clockworkapothecary

[clockworkapothecary]

((Meanwhile, Alex’s present for Trinidad is before anything happened lol, because I seriously doubt he’d bother after all the sadness! :p I’m thinking they may have spent Christmas Eve together hehe!))

The boxes would sit on Trinidad’s pillow, though it wasn’t there when the woman got out of bed.

When she would return she couldn’t but spot them, the smaller box on top of the larger one, both wrapped in gold tinsel paper.

The small card would be found inside the smaller box.

“Merry Christmas, darling. I hope you like peppermint cookies.

PS: Don’t worry, I didn’t make them.

PS#2:Get into the living room, I’m making coffee.

Alex”

------------------------------------------

Trin smiled softly at the sight of the packages on the pillow. She read the note with a grin, picking up the necklace and trying it on in front of the bedroom mirror. Beautiful.

A moment later she padded barefoot into the living room, wrapped in a blanket and nibbling on a cookie. She came up behind Alex when she spotted him, putting her arms around his waist and snuggling in close to steal some of his warmth. A silent gesture of gratitude.

[clockworkapothecary]

Trinidad had only been home for a few hours. She tended to spend more and more time away from home these days - there were other things that had her attention, things she needed to keep an eye on. It would seem she had fallen asleep on the couch shortly after returning in the early hours of the morning, still dressed.

The knock at the door was what woke her up. She groaned, covering her face with her arm. Sunlight streamed through the many windows, too bright. Well, she thought, it wasn’t as if she was ever going to get a good night’s sleep anyways.

She had every intention of ignoring whoever was at the door. It did strike her as odd, though, that she would even have any visitors here. She didn’t exactly make a habit of giving out her address, and the house was certainly out of the way. Well outside city limits, down a long unpaved driveway. She liked the isolation of it, liked the certainty that she wouldn’t be bothered by salespeople or missionaries or whoever else might be going door to door. And, she thought bitterly, it wasn’t as if she had any friends.

She sat up, running a hand through her tangled hair, and glanced towards the door. She waited a long moment - no sound of retreating footsteps, no sign that whoever it was would just go away. She scowled as she got to her feet. Fine. She would see who it was, then tell them to leave her alone.

She opened the door and froze, a puzzled frown crossing her face. “...Oh.” Whoever she had expected to see, it certainly wasn’t the woman standing before her now. “...Hi.”

Well, this was awkward. She’d had every intention of calling Elliane - maybe to get coffee, maybe something more, depending on how things went. But that had been months ago. Before everything went wrong. Admittedly, she’d forgotten, and figured that Elliane would have as well.

It occurred to her that she must have looked like a mess - the dark shadows under her eyes seemed more or less permanent at this point, and she wasn’t sure when the last time she’d showered was. She’d been spending much of her time as a hawk lately - that made it easier to ignore human needs and human emotions. It made everything so much simpler.

“...I... don’t remember telling you where I lived.” It wasn’t an accusation, more a bewildered observation. Honestly, she was impressed with the other woman’s tenacity, finding her here.

Christmas Care-Elliane/Trinidad[closed rp]

She knew she probably shouldn’t be here, the doctor thought, checking the address on her phone for the multiple time. She had no business here and it wasn’t her job, either.

And yet, she was here regardless, called to this place, so to speak, by the very same sense that drew her to those mortally wounded, the injured and needing her help.

Well, she might as well check up on the woman she had come to check up on, since she was basically standing outside her building. The worst thing that could happen was that Trinidad would send her away; Elliane was sure her pride could take it, she scoffed to herself, partly amusedly. 

A few moments later, she was knocking on the other woman’s door. She was inside, she could sense that well enough. The question was, would she answer her?

[clockworkapothecary]

(( @timekeepertales ))

Ava was scowling as she shoved the crudely wrapped package at Thomas, as though that might take away any indication that the gift might be any gesture of kindness.

“This doesn’t mean I’m your friend or anything,” she warned. “Don’t get the wrong idea. Someone else gave it to me, and I hate fruitcake. I figured you’re about the scrawniest person I know, and it’s Christmas, so...” She shrugged. “...it was either give it to someone desperate enough to eat it or chuck it in the trash. So take it, before i change my mind.”

[clockworkapothecary]

(( @timekeepertales ))

For Evelyn, there’s a large box full of cookies and sweets, as well as a smaller one containing a simple copper pendant on a chain. The attached note reads -

To my favorite flower seller. Thank you for so many sweet memories and good conversations this year. Hope this Christmas is bright and full of joy.

-Melissa

[clockworkapothecary]

(( @timekeepertales ))

For Roscuro, Melissa had wrapped a hand-knit sweater in cheerful red paper. Beside the package was a plate of Christmas cookies and a note -

Roscuro,

A little something to keep you warm this winter. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy new year. Know that there will always be a place for you here, no matter what.

Merry Christmas,

-Melissa

[clockworkapothecary]

What Does Your Muse Do on Christmas Day?

Send “🎄+ A muse” and I will write a drabble about what they do on Christmas Day

Or send “🌲+ A muse” to find out what they do on Christmas Eve

[clockworkapothecary]

(( @ask-the-hidden-thief liked for a holiday starter))

“I brought cookies!” Melissa had turned up at Alex’s door with a bright smile on her face and snowflakes caught in her hair. She carried a plate wrapped in foil, the smell of gingerbread lingering in the air. It was a cold day, but Melissa was warm and cheerful as ever, bundled up in a coat and scarf over a thick sweater patterned with poinsettias.

“They should still be warm - I baked them this morning. Merry Christmas.”

[clockworkapothecary]

Ava spun around the moment the snowball hit the wall behind her, ready to retaliate in case of another attack. That had been a close one - the snowball had just barely grazed her cheek. Her gaze was set in a steely glare when she turned to face her attacker, though there was just a hint of surprise there when she recognized him. She’d seen this kid around a few times before, and honestly hadn’t thought he’d have the nerve or the stupidity to try throwing anything at her.

“I didn’t see any rat,” she said flatly.

Of course, she understood what it was like out here in the winter. She’d been in the same position many times, and was immeasurably grateful that this year she had a warm house to go back to at the end of the day. She wouldn’t want to be stuck out in weather like this ever again. And it wasn’t as if she hadn’t partaken in a little mischief herself, back in the day, to make things a little more bearable. She knew the look on the kid’s face - he was cold and scared and trying not to show it, trying to act tough.

That didn’t mean she was going to go easy on him, though.

She gave him a calculating look. His jacket was much thinner and more ragged than hers, and she at least had gloves (even if they were threadbare and had holes at the fingertips). Really, a direct hit from a snowball would leave him a lot worse off than it would for her. But that, she decided, was his problem. He’d started this, after all.

Suddenly she ducked down and scooped a handful of snow from the ground, packing and throwing it with what she felt was expert aim and speed. She’d had a lot of practice over the years.

“Oops,” she said mockingly. “Thought I saw a rat. But I guess it was just your ugly face. Easy mistake to make. No hard feelings?”

@clockworkapothecary liked for a winter-themed starter from Thomas…

The snowball missed the person by inches and splattered against the alley wall in a burst of white. “Whoops. Close one. Tryin’ to hit a rat.” It was a blatant lie. His flat tone lacked any semblance of a genuine apology. He shivered and pulled his jacket tighter around himself, breathing into his cupped hands to warm his fingers. Granted, they wouldn’t be as frozen if he hadn’t made the snowball in the first place, but it was worth it. He kept his distance from the person, though, watching them warily, prepared to run if they decided to retaliate.

He disliked winter, to say the least. Sure, the icy cobblestones offered possibilities for dares in the alleyways, but it was freezing. In general, it darkened his mood and made him more than a little restless. Mischief like this served as a distraction, a way to release his fear and frustration. It was playful and harmless most of the time, but could be reckless and cruel as well, especially on colder days. This year, the days were freezing and the nights were even colder. Frightening and dangerous for anyone surviving on the streets. His threadbare clothing provided little warmth against the numbing wind.

This particular snowball had been more ice than powder — it would’ve stung if it had hit someone. He hadn’t intended to miss. Not at first. Perhaps a hint of guilt had shifted his aim at the last moment, but no sign of regret showed in his smirk. “No hard feelings, yeah?”

[clockworkapothecary]

(( @dragons-ofdragcave liked for a holiday starter))

The night was frigid and clear, an endless sea of stars visible above the snow-frosted forest. The boughs of the evergreen trees sagged under the weight of the ice. Nothing stirred - the world seemed frozen over, slumbering. All was still and silent, save for the sound of soft footsteps through the snow.

A young boy walked slowly down the forest path, stepping through snow that nearly reached his knees. His breath hung in a white cloud in the air in front of him. His silvery eyes were turned skywards, marveling at the stars above and the way the snow made the whole forest seem to be aglow. It was very late and very cold, but the boy didn’t seem to mind much. He often wandered alone at night, and didn’t see any danger in it. Out here, he could find the sense of peace that was so rare when other people were around.

Something shifted ahead of him and he paused, listening. Perhaps he wasn’t as alone as he had thought. He stood in silence, perfectly still. Waiting patiently for the creature among the trees to decide whether or not it wanted to show itself.

[clockworkapothecary]

Like this post for my muse to send yours a Christmas present!

[clockworkapothecary]

I’m running a little late on holiday stuff this year, but… like this post for a holiday/Christmas/winter themed starter!

[clockworkapothecary]

𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 ♡

For the fluff and soft hearted, here is another lists of sentence starters that has the highest potentiality to turn into a soft scenarios. Feel free to change any pronouns / sentence structure according to your muse’s preference!     TRIGGER WARNING:   N/A.

“I never noticed your eyes were this [colour].”

“Your heartbeat’s really loud.”

“You asleep?”

“I like this, being so close to you.”

“Your hair keeps falling into your eyes, do you know that? Here, lemme just—”

“You’re so, so, so pretty.”

“I just — I’m breathless, okay? Whenever I’m with you, it happens.”

“You make my heart beat so quick.”

“You always know how to make me smile.”

“You’ll always be safe with me.”

[Kisses the other on the cheek]

“Always.”

“I can’t imagine being anywhere but here with you.”

“All my choices lead me to you.”

“I’ll never give you up.”

“I sleep better if you’re around.”

“You snore in your sleep. But… it’s adorable, okay?”

“I like this. A quiet breakfast with you.”

“There’re billions of people on this planet, and I love you. How incredible is that?”

“I trust you.”

[Holds the other’s hand when they think the other won’t notice]

“You keep staring at me instead of watching the film. What’s up?”

“Let’s push all of these stuff away. I wanna dance here right now with you.”

“Are we really doing this? Are we really slow-dancing?”

“When you laugh like that, it just — you’re so beautiful, you know that?”

“No, sorry, you laughed. I … I never saw it before. It’s — pretty.”

“You haven’t laughed in a long time, and I guess I was staring ‘cause I forgot how that looked like.”

[Puts head on the other’s shoulder]

“I will never let you go.”

“You’re the best thing to have ever happened to me.”

“You wrote me a song?”

“You’ve got a fever. Of course I’m not going anywhere.”

[Suddenly feels around the bed to search for the other’s hand / body when they’re sleeping]

[Extends a hand when they see the other was searching for it while they’re sleeping]

“I just feel calmer. When I’m with you.”

“You’re not in bed. I came looking for you.”

“What are you doing up? Come to bed.”

“It’s weird. I never thought I could feel like this, but you showed up. Now, it’s like I don’t wanna go on knowing I might lose the feeling.”

“I don’t mind sharing the blankets with you.”

“You’re cold. Come here.”

“You always do that. You always warm me up.”

“Stay.”

“It’s getting crowded. Here, hold my hand.”

[Hugs for a very long time]

[Puts feet on the other’s lap]

“I’m so proud of you, you know that?”

“I love you.”

[clockworkapothecary]

(( @ask-the-hidden-thief here have some awful feels for the first Christmas after that one thread. You know the one. The terrible one. ))

There was a knock at Alex’s door. Whoever had been there was long gone by the time he opened it, but in front of the doorway was a large cardboard box tied with a red ribbon. Several small holes were cut in the lid, and inside something was moving.

The tiny grey kitten stared up at the man with wide, curious eyes once the box was opened, mewing softly. Tucked under one corner of the cozy blanket lining the box was a note -

Thought you could use someone to keep you company this year, and this little guy needs a friend too. Merry Christmas.

There was no signature, no indication of who the gift was from. The kitten, meanwhile, seemed quite intent on getting Alex’s attention, scrambling over the edge of the box to rub up against his ankles and purring loudly.

----

A few blocks down the street, well out of sight from Alex’s apartment, a hawk settled on a rooftop in a flurry of snow. This had become a favored perch for her over the past few months -- close enough to see his building, far enough that it was very unlikely any human would spot her.

There had been so much more that Trinidad had wanted to put in that note, so much more she needed to say. But she knew he didn’t want to hear it, and knew he would never trust her enough again to accept the gift if he knew who it was from. She couldn’t blame him for that. At least this way, she thought, he might not have to be alone.

The hawk ruffled her feathers against the icy wind, settling in for another cold night. For now, all she could do was watch and wait. And hope that someday he might be able to forgive her.

[clockworkapothecary]

I’m running a little late on holiday stuff this year, but… like this post for a holiday/Christmas/winter themed starter!

[clockworkapothecary]

Like this post for my muse to send yours a Christmas present!

[clockworkapothecary]

Like this post for my muse to send yours a Christmas present!

[clockworkapothecary]

I'm running a little late on holiday stuff this year, but... like this post for a holiday/Christmas/winter themed starter!