winter picnics are the best picnics {tyler}

[ADDISON ROWE]

TAG: ty/mugs NOTES: let me know if I should change anything! WORDS: 587 OUTFIT: here

Perhaps one of Addison’s favorite things about Tyler Carter was that he was from Minnesota. Having been born and raised in one busy city then to move to another busy city left much imagination to what it was like living somewhere quaint and open. She hoped someday that they could travel together – seeing the world would certainly help with her writing and who better to go with than Tyler who wanted to expand his horizons? Precisely. Besides, he was such a sweetheart and she enjoyed his company. (He liked her stories too and that obviously pleased her).

She was grateful quite often that she’d met him. It was simple, really. Addison hated starting classes without knowing anybody so she was always sure to sit next to somebody new. Tyler had been that somebody new in History. He’d been shy at first but by the end of class, she was easily able to call him a friend. And it was always Tyler. Never Ty. Because Addison wasn’t too fond of nicknames; she found them lazy. That didn’t stop her from others calling her Addie but if she liked one’s name, she wasn’t going to shorten it.

They spent time together often enough but it was usually at or after school. Today was a beautiful day. … Well, as beautiful as cold and biting could be. Addison was just grateful it hadn’t snowed yet. You couldn’t have a picnic if the ground was covered in snow. Maybe you could. It would just be icy and uncomfortable and she didn’t care to test it out. She had grabbed the picnic basket the last time she’d visited home, having it in her head then that she’d go on a picnic soon.

Addison made a few sandwiches in case they were still hungry after the first ones (various different kinds, too, because there was no such thing as too many types of sandwiches). A couple bottles of soda and water along with a container of cookies. It was going to be the best picnic no matter the weather. She’d suffered through cold winters before. No problem. (She was going to complain at least once. It was inevitable). She was to meet Tyler just outside the school so they could take a cab to Central Park.

It had taken longer than usual. People seemed to prefer cars and taxis as opposed to walking when it was this chilly out. If Central Park had been closer to Baum, she would’ve been fine with walking. Still, conversation with Tyler had always come easily even if she was just rambling on and on about schoolwork. Addison had linked arms with him during their walk to the area of the park dominated by fields and playgrounds. It was the best place to have a picnic because it meant people watching and it wasn’t crowded with people.

“I’m so glad we decided to do this!” Addison said excitedly, never mind the cold or her soon-to-be chattering teeth. “It’s been much too long since we’ve actually gone out and done something.

[/color]” Hanging about the school was only fun for so long. If they wanted to travel the world someday, they might as well start by learning the ins and outs of New York. One state at a time. (Addison really really wanted to visit Texas). “Here, how does this spot look?[/color]” It had a perfect view of the distant woods and it was close enough to a playground and the pathway that she could people watch if she wanted.
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LYRICS: Never Grow Up, Taylor Swift
CREDIT: Erika, yo. Don’t steal or I’ll sick demonic panda bears after you. :3

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[TYLER CARTER]

The air outside chilled, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable cold, at least to Tyler. He had always spent the winters up north in Dent, Minnesota, at his grandfather’s hunting lodge. They experienced many winters, breaking paths through the snow to get to the tiny outhouse, when the plumbing in the lodge froze. A couple times, he and his family had gotten snowed in, much to the excitement of Tyler and his two cousins, Seth and Brady. Being from Minnesota, Tyler knew how to dress for the weather. It all depended on layers. So, after he got all suited up, he went off to school to meet Addison.

Of all the friends he had ever had, Addison Rowe was definitely the greatest. Ever the shy one, Tyler had sat at that table all alone until Addison came by with her books and sat beside him, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Taking notes became his first priority, even though he knew all about the Colombian Exchange already. When he did get the courage to actually look at his classmate, she smiled at him. Somehow, his shyness melted away like the snow in spring (or perhaps, in Minnesota’s case, the snow in summer). He quickly discovered that Addison was entirely intelligent, funny and creative. She kept him engaged in conversation, as if she could tell that he was in need of a friend, with all this new scenery. And a friend was just what he got. Addison was easily his very best friend, and Tyler was much more attached to her than he let on.

Yes, Tyler was fast to have a schoolboy crush on Addison, despite her being a year his junior. And having never had any kind of relationship, it was easy to become devoted, without being wary of any sort of heartbreak. So he let her link her elbow with his, and tried hard not to think of her eyes like freshly melted chocolate, and how pretty her honey brown curls were, against her porcelain skin. He tried, of course, to very little avail.

Anyhow, Tyler was pleased to be going on this picnic. They would be outside, on the grass, no matter how crisp and crunchy it was from weeks of cold. God; how he missed the outdoors. He couldn’t be free here, the way he could at home. At home he could have run out his front door and kept running for days until he finally came across another town, let alone another person.

Addison stopped and he looked around, a small smile on his shy face. His dusky grey eyes were lost in the trees for a moment, but it wasn’t hard to bring them back to look into Addison’s warm ones.

“Perfect.”

Tyler helped her set things out a bit, and sat down, breathing out a dancing mist of steam. True, he could still taste the smog of the city, but it was diluted enough that he could imagine. He glanced at Addison, his forehead creased lightly with concern.

“Aren’t you cold? Here, take my jacket..”

He pulled it off and wrapped it around her shoulders without waiting for an answer, leaving his own arms bare. His skin broke out in gooseflesh before smoothing out again, adapting to the temperature.

[ADDISON ROWE]

TAG: ty/mugs NOTES: WORDS: 477 OUTFIT: here

Addison liked the word ‘perfect.’ It made everything better. It made an already good decision a better decision. It made her smile wide at him, happy that he approved. Was it so wrong that she really liked approval? She had always sort of craved it when telling her stories. Then again, she also found people who disliked her stories to be crazy. Or something like that. There must’ve been something wrong with them if they didn’t like her stories. “Perfect!

[/color]” She repeated happily, bouncing on her feet.

It didn’t take long to set up. It wasn’t terribly windy which was reassuring. It was already cold and a breeze would just make it worse. Once the food was mostly set out, Addison shifted on the blanket until she was cozy. It was a very thick blanket, a rather new quilt. Most people probably wouldn’t want to use a new blanket but she didn’t want to use an older one. It would be just her luck to use one with sentimental value only to have something happen to it. “Wish I’d thought to bring hot cocoa…[/color]” She said suddenly, thinking it would’ve been nice to have a thermos of the drink.

Winter just wasn’t something she handled well. Despite her long shirt and jacket, she was still cold. Earmuffs probably would’ve helped. Did she even own earmuffs? Probably. Somewhere. She’d have to look. It would only get colder throughout the month. So, when Tyler offered his coat, she was grateful. And a tad bit guilty. He was wearing short sleeves and surely he’d be freezing, right? Addison nibbled on her lip, trying to decide whether or not she wanted to give it back. On one hand, it was warm from his body heat and it was already helping. On the other hand, she really didn’t want him catching a cold from the chill.

However, he had already offered. She smiled and scooted closer to him. “Thank you, Tyler.[/color]” How great a friend was he? The absolute best. Thank goodness it was him she decided to sit next to during the first day of History. Once she was comfortable again (it required a bit more shifting because even with the quilt, sitting on the ground could hurt), Addison picked out her food. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches had always been her favorite (strawberry jelly!) so she’d been sure to pack a couple of those. (Of course she included Tyler’s favorite as well).

“I hope this is all alright.[/color]” She said, gesturing to the food that was set out before taking a bite of her sandwich. Mmmmm. For some reason, picnic food tasted better than food eaten anywhere else. Maybe it was being out and about, surrounded by nature. Or maybe she just wasn’t making any sense. “Anything big happen lately?[/color]” Addison asked, looking at him with a curious head tilt.
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LYRICS: Never Grow Up, Taylor Swift
CREDIT: Erika, yo. Don’t steal or I’ll sick demonic panda bears after you. :3

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[TYLER CARTER]

How pleased she was! Tyler loved her wide beam, coupled with the excited bounce on the balls of her feet. Addison was beautiful, from her caramel ringlets to her dainty, booted feet. She made him feel like he could do anything. She made him feel like he was someone, and wasn’t just another face in the crowd.
He shook his head very slightly, attempting to clear it. Gaping at her, though he certainly could do it the whole time, was simply not acceptable. Smiling, he nodded at her.

“My mom makes the best hot chocolate. The dentists in the area love her for it. It could send any kid into a sugar-induced coma. Chocolate, milk, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. And the candy cane, as a stir-stick. It’s awesome.”

Tyler wasn’t much for bragging, mostly owing to the fact that he was the meeker species of male to come out of Minnesota. Many of the guys at his old school held much stock in football and hockey. Tyler, being almost clumsy beyond belief at times, could not skate worth a damn. Hockey was quickly ruled out, much to his uncle’s disappointment. Football turned out to be fun, but much too complex for Tyler’s taste, and he soon turned to baseball and basketball. Oh, how he loved basketball..

Addison looked a tad guilty as he slipped his coat onto her. He smiled and shrugged when she thanked him.

“No problem. Back home, the winters are pretty brutal. This is mild, really. More like late March than winter.. Anyway, I’m used to the cold. You can steal my jacket any time you like.”

He tossed a grin her way that was unlike any seen at school. Tyler wasn’t a particularly social young man, and so he seemed stiff and uptight. But when you put him with the right friend, something magical happened, and Tyler’s wary guard slipped off and he was just himself.

She scooted closer to him and his breath caught very suddenly and very quietly. Scolding his mind for overreacting, Tyler busied himself with getting a sandwich, to avoid thinking too hard about how absolutely adorable Addison looked in the oversized coat. He took a bite, smiling when he tasted the very light, almost fuzzy heat from the green peppers that she remembered he liked.

Tyler shrugged and glanced at her, pausing to swallow before he spoke.

“Nothing big, really. I worked on my paper for Marriage and Family Living.. And studied for my quizzes in History and Psychology. Then my parents called, and let Ellie tell me about her first game of the season.”

If Tyler was able to teach Ellie anything, it was how to play basketball, and he was damn proud of that fact. She hit her teen years earlier than expected, around the time she turned twelve. Since turning thirteen, and starting junior high school, little Ellie had grown into more of a recluse, and Tyler felt guilty that he had flown thousands of miles away, just to go to a new school, when his sister most needed him. Brynn, the lively little six year old, happily jumped onto the telephone and told him, in great detail, about her day, from the moment she woke, to the time she picked up the receiver. God, he missed them..

[ADDISON ROWE]

TAG: ty/mugs NOTES: surprise! WORDS: 407 OUTFIT: here

Holding onto her sandwich with one hand, Addison used her other hand to pull Tyler’s jacket on more tightly as it’d started to slip from her shoulders. Maybe she’d just put it on once she was finished eating. That didn’t sound like a terrible idea. If she was warm now, she’d be very warm if she were actually wearing the jacket. Addison laughed, setting her sandwich down on a napkin and covering her mouth with her hands. It was a surprisingly long laugh but it was an interesting sight. “I definitely want to try that someday.

[/color]” She didn’t think hot chocolate could sound so sweet until now.

Addison smiled, relieved, her guilt no longer an issue. She should’ve been pleased, really, that she’d never been through a Minnesota winter. This may have been late March to Tyler but it was definitely the middle of winter to her. “Well, I will take you up on that offer.[/color]” Addison grinned mischievously and leaned over, bumping his shoulder with her own. “Don’t be surprised if I snatch your jackets away from you from now on,[/color]” she said teasingly (and she did intend to do so if she was cold enough since he did, after all, tell her she could).

Yes, she was quite good at making sandwiches. Tyler seemed to be enjoying his. Addison had never cared much for peppers or any spicy foods; she just couldn’t really handle them. However, she was always happy to make Tyler food and just because she didn’t like something didn’t mean she could work with it. (If that were the case, she’d have so much trouble during most group projects). She finished her own sandwich and then opened a bottle of water, slowly downing half of it while Tyler answered her question.

She really wished she’d taken the Marriage and Family Living class. It not only seemed interesting but also fun and it would’ve been another class with Tyler. There really weren’t any downsides to it. “I wouldn’t have minded taking that,[/color]” she said off-handedly, considering maybe she could sign up for it next year. Yet another thing Addison liked about Tyler was that he was one of her few friends that actually studied and worried about their schoolwork. For some reason, she seemed to be lacking in friends like that. “Oh, how is Ellie?[/color]” Addison asked. She loved all of Tyler’s stories about his sisters as they seemed completely precious. “And Brynn?[/color]”

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LYRICS: Never Grow Up, Taylor Swift
CREDIT: Erika, yo. Don’t steal or I’ll sick demonic panda bears after you. :3

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[TYLER CARTER]

Tyler smiled at her as her eyes brightened at the idea of hot chocolate.

"I'll make it for you sometime. I can't make it as good as Mom, but I can do my best."

Addison nudged him gently, her dark eyes teasing. He couldn't help but smile and think of how if she ever tried to manipulate him, he'd be a goner. There was no way he could ever say no to anything she asked of him. His jacket was now her possession, as was anything of his that she wanted.

She sounded a bit disappointed that she hadn't taken the class and Tyler smiled at her, a little hopeful.

"You could always request to transfer in. I'm sure you could keep up, and I can get you up to date on everything you missed."

Anything that made her happy. All of it. Addison loved to learn and he was a decent study partner. She would have no problem catching up.

Tyler grinned at Addison's interest in his sisters. He was sure both of them would adore her.

"Ellie's doing well, I guess.. She still sort of resents me for moving away.. But Mom said she's made some friends at school. Brynn is crazy as ever," he laughed a little, remembering his sister's excitement at hearing him on the phone.

"She told me every single detail of everything she did. Right down to the colors of her shoelaces. Apparently, my parents are having a hard time finding a good babysitter for her, since she's such an active kid. She can be a little terror, when she isn't given the right outlet for her imagination."

[ADDISON ROWE]

TAG: ty/mugs NOTES: WORDS: 355 OUTFIT: here

Addison grinned. “I’m sure you can. Besides, how would I know the difference?

[/color]” Even if she did know the difference, hot cocoa was hot cocoa. It would always be sweet chocolate-y goodness. “How about after the picnic?[/color]” She suggested, “we could go back to your dorm.[/color]” Normally very patient, Addison seemed quite eager to try Tyler’s mother’s hot chocolate made by him.

Now that her hands were free, Addison took the time to properly put on Tyler’s jacket. Warm, warm, warm. Lovely. She pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. Resting her cheek atop her legs, Addison looked up at Tyler from there. How lucky was she to have him as a friend? “Could I?” She asked. Was that allowed? She’d never done that and had never heard of anybody doing it. Sure, it was understandable at the beginning of the school year. The first semester was nearly over, though. Well, she’d definitely have to put some thought into it. Because Tyler was right; of course she could keep up. Plus, with him there to help her? No problem. “I’ll look into it.[/color]”

Addison frowned just a bit. She couldn’t even imagine if she’d had to move away on her own. There was no way she could handle being without her family. “Any chance they could come visit you? I’d love to meet them.[/color]” Perhaps she’d get a feel for having little sisters (not that she’d prefer a little sister over her brother. She was perfectly happy to have him). “Brynn. I do love that name.[/color]” She probably had said so before but Addison was absolutely determined to name a character Brynn someday. It was positively gorgeous.

Addison laughed, “oh, that’s precious.[/color]” She’d been like that. Energetic, all over the place. “I bet I could handle her.[/color]” She did have such wonderful stories to tell and games to play, after all. Addison returned to a more normal sitting position, stretching one leg out and keeping the other close. She finished her water and considered grabbing the Tupperware container of cookies. No, it could wait. “Promise me I’ll meet your sisters someday?[/color]”
[/size][/blockquote]

LYRICS: Never Grow Up, Taylor Swift
CREDIT: Erika, yo. Don’t steal or I’ll sick demonic panda bears after you. :3

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[TYLER CARTER]

Addison suggested going back to his dorm room, to make hot chocolate and he smiled, nodding, hoping that she couldn't see the very light blush sweep across his face.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll fill you up with so much chocolate, it'll be coming out of your ears."

She slipped her arms into his jacket and seemed to snuggle into the warmth for a moment, before glancing over at him, curled in on herself. Tyler wanted to hold and hug her, she looked so adorable in the over-sized fabric.

Addison gave a small concerned frown when he talked about Ellie. He shrugged, having accepted that Ellie would be mad for as long as she needed to be, then she would talk to him again. Tyler grinned at the idea of his family coming to visit. He would love for them to meet Addison. They would absolutely adore her.

He laughed a little, "You've said so." She could say it as much as she liked. He'd listen to her talk all day.

Tyler nodded. Addison was very good with kids. She was very creative and spontaneous. And if something didn't go right, she was quick to improvise.

"I promise."

[ADDISON ROWE]

TAG: ty/mugs NOTES: WORDS: 341 OUTFIT: here

He was either blushing or cold. Addison could find no reason as to why he was blushing so the cold must have been getting to him. Should she give his jacket back? She was probably warm enough by now to fight off the chilly weather. And he was much too much of a gentleman to say anything. Oh, but she was so toasty. Maybe just a few more minutes… Addison laughed. “Sounds like a plan,

[/color]” she repeated. There was no such thing as too much hot chocolate. Would it be over the top to ask for a thermos to take back to her dorm with her? Probably. Just best to forget that idea.

Addison leaned closer to Tyler, resting her head on his arm as she could just barely reach his shoulder. “I think my brother would like you.[/color]” Addison smiled and shrugged with one shoulder. “Then again, what’s not to like?[/color]” Addison found absolutely nothing wrong with Tyler. He was absolutely wonderful and she couldn’t have asked for a better friend. In fact, she bet he and Pickle would get along splendidly. The very idea of introducing two of her friends to each other sounded marvelous. Unless they already knew each other? Well, she’d have to bring that up one day. Though how she’d miss something like that was beyond her.

Addison nodded, knowing she’d said so before. She’d probably say it again whenever he brought up his sisters. It was just one of those things that constantly needed to be said again and again. Addison sat up and reached into the picnic basket before pulling out the container of cookies. She pulled the lid off and took a deep breath. She’d made them fresh and had put them in the Tupperware as soon as she could just to make sure they were still warm. “Here,[/color]” Addison said, handing one to Tyler. She took one for herself before closing it tight again. “I made them myself![/color]” She actually sounded quite proud over making something as simple as chocolate chip cookies.


[/size][/blockquote]

LYRICS: Never Grow Up, Taylor Swift
CREDIT: Erika, yo. Don’t steal or I’ll sick demonic panda bears after you. :3

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[TYLER CARTER]

Tyler beamed at her laugh. She really ought to laugh more often. It sounded beautiful to Tyler's ears.

She laid her head against his arm and he took a breath in, eyes closing in contentment. If she could stay right there, forever, that would be fine by him. Who cared if his arm eventually wasted away from the strain or loss of blood flow? Who needs arms, right? Inhaling lightly, he smiled. Addison smelled like the very freshest honeysuckle and clover. It reminded him of spring, and Lord knows there's nothing Minnesotans look forward to more than springtime.

His cheeks flushed again at her praise and his eyes fell modestly. She thought so well of him.

"Would he?" He glanced at her, a somewhat shy smile on his lips, "What's your brother like?"

Addison leaned forward and took a little container out. She handed him a cookie and smiled brightly, eyes alight with pride. He chuckled at her obvious excitement at having made the cookies by herself and he took a bite. His voice teased gently, eyes lit up as he waved the rest of the cookie at her.

"This may very well be the best cookie on earth. You've done a marvelous job. Whatever will you come up with next?"

[ADDISON ROWE]

TAG: ty/mugs NOTES: WORDS: 337 OUTFIT: here

Addison stretched her legs out, careful not to hit the basket, and sighed. That was perhaps the only downside to picnics: sitting for too long. Perhaps they could walk around after this. It was too nice of a day to go back inside immediately (too nice of a day for winter that was). What was her brother like? “Wonderful,

[/color]” Addison answered right away, grinning. “He’s just marvelous. Adventurous. He loves my stories. We used to act them out all the time.[/color]” Addison didn’t like how she’d said ‘used to.’ They still did. Just… not as often.

“He climbs trees all the time. I swear, I think he’s half-monkey sometimes.[/color]” Addison laughed, remembering how worried their mother got over it. “He’s smart, too, though. He’s in sixth grade right now and even when he does need help with homework, he usually figures it out before I even finish explaining.[/color]” Addison shrugged and took a bite of her cookie, wishing now that she took more time to spend time with her brother. Especially since her mother was pregnant now. What sort of sister was she going to be to this new baby if she couldn’t even see her brother now? She sighed and shook her head. Don’t worry about it now, Addie. You’re on a lovely picnic. Focus on that.

It was easy enough. Addison looked at Tyler with what first seemed like a surprised stare, as if she couldn’t believe somebody else enjoyed her baking. Then she smiled, almost ear to ear. “Thank you!![/color]” She exclaimed, leaning into him again as if this could make up for the hug she wanted to give him. Her hands were sort of full, though, and hugs were never easy while sitting down. She’d surprise him once they were up and moving. Surprise hugs were some of the best hugs, after all. “I’ve got my friend Pickle to thank. She’s the best baker I’ve ever met.[/color]” It was thanks to Pickle that Addison knew what she did about baking now.

[/size][/blockquote]

LYRICS: Never Grow Up, Taylor Swift
CREDIT: Erika, yo. Don’t steal or I’ll sick demonic panda bears after you. :3

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