#31 Days of Ficmas 2020

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

31 Days of Ficmas 2021 Masterlist

2017 |  2018  |  2019 | 2020

Holiday Music - 12xRose. If music be the food of love, play on. All Ian wanted was a quiet cafe where he could practice Christmas tunes for a holiday party gig - what he got was so much more. AO3

Workshop

Holiday Market

Stockings

Wrapping paper

Tree

Family

Joy

Cookies/biscuits

Wish

Bells

Candy Cane

Gift

Cheer

Holly

Jingle

Reindeer

Toys

Yule

Garland

Peace

Bows

Tinsel

Miracle

Santa and/or Elves

Fireplace

Eggnog

Love

Mistletoe

Fireworks

Midnight

[deviantofthemind]

Sanders Sides Ficmas 2020

↪ 𝔉𝔦𝔠𝔪𝔞𝔰 𝔐𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔭𝔬𝔰𝔱 🎁 Dec 7: Cold - Roceit Rating: E

This bit is heavily inspired by angelsdemonsducks wonderful fic  this cup of yours tastes holy (this lie is dead). Seriously, it’s so lovely. It’s Loceit and I absolutely fell in love with that cool af court scene they wrote and I had do try do my own.

Roman is waiting impatiently for the return of his most trusted advisor and diplomat to return for the Christmas festivities at Sanders Castle.

“Are his chambers prepared?” Roman asked while he was signing the last documents on his desk. 

“Yes, Your Majesty, everything is arranged for My Lord to return tonight.”

Roman dismissed his butler with an appreciative nod. Once alone he rolled his shoulders trying to get out some tension. It had been trying weeks leading up to this day. A war avoided by hair's  breadth. A marriage evaded once again. A new ally secured somehow in all of this chaos.

And all thanks to the one man he finally, finally would be seeing again tonight.

Only weeks ago he had thought he would be on a battlefield by tonight and then everything had turned around. In their euphoria the whole palace had managed to organize for the traditional Christmas festivities to be even grander than the years prior in such a short time span.

Roman still felt equal parts elated and exhausted. And he was very glad that the year was over. Not just for the sake of it being spiked with political conflict left and right that had now quieted down. But also because a whole year was a torture device like he hadn’t thought possible.

Hours later, the sun long down had the great hall bustling with noise, chatter and clatter. Guests and inhabitants of the castle filled the hall, eating and generally utterly relieved and relaxed.

Roman almost missed when the door of the side entrance to the hall opened for just a second and a tall figure walked in silently, cloak all glittery white and heavy with snow. He was actually holding his breath when the other took off his hood. He looked just as delectable as Roman remembered him. He couldn’t believe it had been a year of only letters. No one besides him seemed to be aware of his most appreciated confidant.

He smiled that vague little smile Roman loved so much, then respectfully implied a bow, and Roman loved that he couldn’t tell if the gesture was genuine or mocking. Then he turned and searched for a place on one of the banquet tables. His own attention was demanded once again by the nobles sharing his table and he lost sight of his evasive diplomat.

Once the feast was over and everyone was going about their business, searching out acquaintances to exchange well-wishes and bask together in the moment that well and truly meant that a war had been evaded, that had looked inevitable up until the last second.

Janus finally approached him, the same tiny smirk on his lips. He himself had retreated to the fireplace at the far end of the hall, as far away from the music and the mingling as possible, desperately hoping he would at least get to talk to Jan with a modicum of privacy. His heart was racing with the anticipation to have him back, to have him close again.

“Good evening, Your Grace.” Janus greeted pleasantly, his voice a lovely, low hum. And his  pretty, dark eyes burning into his when he knelt to kiss his liege’s ring.

Of course this was the exact expected behaviour to display at court when one was confronted with one's king.

Of course Janus let his lips drag over his fingers. Roman wanted to rail him. His fingers twitched imperceptible as Janus stood, graceful and looking as unaffected as one would expect. Roman knew him better.

“Excuse me, Your Grace, I don’t want to hold you up. I’m sure there are a lot of people that want to talk to you tonight.” And he vanishes. Leaving Roman a little shell-shocked, and aroused to make pleasant conversation with anyone but him for the rest of the evening.

He bristles, a little. But he also knows he’ll find a bath warm lover in his bed later. And he had seen the exhaustion in Jans eyes close up.

He wandered the hall dutiful, talking, making connections, letting folks see him while his mind stayed glued steadfastly to whatever he imagined Janus might do in this second. Getting rid of his cloak and armour? Unpacking? Delivering all important writs he brought to Romans study? Undressing? Slipping into the bathtub? Unwinding? Warmed up again after months cooling down?

Romans neck felt hot when he finally, finally excused himself from the festivities. He tried hard not to hurry, keeping his steps measured and even. Taking the time to send away the guards in front of his quarters before slipping in almost as silent as Janus probably had.

And there he was, half leaning over Romans massive desk to read a paper, clad only in one of Romans shirts, hair still damp and turning to him.

“Roman.”

He was with him in four large strides, cradling that sharp jaw to press a nearly desperate kiss to palish lips. It did not feel different at all, same fire answering, pressing back after just a second of hesitation, unsure if they were still the same. The were. They had to be or Roman was going to lose his mind.

"You've been away so long!" - "I apologize, Your Grace, I was trying to save your kingdom." Clearly mocking, this time. Mischievous eyes and upturned brow and perfect.

"You are not allowed to ever leave again!"

"As you wish, my king."

They both know it’s futile vow. Empty, in the grand picture of things of securing a reign and keeping peace. But it doesn’t matter right now. Not when they simultaneously open their lips for one another, tongues stroking softer than what their bodies suggest.

Roman crowds Janus slender, body against the desk. The fission thought of too slim, starved from months of malnourishment at a military camp, is gone with the first groan from that mouth and strong arms around his neck pulling him closer.

“Missed you…” Roman mumbled distractedly, but needing to say it nonetheless, “I can barely sleep without you by my side.”

It’s true. And not just in the romantic way of entwined, warm bodies but in the visceral protectiveness and loyalty that is his lover. Janus would die for him. Had killed for him. And felt no remorse.

The sound his confession gets out of Janus is an interesting mix of cooing and growling that makes his insides feel like molten lava. He’s so hard it hurts. Had been since that slick tongue had touched his fingers hours ago and he had half a mind of retaliation by shoving a few between increasingly pinker lips. Later.

“I need you..!” he gasps, kissed breathless.

“Yes, my king.” No jeer, no sarcasm, just the same need.

They stumble to the bed, unsteady but hastily, greedy for each other and shivering as they lose their clothes on the way over.

The tenderness that constricts Romans throat isn’t unexpected when Janus is under him, naked, and proves Romans earlier assessment right. There are also new scars, ones that he wants to ask about but not know about. Janus is shameless and he doesn’t care much for Romans sensibilities when it comes to himself and just reels him back in, kisses him breathless again. 

It’s messy and unrestrained. Everything they aren’t in the light of day, individually and together. It’s filthy and precious, slipping into that tight, oil-slick hole and, overcome by pleasure and relief Roman allows himself an “I love you…” 

Janus does not say it back. He never had and probably never would and Roman didn’t need him to. He reveled in the raw panting that was coming out of Jans mouth instead, eyes a little glassy, heady mix of pleasure and pain. It had been some time and Janus liked it that way. Liked to go about his tasks the next few days, still being able to feel Roman, even when they would be too busy to get into and under each other's skin again.

It took not more than these thoughts and the incredibly tight glide to push them both over the edge far sooner than either would have liked.

And in the aftermath it was all too easy to be lulled to sleep by the smell and breathing of Janus, bodies still tangled. They should talk. There was so much to talk about. But Roman had meant that he never was able to sleep as he would have liked to, as he could with Janus stretched out next to him.

[for-fucks-sake-h]

Ficmas 2020 Fic Recs

Hello babes! Here is a list of my favorite fics from this year for @stylishmuser​ 31 Days of Christmas! Hopefully it brings something new to you! I highly suggest checking out all of these authors masterlists as well... they’re incredible xx  

s e r i e s 

Collide by @oh-honey-styles -  Incredible, magical, kismet. Harry and Franki wormed their ways into my heart and I loved every single moment of their story. This is one of those stories that you know will just stay with you, randomly popping into your head long after its over.  

Trick of the Light by @andwhenshesays - Another to add to the list of stories that stay with you forever. I’ve never read anything like this... every single word pulls you in more until you’re completely lost in their universe.  The yearn, it’s unbelievable and overwhelmingly beautiful.  

Hold my Hand by @harrytheehottie - Godddd I love Sophia so much, maybe even more than Harry in this one. Their dynamic is so good, and you’re rooting for them so much just hoping they can get it together. We love the pain bitch! 

Rumor Has It by @stylishmuser - These two... these two.  Ishika and Harry are practically forced together but the relationship that forms... IM CRY.  It’s amazing. This is probably once of the softest versions of Harry that I’ve read and I adore it. Absolutely beautiful! 

Sail The Widest Stretch by @beautifulletdownfics - Oh my god. So good. The progression of Harry and Amelia’s relationship, the plot, the angst... CHEFS KISS. 

Cloudbusting by @starsstruck - A bitch loves a coffee shop au! They are so timid with each other and smitten, so good!    

Noir by @harrystylesgotmefuckedup - Duuuuude. This story is incredible, the writing is impeccable. It’s so real. I’m still obsessed with it and think of it often.  

Unplanned by @idkthisisjustforfanfic - The angstttt, I love and hate the pain.  Just rip my heart out already I don’t need it! I felt like I yearned with Harry throughout the story I wanted them to be together so badly lol. This is one of those stories where I’d discuss every chapter with my girls, like a little book club. Amazing!

o n e  s h o t s 

Stretch by @andwhenshesays - salkjdflfhadlskfsah DISGUSTING. So fucking good it’s DISGUSTING. So hot.  

Hazy by @oh-honey-styles - BUT DADDY I LOVE HIM. That shirt literally jumpstarted a three way love triangle between me, Anne and Kate lol. INSANE. SO GOOD. 

Open by @bfharry​​ - this conceptttttttt. and i loved how it turned so soft at the end! 

Blurred Lines: Met Gala Rewind by @permanentcross​ - literally everything in this universe is so good it makes me wanna fall off my roof. 

Stand and Deliver by @all-things-fic​ - this is SICK. It’s too good. So hot. 

Just Kidding... Unless? by @harrystylesgotmefuckedup​ - friends to lovers smutty goodness i’m in love. 

Blue Dream by @starsstruck​ - another friends to lovers... are we sensing a theme here lol.  getting high to lovers if you will??? are you kidding me? this is the first piece i read of charlotte’s and i’ve been hooked since! 

Stir Me Up by @luminescencefics​ - this literally punched me in the face. the buildup dude - so freaking good! 

Shut Up and Kiss Me by @real-work-of-art​ - first time writing smut WHERE? i loved it! 

All Roads Lead To Rome by @soysauceharry​ - um there are no words? italy harry running around in teeny tiny shorts coming back to your villa looking like that. amina’s writing is over the top incredible!  

happy reading!  

[stepping-into-the-light]

its re-read time

sometimes if i’m feeling down, i like to go back and re-read some of my favourite fics. and boy has that happened alot in 2020. so in honour of @stylishmuser‘s 31 days of ficmas , here is a list of fics that i have re-read (multiple times) over the years. 

in no particular order

timeless by @stylishmuser

great expectations by @stylishmuser

hate and other words by @booksncoffee

not a bad thing by @booksncoffee

under my skin by @booksncoffee

sugar on the asphalt by @justanchorandhope

forever hold your peace by @cheesewithchips

the faux affair by @looselucy

cheeseburger in paradise by @ktrsss1fics

all the things yet to come by @soysauceharry

oxford comma by @adoremp3

love me do by @rue-by-another-name

pretty baby by @rue-by-another-name

two years too late by @idkthisisjustforfanfic

salute by @bioluminescentwriting

evaporate by @standingfacingwest

the boy next door by @trulymadlysydney

met your match by @oh-honey-styles

she’s just not that into you by @aqua-harry

saint nicholas verse by @mixed-with-intellect

porcelain skin by @allthingsfic / @icanseeyourholo

bingsley and styles by @allthingsfic/ @icanseeyourholo

[doctorroseprompts]

It’s almost that time of year, friends! In fact, it’s so close that we want you to have time to start planning, if you are so inclined.

If you’re new this year, 31 Days of Ficmas is our December theme and list of prompts. It’s based on the fanfiction advent calendars that have been around for years. 

We’ve got a list of words, one for each day in December. You write fics for all of them, or as many of them as you like. You post them whenever you want--so if you end up using the words out of order, that’s not a problem. 

And then we all get to enjoy a month full of cuddling for warmth, I told my family I have a boyfriend and now they want to meet him, Christmas planet, festive, fun, fanfic.

31 Days of Ficmas, 2020 Edition

Dec 1: Snowed in Dec 2: Ginger/gingerbread Dec 3: Shopping Dec 4: Holiday movies Dec 5: Ornament Dec 6: Hope Dec 7: Cold Dec 8: Chestnuts Dec 9: Snowflake Dec 10: Candle Dec 11: Mistletoe Dec 12: Tree Dec 13: Peace Dec 14: Carolling Dec 15: Ring Dec 16: North Pole Dec 17: Mittens Dec 18: Presents Dec 19: Christmas jumpers Dec 20: Love Dec 21: Star Dec 22: Plum (or figgy) Pudding Dec 23: Traditions Dec 24: Midnight Dec 25: Crackers Dec 26: Box Dec 27: Joy Dec 28: Shiver Dec 29: Sleigh Dec 30: Countdown Dec 31: New Beginnings

Have fun, and Happy Ficmas!

[fangirlinsweden]

December 2020

Down below I will post all the amazing fanfiction I have read during December.

1 ~  An Accidental Confession by @marvelinsanity  ❤️ Steve Rogers x Reader, Marvel In which you decided to a record a message explaining your feelings for Steve in case you didn’t make it out of your mission alive. You don’t have any intention of it actually being heard by him, but you have no other choice to face your fear when it’s accidentally broadcasted across the entire compound.

1  ~  Tangled Love Part 12 by @itsanerdlife  ❤️ Peter Parker x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader, Marvel

2  ~ Masks and Mischief - Twitter Profiles by @buckysmischief  ❤️ Loki x OC Without the Avengers, or a proper police department, to keep crime at bay, Lilith and other citizens decide it’s up to them to watch over the streets of New York City. // After the deaths of Tony and Natasha, Peter and Yelena decided to both rebrand. The three eventually ran into each other and the chaos never stopped. OR - Lilith has a demon following her around and Loki is the only person who can help.

2  ~  Tangled Love Part 13 by @itsanerdlife  ❤️ Peter Parker x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader, Marvel

3 ~  Tangled Love Part 14 by @itsanerdlife  ❤️ Peter Parker x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader, Marvel

4 ~ Ficmas~ Day 1 by @ladyideal  ❤️ John Kennex x Gender Neutral!Reader

4 ~ Ficmas ~ Day 2  by @ladyideal ❤️ Leonard McCoy x Gender Neutral!Reader,  Star Trek AOS

4 ~ Ficmas ~ Day 3  by @ladyideal ❤️ Leonard McCoy x Gender Neutral!Reader,  Star Trek AOS

5 - 6 ~ Did not read any fanfiction these days

7 ~ 25 Days of Christmas: Day 4 by @stuckonjbbarnes  ❤️ Steve Rogers x Reader, Marvel

8  ~ Ficmas ~ Day 5 by @ladyideal ❤️ Jim Kirk  x Gender Neutral!Reader,  Star Trek AOS

8 ~ It’s Not Complicated by @bathed-in-lilac  ❤️ Neal Caffery x Reader, White Collar

9 ~ The Kids Will Be Alright Chapter 1 by @imaginationintowords  ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel Social Media AU Bucky and Y/n have been friends for over ten years, since high school. Nothing has ever happened between them until one lonely night a few years ago. That one night left them with a little surprise. They agreed to raise their child together as friends. As their child gets older, as they get older, they’re faced with new challenges as co-parents, and possibly secret feelings (according to their friends).

9 ~ Batman by @kaunis-sielu  ❤️ Avengers x Reader, Marvel

10 ~ Aaron Hotchner Imagine by @fangirlings-things   ❤️ Aaron Hotchner x Reader, Criminal Minds

11  ~  Tangled Love Part 15 by @itsanerdlife  ❤️ Peter Parker x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader, Marvel

11  ~ Ficmas ~ Day 10 by @ladyideal ❤️ Leonard McCoy x Gender Neutral!Reader,  Star Trek AOS

12 ~ How do you Solve a Problem like Bucky Barnes part 14 by @kaunis-sielu   ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel AU

13 ~ Come Home, Baby by @sweeterthanthis  ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel

13 ~ Masks and Mischief part 1 by @buckysmischief   ❤️ Loki x OC!(Lilith), Marvel Social Media AU

13 ~ The Kids Will Be Alright Chapter 2 by @imaginationintowords  ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel Social Media AU

14 ~ Mistake by @kaunis-sielu  ❤️ Mobster! Steve Rogers x Reader, Marvel AU

14  ~  Tangled Love Part 16 by @itsanerdlife  ❤️ Peter Parker x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader, Marvel

15 ~ The Bet part 1 by @jamielea81  ❤️ Chris Evans x Reader,  The Evans brothers x reader

16  ~ The Bet part 2 by @jamielea81  ❤️ Chris Evans x Reader,  The Evans brothers x reader

17 ~  Did not read any fanfiction this day

18   ~ The Bet part 3 by @jamielea81  ❤️ Chris Evans x Reader,  The Evans brothers x reader

18  ~ Ficmas ~ Day 16 by @ladyideal ❤️ Eomer x Gender Neutral!reader, Lord of the Rings AU

18  ~  Tangled Love Part 17 by @itsanerdlife  ❤️ Peter Parker x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader, Marvel

19 ~ Approval by @invisibleanonymousmonsters  ❤️ Bruce Wayne x Fem!Reader // Damian Wayne x Batmom It’s hard getting the approval of your significant other’s children, especially when one of those children is Damian Wayne.

19 ~ On Pointe part 1 by @kaunis-sielu  ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel AU

19  ~ Masks and Mischief part 2 by @buckysmischief   ❤️ Loki x OC!(Lilith), Marvel Social Media AU

20 ~ Day 19: Wrapping Presents by  @squiggledrop ❤️ Spencer Reid x Reader, Criminal Minds

21 ~ A Deal by  @kaunis-sielu   ❤️ Mobster! Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel AU

21  ~ How do you Solve a Problem like Bucky Barnes part 15 by @kaunis-sielu   ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel AU

21 ~ Ficmas ~ Day 21 by @ladyideal ❤️ Leonard McCoy x Gender Neutral!Reader,  Star Trek AOS

22  ~  Did not read any fanfiction this day

23 ~ The Quarantine Diaries Pt7 by  @barnesjamcs ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel

24  ~  Did not read any fanfiction this day

25  ~ The Bet part 4 by @jamielea81  ❤️ Chris Evans x Reader,  The Evans brothers x reader

25 ~ A Christmas Special with Bucky Barnes by @buckysmischief ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel

25  ~ On Pointe part 2 by @kaunis-sielu  ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel AU

25 ~ WHERE THE LOVE LIGHT GLEAMS TWITTER ACCOUNTS by @sunmoonandbucky​  ❤️ ??? x Reader, Marvel Social Media AU

26  ~ Masks and Mischief part 3 by @buckysmischief   ❤️ Loki x OC!(Lilith), Marvel Social Media AU

26 ~ Break Up With Your Girlfriend, i have a friend by @mariah-vg​ ❤️ Bucky Barnes x Reader, Marvel

27  ~  Did not read any fanfiction this day

28 ~  Did not read any fanfiction this day

29  ~  Tangled Love Part 18 by @itsanerdlife  ❤️ Peter Parker x Reader // Clint Barton x Reader, Marvel

29 ~ Secret’s Out by  @alloftheimaginesblog​  ❤️ Indiana Jones x Reader

30  ~  Did not read any fanfiction this day

31 ~ Ficmas ~ Day 31 by @ladyideal​   ❤️ John Kennex x Gender Neutral!Reader

[writethehousedown]

Ficmas 2020 Prompt List!

December 1: Reindeer

December 2: Star

December 3: Tree

December 4: Together

December 5: Tinsel

December 6: Icicle

December 7: Frosty

December 8: List

December 9: Unwrap

December 10: Decorate

December 11: Eggnog

December 12: Gingerbread

December 13: Naughty

December 14: Nice

December 15: Cider

December 16: Hope

December 17: Boots

December 18: Elf

December 19: Shopping

December 20: Sleigh

December 21: Wreath

December 22: Yule

December 23: Box

December 24: Poinsettia

December 25: Wish

December 26: Countdown

December 27: Bottles

December 28: Hourglass

December 29: Resolution

December 30: Vow

December 31: New

The rules for Ficmas are changing slightly (and I think it’s a good one).

The prompt will still be posted on its release date, BUT if you miss a day and need to make it up, you can submit it at any time and I’ll publish it in the next queue. That means if you are working on a prompt for day 14, but need a few extra days, submit it before the queue posts on day 18 and it will be posted with day 18′s submissions. No need to wait for the makeup period!

Remember: you can write or draw for as many or as few of the days as you’d like. We take all ships from every drag franchise, including the international versions of Drag Race. Any pairing, any rating, any topic as long as it somehow fits into the prompt.

I extended the challenge to run the whole month this year and also added in some New Year’s prompts just for fun. 

Please share with any writers and/or artists that you think may be interested! Ficmas was how this blog started, so it will always be near and dear to my heart.

[ladyideal]

31 Days of Ficmas 2020

1. Coffee In the Snow [ John Kennex x Reader ] Almost Human

2. Ho Ho Ho [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

3. Slip and Slide [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

4. One Out, Two Wins [ McKirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

5. Love, Dad [ Jim Kirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

6. Gingerbread Monsters [ McKirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

7. Fairy Stars [ Scones x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

8. Mistletoe Mishaps [ Sylvia Tilly x Reader ] Star Trek Discovery

9. Home Sweet Home [ McKirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

10. Secret Elf Exchange [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

11. Candy Cane Love [ John Kennex x Reader ] Almost Human 18+

12. It’s Christmas. Baby [ Scones x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

13. Holiday Baubles [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

14. Rings Of A Tree [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

15. Christmas Brunch [ Jim Kirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

16. Coffee Cheer [ Eomer x Reader ] Lord of the Ring

17. Making Memories [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

18. Of Family And Love [ Eomer x Reader ] Lord of the Ring

19. Is That You Santa? [ McKirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

20. Red Sweater [ Billy Butcher x Reader ] The Boys

21. 12 Days of Decor [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

22. White Elephant Chocolate [ John Kennex x Reader ] Almost Human

23. The Giving Tree [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

24. [ Fili x Reader ] The Hobbit

25. Mac And Cheese [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

26. A Night Of Kisses [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

27. Stuck [ McKirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

28. [ Fili x Reader ] The Hobbit

29. His Love (Coming Soon) [ Leonard McCoy x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

30. Talk of the Block [ McKirk x Reader ] Star Trek AOS

31. A New Start [ John Kennex x Reader ] Almost Human

[tenroseforeverandever]

31 Days of Ficmas #1: Snowed In

Rating: General Characters: Ninth Doctor; Rose Tyler Tags: Fluff; FWP (Fluff without Plot); mild Hurt/Comfort; mild Angst

Summary: Nine and Rose are trapped under an outcropping after nearly getting caught in an avalanche. Beware of fluffy fluffiness, in which Nine is softer than he’d like to admit.

Notes: So, this is the first in my 31 Days of Ficmas 2020 Series … but obviously, I’m late to the game, and given my track record, this may turn into the 10 Days of Ficmas, or even the 1 Day of Ficmas. We shall see...

Regardless, a huge thank-you to @doctorroseprompts for this year’s version of the annual Ficmas list and the Winter Fic Bingo!

My longer, multichapter WIPs were fighting me, so I decided to return to my comfort zone: ficlets. My intention is that each of these will not exceed 1000 words (by much!)

The title of this first instalment is the same as the prompt, Snowed In. I think it’s safe to say it also covers Day 7 and Day 28 prompts cold and shiver. I also hit several words on the Winter Fic Bingo: light, dark, heart, cozy, snow, and cocoa.

My wonderful betas are wonderful in every way! @rose--nebula, mrsbertucci, and @aintfraidanoghosts, I love you forever. Thank-you for taking the time to humour me!

Read also at: AO3; FF; TSP (when approved!)

~~~~~

Snowed In

“We’ll get out of this, yeah?” Rose shivered, whether from the chill of fear that stuttered in her heart or from the sheer cold that was slowly freezing her, head to toe, she didn’t know.  She supposed she was lucky to be alive. It was only thanks to the Doctor’s quick reflexes, dragging her through the hip-deep snow and under the rocky outcropping, that they had survived the plunging avalanche at all. She glared bitterly at the impenetrable wall of snow in front of her. “Doctor? We will get out, won’t we?” 

She peered through the darkness at him, where he stood silhouetted against the blue light from the sonic screwdriver, working to cobble together a distress beacon. Under the leather jacket, his shoulders stiffened, and he didn’t respond. 

After a long, dreadful silence, he spun around, a manic grin cutting across his face, eerie in the shadows cast by the sonic. “Oh, we’ve had worse, you and me. Look on the bright side: at least it isn’t a zombie-filled cellar in Cardiff…”

Rose choked on a sardonic chuckle.

“An’ can you feel that, Rose?” He licked his finger and held it up. “There’s a bit o’ air comin’ from somewhere deeper in, and we ‘ave all the water you could want. ‘S frozen, mind, but that’s easily sorted,” he flourished his screwdriver, “an’ I ‘ave at least a weeks’ worth of rations in my pockets, me.”

“Really?”

“Really!” He produced a banana from one of his pockets and tossed it to her. She fumbled it with numb fingers. 

“Ya don’t ‘ave any hot cups of cocoa in there, do ya?” she quipped as another shudder rushed through her. “I can barely feel my fingers anymore.” 

His mouth dropped open, a frown creasing his brow. “Why didn’t you tell me you were cold?” Panic tinged his words. “You stupid–”

“Oi, genius!” she snapped, then rolled her eyes. “Figured it was kinda obvious. You know, surrounded by literal tons of snow and ice…”

Suddenly he was at her side chafing her hands between his, apology in his blue eyes. “Rose, you shoulda told me. You funny little humans. I keep forgettin’ how fragile you are.”

“You were a bit busy, tryin’ to save us. Didn’t wanna bother ya.”

“You are not a bother, Rose Tyler… generally speakin’,” he finished with a shrug.

Rose shook her head and bit her tongue, having learned months ago to simply accept his backhanded compliments. 

“‘Ere you go, then…” He removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. It enveloped her in a pocket of warmth and the unique combination of scents (tea, engine grease, and something she couldn’t quite discern) that she had come to associate with “The Doctor”. She sighed in pleasure. 

“Now, we jus’ need…,” He jostled her a little as he rummaged in the left pocket of the jacket, “...aha!” 

Rose looked on in astonishment as he produced a kettle, a teapot (complete with tea cozy), a couple of mugs, some honey, and a full tin of teabags. She laughed out loud. “What? No biscuits?”

“Oi, you’re in no position to be picky! Beggars can’t be choosers, Rose. But, as luck would have it…,” he dug into the other pocket and pulled out a packet of Custard Creams, a cheeky glint in his eyes, “…I nicked these from your mum last time we visited.”

“Oi! She was goin’ mental, sure she had bought those.” 

He smirked. “Oh, I bet she was…” 

Rose swatted his arm. “So, where’d you filch all the rest of this stuff from, then?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know? Let’s jus’ say I always come prepared, an’ leave it at that, alright?” He offered her a smug smile. “Now, do you want some tea or are you jus’ gonna grouse all day?” 

“Oh, I could murder a cuppa!” She beamed at him. 

“Right then! I’ll jus’ heat up some of these rocks and set the kettle goin’.” He scooped some snow into the kettle and used the sonic to heat some nearby rocks he’d found that had a surface flat enough to rest the kettle on. “And as a bonus, the hot rocks will warm this place up. You’ll be properly toasty in no time!”

Rose shuffled closer to the rocks, basking in their warmth, and enjoying the soft, red glow that filled the little cavern. Once they had their mugs of hot, honeyed tea in hand, the Doctor sat beside her. “Feelin’ better, then?”

“So much better, ta! But you must be gettin’ cold, yeah? ‘Ere, we can share.” Despite his protests that he could maintain a normal body temperature under much more extreme circumstances, Rose set her mug down and wriggled out of her borrowed leather mantle, returning it to its rightful spot over the Doctor’s broad shoulders. Then ignoring his huff of dismay, she shrugged under the canopy of the jacket and nestled against his shoulder. 

After a few more moments of him griping and vacillating, Rose felt his arms wrap around her waist from behind, drawing her against him. “I really ought to be setting up that distress beacon,” he grumbled, “an’ getting you back to the TARDIS.”

She took another sip of tea and drowsily waved her hand at him. “Plenty of time for that, yeah. You said you have rations. ‘Sides, I just got warm. I don’t wanna move right now.” She smiled up at him beseechingly, and his eyes crinkled above a soft smile. 

“Oh, I s’pose it can wait, then… jus’ for a little while, mind.” His arms tightened around her and she could have sworn she felt him press a kiss to her crown.

Rose sighed in contentment as she drifted to sleep. The Doctor was right: they had been in much worse situations before, and sitting safe and warm, snuggled up with him in this impromptu little refuge wasn’t half bad. (Honestly, it was pretty wonderful!) There’d be time enough, later, to worry about finding a way out and back to the TARDIS. For now, she would just enjoy the moment.

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

An Accidental Discovery

Day 15 of 2020′s 31 Days of Ficmas.  Thanks to @doctorroseprompts for the list!

Prompt: Ring

Rating: General, with a minor sexual(ish) situation implied at the end

Pairing: TenTooxRose; a mini-sequel to Barcelona is for Lovers (in my mind), but not explicitly so.  Can easily be read independently of that fic.

Summary: While putting laundry away, Rose makes a discovering in TenToo’s sock drawer that sends her into a tailspin.

2019 31 Days of Ficmas masterlist

AO3

---

If Rose had to pick one single thing she missed most about the TARDIS (besides the travel), it would probably be the laundry facilities.  Specifically, the fact that clothes dropped in a hamper at night would, typically, be back in her closet clean and pressed by the time she woke up the next morning.  The only exceptions would be the week or so before they had a visit planned to visit her Mum, as Jackie always made a big fuss over doing it for her, and Rose indulged her.  On the occasions when items were truly filthy, if she’d fallen headfirst into a mud pit or was sprayed by exploding alien (neither of which had happened with any frequency, but more than once was excessive by her definition) she would feel guilty letting the timeship deal with it, preferring to take it directly to the laundry room that would magically appear as an offshoot of her room.

(In the beginning, she’d just accepted the ship’s abilities, and after Bad Wolf, refused to give any thought as to why the TARDIS would be so much more accommodating to her than to the Doctor’s previous companions.)

She’d had to adjust to normal laundry facilities upon getting stuck here in Pete’s World, as they still called it, and had willingly accepted that the price she’d pay for a domestic life with the Doctor, or as domestic as either could stand, was doing all of the household’s laundry.  Why that was his Rubicon she didn’t know, but if that was what it took, so be it.  Besides, better to keep him away from the appliances, as his “improvements” tended to make things unusable, at least for their intended purpose.

Didn’t make her tolerate it any better.

Humming along to the radio, she emptied the basket of clothes on the bed, folding socks and underthings, grooving to the music.  An armful’s worth of socks were the Doctor’s, all in funny or eyewatering patterns, and when she pulled open the drawer groaned at the chaos that greeted her.  Dumping her load on top of the dresser while she organized what was already in there, she sang along to the new song, a jaunty tale by an artist who’d come to fame after she’d started travelling.

“I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper- what the fuck?”  Hand closing around a pair of dark dress socks she’d never seen him wear, she was startled to find them firmer than expected, as if something were hidden inside. “This better not be that mobile he lost…”  Pulling the pair out, she unfolded them- and gasped, as a small box dropped onto the socks piled below.

Her heart knew what it was even as her brain scrambled to catch up, and it was a trembling hand that reached for it.  Picking it up, she held it close to her heart, trying to breath and think, damn it.  They’d never talked about marriage, other than a few vague jokes, but she didn’t expect that of him, wouldn’t ask for more than what he was capable of.  She knew who he was, and what he was, TARDIS-less or not.  It could be earrings, she tried to convince herself.  Christmas is next week, don’t get ahead of yourself.  Maybe a necklace?

Could just open it and see, she considered.  Or ask him about it.  Or just wait until Christmas.

Taking a deep breath, certain she couldn’t live not knowing, she cracked the box open – and immediately shut it without seeing, re-folding it into the socks before she could change her mind again.  Everything went into the drawer haphazardly, reorganization abandoned with the urge to run, to leave, but not wanting to do so with clothes everywhere; no need to worry the Doctor should he come home and find the laundry half-abandoned and her nowhere to be found.

Because she suddenly had somewhere to be, urgently.

-

Rose burst into the kitchen with more momentum than intended, throwing the door open and startling her mother enough to make her yelp, tea sloshing over the edge of the fancy teacup she held as she chatted on the phone.

“Rose!”

She just stared, eyes wide, and Jackie’s motherly intuition must have dinged, as she muttered into the mobile, “I’ll call you back,” and hung up. “What’s wrong?”

In a daze Rose came towards where she was seated at the island, pulling herself up onto a stool next to her and leaning over to rest her head on her mother’s shoulder; it wasn’t exactly comfortable, but the warm arm Jackie wrapped around her was exactly what she needed.

“Sweetheart, you’re scaring me,” Jackie murmured after a minute’s silence.  “This isn’t like you- not anymore.  Did something happen?”

“I…”  After running on autopilot for a good forty-five minutes now, Rose’s brain was finally coming back online, and she was starting to question the wisdom of running to her mother.  It had been instinct, but in hindsight, she knew how Jackie felt about the Doctor, and wasn’t sure she would be happy about this potential development.  “I…”

Jackie nudged her upright, waiting until she was straight to stand and fetch another teacup.  “Take your time.”

Rose waited, watching as she poured her a cup, fixing it up just to Rose’s taste, if a little sweet, wrestling with herself, deciding that she wouldn’t tell her, or risk betraying the Doctor’s confidence, such as it was, until Jackie sat back down and she blurted, “I found a ring.”

“What, on the ground?”

“Mum!”  She rolled her eyes, groaning.  “No, in the Doctor’s sock drawer!”

Jackie was quiet for a moment.  “Least it wasn’t wrapped in a pair of his pants,” she shrugged.  “Was it in a box, or loose?”

Rose stared blankly at her.  “You’re awfully casual.  I tell you the Doctor, my nine-hundred something alien boyfriend, seems to have a ring, and you’re talking about his pants?”

“And you seem awfully bothered,” she countered, sipping at her tea. “Rose, he literally moved universes for you- and don’t start on that the other Doctor wouldn’t have let him stay malarky; he’s here for you.  To be with you.  Why wouldn’t he want to make it official?”

“Because!  Because he scoffs at marriage, and domestics, and commitment.  Some days, he can’t commit to a pair of bloody socks!”

Jackie snickered, quickly restraining herself at Rose’s glare. “Sweetheart, he loves you.  He wants to spend the rest of his life with you – I heard it as well as you did, on that beach.  Don’t let his fashion choices be the judge of what he wants with you. He chose you.  And you him.”

Her heart stopped.  “Oh, God, you don’t think he’s planning on proposing because I- I-”

“Sort of rejected him for the other Doctor?” Jackie asked helpfully. “No, love.  He’s just thinking about the future- his future- and spending it with you.  I think you both could use a bit of solid evidence that you’re both in it for the long haul, because you want to be.  That neither of you- and more specifically, the other- isn’t settling.”

Rose stared down into her cuppa, thoughts swirling, before one floated to the top.  “Hang on, did you know about this?”  It was the only possibility that made sense; her casual attitude, her confidence in the Doctor’s meaning behind it.

She had to giver her mother credit; she was a good liar.  But the calm and even “No” gave her away.  Quite literally in no universe would Jackie be so accepting the first time she heard about this.  Not possible.

“You did!” Rose gasped.  “And you didn’t tell me?  How do you know?”

Jackie grimaced.  “I shouldn’t say.  He asked my permission?”

“He did?”  Rose tried to picture it in her mind: the Doctor’s nerves as he asked, her mother’s likely over-the-top reaction.  “When?” She tried to remember his schedule the last few weeks, but he’d been with her most of the time he wasn’t in his lab at Torchwood, and they hadn’t seen her parents except for the night they dropped Tony off for Rose and the Doctor to babysit while they attended an event. “Why?”

“You’ll have to ask him.”

“Oh, come on!”

-

Despite her best whining and pleading, she couldn’t get any more information out of her mother, eventually slinking home with more questions than answers.

When she walked into the house they shared, it was to find the Doctor in the kitchen, minding something on the stove as he sang along to Elvis, using a whisk as a microphone, complete with pelvic thrusts. Leaning against the doorframe, she just watched him goof around, her anxiety melting as love and happiness filled her.  She loved this man with everything she was, had moved heaven and earth (and time and space) to find him.  The future was bright with him at her side, whether they were traveling the universe or reporting to Torchwood every day.

The shock had mostly faded on the drive home, and as she examined her reaction, she was ashamed and annoyed to realize it stemmed, ultimately, from self-doubt.  That the same voice that had once warned her she’d never do better than Jimmy or Mickey, that had made her turn the Doctor down the first time he asked her to travel with him, was whispering in her ear that she wasn’t enough, couldn’t keep him happy, that he’d eventually grow tired of her.

That’s not true, she thought fiercely.  He chooses me, every day.  And he did; every day that he came home to their little cottage with her, babbling happily about his day.  Every night when he proved his love to her, first with words, then their bodies. Every time he’d come back from the shops with something not on the list, casually noting We were running low, figured I might as well buy it now rather than two days from now.

He’d come a long way from the bitter Northerner who complained every time they had to stop on Earth for milk, who in their early days traveling together refused to purchase more than a gallon at a time, remarking that odds were she wouldn’t still be with him long enough to use it, despite having the same argument week after week.

And even then he’d loved her, she knew now, could see it with the benefit of hindsight.  All the little ways his hearts bled through jumpers and leather jackets.  I’m so glad I met you.  Or I could save the world but lose you.

“Oi, Earth to Rose.”  Fingers snapping in her face pulled her out of her daze, and she blinked, looking into the Doctor’s brown eyes, warm and wide with concern.  “All right, love?  Something wrong?”

She smiled widely, tears pricking at her eyes.  “I love you.”  Fisting his tie she pulled him down to her, kissing him like it was their last kiss – but it wasn’t, it was the first, the first of their marriage, even if he hadn’t asked and she hadn’t answered.  “I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” he mumbled against her mouth.  His tone was confused, but he seemed content in his bewilderment, not questioning it further as their lips met again and again, reveling in the luxury of being together.

Rose thought about telling him, about confessing to her inadvertent snooping, or at least saying something to reassure him that her answer would yes, a thousand times yes, but her heart was too full, and the words wouldn’t come.

Instead, she asked if whatever was on the stove would keep – and when he said it would, turned off the burner and led him by the hand to their bedroom, pushing him onto the bed and enjoying his delighted befuddlement.

“How long are you going to stay with me?” she asked, settling astride his waist.

It took him a moment to recognize the question, his expression softening to daft love.  “Forever,” he vowed, just as she had done so many years before.

“Good.”

And it was.

[deviantofthemind]

Sanders Sides Ficmas 2020

↪ 𝔉𝔦𝔠𝔪𝔞𝔰 𝔐𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔭𝔬𝔰𝔱 🎁

Dec 5: Ornament - Royality  Rating: T

A royal Christmas Wedding. (This is essentially just the newlyweds gushing about each other :)]

Patton was stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. And he obviously felt really uncomfortable with all the attention he was getting on his wedding day.

The whole day had been a flurry and Roman had barely talked to Patton beyond their vows. They had known, of course, that it was going to be somewhat like this, their mothers banding together to plan and orchestrate and give the New Yorker high society something to talk about instead of a celebration for Patton and him themselves. But, oh my God, it was like being in a tank of sharks instead of being surrounded by people meaning them well. It was getting annoying. He just wanted to nuzzle into his husband's neck and breathe for a few seconds.

His husband. Somehow that hadn’t sunken really in until now. They had really gone and done it. Defied any societal bullshit. Granted they were kinda paying for it with their wedding day being totally side-tracked, but somehow that seemed like a small price to pay.

But now he had to save Patton from a circle of old women increasingly impolite and direct questions.

“I apologize profusely, ladies but you’ll allow me to hijack my husband for now.” 

He gave them his brightest smile as he put an arm around Patton's waist to lead him out on the deserted balcony. He deflated and relaxed visibly, poor angel, this must have been even more taxing for him than for Roman.

“Ugh, thank you…” Patton sighed, stepping closer to sink into the offered embrace, “It was getting..uhm- meddlesome.

“I could tell.” Roman smiled into the soft mob of hair, smoothing his hands down Patton's white waistcoat in a soothing gesture. “What a day, hhm?”

Patton was drawing back a little to look up and press a kiss to Romans jaw. “Yeah..that was not what I expected when we allowed them to take this over,” He said softly, with a wry smile tugging at his lips, “But I’m married to you now, so..I’ll take it.”

Roman snorted, pulling Patton a little closer still before exchanging only their second kiss of the day. Soft, sweet, nothing hurried, just a reassuring lovely press of lips. Patton shivered a little, the contrast of the cold winter night air and Romans warm lips giving him goosebumps.

“You’re cold,..we should go back inside.” - “I don’t wanna…”

Another kiss, half laughing into each other's mouth.

“Not long anymore, Darling. I think it’s safe to vanish in about an hour without raising any eyebrows.”

Patton put on an overstated pout, making Roman laugh again. “You look stunning, by the way. I hope you know that.” he whispered, before bending down a little and pressing another tiny kiss behind Patton's ear, “And if you don’t, then be prepared for me telling you all night how devastatingly beautiful you are.” 

Patton blushed absolutely crimson, it was astonishing. It was a little as if the magic of the snowflakes started to fall around them and the charm of them finally being husband and husband had added a bit of a new fire. On top of the old one.

“And you… you are very beautiful too..!” Patton finally said, a little breathless and Roman knew he needed to get back inside now, or they would be rude. Very much so.

“See you in an hour? At the tree? So we can take our own ornament?” he asked, catching those lovely whisky eyes.

“Yeah, yes! An hour.”

[luminescencefics]

2020 harry fic recs (oneshots)

Hi all! In honor of @stylishmuser‘s 31 Days of Ficmas, I’ve decided to post some of my favorite fics of 2020! This list specifically is for Harry oneshots, both reader insert and original character. Throughout the month I’ll post other recs in different categories, so hopefully you catches something on this list that catches your fancy! 2020 has produced some amazing creative works, so if you find something that you’ve already read (or have yet to indulge) be sure to reach out to the authors. You’ll find everything under the cut! x

Semantics by @andwhenshesays - A chance encounter with your past has you pondering the possibilities. 

watashi no sakura by @soysauceharry - In which you and Harry are study abroad students in Tokyo, where love begins to blossom. 

goldenrod and ochre by @canyon-moan - Harry owns a farmstand at the farmer’s market and she’s his favorite customer. 

Nothing To Him by @beautifulletdownfics - A lovers to nothing break up fic feat. blisters, heartache & two sides to one story. 

The First by @goldenbluesuit - An idea slowly developed from the lyrics for She: He has a vivid imagination, she bought the house next door. But when his thoughts bring her knocking, what will happen?

Something Strange by @majorharry - Harry is an insufferably arrogant scammer with a secret heart of gold.

The Nearness of You by @beautifulletdownfics - A friends to lovers one shot feat. birthdays, pining and stolen purses. 

42 Hours by @sunflowervolvimp3 - An enemies to lovers AU in which Harry and Y/N are forced into a cross country road trip to make it to their best friends’ wedding on time. 

At Least For Now by @stylishmuser - Harry and Maya were meant to be forever, but then they aren’t, and quarantine forces them to deal with the pieces of their broken relationship.

just for tonight by @adoremp3 - After a stressful week, Wren needs a hug from her best friend. However, she soon realizes Harry is the one in need of a hug (plus a whole lot more). 

blue dream by @starsstruck - A getting high to lovers story if you will. You and Harry absolutely love the time you spend together with your little smoke sessions, not being able to get enough of each other. Shared pipes, hummus snacks, and late night swims.

[timelordthirteen]

Happy New Year! Beginning of the year question for you - my standard question for everyone actually... What are you plans, goals, wishes and/or dreams for your writing in 2021?

Oh lord. After 2020 I don’t think I can ever plan anything again lol. My goals are pretty much what they were last year since I accomplished none of them.

Reasonable-ish goals:

Reach 1 million total words on AO3 (need to post 115,334 this year to hit that and the below few things will hit that and likely more)

Complete Killing Time (10 chapters left)

Get to a particular pivotal moment in In All Things that I’ve been dying to get out there (the fic itself will not be completed this year I don’t think)

Finish the Working Out smut scene and post it

Complete at least 1 @a-monthly-rumbelling per quarter

Stretch goals:

Complete at least 1 or 2 other WIPs (Come Clean or The Don’t Fall in Love Job perhaps)

Write for every month’s AMR

Do August Writer’s Month prompts again

Win NaNo because I have never won a NaNo :(  

Do 31 Days of Ficmas again

[doctorroseprompts]

Fic Rec List: 12/20/2020 - 1/9/2020

Nine x Rose

Small Miracle by @deardiary17​ (Human AU)

We Need a Little Christmas by @lizann5869​

Ten x Rose

Chemical Reaction Chapter 21 / Chapter 22 by @lastbluetardis​ (Human AU, University AU, lemons)

Forever Timeless Chapter 8 by @chocolatequeennk​

And Baby Makes Seven Chapter 9 by @lastbluetardis​ (Soulmate AU, Human AU, kid fic, lemons)

Christmas Eve (stuck) in the Lab by @lostinfic​ (Human AU)

New Beginnings (extended) by @isolus-girl​

Tentoo x Rose

First Christmas Tree by @lizann5869​

31 Days of Ficmas

Christmas Jumpers by @gingerteaonthetardis​ (Nine x Rose) tw: alcohol; prompt: christmas jumpers

Love and Box by @gingerteaonthetardis​ (Ten x Rose) prompt: love, box

First Christmas Chapter 17 /  Chapter 18 / Chapter 19 / Chapter 20 / Chapter 21 / Chapter 22 / Chapter 23 / Chapter 24 / Chapter 25 / Chapter 26 / Chapter 27 by @isolus-girl​ (Ten x Rose) prompts: mittens, presents, christmas jumper, love, star, plum pudding, traditions, midnight, crackers, countdown, new beginnings

Star and New Beginnings by @gingerteaonthetardis​ (Ten x Rose) Human AU, kid fic; prompts: star, new beginnings

Plum Pudding and Shiver by @gingerteaonthetardis​ (Nine x Rose) prompt: plum pudding, shiver

Midnight Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 by @loupettes​ (Ten x Rose) prompt: midnight

Traditions and Sleigh by @gingerteaonthetardis​ (Ten x Rose) prompts: traditions, sleigh

Midnight and Countdown by @gingerteaonthetardis​ (Twelve x Rose) Human AU, Musician AU; prompts: midnight, countdown

Crackers and Joy by @gingerteaonthetardis​ (Ten x Rose) prompts: crackers, joy

An Accidental Discovery by @blueboxesandtrafficcones​ (Tentoo x Rose) prompt: ring

Thank you, everyone! As always, it’s a pleasure to read your stories!

[ladyideal]

Alright everyone,

Thanks for staying patient with me as I finish writing ficmas (am currently working on 24th and 26th lmao)

It has been a blast to write all 31 requests. I hope that this December, as we finally draw 2020 to a close, that may we remember that there is always hope for a brighter future.

For now, thank you all for requesting and wish you all a wonderful end of the year.

Stay safe, wear your mask, and we can finish this year strong together.

All the love. ❣

Ps: Ficmas Masterlist will be pinned starting on the 1st. Each new request will be queued and posted at 10 am CST of every new day till dec 31st.

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

The Magic of Las Vegas

Day 9 of 2020′s 31 Days of Ficmas.  Thanks to @doctorroseprompts for the list!

Prompt: Snowflake

Rating: T for sexual situations; nothing explicit

Pairing: 11xRose AU

Summary: A snowstorm in the US Midwest delays eastbound flights just before Christmas, leaving rival children’s novelists stranded in Las Vegas for the night.  A single, shared drink leads to far more than the intended one-night stand.

2020 31 Days of Ficmas masterlist

AO3

---

Standing in the ladies restroom at McCarran International Airport, Rose blinked rapidly as she waited for the eyedrops to take effect.  She’d had a full day in Las Vegas, and not the kind that made for good telly.  The last stop on her book tour, she’d soon be on her way towards home and Christmas - provided her flight could stop getting delayed.  The tree was up, presents wrapped neatly beneath it, and if the loved one waiting anxiously by the door was her mother rather than a boyfriend… so be it.  If nothing else, Jackie made the eggnog strong.

Gathering her things she returned to the gate, hopes falling - it was even emptier than it had been five minutes before, and in fact, only one potential passenger remained, arguing with one of the attendants at the counter.  I must have missed an announcement.  Shit.  Hurrying up to the check-in desk herself, she gave the unoccupied woman her best, kindest smile.  “Hi, sorry, is there any update?”

“Cancelled.”  The woman, Madison according to her nametag, didn’t look up, typing away at her computer.  “The storm in the Midwest is just getting worse, so they’ve decided to try again tomorrow.”

She tried not to groan.  Fucking snow.  All she wanted was to sleep in her own bed.  “Ohkay…  Can I get a seat on that flight?  Or the next one to London, really.  I’m not picky.”

“Boarding pass.”

Rose handed it over, trying not to be irritated; the woman was just trying to do her job, and while her customer service could use some work, it was after one in the morning.  Everyone was exhausted.

“Oh!” Madison let out, scanning Rose’s boarding pass.  “I’m sorry Miss Tyler, let me find you the next available flight.”  Attitude doing a one-eighty, she gave Rose a smile.  “My niece is a huge fan of your books. I’m actually the one who introduced her to them.”

Rose merely gave a polite smile in reply; while such a sentiment usually warmed her heart, she’d heard some variation of it from nearly everyone she’d met over her fifteen-day book tour throughout the States.  Now, though, she just wanted to go home.  I should be halfway to New York by now.

“All set, same seat, leaves at 4:30 tomorrow afternoon with a layover in LA.”

“LA?”  Her brow furrowed, trying to picture a map of the country.  “Isn’t that the wrong direction?”

Madison nodded, already printing off the new boarding pass.  “Yeah, but it’s that with a one-hour layover or Miami, with an eight-hour layover and a plane change.  It’ll be fine, and actually does save you time.”

It only took another minute to finalize the transaction, and soon enough Rose was headed for the airport exit, lugging her carry-on with her and so, so glad she’d taken her mother’s advice to keep a set of clothes with her and not check it all.  She hadn’t liked the idea of keeping the small rolling suitcase with her when she checked in, wanting to be less bogged down, but now, she was glad to have resisted the urge.  Thanks, Mum.

Footsteps behind her caught her attention, and a moment later, the man who’d been talking to the agent next to her pulled astride.  “Terribly unlucky, aren’t we?” he lamented in a slightly posher version of her own accent. “Best case is home for Christmas Eve.”

“The storm should be over tomorrow, so it’ll be fine,” she replied politely, taking him in out of the corner of her eye.  Roughly her age, he nonetheless had the distinct look of a sixty-something maths professor, complete with tweed jacket and elbow patches.  But his eyes were kind, and he was attractive in that tall, lanky sort of way, with floppy brown hair and a bowtie.

“Hope so.  I promised my niece I’d be there.”  He seemed to deflate slightly, before rallying.  “Listen, this may be terribly forward of me, but- would you like to get a drink?  I realize it’s ‘Las Vegas’, but the idea of drinking alone at Christmas just seems… sad.”

They reached the escalator then, and Rose took the opportunity of the ride down to consider the idea.  And the likely outcome.  He was reasonably handsome, if in a dorky way, and certainly seemed kind enough.  She could use the release of an anonymous shag – if nothing else, it would probably make for a good story once home.

“Sure.  Why not?”

-

Beep. Beep.  Beep.

The bleating of the alarm startled Rose awake, her head feeling as though it had been split open, her mouth dry and fuzzy.  A lucky swat silenced the alarm, none too soon.  “Oh, fuck,” she moaned, sinking back into the mattress and squeezing her eyes shut against the brightness.  “Ow.”

A pitiful sound of agreement came from her right, reminding her of how she’d gotten into such a sorry state.  As she’d predicted, one drink had turned to two, then three, then…  Damn. I actually take the chance on a one-night stand, and don’t remember the actual sex?  Just my luck.

“Why is it making that noise,” her bedpartner mumbled, sheets rustling as he shuffled around; a moment later, the heavy weight of his head settled on the dip in her bare back.  “Wanna sleep.”

“Flight home.  Miss it, and won’t be home ‘til Christmas.”  She took another chance at opening her eyes, managing to keep them that way this time despite having to squint.  “Better get ready.”

He grunted in reply, instead pressing kisses to her lower back.  “I can think of much more enjoyable things we could be doing.”

Rose merely swatted him away, rolling out of bed and managing to land on her feet, if somewhat shaky.  I hope I remember his name soon.  This might get awkward.  “Lovely as that sounds, ‘m not missing Christmas for it.”  She stretched her arms overhead, pleased at the lingering ache in certain muscles as her body started to wake up.  She might not remember their escapades, but it appeared she’d more than enjoyed them.  “Shower.”

He didn’t try to join her, which she was equally happy and disappointed with; she needed some time to let the warm water bring her back to vaguely-human levels of processing ability, but a quickie sounded good too.

This sent her mind down a warm and steamy path, and by the time she’d toweled off and donned a dressing gown, she was very much interested in a morning shag, strolling out to the bedroom to tell John- his name had come to her in the shower, thankfully- about her change of opinion, only to find him standing naked at the desk, hands on his hips.

Taking a moment to let her eyes linger on his generous assets, she didn’t immediately recognize his tense posture. “Something wrong?”

He jumped, turning to face her, eyes going wide and one hand scrambling to cover his package.  “NO!”  His gaze darted down to the desktop, expression growing a bit more fearful. “Well…”

“What?”  Concerned now, Rose stepped up to his side, distracted at first by how good he smelled.  How’s that possible, after a night of sex and drinking and hours spent at the airport?  Then she looked down, and her heart stopped.  “Please tell me that marriage license doesn’t belong to us.”

“Uh…  I dunno about you, but, yeah… that’s me.”

Rose read it over again, unable to comprehend what her eyes were telling her.  Certificate of Marriage… 22nd of December… Rose Marion Tyler…  John Matthew Smith…  “I don’t believe it,” she said faintly, looking up at him. “This isn’t- I don’t do this sort of thing.”

“Neither do I!” John protested. “Erm, is that- are you- the Rose Tyler, of the Bad Wolf books?”

Hesitantly, she nodded.

“Ah.”  He shifted uncomfortably.  “I didn’t know.  It’s just- well- I’m…” He took a deep breath, anxiety clawing at Rose’s stomach as she waited.  “I’m J.M. Smith.  I write the ‘The Doctor’ series.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Oh, fuck me.”  Rose closed her eyes, groaning.  Of all the people in the world, I hook up with my closest competitor.  They’d spent the last three years dueling on the bestseller’s lists, fighting for first in children’s fiction.  It was infuriating, and now here they were, post-coital, and married.  This cannot be real.  “How?”  Then, realizing what she said, her eyes snapped open.  “Don’t answer that.”

He nodded.  “What… do you want to do?”

“You’re on the same flight I am, right?”

Another nod.

“Let’s just… get ready and go back to the airport.  I can’t even begin to think about dealing with this yet.”

-

Upon arrival at the airport Rose was able to slip away from him, pulling a beanie on and parking herself at the next gate over; close enough to hear the announcements, but hopefully harder to spot.  When he rolled up to the gate several minutes after her, obviously looking around, she just sank lower in her chair; thankfully he seemed to overlook her, choosing a seat that put his back to her, and she relaxed marginally.

Pulling out her mobile she connected to the airport wifi, a quick search confirming that marriages in Las Vegas were legal, and worse, were recognized by the British government.  Shit.  An annulment appeared to be reasonably possible, thankfully not requiring Nevada residency.

Right.  So.  Once we get home, file for annulment, and if we’re lucky, no one ever needs to know. Including Mum.

-

Still stowing her carryon bag under the seat in front of her, Rose paid no attention to the person who plopped into the seat beside her, resettling herself before turning to look at who it was – and sighing heavily.

“I’m starting to think you’re stalking me.”

John arched a paper-thin eyebrow in response.  “I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me.”

“Oh, gee, what gave you that idea?” Huffing, she turned away from him, lifting the window shade to peer out the window.  There wasn’t much to see other than the plane at the next gate and blue skies, but she’d spend every second of the flight staring out if it meant avoiding her seatmate.  Husband.

Thankfully, he left her alone until take-off, but the reprieve was short-lived.  As she pulled out her laptop to keep working on the next draft of her story, John made a noise beside her.

“Don’t you think we should talk?”

“No.”  With more force than necessary, she pecked out her password one-handed, using the other to hide the keys.  “What’s to talk about?  We go home, we file for annulment, and with any luck, by New Year’s this will be a distant memory, and someday, perhaps even a funny story.  But today- today, this is nothing.”

Opening her manuscript, she glanced over to find him staring at her, and angled her body- and the screen- away from him. “Now you’re being creepy.”

“But aren’t you curious?”

“About what?”

“What happened?  And why?”

Rose looked at him blankly.  “We got drunk.  In Las Vegas.  And apparently have watched too many movies with that very premise.  End of story.”

“I don’t believe that,” John shook his head, fringe falling across his brow.  “What if there’s more?  What if it was fate bringing us together?”

“God, do you hear yourself? It was a terrible coincidence.  We’re competitors.  End of story.”  She glared at the screen.  “It was nothing, it meant nothing, and it will be nothing once we’re home and able to call a lawyer.  Now piss off, I have a deadline due.”  Shoving earbuds into her ears and cranking some music, she did what she could to drown him – and herself- out.

Focus on work. That’s all that matters right now.

-

The flight to LA was short, and given that she didn’t need to change planes, she didn’t have to move, though she was given the option to deplane.  Out of the corner of her eye she noticed John leave, which relaxed her somewhat; by the time passengers started boarding she’d put the earbuds away and was sitting back with her eyes closed.

A small voice chattering away caught her attention, particularly at the words “and that’s why I like the Bad Wolf books more!  Sorry.” Opening one eye to see, she found to her amusement the child, a girl around eleven, was talking to John, settling herself across the aisle from him as he reclaimed his seat.

Her eyes snapped shut, and she kept her breathing deep and even, curious as to his response.

“Can I tell you a secret?”

Rose squinted, and was positioned in such a way she could see the girl nod.

“I like the Bad Wolf books too.”

“You do?”  For being a pre-teen, the girl had skepticism down pat, and Rose had to hold in giggles.

“Oh, very much so,” John said seriously. “There are lots of books out there like mine for boys- though I try to write so anyone would enjoy- but the Bad Wolf books are special.  I think it’s so cool to see a character like that – when I was your age, pretty much all the books of the genre were about boys.  But the Bad Wolf books… anyone can connect with Thorn, and see themselves in her- she’s so real.  She’s not perfect, and she doesn’t always get it right, but who does?  In Book 3- did you read Book 3?  Good, I don’t want to spoil it- but at the end… I had almost the same thing happen to me, only it was both of my parents, and Thorn reacted exactly as I did.  And above all – never apologize for liking something more than something else.  Your opinion is exactly that – so as long as you’re not trying to hurt someone, then don’t be ashamed of what you like. Okay?”

The girl nodded, staring at John in fascination.  “You really like the books then, huh?”

“I really do.”

“What’s your favorite part?”

John inhaled through his teeth. “Ooh, that’s a difficult one.  I think- the one scene I keep coming back to is when Thorn realizes she’s grown apart from her childhood friends.  It’s really sad, yeah?  But that’s life- nearly everyone experiences that at some point, everyone drifts away from people they loved.  I’ve never read of another series or character that makes that moment so visceral.  But what about you?  What’s your favorite part?”

Turning over so her back was to them, Rose half-listened to the conversation as her mind raced.  The scene he’d referenced was fairly small, and by its nature, would only be known by someone who had read the book.

Does John Smith read my books?

-

Once they were underway and the conversation between her seatmate and the girl had long since stopped, Rose started moving around as if just waking up, complete with yawning and stretching.

“Hi.”

“Oh!”  His yelp drew her gaze; he’d been reading, the book snapping shut and quickly tucked out of view, but not before she recognized her own artwork for her most recent release; in fact, the very book she’d been crossing the country to promote.  “Hello.”

“Hi,” she repeated, sitting up and looking at him curiously.  “Were you reading my book?”

His cheeks flushed, and after a moment, he returned the book to the tray table; based on the bookmark, he’d started it before they’d met, as he hadn’t done much (or any) reading since.  “Erm, yeah.”  He gave her a sheepish smile.  “You’re a fantastic writer.”

“Thank you.”  She’d had time to think, about what he’d said about her books, how willing he’d been to discuss them- and not his own- with the young girl who appeared to be flying solo.  It had softened her approach towards him- somewhat.  “I think there’s a chance we got off on the wrong foot.”

“I agree.”

When he just stared at her, she knew she’d have to make the first move.  I was kind of a bitch to him, wasn’t I?  “Hi, I’m Rose.”

“John.”

They shook hands, Rose’s skin tingling where they touched.

“So, tell me about yourself.”

He arched a skeptical eyebrow.  “I thought you didn’t care, that we’ll just pretend none of this happened.  Harder to do knowing things about the other.”

Rose bit her lip, eyes darting down to her lap.  “Like Thorn, my dad died, only when I was a baby.  Mum always said to hold on to precious moments.  And… I don’t trust easy, so clearly, something about you made me give you the benefit of the doubt.” Taking a deep breath, she met his gaze again.  “You’ve got until we land in London to convince me to- to extend that faith.  If you want to.  We’ll see from there.  What do you say?”

Green eyes searched hers, and she kept her expression soft, nervous despite her words.  They would both be interviewing the other for position of spouse, and suddenly, it was one she wanted to pass with flying colors.

“All right,” he agreed slowly. “Let’s see what happens.”

-

The next book in each series was a cross-over, where secret agent Thorn, codenamed Bad Wolf, is rescued by an unlikely hero, The Doctor, and his strange-looking timeship, and it is only through a combination of their unique skillsets they’re able to save the day. With cover-art by Rose Tyler and a foreword from John Smith, the book was an overachieving best-seller, outdoing the previous books in each series and earning an armful of awards.

The picture on the back featured the authors with their arms around each other, he in a suit, and she in a white dress.

Both bios, at the end of the book, ended with the same phrase.

And they lived happily ever after.