Bee

Putting on her coat, she steps out of the cottage.  With a glance over her shoulder and heaviness in her chest, she goes to the car, sliding into the passenger side.  She breathes in and out slowly, never minding the fact that Winter will insist on going everywhere with her.  She doesn’t think she could leave the cottage without him.

“Are you okay?” Winter asks, holding open the passenger door, brow furrowed with a frown.

“I will be.  Just anxiety, it’ll pass.”

Winter nods thoughtfully and closes the door, before getting in and starting the car.  He reaches over and holds her hand, squeezing reassuringly.

The drive to Bee’s house is quiet, soft smiles shared between them - overall, an enjoyable ride through the snowy countryside.  Anxiety lessened by the time they arrive, Jewel climbs out of the vehicle, excited to see her friend and cat, and knocks on Bee’s front door.

It had seemed so at the start of the day, the sky still clear and sunny and the paths fairly empty, but by the time of her return a decent amount of powder had fallen making the trip back a more exciting adventure.

The poor frame squeaks in the cold as Bee apologetically pushes it along beside her, the now mildly bent front tire complaining loudly as they turn the corner into her street. They had made it to the place alright. It was just on the way back they took a little tumble when the snow got too high for the bike to handle. Nothing too serious. A little cold and snow plastered along her side, a lost spoke and a slipped chain, on the bikes behalf.

She gives it a gentle pat as they continue onwards only for her to freeze midstride, mid street.

There’s a car. In her driveway. Jewel and Winter’s car.

Bee licks her lips nervously, eyes darting to the ground for a second before focusing back on the vehicle with determination. Ordinarily she would run up to it, a squeal bright in the air and arms open for hugs. She still wants to. Desperately but…

This was potential Hydra they were dealing with. Who knows what lengths they would go to. Buying a matching car and duplicating a license plate was nothing. Getting her address would be nothing.

When the door opens she jumps. Just a little. Not sure what to expect, can’t really help it. She hoped, my gosh, did she ever and then—-

“JEWEL!!!!”

As always, Bee’s embrace is instantly calming.  Perhaps because it was here that Jewel and Winter first sought solitude from Hydra.  Now again, she feels grounded in that familiar sense of solace.

"Free?" Bee pulls abruptly back to search her friends face, eyes darting between the car where Winter still sits and the young woman before her, breath held as she sees the relief there. The truth.

"Oh my gosh, they're gone!? They're- or at least gone for you! They are! No more-" She let's the sentence drift off. No more Hydra. At least not in this little corner of life her friends had worked so hard to create.

She gives Jewel one more tight hug before the cold finally catches up to her and she jumps back with an ever dramatic gasp.

"Oh my gosh. You must be freezing! Leaving you out here in the cold when- here. Let's get you inside, yes? Oh! Stabby will be so glad to see you. He's been perfect. A bit of a bossy pants but so sweet. He- he worried quite a bit at first."

Putting on her coat, she steps out of the cottage.  With a glance over her shoulder and heaviness in her chest, she goes to the car, sliding into the passenger side.  She breathes in and out slowly, never minding the fact that Winter will insist on going everywhere with her.  She doesn’t think she could leave the cottage without him.

“Are you okay?” Winter asks, holding open the passenger door, brow furrowed with a frown.

“I will be.  Just anxiety, it’ll pass.”

Winter nods thoughtfully and closes the door, before getting in and starting the car.  He reaches over and holds her hand, squeezing reassuringly.

The drive to Bee’s house is quiet, soft smiles shared between them - overall, an enjoyable ride through the snowy countryside.  Anxiety lessened by the time they arrive, Jewel climbs out of the vehicle, excited to see her friend and cat, and knocks on Bee’s front door.

It had seemed so at the start of the day, the sky still clear and sunny and the paths fairly empty, but by the time of her return a decent amount of powder had fallen making the trip back a more exciting adventure.

The poor frame squeaks in the cold as Bee apologetically pushes it along beside her, the now mildly bent front tire complaining loudly as they turn the corner into her street. They had made it to the place alright. It was just on the way back they took a little tumble when the snow got too high for the bike to handle. Nothing too serious. A little cold and snow plastered along her side, a lost spoke and a slipped chain, on the bikes behalf.

She gives it a gentle pat as they continue onwards only for her to freeze midstride, mid street.

There's a car. In her driveway. Jewel and Winter's car.

Bee licks her lips nervously, eyes darting to the ground for a second before focusing back on the vehicle with determination. Ordinarily she would run up to it, a squeal bright in the air and arms open for hugs. She still wants to. Desperately but...

This was potential Hydra they were dealing with. Who knows what lengths they would go to. Buying a matching car and duplicating a license plate was nothing. Getting her address would be nothing.

When the door opens she jumps. Just a little. Not sure what to expect, can't really help it. She hoped, my gosh, did she ever and then----

"JEWEL!!!!"

The voice sent a cold chill down his back. A voice he didn’t want to hear again in his life. 

Rumlow.

He never should have let Jewel go off alone, not to Russia, not to where Hydra could capture her. He made a mistake letting her go alone. He should have been there to protect her. 

He hadn’t been there to save her and now she was in danger.

“Let her go.” He growled, his voice low, his grip on his phone tightly, almost to tightly.

“Why would I give up such a good pet, now that I have her back? You can come fetch her if she means that much to you.”

“She’s not your pet.” He growled, his blood running cold with anger and fear. “When I get my hands on you, you’re going to regret even touching her again.”

“Coordinates are going to be sent to your phone. If you care about her then you won’t be late.”

The line goes dead and the phone almost breaks in Winters hand as he sees red. He sets it aside, needing the coordinates that was going to be sent to his phone to find his girl. He growls in anger and punches the wall, his fist going through the wall easily. 

A few moments later his phone pings and he looks at it, the coordinates looking up at him and mocking him. He changed into his tactical gear, grabbed a bag and shoved what he need into it. He makes sure he has what he needs. He’s just about to storm out the door when Stabby meows loudly.

He turns and looks at the cat, frowning. He couldn’t take the cat with him. It was not a good situation for the cat. He grabs his phone and text @definitelybee

Need you to watch Stabby. Will be gone. Door is unlocked for you to get in.

Bee wiggles her fingers and makes soft kissy noises at the shadow determinedly staying under the bed. It had been -she checks her phone- a little over an hour of this now and she was running out of options. There is very little one can do to move a Russian assasin when they don't want to move and the same can be said of their cats.

Stubborn. Sweet! But definitely stubborn.

A quiet mew reaches Bee's ears and she sighs.

"I know, love. I know it's scary and that your mom and dad leaving with very little notice makes you panic a bit. Especially when they're ex-Hydra because what if something happened and what if those people they were running from all at the begining of this are actually not so gone and forgotten. And- and- and- I know you're worried as can be about them but you really just got to do your best and make sure everything is perfect when they get back because they WILL get back and safe and sound and good. So just... c'mon, Stabby. Let's get home, yeah? And we'll bake a million different things so they can have a regular feast to come home to, even if that takes a bit."

Bee opens her eyes -they must have closed sometime during her slightly panicked ramble- to the very close up view of bright eyes in black. Which... oh. Purring. She let's out her breath slowly, offers a only mildly shaky smile, and slowly reaches out to scoop the little floof into her arms.

I was born in Bulgaria.

I speak Bulgarian, Russian, and English fluently.

Strawberries are my favorite fruit.

Let's see...

1. Bee has a car (a really epic car 😏) but doesn't drive it because it's not "ready yet"; preferring to walk or bike most everywhere. She mostly just keeps it stashed away in her garage.

2. Bee used to do gymnastics and even competed a few times. Never in the big leagues or anything but enough to know what Lance's talking about around the gym.

3. Bee collects little odds and ends and squirrels them around her house. Acorns from the park, pressed flowers from the woods, a bright red maple leaf that blew through her door.

To: @definitelydaytina @definitelybee

Sadly, it seems like this should have been my first tip on here but I didn’t think I would have to say it.

Don’t send hate to role play blogs

Don’t send negative anons to role play blogs

Don’t be mean or rude to role play blogs

It is sad that this has to be said, but just don’t do it. It’s understandable if something happens that you don’t like but you have to keep in mind that it is not your place to change it. The story lines that happen, if you’re not apart of the story line, you literally have no say. You don’t like something happening? Then just stop reading. You don’t like a character? you are under no obligation to follow them. Just because there is a definitely blog it doesn’t mean you have to follow them. Your Tumblr and Role play experience is what you make it. You have the power to stop following someone. You have the power to block people.

Do you feel the need to send hate? Here are some things you can do instead:

Don’t send it.  

Ask yourself why you want to send it and then don’t send it.

Don’t send it.

Unfollow the blog if it’s upsetting you to the point you need to send hate. Also, don’t send the hate.

Don’t send it.

Don’t read along with the story line taking place if you don’t like it. Most mod’s put tags in place for it that you can blog. If they don’t, just as them to add a tag you can block. Oh and don’t send the hate.

DON’T SEND THE HATE.

If you receive hate here are some suggestions in what to do.

You can choose to delete it or answer it but if you choose to answer it, know that might encourage the person to send more. The person wants to see a reaction. They want to know that they’re getting to you.

If it gets to be a lot, turn your anons off. I know that might hinder side blogs from sending you ask but if they really want to interact they can do it on main or they can send you a DM. You need to think about yourself and how you feel in this situation. 

If you need to take a step back and take a break, do so. Your mental health and how you feel are more important than any role play. 

Find someone you can talk to about it, whether it be a role play partner you trust or someone  that’s not even in the community. If you’re hurting from the things people are saying, talk it out. 

I am always here to talk. I know you don’t know who I am behind this blog but I am apart of the community and I am always willing to listen to people and try to help. 

@definitelywintersoldier - my partner, without whom I wouldn’t be here.  Each day, I am grateful to you.  I love you so much. 🖤

@definitelydaytina - the love of my life.  Thank you for being you.  I’ve never known such compassion and understanding until I met you.  You are an amazing friend and so talented.  Thank you for everything.  I love you.

@definitelybee - You came into my life when I needed it most.  You didn’t even know me, but you extended love, encouragement, and positive words.  I’ll never forget that, and I’m so happy to have you in my life.  I love you.

@definitelybakermeggi & @definitelykara - My dear friends, thank you for your friendship and generosity.  You ladies are beautiful inside out.

@buckmesideways22 - For inviting me to the HBC, for being a mentor and a friend, thank you.  I love you.

You have quite quickly become the sweetest presence in my life. My closest friend and partner in farmer's market adventures. You are beautifully strong and wonderfully kind, and you deserve every single good thing this world holds. You are a gift and a treasure, and I'm so thankful to know you.

So she squeals.

Loudly.

Jumps up and down for good measure.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!!!!!!”

Her bag falls to the ground with a thump, fingers firing off a string of texts in a row. He did it. He asked. THEY WERE GETTING MARRIED!!!! Cue more excited shouting.

—

[text @jewelofwinter] AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! 💕💗💕

[text] HOW VERY, VERY WONDERFUL, DEAR HEART! OH MY GOSH, MY HEART IS OVERFLOWING FOR YOU!!!!

[text] You two are the most precious and deserve every happiness and lovely moment absolutely ever.

[text] Photo of ring.gif

[text] It's absolutely beautiful, love. So very you and so very Winter. Perfection.

So she squeals.

Loudly.

Jumps up and down for good measure.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!!!!!!"

Her bag falls to the ground with a thump, fingers firing off a string of texts in a row. He did it. He asked. THEY WERE GETTING MARRIED!!!! Cue more excited shouting.

---

[text @jewelofwinter] AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! 💕💗💕

[text] HOW VERY, VERY WONDERFUL, DEAR HEART! OH MY GOSH, MY HEART IS OVERFLOWING FOR YOU!!!!

[text] You two are the most precious and deserve every happiness and lovely moment absolutely ever.

He was almost afraid to get used to the feeling. This wasn’t something he had ever hard - celebrating a Holiday and it was nice. He liked it, even if he didn’t understand why there had to be a day set aside to eat large amounts of food. 

He finishes chopping the potatoes and looks over at Jewel, watching as she laughs and talks with Bee and he can’t help the squeeze of his heart. He loves her so much and he knows that she’s who he wants forever. Maybe it would be time soon to ask her. He thinks about the ring he has snug in his pocket, where he’s kept it since he bought it. Maybe one day soon he’ll be able to ask her.

She felt honoured to bear witness. Beautiful moments shared from the sidelines as they spun a homemade dinner. They deserved it so very much. The loveliness, the love, all of it always.

Bee bends down to scoop Kitten up, a kiss planted on his fuzzy little forehead with glee. He’d been exceedingly patient with his new friend and showed Stabby the ropes with much kitty pride. Including how to hop on the table. It garnered a disapproving look and a waggled finger but they were far too cute to truly reprimand.

“Shall we?”

The parade stayed playing on in the background, music and festivity and fun. They had turned it on while things were still baking, the prep all finished but serving and it had been going since then, one or all of them darting glances while finishing up. It was just the setting of the table now. The finale. The sitting down and reflecting, the realizing and remembering.

The family bit.

Bee laughed. Ushered them all towards the table, a last set of filled to the brim bowls in hand.

She passes the carving knife to Winter - the head of their little family.

“Would you like to do the honors of slicing the turkey?”

The conversation is soft and nice smoothly moving from one topic to the next. He laughs at a few jokes, interjecting his thoughts every so often. It’s nice. He enjoys it.

There were goodies of all sort passed around and then around again. Baskets of fresh sticky buns and rolls offered across. The turkey was cooked to perfection and laughter and soft teasing flowed freely.

Friends. No... Family.

Gentle nudges and giddy smiles, a quick race for the last buttered roll dissolving into fits of giggles. Bee's heart was filled to bursting for these two, their loveliness and all that they were. They lingered, for a bit. Nibbled and chatted. Kitten followed promptly by Stabby lept up to steal a large morsel for themselves, and it turned into a race for the cats.

They collapsed afterwards on the sofa. Hearts and bellies full. Laughing and scolding and fond. The cats curled up nearby with contented "merts" and Bee snapped a picture in memory.

This was perfection too, in a different way. Contentedly curled up on the couch, Jewel tucked in Winter's arms and blankets piled all around. The parade had ended and something else was being played, but it was wonderful and cozy and soft.

He was almost afraid to get used to the feeling. This wasn’t something he had ever hard - celebrating a Holiday and it was nice. He liked it, even if he didn’t understand why there had to be a day set aside to eat large amounts of food. 

He finishes chopping the potatoes and looks over at Jewel, watching as she laughs and talks with Bee and he can’t help the squeeze of his heart. He loves her so much and he knows that she’s who he wants forever. Maybe it would be time soon to ask her. He thinks about the ring he has snug in his pocket, where he’s kept it since he bought it. Maybe one day soon he’ll be able to ask her.

She felt honoured to bear witness. Beautiful moments shared from the sidelines as they spun a homemade dinner. They deserved it so very much. The loveliness, the love, all of it always.

Bee bends down to scoop Kitten up, a kiss planted on his fuzzy little forehead with glee. He'd been exceedingly patient with his new friend and showed Stabby the ropes with much kitty pride. Including how to hop on the table. It garnered a disapproving look and a waggled finger but they were far too cute to truly reprimand.

"Shall we?"

The parade stayed playing on in the background, music and festivity and fun. They had turned it on while things were still baking, the prep all finished but serving and it had been going since then, one or all of them darting glances while finishing up. It was just the setting of the table now. The finale. The sitting down and reflecting, the realizing and remembering.

The family bit.

Bee laughed. Ushered them all towards the table, a last set of filled to the brim bowls in hand.

It was a lovely sort of thing, knowing friends were coming over. That there would be the sharing of preparations and enjoying of food, the comfort of easy conversation and laughter. She had been planning carefully for a while, both with Jewel and on her own; ideas scribbled in a little notebook as they arrived.

Memories of Thanksgivings past. With family, with friends. A few on her own. All special in their own ways, and dear. But this one- this one was to be one of the best.

All of it was to be brand new this year. Her first time hosting, Jewel and Winter’s first Thanksgiving ever. There would be new traditions made, new recipes tried, a new little friend to meet.

Bee grins at the thought of sweet Stabby.

She had picked up the few remaining items on the list last night. Stopped at a local florist and nearly bought a whole shop’s worth of mums and sunflowers. They were scattered throughout the house now. Little bouquets here and there, at the table and twisted amidst a few wreaths. It smelled of freshness and late autumn. Cinnamon and spice from the cider sitting low on the stove.

Just a few things ready before hand. Hot spicy cider when they arrived. A few snickerdoodles and gingersnaps and hot cocoa at the ready.

After making coffee, she carries two mugs to the bedroom and sets them on the bedside table, crawling under the covers next to Winter.  She wakes him with a soft kiss, smiling at him when he opens his eyes.  They drink coffee in bed, cuddled together under the warm blanket, before getting dressed.

She puts on her favorite cold weather ensemble - sweater and thigh-high socks - and then gathers Stabby in his cat carrier and packs a bag with food, toys, and treats.  If Thanksgiving is meant for families and friends, then she decides Stabby shouldn’t be alone on this special occasion.

When they’re ready to leave, she steps outside into the fresh, frost-scented air, carrier in hand and bag slung over her shoulder.  She slides into the passenger seat of the car, excited.

He waits until Jewel is secure in her seat, Stabby in her lap before driving over to Bees. The drive is a little long but it’s peaceful and nice, as is all the time he gets to spend with Jewel.

Soon their pulling up to Bee’s house.

Bee beamed at the sight of her friends. Waved, silly and ridiculous before rushing to the door. It was Jewel and Winter, but of course it was. How silly, but still!

Oh, my goodness, the house smells divine.  A blend of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one.

After a warm embrace is shared, she bends to open the door of the carrier and scoops the small kitten into her arms, garnering a soft “mew,” curious eyes, and nose wrinkles as he sniffs the new place.

He’s a precious thing. Sweetly grumpy, and perfectly small. Like all baby animals but one hundred times better since he’s in reach of petting and fawning over. Plus he’s Jewel and Winter’s baby. A definitely bonus for snuggles.

“Hello, little one. I’m so glad you brought your parents over for Thanksgiving.” She coos, giggles, grins at Jewel and carefully strokes velvet ears. “The most adorable for sure. And quite terrifying too. Mhm, yes.”

Bee turns to give Winter a gentle nudge.

“I’m sure you’re all over teaching him to be the best stabby baby ever. Why don’t we get him settled in the living room? And then you can help stab potatoes and such. Well, dice, really. For mashing. And some sweet potatoes too? Also beans.” She laughs.

She sets Stabby on the floor to explore, spreading out a few toys, before following Bee and Winter into the kitchen.  The aroma thickens, and she inhales deeply.  Accepting a mug of hot apple cider, she drinks and nibbles on a few gingersnaps while Bee instructs them on what they can do to help.

He thinks about how it was different to have a friend and a girlfriend. No longer were his days spent alone or away on missions with people he didn’t like. It was nice and since Thanksgiving was about being thankful, as Bee had said, he couldn’t help but he thankful for how his life is now.

Bee laughs as she opens the pantry to an array of soft rolls and a crusty loaf, fresh from the market and set in wrapped baskets. She may have gone a bit over board, there were still ingredients for orange sticky buns as well. But this was... it was a special day. A provided occasion to show her friends how much they mean and very how grateful she is for them. To be a bit indulgent in the loveliness.

"We'll slice some of these and butter the rolls a bit later, I think. Feel free to take one now though! Honestly, I've had, like, two already." She had and they were delicious. Quality control after all. She giggles.

They fall into a bit of a pattern after that. Winter in charge of dicing the things that needed dicing, (Bee commented on his perfectly cubed potatoes, stating them the neatest and most well prepared she'd ever seen. He'd almost smiled.) And Jewel and her flitting about, adding spices to the extra dressing, checking on the turkey and preparing casseroles for the oven. Laughing and chattering and cooing at the kitten on occasion. Sneaking a taste when they could.

It was a lovely sort of thing, knowing friends were coming over. That there would be the sharing of preparations and enjoying of food, the comfort of easy conversation and laughter. She had been planning carefully for a while, both with Jewel and on her own; ideas scribbled in a little notebook as they arrived.

Memories of Thanksgivings past. With family, with friends. A few on her own. All special in their own ways, and dear. But this one- this one was to be one of the best.

All of it was to be brand new this year. Her first time hosting, Jewel and Winter’s first Thanksgiving ever. There would be new traditions made, new recipes tried, a new little friend to meet.

Bee grins at the thought of sweet Stabby.

She had picked up the few remaining items on the list last night. Stopped at a local florist and nearly bought a whole shop’s worth of mums and sunflowers. They were scattered throughout the house now. Little bouquets here and there, at the table and twisted amidst a few wreaths. It smelled of freshness and late autumn. Cinnamon and spice from the cider sitting low on the stove.

Just a few things ready before hand. Hot spicy cider when they arrived. A few snickerdoodles and gingersnaps and hot cocoa at the ready.

After making coffee, she carries two mugs to the bedroom and sets them on the bedside table, crawling under the covers next to Winter.  She wakes him with a soft kiss, smiling at him when he opens his eyes.  They drink coffee in bed, cuddled together under the warm blanket, before getting dressed.

She puts on her favorite cold weather ensemble - sweater and thigh-high socks - and then gathers Stabby in his cat carrier and packs a bag with food, toys, and treats.  If Thanksgiving is meant for families and friends, then she decides Stabby shouldn’t be alone on this special occasion.

When they’re ready to leave, she steps outside into the fresh, frost-scented air, carrier in hand and bag slung over her shoulder.  She slides into the passenger seat of the car, excited.

He waits until Jewel is secure in her seat, Stabby in her lap before driving over to Bees. The drive is a little long but it’s peaceful and nice, as is all the time he gets to spend with Jewel.

Soon their pulling up to Bee’s house.

Bee beamed at the sight of her friends. Waved, silly and ridiculous before rushing to the door. It was Jewel and Winter, but of course it was. How silly, but still!

Oh, my goodness, the house smells divine.  A blend of sweet, spicy, and savory all in one.

After a warm embrace is shared, she bends to open the door of the carrier and scoops the small kitten into her arms, garnering a soft “mew,” curious eyes, and nose wrinkles as he sniffs the new place.

He's a precious thing. Sweetly grumpy, and perfectly small. Like all baby animals but one hundred times better since he's in reach of petting and fawning over. Plus he's Jewel and Winter's baby. A definitely bonus for snuggles.

"Hello, little one. I'm so glad you brought your parents over for Thanksgiving." She coos, giggles, grins at Jewel and carefully strokes velvet ears. "The most adorable for sure. And quite terrifying too. Mhm, yes."

Bee turns to give Winter a gentle nudge.

"I'm sure you're all over teaching him to be the best stabby baby ever. Why don't we get him settled in the living room? And then you can help stab potatoes and such. Well, dice, really. For mashing. And some sweet potatoes too? Also beans." She laughs.

It was a lovely sort of thing, knowing friends were coming over. That there would be the sharing of preparations and enjoying of food, the comfort of easy conversation and laughter. She had been planning carefully for a while, both with Jewel and on her own; ideas scribbled in a little notebook as they arrived.

Memories of Thanksgivings past. With family, with friends. A few on her own. All special in their own ways, and dear. But this one- this one was to be one of the best.

All of it was to be brand new this year. Her first time hosting, Jewel and Winter’s first Thanksgiving ever. There would be new traditions made, new recipes tried, a new little friend to meet.

Bee grins at the thought of sweet Stabby.

She had picked up the few remaining items on the list last night. Stopped at a local florist and nearly bought a whole shop’s worth of mums and sunflowers. They were scattered throughout the house now. Little bouquets here and there, at the table and twisted amidst a few wreaths. It smelled of freshness and late autumn. Cinnamon and spice from the cider sitting low on the stove.

Just a few things ready before hand. Hot spicy cider when they arrived. A few snickerdoodles and gingersnaps and hot cocoa at the ready.

After making coffee, she carries two mugs to the bedroom and sets them on the bedside table, crawling under the covers next to Winter.  She wakes him with a soft kiss, smiling at him when he opens his eyes.  They drink coffee in bed, cuddled together under the warm blanket, before getting dressed.

She puts on her favorite cold weather ensemble - sweater and thigh-high socks - and then gathers Stabby in his cat carrier and packs a bag with food, toys, and treats.  If Thanksgiving is meant for families and friends, then she decides Stabby shouldn’t be alone on this special occasion.

When they’re ready to leave, she steps outside into the fresh, frost-scented air, carrier in hand and bag slung over her shoulder.  She slides into the passenger seat of the car, excited.

He waits until Jewel is secure in her seat, Stabby in her lap before driving over to Bees. The drive is a little long but it’s peaceful and nice, as is all the time he gets to spend with Jewel.

Soon their pulling up to Bee’s house.

Bee beamed at the sight of her friends. Waved, silly and ridiculous before rushing to the door. It was Jewel and Winter, but of course it was. How silly, but still!

Bee picked up two coffee’s and a basket of iced, blueberry scones before finding a table easy to spot from the entrance. Good sightlines, back to a wall of bushes too. Safe feeling. The band started playing a soft sort of tune and Bee grinned, gave a nod, small and pleased at the little set up. It would lovely indeed to see her dear friend again.

Getting out of the car, she scans the area.  Although Kara had dispatched a false lead of their whereabouts, she is still cautious.  Winter had insisted she carry the knife he had given her, or he wasn’t going to let her leave the cottage.

Biting her lip, she grins and burrows into her turtleneck sweater, as she crosses the parking lot amidst the snow flurries and sees Bee at the entrance.  Waving and smiling, she goes over to her friend and sits down at the table.

But that’s part of the reason they got together today. To finalize a future plan and visit.

Bee slides over to make space on the bench beside her. Grabs out a notepad and pen from her perpetually overfilled bag, aptly dubbed The Marry Poppins, and scribbles a cheerful, “Thanksgiving List”, on the top.

She takes a sip of her coffee before fixing Jewel with a mischievous sort of smile.

“I like turkey and mashed potatoes,” she says.  “I should’ve taken a page from Winter’s book and did some research on Thanksgiving, but I trust you.”

She stands, wraps up the remaining scones to be split later and tucks them safely at the top of her bag.

“I’ve always just seen Thanksgiving as an opportunity to spend time with friends and family, I suppose. Not really a… right or wrong way to go about it. There are things you do as tradition,” The two of them start making their way through the stands, pausing not five steps away to look at great loafs of crusty breads and sweet muffins and rolls. Bee inhales deeply. “But that’s mostly just because it feels nostalgic. And it’s fun to have and share traditions, ya know? Which is why this.” She grins.

Soft dinner rolls and a loaf of crusty bread get added to the list. As do the ingredients for a pumpkin pie and a half dozen different goodies as they meander through the marker. Dressing ingredients, fresh vegetables, a sweet potatoes bake and more. All lovely additions to what will become a very large, very wonderful meal indeed.

They wander through the stalls lazily. Chatting, bumping shoulders, giggling at the recollection of little Stabby’s antics. It’s… soft, and lovely and everything a visit with Jewel has come to mean.

“It’ll take half a day to prepare at least.” Bee laughs as they add another Thanksgiving tidbit. An attempt at candied nuts after passing a stall with barrels of walnuts and pecans right next to dried nutmeg and cinnamon. She adds those to the list as well. They’ll be used throughout the entirety of the meal, and the nutmeg in eggnog if they have some. She jots down drinks while she’s at it.

A sigh escaping, she tells Bee that she saw Rumlow and Rollins at the coffee house and shudders.  “I can’t go back, nor can I lose him, again.”

It’s a temporary cloud that hangs over an otherwise soft afternoon.  But, Bee was her friend and she trusted her.  Everytime she talked about what happened, what they did to her, it was like ripping off a bandage, which allowed space for healing.