Jace as he had been working tirelessly on her truck for weeks. Once Jace arrived, she walked outside and smiled as she hoped in his truck.

"Merry Christmas.”

She said cheerily, she then showcased the beer and grinned,

"I brought a little thank you gift for putting up with me and my truck.”

She paused before adding,

"But that thing is my baby and I've had it since I learned to drive.”

♡coded by uxie♡

 

[murphalicious]

scroll

christmas day.

dallas beck.

mood.

excited.

outfit

https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/cd/5d/65/cd5d657347f2e57838cab73d768e7ed1.jpg

location

the lodge | reece's room.

interactions

reece.

tags.

fieldofclover

Dallas Beck hated the holidays ever since losing her mother. The time had always been filled with joy when she was a kid and even when she was apart from her mother, but now the emptiness felt crushing. Which is why it was unusual that Dallas was excited to go over to Reece's for Christmas and watch the game.

She hadn't watched a Christmas NFL game with someone she enjoyed the company of in years. Usually, Dallas prided herself in being guarded and leaving before she started to actually feel something for someone, but Reece was proving different.

She had rented a little apartment a few minutes drive away from the lodge, so she had headed over that morning to get work done for the next big event. It wasn't mandatory for her to work that day but she needed something to do before it was time to go to Reece's. She had dressed slightly festive in a white sweater that said 'the naughty list' on it with some jeans and a plaid bow. When the game was about to start she headed over to Reece's door and knocked on it.

"Hey."

She said with a light smile as he opened the door,

"Merry Christmas."

Her voice had a hint of sadness, but she would never admit that.

"Ready for some football?"

♡coded by uxie♡

 

[Lizy]

mood :

nervous

location :

redfern auto shop

outfit :

mentions :

n/a

interactions :

Anthony PrincessAveRedfern

Sullivan

;; Brittain

Brittain followed the man over to a section of the store filled with candy. Her heart fluttered as she caught a glimpse of his face. It wasn't just that he was handsome. It was the way his face lit up with genuine excitement. Her asking for help didn't feel like a bother, it seemed like he was actually happy to not just point her in the right direction, but lead her to exactly what she was looking for.

Her face lit up as he handed her the bag of jelly beans. It being the last one there made it feel all the more special, like it was waiting there just for her. "Oh my gosh, yay!" Brittain exclaimed. "Thank you so much, seriously. You really saved the day with these."

Brittain's expression shifted a bit as the man asked what she was doing here alone on Christmas Eve, displaying a quiet hesitancy. She wasn't a particularly secretive person, she didn't mind him knowing that she didn't really have anyone to be with right now. And, she certainly didn't mind him asking. In fact, she thought it was sweet that he cared. She just really didn't want to be a huge bummer on Christmas Eve.

Her eyes were filled with thoughtfulness as she chose her words carefully, wanting to tell the truth, but trying her best not to make it sound too sad. "I- uh- well, I don't really have anyone to spend the holiday with right now. Flying solo at the moment," she smiled, trying to keep the mood lighthearted. "I've been to a couple stores today, just searching for jelly beans. Uh- my mom used to get me jelly beans every Christmas Eve and I've kept up the tradition by myself. It's always been my favorite part of Christmas."

coded by reveriee.

 

[ShellBelles]

Auriela Grace Hale

Constable Daughter/Wild Child

Location

Hale house

"They mean the world to me"

interactions.

ShellBelles -Roman travelbypages - A little of Tali

A

s Aurie heard the unmistakable sound of a car door slamming shut, her heart raced with anticipation. She dashed out of her room, her footsteps light and eager, and caught sight of her father lounging on the couch, but not in his usual spot. Instead, they were seated next to Tali, who was animatedly chatting with them.

"Hi, Tali!"

Aurie called out, her voice ringing with excitement.

"Hi, Dad!"

With a beaming smile, she quickly made her way to the front door, her mind buzzing with thoughts of the day ahead. She swung the door open wide, her eyes lighting up as she welcomed Roman and their family with open arms.

"Welcome!"

she exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable as it filled the air around her.

"I’m so glad you’re all here!"

She glanced back at her father before continuing,

"My dad's in the living room, and I hope you don’t mind, but they invited another guest over—her name's Tali, and she's absolutely wonderful! You’re going to love her!"

As she spoke, Aurie noticed the large ham that Roman was carrying. Without hesitation, she reached out and took it from them, her hands wrapping around it with determination.

"I’ll take this to the kitchen,"

she said, her smile brightening even more.

"You know where the living room is, so go ahead and put the presents down. I’ll come back in just a moment to help you give everyone a tour."

Her mind raced with excitement, envisioning the laughter and joy that would fill the house as both families came together. She had been looking forward to this day ever since they had discussed it, and the thought of sharing this special moment with everyone made her heart flutter. Aurie could already imagine the stories they would share, the delicious food they would enjoy, and the fun they would have as they created new memories together. With a determined nod, she headed towards the kitchen, eager to help make the day perfect.

POV - Roman Marshall
​

As soon as the door opened, Roman lit up with nothing but joy as Auriela greeted them and their family at the door. Just the sight of her beaming with such excitement and whimsy made Roman's heart flutter in their chest. They smiled brightly as their blue eyes met her hazel eyes, filled with nothing but love and passion. "Merry Christmas, Aurie!" Roman then kissed Aurie's forehead before continuing to spread the cheer around. "And we're glad to have been invited."

Roman quickly glanced behind Auriela as she mentioned her father and their other house guest, feeling appreciative of the fact that Auriela's dad liked them enough to willingly invite them and their family to Christmas. Their attention was then brought back to Auriela as she took the ham from them, carefully handing it to her and making sure it wasn't too heavy for her to carry. "Oh, thanks. Sure thing."

While Auriela made her way to the kitchen with the ham, Roman led their mother and grandmother into the house and towards the living room. They too were full of enthusiasm over all the fun that was to come on this day. Already they were thinking about the many other Christmases that could be like this. As they all entered the living room, Roman looked and saw Auriela's father, Lawson, along with the other guest, Tali, sitting next to him. Roman beamed happily as they greeted the two with a wave. "Hi, Mister Lawson! Hello, Tali! Thanks again for inviting us!"

Roman then turned back to gesture towards their mom and grandma behind them, still not losing their excitement. "This is my mother and grandmother. And Mom, Grandma, this is Aurie's father who I've told you about. The town sheriff himself." After Roman's mother and grandmother greeted the other people, Roman let them find a place to sit as they went over to the side to place the presents down. They were excited about that too, already anticipating Auriela's reaction to the gift they got for her.

Once everything was settled, Roman headed over to the kitchen to check up on Auriela. They poked their head in to see her managing everything on the table, checking over the Christmas dinner that was planned for later. They smiled happily at the sight, loving that she was just as determined as they were to make this such a fun time for their families. Roman quietly snuck up behind Auriela before giving a playful squeeze to her sides and nuzzling their face into her neck. "C'mere, you!" After the playful exchange, Roman held her in her arms, chuckling and smiling down at her softly, before they then pressed their lips against hers for a quick, soft kiss. "You're a real sweetheart, you know that? Coming up with this idea in the first place."

PrincessAveRedfern (Auriela)

 

[ShellBelles]

Ozelia Mae Bonet

O

zelia sat patiently, watching as the girl looked over at her with a mix of confusion and hesitation. It was a fair reaction—after all, being approached by a stranger while feeling upset and then being told you could unload on them wasn’t exactly an everyday occurrence.

"Eileen, what a beautiful name! It’s so nice to meet you!"

Ozelia smiled warmly, hoping to ease the girl’s nerves. She wasn’t at all surprised when Eileen declined the offer to talk, but that didn’t discourage her. She could tell the girl wasn’t quite ready to open up, and Ozelia, ever understanding, nodded slowly, respecting her hesitation.

"That makes sense,"

she said thoughtfully.

"Dredging up bad feelings can be exhausting for some, while for others, talking about it can actually be a relief."

She tilted her head slightly, pondering for a moment. She didn’t want to leave the girl alone, especially since she looked so troubled. Maybe there was another way to help? After a brief pause, Ozelia beamed brightly at Eileen, her face softening into an encouraging smile.

"Oh! Then how about I talk instead?"

she suggested cheerfully.

"I can distract you!"

Ozelia placed her gloved hands neatly in her lap, ready to dive into one of the many stories she had in mind.

"I’ve got plenty to talk about!"

she continued, her voice bright and full of enthusiasm.

"For example, I’m a kindergarten teacher—my students are just the sweetest little things! Oh! Or I could tell you about a time I went out with friends to Karaoke and somehow ended up with my foot stuck in a toilet! It was so silly! I’ve got a ton of goofy stories like that, so if potty humor’s not your thing, I’ve got other things to share!"

She grinned, hoping to bring a little lightness to the situation and ease Eileen’s worries, even if just for a moment.

outfit:

location:

Main Street

tags:

Eileen ShellBelles

POV - Eileen Harigold
​

Eileen continued to sit there as Ozelia remained beside her with her bubbly demeanor. She was honestly surprised that the woman hadn't just decided to go about her day, but it seemed like she was determined to bring Eileen out of the funk that she was currently in. Eileen felt a slight hint of a blush on her cheeks as Ozelia complemented her name, not sure how to take it but appreciating it nonetheless. "Um, thank you," she said shyly, still just sitting there and keeping to herself.

Though as much as she avoided making eye contact, she was still listening to what Ozelia was saying. She knew that she should probably be taking her advice and letting it all out so that she could maybe feel that relief. But for Eileen, that was easier said than done. Especially for the fact that Eileen could easily talk about anything else except for her own issues. At least the ones that made her even feel this way.

Thankfully, however, it seemed as though Ozelia was more than willing to do that, given that she's now bringing up all the things about herself. Eileen couldn't help but glance back over at her in mild interest as she starts mentioning her life stories to her. So she was a teacher, huh? Now that Eileen thought about it, that actually made a lot of sense. It would definitely explain her caring and patient personality.

Eileen continued to listen on as Ozelia rambled about all the funny things that have happened to her. As taken aback as she still was, she couldn't deny that her friendliness was actually quite comforting to her in this moment. Out of all the things she expected to happen today, running into this lady was not on her list. Eileen couldn't help but let out a small snicker at the mention of humor, sheepishly brushing her hair back again as she slowly started to relax in Ozelia's presence. "I mean, I guess that would be...interesting to hear. If you really wanna share, that is."

celestialbody (Ozelia)

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Mason Redfern

Auto Shop Owner

Location

Festival of Lights

"Here we go.."

interactions.

murphalicious -Darcy

M

ason raised an eyebrow at her, a mix of curiosity and disbelief flickering across his face.

"Sure, we can go with that,"

he replied, his voice steady as he stood beside her, the chill of the air making the moment feel all the more surreal.

"They've really grown since the last photos I saw."

He casually slipped his hands into his pockets—not so much to keep them warm from the biting cold of the snow, but rather because he felt uncertain about what to do with them.

As he stood there, watching her, a flurry of questions began to swirl in his mind, each one more complicated than the last. Her presence stirred emotions he had thought he had tucked away, and he found himself grappling with the complexity of their shared history. Mason was acutely aware of how much had changed since those earlier days; back then, he had felt overshadowed by Asher. The thought of competing with him had always seemed daunting, and it had kept him silent, stifling his feelings.

But now, with Asher gone, Mason couldn't help but wonder what was stopping him from finally confessing the truth that had lingered in the back of his mind for so long. He had always liked her, a sentiment that had only deepened over time. Yet, standing there, he felt a tension in the air, a mix of nostalgia and uncertainty, as he contemplated whether he should take the leap and share his feelings. The snow fell softly around them, amplifying the weight of unspoken words, and he realized he was at a crossroads—one that could change everything between them.

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Anthony Redfern

Auto Shop Owner

Location

Redfern Autoshop

"Ready to leave"

interactions.

Lizy -Brittain

A

nthony nodded thoughtfully as he looked at her, a warm smile crossing his face.

"I completely understand where you're coming from. Once we wrap things up here, I have to head out in an ugly Christmas sweater—it's a quirky tradition in my family that we all look forward to each year."

He noticed a hint of loneliness in her eyes and felt a pang of sympathy. Without hesitating, he continued,

"You know, why not join me for the evening? I really think it could be a lot of fun. Plus, I believe my sister has an extra ugly sweater that you could borrow, so you wouldn't have to miss out on the festivities."

His enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke, hoping to lift her spirits.

"And just so you know, those jelly beans are on the house, so make sure you enjoy them! It's the last bag, and I wouldn't want you to miss out on something sweet."

As he said this, he walked alongside her, radiating warmth and friendliness, eager to share a lighthearted moment and perhaps brighten her day. The anticipation of the upcoming sweater party filled the air, creating a sense of camaraderie between them.

As they continued walking, Anthony couldn't help but share more stories about the family traditions that made the holidays special for him. He recounted hilarious past experiences, like the time his uncle wore a sweater that was so outrageous it made everyone burst into laughter.

"Honestly, the more ridiculous the sweater, the better the memories,"

he said, chuckling. He hoped that by sharing these moments, she might feel a sense of belonging and excitement about the upcoming celebration. The warmth of the season seemed to envelop them, and he felt a growing connection as they walked together, both looking forward to an evening filled with laughter and joy.

 

[celestialbody]

Esme Mensah

A

s Esme listened to the sounds of the Holt brothers moving around the house, she slipped off the apron she had worn to protect her Christmas outfit while she cooked. She hadn’t expected to see the old thing still here. It had been hers before the divorce, and she couldn't imagine Grayson caring enough to put it on himself. She would have expected it to be either tucked away in a box or thrown out entirely after she left, but there it was, still hanging in the kitchen when she arrived.
Trying not to let her thoughts slip back into the past, she hooked the apron through the handle of the stove, then straightened her sweater, making sure there were no stray messes on her clothes.
Her focus shifted when a familiar scent mingled with the aroma of fresh dishes—Grayson’s cologne, the one she’d bought him. It was the scent of someone who had once been so close, a scent that made her chest tighten.
Esme glanced over her shoulder, watching as Grayson shuffled into the kitchen, casually complimenting the spread of food. Her heart ached, and she quickly looked away, her arms instinctively crossing in front of her chest. She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to be so guarded, but the feeling was there nonetheless, and she kept herself closed off.

"Wouldn't have needed to save anything if someone had gone out of their way to help me."

She muttered under her breath, her words directed more at the air than at him as he quickly retreated, heading to wake his brother from the couch.
Esme sighed softly, trying to shake off the wave of frustration. She poured the coffee she’d made into three cups, knowing she would need the energy boost—and that Grayson and Julian probably would, too. She left Julian’s cup on the counter, certain he wouldn't want her making his, and carefully prepared her own and Grayson’s cups just as she remembered he liked it. It had been a while, but she was pretty sure she still remembered.
As she was finishing, she heard Blair arrive, the last guest for the holiday gathering. Esme couldn’t help the small, genuine smile that appeared on her lips as she leaned back against the counter and waved at him.
The smile faded a little when Grayson came back in, but she nodded to him, tilting her head slightly to signal the extra cups she’d prepared for him and Julian.

"Made you two cups,"

she said, her voice softer than before.

"I don’t know if you take it the same way still, but if you do, that’s how I made it. I didn’t do Julian’s, though—you’ll have to fix his up for him."

outfit:

location:

Ex Husbands House

tags:

Grayson travelbypages Julian Lizy Blair

 

[travelbypages]

CALLA CARLTON

Calla hadn’t expected to draw so much attention just by asking for directions. Her English wasn’t perfect, not like his. It felt like a weight on her tongue, each word a little too foreign, too rough. But she had to ask, and now that she was here, standing in front of them, she wasn’t sure if she was ready for whatever this moment might bring.

Finn, with that playful smirk of his, extended his hand. It wasn’t just a gesture. It felt like an invitation, one she wasn’t sure she was prepared to accept. Her hand met his, cool and steady, the brief touch sending an unexpected ripple of warmth through her. She didn’t linger on it, pulling her hand back almost immediately. She didn’t need to think too much about it, though something in her chest fluttered, making her feel more exposed than she wanted.

He spoke, but she didn’t quite catch all of it. His voice was smooth, and the way he looked at her made her feel... seen. Maybe too much. His smile was too easy, too practiced. But there was something in the way he said his name—Finn—that made her feel like maybe, just maybe, she had his attention.

She didn’t mind. In fact, she liked it.

As she introduced herself, “Calla, from Spain” she felt the words falter in her mouth. Her accent was thick, her sentences broken, but she didn’t care. She never cared much for how others saw her English. They either understood or they didn’t.

And Finn, he seemed to understand.

Her eyes flickered to the brother standing slightly behind him. He wasn’t saying anything, but his eyes were focused on her too. Maybe it was curiosity. She didn’t know. She didn’t care. Not when Finn’s smile was still there, pulling her in.

She tried not to focus too much on that. Instead, she focused on her own decision: Would she really walk with him? She didn’t hesitate long. She had to admit, something about him, something in the way he carried himself, the way his confidence wrapped around him like a second skin made her want to say yes. She couldn’t quite explain it, but it felt... right.

But still, she couldn’t let him get ahead of himself. She wasn’t one to be swept along without a second thought. She met his gaze, the slight tilt of her head showing her playful challenge. She didn’t need to speak much. Her eyes said it all, ’Impress me.’ And with that unspoken message, she waited, just for a moment, before nodding to him and allowing him to lead the way.

Mentions: Finn - PotatochipsRlit

coded by kaninchen

 

[celestialbody]

Jupiter Khaing

J

upiter’s frown deepened as his suspicions were confirmed—it seemed there had been yet another mix-up with the doors. His anger flared up momentarily, but as her voice softened and he realized she sounded just as confused as he felt, he took a deep breath, letting his frustration dissipate. For now at least.

"Yes, I'm sure."

He replied, his tone more measured now.

"You might have been drunk, but I was just sleeping. I remember everything that happened last night, up until I went to bed. You must’ve stumbled into my room after I fell asleep."

He turned his head, moving his gaze from the ceiling—where it had been focused as he tried to process the situation—and instead looked down at the clothes scattered on the floor beside him. Without thinking, he reached down and picked them up, eager to return them to her, but as he did, something wet seeped against his skin, making him recoil in disgust.
Looking more closely, he could now clearly see that the clothes were damp with... alcohol? The strong, overwhelming scent hit him all at once, and he cursed under his breath.

"God, what did you do to these? Jump in a pool of vodka?"

For a moment, he considered just handing the clothes back to her as they were and letting her figure it out. But then, like a little angelic version of his brother appeared on his shoulder, whispering in his ear about compassion, telling him to be kinder even though she was the one who invaded his private space. Jupiter sighed in frustration, hesitated, and then threw the damp clothes into the corner, muttering under his breath. He walked over to one of his dressers, rooting around inside to find something for her.

"Those clearly aren't wearable."

He grumbled, pulling out a sweater and a pair of shorts. He tossed them to her, the emphasis on the word 'borrow' clear in his tone.

"Here, you can borrow these."

It was clear that he expected his clothes back, but in the moment, he couldn’t help but think they’d be better than her current situation. He wasn’t sure how well they’d fit her, but it was better than nothing.

outfit:

location:

Revelstoke Mountain Lodge

tags:

Isabelle PrincessAveRedfern

 

[travelbypages]

TALISA SKY

Talisa leaned back slightly, glancing up at Lawson with a teasing grin as she caught the glimmer in his eyes. It was a look she’d seen a few weeks beforehand, the kind that made her pulse skip just a little. The same way he’d gotten under her skin with his easy confidence and quiet charm. She didn’t mind, though. If anything, it made her feel seen in a way that was different from the usual.

She met his playful comment with a soft laugh, raising an eyebrow as she wiped her hands on her skirt to rid of the nervous sweat. "Oh, you think I could do that? Make people feel good about themselves? Maybe I should give it a shot." She leaned in just slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Could teach a few lessons in humility along the way, too, don’t you think?"

Her voice softened as she took a moment to look at him properly, really look. The way he’d slipped into the space next to her on the couch, the way he was holding himself, a little more guarded than usual, but still so there. There was an ease to the way he sat, but also something unspoken lingering in the air. Talisa was keenly aware of it.

His words about Christmas, though… they hit her differently. She knew this wasn’t the holiday she’d imagined, with the lights and the usual hustle, but there was something unexpectedly beautiful about this moment. It felt quiet, intimate, like it was just the two of them in this small pocket of time.

She let the warmth from the fire mingle with the warmth inside her, the flickering light catching her in all the right ways. "This... it's not what I was expecting, but I don’t mind," she replied softly, her voice sincere. She glanced down at her hands for a moment, then back to him. "I think sometimes the best things happen when you're not planning for them. Like this." She hinted, the small reference about what was going on between them and the obvious attraction.

Her heart gave a little flutter at the thought, but she pushed it aside, letting the banter flow again. She nudged him lightly with her shoulder. "Well, I can’t promise I’ll make you feel too good about yourself, but if you ever need a cheerleader, just say the word."

Talisa glanced up at him again, her lips curving into a smile that wasn’t entirely playful. There was something more to it—something soft. The pull between them was undeniable, but neither of them had quite figured out where it would lead. For now, though, she was content to enjoy the moment. Especially as Aurie entered the living room and the blush immediately rose up her neck and to her face, “I… Better go check on the food.” Quickly, Tali stood and hurried back to the kitchen, hoping her fast exit would hide her embarrassment.

Mentions: Lawson - PrincessAveRedfern

coded by kaninchen

 

[travelbypages]

ELLIOT BROOKS

Elliot’s face flushed a deeper shade of crimson as Hector’s teasing eyes bore into him. Every time the man’s smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, it felt like he was on the edge of a cliff, ready to fall headfirst into the ocean of embarrassment that always seemed to follow. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, trying and failing to steady the tray in his hands, which Hector made look so easy to hold with just a single finger. The fact that Hector wasn’t breaking eye contact just made the whole situation that much more intense. Elliot could feel his heart thumping in his chest, a fluttering mess of nerves and… something else. "I—uh," Elliot stammered, trying to come up with something to say, but his mind was a muddled fog. "It’s, uh, fine… no big deal."

When Hector’s voice lowered and his tone shifted to something more... dangerous, Elliot felt like he might short-circuit entirely. The man had this way of speaking that wrapped around him like silk, smooth and unhurried, and it made it impossible to focus on anything else. It was the kind of tone that made him wonder whether Hector knew exactly what he was doing to him. ‘And, oh god, did he know?’

“Perhaps neither of us were really paying much attention," Hector purred, and Elliot couldn’t help but feel like he was being caught in some kind of trap, even if it was a very well-dressed one, “Y-yeah... I, uh, didn’t mean to—" Elliot cut himself off, feeling like he was spiraling into an even more awkward mess.

Hector just smiled, that smooth, dangerous smile that made Elliot feel like the room had suddenly gotten a lot smaller, even though there was plenty of space between them. The whole exchange felt deliberate, and it made Elliot’s stomach twist in a way he couldn’t quite name. When Hector laughed at his rambling, Elliot tried to hold on to some semblance of composure, but it was hard when Hector was so effortlessly confident. “Well, I guess you do have an eye for good accessories, that’s for sure…” Elliot trailed off, his voice trailing lower as he fidgeted with the hem of his apron. He couldn’t help but glance at the bags dangling off Hector’s arms again. How could one man make shopping look so good?

But when Hector paused, his teasing gaze softening, Elliot felt something shift. There was an almost imperceptible change in the air, a quieter moment between them. The shift made Elliot freeze for a fraction of a second, sensing that Hector was looking at him with more depth than before.

It made Elliot’s stomach knot again. His exhaustion was beginning to show, and he hadn’t even realized it. Hector's comment about how run-down he looked made him feel a little too exposed, even though the man didn’t seem to be judging him. He glanced away for a moment, trying to gather himself, but Hector was still watching him.

The teasing tone in Hector’s voice, paired with that wink, made the breath catch in Elliot’s throat. He was definitely not prepared for that. He hesitated, his mind short-circuiting as his gaze flicked back to Hector. Hector’s face held that knowing look, like he was enjoying the power he had over Elliot’s flustered reaction.

"You want a drink? I can—" Elliot cleared his throat, his voice cracking for a moment, “I can get you a coffee or something. You want one?” He asked quickly, trying to regain a little bit of control, but he couldn’t help the hint of panic that slipped into his words. The last thing he wanted was for Hector to think he was running away. He shook his head lightly, muttering under his breath to himself, “I really need to get it together.”

But as he looked back at Hector, the man’s steady gaze made him stop in his tracks again. There was that pull again. That attraction. That something that made Elliot feel like he didn’t quite belong here, in the ordinary world of serving coffee and working late shifts. For a moment, he felt like he was standing on the edge of something… much bigger than just this coffee shop, “I—uh, I’ll be right back,” he muttered, turning around to hurry off but still aware of Hector’s eyes watching him, like a quiet force he wasn’t sure how to handle.

Mentions: Hector - ShellBelles

coded by kaninchen

 

[travelbypages]

HANNA KHUMALO

Hanna tucked her legs beneath the covers, pulling them up slightly to feel the warmth of the blankets, and took another sip of her coffee. The steam rising from the mug swirled into the soft morning light, and for a moment, everything felt perfectly ordinary. It was the kind of morning she had never expected to experience; a quiet breakfast in bed, lighthearted conversation, and a person who, despite their casual arrangement, seemed to be getting under her skin in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

When Hades mentioned the tree, something shifted inside her. A Christmas tree. She remembered classmates sharing stories of tree decorating and family dinners, of cookies and carols, but for her, Christmas had just been another day of trying to figure out how to get through the winter. So the idea of spending the day with Hades, decorating a tree and doing these traditional activities, felt almost surreal. She wasn’t sure how to feel about it, was she supposed to get excited about it? Was it something she was supposed to enjoy? Her smile faltered for a brief moment before she caught herself. ‘You can’t be that jaded,’ she told herself. ‘It’s just a tree.’

"I've never actually done the whole Christmas thing," she said quietly, setting the toast down on the plate beside her. Her fingers lightly brushed against the plate’s edge, avoiding looking directly at Hades for a moment. She wasn’t sure why she felt self-conscious about it, but somehow, admitting it made her feel like she was admitting to some kind of inadequacy, as if not celebrating Christmas was some glaring flaw.

“It’s never been a thing in my family. No tree, no gifts, no baking cookies.” She paused, glancing over at him with a small, almost sheepish smile. “So, I guess I’m not really sure how to get into the spirit of it. But… I’m open to trying.” There was something in his eyes, something playful, but also warm that made her feel a little less self-conscious. The way he seemed so comfortable with the idea, so eager to share it with her, took the edge off her own uncertainty.

“Decorating a tree sounds… nice,” she added, trying to offer a genuine smile. She wasn’t sure if she believed it yet, but the thought of sharing this with him, of doing something that had always felt out of reach, was oddly comforting. Maybe it was the promise of doing something new. Maybe it was the possibility of having someone to share it with.

When she glanced back down at the breakfast spread, her fingers brushed against the warm bread. It was so simple, so different from the holidays she had once imagined or seen on TV. But perhaps there was something beautiful in simplicity, too. "I guess I’ll have to learn how to make cookies properly then," she said, trying to lighten the moment with a small joke. She didn’t expect herself to care about baking cookies, but the idea of doing something like that with him made her feel... less alone.

Her mind flickered again to her visa, to the fact that this would likely be her last Christmas in the city, and the idea of it, of being here, of letting herself get involved in something so personal made her chest tighten. It felt risky. But for now, she pushed the worry aside. There would be time to figure out what came next, “I’ll help you with the tree,” she said softly, her voice steadier this time, and there was something in the way she said it that almost sounded like a promise; not just to him, but to herself. ’I can enjoy this,’ she reminded herself. ’Just for now.’

She smiled again, a little more confidently this time, meeting his gaze. “And we’ll see if my cookies turn out as good as the tree.” The moment felt simple, maybe even fleeting, but in that brief space between them, there was a warmth she hadn’t known she needed, something that felt like a bridge between her past and a future she couldn’t quite predict. And maybe, just maybe, she could begin to let herself believe in the beauty of these little things.

Mentions: Hades - PrincessAveRedfern

coded by kaninchen

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Emara Linchette-Morris

Therapist

Location

Emara House/Office

"Hello Old home"

interactions.

PotatochipsRlit -Forrest

E

mara opened the door, only to find Forrest standing in front of her, and her mouth fell slightly agape in shock. She had moved into this new place just a week ago, eager to start fresh and take over the old clients of the therapist who had passed away. It hadn’t been an easy decision to leave her old town behind, and she had spent a month informing everyone that she would no longer be working there. The thought of uprooting her life had been daunting, and yet she felt it was necessary for her own growth and the chance at a new beginning.

But now, standing in her doorway was Forrest—her old patient—looking back at her with an expression that stirred a whirlwind of emotions within her.

“Forrest?”

she managed to stammer, her heart racing as disbelief washed over her. “What are you doing here?” The question hung in the air, laden with confusion and a hint of vulnerability. She stared at him, trying to reconcile the reality of his presence with the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind.

Had she imagined this encounter? Was it some cruel trick her mind was playing on her, like an echo of her past calling her back? It felt surreal, as if her thoughts were conspiring against her, whispering,

“Welcome back home—let’s dive into another messy situation.”

She could almost hear the familiar refrain of her insecurities urging her to rethink her choices, to question her return to this town that held so much history and heartache.

Emara couldn’t help but reflect on her past relationship with Jace. In hindsight, getting involved with him had been a reckless decision, fueled by a sense of adventure and a longing for excitement. There had been something exhilarating about their time together, a rush that had momentarily drowned out her doubts. But here she was now, back in a place where so many memories lingered, facing a daughter who resented her and an unexpected reunion with Forrest, which added another layer of complexity to her already tumultuous emotions.

Forrest stood there, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. She could see the questions flickering in his eyes, mirroring her own inner turmoil. What did he think of her decision to move? Did he feel abandoned when she had stopped seeing him for therapy? She felt the weight of unspoken words pressing down on her, a swell of guilt and regret rising in her chest.

“Did you come to see me?”

she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, unsure of how to navigate this unexpected moment.

“I mean, I didn’t think you’d follow me here.”

As she spoke, a part of her wanted to retreat, to slam the door and hide from the reality of her choices. But another part of her, the part that craved connection and understanding, urged her to stay and face whatever this encounter might bring.

Emara took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she searched his face for answers. In that moment, the confusion and anxiety she felt collided with a flicker of hope. Perhaps this surprise meeting could lead to something meaningful, a chance to confront the past and seek a path forward. But as she stood there, grappling with the implications of Forrest’s presence and her own tumultuous emotions, she wondered if she was ready to embrace the complexities of her life once again.

 

[travelbypages]

RAVEN CROSS

With a heavy breath, Raven took a moment to steady herself. The fog of a lingering hangover made her brain feel thick, and every step felt weighted. She grabbed a glass from the counter and poured herself a generous helping of wine, ignoring the throb in her temples. She downed the entire glass in one swift motion, the burn of the alcohol a welcome relief as it slid down her throat. The headache didn’t disappear, but the familiar warmth spread through her limbs, and she felt the edge of her nervous energy soften just a little. She could feel the familiar buzz settling in, urging her to buckle up and get her head back in the game, because Hollis’ flirtatious smirk was already working its magic, and Raven wasn’t about to let herself get caught off guard.

Just to be sure, Raven took a quick peek around the corner of the kitchen, her gaze flitting toward the living room where Wren had seamlessly stepped in to entertain their grandparents. They were all laughing at something he’d said, and Raven didn’t miss the look of affection on their faces. Perfect. It was just the distraction she needed to give her a little more breathing room. Wren had it under control. Raven took a breath and turned her focus back to Hollis.

Her gaze flicked back to the other woman, her face a carefully constructed mask of indifference, but the faint pink hue still lingered on her cheeks. The flush betrayed her. She couldn’t stop the way Hollis had that effect on her. She tilted her head slightly, a hint of amusement dancing behind her eyes as she leaned against the counter. “A ‘bad influence,’ huh?” Raven repeated, her voice laced with playful curiosity. She narrowed her eyes, watching Hollis with a kind of focus that felt almost predatory. “Maybe... but bad girls make life a lot more interesting, don’t they?”

A smirk tugged at Raven’s lips, and she stepped a little closer, the space between them shrinking until it felt almost intimate. Her nerves still swirled beneath her skin, but the alcohol had loosened something within her, and her confidence was starting to rise in a slow, measured burn. She was flirting, not with her usual ease, but with a simmering boldness she hadn’t expected from herself today. “As for your little question... I’m not sure,” Raven teased, lifting a brow and mimicking the flutter of Hollis' lashes with exaggerated ease. Her voice dropped an octave, a suggestive lilt in it as she met Hollis’ eyes. “You definitely look like trouble.”

Raven’s heart skipped a beat as she took another step closer, their proximity closing in, her gaze never leaving Hollis. She felt the pulse of heat between them, and without thinking, her hand rose, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear in a slow, deliberate movement. There was something bold in the way she let her fingers linger at her neck before she lowered her hand, but the movement was a deliberate choice, controlled. “But I wouldn’t call you a ‘bad girl,’ not yet,” she continued, her voice now low and smooth, just a hint of sultriness curling at the edges. “I think that’s something you’ve got to prove to me.”

Raven allowed her words to hang in the air, letting the tension build between them. She gave Hollis a lingering look, her gaze dropping briefly to the empty wine glass in her hand, and then she glanced up again, feigning nonchalance, though her pulse was quickening under the surface. The nervousness, the butterflies, were still there but she was pushing them aside.

A breath escaped Raven’s lips, soft but shaky. She could feel her own composure cracking at the edges, but she was determined not to show it. She shrugged, putting on her best playful grin, the kind of grin that said she had it all under control. “So, what about you, Hollis?” she said, her voice dropping again, this time with a little more heat. “Think you’ve got what it takes to tempt me?”

Mentions: Hollis - celestialbody

coded by kaninchen

 

[PotatochipsRlit]

mood :

Feeling at home.

location :

Upstairs of Redfern Autoshop

outfit :

mentions :

Anthony

interactions :

PrincessAveRedfern - Kennedy
s

Mckdowell

Bryson

Bryson’s head turned, his attention drawn to the sound of bells chiming from the shop, a familiar sound that heralded either Anthony's arrival or the entrance of a customer..he couldn't be certain... but he dismissed the thought with a casual shrug.

"but why not make it more fun and whip up some pancakes ourselves?"

Kennedy proposed, prompting Bryson to ponder the idea. It struck him as almost foolish to consider going out for pancakes when they could easily make them at home... After all, on Christmas Eve, the tradition was to stay in and hangout with your family, even if bryson had no official family to spend it with, he felt a comforting sense of belonging in this space, welcomed by both Kennedy and Anthony... Mostly Kennedy..she.. had welcomed him with open arms, and that made all the difference...

"You know, you were my early Christmas present, Kennedy.. not my truck being fixed.." he murmured affectionately, leaning closer to cradle her face. He punctuated his words with soft kisses across her cheeks and nose, his eyes twinkling with warmth... "I can imagine it, Kennedy," he added with a smile, nodding eagerly before pulling her into a tight embrace, "Ah, do you feel that? My itchy sweater?" he laughed, teasing her in a hushed playful voice...although he had brought her a soft one as a contrast to his own discomfort.. ".. pancake-making competition?" he questioned, releasing her with a playful boast, "Psh..I’d win that ..with ease.." There was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, but the truth was, Bryson had become quite the breakfast connoisseur, mastering various pancake recipes during his travels.

He paused, allowing her to excitedly elaborate on the competition, his lips curling into a smile as he listened... he loved hearing her just..talk..and talk, and even at her fast-paced words, he caught every single syllable... "The possibilities are indeed endless," he agreed, leaning in to steal a kiss from her lips.. pausing for a moment before pulling away.

"So, do we have everything we need for these pancakes?" he inquired, his mind racing with ideas... "We could always make a quick run to grab a few things," he suggested, stepping back with a yawn..

"Just let me know what we need; I have to brush my teeth first," he gestured toward the bathroom, turning away with a light-hearted demeanor as he made his way to freshen up.

coded by reveriee.

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Isabelle Rose Everhart

Author

Location

Jupiter's Bed

"Ugh... why so loud?"

interactions.

celestialbody -Jup

B

elle bit back a chuckle as she watched him nearly topple the potted plant in his irritation.

“I do remember someone spilling like three bottles of liquid on me,”

she retorted, the memory flooding her mind with vivid clarity and a hint of warmth. The evening had begun as a lighthearted gathering, but had somehow spiraled into chaos. Now, seeing him flustered only added to the awkwardness of the moment.

She observed him as he rummaged through his drawers, his frustration evident. After a moment, he emerged with a pair of shorts and a shirt, which he handed to her with a look that was part annoyance, part amusement. She took the clothes, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and guilt wash over her. Rising from the bed, she let the blanket slip away and slipped into his shirt, buttoning it up while leaving a few buttons undone for a casual effect. The fabric felt warm and slightly oversized, a reminder of his presence, and she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nerves as she glanced at the shorts he had offered.

“I can assure you right now, these will definitely not fit me,”

she said, a bemused smile creeping onto her face, though a knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach. She walked over to retrieve her own clothes, fighting the urge to toss them aside in frustration. Being in his room again brought a rush of conflicting emotions—nostalgia, embarrassment, and a twinge of regret. She had never intended to find herself in this situation, and now the weight of it pressed heavily on her shoulders.

“Thank you, though. I promise they’ll be back in no time…”

she said, her voice trailing off as she hesitated, pondering her next words carefully. The silence in the room felt charged, and she was acutely aware of the tension that hung between them. Should she address the unspoken connection they shared? Did she even want to voice her thoughts? Finally, she blurted out,

“And I guess the cuddles?”

Just as she reached the door and attempted to turn the knob, her heart sank further into her chest. The familiar sensation of panic washed over her as she felt resistance. She double-checked the door to see if it was locked, and to her dismay, it wasn’t.

“Fuck,”

she muttered under her breath, turning to him with wide eyes and a look of disbelief. The reality of their predicament settled in, and the nerves that had begun to simmer now boiled over.

“We’re stuck.”

A wave of apprehension washed over her as she processed the situation. Being alone in his room again, especially under these circumstances, made her acutely aware of how wrong this felt. The last thing she wanted was to overstay her welcome or make things uncomfortable between them, yet here she was, caught in a moment that felt both intimate and precarious. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stood there, trapped between the door and the unspoken tension that lingered in the air.

“Great,”

she added, her voice laced with a hint of anxiety.

“Just when I thought I could leave without making things more awkward.”

She leaned against the door, trying to steady her racing heart, but the reality of being alone with him in such a confined space made her pulse quicken. What if they were stuck here for a while? What if they had to talk about everything that had happened? The thought of it sent a fresh wave of nerves coursing through her, and she felt a mix of dread and anticipation building within her.

 

[PrincessAveRedfern]

Lawson Blake Hale

Constable

Location

Hale House

"I don't know if I want to kiss her or keep this casual"

interactions.

travelbypages -Talisa

L

awson's heart swelled with joy as he watched Aurie dash by, a playful grin spreading across his face as he waved at her. The house was alive with the spirit of Christmas, and he felt a profound sense of happiness at being able to host everyone for the holiday. However, his smile faltered momentarily as he noticed Tali get up abruptly, a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.

When Roman and their family walked in, Lawson’s expression brightened again. He greeted them warmly, his voice filled with genuine delight.

“Hello! I am so glad to have you all here; please make yourselves comfortable!”

The warmth of the moment enveloped him, and he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the shared laughter and love that filled his home.

As he moved toward Tali, he caught sight of Ro and Aurie, and his heart swelled at the sight of his daughter looking so genuinely happy alongside her partner. Their smiles radiated joy, reinforcing the sense of togetherness that made this Christmas so special.

Entering the kitchen, Lawson leaned against the counter, taking a moment to soak in the festive atmosphere. He turned his attention to Tali, who was diligently preparing the meal.

“How is the food coming along?”

he inquired, his voice warm and encouraging as he looked into her eyes. He reached out, his hand brushing against hers gently, wanting to offer comfort and reassurance.

Noticing the nerves on her face, he added,

“You’re doing an incredible job. The energy in here is fantastic, and the food smells amazing. Just take a deep breath; we’re all here to enjoy ourselves.”

In that moment, Lawson felt a deep sense of fulfillment. This Christmas gathering was more than just a celebration; it was a chance to create cherished memories with loved ones. The sight of Aurie and Ro together, filled with happiness, made it all the more meaningful, igniting a warmth within him that he hoped would linger long after the festivities were over.