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"Definitely better make it quick then. I swear all the good stuff gets taken before one can blink it seems." Cale missed out on it last year, but he was fortunate to not have the shit luck he had in the previous year. But perhaps it was a hard lesson to learn, one he wasn't going to have happen twice. "Your guess is as good as mine. Seriously, I almost have half the idea to you know accidentally knock them in a trash can that may be strategically placed." Accident? The sarcasm was strong with that one. It was like an act of war. Cale took cookie flavors very seriously.

max would never complain about getting to eat good food, and it normally went along with good company, but jury was still out about many of wicklow ridge. cale was not one of them. max arched his brow.  ❝  you're going to have to show me where those are immediately before they disappear. ❞   he almost stood up instantly, but the shock of hearing such an unforgivable act froze him in place. brow furrowed and expression twisted in disgust. what was next: people in this town putting ketchup on their eggs?  ❝  and she hadn't been banned from bringing cookies? someone should take a stand. ❞

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"Not if there's no pressure to begin with?" He paused briefly, his thoughts to her comment not entirely done. "Sharing is caring, I won't hold it against you if you don't like it as much as I do." Perhaps it was a slightly corny saying and all. But, in the end he valued the other enough to share it. The tone easy and light just to reiterate the fact that even though that bit of information was untouched or had been, didn't mean it had to be digested as such. "But to relieve that pressure, it's not like I stake any kind of claim on the spot if that makes you feel any better." A warm, yet minimal smile was shown her way. Adrian was never over the top with certain looks. All were usually calm and subtle. But perhaps, the roots of those could be linked to the trauma he endured. Though he preferred the cool and collected reasoning.

"I would hope not, it would be to my surprise to say the least should I stumble upon it and there's a whole party going on." He was clearly teasing a bit, the look he cast off was a clear indicator. The male had all the faith in her that she would appreciate it as much as he had of the spot just as he had ages ago when he first stumbled upon the gift. His own little sanctuary. Adrian didn't have to escape anymore, so it was simple for him to pass along the gift now. "I suppose that's fair, but just remember you're the medical professional out of the two of us." Words muttered and teasing lacing them for someone who only presented such traits to somebody who he was familiar with. "I do like to think though I can take direction though, even with the grudge you would surely carry." The theme continued. "So, does that mean you are going to play hooky today or should I take a rain check?"

"well." she said, tone thoughtful but not too serious. "that’s a little pressure, isn’t it? being the first." her mouth curved just slightly, like she didn’t mind the weight of it, but wasn’t going to let it sit unacknowledged either — not when it had been offered so honestly. she wasn’t someone who spooked easy, but even then, it mattered. the smallest things always did. "guess i better be on my best behavior, huh?" she didn’t look at him when she said it, but the lilt in her voice gave her away. not quite teasing, just gently amused — the way you get when the company feels easy, when you don’t have to work so hard to be understood. the breeze tugged at a loose strand of hair and she tucked it behind her ear, gaze drifting back out toward the sound of distant laughter and the clatter of plastic cups somewhere down the hill — the laughter, the music warped by distance, the faint metallic ring of soda cans tossed in a bin. the world still spun in its chaotic little orbit, but it hadn’t quite found them here yet. and she was in no rush to remind it. "and hey — not finding the waterfall just makes it feel more like a fairytale for me. rare and elusive." and maybe a little protected, too. maybe that was the point.

she nudged the toe of her sandal lightly against the grass, idle motion giving shape to thought. "don’t worry, i won’t go dragging the whole town there. you’ll just find me posted up under a tree someday with a sandwich and a mystery novel, pretending i stumbled on it by accident." her smile was crooked now, easier. like the words came on instinct. like she didn’t have to think too hard to imagine it — the quiet, the space, the steadiness of it. the kind of place that didn’t ask much from you except to breathe. "if you lead me into the woods and i roll an ankle, i’m holding you personally responsible." she glanced at him finally, a flick of dry humor in her expression — not quite daring, but close. the kind that said she trusted him not to let her fall. or at least to help her back up if she did. a pause, then — "but you’ll owe me another cookie either way." her gaze dipped back to her lap, picking absently at the crimped edge of the wrapper. there was something grounding in the simplicity of it all.

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avatars (400 x 640): brandon sklenar signés starrynight

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"Well, if you change your mind sure there will be plenty left over." The comment just leaving space. People did change their minds. The offer didn't have an expiration date. He nodded though in understanding. "And here I thought no one would notice." Adrian offered a small smile, one that didn't mind her observation. "I'm alright. Promise." He paused but it wasn't awkward. The man was relaxed. It was more calmer out here. "I hope I didn't take you away from all the craziness over there. So, what kind of baked good did you bring today? Sure it was nothing less than being delicious."

growing up, yujin had been the one who sought out the quietest corner when a crowd grew too overwhelming. those days might be long behind her now, though an occasional need for quiet lingered, she found herself keeping an eye out for those who slipped away from the crowd. especially when it was as big and loud as the one today. bleeding heart prone to worrying after others.  ❝  oh, no, thank you. it looks like a great spread, but i've eaten more than enough already. ❞   she shook her head. momentarily, she rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet,  ❝  i only wanted to see how you were. ❞

[emrgnces]

Usually when somebody said that they were not going to be something, usually that was the point. The mislead tried to overpower the real undertones of the situation. However that didn't mean Adrian had to call it out or play into it. "I think if that were the case, I would have taken it to go. But I'm still here." It was only for the male to take a break. To eat more peacefully than surrounded by a swarm of people. "I don't think you're the type to possibly worry about interrupting anything should that have been the case." It wasn't. "It's quieter here. What's your excuse?"

"not to be rude..." the words slipping from her mouth are a warning : she's about to be rude. "...but this spread looks like you just grabbed whatever you could to get out as fast as possible." not that she's in a position to judge. if it were up to mio, she'd be at home, tucked under the covers. or somewhere she shouldn't be, hunting down some imaginary creature for work. still, she reaches out, plucking the first sweet thing she sees away from him. hers now, she thinks, taking a bite. "why're you back here? did i interrupt your me-time?"

[emrgnces]

He nodded again, a common gesture while acknowledging for the male. Just fortunate that the cookie could go to the right hands, but it was also the relief of the nagging feeling of acceptance. As quickly as it appeared it disappeared from the end result. "You may have a point, well in case you didn't know." Adrian mused, offering a half smile. Adrian's antics along with mannerisms were never over the top. He was gentle in nature and perhaps to some people that was him being mysterious. But it was just him, a product of an environment that he wasn't going to be another statistic for. One had to be the change.

"I think everyone has to make their own choice, should inhabit a clear conscious without any sort of pressure. You have another point. For fast-acting relief, people should try slowing down. It's rewarding." Biased? Maybe but at least the words were spoken with honesty and principle. In the end, there was more to life than increasing its speed. "It's not easy to find. So, don't feel too bad." Reassurance and optimism lacing each word. "I trust you. But thank you." Adrian still believed in people, even after everything he had gone through. Though, he was skeptical whether she wanted him to 'shake on it' so to speak with her pinky promise. He didn't mirror the action back while trying to respect her boundaries that could include persona space but hoped by his words she could pick up on those cues. If anyone could decipher him, it was her. "You would be the first one."

"dangerously good." she murmured, brushing a thumb against the edge of a crumb like it was something not to be wasted. "perfect amount of sweet. a little like this day, i think." there was no teasing in her tone, only something soft and sincere, spoken in the hush between two people who knew the ache of silence, and still chose to fill it with each other. her eyes followed the breeze for a beat, lashes catching the light as it danced past. she didn’t press him with questions he hadn’t offered answers to. didn’t need to. people like them didn’t always need the details — it was in the way they sat, side by side, both a little bent, both still trying. not broken, not whole — just worn in the way river stones are, shaped by all they’ve survived. "i think bad influences don’t usually announce themselves." there was humor there, quiet and kind, the sort meant to soothe rather than tease. she turned the bottle in her hand, letting the condensation stripe her palm, watching light catch on plastic like water in motion.

"besides." she added, softer now. "you don’t strike me as the type who pulls people off-course. maybe just... slows them down. in a good way." she didn’t say it aloud, but the truth stirred low in her chest: she needed the slowing. needed the stillness he offered without trying to. and then he offered the trail, the secret, and her gaze turned, slow and deliberate, until it settled on him. something in her shifted. softened further. "i’ve walked old willow a hundred times." she said, voice like mist over water. "never found a waterfall, though." she didn’t ask if he was sure he wanted her to have it — the location, the quiet, the history. but something in her went still, like maybe she understood the weight of being offered a place like that. "i’ll keep it safe." she said simply, pinky finger coming out towards him before she finished with: "pinky promise." a long moment passed before she asked: "you ever take anyone there before?"

[emrgnces]

Happiness was definitely free food. He could ignore all the pushing and shoving like it was the old Black Friday Sale Days at some electronics store or Wal-Mart. For such a small town, there was always large turn out. Cale wasn't sure if they came to just show face, because let's face it anyone who didn't would be ridiculed or actually enjoyed the craziness that most of them brought. "Gravy Fries - hands down. Just don't go getting cookies from the lady with blood red hair, can't miss her. She will trick your ass into thinking you're getting a chocolate chip cookie and then it's Oatmeal Raisin." A legitimate food foul. Like pineapple on pizza.

𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍𝖾𝗋 ›› ft. max st. james where: the great ridge potluck status: accepting replies

general displeasure surrounding his current situation had mostly been left behind in his room at the inn, tucked away like an outfit he'd chosen not to wear. a relaxed grin adorned his features instead. there may not be any cameras around but max didn't require one to play a part. he couldn't remember the last time he'd been to a picnic that wasn't on set. it was a pleasant gathering, he supposed; the weather was good at least.  ❝  tell me, ❞   elbows rested on the picnic table when he leaned slightly forward toward the other person,  ❝  what is the one food you'd say i have to try here? ❞

[emrgnces]

"Other than working on cars, I have mastered the art of carrying a lot things usually food at once. One trip or bust." He spoke softly, the subtle hint of a smile showing in response. That kind of mind set the male usually saved for grocery shopping but perhaps it actually helped in this situation. "It hasn't been too bad." He had been partially overstimulated but nothing a little break wouldn't solve. "You? Are you also taking a break from the crowds?"

KASHVI WAS TEMPTED TO JOIN a family at their table when she noted that most were taken up. At least until she approached in time for a cranky toddler to throw his plate across the table and proceed to scream and cry in a way that would only made her ovaries shrivel up. Just when she felt that maybe she wouldn't mind a little version of herself on her hip— life had an odd way of reminder her just why she'd waited so long. Luckily, a quick glimpse around at the opportune time of the crowd thinning out made it possible for her to see Adrian on his tailgate. She bee-lined it for him and smiled at the decadent spread. "How many trips did you make to get this here? You sure you didn't chipmunk some of these?" She hopped up and filled her plate greedily. "Are you having fun?"

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"I don't know if I should be offended or not, I hope you're not holding a grudge from a bad ride from one of the horses. But least I don't kick when agitated." Referencing her time at the stables. There was humor in his tone, but her intensity and title didn't throw him by any stretch. Maybe he should have, as power was power but it was a little too late for that. At least here in this setting he didn't water down his own self from it. "I'm surprised you're in the thick of it. Where's your security detail? Shoulder to shoulder contact in these kinds of conditions is shitty all around for everyone."

# INT. the potluck table, making judgement calls with a raised brow and a doubled paper plate. shoulder to shoulder with, @emrgnces

ishani borrowed the sweater draped over her shoulders off someone with a larger frame from the way it swathes. it always gets colder in the evenings in a town where the summer forgets it's welcome. still, sunlight eats at the edges of ishani's composure. heels sinking into the soft earth. behind her, laughter breaks like a bottle. before her, a melamine serving platter balanced on one palm, half indulged—store-bought cookies arranged like she’d tried to make a presentation of them at all. " you know, " words form without looking, " you've got a talent for showing up when i'm just about ready to leave. "

[emrgnces]

"But hey least I know you would be wiling to patch me up. I mean, sure you were the cause. Regardless - I'll take it. Better than nothing. I'm not picky." Cale teased in good fortune. Technically, Cale had suffered a concussion before. It had been from a wipe out from when he used to snowboard, which seemed like a distant memory. Distant in the sense that it had been forced harshly in the back of his mind. The kind of memory you didn't linger on too much. "In all seriousness, ever been to one of those? They're kind of euphoric. Overly expensive." He judged upon the latter. "But, what's cheaper is just buying some inexpensive dishware and start chucking and yeeting. Same sort of feeling that won't hurt the bank." The mischievous smile he often wore making yet another appearance. "

"Say the word then, I'll be that nagging for you. Maybe if I do it long enough you will actually will give the change a chance." Like a thorn in her side. The words held promise, but he knew not to overstep. Everyone had their own quirks and different personality traits. There was no wrong or right. In the end, Cale just didn't want to see her worn down. The man could be blunt, he called things as he saw it but there were boundaries. He could respect them. So, with the nothing he received in response to what he called advice of not being a machine, he didn't follow through with anything. Cale left it at that.

"I don't half-ass anything even if I already have a feeling you're a tough critic." The banter was welcomed. "There's a thing called method acting, I believe I have that right. Where there's no faking anything, challenge accepted - just have to be creative with on the cause of me actually fainting." Knowing Cale, he was kind of joking but kind of not. The man had put himself through far worse things. His body had a few commemorative scars to prove such. "I figured. Telling and disclosing a stranger all your problems in an already failed relationship? That sounds like a nightmare." At the sudden admittance, Cale stopped upon their walking which made Scout stop. Probably much to the dog's dismay though - Cale knew deep down the pup would follow Nety to the ends of the earth even from this first encounter. He had picked a favorite between him and her. "You can't leave me in the dark with a comment like that." Curiosity immediately ran through his veins. "Throw me a bone." Then in a moment, a few seconds later -he actually heard what he had said on repeat. "Okay that wasn't me calling myself a dog, I swear." Cale shook his head though, almost pouring judgement on himself for it. "But unrecognizable how - like scary and fierce or?"

she smiled before he even finished, that half-lidded kind of grin that flickered in slow increments — like light catching on still water. it wasn’t just the image of him in a tie anymore, it was the way he spoke of escape and storms and reality like he knew all three personally. maybe she did too. maybe that’s why it always felt easy, standing beside him like this. like there was some thread between them, slack but steady. "i’ll hold you to that." nety said eventually, a murmur shaped around the rim of her can. "though i have to admit — a rage room might not be the worst idea." a pause, then a dry note tucked between syllables. "no shovels involved. i’ll even sign the waiver." her gaze shifted, soft amusement tucked beneath the fan of her lashes. he was joking, sure, but it was the kind of teasing that carried weight beneath the surface. and nety, for all her stubborn grace, never missed what people didn’t say aloud.

"i'm working on the selfish part." she offered after a beat, her voice gentler now, like a confession folded into linen. "but you know me. it’s easier to give than to ask." there wasn’t bitterness in it, only truth. some people bore their kindness like armor. and maybe she did too — not to protect herself, but to keep others warm. even if it left her cold sometimes. his words caught her off guard in that way he had — not loud, not dramatic, just that steady offering of care wrapped in a joke. you aren’t a machine. take it easy. he made it sound simple, like maybe rest didn’t have to be earned. like maybe peace could be chosen. she didn’t answer right away. didn’t need to. just took another sip and let it settle in her chest, cool and tart and oddly grounding.

"i don’t think you’re capable of dull." she said finally, glancing at him sidelong. "and if you are, i haven’t seen it." unspoken affection layered beneath it like sediment. "don’t worry — i’ll keep you in check. and if you do go full soap opera, i expect nothing less than a dramatic monologue and maybe a fake faint." she smirked, all soft curve and quiet challenge. "as for the poor banana bread guy..." a long exhale, like the memory still lingered with a bitter aftertaste. "i think the therapy stung more. at least the allergy had a shot at antihistamines." and then she walked again, slow and easy beside him, scout’s leash slack between them, the sun stretching long over the green. there was a rhythm here — of teasing and silence, of give and take — and she fell into it without needing to think. like it had always been there, waiting. "oh, please. don't tempt me. you might not like me anymore if i went full-nety. i'd be unrecognizable."

[emrgnces]

His response in turn came in the form of a nod. An invitation it was. He appreciated it. "Hows the cookie?" The man wasn't sure anyone could mess up anything chocolate, or so perhaps he remained hopeful in that sense. Maybe it was just the fleeting or gnawing within himself that she liked it since obviously he was the one who had offered. The notion of acceptance lingered. Adrian's past made him feel like being in a straitjacket sometimes and he could mask it to most. But perhaps the concept that they were both healing from something, made him comfortable at the idea of the baggage of the events he had gone through, that he held, to possibly unpack it. Or at least not be afraid of slipping up. "I like that." His words mirroring the ones she had muttered before. Adrian vowed to remember that for the bad days. Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed, Adrian realized that a long time ago. But in that moment there was relief, she was the relief. There was no depth, long - drawn out conversation of any struggles. Just two people sitting next to one another who were similar. Peace comes from within but it was also brought forth.

"I don't want to be a bad influence." Adrian stayed in his own lane. That was his preference. The best part about always staying in one's own lane is that there is no traffic. However, what she commented wasn't a no. But on the other hand he wanted her to decide with her own free will. One always should. Therefore, he added that kind of background and reasoning to his next comment. Which was more of an observation than anything. No complicated undertones. "I don't know if everything can be based on all of the what ifs. Looks to me though that you may have already drawn to a conclusion." The safety of others calling her back. A look of tenderness was briefly mirrored as he looked over at her briefly. One that proved that whatever she decided would be okay. "But just in case, do with this information as you will -a great hiding spot is a place along Old Willow Trail. There's shade and plenty of coverage. And not far from it there's a waterfall that most don't know about. I hope you can keep the secret." He looked back in front of him, a small smile grazed his lips. The spot had been a sanctuary for him when he was younger and had continued. It had been poetic. The tall trees acting as coverage, protecting him and the water from the waterfall had represented something to extinguish the fire that seemed to forever blaze around him, suffocating him in terror during that point in his life. So, in his much older age those fond memories he held on to still like a safety blanket.

"then maybe i’ll accept." her voice was low, not hushed like a secret, but softened like something sacred. "an invitation sounds like something you walk into, instead of run from. i like your tactic." she reached for another bite of cookie, the sweetness grounding her, gentle proof that something could be soft and good and uncomplicated. her body eased just a little more beside him, like the choice to stay was no longer something she had to think about. "this is enough. promise." when he asked about theories, she exhaled — not tired, just full of thought. "the ones where time isn’t linear." she said eventually, fingertips brushing condensation from the bottle. "where healing moves in spirals, not straight lines. where a good day doesn’t cancel out the bad, and the bad doesn’t undo the good."

she let the silence settle again, not awkward, but textured — like sitting inside a cathedral made of sky. his words found her gently, and something in her went still for a moment. then softer still: "yeah, i like them too." specificity wasn't given, though it would be remiss to not extend an offering to an answer: the silences or him? a beat passed, and then, with a spark of something sly beneath all that softness — "do these hiding spots come with shade, or is sunburn part of the thrill?" she turned her head just enough to catch the edge of his expression, eyes warm, like maybe she’d already decided: if he led, she’d follow. "but how do you think that'd look? the only np skipping out early. what if somebody drops a table on their foot? or burns themselves on a grill. i'd never forgive myself." humor tints her words, though the idea of not going back to the party was enticing.

[emrgnces]

It was probably that time for Adrian to hit the road from the town event. The later the evening rolled on, the more chaos was left to ensue or the possibility of such. But the live music and food certainly helped him pass the time easily. As he was about to pass, a voice of familiarity spoke up. He rose a brow and stopped. Adrian would have kept walking, minding his business as he often did but he recognized who had spoken immediately as his attention was now to her. "Stranger huh? Does this mean you finally have let off the gas in trying to poach me then for your shop?" There was a kind yet playful nature with the words spoken. The type that was reserved for a certain crowd which included the owner of The Pit Road. "I'm assuming you're just taking a break, I might be kind of shocked if you were tired this early." The playfulness returned slightly, but it wasn't heavy. Just the result of the shared interests they had. Familiarity bred comfort for Adrian.

status:       open. location:       potluck   picnic   –   late   evening.

with   her   cheeks   flushed   and   hair   tousled,   bette   collapsed   onto   the   nearest   and   most   comfortable   looking   (   and   hopefully   abandoned   )   picnic   blanket   she   could   find,   having   excessively   indulged   in   her   favourite   part   of   the   event   –   the   dancing.   sure,   the   booze   enveloped   her   in   a   hug   similar   to   that   of   an   old   friend,   the   gossip   and   the   giggles   that   came   with   it   lit   a   youthful   fire   in   her   chest,   and   the   food…   well,   the   food   was   okay   (   she   was   still   the   best   comfort   cook   around,   after   all   ),   but   the   dancing?   it   took   her   back   to   a   time   she   could   never   quite   explain,   and   that   was   priceless. she   breathlessly   pulled   her   phone   from   the   back   pocket   of   her   jeans,   eyes   blinking   slow   as   they   focused   in   on   her   home   screen.   an   update   from   the   sitter   lit   up   bette's   pink   features,   dafne   was   home   safe   and   in   bed,   and   she   took   a   moment   to   swipe   over   to   her   photos   and   admire   the   pictures   she'd   taken   of   her   at   the   potluck   earlier   in   the   day.   it   was   a   moment   of   bliss   –   fortunate   news   for   whoever   had   approached   her,   then.    ❛   it's   your   lucky   day,   stranger.   ❜    she   was   a   few   too   many   drinks   in   to   care   about   identifying   the   newcomer,   instead   she   locked   her   phone   and   allowed   her   head   to   fall   back   onto   the   picnic   blanket,   her   eyes   closing.    ❛    you   caught   me   in   a   good   mood,   so   i   won't   kick   your   ass   for   interrupting   my   me-time.   ❜

[emrgnces]

Adrian doubted the woman knew a stranger, but her presence was welcomed. Her bubbly personality was hard to find these days and because of that, he wished that she had no bad days ever. The male knew that was probably impossible as everyone had them but still, those kind of positive vibes he wished for her. "Ten pounds? Are you sure that's even possible?" A smile, subtle as it was was showed towards the other. "Perfect time for them." BBQ season was almost among them, even with Vermont's weather. "My stomach definitely won't be empty today, so I'm grateful." He nodded. "You? Hopefully, you have been able to enjoy yourself - I don't doubt that you had people come up to you in droves asking about your famous pastries."

perky   per   usual   whenever   there's   a   social   setting   ,   it's   fairly   easy   to   spot   alara   mingling   with   the   crowd   with   that   infectious   smile   of   hers   .   she's   always   been   a   social   butterfly   ,   something   that   hasn't   changed   despite   being   a   mature   woman   with   a   5   year   old   that   was   currently   out   by   the   kid's   section   with   her   granpa   .   making   a   quick   pit   spot   back   to   her   black   ford   explorer   to   grab   a   jacket   (   vermont   weather's   tricky   )   ,   she   spots   adrian   sitting   alone   —   a   perfect   excuse   to   say   hi   ,   which   she   does   ,   happily   in   her   step   as   she   comes   over   .   “   hi   stranger   ,   ”   the   woman   smiles   ,   icy   blue   hues   momentarily   dropping   down   to   the   plate   he's   holding   .   “   oh   ,   i'm   not   hungry   ,   i   swear   i   ate   like   ten   pounds   of   bbq   ribs   earlier   ,   ”    a   chuckle   escapes   ,   head   tilting   slightly   to   a   side   ,    “   but   thank   you   !   you   having   a   good   time   ?   ” 

[emrgnces]

Holding a grudge doesn't make you strong; it makes you bitter. Perhaps as he aged, Cale carried that kind of bitterness tighter with all the stuff with his Mother. And those feelings came in unannounced in that moment at the sight and voice of Harper. Guilty by association he guessed, given how close she was to his Mother when she was still alive. "Probably not, I would criticize my own self for pouring out good Whiskey." The Whiskey was fine, it was the hand that was offering him it that he didn't side with. The coldness, that emptiness that his own Mother looked at him with for the two years after the loss of his younger brother seemed to be mirrored as it was displayed towards the other. "If I wanted to gamble, I would go to the casino."

who : open to anyone

where : the great ridge potluck

summary : sat around a campfire, late morning/early afternoon

'It's five o'clock somewhere' was a quote Harper lived by most days as she pulled out the half bottle of whiskey, filling up her travel cup for the second time already. The annual potluck wasn't exactly her thing, yet it was a spectacle she never missed. Most people enjoyed the company of friends, playing games and engaging in pointless activities. Whereas Harper enjoyed the messier side that came with such a large group, thriving on the people watching. "Want some?" She offered the other who mistakenly made eye contact with her. "I'm taking bets on the first person to lose their shit over a bad review of their food. Who is your money on?"