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

Wren Cross

R
eaching out, Wren gently patted Belle's head, smoothing his hand over her soft hair. A smile tugged at his lips in response to her saying she wanted to see his grandparents soon.

"Don't worry, we'll have time for them while you're here, and I'm sure they'll be really excited to see you."
He moved his hand from her head, a playful yet exasperated expression forming on his face.
"But if we see them today, they won’t let you go for hours."
He said it with a laugh, but there was a hint of truth in his words, and he knew Belle probably understood exactly what he meant. His grandparents adored her, dote on her like she was their own granddaughter, and once she was with them, there would be no getting away anytime soon.

"We'll mingle for a bit, have fun, and then visit them another day. Together."


Finishing their food, they continued their conversation, catching up on life. Wren, as usual, disappointed Belle with his lack of romantic updates, the result of simply not putting in the effort. He laughed as Belle updated him on her own romantic adventures — or rather, the failures of them — including one particularly amusing disaster earlier that day. He consoled her with a soft chuckle, always willing to lend an ear, and soon enough they were hopping into Wren’s truck, heading toward the lodge for the party.

As soon as they arrived, they made their way up to the top floor. The door was already open, and the sight of the bustling party filled the air with a sense of excitement. People were already walking around with drinks in hand, chatting, and laughing. The Christmas decorations added a warm, festive touch, making the penthouse feel homey and inviting.

Wren, however, felt his unease rising as they stepped deeper into the room. He found himself sticking close to Belle, his gaze flickering from her to the ground as the crowd seemed to close in.

"Wow, wasn’t expecting this many people to be honest, quite the turnout..."
He shifted his weight slightly, clearly not entirely comfortable in the social setting.
"How about I go get us some drinks?"
The offer was more of a way for him to retreat a little from the crowd, but his tone remained warm and considerate, always looking out for her.


outfit:
location:
Lodge Penthouse Party

tags:
 
















































































































































  • how she's feeling...












    Happy, Sleep, In love.







































































Auriela












Constable's Wild Child
















































,Auriela smiled brightly as she watched Roman spin around in the coat, her excitement evident as she clapped her hands.
"I really don’t understand why you’ve never worn this before; I absolutely love it! I might just have to steal it from you,"
she chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with delight. She looked up at them, her expression playful yet sincere.

"If you feel like it’s too much, you could always layer it with a white button-down underneath and pair it with some khakis or brown pants,"
she suggested, her tone turning thoughtful.
"That would tone it down from being over the top to something more casual. But if you’re feeling a bit bolder, my love, I’d recommend a matching red button-down and some sleek black dress pants. That would really make a statement!"


As she spoke, she walked over to the dresser, rummaging through the items in search of the perfume she had gifted them a while back. The scent always reminded her of special moments they shared, and she thought it would be the perfect finishing touch.

"You look really good in that, Romi Pooh,"
she said, turning back to them with a warm smile.
"Just wear it with confidence, and you’ll absolutely own the room!"
Her encouragement was genuine, and she hoped they could see how much she believed in them.






















































































♡coded by uxie♡


POV - Roman Marshall
Roman chuckled and smiled at Auriela's enthusiasm, glad that she seemed to like the coat. They didn't really know much about style, but they were willing to give a crack at it if it meant pleasing her. As she walked over to the dresser, they turned towards the closet and looked around, humming in thought. "Hmm. I think I have those things. Let me see." Roman rummaged through the closet before pulling out a red button-down and some black dress pants. Pretty convenient, actually. Roman placed the clothes over their arm, neatly. These were some of their most flashy clothes, even though they usually liked to keep it casual with the way they dressed. But if it made Auriela happy, then they were more than happy to shake things up for tonight.

Though as Roman glanced back at Auriela, they couldn't help but frown a bit, checking out her outfit for this party. Not to say that the dress wasn't pretty. Or that they weren't okay with her dressing the way she wanted to. But it was very cold out tonight. They didn't want her getting sick. Roman then perked up with an idea popping into their head. They dug into closet once more, before pulling out a pair of black leggings. Yes, it was something that they owned. Roman was never opposed to more feminine clothing. Besides, they were pretty comfy. Smiling, Roman held up the leggings for Auriela to see as they spoke up. "Hey, um...what would you say to wearing these? They're pretty comfy and, well, warm. You won't have to be out in the cold like that. Plus, I think you'd look nice with them still."

PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern
 
mood :
excited

location :
lodge, her room
outfit :
mentions :
n/a

interactions :
hector ShellBelles ShellBelles
Jayashri
;; Zara
Zara smiled and let out an amused huff of air at Héctor's declaration that people were going to kick themselves for not looking as stellar as them. And for Zara, that was practically the equivalent of a fit of laughter, seeing as she was not the sort to laugh out loud frequently.

She stood and watched as her friend looked around her extremely organized room. It was elegant and minimalistic- the first thing she did when she got in was take out any tacky hotel art and replaced it with more classic pieces of her own. Nothing was out of place, she kept everything tidy and clean.

Of course the first thing he wanted to do was see her outfits. Zara knew how passionate Héctor was about fashion. She enjoyed fashion as well, but was not nearly as involved in it as he was. She liked to shop and look good, but he was a proper fashion designer. She valued his input on this sort of thing.

"They're all in my room," she said, walking swiftly to the doorway that led to her bedroom. "This way." She opened the door to a comfortable and chic space, with two large closets. She opened them both up to reveal all her clothes, neatly organized into planned out outfits. "There are a lot of options, but these are probably the most suitable for a party." Zara gestured towards a section with shorter dresses, which were still elegant, but differed from her largely professional wardrobe.
coded by reveriee.


POV - Héctor Castillo
Héctor followed Zara into her room, intrigued to see all the different outfits she had planned. He wasn't expecting her to be as involved with design as he was. Though he had a feeling that she had some pretty good tastes. Besides, he had quite the influence on how people viewed fashion, so he had no problem being her mentor. Keeping his hands on his hips, Héctor stepped into Zara's room, taking it all in. When he saw all of the clothes she had hanging in her closets he hummed in thought, smirking as he went up to have a closer look at them.

Quite a colorful selection she had. Which was a good sign. Meant that there were options to choose from. Héctor was gripping his chin with his finger and thumb, examining all of Zara's dresses as if he was a researcher examining ancient artifacts. Héctor couldn't lie, Zara seemed to spend her money's worth on all these outfits. But expensive didn't always mean fashionable. Even the most wealthy of clothing came out looking tacky. Luckily, Zara's choice of clothing seemed to match her personality. Bold and fierce. Which he liked for her.

As she stood next to him, Héctor took one of the dresses from the closet, still keeping his panache attitude as he smiled and held it up in front of her, trying to get a feel of what her colors were. "Not bad, Mija, not bad. I see you don't beat around the bush when it comes to variety. Muy buena." Héctor moved the dress away as he raised an eyebrow, still smirking at Zara while standing there with the dress in his hand. "But let's talk about what vibe you want to give off, hm? Do you want the people practically drooling over you? Or do you want them to know that they're nowhere near your league?"

Lizy Lizy (Zara)
 













































































  • how she's feeling...




    Happy, Sleep, In love.






























































Auriela












Constable's Wild Child
















































Aurie turned with a bright smile once she found the perfume she had been searching for, her heart racing with excitement.
"For you, yes... here,"
she said, her voice filled with warmth as she gently took the leggings from their hands and replaced them with the elegant bottle of perfume. The fragrance was a captivating blend, featuring top notes of black cherry liqueur and bitter almond that instantly drew attention. As the scent unfolded, the heart revealed a lush bouquet of Turkish rose, jasmine sambac, sour cherry, and ripe plum, creating an intoxicating floral and fruity harmony. Finally, the base notes emerged with rich layers of tonka bean, vanilla, and cinnamon, intertwined with the warmth of Peru balsam, benzoin, sandalwood, cloves, cedar, patchouli, and vetiver.
"Now get ready so we can head to the party!"
she added cheerfully, her excitement bubbling over. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned in and planted a soft kiss on their cheek, a playful gesture that made the moment feel even more special.

After that sweet exchange, Aurie slid off her shoes, careful to be quiet so as not to disturb Roman's mom and grandmother, who were fast asleep in the house. She felt a rush of energy as she glided into the leggings, the fabric hugging her legs comfortably and giving her a sense of daring confidence. Once she was fully dressed, she slipped her shoes back on, the familiar sensation grounding her as she prepared for the night ahead.

With a flirty and slightly wild spirit, she did a small twirl, showing off the striking contrast of her red dress against the sleek black leggings underneath. The fabric swirled around her legs, accentuating her figure and adding to her excitement.
"How does it look now?"
she asked, looking up at Roman with sparkling eyes and a teasing grin, radiating joy and a hint of mischief. The moment felt electric, filled with the promise of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable memories at the party.

As she awaited their response, Aurie's mind raced with thoughts of the evening to come—the music, the dancing, and the chance to create lasting memories with friends. She felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with a touch of boldness, ready to embrace whatever craziness the night might bring. The rich, enchanting scent of the perfume lingered in the air, wrapping her in a luxurious embrace and making her feel both alluring and confident. Looking into Roman's eyes, she sought their approval, wanting to share not just her outfit but her excitement for the night ahead, eager to dive into the adventure that awaited them.






















































































♡coded by uxie♡
 
now playing: golden - zella day, transitioning into let go for tonight - foxes

Molly had never felt this empowered before. Her head was held high as she made her way through town, destination home. Nothing was going to stop her from letting loose tonight - that was, until she crossed the threshold of the front door, catching the attention of her parents. Samuel was stoking the fire in the fireplace, adding another log to the flames. Laura was folding clothes on the couch directly opposite the fireplace, glancing up at her youngest daughter as she entered the house. Crap.

"I hope you practiced hard today, sweetheart. You really disappointed your father and I when we found out that you weren't going to perform for the trials today." Her mother's tone was snippy like it always was. It didn't surprise Molly one bit that she'd continue ripping into her. "You know, Marley would have never pulled half the shit that you and your brother constantly get away with. There's a reason that she's succeeding in life while you two aren't." Laura didn't even look up from the shirt she was folding as she spoke, heartless as usual.

Samuel stood, wiping his palms on his slacks as he turned to face the two. "Aw, Laur, cut my Mol some slack here. If she didn't think her routine was good yet, then it really mustn't have been." Laura finally glanced up, her glare piercing. "Hmph. Marley would have performed."

Those four words immediately ignited the spark that would become a flame, a verbal fight breaking out between husband and wife. And Molly was just an innocent bystander to it all. Normally, she would have just snuck off to her room, but today she wasn't going to. No, she was going to stand her ground this time. "Enough!" Her voice cut through the bickering, locking both pairs of eyes on her. "Marley this, Marley that. All you ever do is compare me to Marley. But have you ever realized that I don't want to be just like your precious Marley? Or do you just not care about anyone but her? Because it's sure starting to seem like it. Let me tell you something right now, Mom. I'm not Marley, and I will never be her. And I know you hate me because I'm not perfect like her. But honestly...I don't even care anymore. Believe what you want to believe. I'm done here."

And with that, Molly stormed off towards her room, slamming the door shut behind her. She rested against the wood paneling, out of breath from her dramatic outburst. That felt good. She might not have a place to stay tonight, but she'd deal with that after the party. The party. Her eyes lit up upon remembering. What would she wear? How would she wear her hair? What seemed like a million ideas began to swirl around her mind. She immediately started for her closet, pulling out dress after dress, skirt after skirt...until she saw it. There, a red faux leather skirt sat on a hanger, begging Molly to wear it. And wear it, she did. She paired it with a black spaghetti-strapped crop top and red heels, fastening a turquoise necklace around her neck. Her hair went down, brushed and in the loose waves it normally fell in. A neutral eye, paired with a bold red lip completed the look. But, of course, she couldn't go out in just that - it was, after all, cold outside - so she quickly grabbed her favorite blue cardigan and headed out of her room.

She confidently strode past her parents, who were starting to bitch and moan again. But Molly chose to ignore them, instead pushing past them and making her way outside. As she walked in the direction of the lodge, she pulled her cardigan a bit closer to her frame. This definitely wasn't a good choice of winter-ready clothes. But who cared? Her blonde hair moved with the wind as she pulled her phone out from the pocket of her cardigan, opening her messaging app and texting a former friend who was rumored to be back in town. And with a few back and forth texts, it was confirmed that Summer was, in fact, in Revelstoke.

Molly walked a bit faster upon that news. She was going to meet Summer in her room before they'd go to the party. Hopefully, she'd also meet that visiting girl there too. Who knew? All she knew was that she was free.

wearing: i just want to be golden, transitioning into turn off the lights
tags: ShellBelles ShellBelles (Eileen) , PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern (Summer)
pantone
®

#3a382b
Molly Harding


coded by weldherwings.
 
Summer Knight
Musician Writer/ Producer
Location
Lodge Room
"Maybe this is the fresh start I need"
interactions.
S
ummer felt the weight of stress pressing down on her as she paced back and forth in her cozy lodge room. The walls around her were adorned with rustic charm, but none of it could distract her from the turmoil swirling in her mind. After a few days of solitude, she had completely unpacked her things, yet the sense of calm she had hoped for remained elusive. Clad in her comfortable sweats, she sought to clear her head and find a moment of peace amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

Just when she thought she might drown in her worries, a notification pinged on her phone. To her surprise, it was a message from Molly, her old friend, asking if it was true that she was in town. The unexpected message brought a flicker of excitement to her otherwise heavy heart. Yes, indeed, here she was, a world away from the struggles that had consumed her for the past few months. The painful loss of her adoptive parents had left her feeling adrift, and the recent discovery that her biological parents were searching for her only added to her confusion and heartache. It felt as if she were caught in a whirlwind of emotions, with no way to find her footing.

In search of an escape from the relentless spotlight and expectations of her life, she had come to this remote lodge, a place she believed no one would think to look for her. It was a sanctuary where she could breathe, if only for a little while. As she reflected on her decision, she felt a flicker of hope. Molly would surely come here to prepare for the party they had planned, and that thought sparked a desire in Summer to make the most of her time before the festivities began.

With a sigh that seemed to release some of her pent-up anxiety, Summer walked into the bathroom, ready to tackle her hair. She glanced into the mirror, taking a moment to study her reflection. Her blondish-brown hair hung loosely around her shoulders, and she pondered how to style it. The myriad of options flooded her mind—should she pull it back into a sleek ponytail, twist it into intricate braids, or let loose with soft, romantic curls? Each possibility seemed to represent a different version of herself, and the decision weighed on her.

Taking a deep breath, she settled on curling her hair first. It felt like a small act of self-care, a way to reclaim a bit of normalcy in a life that had felt anything but. As she gathered her styling tools, she turned on some uplifting music, letting the familiar melodies wash over her like a comforting embrace. Singing along to the tunes, she found herself momentarily lost in the rhythm, her worries fading, if only for a little while, as she eagerly awaited her friend's arrival. The anticipation of reconnecting with Molly infused her with a renewed sense of purpose, reminding her that amidst the chaos, there was still joy to be found.





 



















Isabelle



Author












Belle smiled warmly and nodded, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Of course! I’ll probably spend the night when I visit them so I can give them my full attention,"
she said, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. The thought of an evening filled with laughter and connection made her heart flutter. Once she finished her meal, a sense of anticipation filled the air as they made their way to Wren's truck, ready to dive into the lively atmosphere of the party.

As they arrived, the pulsating beats of music enveloped them like a warm embrace. Belle felt a wave of excitement mixed with a hint of overwhelm. She instinctively wrapped her arm around Wren’s, squeezing it tightly to reassure both him and herself.
"Wow, I had no idea we had this many people in town or at the Lodge,"
she exclaimed, raising her voice so he could hear her over the thumping bass and chatter surrounding them. Her eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the vibrant scene filled with familiar faces and new acquaintances.

When Wren asked if he could get her a drink, Belle felt a rush of warmth at his thoughtful demeanor. She released her grip on his arm, allowing him to move freely. With a smile that hinted at her appreciation, she replied,
"You know what I like. I’ll be over by the window when you get back."
Watching him walk away, she felt a sense of comfort in knowing he was just a short distance away.

Once he disappeared into the throng of partygoers, Belle made her way to the window, drawn by the need for a moment of clarity amid the bustling crowd. She leaned against the cool glass, her gaze drifting around the room as she tried to take stock of the faces that surrounded her. Was it going to be just her and Wren tonight, or would she spot some familiar friends in the mix? The anticipation lingered in the air, and she hoped for a night filled with laughter, connection, and perhaps even a few surprises.












































♡coded by uxie♡
 
mood :
nervous

location :
police car
outfit :
mentions :
n/a

interactions :
blair celestialbody celestialbody
McKay
;; Soren
Soren was thankful for Officer Rosewood's politeness during the whole ordeal. He smiled and graciously accepted his offer of help with the bags. As the officer grabbed his tote bad from the back seat, he went to open the trunk. Soren almost protested when Officer Rosewood swiftly picked up his suitcase, he didn't want the man to think Soren was making him do all the manual labor. But, he didn't want to use his energy insisting, and the officer seemed happy to do it.

Besides, neither bag was that heavy. Surprisingly, for someone who owned a lot of clothes, Soren packed pretty lightly. Clothing and personal items were thrown into the bags hastily, he wanted to leave home quickly. It was as if he was running from something. In a way, maybe he was. He didn't want to think about that right now. He was just... taking a vacation. That was it. A vacation.

"I'll... uh, take the back if that's ok," Soren decided before sliding into the back seat, next to his bags. As he closed the door and buckled his seatbelt, all of the "what ifs?" crossed his mind. As nice as Officer Rosewood seemed, Soren was acutely aware he was in a car, in an unfamiliar town, with a stranger. He could feel his heart point in his chest and looked out the window as they pulled away in an effort to calm his nerves.

"Hm?" Soren looked forward, towards Officer Rosewood, mind catching up with what the man asked. "Oh, just... traveling around for the holidays. I wanted a vacation." He spoke with little conviction, it was as if even he was unsure of why he was in town.

A brief silence followed, Soren was unsure of what to say next. He really didn't like talking about himself, he really didn't know how to converse with the man driving, and he really wanted this car ride to be over. Fast. It didn't have anything to do with Officer Rosewood. There was just something about being in someone else's car that made him feel... stuck. He hated it.

But, he didn't want to meet the officer's kindness with rudeness, so he asked to first question that popped into his head. "So... what do you recommend around town?"
coded by reveriee.
 
now playing: into the sun - sons of the east

Reece hadn't expected to just pour his heart out in front of the woman, especially because they were a. out in the open, and b. they barely knew each other. But it had just sort of...spilled out, as if on command. It was embarrassing, to say the least. But it was the truth, and he couldn't just lie and say that it wasn't. Reece was direct like that, whether he meant to be or not. Sometimes it could be endearing. Other times...not so much.

Now he felt totally awkward, as if he were a fish out of water or something. He couldn't bring himself to focus his eyes on the woman, instead staring directly ahead at the snowglobe display. Seconds felt like an eternity as he struggled to find the right words to apologize to her with. But luckily, he wouldn't have to speak first, as the still-nameless woman filled in the silence herself. She wasn't put off by his emotional rambling. That was a relief. She thought that it was something admirable. Or at least, that's how he interpreted it. For all he knew, she could have been lying to him. Who was he to know?

All Reece knew was that she had just introduced herself. Dallas, like the city. It was charming, just like she was. He quickly reached out and shook her hand, a half-smile dancing on his lips in a way that only boys next door could. "I take it I've just earned myself a new nickname, Little Miss Texas?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly teasing her as he let go of her hand, his own falling back to his side. "How'd you get the name, anyway? Mom was a big Cowboys fan or something?" With his luck, she probably wasn't even from the States like he was. After all, he wasn't in the land of the free anymore. Was that ignorant of him to think? He tried not to play into the role of the typical dumb American, but this time he definitely was. Oops. It wasn't his fault that he had big dumb guy energy, okay? Maybe if he had paid more attention in school instead of focusing on sports, he would have been a little smarter. But he hadn't, and he wasn't. But boy, if anyone needed any sports stats or the like, Reece was their guy.

"You're glad you knocked into me? Really?" Reece was confused by Dallas's comment. Did she really mean that? Or was she just trying to make polite conversation? There was only one way to find out.

wearing: got a head full of dust
tags: murphalicious murphalicious (Dallas)
pantone
®

#d6d9d2
Reece Spencer


coded by weldherwings.
 
now playing: perfect weather for a crime - helena deland

Naomi didn't know how to feel about the whole Ivy-Oliver situation. She didn't have any insight into how he behaved in person, only tidbits of information that Ivy had told her about in the past. She took another sip of her hot chocolate, nearing the bottom of the cup. Is this number still in use? It's Oliver. Naomi pondered the message that her best friend had received, wondering how she would react if she were in her shoes. After all these years, he still had Ivy's number. Did that mean anything? Should it mean anything? And when Ivy added that Oliver had some regrets regarding how he had left things, it just made Naomi feel even more confused. Certainly, if he still had Ivy's number and admitted that he wished he had done things differently, then he still thought about Ivy. He must have still cared for her. But still...Naomi was skeptical.

Before Naomi had the opportunity to voice her thoughts, however, Ivy stopped dead in her tracks, her grip on Naomi tightening. Speak of the devil. So this was the Oliver from all of the tears and heartbreak. He didn't appear to slow down or stop, even after Ivy had called his name. Naomi, too, was frozen where she stood. What on Earth was she going to do? Would she run after him in order to get him to notice Ivy? Would she pull Ivy along with her, headed in the opposite direction?

She didn't do either. Instead, Naomi looked over at Ivy. She wanted to make sure that she would be okay in the case that Oliver wouldn't pay her any mind. "Hey...are you going to be good? I mean, what if it's not the happy reunion you hoped for? I'm going to be here for you regardless, but...I wouldn't expect anything good here. I'd be wary if I were you. But if you want to go to him, you can." She hoped that it wouldn't put a damper on the evening. They were having such a good time until he showed up. And if he had the nerve to hurt Ivy again...heaven help him.

wearing: i shiver with delight
tags: PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern (Ivy), faeriehollow faeriehollow (Oliver)
pantone
®

#babbab
Naomi Irwin


coded by weldherwings.
 
now playing: let go for tonight - foxes

The wind whipped around Molly's petite frame as she pushed through the elements, continuing on her path to the lodge. If she had been feeling even bolder than she currently felt, she would have taken the family car for a joyride, but she had already tested the waters enough today. But it wasn't like the lodge was miles and miles away. She could easily make it in plenty of time to meet Summer and head out to the party. She was too determined to stop now.

How exactly did Molly and Summer know each other? Well, it all started when the Hardings went on vacation when Molly was in the seventh grade. Molly had wandered off from her family and soon came across Summer. Within no time, they had become fast friends. They had kept in touch through text messages and social media since then. And now that Summer was in the area, Molly wasn't about to miss out on any opportunity to see her old friend.

Before long, she was standing before the lodge itself. Jackpot. And, since Summer had texted her the room number, she marched right along to her room, walking on into the room as if she owned the place. "Summer, I'm here!" Molly called out, closing the door behind her. Her cardigan was quickly discarded, as it ruined the look that she was trying to show off. "Oh, and I invited this girl to meet us at the party later. She's from out of town, and I don't know if she's actually going to come. But she's been invited, and I hope you don't mind." Molly flopped down on the bed, figuring that Summer was in the bathroom. "I've also got some drama to spill, too, when you're ready to hear it - but only if you're ready to hear it."

wearing: turn off the lights
tags: ShellBelles ShellBelles (Eileen) , PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern (Summer)
pantone
®

#3a382b
Molly Harding


coded by weldherwings.
 









scroll








festival of lights.



darcy henry.













mood.

calm.















location

festival of lights.











interactions

kennedy & bryson.



















Once the group had finished eating and having dessert, Darcy mentally prepared herself for the inevitable upset that would happen when she split the kids off from their beloved aunt. But it had to happen anyway as Kennedy was going to the party with Bryson and Darcy could not handle a party at this time.
"Say bye to Auntie Ken!"
Darcy said to the twins, then adding,
"so we can go sledding."
to try to mitigate the brewing meltdown.

Which it did work. She was relieved because she didn't want to deal with her twin's public meltdown, especially in front of someone she had just met.
"It was nice meeting you, Bryson. Maybe we will see you before you head out of town again."
She said cheerfully.

After the twins said their goodbyes, Darcy held their hands and trekked over to the sledding hill. She got them each a sled and climbed to the top of the hill to go down with them. It would have been easier to do it with two adults, but alas, that had been her life the last few years, doing the job of both parents as a single mother.



♡coded by uxie♡
 













































































  • how she's feeling...




    Happy, Sleep, In love.






























































Auriela












Constable's Wild Child
















































Aurie turned with a bright smile once she found the perfume she had been searching for, her heart racing with excitement.
"For you, yes... here,"
she said, her voice filled with warmth as she gently took the leggings from their hands and replaced them with the elegant bottle of perfume. The fragrance was a captivating blend, featuring top notes of black cherry liqueur and bitter almond that instantly drew attention. As the scent unfolded, the heart revealed a lush bouquet of Turkish rose, jasmine sambac, sour cherry, and ripe plum, creating an intoxicating floral and fruity harmony. Finally, the base notes emerged with rich layers of tonka bean, vanilla, and cinnamon, intertwined with the warmth of Peru balsam, benzoin, sandalwood, cloves, cedar, patchouli, and vetiver.
"Now get ready so we can head to the party!"
she added cheerfully, her excitement bubbling over. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned in and planted a soft kiss on their cheek, a playful gesture that made the moment feel even more special.

After that sweet exchange, Aurie slid off her shoes, careful to be quiet so as not to disturb Roman's mom and grandmother, who were fast asleep in the house. She felt a rush of energy as she glided into the leggings, the fabric hugging her legs comfortably and giving her a sense of daring confidence. Once she was fully dressed, she slipped her shoes back on, the familiar sensation grounding her as she prepared for the night ahead.

With a flirty and slightly wild spirit, she did a small twirl, showing off the striking contrast of her red dress against the sleek black leggings underneath. The fabric swirled around her legs, accentuating her figure and adding to her excitement.
"How does it look now?"
she asked, looking up at Roman with sparkling eyes and a teasing grin, radiating joy and a hint of mischief. The moment felt electric, filled with the promise of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable memories at the party.

As she awaited their response, Aurie's mind raced with thoughts of the evening to come—the music, the dancing, and the chance to create lasting memories with friends. She felt a rush of exhilaration mixed with a touch of boldness, ready to embrace whatever craziness the night might bring. The rich, enchanting scent of the perfume lingered in the air, wrapping her in a luxurious embrace and making her feel both alluring and confident. Looking into Roman's eyes, she sought their approval, wanting to share not just her outfit but her excitement for the night ahead, eager to dive into the adventure that awaited them.






















































































♡coded by uxie♡


POV - Roman Marshall
Roman looked down at the perfume bottle in their hands, intrigued by the unique fragrance it had. It was only right that the perfume they used was just as fancy as the clothes they were wearing. They smiled at the kiss on their cheek, a warm pink blush appearing on their face before they nodded in response. Roman slipped out of the room to give Auriela her privacy, as they tiptoed over to the bathroom.

Closing the door behind them, Roman set all of their nice clothes down before slipping out of the ones they were already wearing, the cool air hitting their body. They then dressed up in their button-down and dress pants, neatly smoothing them out before throwing on the trench coat. Roman then stood in front of the mirror, checking themself out as they turned and twisted a bit. They rarely ever dressed up like this. But it was a nice change of pace. They smiled a bit as they looked at themself standing in the mirror. Not bad.

Afterwards, Roman stepped out of the bathroom, quietly closing it behind him before slipping back into their bedroom. They came back just in time to see Auriela spinning in her dress and new leggings. Roman couldn't help but pause as they stared at her with awe, yet another blush spreading across their face. She looked stunning, to say the least. Actually to Roman, stunning didn't even begin to cover it.

They quickly snapped themself out of it after hearing her voice, smiling bashfully as they ran a hand over their hair. "Oh! Um, very nice. I think it suits you." Roman then stepped up to Auriela, trying not to let the teasing look she was giving them affect them too much. They smiled down at her softly, hands on the collar of their trench coat as they spoke up with slight hesitation in their voice. "What about me? Do I pull it off?"

PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern
 
now playing: golden - zella day, transitioning into let go for tonight - foxes

Molly had never felt this empowered before. Her head was held high as she made her way through town, destination home. Nothing was going to stop her from letting loose tonight - that was, until she crossed the threshold of the front door, catching the attention of her parents. Samuel was stoking the fire in the fireplace, adding another log to the flames. Laura was folding clothes on the couch directly opposite the fireplace, glancing up at her youngest daughter as she entered the house. Crap.

"I hope you practiced hard today, sweetheart. You really disappointed your father and I when we found out that you weren't going to perform for the trials today." Her mother's tone was snippy like it always was. It didn't surprise Molly one bit that she'd continue ripping into her. "You know, Marley would have never pulled half the shit that you and your brother constantly get away with. There's a reason that she's succeeding in life while you two aren't." Laura didn't even look up from the shirt she was folding as she spoke, heartless as usual.

Samuel stood, wiping his palms on his slacks as he turned to face the two. "Aw, Laur, cut my Mol some slack here. If she didn't think her routine was good yet, then it really mustn't have been." Laura finally glanced up, her glare piercing. "Hmph. Marley would have performed."

Those four words immediately ignited the spark that would become a flame, a verbal fight breaking out between husband and wife. And Molly was just an innocent bystander to it all. Normally, she would have just snuck off to her room, but today she wasn't going to. No, she was going to stand her ground this time. "Enough!" Her voice cut through the bickering, locking both pairs of eyes on her. "Marley this, Marley that. All you ever do is compare me to Marley. But have you ever realized that I don't want to be just like your precious Marley? Or do you just not care about anyone but her? Because it's sure starting to seem like it. Let me tell you something right now, Mom. I'm not Marley, and I will never be her. And I know you hate me because I'm not perfect like her. But honestly...I don't even care anymore. Believe what you want to believe. I'm done here."

And with that, Molly stormed off towards her room, slamming the door shut behind her. She rested against the wood paneling, out of breath from her dramatic outburst. That felt good. She might not have a place to stay tonight, but she'd deal with that after the party. The party. Her eyes lit up upon remembering. What would she wear? How would she wear her hair? What seemed like a million ideas began to swirl around her mind. She immediately started for her closet, pulling out dress after dress, skirt after skirt...until she saw it. There, a red faux leather skirt sat on a hanger, begging Molly to wear it. And wear it, she did. She paired it with a black spaghetti-strapped crop top and red heels, fastening a turquoise necklace around her neck. Her hair went down, brushed and in the loose waves it normally fell in. A neutral eye, paired with a bold red lip completed the look. But, of course, she couldn't go out in just that - it was, after all, cold outside - so she quickly grabbed her favorite blue cardigan and headed out of her room.

She confidently strode past her parents, who were starting to bitch and moan again. But Molly chose to ignore them, instead pushing past them and making her way outside. As she walked in the direction of the lodge, she pulled her cardigan a bit closer to her frame. This definitely wasn't a good choice of winter-ready clothes. But who cared? Her blonde hair moved with the wind as she pulled her phone out from the pocket of her cardigan, opening her messaging app and texting a former friend who was rumored to be back in town. And with a few back and forth texts, it was confirmed that Summer was, in fact, in Revelstoke.

Molly walked a bit faster upon that news. She was going to meet Summer in her room before they'd go to the party. Hopefully, she'd also meet that visiting girl there too. Who knew? All she knew was that she was free.

wearing: i just want to be golden, transitioning into turn off the lights
tags: ShellBelles ShellBelles (Eileen) , PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern (Summer)
pantone
®

#3a382b
Molly Harding


coded by weldherwings.


POV - Eileen Harigold
Back at the lodge, Eileen had just got back from her day of being out and about in the town. She walked through the halls of the second floor, hands in her pockets as she was deep in thought. She was thinking about what that girl, Molly, had said to her when they met earlier today. It seemed like she was serious about this whole party thing. But was Eileen? It's not like she's never been to parties before. But usually she would have her friends there with her. This party would be filled with nothing but strangers.

Eileen sighed to herself as she stopped in front of the door to her and her dad's room. She pulled out her key card from the pocket of her jacket, using it to open the door before she stepped inside. As she closed the door, she was greeted with the sound of snoring before she looked behind her. There she could see her dad, passed out on the couch from watching a bunch of soap operas on the TV. Eileen snickered to herself as she took off her jacket, placing it on a chair before she head to her room.

Once inside, she took a seat on her bed, letting out a breath of relief as she looked down at her hands. She was still contemplating the whole thing. Right now, the party should be happening at the top of the lodge. Where the owner's daughter's penthouse is. Eileen hummed in thought. Maybe she could drop by for a bit? It's not like she was doing anything else tonight. Her family weren't planning to meet up again until tomorrow night, for dinner plans.

Eileen thought long and hard before finally deciding, what the hell? She might as well, right? Besides, she could leave the party at anytime. But what would she wear? Eileen stood up from the bed before going over to the built-in closet of the room, opening it up to see all of the clothes she unpacked into it. She rummaged through them all, trying to find something that was at least decent. She might not be a party girl, but even she wasn't square enough to show up in some drab clothes.

After searching a bunch, Eileen finally managed to pick out a nice outfit. A black off shoulder top and some high-waisted flared jeans. She laid the clothes out on the bed, making sure they were good before she started getting ready. She had a quick shower, got dressed, brushed her hair, and did her makeup in the mirror. Eileen was then all set to go out. She took one last good look at herself in the full length mirror of the bedroom. She was still feeling a little hesitant, but she figured it was all okay.

Eileen then grabbed her bag and her phone before heading out of the bedroom. She looked over at her dad, still asleep on the couch. She then furrowed her eyebrows as she thought about what she was gonna tell him. She sighed before she went over to the drawer and took out a pen and paper, writing him a small note that she was heading up to the party and that she would be back soon. Afterwards, she grabbed a blanket and spread it over her dad before leaving the note beside his head. She gave his forehead a small kiss before turning to head out the door. Making sure she had everything, Eileen then walked out of the room, quietly closing it, before she then made her way up to the top of the lodge. Here goes nothing.

fieldofclover fieldofclover (Molly)
PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern (Summer)
 
Mason Redfern
Auto Shop Owner
Location
Festival of Lights
"Here we go.."
interactions.
M
ason had just returned to town after a long flight from Hawaii, where the warm sun felt like a distant memory compared to the chilly air of Revelstoke, BC. As he made his way to the diner that Manuel had mentioned, he couldn't shake off the fatigue settling into his bones from the journey. The stark contrast between the tropical paradise he had left behind and the winter wonderland he was now entering was jarring. Snow blanketed the ground, and twinkling Christmas lights adorned the storefronts, casting a warm glow in the early evening twilight.

As he approached the diner, he spotted Darcy with the kids, all bundled up and laughing as they pulled sleds behind them. A wave of nostalgia washed over him, reminding him of simpler times spent in the snow during the holidays. He hesitated for a moment, taking in the scene before him. The thought of confronting Darcy after having avoided her for so long felt daunting, but he knew he needed to address the tension that had been lingering between them.

Taking a deep breath, he made the decision to approach her.
“Do you need help?”
he called out as he caught up to them, his voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. He felt a mix of determination and anxiety churning within him; he had been dreading this moment but also knew it was necessary. As he stepped closer, he prepared himself for whatever conversation might unfold, hoping to finally bridge the gap that had formed between them.







 
Last edited:



jules st. clair.





































  • mood



    calm & a little tired.
















The brunette girl sighed as she rested her head against the steering wheel of her car. She was absolutely exhausted, yet couldn’t find it in herself to be unhappy about it. Even though she was exhausted, it helped distract her from the mess that was her thoughts. Just as being in a new environment was assisting with that. If you told her that the beginning of the year would consist of Jules quitting what she thought was her dream job, breaking up with her girlfriend fiancé of three years, moving across the country to live with her aunt, and picking up a minimum wage job as a server at The Lounge. Jules would have thought you were absolutely insane, yet, here she was having done all of that. Even with all of there changes, there wasn’t an ounce of regret in any of those decisions.

After a moment, she pulled herself together and managed to pull the strength to go inside for her shift. Thankfully, it wasn’t a super long one for the day. For the most part, Jules’ shift went by without any major issues. ‘Yes sir,’ ‘Sorry about that m’am, let me get this fixed for you,’ and more phrases muttered through a customer service voice. At least she had the infamous Lodge party to attend after her shift. Might as well go and scope the scene out since she was already here. After changing to a more party appropriate outfit in the bathroom, Jules made her way up to the penthouse.

A small smile came to her face as the room was decently filled. It was loud, but not unbearable. Jules could see friends dancing together, challenging one another to drinking bets, obvious failed flirtation attempts, and more interactions you’d see as a party. She blended into the crowd easily weaving her way over to the table where she could get a drink. Her eyes caught on a girl standing to the side. She was stunning. Jules had seen her perform a few times while she was working. Especially when it was slow just daydreaming on going to actually speak with her, but had been a tad nervous. They were both at work and she didn’t know how it’d go, but in a personal setting like this it could be better. Jules got herself a drink before walking over to the girl.
“Observe anything interesting in the crowd tonight?”
She asked, taking a sip of her drink
“When I walked in I saw someone flirting with a knick knack of a Christmas gnome,”
Jules shared with a small laugh before glancing over at the woman.
“Unfortunately, I really don’t think it’s going to work out between them.”


































end of beginning



djo










♡coded by uxie♡
 
mood :
Curious, content.

location :
Diner
outfit :
mentions :
PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern - Kennedy
murphalicious murphalicious
- Darcy

interactions :
PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern
murphalicious murphalicious
Mckdowell
Bryson
Bryson found himself in a state of utter fullness, as if every inch of him was packed to the brim, rendering him almost immobile.
He let out a deeply uncomfortable breath, attempting to adjust his posture as he cast a glance toward Darcy and her children, sensing that the time had come for them to make their exit..
Amusement bubbled up within him as he observed her tireless efforts to divert her kids from any impending meltdowns, mentioning the fun of sledding, which seemed to extinguish any hint of discontent among her little ones.

As Darcy turned to him, Bryson's eyes lit up..flashing her a genuine smile, expressing his gratitude, "It was a pleasure meeting you too.. and your children, your hospitality has meant a lot to me." With a respectful nod, he acknowledged her children with a small wave as they walked out.

Redirecting his focus back to Kennedy, he felt his mood lift significantly, clearly adapting to the vibrant atmosphere around him... "So, about this party... is it going to be packed?.." he asked, making his way out of the booth while slipping into his coat, instinctively offering his hand to her.
"Not that I'm worried or anything, just trying to gauge what I’m getting into," he added, his laughter light-hearted as he finally noticed her attire, which seemed overly casual for the brisk weather... "Are you out of your mind?.. Wearing that in this cold..?" Bryson chuckled softly, his expression softening as she accepted his hand.

With a warm gesture, he extended his coat toward her, his voice sincere as he said, "I know..still kind of a stranger here.. but let me help you out. You've already done so much for me...welcoming me into your town and introducing me to new people.. I really appreciate it." His eyes held hers for a moment, his smile warm.. before inevitably just draping the coat across her shoulders.
He stuffed his hands into his pocket, he was lucky he still donned some sort of layers.. underneath the jacket, or else he mightve caught some sort of cold.. "Come on.. not sure when this said party starts.. but i'd rather not have you showing up late." He looked over his shoulder to her with a warm playful smile, before making his way out of the diner.
coded by reveriee.
 
Kafuki Riek

K
afuki stepped into the warmth of the coffee shop, her breath visible in the chilly air as she closed the door behind her. The contrast between the biting winter outside and the inviting heat inside was immediate and soothing. She slipped off her jacket and hung it over the back of her chair before settling into the seat. Crossing her legs, she let out a contented sigh, looking around the cozy space. The soft hum of conversation and the clink of coffee cups created a peaceful backdrop—perfect for a quiet catch-up. She smiled to herself as she thought about Adalaide. It had been years since they last saw each other, but there was an unspoken understanding between them, and as soon as they'd reconnected, that connection picked up right where it left off.

A friendly server approached Kafuki's table, and with a warm smile, she ordered a simple black coffee. She wasn’t in the mood for anything elaborate—just something warm to sip while she waited. The server quickly retreated to prepare her drink and soon returned, placing the steaming cup of coffee in front of her. Kafuki wrapped her hands around it, feeling the heat seep into her skin, and took a careful sip. The rich, bold flavor of the coffee was a comforting start to the afternoon.

Her thoughts drifted to Adalaide—divorced and facing her first Christmas alone. Kafuki could only imagine how hard this time of year must be for her, especially with her daughters away. But she was here now, and Kafuki was determined to offer support, even if only for a few hours, before they wandered out into the twinkling lights of the holiday festival. The idea of spending time together, reminiscing and making new memories, made Kafuki’s heart swell with quiet anticipation.

As the minutes ticked by, she continued to sip her coffee, her eyes scanning the door each time it opened, hoping it would be Adalaide walking in. The coffee shop was the perfect spot—calm, inviting, and cozy—making it easy for Kafuki to relax and savor the moment, excited to be there for her friend.


outfit:
location:
Coffee Shop

tags:

Adalaide faeriehollow faeriehollow
 
Blair Rosewood

L
istening to Soren’s lackluster response, Blair's smile faltered for a moment. He didn’t think Soren was trying to be rude—he probably just didn’t feel like talking. Blair understood that. But still, he couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. He had hoped the car ride would be a chance to break the ice, even if just a little. He had just settled on staying quiet when, to his relief, Soren spoke up from the backseat, asking him a question in return.

Blair’s mood immediately brightened. He perked up, his enthusiasm palpable as he eagerly responded, eager to share everything he loved about his hometown.

"You're asking the exact right person that question, sir! There’s so much to do here! I mean, even just at the lodge itself, they’ve got skiing, snowboarding, ice skating... Oh, and I’m pretty sure my buddy mentioned there’s actually a party going on right now at the lodge. It’s open to guests too if you’re into that kind of thing."
He paused for a second, trying to think of all the other fun activities in the area, other then just at the lodge.

"There’s also this really cozy bookstore in town, the workers there are very kind. Ohh! Also Linchette’s Bakery! It’s perfect for grabbing a warm drink and a nice pastry. And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, there’s a new shop called Moonlit Aura. My mom loves it—I pick out jewelry for her there, but they’ve got crystals and all sorts of cool things. It’s a great place to poke around. And of course, every year, we’ve got the Festival of Lights. The whole town square gets lit up with decorations, and there are stalls with hot chocolate, eggnog, and all kinds of holiday treats!"


As Blair finished speaking, he realized he might’ve gotten a little carried away. He chuckled softly, shaking his head at himself, a hint of embarrassment coloring his voice.

"Heh, sorry about that. I probably just listed a lot at once, huh? But, honestly, no matter where you choose to spend your time here, there’s always something to do. And, if you need any help or recommendations, just know that the people here are super friendly. They’ll be happy to lend a hand."


Blair’s voice softened at the end, his warmth and genuine care for his town shining through. It was a place he loved, and he was eager to share it with Soren—especially if it helped make him feel a little more at ease in this unfamiliar place.


outfit:
location:
Driving into town

tags:
Soren Lizy Lizy
 



oliver eriksen.
































Oliver? The blonde whipped his head in the direction upon hearing his name. There was a moment of brief panic, but as he turned he saw an old friend the panic reduced. As much as he knew he would run into old connections, he didn’t expect it to be so fast. Especially someone he cherished. Earlier today he had sent her a text to try and reach out. He had forgotten to reply through the chaos of travelling until he checked into his room. He figured he would ask her to meet for coffee and explain, but maybe this would work better?

Ivy was one of the few genuine friends that Oliver had during high school. Her kindness easily helped get him through the toughest moments of his life. Especially in the world he grew up in that showed him kindness was usually conditional and transactional. To this day he still cherished their late night talks in the park. It was one of the few places where he actually could speak his mind without judgment of his choices- regardless of whether it was about good or bad choices- or just simply be dismissed. He blinked for a moment, not fully believing it was her. She was both very different, yet the same. Still, a smile spread over his face as he gave a little wave to Ivy and the woman beside her.

"Ivy?"
Oliver began walking over, still not quite feeling like this was real. So, much so that his steps seemed a little cautious, unsure what interaction this would bring. Still, a smile spread over his face as he gave a little wave to Ivy and the woman beside her.
“Hey… how is your night going? It’s nice to see you Ivy,”
He said to her.
“Also, Hi I’m Oliver,”
He said and held his hand out to the woman to shake.

































end of beginning



djo










♡coded by uxie♡
 
mood
❝ why am i here? ❞

location
the penthouse

outfit
clicky

ints
open!
Maddox
Maddox could hear the pulsing beats from upstairs almost before he stepped through the main doors into the foyer of the Lodge. He shrunk deeper into his black coat and shoved his hands into his pockets, as if he were trying to ward off a pervading chill in the air. Glancing around suspiciously, he assessed their was no one at the front desk at the moment, so he decided to head straight up to the party. It wasn't like he couldn't find it himself, he was just looking for any type of excuse to forestall his social demise.

The door to the penthouse was open, but Maddox stopped where he had a vantage of the room, yet he wouldn't be seen unless someone was looking through the door at the right angle. He scuffed his feet slightly, his shoes sinking into the plush carpet of the hallway, and cast about for a good reason as to why he was actually here. When Hollis had told him about this party, he had thought it might be a good opportunity to discuss their ongoing graphic novel project, since he had only arrived in town earlier in the week. Of course, when he made this decision, he had conveniently forgotten how loud and generally unpleasant parties were.

Even now, his brain was struggling to function over the heavy bass line that was pouring through the door like a hapless piece of driftwood fighting a inexorable riptide. He could see a mass of people conversing, dancing, and somehow being sociable despite the unfavourable circumstances.

He closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths, and pressed onwards towards the open doorway. He had already come this far; it was too late to turn back now. As he entered the penthouse suite, his hand lingered on the doorknob, as if to anchor him against pull of the crowd. A quick look over the room revealed to him that Hollis was in fact nowhere to be seen, and his heart jumped in his chest. What was he to do? How was he to survive this terror without one of his best friends by his side? He turned, ready to bolt back into the hallway and leave this panic-inducing scene behind him.
coded by reveriee.
 
ELOWEN WINTERS
Of course Brandon was only there to complain. But that didn't stop Elowen from taking the mans hand to drag him into the party, "I bought it special for you, you can't say no... Besides, if you just take the shot I'll maybe turn the music down." She hummed and led him to the mini bar, quickly grabbing the fancy liquor from it's hiding spot and poured him a glass, that was definitely well over a shot, "now drink up or I'll make a formal complaint to my dad." It was a joke, but she knew how far Brandon's head was up her dads ass that he wouldn't say no.

Quickly, she downed her own drink, her face only scrunching slightly from the bitter taste,
but she kept her composure, refusing to let Brandon see any sign of weakness. Elowen leaned casually against the bar, watching him with a teasing smirk. “What’s it gonna be, Brandon? You gonna stand there all night looking like a kicked puppy, or are you actually gonna loosen up for once?”

She tilted her head, her tone still playful, but there was an edge to it, a challenge. Elowen loved poking at him—not because she disliked him, but because he made it so easy. He was always so rigid, so annoyingly responsible. It drove her nuts. As he hesitated, her smirk widened. “C’mon,” she pressed, swirling the remaining liquid in her glass. “You’re already here. Might as well enjoy yourself for five minutes. I won’t tell my dad if you let loose. Scout’s honor.” Not that she’d ever been a scout. But Brandon didn’t need to know that.

Elowen’s gaze flickered over the crowded room behind them, the swirl of people and music and laughter filling the space. She should’ve been mingling, should’ve been working the room like everyone expected her to. Instead, she was here, baiting Brandon. It was more fun this way. Besides, if anyone could take her down a peg, it was him. Not that she’d admit it.

Mentions: Brandon - Lizy Lizy
coded by kaninchen
 
TALISA SKY

Tali hesitated, her hand hovering above Lawson’s outstretched one as his words echoed in her mind. The Lodge stood ahead of them, its tall windows glowing with warm light spilling into the night. The muffled hum of music and laughter drifted on the breeze, a stark contrast to the stillness between them. She finally placed her hand in his and let him help her down from the truck, her boots crunching softly on the gravel below.

Once her feet were steady on the ground, she lingered, brushing her hands over her jeans as though dusting off invisible specks. “You know, Lawson,” she began, her voice carrying a mix of lightness and uncertainty, “I think you’re overthinking this. These kids? They’re not worried about you. Most of them wouldn’t notice if you walked in wearing a neon sign that said ‘constable.’ They’re too busy sneaking drinks and pretending they’re cooler than they actually are.” She flashed a faint smile, but it faltered quickly. Her gaze drifted to the Lodge, its familiar silhouette framed by the dark sky. Memories of past gatherings here tugged at her—simpler times filled with laughter and a sense of belonging. Now, the place felt foreign, as though it had moved on without her. “Honestly, though,” she said, her voice quieter now, “this isn’t really your scene. And, if I’m being honest, it’s not mine either. But sometimes, you just go because… it’s what people expect, right?” She let out a small sigh, her eyes flicking back to Lawson.

“I get it,” she continued, her tone softening. “You feel like you’d stick out, like your being there would ruin the fun. But they’re not kids anymore, not really. They’re just trying to figure things out, same as everyone else. I don’t think anyone’s going to care as much as you think they will.” Her words carried a mix of reassurance and resignation, as though she was trying to convince both him and herself. Tali adjusted the strap of her bag, glancing back at the Lodge briefly before meeting his eyes again. “But, look,” she said, her voice steady now, “if it’s that uncomfortable for you, don’t come in. I’ll be fine. I don’t need a babysitter.” The words came out sharper than she intended, and she immediately winced, softening her expression. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Lawson. Really. You’ve always looked out for me, and I’ll always be grateful for that. But you don’t have to keep doing it. I can handle myself.”

The sounds of laughter and music seemed louder now, tugging her attention back toward the Lodge. But she didn’t move. Instead, she stepped closer to him, her expression shifting to something more vulnerable. “I mean it. Thank you. For everything.” Before he could respond, she wrapped her arms around him in a lingering hug, the kind that said everything she couldn’t quite put into words. She rested her head briefly against his chest, closing her eyes for just a moment, soaking in the quiet comfort of his presence.

When she finally pulled back, she offered him a small, wistful smile. “Take care of yourself, okay?” she said softly. Then, without waiting for a reply, she turned toward the Lodge, her steps steady but slow, as if the weight of the moment was harder to shake than she’d expected. The glow of the lights grew brighter as she approached, and the laughter and music swelled around her. But even as she disappeared into the warmth of the party, she couldn’t help but feel the echo of his presence lingering behind her.

Mentions: Lawson - PrincessAveRedfern PrincessAveRedfern
coded by kaninchen
 
AUTUMN BLOOM
As Autumn led Manuel and Bear to the back of the shop, she couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of Bear eagerly sniffing his new bed. “Look at him! I swear he thinks he’s in a five-star hotel now,” she teased, shaking her head in playful disbelief. Bear plopped down with a satisfied thud, settling in as if it were the most comfortable spot in the world. “You know, now he’s going to expect this every time he visits,” she added, a grin spreading across her face as she glanced at Manuel.
Turning her attention back to him, she leaned against the table, crossing her arms with a smile that reached her eyes. “But honestly, I’m glad you brought him. It’s nice to have some company that isn’t just customers,” she admitted, her tone shifting to one of sincerity. “You know I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything going on in the shop. Having you both here is a nice change of pace.”
“How’s your day been?” she asked, genuine curiosity lighting up her expression. “I hope you’ve managed to sneak in some time for yourself between the dog walks and whatever else you’ve been up to. You work too hard, you know.” Autumn flashed him a teasing grin, enjoying the familiar rhythm of their banter.
She studied him closely, wanting to know more about his day and what made him tick beyond the duties of a small-town constable. Leaning forward slightly, her arms resting on the table, she continued, “You deserve a break once in a while. You know I’m always here if you need a little escape from the world. The shop can be a great hideaway, especially with hot chocolate and pastries involved.”
Her gaze flicked to the steaming cup of hot chocolate she had prepared earlier. “And what’s this I hear about Bear having a crush on me?” she asked, adopting a mock-serious expression and leaning in closer. “I’d like to think you’re the one who’s really here for me, not just him.” There was a playful twinkle in her eyes, a shared joke that felt lighthearted but also held a deeper significance.
“Honestly, though, I’d like to think I’m more than just a treat dispenser,” she added with a smirk, her tone teasing but warm. The familiarity between them wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, and she found herself leaning in just a little more, enjoying the easy flow of conversation that always seemed to come naturally between them.
Glancing back at the pastries Manuel had brought, her curiosity piqued, she smiled mischievously. “Speaking of treats,” she said, “what did you get? You know I’m going to make you try at least one.” Raising an eyebrow playfully, she added, “You can’t just bring goodies and not share. That’s the rule around here.”
As she reached for the box of pastries, she caught his eye, her expression softening slightly. “You know, I really appreciate you coming by. It means a lot to me,” she admitted, her voice dropping to a more sincere note. “With everything going on, it’s nice to have someone I can just be myself around. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but when you’re here, it feels like I can breathe a little easier.”
She paused, letting her words hang in the air between them, savoring the moment. The playful atmosphere shifted just slightly, filled with warmth and the unspoken connection they shared. Autumn realized how much she valued their time together and how effortlessly they slipped into a comfortable rhythm that felt like home. As she opened the box to reveal the pastries, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth of his presence, the laughter they shared, and the easy camaraderie that made every visit special.

Mentions: Manuel - PotatochipsRlit PotatochipsRlit
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Manuel Barker





































  • mood



    All warm and fuzzy inside.
















Manuel's expression softened as Autumn shared the burdens of her hectic life at the shop, a gentle warmth spreading through him at the thought that he and his dog, Bear, could offer her even fleeting moments of solace.

His heart fluttered at the realization, and a rosy blush crept onto his cheeks, barely visible beneath his beard. He rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a light chuckle, "Of course, you know both of us love seeing you," he said, his smile genuine, his pupils dilating in the dim light of the room as he focused intently on her, relieved she had shifted the conversation.

"My days have been rather uneventful, to be honest... the barbershop has been a bit.. slow lately," he admitted with a casual shrug.. "I guess men are opting to grow out their beards and hair to stay warm for the winter?" ..he joked, hoping to elicit a laugh from her, as her laughter was a melody that made his heart flutter..
"But I can see your days have been anything but dull, with all those customers... Look at you..damn!.. you're thriving, i'm happy for you.. really." he added, tilting his head slightly in admiration.

As he noticed her gradually closing the distance between them, Manuel cleared his throat, feeling a rush of nerves at the sincerity in her voice... She was truly remarkable, and a fleeting thought crossed his mind that he didn’t deserve her friendship..didn't deserve..her.. which made him chuckle softly to himself.
"And I'm always here for you too, no matter what, you hear me-..?" he said, locking his gaze onto hers, though the intensity of their eye contact made him slightly anxious.
She was stunning, with her freckles.. and ...those..captivating eyes that he adored. "Alright, noted. Don’t be surprised if I show up every hour of the day then.. " he replied, a playful grin on his face.
However, he was taken aback when she teased him about his earlier comment regarding Bear's apparent crush on her, which was undeniably true.
Then she mentioned his own feelings for her, a truth he could never confess, leaving him momentarily speechless as he grappled with the weight of her words.
Manuel struggled to find the right words in the wake of her unexpected revelation, his hesitation only amplifying the awkwardness of the moment. Raking a hand through his tousled hair, he attempted to regain his composure, his voice dropping to a teasing lilt as he replied, "Yeah... and what about it?" The playful tone was a thin veil over his inner turmoil, as the heat radiating from his body betrayed his discomfort.

He was hopelessly out of his depth when it came to this kind of banter, especially in such close quarters, and a nagging suspicion lingered that she was deliberately provoking him for her own amusement.
Stumbling over his words and clearing his throat...a nervous habit he had developed over the years..he felt the familiar flush of embarrassment wash over him.

As she shifted the conversation to the pastries, Manuel felt a wave of relief wash over him...watching her unwrap the pastries.. "It's a surprise..." he said, raising an eyebrow with a hint of mischief as he watched her eagerly unwrap the package.
His mouth watered at the sight, and he leaned in closer, his gaze flickering between the delectable treats and her animated expression... "You know I always pick the best things," he added, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Yet, as he chuckled softly, his attention momentarily drifted to her lips, a fleeting thought of madness crossing his mind before he quickly redirected his focus to her eyes... "Ah... you're really something," he murmured under his breath, the compliment barely escaping his lips as he straightened up, a mix of admiration and shyness swirling within him.

"I don't mind sharing with you, but I got them for you," he said, leaning back in his chair, stretching his arms in a casual display of confidence that belied the fluttering in his chest.
With a satisfied groan, he settled back into the moment, his eyes drawn to her as she savored the pastries...

What was he doing?... Was he losing his mind..? ..

He shook off the thought, nodding slowly as he tried to focus on her words, though he realized with irony that he barely grasped a single one... It was amusing, really, considering his reputation as a good listener, yet the presence of Autumn alone dulled such a skill... "I feel... the same," he finally managed to catch her later words, but he chose to say nothing more, captivated by the sight of her delight as she indulged in the treats. A smirk crept onto his lips, shaking his head as he opened his mouth wide, expecting some sort of pastry to fill his mouth, he was almost like a child in that sense, with an insatiable sweet tooth.

































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