#female player

[lou-lilie]

[ldagence-sports]

Beauties of Sport ❤️Female Athlete Playing Footvolley, Combining Elements Of Soccer And Beach Volleyball ★彡𝓛𝓓ミ★

[rosaharazu]

Whar are your headcanons for Harley and the player’s relationship? How specifically did they meet? What did think of each other before the events of poppy playtime? What was their dynamic like?

Also did Eddie, leithe, and Stella think Harley and the player’s relationship? Especially since in ur videos, Harley seems to enjoy her company and may possibly have a spot for her

Alright, how do I explain this?

They do have a dynamic. I do want it to be romantic, but I don't want to make Sawyer an entirely out of character character. He's more of a guy who can't express his feelings instead of being romantic at all, but he does hold a deep regard for Angel.

So Angel and Sawyer met in university, where Sawyer recruits her as a partner for a science project. He chose her because she was obedient and didn't question his intellect. (First impression was during an activity during orientation week)

The thing about Angel is that she really doesn't question Sawyer's way of things. Even if she does, she still does as she told. She doesn't judge him, because she respect people's habits and lives.

And she notices things. How Sawyer secretly likes cats. How he drinks too much coffee and all kinds. How he has inhumane ideas, to which Angel would at least make sure he never crosses a line.

Most wholesomely is that she notices he squints too much when looking at things, and she brought him glasses. It was the first time he received a gift.

Sawyer has trust issues, because he felt betrayed in the Young Geniuses Programme. Maybe a few backstabbing partners. And Angel wasn't like that.

The only reason Angel ever did good for him is because she doesn't want to get into anyone's bad side.

And Sawyer sees that effort, so he unconsciously grew attached to her. Comfortable enough with her. More than anyone else. But in spite of that, he still had achievements and goals to go after. So he never cared to pursue Angel.

They separated after graduation. For Angel's part, she does end up having feelings, but she lets him go so that he can "change the world of science".

They met again in Playtime Co, where Angel was hired as a biologist. Poor Sawyer did not expect such change. He did his best to hide things from her, because last thing he wants is to lose her.

As for Leith, Stella and Eddie, they did notice the change. Use Angel to convince Sawyer sometimes, but Angel would back away.

They had a falling out because Angel suspected the things that Playtime Co, was doing to kids. She tried to convince Sawyer, but Sawyer deflected because he knew this would cost his life's work.

I'd like this moment to show that Angel has grown from when she was a uni student. Back then she wouldn't have dared to defy Sawyer, but now when there's too much evidence and he isn't agreeing with her, she is standing her ground on her own.

But anyway, they "broke up" after that. Sawyer did everything in his power to make sure Angel doesn't find out via orders and security and all. Even after he was turned into a television. He made sure she never knew.

When the Hour of Joy was coming close, he made sure Angel didn't come by calling her, telling her she's fired when she isn't. (Idk, smth along those lines)

10 years later, they reunite. Angel is extremely pissed off at Sawyer. Her feelings are no more. But most of all, she's distraught because of what Sawyer had become.

Initially, I wanted to make a video of Chapter 4 final showdown, where Angel expresses her grief as she beats the hell out of a Sawyer bot. Sawyer lets her kill him because there was no going back. No fixing what he broke. Her trust.

BUT THEN CHAPTER FIVE REVEALED HIS RETURN AND NOW THEY'RE A BICKERING COUPLE LOL-

I actually hoped he died. So that there's a narrative meaning to it.

Thanks for asking! Have a lovely day!

[shadow-farm-dragon]

A Picnic Proposal - Day Ten: Picnic

A Picnic Proposal - Day Ten: Picnic - ShadowFarmDragon - Stardew Valley (Video Game) [Archive of Our Own]

This work continues the Fluffuary 2026 challenge on Tumblr and Ao3. Today's work features the topic: Picnic.

The story is also below the cut if you don't feel like accessing Ao3.

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Category(ies): F/F

Fandom(s): Stardew Valley (Video Game)

Relationship(s): Penny/Player (Stardew Valley), Penny/Female Player (Stardew Valley)

Character(s): Penny (Stardew Valley), Player (Stardew Valley), Female Player (Stardew Valley)

Additional Tag(s): Fluffuary, Fluffuary 2026, Fluff

Language: English

Summary: After confirming your compatibility with Penny, you decide to ask her a very important question while on a picnic.

Start Author’s Note: Welcome to Day 10 of the Fluffuary 2026 Challenge (Ao3) and (Tumblr)! Today, the topic is Picnic.

This is the first time I’ve written a story in second-person, but I figured it would work well since the farmer experiences events through the player’s perspective.

I hope you enjoy!

A Picnic Proposal – Day Ten: Picnic

-Female Farmer-

The stage was set.

You had been crushing on Penny for months now, and it was finally time to make your move. You’d had a feeling that the teacher could possibly have feelings for you, but when she asked you your opinion about becoming a parent, that cemented it.

You had responded that you’d want a big family, and Penny had been delighted saying that she agreed and was glad that you both felt the same way. You couldn’t be more compatible than that, could you?

So, this picnic that you had spent days preparing for was sure to pay off, at least you hoped. You had made all of Penny’s favorites. There was some sliced melon as a snack/appetizer, which would be followed by some Red Plate, Roots Platter, and Tom Kha Soup. For dessert, you had whipped up some poppyseed muffins.

You had decided to meet with Penny in the woods near Marnie’s farm, and had already set up the picnic. For what seemed like the hundredth time, you flipped the lid of the picnic basket open to confirm that the bouquet of flowers was still there. Wrapped up delicately in colored tissue paper, you felt your heart swell as your eyes wandered over the multi-colored petals.

“There you are!” The sound of Penny’s voice caused you to snap the lid shut and quickly look up. The red-haired woman was smiling brightly as your gazes met, and she quickened her pace to get to you sooner.

“Penny!” You jumped up and gave her a tight hug, which she returned.

“So, what’s the occasion?” she asked, letting go and admiring the spread.

You gestured for Penny to sit, waiting until she did so before following suit. “I just wanted to share the literal fruits of my labor with you. And the weather’s been so nice recently, a picnic just made sense!”

Penny smiled. “You’re right! It’s been lovely going on field trips with Vincent and Jas. And it was a pleasure to have you as a guest speaker, of course.” Her cheeks reddened.

So Penny had been thinking about your conversation as well? That was a good sign. “Speaking of, remember when you asked me about being a parent?”

She nodded. “Of course! It made me so happy to hear that you also want a big family.”

You reached for the picnic basket. “It made me happy too. I’m glad that we see eye-to-eye on so many things.” Flipping the lid open, you removed the bouquet, your heart pounding in your chest. Penny gasped as you held it out to her. “Since we’re so compatible, would you like to go out with me, Penny?”

“Yes! I thought you’d never ask!” Penny launched herself at you, causing the flowers to fall out of your grasp as you quickly wrapped your arms around her. The two of you held each other for a moment, and you could feel her heart beating as hard as yours.

“Well, as much as I’d love to keep hugging you, we shouldn’t let this food go to waste.” You reluctantly let go and picked up the plate of melon slices. Holding a piece out you asked, “Want one?”

Penny let go as well, looking down at your hand. Nodding, she opened her mouth, and you gently placed a slice on her tongue.

You smiled. “Good, isn’t it?”

She nodded, chewing. Swallowing the fruit, she said, “It’s delicious!”

“I’m glad.”

The two of you spent the rest of the afternoon sampling the dishes and talking about the future.

End Author’s Note: Hope you enjoyed! See you tomorrow!

[honeycombhq-22]

Episode 3: Inazuma Japan +Pineapples

[Jap Dub] | [Eng Dub]

*insert intro music*

Taken place in:

Episode 69: The birth of Inazuma Japan!

"WHO'S THE MAN?"

"I AM."

"WHO'S GONNA GET INTO THE NATIONAL TEAM?"

"I AM!"

Natsumi's eyebrows furrowed, "...What... are they doing?"

"Megane's hyping his brother up. I think he's a bit nervous." Haruna replied, dusting her camera, unfazed.

The younger twin took a deep breath, "I AAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMM!"

"YEAAAAAAAH!"

The girls blinked.

The daughter of the chairman turned away from the twins, "Anyways, Aki. Did Team A like the new uniforms?"

"They loved it. Some more than others." She chuckled glancing to the side at the trio.

"Like yeah, bros, don't you see how good this looks on me?" Masaru gushed holding out the bottom of his blue team-jersey, admiring its quality.

The pink haired middle triplet, Tomo, massaged his brother's shoulders encouragingly, "Very, like, very nice, yeah!"

The youngest, Tsutomu, nodded enthusiastically.

The eldest triplet posed. "Like yeah, I know. I took sooo many pictures. I can't wait to post them on MySpace!"

"Can we go nooooow?"

"No."

"UUUUUGH-GAAAAH, I don't get it! Why would you want to watch Japanese football?"

"There's always a benefit from watching strong players, Luca."

"Strong players? PUH-LEASE! Japan is known worldwide for many things: baseball, Sumo, judo, snow sports and even golf but football? Even Japanese players, like YOU, go to European countries to play football!"

"You're right. But them, they might be able to make a change. Especially that goalkeeper there."

"You said his name is Mamoru, right?"

"Endou Mamoru. The captain of the football team for this here school. He turned a bunch of nobodies to the best in the country. He could do the same thing at the FFI."

"I'm guessing he's your favourite."

"But Endou isn't the only one."

"Oh gosh, you're going to give me a whole rundown of every single player aren't you?"

"You know me so well."

-

"Now who's that one?"

"That guy's twin brother."

"GO KAZUTO! YOU. ARE. THE. MAN!!!" Kakeru screamed through a megaphone cone. "WOOOO!!!"

"He doesn't even have the ball anymore..."

"And Gouenji is cornered by Matsuno and Mukata. It seems the whole of Team A is cautious of the Flame Striker, and rightfully so! What will he do?!"

Gouenji spotted Toramaru running towards the goal with Yamino trailing behind. He then kicked the ball through Matsuno's legs, passing, "Go for it Toramaru!"

Toramaru recieved the ball and was about to kick it when something made him hesitate and instead he passed the ball back to a now surprised Yamino.

Then the whistle blew.

"And that's the end of the first half! The match we have today is a tight one with the score only being 1 All. The fight for a place in Japan's national team will continue after half-time!!!" Kakuma announced.

"Great job, guys. We just need to keep pushing the good work until the end of the game!"

Everyone in the team responded back to their captain enthusiastically except for one red head who rubbed the lower half of his back.

After scoring the goal that tied the game, Hiroto didn't expect EVERYONE to jump on him. The only one who gave him grace was Alex, who gave him a high five after Team A got off of him.

I don't know if I should try to score again after that. He chuckled to himself with a sweatdrop as he walked towards the field.

"Here you go Kabeyama."

Kabeyama beamed. "Oh, Megane! Are you a manager now?" He asked then chugged down the water.

His face scrunched, "Manager? Please, that stuff's for girls. I'm too smart to be a manager." He adjusted his glasses as they beamed under the sunlight. "I, Megane Kakeru, shall serve as the strategy advisor and support my brother in his undoubtedly successful efforts to team Japan!"

The dark green haired defender sighed in satisfaction and gave the bottle back. "Thanks for the water Megane!"

"Sure thing." He grinned... then his face fell as his junior walked away from him. "Hey, were you even listening to me?!" He yelled shaking the empty bottle violently. After realising Kabeyama wasn't listening, the brunette grumbled as he put the bottle away.

The girl tightened the sleeves of her tracksuit jacket wrapped around her waist, a troubled look on her face.

The first half is already finished... and I haven't done anything...

She thought back to the first half. How Kidou, Kazemaru and Gouenji wizzed right past all the midfielders and defenders after the kickoff. They didn't score thanks to Endou being the only one awake.

On the positive side, yes, she did collect a few rebounds before the other team got possession of the ball, but that was the bare minimum compared to the clean interceptions others were making. What she should have been making.

What can I do—

Her thoughts stopped at the presence of the Blizzard Striker staring at her side with a curious glint in his eyes. "Are those pineapples?" Fubuki asked.

"Yeah. Do you... do you want some?"

He flashed his signiture gentle smile, "Yes please. I've never had these before." He said before taking a small bite.

Her eyes widened, "Really?"

Fubuki hummed then paused his chewing, "Aren't you going to have one too?"

"Oh, right." She bit a piece of her own, her shoulders began relaxing.

I needed this.

"Um Alex..." Fubuki called. The teal-eyed boy stuck the tip of his tongue out, "my tongue's starting to tingle a bit. Is that a good sign?"

Alex's eyes widened as her shoulders tensed up, "N-nothing bad should happen. I must've not prepared them properly— I'm sorry!"

I was so sleepy last night I didn't properly make them!!!

I must've not cut them properly— Did...did I put salt?

Did I not leave it out long enough— Did I even notice if the pineapple was ripe enough?!

OH GOSH— OH GOSH— OH GOSH— OH—

Her racing thoughts paused when she heard the boy chuckle, "It's okay. Maybe I need a little kick," Fubuki said, then looked at the field. "I haven't really woken up yet."

He hasn't woken up...

All those tackles, the number of times he marked players from advancing into their side, his interceptions... He was being a better defender than the majority of the defenders.

And that's him... when he hasn't woken up?

The grey haired player swallowed the last bit of the pineapple piece, "These are really good! Do you always eat them during halftime?"

"Y-yeah! And sometimes before I compete." She chuckled nervously putting the container away. "They're kind of like my good luck charm."

"Well if it's your good luck charm, I shouldn't worry too much then." He smiled with a thumbs up.

"And just so you dim-witted co-ops know, I'm playing for myself only."

What a selfish little—

"Kidou,"

He snapped out of his head, "Yes Gouenji."

"Don't focus so much on him. You have a team to lead." The number 10 reminded, a hand placed comfortingly on Kidou's shoulder.

He nodded, letting out a deep breath. He stepped in front of the group making everyone pause what they were doing, "Team, I have a strategy."

-

"Kidou seems to be on a mission in these last few minutes of the game. He's cutting through the defence like a knife!"

"Are you done yet?"

"Nope."

Midorikawa stared with wide eyes as he watched the power of his Astro Break decrease from the ball.

"And Kabeyama blocks Midorikawa's shot!"

They weren't joking when they said he got stronger... What if I'm not—

"Don't give up yet Midorikawa, we still have 3 minutes left!"

He shook his head at Kidou's words, "Right!" Then raced to the ball as it was about to go out the corner. "Take it Yamino!"

Yamino recieved the ball, chesting it into the air. Dark energy began to surround him as he jumped into the air.

Tsunami was about to race down to block the shot when he spotted Gouenji and Kazemaru running down the pitch. His eyes widened.

Oh SHOOT— What if they're gonna do Honoo no Kazamidori WITH this guy's shot? I have to keep them out of it. The pink haired defender then looked behind him to the purple haired player staring at him with wide eyes, "Go for it, bro!"

He replied with a hesitant nod before running in front of the incoming ball.

Here goes nothing.

"Huh—"

Everyone froze in confusion, including Tobitaka himself as the ball landed softly in front of him.

Did...did I really just do that?

"And Team B is without a goal thanks to..." Kakuma squinted his eyes, staring at the field, "that Number 3 in Team A! It's almost time before this tense game comes to an end, and the representatives will be announced. The question is, WHO WILL MAKE THE TEAM?"

"Great job dude!" Tsunami praised giving Tobitaka a thumbs up while running down the pitch, "Now you gotta pass it over here!"

Tobitaka blinked out of his mini daze and kicked the ball.

However his pass wasn't accurate enough to connect and was intercepted.

Fudou's teeth gritted into a forced smirk as he landed. Then he dribbled past Tobitaka making his way towards the goal.

"You're not getting past!" Sakuma yelled and slid on the ground about to tackle him.

"Heh," Fudou backheeled the ball into the air as he jumped over Sakuma making his tackle unsuccessful. His mouth widened into an evil grin, "Too slow Cyclops."

But he didn't realise—

"Oh?"

"What the—"

Then, it was like time slowed down.

There, in the air her tracksuit jacket and hair blew with the small breeze while a concentrated look coloured her face.

"Did you see that! While mowhauk was busy mocking Sakuma below, he created a blindspot for the girl to get the ball above him."

"Yeah. That's a mistake a player makes when they get too cocky on the field. A rookie move."

The corners of her mouth rose ever so slightly. Her eyes shimmering.

His teeth gritted.

Oh FUCK NO.

Her eyelids closed before she then passed the ball.

And—

"GOAAAAAAL!!! Endou's team pulls through with a goal within the last few seconds!" The umpire's whistle blew. "And that's the end of game!!!"

"Hey. Where are you going? They're about to select the players."

"You can stay to watch. It's obvious who's going to be on the team, though."

"...It is?"

Seeing all the players drop to the ground due to exhaustion, the girl sat down and stared at the field.

Sixteen spots...

Her honey eyes glanced at both ends of the field, Endou taking off his gloves and Tachimukai resting against the goal post. The two goalies are in by default, that's 14 positions left.

Gouenji's, of course, going to make it. He was the first to score a goal and the only one who scored against Endou.

And Hiroto... His move was way more powerful compared to practice. That's another great forward.

He's great at dribbling. His move looked powerful, too, but he had to shoot against Kabeyama.

Even though he isn't very muscular, he's like a barrier. A great defender.

Kidou is so much more impressive in person. His dribbling, footwork... the ability to make or break the flow of the game...

And I can't forget him. Especially after the trap he made, he's way smarter than people want him to be, I think.

He did an amazing pass even when he lost balance after a tackle... and he doesn't even look tired.

He's strong.

He's very fast.

He was able to dribble past three people.

He's great at dribbling too.

He can read who the ball goes to next.

And Fubuki... Fubuki's just so good.

The white haired candidate pushed herself off the ground. She began rubbing her palms against her shorts as she made her way to edge of the field line.

Am I really talented enough... to play with players like them?

Hibiki stepped before the lined up teens with another man.

"Before we announce the results of the selection match, I'd like to introduce you all to the coach of the national team."

Said man stepped forward. "That's right, I will be the coach for the team: Kudou Michiya. Pleased to meet you all." He then looked down at his black book, "The following are on the team."

"What a way to cut straight to the chase—"

"Number 14, Team White." He called and there was a brief silence.

Then Kidou stepped forward, "Here sir."

"He's going based off our shirt numbers." Someone murmered in the bunch of players and everyone immediately twisted their heads to double (triple) check their numbers.

"Number 10, Team White."

Gouenji Shuuya stepped forward, "Yes sir."

"Number 10, Team Blue."

Fubuki Shirou

"Number 11, Team Blue."

Kiyama Hiroto

"Number 2, Team White. Number 4, Team White. Number 4, Team Blue."

Kazemaru Ichirouta, Kogure Yuuya, Tsunami Jousuke

"Number 5, Team White. Number 1, Team White. Number 10, Team White."

Hijikata Raiden, Tachimukai Yuuki, Midorikawa Ryuuji

"Number 8, Team White."

Fudou stepped forward with a smirk, "Here."

"Number 2, Team Blue."

"Yes sir."

Then his face fell as he watched the player— the girl who stole the ball from him step forward.

Alex Jones.

"Number 7, Team White. Number 3, Team Blue."

Utsunomiya Toramaru, Tobitaka Seiya

"Number 5, Team Blue."

Kabeyama Heigorou

"And finally, Number 1, Team Blue."

Endou Mamoru

"And that's it, our chosen 16."

Someoka's shoulders slugged as he sighed.

"Hey. Keep your head up, you've come far." Gouenji encouraged holding his fist out.

"We'll meet again Someoka, I'm sure of it!" Endou chimed in.

Someoka fistbumped Gouenji with a smile, "Thanks guys—."

"YOU SAID I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY!!!"

"I kno—"

"YOU SAID I WAS THE MAN KAKERU!!!"

He patted his wailing brother's shoulder. "You'll always be the man Kazuto."

"Hey,"

Kidou gulped the sudden heavy lump in his throat, "...Hey,"

Sakuma flashed a small smile, "Congrats, you really deserve it."

Kidou froze, not knowing how to respond to the compliment. He couldn't just say 'thanks' and move on. Their history became too complicated. He didn't want to make him feel like he wasn't enough, but at the same time, he didn't want to look like he pitied him, because he really didn't.

Everything's not like how it used to be after what happened.

His fists clenched, "I really think you should've—"

"It's okay Kidou, really." Sakuma said then looked at the audience. He was there too. The candidate smiled again, holding his hand out. "We'll be cheering you on."

The playmaker shook his hand, "Thanks, Sakuma."

Then they parted way again. Kidou sighed. He'll only be able to talk this out after the tournament now.

He straightened his posture as he made his way back to the group, Inazuma Japan.

"From this moment on, you are the representatives of our country. Those of you who were chosen, you all now bear the hopes and dreams of everyone who did not make it. Don't let their dreams go in vain."

"Yes sir!"

"This road will be long and hard. My job is to take you to the top, but you'll have to bring you're all into this. Are you all committed?"

"Yes sir!"

Alex heaved a sigh, her shoulders relaxing.

"I knew you'd make it, that was a really great pass." Fubuki complimented.

"Not compared to your sho—" She stopped herself with wide eyes when she saw Fubuki place a finger in front of his mouth.

"Don't remind them or else I'll end up like Hiroto." He whispered, a chill running down his spine at the thought of Kabeyama jumping on top of him.

I heard he weighs about 150kg...

Alex nodded pretending to zip her lips with an invisible zipper.

"I wouldn't have done it without you though! I'm sure it must've been the tingling." He playfully winked making the corners of her lips rise in heartwarming relief.

"Fubuki Shirou~ You scored a goal," Hiroto began with his bangs covering his eyes. "you know what that means, right everyone?" He asked looking upwards revealing a smirk everyone last saw on Gran.

It was only then that Fubuki realised Team A was closing in on him.

Fubuki stepped back onto his heel, ready to turn the opposite direction and run. He chuckled nervously, "Do you maybe have another slice of pineapple?"

"GET HIM!"

🌄[24 Mar 2024]🌄

𝙼𝙰𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙻𝙸𝚂𝚃 | [𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙴𝙿𝙸𝚂𝙾𝙳𝙴]

Outro:

[not-the-usual-person]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 7/7

Author: TheUsualPerson (That’s me) 

Rating: Mature 

Word Count: 18.112

Summary:

Victor Jenkins doesn’t really dwell much with romance.

Love is something that people want to feel, love is for everyone with no exceptions. Sometimes love is the most amazing thing to experience but sometimes it’s the most evil thing to appear in our life. Love can be platonic or romantic, either way it’s a sweet thing for some people and the inevitable downfall for other people. Because of love itself, people do things they have never even thought of. It either improves them as a person or makes them do unspeakable things.

It's not that he doesn’t want it, of course he wants someone to love him unconditionally. Someone to be by his side no matter what. Someone to love him even though they already see him at his worst. There’s this buried want of love deep inside his heart. Right now it’s not the time to think about all of that, there’s so many things he needs to focus on.

But one day, someone managed to enter his heart slowly but steadily. And somehow he doesn’t notice the signs that he falls for said person.

or

5 signs that Victor might fall for someone and 1 time he finally notice

(First time posting and writing a full fledge fanfic so please spare me)

[sylvanfreckles]

Day Eleven: Star

Fandom: Stardew Valley

Summary: It's the night of the Feast of the Winter Star, but an unexpected storm has swept in through the valley and everyone is stranded at home. But even when it isn't visible, the Winter Star still shines down on the valley to protect those who seek it.

(Yes, I married Sebastian. Shut up. You did, too!)

* * *

I let the wind help slam the door behind me, stamping my snowy boots on the mud mat for a moment before leaning down to pry them off. The power had been out at the farm for almost an hour now, thanks to the winter storm that had blown in just in time to cancel the yearly Feast of the Winter Star.

“Everything okay?” Sebastian asked from his spot in front of the hearth. He'd lit the emergency lanterns and built up a roaring fire while I was out tending to the livestock, and our son, Thomas, was curled up in his lap staring at the flames.

“Barn and coop are holding,” I replied, shucking out of my winter coat to hang it on a peg. “Radiators are down until the power comes back on, but they're cozy enough in there.”

Thomas's head peeked out at me over his father's arm. “Is Jack okay?”

“Jack's fine,” I said. I sat down against the couch next to Sebastian and wriggled under the blankets he'd spread over their laps. “She's tucked up with the other chickens getting a good night's sleep.”

He stared at me for a few more seconds, all big, red-rimmed eyes and a runny nose beneath a flop of gingery hair. “What if she's scared?”

“She's not scared.” Jack was his favorite chicken—a beautiful, cream-colored hen descended from the chickens I'd bought my first year on the farm. “When I left her she was squished in with Charlie, snoozing away.”

Thomas still struggled to get out of his father's arms. “But the coop could fall down! Or-or she could get cold! We should bring her in, Mama!”

“Snugglebug,” I caught his little, flailing hands and leaned in until our noses were almost touching. “She wouldn't be happy in the house. We don't have any straw or chicken feed, and Otis might chase her!”

Of course, one look at the fat, orange tabby stretched out in front of the heart would disprove that idea, but Thomas settled down in his father's lap a little more. “She's okay?” he asked plaintively.

Great star, this kid could melt my heart. “I promise, Thomas. Jack is just fine. You can go visit her as soon as the sun rises, okay?”

Thomas sagged, letting Sebastian tug him back down into the blankets. “Okay.”

Crisis averted. Thomas was a little too much like me, in that he was stubborn when he saw something he wanted...and way too much like his father, in that one look into those dark eyes had me promising the moon. “Did you get through on the radio?”

Sebastian nodded before tugging Thomas back against his chest to rest his chin on the boy's head. “Clint answered from the community center. Some of the townspeople are sheltering up there. Looks like everyone's accounted for.”

“Linus?”

“My mom grabbed him as soon as the storm hit. He might lose his tent, but he's safe.”

I let out a sigh of relief. The storm had fallen on us so quickly that there hadn't been time to take the back trail to get to my friend. Sebastian smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders to pull me close. He knew I would have been back out in that storm in a moment if any of our friends were in danger.

“I guess we can thank the Winter Star that we're all safe,” I said, resting my head on Sebastian's shoulder.

“Mama?” Thomas asked sleepily. “Tell me about the Star?”

I hesitated, stroking one hand over his soft hair. This was usually Willy's job, but the feast had been delayed due to the storm. “Well, the Winter Star only shines once a year over the valley. On that night it's the only star in the sky, and legends say it guided the first settlers to this valley a long time ago.”

“Travelers would come from far and near to see it,” Sebastian continued, picking up the thread of the story. He was much more familiar with it, as he'd lived most of his life in the valley while I was a relative newcomer. “They said that anyone who looked at the Winter Star would be blessed with good fortune.”

“Is it still there?” Thomas asked. He was rubbing his hand under his nose, smearing snot and tears all over his face. Rather than climb out of the warm nest by the fire I picked up a corner of the blanket and gently wiped his face with it.

“Definitely,” I answered. “The Winter Star is there, even when we can't see it. On nights like this, when we can't look up to it, we can still be certain that it's watching over us.”

Thomas sniffed again. “So the storm won't knock it down?”

“Nope. Nothing can knock the Winter Star down.”

“What about the house?”

“Don't be silly,” I teased, tapping his nose with my finger. “How could our house knock the Winter Star out of the sky?”

That finally earned me a giggle. We were doing our best here, but I knew the storm was still scary. The wind howled and rattled the windows, the trees groaned and cracked under the ice, and it seemed like the world was ending right outside our door.

“Grandma Robin would be so upset if she knew you were worried about the house,” I finally said. I let Sebastian pull me in closer and took both of Thomas's hands. “This house has weathered storms a lot bigger than this; we'll be safe until it passes. I promise.”

Thomas was blinking heavily now, nestled back against Sebastian's shoulder. I gently brushed the hair back from his eyes.

Sebastian surprised me by starting to hum. I glanced up at him and he smiled down at me, dark hair falling across his eyes.

It wasn't a traditional carol or anything, but Sam had gone through a phase where he wanted to make “cultural” music for Pelican Town. That had mostly meant making up songs about the festivals we celebrated, and none of them had really taken off...except the one about the Winter Star.

(Then again I might be biased, as Sebastian had helped him with the lyrics for that one.)

May the light of the Winter Star guide you; May you heart never fail through the storm. With the hope of the Star there inside you; May its light keep you safe until dawn

Thomas's eyes slid closed with a contented sigh, and I shared a smile with my husband.

Storm without, family within, Winter Star above. Nothing to fear.

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Fun fact! I name my coop animals after Supernatural characters! Sam and Eileen are brown chickens, Jack and Kelly are white chickens, Dean and Cas are void chickens, Ellen and Jo are ducks, Charlie and Kara are rabbits, and Balthazar and Bobby are dinosaurs. What? I have hobbies!

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Next time: Belonging - "Hey, I like the gray! It's very...paternal."

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Day Ten - Master List - Day Twelve

[redemptionofthedead]

When Mary makes Arthur cry.