Sweet Treats (5) : There’s no shortage of holiday themed popup shops and specials at your local places, and after a long day there’s nothing better than a nice treat for yourself. Maybe you decided to try something new, maybe it was a gift, maybe you got one of the coupons in the mail to try the place out–however you wound up with this drink, you’re in for a good time. No matter what your preferences are, the drink is delicious. Hot, cold, sweet, bitter–there’s a version of it for everyone. But, the flavor isn’t what makes the drink so special–it’s how good it makes you feel. There’s no alcohol in it, but drinking it can leave someone feeling tipsy, warm, and in a general good mood. Inhibitions aren’t lowered and there’s no negative repercussions for having the drink; it might make children more hyper, but the drink just has the ability to put someone in a pleasant mood.
Claire settled into the plush armchair near the window, the faint creak of its leather cushions breaking the stillness of the room. Her honey-blond hair caught the soft glow of the overhead light as she leaned back, idly running her fingers over the worn armrest. Alexandre’s house exuded a quiet elegance, decorated with understated winter holiday charm. Garlands of pine and eucalyptus framed the windows and mantle, dotted with delicate white lights. Candles—his signature touch—were scattered throughout the space, their soft glow casting flickering patterns on the walls.
The air was rich with a blend of scents from the candles: spiced orange, vanilla bean, and a hint of evergreen. It felt like stepping into a warm embrace, a place where the season itself seemed to come alive. Claire closed her eyes briefly, inhaling the comforting aroma as she let her body sink further into the chair. A cluster of candles on the table flickered in rhythm with the subtle draft from the nearby vent, their steady flames a soothing counterpoint to the hum of the heater.
She glanced around, her gaze catching on the simple, thoughtful details—red and gold ribbons tied to curtain rods, a bowl of pinecones dusted with what looked like cinnamon, and an evergreen wreath hanging by the door.
The faint sound of a door closing upstairs signaled he was still getting ready. Typical Tink—always taking his time, especially when he had an idea he wanted to perfect. Claire didn’t mind, though. She liked the quiet moments like this.
When he finally appeared, she tilted her head and smiled warmly. “So, Tink, tell me about this holiday shop you wanted to take me to,” she asked, curiosity lighting her voice as she watched him with an expectant glimmer in her golden eyes.
Sleet Tempest Snape
Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2025 10:11 pm
He'd dressed to impress, as usual, but more importantly he'd dressed for warmth, the heavy knit sweater was enough to keep him warm without a coat. It wasn't just heavy duty, though it certainly was that, it was produced by a small company in Ireland and he'd been purchasing a lot of knits from them this year even before autumn had started. The knit was a bit too long, something which couldn't really be helped, it wasn't like companies made clothing for people his size, especially mens wear, it just mean the sleeves were too long and only his finger tips peeked out and tghe sweater came down to the middle of his thighs. He had to use his waistband of his pants to keep the sweater from falling down too low and having him look unkept, something he'd never allow himself to look. His hair was, as usual, neatly tied back with a silk ribbon that matched his sweater and slacks and shoes finished the simple look.
"It's a hot chocolate place I found. They don't have just the usual milk chocolate or dark chocolate but they have chili chocolate and other flavors that they're using. Peppermint and chocolate...coconut and chocolate. I think you'd appreciate all the options." He had been for a while now, since bringing Lorcan into the Negaverse, reaching out to family again and spending more time with various family members. Today was the perfect day to spend time out with Claire.
"I'll drive, you can pick the music for the drive." Since he no longer lived in the city it meant most places were a bit of a drive for him now, he was fine with it though. He had more of a yard and could have a massive greenhouse in the backyard now.
Sleet Tempest Snape
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Shanyume
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Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 2:22 am
Claire couldn’t help the amused smile that tugged at her lips. He always had a way of dressing that balanced function and elegance, and today was not exception. The knit weather, while clearly chosen for warmth, also had a level of sophistication that only her cousin could pull off.
She could picture him browsing the shop where he’d found it, his sharp eye for quality catching every detail. Even the way he’d styled his hair, tied back with a matching ribbon, it spoke to the care he put into every aspect of his presentation.
He’d been making a noticeable effort to remain connected with their extended family, and she was just appreciative that she was included in those efforts.
However, the idea of a hot chocolate place intrigued her, and she leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on his knees. The mention of chili chocolate and coconut brought of glint of curiosity to her golden eyes. “You’re right, I do appreciate the variety of new options.” and the idea of sampling something unexpected sounded like the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
“Alright, You’ve sold me,” she said with a grin, standing and brushing invisible lint from her pants. She loved that he trusted her enough to pick the music for the drive, a small but meaningful gesture. “I’ve been listening to Nightcore recently if you’re ok with that.” Mostly non-lyrical but had a definite energy that lent itself to any creative task, or if she needed to stay awake.
Sleet Tempest Snape
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 2:11 pm
"And while I don't like sweets...I know plenty of people who do." That wasn't to say he wouldn't partake in a drink today, he would, but it meant he would be taking family memebrs here, to enjoy the drinks and company, but he was hopign they might sell their blends so he could take some home and give it out as gifts...like little testers for people. If they liked the testers they could go there themselves, it could bring them a good deal of buisness.
"Nightcore....somehow I have a feeling I might regret this later, but yeah you can play your nightcore." Shrugging a bit, it wasn't like he'd be listening to it all day, he could handle her musical taste for a short period of time. "We can spend our time, while enjoying our drinks, catching up on things and discuss the family." Or rather they could catch up on things and gossip. Nothing serious would be discussed in public, not where random people could hear family business, but that didn't mean they could laugh over various things which dealt with the family...little mishaps and other such things. Innocent things...nothing too serious at all.
"Come on, let's go Clare." Nodding his head while making for the coat closet by the door. "Grab my kets for me, will you?" Going for black long wool coat, something with gold buttons, the blond was pulling it on slowly. The keys, and his wallet, sat on a small table next to the front door. With the security in the house being what it was he didn't worry about someone busting in and grabbing his thigns right there - at the door. He was safe here.
Shanyume
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Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 11:23 pm
“Don’t worry, Tink.” A nickname she used for him, though lovingly of course. “If you don’t like the music, we can always change it to something else.”
Claire walked over to the small table by the front door and picked up her cousin’s keys then joined him by the coat closet. “Here you go,” she offered him the keychain per his request.
“It’s strange… it feels like I’ve been absent for an eternity.” Her gaze swept over her shoulder, golden eyes drifting across the lavish interior of Alexandre’s home. “I can’t help but feel like I’ve missed so much.” It was nothing like the one he lived in before, yet it seemed to suit him far more…every detail a reflection of his tastes and character; an elegant expression of his personality and preferences.
“I’m sure you’ve done a better job keeping in contact with the family than I have.” For the last seven years she had been studying and working abroad. Traveling across mostly Europe with a few visits to Asia. Only returning home for holidays unless her parents had made other plans.
Sleet Tempest Snape
Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2025 6:50 pm
"I'm sure I'll manage the music." For his cousin he'd survive whatever she put on, even if he didn't like it, it would be a short trip and he'd endured far worse. Music he didn't like was nothing compared to the injures he'd sustained in the past, or other things, it was liveable for sure.
Taking his keys he let one finger hook into the loop, rather than just holding them like most normal people, he let them dangle from his finger as he went to unloc kthe door and let Claire out first. "You and me both, I've only been more involved as of the last...year or two. It feels like waking from a long dream. Or being lost for a long time and finally finding your way again." Because it did feel like that. Having seperated himself from his family, alls ave Hudson, for so long it felt good to be around them again and to feel the comfort which came from it. He didn't understand how people could hate their families or want to avoid them, cut off all ties, it was all he'd ever wanted and why he'd fought for so many years alone. He'd finally, after so long, realized that his discomfort in it all wasn't just the lacking relationship but also not having his famiyl around him and having to hide from them.
It felt better now, like it should have always felt, it was good to be able to talk to Lorcan or even Gerard and to make a refrence to these things. To see Aberdeen and the progress she was making.
"I'm sorry to say I think I've done just as miserably as you have, and I've been living in this city the whole time." Sighing he shook his head slowly. Maybe, in time, Claire would join things and he could tell her everything, explain it all, and have another family member to turn to who understood. She would be another trusted face on a battle field and another for him to protect, and nuture, he had a lto of family members like that now and it ghave a warm feeling inside...something comfortable that he wanted to just curl up into...which he doubted would make sense to most.
"How was Europe anyway? Find anyone to date?" He asked widening his eyes almost innocently, the smile though gave it all away. "I mean I didn't even have to go to Europe and I picked up a French boyfriend, though I suppose really he picked me up...he is rather tall." Though most people were taller tha nhe was. Leading the way out to his car as he locked up after them both.
Shanyume
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Shanyume
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Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2025 11:17 pm
Claire hummed thoughtfully as she buckled her seatbelt. “I miss Europe already, but no… I’m still single.” She had gone on a few dates but they were all casual and usually with a group of friends. “Not everyone can be as lucky as you are. Just make sure to leave some for the rest of us,” she jested with him knowing he wouldn’t take offense.
“I’ve heard through the grapevine that several of our cousins either live with you or have lived with you over the last several years. Surely isn’t not a money thing…” She glanced over to him with a skeptical expression that knew something was up but didn’t know what yet. “It feels like you’ve become like the patriarch of our generation. Care to share what’s up?”
Sleet Tempest Snape
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2025 10:30 pm
"Europe I hear is nice." Though he hadn't gone himself, too busy in this city with this magical war. He was heavily considering a trip though, ever since Rene. "I'm thinking about a trip to France though." He wouldn't mind seeing a few places really, and shopping in each of those cities of course, the food would also be something to try. "I suppose you can find someone here, most of the family does." Though a good portion also found someone overseas and moved them here, it wasn't as hard as it sounded really. Wether it was looks or money, or something else, it had never been too hard for their family. He hadn't needed to travel...Rene had come here and found him, by chance, and decided to settle down in Destiny City rather than travel anywhere else. He'd gotten lucky, and he knew it.
"Don't worry Claire, I've no intentions of going for anyone else. I'm more than pleased with Rene. I've finally managed to find what I've been after." What he needed was really the right words to use.
"Ah, they have though I now have my own home as you've seen. Hudson has my old home." Which had before that been Lily Jacob's home in the city. "I could...but it's a secret...aside from a few family members in our generation. The rest don't know and can't." Secrets were a way of life for their family, it was how they'd survived and gained power, but secrets were shared amongst the family readily. This was not however the case here, it couldn't be. "I can share it....but you must promise me - no one else in the family."
