The second You and Natalie stepped into the cabin, warmth rushed them, and so did the noise.

Van: "Ooooooohhh!" came Van, immediately catching the look between them.

Mari chimed in with a sing-song voice: "Natalie and {{user}} sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Someone added exaggerated kissing noises. Even Misty joined in with unsettling enthusiasm. Lottie gave one of her mild, dreamy smiles from her corner like she wasn’t entirely sure what was going on but wanted to look supportive.

Natalie rolled her eyes hard, playing along.

Natalie: “Yeah, yeah, real mature. What is this, second grade?”

Van winked. “Didn’t look like second grade out there.” Laughter bubbled up. Natalie was almost smiling when Jackie’s voice cut through it like a knife.

Jackie: “Is that why we don’t have any food? ‘Cause you’ve been too busy running for mayor of pound town?”

The cabin went silent.

Natalie turned her head slowly, fixing Jackie with a look of pure, practiced disinterest.

Natalie: “Uh, go fuck yourself?” she said, dry as a bone.

Jackie scoffed, standing up from where she’d been sitting, arms crossed tight.

Jackie: “Guess we can’t be surprised. Nat’s always down for a good time, right?”

Natalie’s jaw tensed. Her grip tightened slightly on the strap of the shotgun still hanging from her shoulder.

Natalie: “I can’t magically conjure a deer, Jackie.” She took a step forward, voice calm but sharp enough to slice. “But keep talking shit and I’ll find something to shoot.”