southern sweets

molly, 25, cst, she/her, semi selective. multi muse for characters all existing in a southern town in alabama

[shroyers]

me staring off into the void thinking about old rp partners i miss dearly:

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

Damn. He was falling right into the stereotype. Was he turning into some Hallmark movie character’s love interest? Drew had never seen himself as the type of guy who had some kind of white picket fence lifestyle, he was a city guy through and through, yet he found himself in the middle of a no-nothing town with the epitome of a southern belle. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Drew moved to a place he didn’t even know existed a couple of weeks ago because he needed to start fresh, he was being good, better than ever before. So why was he so drawn to her? He kept telling himself things, giving himself little rules of what he could and couldn’t do, and the relationships he could and couldn’t have with people. And still, he kept breaking them because he wasn’t good, not at his core. He knew that and it upset him even if his face didn’t show it. 

They arrived at the burger place in no time because the town was tiny and anyone could get most places by walking. He looked at her and could tell that there was something that she wanted to ask but refrained from it, Drew told himself that he wouldn’t pry so he left it at that. “Somehow I’m not surprised by the fact that you were a cheerleader or a pageant girl. You’re teeny, so you were probably, what, a flyer? That’s what they call the ones that get tossed up in the air right? God, I could never do that. I’m not the biggest fan of heights. I mean, I have to tolerate them because of my job, but I would never volunteer to go bungee jumping or anything like that.” While Drew had a rebellious and more daredevil side to him, he wasn’t trying to die in a splat .” He let her order first and then asked the girl behind the counter for a double cheeseburger, fries, and a coke. “Didn’t know I had to clarify. Coca-cola.” Because apparently in the south saying coke or pop just meant any soda. He paid for his stuff and nearly paid for hers, but this wasn’t a date. It made him feel bad, but he wasn’t supposed to give the wrong impression even if he sounded like a hypocrite by having blatantly asked her on one not even thirty minutes ago.

“Love dogs. Always wanted that but never had space for one. And I gathered the whole farm living thing when you mentioned the chores earlier.” Again, everyone there seemed to be involved with farming life one way or another. He took a few steps back and found a place to wait for their order. “I never doubted that you weren’t good at giving good answers.” He chuckled, it was Drew who talked more about others than himself. Although he thought about it for a second, he wasn’t sure what else to ask since he had too many questions. “I guess we’ll settle for getting to know each other slowly.” Drew had nothing but time when he wasn’t at work or at the gym.

This was all new for Magnolia. Sure, she had tons of friends, but this was the quickest she started to crush on anyone. It was weird, but she wasn’t running away from it. She had no clue where Drew came from, or even who he really was, but that didn’t bother her. Spending time with Drew was refreshing, and she was really enjoying herself. That’s really all that mattered to her.

Magnolia only laughed at his comment, he was spot on. “Yeah I was, and captain my junior and senior years.” She was proud of it, even if it may seem silly. All that ended seven years ago, yet she still remembered most of it like it was yesterday. Since high school, she really had just floated around at random jobs before landing at the flower shop a few years ago and getting into a routine after that. “Never? I love them, used to climb the roof of my parents’ house when i was a kid.” Mags admitted with a laugh before stepping forward to order the kids burger combo with fries and lemonade. She wasn’t a huge eater, and well, the kid sized burger was still a good size. Mags covered her mouth to save her giggles at his soda order, only offering a sweet smile as she paid for her stuff. 

“You do? Good, you can stay then.” She joked, but really her dogs were part of her, and she didn’t really know if she could be close with someone who didn’t like dogs. “You should come out there sometime. The view at night is absolute perfection.” She’d very often hang out on top of her jeep, or with the top down, just to watch the stars at night. “I think slow sounds kinda nice.” Everything she did was normally pretty face paced. ““Sides, you already know a whole lot about me. I’m not sure what else there is to learn.” Mags was an open book, and blurted everything. She’d already told him a good chunk about herself, and he hadn’t done the same. Which she figured was for his own reasons, and wasn’t going to pry.

[southcrnsweets]

i want a marriage pact plot where they are besties who have always had feelings for one another but thought the other never did. the pact was always a joke bc they both suck at love (bc hello, they only want each other so nobody else compares) and either they realize they want each other, or the day they joked about marrying by comes up.

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

He nodded, acknowledging that people didn’t mean to be rude about their gossip. Somehow, gossip didn’t seem like a hyperbole but what did he know, things in small Alabama towns were probably a lot different. That much was true at least, there wasn’t much here that Drew was familiar with— including the people, no matter how much they tried to think they knew him because he was a young firefighter who moved across the country to start over. From how he saw it, he had the advantage point over the talkers and stalkers. He thought about the police station and how just moments earlier everyone was eyeing him like he was some kind of untrusted visitor because he was hanging around the Chief’s daughter. They weren’t that far off, but he would never purposely do anything to hurt anyone. Especially not someone as fulled with sunshine as Magnolia with the three names.

Maybe that was why he shouldn’t be out with her now. To be fair, he couldn’t help it. Aside from Dean, she was the only one who had tried to genuinely get to befriend him for more than to have something to talk to other people about. Or, maybe that was just what he was hoping. It was a nice change to walk next to a ball of energy and positivity, someone like her was just what he needed for his fresh start. If he looked harder, he would probably be able to find others like her in town. The petite girl couldn’t possibly be the only happy camper in their corner of the southern belt. He laughed at her remarked and scratched at the short scruff on his face, it was time for another shave. The captain didn’t like any of the men to have facial hair because it provided one more easy surface to burn up quickly, a safety hazard.

“The Shack.” He repeated with another single nod. “I’m always down for burgers so lead the way again.” Drew listened to her some more and realized that it was probably really hard to get tired of her voice, her accent almost made it sound like she was singing when she was just telling stories. “My friend, Ian, loved burgers. He would eat one every day, just like how people are supposed to eat apples or whatever. Not him though, he was skinny-fat. Thin and tall but couldn’t run to the door from his bedroom without getting winded.” He laughed at the memory, a part of his heart tearing away when he realized that he could hardly recall the way he laughed out of breath. Memories faded, no matter how much you wanted them to stay. Drew looked at Magnolia as the walked. “Tell me about yourself. All you’ve done since we’ve met is tell me about your family and what they do and don’t approve of, and that you bake and suck at cooking.” He smiled a little, but his face showed his interest.

Magnolia was very used to being a name on people’s lips, either due to something she’d done, her family had done, or just something people thought she did. She was the youngest of four girls, and her sisters were hardly saints, and their daddy had himself a wild time in their youth. Mags was never sure if by the time she became a teen he was just tired of wrangling them, or she really was that sneaky. Probably the former. Even at twenty-five, people still treated her like the Chief’s baby that needed to be protected, and all she wanted was to live her life happily.

Befriending a newcomer was hardly out of her wheelhouse, Mags befriended everyone she could. Besides, could she be blamed? Drew was easy to talk to, easy to be around, and she was really enjoying herself. These things always led to her downfall, though, aa developing crush that she’d keep to herself and then be crushed when whoever she was crushing on found someone else, but Magnolia Grace pushed those thoughts aside as quickly as they had come up. That’s what she was good at, pushing all her negativity to the side and just being the ball of sunshine that she was.

“We’re not known for our out of the box names, here.” She joked, because The Shack was, in fact, a small burger shack found between some of the buildings downtown. The nice part was that it was right across from the town gazebo, which had tons of picnic tables to eat at. Mags looped her arm through his, almost by instinct, and began to slowly walk towards The Shack, not too far away at all. “I wish I could eat a burger every day,” she joked, playful smile on her lips, “But I’ve got way too many chores to get winded just by runnin’ a short distance.” She almost said he should have his friend come down to try the burgers at The Shack, but Magnolia realized she hardly knew much about Drew at all. Maybe they weren’t friends anymore, maybe he’d come to town to get away from other people. She wanted to pry, but her southern manners forbid it. Mags pursed her lips a bit, thinking of what to say, “Well, I’m a florist, I was a cheerleader and pageant girl, I have two golden retrievers, and I live on a farm which means I have to wake up early and take care of the animals every mornin’.” She wasn’t good at lists, but talking about herself was certainly not hard for Mags. “You can ask me anythin,’ I’m pretty good at answerin’ any question that’s asked.”

[fervour-a]

put a finger down if you’ve never struggled to write males against females, so happily did so because you enjoyed it, but then had to have your females neglected as a result which was fine because at least you got to write and love on other’s female muses. but then you’ve been here for years and you want to write your females but you get mad anxiety everytime you even suggest using one of your females because you don’t want someone to think you’re using them or suspect they’re not going to be into it as they are their stuff with your male muses because that’s just how tumblr be sometimes. [ finger down ]

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

Pageant season. Drew’s eyebrows raised up on his forehead and then dropped almost immediately. Those things existed outside Miss USA and Miss Universe, he knew that, but somehow it never clicked before. “Yeah, suppose so.” He didn’t offer any more detail on his own secrets, keeping them sealed and tucked away in a dark corner of his soul was something he was well versed in. There wasn’t much, if anything, that could tear down the walls that he had built up so carefully. It wasn’t just to protect himself, his feelings, and his memories either. He did it to protect others, to keep what happened to his best friend from ruining someone else’s life. 

He liked her laugh, a lot actually. Everyone that heard it probably did, and id they didn’t it was most likely because they were deaf. The fact that he caused her to laugh made things even better. Magnolia seemed to know every single person in town, and even for such a lowly populated place it was was still an impressive feat. His own footsteps slowed as she approved the front desk. Drew nodded at the familiar face behind the reception, Sargeant, he stopped and interwove his fingers together behind his back as he waited. The interchange was interesting to observe, as if both of them had things left unsaid, things that he guessed had to do with the six-foot-three firefighter hanging out with the Chief’s daughter. Drew immediately realized his mistake and he was sure that the fire Captain would let him know when he started his next shift down at the station. Whoops. 

He waited for them to leave the police station to answer all of her questions that had been previously set aside. “You’re feeding the entire town, aren’t you? Fattening everyone up to eat later and maintain your sweet exterior. Seriously, Triple M, it’s like I can feel the cavities forming just from being around you. By the way, the treat was delicious, thanks.” The next words were even more playful. “I’m hurt that you think I ask any women out.” He was going to make a joke about his own streak since his friends passing, but stopped himself because it would have been in such bad taste that he might have had to leave town altogether again, start fresh some where else. Maybe he’d run out of states to go to before he learned his lesson. “Okay, so it’s a date.” Now it was Drew who wasn’t sure how he felt about that. People like her probably had a lot of expectations when it came to that kind of stuff, but he needed this to stay casual. Which is why he was now beating himself up for putting labels on things that he knew he shouldn’t want. It was as if she had some kind of pull that lured him in, some magnetic field around her and he just so happened to be her opposite. “I’ll teach you to cook, you teach me to bake. Tit for tat.” His shoulders were relaxed even though he always held that good posture that he had learned in the fire academy. “Water tower now or can we go get some food because I’m starving and you’re out of sweets.”

It was easy to forget that her way of life wasn’t the same for everyone else, because almost every person in town lived a similar one. She didn’t necessarily forget that Drew was new to town, but she did falsely assume he understood everything she mentioned. Talking about pageants was one of those things, especially because it had been part of her life for so long. Magnolia almost mentioned that he was sure to be on even more lips just for walking around with her, but she figured she didn’t want to scare him off. “Just remember that most people don’t mean any harm by it. Just like my granny tellin’ me I’m almost outta my golden years.” Which she still found incredibly hilarious.

The blonde was very aware, perhaps even hyperaware, of they eyes on her and Drew when they walked into the station. She was also well practiced beneath multiple sets of scrutinizing eyeballs. There was no doubt in her mind that each and every single person looking at her knew who Drew was, whether they’d met yet or not. She was also well aware that they’d discourage anything between the pair of them. For a multitude of reasons too, including that he was not only a first responder, but a firefighter, and that he was a guy they didn’t know. Plus, she hadn’t exactly dated in a while. But the desk sergeant didn’t say a thing, about them at least, instead just nodding and taking the treats back to be devoured and offering a thank you. 

It wasn’t really that she didn’t want to be seen with Drew, it was just new territory for Magnolia. So when they were finally out of the station she relaxed a lot more. “My, that wouldn’t be too kind of me, would it?” She joked, playing up her accent even more. If it were even possible, Magnolia Grace was blessed, or cursed, with a very southern accent. “I’m glad you liked it.” There would always be more where it came from. Baking wasn’t really something she knew how to stop doing. Plus, it was a nice, distracting routine. “That was not denial, Mr. Davis.” She said through a few bits of laughter. She was only teasing though, which made it a  lot easier to distract herself from the fact that she’d just agreed to go on a date with someone she a, hardly knew, and b, would be the first actual date in years. That was something for Magnolia to possible freak out about later. For now, it was easy not to because Drew didn’t make it seem like he was pressuring her into anything, and she wanted to do it. It’d been a while since Magnolia had felt this way, and she wanted to focus more on the feelings than overthinking anything. “I’m a horrible student, but you’re welcome to try.” Her granny had been trying to teach her for years now. Mags laughed a bit, and shook her head, “We can grab burgers from The Shack, gotta eat outside, but it’s not too miserable today. They’re my favorite quick lunch spot.” Then again, Mags didn’t wear much in the summer to avoid getting too hot.

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

She said blow out and thought of hair salons, and he said blow out and thought of having to replace a tire. They were two different people. “Sounds intense.” Probably because it was. He could imagine feeling overwhelmed growing up in that sort of environment. I don’t need people knowing all of my shit.” He was from the city, people swore and he didn’t think anything of it but somehow his words felt a little harsh in comparison to the sunshiney woman at his side. Drew looked at her and wondered if she had ever, in a million years, been able to keep some part of her life to herself or if prying people never let her. 

He couldn’t help but feel his heart break a little when he saw her shove that look from her face, the look she gave when she let her seven-years comment escape. He couldn’t quite name what she was feeling or what her face expressed, but anything aside from happiness radiating off of her small body seemed wrong even if it went unmentioned. “I’m a much better cook than baker, but I can help you make mass quantities.” He offered, repeating Magnolia’s own words. “On a date.” His tone made it clear that he wouldn’t mind her saying no. Why was he even asking? He was trying to be better, and being better meant not getting involved with the sweetest person he had ever met. “If you want, y’know, just to break that streak you’ve got going on. And if not, then I can help anyway and we can go around giving them away to people.” When she wanted to know if everyone had been fine at the car scene, Drew didn’t say anything. He didn’t want to lie, but he also didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news so he settled for a slow shrug. “No one died, everyone was quick to help.”

“Magnolia Grace, Magnolia, Mags!” He said then, in mock shock and thankful that they both decided to leave the topic at that. Drew took a few steps at her so that he would see him dramatically put his hand on his chest in feigned surprise. “Are you offering me a challenge? Because if so, I’ll have you know that I’m notorious for being competitive and never turning one down.” Except for this one, Drew, she’s too full of goodness for you to ruin, he thought to himself. He was in front of her now and reached into her basket for a muffin, taking a bite and falling back into step at her side. “If you had plans then you would have let me know already.” He said as a matter of fact, letting her accidentally flirt slide. He could see them coming up on the police station and he opened up the door for her to step inside first, following in her tracks. He leaned down, closer to her ear, as they approached the front desk. “Besides, I’m pretty sure you offered me a tour of that water tower.”

“Mmm, just wait till pageant season is in full swing and you see girls with hair as high as the sky runnin’ ‘round cryin’ ‘bout the weather.” Ah, the good old days. Mags cherished her pageant days, but she absolutely had no regrets about leaving it behind. She was a different girl then too, one who only wanted a sash and sparkly tiara to tell herself that she was special. One that let herself be swayed by what other’s thought. “You’ll have to practice keepin’ secrets then.” It was funny, because Magnolia didn’t really cussed, but it also didn’t bother her. The words just rarely crossed her own lips.

What happened next was very much not what Magnolia expected him to say. Sure, he was flirting with her, and the blonde was by no means niave enough not to see that, but a date? He had said the word, and well, she wasn’t too sure how to feel about someone offering to help her bake as a date. Was it code for something else? Magnolia stopped the train of thought before it really got to begin, and instead just raised her eyebrows and looked at him. “Do you ask out every girl you pull out of a hot car?” She teased, because, well, humor was her default. Internally, the small blonde was very much caught off guard still. “Oh, so a pity date?” Another tease, and she wanted to make a joke about how she was fine with her streak — but she wasn’t. And it was hard to pretend around Drew. “I’d really like that, actually. I’m a really bad cook, by the way.” Her skills were baked goods, and somehow anything else just ended up burnt. Mags wrinkled her nose a bit at his comment, she could read between the lines, but she also didn’t press. “You’ll find this town has a habit of that.” Neighbors helped each other.

She couldn’t help but giggle when he called her by all three names again, it was just such an easy thing to laugh at and it got her every single time so far. Her eyes followed him, still tilting her head back a bit because the whole foot of height difference really seemed like much more. “Oh yeah? I’ll just have to keep that in mind for when I want some real entertainment.” Mags teased, playful smile ever so clear on her face. Her mouth dropped open at his comment, because, well, he wasn’t wrong. “Fine, you win, I don’t have anythin’ else to do today.” She was probably just going to go home and bake more, or stop by the flower shop and bug whoever was working. Mags was so used to boys opening doors for her that she reacted the same, offering a sweet smile as she passed by. A sweet smile that was promptly wiped off her face and replaced by another raging blush that made her cheeks burn. She’d just gotten rid of the other one too. “I ‘spose I do have plans after this, then.” Magnolia finally agreed, biting her lip for a moment before plopping the basket onto the front desk. “Hey Sarg! Will you drop these off in the back for me?” Normally, she’d just go back there, but, well, she wasn’t ready to tote Drew in behind her and hear every single comment from the people who worked with her father. Mostly because they were all far too protective for their own good.

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

“Ooof.” He voiced at the information. “So I guess not everything Hollywood portrays about little towns is totally wrong, huh? Old ladies love their gossip.” In fact, Drew was already aware of this. Almost every time he met someone they already knew who he was. It was weird and at first, he didn’t like it at all. It meant that people were watching him and what he did outside of work, that they were nosy, and were probably itching to get to know the secrets that he kept so well hidden. He still wasn’t a big fan of it, but he didn’t let it bother him and shrugged it off as just something he would have to get used to. He caught her flustered expression and smiled in return, letting her know that he saw it. 

She told him that she hadn’t dated anyone in seven years and his initial reaction was to pause. “Uh, What?” The ways his body froze, eyes widened a bit, and his head slightly jerked in her direction were all small, but noticed before he went right back to pre-shocked self. What? Seven years, damn. She glossed over it as if that was some normal thing in her life, like how people brush their teeth every day as a fact. Maybe it was for her. Drew wanted to ask a lot of things and also say some stuff about it, but he figured that he didn’t know her well to ask questions like the ones in his head. So he, too, glossed over it— for now. “And I’m not rejecting that offer if it comes.” He offered her a wink as they continued on their way to the police station. 

“I met your father already, actually.” Another smile crept on his face as she teased him, thinking that he’d ever be intimidated by someone’s protective parents was laughable because Drew was great with parents. Even when he had no intention of dating their daughters. Usually, moms loved him and dads wanted him to say for dinner. That wasn’t the case here. The little blonde with three variations of her name was cute, but he was trying to be a better version of himself now. “He met up with us at a road accident two days ago, Chief Bishop’s a good man.” There may have been a tad of cockiness in his voice. “Do I know where anything is in this tiny town? That’s why you’re my GPS today. And if you want to chasten me by my full name, it’s jus Drew Davis. Not Andrew, I guess my mom was too tired after delivery to give me more than half of a name. Oh, if you’re worried that I’ll look up your skirt then remember I saw you when your hair was sticking to your forehead and neck and carried your sticky body out of a car.” This made him laugh. “Think you could spare one of those pastries? I’m hungry. Gotta keep this body fed every two hours.” He was so casual in his tone, as if he wasn’t flirting. He shouldn’t be, but he was.

“I swear, gossip is the way that hair salon works. No juicy secret, no blow out.” She’d definitely been around it for a while, “I remember gettin’ my hair done there for pagents and all these ladies really cared about was who was datin’ who.” Safe to say they lived in a very invested town. Secrets were absolutely not something one kept easily. Just like her very dark blush hadn’t stayed hidden beneath her hair. Magnolia only had to take one short glance at his face to see that he very much caught that expression of hers.

Mags’s own eyes opened a bit when he reacted surprised, not realizing that something like that would be surprising. It had become just part of her life, that nobody really wanted to date her, so she focused her energy on other parts of her life and buried away any feelings of loneliness. “Uh, yeah, small town problems.” She didn’t really know how to explain it more than that either. The rumors about her being the town harlot had only subsided a few years ago. She knew she wasn’t the only one with problems dating, several of her friends were the same way, but Mags just pretended it was all fine. “You’re gonna regret sayin’ that, I tend to bake in mass quantities.”

“Oh you did, huh?” She smiled, though, because Magnolia Grace was very much a daddy’s girl and him already meeting her father was kind of cute. She liked that he made the connection of who her father was. A small pout formed on her lips at the mention of a wreck, her dad never talked about work and she hadn’t heard anything about it. “Oh no, I hope everyone was alright.” But she didn’t ask for specifics either, her dad had always raised her not to. “Oh I’m yours all day, huh? What if I had plans, Drew Davis?” She didn’t, but that was besides the point. “Excuse me, that was an unavoidable situation, lookin’ up my skirt is somethin you gotta earn.” Ohp, and that was her inside voice that completely slipped out, which very much caused her to jump slightly. Mags almost covered her mouth, but then she hoped she could just gloss over it. “Uh, yeah, you can have as many as you want, the heathens won’t even notice.” She loved the police officers, but they sure did attack when she brought in food.

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

The girl was jumpy, but then again, he had shown up unexpectedly. He smiled into a momentary frown at her comment and wondered if that sparkly grin was permanent. “That wasn’t an embarrassing situation.” He informed her, chuckling again. It wasn’t, not if she knew some of the things that he had seen over the years. “But you know what is embarrassing? The fact that I spent the past few days thinking about you just like every other man in this town.” Drew looked at the basket that she carried, “I don’t think Frostford knows what the good stuff is, and don’t tempt me with muffins because I’ll eat all of them and still be hungry.” It was true, Drew had a huge appetite and would eat every two hours if he had the time. 

“So, the police station then. What? You didn’t think I’d be down to go? I chat with those guys every day.” Another smirk. “We’re pals, best buds. Lead the way.” The truth was that they didn’t know him very well and had joined the other firefighters in calling him a rookie. It wasn’t anything he was upset about, he knew it would take time to accept anyone new, especially in a small town where everyone had pretty much grown up together. “How about after? You going to show me the water tower?”

“Oh it most certainly was, the ladies at the Splittin’ Hairs are already a buzz about how the youngest Bishop girl had to get pulled outta her car by the new firefighter in town.” Which was a lot better than calling her the town harlot for breaking her ankle as she snuck out to see her boyfriend, but still. Mags had avoided the public gossip mill for a while, and now she was back at day 0 of not being talked about. That’s southern living for you. And if Magnolia thought she was even the slightest bit embarrassed before, well, now when her cheeks ran hot and red at his comment, she was very wrong. Normally, it was easy for her to be flirty, nice and offer some compliments, but damn if her game was off when someone did it to her. “You, what?” And the blonde blinked a few times, took a breath, and recovered as best she could, “Don’t be silly, I’ve been single for seven years, nobody is pining away for me.” Still definitely blushing though. “Better be careful what you say, I’m always lookin’ for someone to unload surplus baked goods on.”

"Or ‘cause I don’t think you wanna meet my daddy yet.” She teased, but really, her dad may pretend to be a burly, brut of a man, but he was as soft as any other. “Uh huh, do you even know where the station is?” Oh how she hoped Ace wasn’t there, she didn’t want to hear about how much better a police department calendar would do compared to the fire department. A playful gasp flew from her lips, “Drew... What’s your last name?” But Mags shook her head, that playful smile shining on her lips, “That’s besides the point, are you tryna get me to climb the water tower in a dress?”

[drewdavisonfire-deactivated2022]

Drew saw the petite blonde from across the way and didn’t hesitate before falling in line with her as she walked. “Hey Triple M, glad to see that you’re not stuck anywhere today.” He had just finished up a shift at the station, gone home to freshen up and get into some normal clothing, and headed out. He didn’t really know what he was looking for, but he wanted to get out because he was a social person who had spent the past two and a half weeks cooped up either at the station on in his one-bedroom. 

He had a cup of coffee in one hand and shoved the other into his pocket. Drew was chatty, she just hadn’t seen that side of him when he was trying to get her out of a hot vehicle. “You know, I’m sure the fact that I’ve only been in town for a short while and that the baristas already remember my name and order should be a little more embarrassing than it was. Or, at least, it might allude to the fact that I may or may not have an unaddressed caffeine addiction.” Still, he supposed, it could be worse. “So, where are we headed?” A smirk crossed his features at his own assumption. 

[southcrnsweets]

Magnolia was strutting through downtown, a basket of baked goods nestled in the crook of her arm. Nothing exciting, just a bunch of blueberry muffins she was intending to drop off at the police station. She jumped a little when Drew walked up next to her, mostly because she’d been lost in her own thoughts. “Drew!” She greeted, signature smile shining on her lips as bright as the short yellow sundress she was wearing. “I am not, but thanks for reminding me of the most embarrassin’ moment of my life.” But she gave him a look that clearly showed she was teasing, and definitely amping up the dramatics.

“Oh gosh, I hope they’re givin’ you the good stuff.” Mags found herself quickly commenting, a little surprised at how chatty he was, but figuring she couldn’t assume much of him yet since they had only interacted twice now. “Oooooo....” The blonde trailed off, sheepish smile forming on her lips. “To the police station to drop off muffins?” She pretended to be embarrassed, but really it was all just a playful act. “Unless, of course, you can eat six dozen blueberry muffins yourself.”

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

Drew helped her into the rig and raised both eyebrows as he saw her make herself at home inside. He dropped his head a bit in another chuckle, climbed up and sat down right next to her. A long arm extended forward and grabbed two pairs of noise-canceling headphones. “You’re going to want to put these on.” He informed her before sliding on a pair over his own ears. She was something else, but he didn’t say that because 1) she probably already knew and had people lining up around the block just to let her know and, 2) he was on the clock. The guy reached for the mic built into the headphones to communicate with the driver and let them know they wouldn’t make any fancy stops if no calls came in as they drove then they were headed straight to the station. 

No further remarks were made on her smile, at least none from him. The rig wasn’t really a place to talk unless they were being informed on another service call, but they weren’t. Every now and then potholes in the road would cause their shoulders to crash together, to which Drew would mouth an apology to the girl with three names and a Colgate smile. The ride back to the station was made fairly quickly considering the size of the town. Once the firetruck was parked inside the fire station, Drew took his headphones off and offered to take hers as well, putting them away before pushing the door open and helping her step out.

“You were a natural in there, ever consider being a firefighter?” He asked, but he wasn’t kidding either. Petite women were especially useful in situations where someone his size couldn’t get access. “You alright now? Got everything you need?” He was already getting called away by the Captain. Probably to do some paperwork. “If you need any help, you know where to look.” He nodded at her and started off, but turned over his shoulder as he continued. “See you around Magnolia Grace, Magnolia, Mags.”

The worst part about a firetruck was that the seats were made to fit a firefighter with a tank of oxygen on their backs. Magnolia knew this before she even climbed in, but it still didn’t make the chair any better. They weren’t meant for comfort, and she understood that. Her nose wrinkled at the headphones, but she didn’t put up a fuss. Mags slid them on easily, they were definitely bulkier than the ones she had for the shooting range.

Frostford was small, and well, Mags hadn’t really been far from downtown in the first place, so she wasn’t really surprised how quickly the ride back went by. Each little bump that pushed them together never bothered her, and she had to resist the urge to tell him to stop apologizing. It wasn’t like he was trying to bump her, and well, she wouldn’t mind if he was. When they finally stopped in the bay, she leaned in and let him take off the headphones, rubbing her ears gently and ruffling her hair a bit. Honestly, it was a sticky mess. Girl needed a shower.

And then it happened. Magnolia Grace Bishop snorted. The blonde quickly covered her mouth, and a slight blush graced her cheeks that had only just recently returned back to her pale skin tone. “Me? Please, I’d only be useful for small spaces.” Which is exactly what she always told Joey she was good for. Plus, Mags was a total wimp. “Last time I was in a firetruck, I was seven years old in a parade, happily pressing every button they’d let me.” Being best friends with the long running fire chief was definitely bonus. “Hm, save maybe some dignity for managing to lock myself in a car, I think I’m just fine.” She joked, because really, it was meant to be joked about. She could keep talking, but he was at work and well, she had a mortifying phone call with her mom to make. “I’ll see you soon, Drew.” She replied, bright smile in place again. Each time he called her by all three of her names, she just couldn’t help it. And with that, she turned and walked out of the fire station.

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

Drew motioned to the ice pack in her hand. “You should keep that on your neck still.” He took a step towards the blonde, moving her hair aside and taking her small hand in his, pulling it up to her neck again. All very professional, of course. he was on the clock. And now he knew that she was an officer’s daughter, with his luck she would be the Chief’s daughter. “Right on the carotid artery there. It’s big, well on you probably not too big, but it’s your best to cool your bloodstream.” He was one of the six firefighter paramedics in the unit, ad he found that people listened best when they understood the reasons behind their recommendations. 

He knew what she meant by not accepting his line as a reason to not offer a Thank You in her own way. People they rescued, oftentimes from much more dangerous situations than hers had been, brought things to the firehouse. He had seen it in Los Angeles, but it was a lot more frequent in Fristford and Drew found himself working out more just to keep up with the treats, and it had only been two weeks since his arrival. Something told him that he would have to cut them off altogether. Her suppressed giggle made him smirk again. She was contagious, that happiness radiated off her and he couldn’t imagine how much stronger that sunshine was when she wasn’t recently trapped in a hot vehicle.

“I am.” He affirmed and looked back to the guys that were piling into the rig. “No Ubers.” Should’ve guessed it. He listened to her and figured that he would probably end up walking if he was in that situation. Drew took a step back, and then another. “Is that you politely and yet sneakily asking to get a ride somewhere in the firetruck?” He took another step back. “And you’re expecting me to say yes, right? Because everyone says yes to that smile?” He flicked open his phone. It only ran once before the line connected and he ordered for a tow truck to the current location. “Promise not to touch anything.” With that he turned around and went to open the door for her and help her up, giving a shrug to the driver. 

Mags was pretty used to people being in her bubble, so she didn’t think much of Drew stepping closer to her. She was also extremely used to feeling short, but when people were closer it made that fact all the more pressing. Her hand easily moved with his, pressing the cool pack against her neck again. If she were any other type of girl, she’d make a joke about things being big, or even anatomy in general, but Magnolia very much was not that girl. She might have thought it though. “Huh, guess I shoulda payed more attention in biology.” Mags was a smart girl, but she’d had no idea that was how you could cool off faster.

Magnolia’s personality was always one that either really worked for someone, or shied them away. Some people just hated to be around her... One being a mechanic that hopefully she could convince her mom to handle for her. But most often, her friendly and bright nature brought her a lot of friends. A lot of friends that she would end up crushing on, then never mentioning a thing because she feared rejection. Even still, the blonde maintained a happiness she hoped made others smile.

“Nope.” She replied, popping the ‘p’ just for a bit of dramatics. This time, Magnolia smiled, one of her bright, signature shining smiles. “It might be.” She replied easily, because he caught on and she liked that she didn’t have to spell it out. Coyness was fun. “But really, I’m just askin’ you to take me to the fire station, I can wait there for one of my sisters, or walk to the police department and harass my daddy.” Mags had tons of options really. “It is a pretty convincin’ smile, so I hear.” Because while she may deny her baking skills, flower skills, and art skills, she never doubted her smile. “Cross my heart.” Really, she was too afraid to touch anything. Mags used his hand to help her climb into the fire truck, no way she’d do it without the help, and offered another bright smile to the driver, probably yet another person she knew the whole family of.

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

If all southern people were more like this girl and less like whatever Drew had encountered last week, he would have been sweeter on Frostford from the start, but something told him that a girl with a name like Magniloa Grace didn’t come in twos or threes or carbon copies. She was unique, even among the Southern Belles. She seemed fine now, he wasn’t concerned anymore. Even though the look on his face showed confusion because he didn’t understand like half of the things her or half of the town said to him. Usually Drew nodded and offered a chuckle or asked Yes and No questions. 

That little squeal she gave sounded familiar and he realized she had done it back in the car as well, when he was focused on breaking the window and clearing the glass that he has let his attention slip from her It. It wasn’t something that he typically did either, Drew knew that keeping focus on the person or persons that they were trying to help was crucial to their job. He caught himself in that slip-up and would work on not letting it happen again. He listened to her talk about her father and something about police department rivalry? Or was she talking about the police department and the fire department? No, that wouldn’t make sense. He was just thankful that she had a million thoughts all running at once so he didn’t have to decipher her little unintentional puzzle. 

He liked that the small town had a big focus on family life. It was clear in his conversation with Dean earlier too. That was something big cities didn’t have. Drew looked over to his colleagues who were cleaning up the glass from the road now. He helped pull her up and one of his eyebrows twitched ever so slightly at how small she was, but he should have expected her petite frame from the ease of carrying her. He reached down and picked up the first-aid kit with one hand and then grabbed the trap, tucking it under the arm with the kit. “No need to thank me, Magnolia Grace, Magnolia, Mags.” He offered her a smirk. “Just doing our job.” He looked over to her car and pulled out his phone. “I can get a tow truck for you, maybe an Uber?” Did they have Ubers in Frostford? 

Growing up in a small town meant you kinda had a knack for observation. And Magnolia? Pretty decent at it. She was a bit of a gossip, though she was working on that, so there wasn’t a whole lot that slid by her. Her first impression of Drew was that he seemed to be a great addition to the town, and she really hoped he was liking it here. It honestly didn’t occur to her that she could scare someone off with her ability to fit quite a few words into one breath.

Mags found herself wondering more about Drew, where he came from, how long he’d been a firefighter, and what caused him to come to Frostford. However, her southern manners stopped her from just outright blurting all her questions... Which was definitely improvement for her. Magnolia figured she could ask everything at some point, she just assumed that Drew wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Hoped, maybe.

Well. He was tall. Not that it was a hard feat when it came to the blonde. Magnolia barely made it up to his shoulder, so she found herself tilting her head back just to look at his face. She couldn’t help but laugh when he called her all three versions of her name again, shaking her head gently. “I know the line, but you’ll still get my thanks, and baked goods dropped off at the station later.” She’d heard the ‘no need for thanks’ line a lot, but that never stopped her. “Tow truck yes, but-” and she stopped, the giggle she’d tried to contain slipping out. Mags covered her mouth, offering a gentle smile. “You really are new, no Ubers here, if you need a ride you’re stuck callin’ a friend, or the police department in a pinch, or convincin’ the firefighters you won’t touch anything in the truck if they give you a ride.”

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

Drew got along with everyone, he had yet to meet one person he couldn’t make his friend. Or at least, no one had kicked the shit out of him or knocked the daylights from him yet, and he was twenty-seven years old so that was a pretty long time to keep a clean streak going. “Please do, someone’s got to be my knight in shining armor.” He tapped his own chest and chuckled. Drew nodded at the reveal because he was also a big momma’s boy. “Can’t say no to the women who raise us.” He remarked, amused by the list of chores. “So, you a town native or what?”

“Not sure anyone’s ever called me that before.” Dean commented with a chuckle. It was funny, but he loved it. Meeting someone knew had never been so fun, and who was Dean to deny the fact that he and Drew got along? After all, the bartender could always use more friends. “You’re damn right, I tried once too, didn’t end well.” One stern yelling and butt whooping later and Dean would do anything for his mom. “Yup, born and raised, family tree, roots, all that blah.” He waved his hand in the air to emphasize. “How about you? Can’t lie and say you look familiar.” 

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

Drew didn’t make another comment on her family or her mother. Frostford people were a lot different than those he had grown so used to. In Los Angeles people walked by each other, passing shoulders on the street, as if they didn’t exist. Same in Toronto. Here, he couldn’t go anywhere without smiling and waving at multiple people who started the exchange anytime they saw him. Sometimes he felt like he was stuck inside a loop of some false reality like the Truman Show. One of the other firefighters was holding the icepack against her neck now, this allowed Drew to opened up the first aid kit.

It was extensive and kept filled and organized so it wasn’t very hard to find all of the stuff he needed. “People warned me about the humidity in the south, I didn’t believe them until now.” He was hot in his uniform so he could only imagine how much more elevated her body temperature was from being stuck inside the car. His eyes scanned her face again and noticed how pink her cheeks still were, but she was still cooling down. He listened to her explain how she felt as he sprayed the wound with some alcohol, no warning this time. “Your dad going to bust you for that window or bust me for breaking it?” He asked her when he overheard the mention of him, Drew’s tone switched to something a little more playful now that they were in the clear with her health. He cleaned up the small gash and put a bandaid over the wound, ignoring her comments about it not being his fault because it had been— he should have paid more attention to her legs when he carried her out. 

“Water tower?” That was different. “Like in the movies? People do that here?” He was genuinely surprised and then remembered that he was still there to help her, then leave for the next emergency. “You think you can get up now?” Drew pushed off his knees and stood up before extending a hand to her. Emergency calls in Los Angeles had always been chaotic, they’d have to work under extreme pressure; time constraints and heavy circumstances, but life was slower here. Not that he minded, maybe this was the exact change of pace that he needed. That was yet to be determined but he had hope.

Having grown up in Frostford, Magnolia knew no other way of life. It was just normal to know just about everyone and their parents. Maybe that’s why new people fascinated her so much, but it never really occurred to her that things didn’t work like that for everyone. The blonde relaxed more, her breathing becoming far less labored, but the ice pack at her neck still felt incredible.

"My granny says it helps keep her hair big.” She commented with a gentle laugh, because in truth, Mags hated it. It made things too hot and her hair frizzed out so easily. She was sure it was even less thrilling to wear so many clothes in this heat. At least the police officers had the ability to wear shorts... Not that they should. A quick gasp sounded from her lips when the alcohol hit her knee, the sting catching her off guard. It didn’t hurt, but the blonde always did jump easily. Mags laughed a little, and shook her head. "Not for the window, it'll be my butt for relying on a hose dragger to help me out." She teased, that very clear in her voice, "He's a police officer, been one all my life, and ‘round here the two departments have one of the best friendly rivals in town.” She assumed, just like most places, but Mags had no real idea if she was right or not.

“Oh, yeah, the old water tower. Been a hole in the fence since before I was born, and it’s real easy to climb. Not that I ever have, if my daddy’s askin’.” She maintained that playful lie all the time, but her dad knew way better. Magnolia had been a bit of a rebellious teen, but those years were long behind her now. She watched as he stood, and nodded softly, “I think so.” Mags reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling herself up slowly. When all this started, she’d been mortified, but Drew really did calm her and hadn’t made her feel embarrassed yet. “Guess now I gotta thank you by showin’ you ‘round town. When you have time, of course.”

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

Drew was beginning to see a trend in town. People there worked all of their lives and were proud of it, it was admirable. He just wasn’t sure if he was the type of person to spend his entire life on the clock, maybe if he didn’t have so much fun off it. “One hundred percent, man. You’re catching on real quick.” He laughed as they walked. Dean was probably the first person to in town that Drew had met outside of the fire station or a bar. It was weird to think about how people in small towns would just start up full-on conversations with strangers. “So, aside from your natural alarm clock, what’s got you up at the crack of dawn and why’re you letting it?”

Dean was hardly the welcoming committee of Frostford, and in fact, he was sure the ladies of the DAR would hurry and newcomer away from him if they could. He didn’t blame them, the bartender wasn’t much of a warm and friendly kind of guy all the time. However, he and Drew seemed to be getting along just fine. “I’ll have to make note of that in my end of days plans.” He continued to joke, because it was just easy to do. “Ah, my momma.” He replied vaguely at first, before fishing a paper out of his pocket to wave the short list in the air. “Hard to argue with her, and well, all I had to do was stop in and order some things. I’ll pick ‘em up later.” Simple stuff like dropping off dry cleaning and ordering flowers.

[southcrnsweets]

drewdavisonfire​:

She was still talking, that was a good sign and it relaxed Drew a little. He was always a fun and easy-going guy, but his demeanor always toughened up a little when he needed to ensure people’s safety like he was now, especially with the added risk of broken glass everywhere. He made a mental note to ask about the Wharton Creek Witch later when it was more appropriate to do so. He was already assuming that he would see the blonde again. It was hard not to run into people repeatedly when the town was probably fifteen by fifteen blocks of civilization before the fields started. He smiled at her little quip. “I wouldn’t lie to your mom if I ever did meet her.” His voice was genuine because while Drew didn’t open up about a lot of what composed who he was, he wasn’t a liar.

He caught on to all of her facial expressions, noting how well she displayed all of her feelings in those instinctive reactions. He chuckled a little as her remarks kept coming. Where all Southern Belles this chatty all the time or did it have something to do with the heat? Regardless, he was grateful that she kept talking because at least it kept her alert. “Alright,” He started as she finally got to the driver’s side again. “I’m going to tuck an arm under your legs and another around your back. Don’t try to help me lift you out and keep your arms crossed over your chest. We’re going to avoid any scratches or nicks if we can help it.” He gave her another moment for her approval before leaning in and doing just as he’d said, lifting her out of the vehicle through the window slowly. 

Her frame was so petite that he moved her with ease. The other firefighters with him had already set up a small tarp on the ground where he set her down before kneeling in front of her. “How’re you feeling?” He looked over to his team as they brought what he asked for. Drew did a once over her body, making sure she wasn’t injured and then grabbed an ice pack, setting it to the side of her neck to cool her down. “Any lightheadedness? Dizziness?” One of the other firefighters opened up a water bottle and instructed her to take little slow sips. He spotted a streak of red on her knee and frowned. “First aid.” He called out and stretched out her leg with his free hand, still holding the icepack to her. “You must’ve gotten nicked on the way out, I’m sorry about that. I’ll take care of it.”

Magnolia never expected she’d meet someone new this way, but the overly friendly blonde was never one to complain about much. “Goodness, that means she’ll love ya.” And Mags meant it innocently too, it was just such common practice that everyone in Frostford would meet one another, and knowing someone’s parents wasn’t that special at all. She hoped he didn’t think she was weird for mentioning it either.

The blonde sat in the seat and nodded softly as he explained how he was going to get her out. She’d just assumed she would climb out on her own and try to avoid the glass, but once he’d described it she figured that made a lot more sense. Maybe this was why he was the professional and she was just the damsel in the hot car. “Got it.” She responded, crossing her arms already. Her natural reaction when someone was picking her up was to reach up around their neck, but she was sure that this was just the best way to get her out safely so she fought the urge.

Once outside, it felt so much cooler. Which was odd to say about a day in an Alabaman summer. “Gosh, who knew I’d ever call it cool outside in the summer.” She commented lightly, her breathing still fairly labored, but otherwise she was just hot. Magnolia knew her cheeks were flushed, and she was sure her chest was as well, but she was already feeling a bit better. She sighed when the cool pack touched her neck, closing her eyes for a bit and savoring the feeling. “I don’t think so, I’m kinda tired, but it just feels like I spent too long out in the sun or somethin’.” A feeling she was all too familiar with. The water bottle was graciously accepted, Magnolia making a slight comment to the familiar firefighter that they better not tell her dad about this. “Oh.” A gentle frown formed as she looked at her knee, “I didn’t even notice, don’t be sorry, it’s not like you set out today to scrape a girl’s knee.” She teased, “I haven’t had a scrape on my knee since high school, gotta be careful climbin’ that water tower.” She’d been reckless, but all that went away after Mags had hurt herself and her entire future changed.